aquilareen
Brighton Old Town Hall 2012
Mostly hidden behind the 1954 brick addition.
Foundation stone 10 May 1869 by John Hodgkiss, designed by George William Highet, limestone with brick quoins & stucco dressings, opened 22 Sep 1869, extensions opened 29 Apr 1919. In a back room of the Town Hall, schools were held by John Gurr 1876 & Lucretia Brown 1875-1877. Baptist church services from 1915 until own church opened 1918. When new Municipal Offices were opened 1937 on Jetty Road, the building was leased to Brighton RSL Sub-branch (who developed bowling greens adjacent), also some rooms used by Mothers & Babies and Old Age Pensioner groups. With merger of RSL clubs 2008, the building was left unoccupied. The 1954 front brick addition was removed as unsafe 2014. Heritage listed building restored 2018.
“foundation-stone of the Brighton Town Hall was laid by the Hon. John Hodgkiss, M.L.C. The site chosen was an acre and a half of land situate about the centre of the town, which had been purchased by the Corporation. . . the building was originally intended for a Council Chamber, but the Council afterwards decided to raise a more substantial building that would serve for the wants of the citizens as well as for the transaction of Corporation business After the erection of the building it would be used as their Council Chamber, but not exclusively as such, as it would be thrown open as a reading room and he was pleased to say that a number of gentlemen had promised books to establish a library, and he hoped many others would also contribute. The Hall would likewise be appropriated for the purpose of monthly lectures, entertainments, and other meetings for the people. . . The foundations are concrete, with limestone for superstructure, the building being finished in dressed stone from Mr. Ayliffe's quarry near Glen Osmond.” [Advertiser 24 May 1869]
“Brighton Town Hall . . . The formal opening . . . being celebrated by means of a tea meeting and concert which was very numerously attended. The Brightonians have, to a certain extent gone ahead of the people of the Bay, in being the first to erect a Town Hall, though something like six years ago the Glenelgites voluntarily taxed themselves for the erection of a public schoolroom, which was supposed to have answered the civic purpose as well as the educational, but seemingly it would not answer, as no meeting of the corporate body has ever taken place in it. . . The walls are of limestone, with brick quoins and stucco dressings. The Hall is 48 feet long, by a breadth of 28 feet, and 20 feet in height, and contains a platform of 8 feet.” [Register 23 Sep 1869]
“On Easter Monday the annual festival of the Brighton Band of Hope and Rechabite Tents was held in the Town Hall. The weather was favorable, although at times it looked threatening. About l2 o'clock: the Norwood Excelsior Lifeboat Crew and drum, and fife band arrived in one of Hill &'Co.’s large coaches, accompanied by a number of friends from Adelaide and Norwood. . . On Wednesday the members of the Band of Hope met for the purpose of proceeding to the paddock of Mr. Everard for a picnic, that gentleman having kindly lent it for the occasion, but owing to the unfavorable state of the weather they decided to spend the day in the Town Hall, and the adjoining paddock of Mr. Eckersby.”[Express & Telegraph 18 Apr 1873]
“Brighton. . . Town Clerk reported having let Town Hall to Oddfellows, Brighton Lodge, for their ordinary meetings, at £4 4s. per annum.” [Evening Journal 10 Jul 1873]
“Brighton. . . Mr. J. Gurr applied for the use of the Town Hall for a superior school after midwinter.” [Register 1 May 1876]
“His Worship reported having obtained from Mr. J. Gurr (who was about leaving the Colony) £7 10s., being a half-year's rent due for the use of the Town Hall as a School-room. A letter was read from Mrs. Gurr, requesting the Council to take possession.” [Express & Telegraph 3 Feb 1877]
“Brighton. The ninth annual Juvenile Exhibition in connection with the Brighton Floricultnral Society was held in the local Town Hall. . . The hall was most tastefully decorated with flowers and draperies, while paintings, maps, and drawings adorned the walls. The committee were very fortunate this year in respect to the weather, a beautiful warm day, moderated by a cool sea breeze, prevailing. . . A rather amusing sight was the different modes by which the children conveyed their exhibits. All the forenoon might be seen wheelbarrows, perambulators, handcarts, boxes on wheels, and even a small cart drawn by a dog on their way to the hall. . . Plants in pots, cut flowers, bouquets, and table designs were especially good. Vegetables and herbs were well represented. In needlework and fancy work there were a great number of exhibits. . . Handiwork and artistic work were good, that of the latter done by tho inmates of the Blind and Deaf and Dumb Institution being especially worthy of mention.” [Register 24 Oct 1891]
