Celebration recognises hall's long service

THERE was an air of yesteryear when people from across the Coast gathered together to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Palmwoods Memorial Hall on May 6.

Generations of people who enjoyed dances, music, theatre and other social events at the hall reminisced about the past while celebrating the hall’s outstanding years of service to the Palmwoods and district community.

The celebrations were attended by Mayor Don Culley and Cr Geoff Littler, who arrived in a 1925 Studebaker Duplex Pheaton -a vintage car from the era when the hall was built.

Cr Littler presented the history of the hall and outlined some of the memorable events of the last 75 years.

In his capsule history, Cr Littler said plans for construction of the Palmwoods Hall began in May 1921, when a public meeting was held to discuss plans and proposals.

The total cost came to 1050 pounds, including furnishings and it was described as a "fine looking" building.

The hall was officially opened by Mr G.H. Mackay, MLA, and celebrations included an evening concert and dance.

Records report that the hall was "filled to overflowing", with festivities continuing into the "small hours" of the morning.

In 1942, the hall had to be blackened out as the war loomed closer, but it did not stop the farewell functions for the young men and women who left Palmwoods to serve their country.

The hall was still filled throughout these tense years, with regular dances attended by locals and the young servicemen stationed in training camps near by.

Cr Littler said the hall continues to be the centre of community life in Palmwoods, with regular dances and other social activities injecting around $10,000 each year into the local economy.

The morning’s celebrations for the hall’s 75th birthday ended with the cutting of the cake by life patron Les and Vera Herse, and morning tea served by people in period costume.

A highlight was Cr Culley’s unveiling of a painting of the original hall by local artist Joy Breen.