Belvidere Soldiers' Memorial Hall of 1921 with a later modern addition. Fleurieu Peninsular South Australia
When this Soldiers’ Memorial Hall celebrated its centenary on 2 May 2021 part of the proceedings was the unveiling of a replica foundation stone.
During additions to the front of the original hall the foundation stone became “lost” to the public by being then in an enclosed space – the replica is placed on the northern exterior wall.
Belvidere Soldiers Memorial Hall was erected in memory of those who served in World War One.
Laying the Foundation Stone
Saturday, April 30, was the date chosen for the above function.
The contractor for the building, Mr J Kennedy of Strathalbyn has made rapid progress with the structure, which he expects to complete in June. The hall's internal dimensions will be 48 ft by 27, with two rooms at rear with movable partition, 12 ft by 27. The hall when finished should prove a handsome building.
Chairman of the hall committee (Mr Jno Cheriton), Brigadier General Leane, and the Rev Capt T P Wood took their seats.
Mr Cheriton in opening the proceeding … traced the history of the movement to erect a hall up to the present juncture, mentioning that it was only two years ago that a meeting was held to consider what means should be taken to perpetuate the district's contribution in manhood towards the fight for the preservation of liberty. Seventeen boys enlisted from Belvidere, five of whom made the supreme sacrifice. At that meeting it was decided to erect a Soldiers' Memorial Hall, and since that date money and material to the value of £830 had been raised which he considered a commendable achievement, but a further sum would still be required to complete the building.
The chairman then called upon General Leane to lay the foundation stone. Having declared the stone truly laid the speaker, who was heartily cheered, said. 'It was always a pleasure for him to be present and take part in a gathering such as that. As one who had seen the recent world war through all its stages, they would understand his feelings that day when he gazed upon a work such as this hall at Belvidere, being erected as a Soldiers' Memorial.
The Rev T P Wood said … As one who had helped as president of the Strathalbyn Branch of the RSA, in aiding the Belvidere residents in their project, he was pleased to see that their hall would soon be an accomplished fact and hoped that it would be beneficial in many ways as a meeting place for the residents of the district.
A sumptuous afternoon tea was next provided by the ladies' committee.
The foundation stone which measured 26 in x 16 in x 7½ in was generously given and inscribed by Mr A W Stewart of Torrensville.
During the afternoon a programme of sports was carried out.
The hall was opened by Captain H S Hudd MC, on 24 September 1921. [Ref: Southern Argus 5-5-1921: 29-9-1921]
*Picture Show at Belvidere
Thursday next will mark the date of the first Moving Picture Show to be held at Belvidere, and incidentally the first travelling entertainment to be held in the fine new hall. To Strathlight Pictures falls this privilege and honour, and to celebrate the auspicious occasion they are holding a dance at the conclusion of the pictures. An additional attraction will be the Strathlight Orchestra, which will play for the dance as well as the pictures. There should be a crowded house. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 1-12-1921]
*Tomorrow night at the Belvidere Hall, a dance is to follow a concert to be given by a Langhorne’s Creek concert party in aid jointly of the funds of the Belvidere Hall and the one to be erected at Langhorne’s Creek.
A good attendance and an enjoyable entertainment can be counted on if the weather if favourable. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 3-8-1922]
*Tomorrow night at Belvidere the annual concert of the local school is to be given in the memorial hall, a good programme having been provided for the occasion.
The first Fiat Car to come to this district has been purchased by Mrs P F Troubridge of Belvidere, who has secured a beautiful model of this very high class automobile, fitted with all the most up-to-date electric control devices. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 7-9-1922]
*September 9 - Last night the annual school concert was held in the Memorial Hall. Under the supervision of the teacher, Miss M Matheson, the sylvan operetta entitled “Playtime” was staged. Mrs Lellman acted as accompanist during the evening.
Supper was served at the conclusion of the concert, and a dance followed. The proceeds amounted to £9. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 14-9-1922]
*Belvidere Hall Anniversary
Saturday last will be a long-remembered occasion by a large number of old and present residents of the little community of Belvidere, about four miles from Strathalbyn, for on that day the people celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the opening of their Soldiers' Memorial Hall.
It was a very congenial crowd which sat down to the excellent festive board provided by the ladies of the district during the afternoon.
They prepared a wonderful spread and at the of closing there was still ample food on the table to "feed the multitude."
Prior to the opening of the proceedings, the big crowd was herded to the front of the building, where a photograph was taken for posterity.