“the pantomime 'Aladdin or the Wonderful Lamp’ was given by the members of the Gondolier Musical Society in the Brighton Town Hall in aid of St. Jude's Church Building Fund.” [Register 9 Dec 1892]
“The Brighton Town Hall was filled on Monday afternoon when a drawing room entertainment was given in aid of the Queen Victoria Home for Convalescent Children.” [Advertiser 29 Jun 1897]
“The members of the Brighton Gymnastic Class entertained their friends . . . in the Brighton Town Hall on Wednesday evening, when a gymnastic display was given.” [Register 15 Oct 1897]
“Miss Sprod's music pupils entertained several friends in the Brighton Town Hall on Friday evening, the occasion being the annual concert prior to going into recess.” [Register 20 Dec 1897]
“A strawberry fete and bazaar in aid of the funds of the Brighton Methodist church took place on Saturday afternoon in the Brighton Town Hall. It was opened by Mrs. F. W. Holder, and proved a great success, the takings amounting to about £34.” [Register 27 Nov 1900]
“The Baptists at Brighton have secured the use of the local Town Hall for the purpose of holding regular Sunday services. These will begin on the first Sunday in August.” [Advertiser 24 Jul 1915]
“In connection with the recruiting campaign a meeting was held in the Brighton Town Hall. . . appealed for recruits, and said if men were prepared to do their duty for the King and Empire he felt sure whatever calling, they gave up to do so, they would be shown every consideration by their employers on their return from the front. . . Now was the time for men to enlist, for the need of more and more men at Gallipoli was serious indeed. He appealed to those who were able to serve their country not to hesitate in coming forward.” [Register 16 Aug 1915]
“A roll of honor, containing the names of 71 residents of Brighton who have enlisted, was unveiled in the local Town Hall. . . The tablet would remain as a memorial of the spirit of the men of Brighton who were fighting shoulder to shoulder with their French, Serbian, and Russian Allies in order to crush German tyranny and bring about the triumph of freedom.” [Advertiser 4 Sep 1916]
“A somewhat unsightly and inadequate building has done duty for years, and it was felt that the time had arrived when something better should be provided. The additions now made to the hall will be greatly appreciated. On one side of the existing building a handsome council chamber . . . furnished throughout in blackwood. . . Adjoining this is a spacious office for the transaction of public business with accommodation for the town clerk. . . Corresponding with this on the other side of the main hall is an up-to-date room, 38 x 14 for the use of the local institute library.” [Register 6 Mar 1919]
“Brighton. . . the recent additions to the local town hall were officially opened by the Mayor of Brighton (Mr. J. H. Grundy). . . a commodious council chamber, with up-to-date accommodation for the Town Clerk, and his staff and a public office for the convenience of ratepayers and others doing business with the council. This structure has been erected on the east side of the existing hall, and a fine building for the housing of the library owned by the institute has been added on the west side.” [Register 30 Apr 1919]
“The Brighton Council has decided to ascertain what amount can be obtained by hiring its town hall to the public instead of holding council meetings there. At a meeting last night Ald. Giltrap said that £500 had been spent on improving the hall so that the public could use it, but since the improvements the council had monopolised it as a council chamber.” [News 7 Feb 1933]
“The Brighton Council has decided to hold a special meeting to consider the building of a new town hall and municipal offices as a centenary project.” [News 29 Nov 1934]
“Councillor Hewish suggested that, in the event of a new council chamber and town hall being built, the existing building should be handed over to the local sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers' League at a nominal rental. Councillor Niehuus supported the suggestion, but Councillor Bruce said he thought it was premature. It would be better, in his opinion, to discuss the matter later. No action was taken.” [Advertiser 15 Sep 1936]
“Because about 200 Brighton ratepayers have objected to the council raising a loan of £6,000 to construct a new town hall and municipal offices, a poll will be held.” [News 21 Dec 1936]
“Although the Brighton Council, by a majority of one vote, decided at its meeting last night to take steps for the erection of municipal offices and a council chamber, to cost £3.000 . . . the mayor (Mr. F. J. Brown) told members that because of the divided opinion he did not think it advisable to instruct the town clerk to proceed.” [News 26 Jan 1937]
