Hancock's Billiard Saloon facts for kids

Hancock's Billiard Saloon is a special old building in Kadina, South Australia. It used to be a place where people played billiards and got their hair cut. This building is important because of its history and unique design, so it's listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. It's also known as Hancock's Barber Shop or Humphries Barber Shop.

A Look Back: The Building's Story

The building was first built in 1906 by a shoemaker named Charles Whitbread. It started as a one-story building with two shops.

From Shoemaker to Barber Shop

In 1907, Charles Whitbread sold the building to Fred Hancock, a barber. Fred moved his barber business into one of the shops.

The Billiard Room Addition

A few years later, in September 1914, Fred Hancock added a second floor. This new floor became a large billiard room! It had three big billiard tables and special raised areas where up to 50 people could watch the games. A designer named Firmin Jenkins from Port Pirie planned this addition, and S. Edevyan built it.

For many years, Fred Hancock ran the billiard saloon himself, while he rented out the shops on the ground floor to other businesses. The billiard saloon eventually closed in the 1960s. Later, one of the ground-floor shops was used by another barber, Don Humphries, for a long time.

Why This Building is Special

Hancock's Billiard Saloon is important for several reasons, which is why it's a heritage-listed site.

A Glimpse into Kadina's Past

Historically, the building shows us what life was like in Kadina when the area was growing because of farming in the northern Yorke Peninsula. It helps us understand the town's development.

Unique Design and Materials

Architecturally, it's a rare example of its kind. It shows the social ideas of the time, especially for men, as billiard saloons were popular gathering spots. It's also an early and great example of using new industrial building materials.

An Important Landmark

The building is still mostly in its original condition. It was a very important social place for people in Kadina. Even today, it's a key landmark that helps keep the historic look and feel of the town.

Saving a Piece of History

In the 1980s, people worried that the building might fall apart because it looked neglected. A local historian even said it was "a refuge for homeless pigeons." However, even though the outside wood was in poor condition, the building itself was still strong.

Luckily, the building was later renovated and fixed up. In recent years, it has been home to different businesses, including two cafes and two florists at various times.

In Books

This historic building has even appeared on the cover of several reprints of a novel called Not Only In Stone by Phyllis Somerville.