Mr and Mrs H A Eckert took station at the entrance of the hall, and there extended a personal greeting to the 150 odd who were to be seated at the tables, and after being seated Mr Eckert (as chairman of the Hall Committee) welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Strathalbyn (Mr and Mrs C S Woolfitt), and asked the Mayor to open the proceedings.
Mr Woolfitt said he was pleased to see such a fine crowd of people present to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Belvidere Soldiers' Memorial Hall. A lot of those present had come back after many years' absence from the district, and the present-day residents were more than pleased to see them back. He was pleased to learn that the Hall, which had been built 25 years ago, was free of debt. He also highly appreciated the two honour rolls which adorned the wall, and which showed how many of the local boys had realised their duty and offered their services.
Mr Eckert said that when the matter of celebrating the anniversary was being considered, many suggestions were put forward, and after discussion the present arrangements had been decided upon. There had been some wonderful "turnouts" in the hall, and at all of these the ladies had done splendid work under great difficulty. It was with the idea of adding to the conveniences of the building that functions were now being held. It was the aim of the committee to get some more money in hand to build a supper room, and as soon as this was permissible the work would be put in hand. They were in an excellent financial position, and were saving against the day when they could commence the desired additions. He was pleased to see so many old residents present. He paid a tribute to past officials and to the good they had accomplished. Speaking on what was being done in the area, he referred to the planting of pine trees in memory of soldiers from the district. The trees were all doing well.
After the Loyal Toast … Mr Shirley Cheriton proposed the "Belvidere Hall." Mr Cheriton said he remembered the time when the suggestion to build the hall had been mooted. Many of the old residents had ridiculed the idea, but in spite of that those interested had carried on.
People had only to look at the honour rolls on the walls to see what had been done by the young men of the district. He referred to the work of the women in connection with the hall. They had given their services unstintingly and the menfolk of Belvidere were most thankful to them.
In responding to the toast, Mr Sid Wakefield joined with the chairman in welcoming back all old residents.
The speaker in his usual humorous style told of the ups and downs of the community. "Business," he said, "had gone to the pack. Our hotel had been burned down! Our brickyards are gone! Our school has been closed! What are we to do?" Continuing, Mr Wakefield said they had not, fortunately, lost their old friendships. He gave a resume of what had led up to the building of the Memorial Hall. In the old days Mrs Clifford [from the hotel] had provided a big room in which to give farewells, etc, and in March of 1919, at a meeting convened by Mr Cheriton, it was proposed to build a hall. They had no money, but a site was selected, and by August of that same year the elected committee had £400 in hand.
Mr Ross donated the block favoured, and the necessary material for commencing operations was forthcoming. There were various functions held with the object of raising funds. The chief of which was the Queen competition. This competition brought in £900.
Tenders were called for the building of the hall, and Messrs Mel Stanton and Jim Kennedy secured the contract and “builded well.” Brigadier General Leane laid the foundation stone, and when the building was completed there was a debt of £400. The trustees again got busy and arranged dances, etc., and got out of trouble. Later the lighting was found to be inefficient, and then it was decided to purchase an electric lighting outfit, which cost them another £150. This was paid. The committee continued the running of dances for nine years, and until they had to cease on account of the last war. At that time they had money in hand, and with this War Savings Certificates were purchased. The hall was closed down for public functions of a money making nature, and thrown open for patriotic purposes,
Later the committee worked in conjunction with the Red Cross, and both did well. The time had now arrived when additions to the property were desirable.
A supper room with necessary conveniences was wanted badly, as well as dressing rooms, and the installation of these was the aim of the committee at the present time. The speaker hoped that in another five years' time he would be able to speak to a similar gathering at the opening of both those additions. The hall, he said in conclusion, had been a God send to the community as well as a benevolent society to others. (Applause).
Mr Sparrow quoted figures concerning what had been done by Belvidere people during the war period, and said that a total of £561 9/2 had been raised for different patriotic purposes. As soon as the necessary money and the building permits were to hand the work on the additions would be put in hand.
The "RSL" was the next toast proposed, and this was in the hands of Mr H C Dunn MP, who said it was a happy thought to combine the welcome home of old residents with that to returned soldiers. He referred to the work of the older folk who had laid the foundations for the great advance which had been made by Australia. The pioneers had left us a great country and the soldiers had fought to keep it for us. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 3-10-1946]
Belvidere Soldiers' Memorial Hall of 1921 with a later modern addition. Fleurieu Peninsular South Australia
When this Soldiers’ Memorial Hall celebrated its centenary on 2 May 2021 part of the proceedings was the unveiling of a replica foundation stone.