“To discuss whether new municipal offices for Brighton should be built on the site of the present town hall alongside the Hove Railway Station, or on another block owned by the corporation at the corner of Jetty and Rainbow roads, Brighton, a public meeting will be held in Brighton Town Hall tonight. The mayor (Mr. F. J. Brown) will preside. At a recent meeting the council, by a majority of one vote, decided to build municipal offices at a cost of £3.000. Provision is made in the plans for the addition of a hall at a later date.” [News 17 Feb 1937]
“In a plebiscite conducted by the Brighton Council on Saturday, ratepayers decided by a majority of 16 votes that the proposed new municipal offices and council chamber should be erected on a site at the corner of Rainbow and Jetty roads, Brighton. The voting was as follows: — For Jetty road site 176. For present site (Brighton road) 160. There was only a 10 per cent poll. Only about 10 people were present when the town clerk (Mr. A. H. Sanders) announced the result at the Brighton Town Hall.” [Advertiser 22 Feb 1937]
“If a new site is chosen, it should be on the main Brighton road, next to the Savings Bank for preference; otherwise rebuild a town hail and offices on the existing site. Such buildings would look ridiculous half way down Jetty road. Why not have another referendum?” [Advertiser 11 May 1937]
“A conference will be held between representatives of the Brighton Council and the Brighton, Seacliff and Marion sub-branch of the R.S.L. tomorrow night to discuss the conditions under which the old Town Hall will be made available to the sub branch. . . the main hall of the old building should be made available to the R.S.L., with provision made for the needs of ratepayers for public meetings and other functions, and the northern annexe could be made available to the local Old Age Pensioners' Association, and the southern annexe to the local branch of the Mothers and Babies' Health Association.” [Advertiser 18 Aug 1937]
“'It is a debt the Brighton Council and the residents of the district owe to the returned soldiers,' said the Mayor of Brighton (Mr. F. J. Brown) on Saturday night, when officially handing over portion of the building formerly used for municipal purposes to the Brighton, Seacliff, and Marion sub-branch of the R.S.S.I.L.” [Advertiser 30 May 1938]
“members greatly appreciated the action of the Brighton Corporation In allowing the association the free use of portion of the old town hall building for meetings and social functions. . . The corporation was pleased to hand over the building for the use of three societies: — Old Age Pensioners. Mothers and Babies' Health, and the Returned Soldiers.” [Advertiser 4 Feb 1938]
Brighton Old Town Hall 2012
Mostly hidden behind the 1954 brick addition.
Foundation stone 10 May 1869 by John Hodgkiss, designed by George William Highet, limestone with brick quoins & stucco dressings, opened 22 Sep 1869, extensions opened 29 Apr 1919. In a back room of the Town Hall, schools were held by John Gurr 1876 & Lucretia Brown 1875-1877. Baptist church services from 1915 until own church opened 1918. When new Municipal Offices were opened 1937 on Jetty Road, the building was leased to Brighton RSL Sub-branch (who developed bowling greens adjacent), also some rooms used by Mothers & Babies and Old Age Pensioner groups. With merger of RSL clubs 2008, the building was left unoccupied. The 1954 front brick addition was removed as unsafe 2014. Heritage listed building restored 2018.
“foundation-stone of the Brighton Town Hall was laid by the Hon. John Hodgkiss, M.L.C. The site chosen was an acre and a half of land situate about the centre of the town, which had been purchased by the Corporation. . . the building was originally intended for a Council Chamber, but the Council afterwards decided to raise a more substantial building that would serve for the wants of the citizens as well as for the transaction of Corporation business After the erection of the building it would be used as their Council Chamber, but not exclusively as such, as it would be thrown open as a reading room and he was pleased to say that a number of gentlemen had promised books to establish a library, and he hoped many others would also contribute. The Hall would likewise be appropriated for the purpose of monthly lectures, entertainments, and other meetings for the people. . . The foundations are concrete, with limestone for superstructure, the building being finished in dressed stone from Mr. Ayliffe's quarry near Glen Osmond.” [Advertiser 24 May 1869]
“Brighton Town Hall . . . The formal opening . . . being celebrated by means of a tea meeting and concert which was very numerously attended. The Brightonians have, to a certain extent gone ahead of the people of the Bay, in being the first to erect a Town Hall, though something like six years ago the Glenelgites voluntarily taxed themselves for the erection of a public schoolroom, which was supposed to have answered the civic purpose as well as the educational, but seemingly it would not answer, as no meeting of the corporate body has ever taken place in it. . . The walls are of limestone, with brick quoins and stucco dressings. The Hall is 48 feet long, by a breadth of 28 feet, and 20 feet in height, and contains a platform of 8 feet.” [Register 23 Sep 1869]
