The photo below shows the Glen Forrest Octagonal Hall in the 1940s and in 2010.
History about the Hall...
Described as the very first agricultural hall in the district, Smiths Mill's Octagonal building was one of the earliest brick structures in the locality. Its construction came as a result of a community effort. Prominent local orchardist, gravel merchant, former coach builder, and substantial landowner, W.H. McGlew, not only donated the site, but also, with Tom Smith, owner of Smith's Mill, and Jacob Hawter, owner of the Darling Nurseries, went guarantor for a £100 pound W.A. Bank overdraft. A local committee, headed by Josceline Amherst of Darlington Vineyards, designed and constructed the Hall, using a £300 contribution from the Government. The money was forthcoming because the Public Works Department failed to accept any tenders from the advertisement process begun in January 1896. The Hall was finally opened in early 1897, with hessian walls which were later replaced by brick. It has been suggested that the octagonal shape was conceived to effectively display agricultural produce. One of the most significant alterations to the Hall's construction is said to have occurred when the internal central support pole was removed on a bet by the local sawyer and his horse (it is yet to be proved whether there is any factual basis for the anecdote). The hall was originally known as Forrest hall, after the Premier, Sir John Forrest. Over it's long history it not only temporarily housed the local Road Board's meetings, but also many community activities, such as dances, concerts, Christmas Trees, picture shows, sporting groups and ANZAC Day Services. Considering it's history, it is surprising that the Hall survived in it;s present condition. By 1913, not only had the original overdraft doubled, but the then Secretary of the Hall Committee, Stationmaster FD Wickstead, wrote to inform the PWD that financial help was needed to repair cracks near the stage. When this request was refused, a public meeting rejected the suggestion to build a new hall, and instead, funds were raised to repair the old hall and discharge McGlew's overdraft. In the 1960's, having long outgrown the original Octagonal Hall, the community spurred on by George Hawke, built a new Community Hall. Threats to bulldoze the decaying old hall were resisted by the community, and it was restored by the Shire for use by the CWA in August 1968. The Hall is leased today by the Eastern Hills Wildflower Society, who sub let it to other community groups.
Thank you to Ian and David Elliot for the great photo and the State Heritage Council for the information!
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