During additions to the front of the original hall the foundation stone became “lost” to the public by being then in an enclosed space – the replica is placed on the northern exterior wall.
Belvidere Soldiers Memorial Hall was erected in memory of those who served in World War One.
Laying the Foundation Stone
Saturday, April 30, was the date chosen for the above function.
The contractor for the building, Mr J Kennedy of Strathalbyn has made rapid progress with the structure, which he expects to complete in June. The hall's internal dimensions will be 48 ft by 27, with two rooms at rear with movable partition, 12 ft by 27. The hall when finished should prove a handsome building.
Chairman of the hall committee (Mr Jno Cheriton), Brigadier General Leane, and the Rev Capt T P Wood took their seats.
Mr Cheriton in opening the proceeding … traced the history of the movement to erect a hall up to the present juncture, mentioning that it was only two years ago that a meeting was held to consider what means should be taken to perpetuate the district's contribution in manhood towards the fight for the preservation of liberty. Seventeen boys enlisted from Belvidere, five of whom made the supreme sacrifice. At that meeting it was decided to erect a Soldiers' Memorial Hall, and since that date money and material to the value of £830 had been raised which he considered a commendable achievement, but a further sum would still be required to complete the building.
The chairman then called upon General Leane to lay the foundation stone. Having declared the stone truly laid the speaker, who was heartily cheered, said. 'It was always a pleasure for him to be present and take part in a gathering such as that. As one who had seen the recent world war through all its stages, they would understand his feelings that day when he gazed upon a work such as this hall at Belvidere, being erected as a Soldiers' Memorial.
The Rev T P Wood said … As one who had helped as president of the Strathalbyn Branch of the RSA, in aiding the Belvidere residents in their project, he was pleased to see that their hall would soon be an accomplished fact and hoped that it would be beneficial in many ways as a meeting place for the residents of the district.
A sumptuous afternoon tea was next provided by the ladies' committee.
The foundation stone which measured 26 in x 16 in x 7½ in was generously given and inscribed by Mr A W Stewart of Torrensville.
During the afternoon a programme of sports was carried out.
The hall was opened by Captain H S Hudd MC, on 24 September 1921. [Ref: Southern Argus 5-5-1921: 29-9-1921]
*Picture Show at Belvidere
Thursday next will mark the date of the first Moving Picture Show to be held at Belvidere, and incidentally the first travelling entertainment to be held in the fine new hall. To Strathlight Pictures falls this privilege and honour, and to celebrate the auspicious occasion they are holding a dance at the conclusion of the pictures. An additional attraction will be the Strathlight Orchestra, which will play for the dance as well as the pictures. There should be a crowded house. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 1-12-1921]
*Tomorrow night at the Belvidere Hall, a dance is to follow a concert to be given by a Langhorne’s Creek concert party in aid jointly of the funds of the Belvidere Hall and the one to be erected at Langhorne’s Creek.
A good attendance and an enjoyable entertainment can be counted on if the weather if favourable. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 3-8-1922]
*Tomorrow night at Belvidere the annual concert of the local school is to be given in the memorial hall, a good programme having been provided for the occasion.
The first Fiat Car to come to this district has been purchased by Mrs P F Troubridge of Belvidere, who has secured a beautiful model of this very high class automobile, fitted with all the most up-to-date electric control devices. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 7-9-1922]
*September 9 - Last night the annual school concert was held in the Memorial Hall. Under the supervision of the teacher, Miss M Matheson, the sylvan operetta entitled “Playtime” was staged. Mrs Lellman acted as accompanist during the evening.
Supper was served at the conclusion of the concert, and a dance followed. The proceeds amounted to £9. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 14-9-1922]
*Belvidere Hall Anniversary
Saturday last will be a long-remembered occasion by a large number of old and present residents of the little community of Belvidere, about four miles from Strathalbyn, for on that day the people celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the opening of their Soldiers' Memorial Hall.
It was a very congenial crowd which sat down to the excellent festive board provided by the ladies of the district during the afternoon.
They prepared a wonderful spread and at the of closing there was still ample food on the table to "feed the multitude."
Prior to the opening of the proceedings, the big crowd was herded to the front of the building, where a photograph was taken for posterity.
