Soldiers Memorial Hall, Toowoomba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Soldiers Memorial Hall, Toowoomba |
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View from Ruthven Street, 2014
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| Location | 149 Herries Street, Toowoomba City, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919–1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1923–1959 |
| Architect | Hodgen & Hodgen (Toowoomba) |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Soldiers Memorial Hall | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 17 December 1999 |
| Reference no. | 601297 |
| Significant period | 1923-4, 1930–31, 1957–59 (fabric, historical) 1923- (social) |
| Significant components | memorial – war, memorial – hall |
| Builders | Smith Bros (Toowoomba) |
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The Soldiers Memorial Hall in Toowoomba City, Queensland is a special building. It was built to remember the brave soldiers from Toowoomba who served in the First World War. Many of them did not come home. The hall also serves as a place for returned soldiers and the local community.
The building was designed by Hodgen & Hodgen and built in different stages from 1923 to 1959. Today, it is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register as an important historical site.
Contents
Remembering Our Heroes
Why the Hall Was Built
The First World War (1914–1918) was a huge global conflict. Even though it was fought far away, it deeply affected Australia. Many young Australian men volunteered to fight. About 60,000 of them died. Almost every town in Australia lost young men in this war.
People in Toowoomba wanted a special way to remember their soldiers. In 1918, they decided to build a memorial hall. A committee was formed in 1919 to raise money. They bought land for the hall on Ruthven Street.
Building the Hall in Stages
The Soldiers' Memorial Hall was built in three main parts. The first part was built from 1923 to 1924. This section had club rooms for returned soldiers. It also had an office, a restaurant, and cloakrooms.
The foundation stone was laid on ANZAC Day, April 25, 1923. This is a very important day in Australia. It remembers all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars.
The hall was officially opened on September 5, 1924. The Governor of Queensland, Sir Matthew Nathan, was there. The building was given to the Toowoomba Town Council. The RSL (Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia) could use it for a very small yearly fee.
What the First Section Looked Like
The first part of the building had two floors. It had a grand entrance facing Ruthven Street. The top floor was for soldiers only. It had a club room, a billiards room, and a card room. The ground floor was for everyone. It had an entrance, an office, a restaurant, and cloakrooms.
The hall was built to help soldiers find jobs and support. It also offered a library and recreation. It was a place where soldiers could meet and feel supported. The community saw it as a beautiful building that would benefit everyone.
Expanding the Hall
In 1927–28, more land was bought behind the hall. This allowed for the second stage of building. A large assembly hall was planned for dances and public meetings. The first design was too expensive. So, a smaller, single-storey hall was built in 1930–31. This hall had a dance floor.
After the Second World War (1939–45) and the Korean War (1950–53), more soldiers returned home. There was a new interest in the RSL. People wanted to make the hall even better. In the 1950s, plans were made for a bigger dance hall. The RSL wanted to build something for the whole community.
The new, larger dance hall was opened in 1959. It was the biggest dance hall in Toowoomba at the time. Many big events and balls were held there.
Changes Over Time
In the 1960s, television became popular. Public dances and balls became less common. So, in 1964, the RSL decided to change the dance hall. It was turned into club rooms for members. The dance floor was divided into different areas. These included a bar, a games room, and a billiards room.
Today, the building is still used by many community groups. Several RSL branches use it. Other groups like the Veteran's Advisory Service and Rotary clubs also meet there. The hall continues to be a central place for remembering soldiers and for community events.
What the Hall Looks Like
The Soldiers' Memorial Hall is in the middle of Toowoomba. It is next to the Toowoomba City Council Chambers. The building has two main parts.
The Front Section
The front part of the hall faces Ruthven Street. It was built in 1923–24. It looks grand with its classical design. It has a large entrance with arches. These arches are decorated with special stone details. Tall columns go up to the second floor. The words "SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL HALL" are written above the entrance.
The building is made of brick. It has a roof covered with corrugated iron. There are also tall brick chimneys.
The Herries Street Side
The side of the building on Herries Street continues the same style. It has large windows that let in lots of light. These windows are part of the newer dance hall section.
Inside the Hall
When you enter the hall from Ruthven Street, you step into a special memorial area. This room has large wooden Honour Rolls on the walls. These rolls list the names of soldiers who served in the First and Second World Wars. The floor is made of shiny grey stone with brass letters spelling "RSL."
Beyond this room, there are offices and other spaces. The staircase to the upper floor is made of wood. It has a simple, old-fashioned design.
Upstairs, there are large meeting rooms. These rooms have fireplaces and French doors. They used to be a billiards room and other club spaces.
The newer part of the building, from 1957–59, has the large timber dance floor. Below this, there is a basement with a kitchen and supper rooms. In the bar area, you can see small stained-glass windows. These windows show pictures related to soldiers and the war.
Why the Hall is Special
The Soldiers' Memorial Hall is important for many reasons:
- It shows how Queensland's history has changed. It is a memorial to those from Toowoomba who served in wars.
- It is a rare and special example of a soldiers' hall in Queensland. Not many halls built after the First World War were this grand.
- It shows what a building designed for returned soldiers should have. It has memorial areas, offices, meeting rooms, and recreation spaces.
- The hall looks beautiful and adds to the streetscape of Toowoomba. Its design matches the nearby City Hall.
- It has a strong connection to the RSL and other groups. It is a key place for Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events.
- It is important to the Toowoomba community. Many different groups use it. It was also a popular place for social events and dances for many years.