Mr and Mrs H A Eckert took station at the entrance of the hall, and there extended a personal greeting to the 150 odd who were to be seated at the tables, and after being seated Mr Eckert (as chairman of the Hall Committee) welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Strathalbyn (Mr and Mrs C S Woolfitt), and asked the Mayor to open the proceedings.
Mr Woolfitt said he was pleased to see such a fine crowd of people present to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Belvidere Soldiers' Memorial Hall. A lot of those present had come back after many years' absence from the district, and the present-day residents were more than pleased to see them back. He was pleased to learn that the Hall, which had been built 25 years ago, was free of debt. He also highly appreciated the two honour rolls which adorned the wall, and which showed how many of the local boys had realised their duty and offered their services.
Mr Eckert said that when the matter of celebrating the anniversary was being considered, many suggestions were put forward, and after discussion the present arrangements had been decided upon. There had been some wonderful "turnouts" in the hall, and at all of these the ladies had done splendid work under great difficulty. It was with the idea of adding to the conveniences of the building that functions were now being held. It was the aim of the committee to get some more money in hand to build a supper room, and as soon as this was permissible the work would be put in hand. They were in an excellent financial position, and were saving against the day when they could commence the desired additions. He was pleased to see so many old residents present. He paid a tribute to past officials and to the good they had accomplished. Speaking on what was being done in the area, he referred to the planting of pine trees in memory of soldiers from the district. The trees were all doing well.
After the Loyal Toast … Mr Shirley Cheriton proposed the "Belvidere Hall." Mr Cheriton said he remembered the time when the suggestion to build the hall had been mooted. Many of the old residents had ridiculed the idea, but in spite of that those interested had carried on.
People had only to look at the honour rolls on the walls to see what had been done by the young men of the district. He referred to the work of the women in connection with the hall. They had given their services unstintingly and the menfolk of Belvidere were most thankful to them.
In responding to the toast, Mr Sid Wakefield joined with the chairman in welcoming back all old residents.
The speaker in his usual humorous style told of the ups and downs of the community. "Business," he said, "had gone to the pack. Our hotel had been burned down! Our brickyards are gone! Our school has been closed! What are we to do?" Continuing, Mr Wakefield said they had not, fortunately, lost their old friendships. He gave a resume of what had led up to the building of the Memorial Hall. In the old days Mrs Clifford [from the hotel] had provided a big room in which to give farewells, etc, and in March of 1919, at a meeting convened by Mr Cheriton, it was proposed to build a hall. They had no money, but a site was selected, and by August of that same year the elected committee had £400 in hand.
Mr Ross donated the block favoured, and the necessary material for commencing operations was forthcoming. There were various functions held with the object of raising funds. The chief of which was the Queen competition. This competition brought in £900.
Tenders were called for the building of the hall, and Messrs Mel Stanton and Jim Kennedy secured the contract and “builded well.” Brigadier General Leane laid the foundation stone, and when the building was completed there was a debt of £400. The trustees again got busy and arranged dances, etc., and got out of trouble. Later the lighting was found to be inefficient, and then it was decided to purchase an electric lighting outfit, which cost them another £150. This was paid. The committee continued the running of dances for nine years, and until they had to cease on account of the last war. At that time they had money in hand, and with this War Savings Certificates were purchased. The hall was closed down for public functions of a money making nature, and thrown open for patriotic purposes,
Later the committee worked in conjunction with the Red Cross, and both did well. The time had now arrived when additions to the property were desirable.
A supper room with necessary conveniences was wanted badly, as well as dressing rooms, and the installation of these was the aim of the committee at the present time. The speaker hoped that in another five years' time he would be able to speak to a similar gathering at the opening of both those additions. The hall, he said in conclusion, had been a God send to the community as well as a benevolent society to others. (Applause).
Mr Sparrow quoted figures concerning what had been done by Belvidere people during the war period, and said that a total of £561 9/2 had been raised for different patriotic purposes. As soon as the necessary money and the building permits were to hand the work on the additions would be put in hand.
The "RSL" was the next toast proposed, and this was in the hands of Mr H C Dunn MP, who said it was a happy thought to combine the welcome home of old residents with that to returned soldiers. He referred to the work of the older folk who had laid the foundations for the great advance which had been made by Australia. The pioneers had left us a great country and the soldiers had fought to keep it for us. [Ref: Southern Argus (Port Elliot) 3-10-1946]