“On Easter Monday the annual festival of the Brighton Band of Hope and Rechabite Tents was held in the Town Hall. The weather was favorable, although at times it looked threatening. About l2 o'clock: the Norwood Excelsior Lifeboat Crew and drum, and fife band arrived in one of Hill &'Co.’s large coaches, accompanied by a number of friends from Adelaide and Norwood. . . On Wednesday the members of the Band of Hope met for the purpose of proceeding to the paddock of Mr. Everard for a picnic, that gentleman having kindly lent it for the occasion, but owing to the unfavorable state of the weather they decided to spend the day in the Town Hall, and the adjoining paddock of Mr. Eckersby.”[Express & Telegraph 18 Apr 1873]
“Brighton. . . Town Clerk reported having let Town Hall to Oddfellows, Brighton Lodge, for their ordinary meetings, at £4 4s. per annum.” [Evening Journal 10 Jul 1873]
“Brighton. . . Mr. J. Gurr applied for the use of the Town Hall for a superior school after midwinter.” [Register 1 May 1876]
“His Worship reported having obtained from Mr. J. Gurr (who was about leaving the Colony) £7 10s., being a half-year's rent due for the use of the Town Hall as a School-room. A letter was read from Mrs. Gurr, requesting the Council to take possession.” [Express & Telegraph 3 Feb 1877]
“Brighton. The ninth annual Juvenile Exhibition in connection with the Brighton Floricultnral Society was held in the local Town Hall. . . The hall was most tastefully decorated with flowers and draperies, while paintings, maps, and drawings adorned the walls. The committee were very fortunate this year in respect to the weather, a beautiful warm day, moderated by a cool sea breeze, prevailing. . . A rather amusing sight was the different modes by which the children conveyed their exhibits. All the forenoon might be seen wheelbarrows, perambulators, handcarts, boxes on wheels, and even a small cart drawn by a dog on their way to the hall. . . Plants in pots, cut flowers, bouquets, and table designs were especially good. Vegetables and herbs were well represented. In needlework and fancy work there were a great number of exhibits. . . Handiwork and artistic work were good, that of the latter done by tho inmates of the Blind and Deaf and Dumb Institution being especially worthy of mention.” [Register 24 Oct 1891]
“the pantomime 'Aladdin or the Wonderful Lamp’ was given by the members of the Gondolier Musical Society in the Brighton Town Hall in aid of St. Jude's Church Building Fund.” [Register 9 Dec 1892]
“The Brighton Town Hall was filled on Monday afternoon when a drawing room entertainment was given in aid of the Queen Victoria Home for Convalescent Children.” [Advertiser 29 Jun 1897]
“The members of the Brighton Gymnastic Class entertained their friends . . . in the Brighton Town Hall on Wednesday evening, when a gymnastic display was given.” [Register 15 Oct 1897]
“Miss Sprod's music pupils entertained several friends in the Brighton Town Hall on Friday evening, the occasion being the annual concert prior to going into recess.” [Register 20 Dec 1897]
“A strawberry fete and bazaar in aid of the funds of the Brighton Methodist church took place on Saturday afternoon in the Brighton Town Hall. It was opened by Mrs. F. W. Holder, and proved a great success, the takings amounting to about £34.” [Register 27 Nov 1900]
“The Baptists at Brighton have secured the use of the local Town Hall for the purpose of holding regular Sunday services. These will begin on the first Sunday in August.” [Advertiser 24 Jul 1915]
“In connection with the recruiting campaign a meeting was held in the Brighton Town Hall. . . appealed for recruits, and said if men were prepared to do their duty for the King and Empire he felt sure whatever calling, they gave up to do so, they would be shown every consideration by their employers on their return from the front. . . Now was the time for men to enlist, for the need of more and more men at Gallipoli was serious indeed. He appealed to those who were able to serve their country not to hesitate in coming forward.” [Register 16 Aug 1915]
“A roll of honor, containing the names of 71 residents of Brighton who have enlisted, was unveiled in the local Town Hall. . . The tablet would remain as a memorial of the spirit of the men of Brighton who were fighting shoulder to shoulder with their French, Serbian, and Russian Allies in order to crush German tyranny and bring about the triumph of freedom.” [Advertiser 4 Sep 1916]
“A somewhat unsightly and inadequate building has done duty for years, and it was felt that the time had arrived when something better should be provided. The additions now made to the hall will be greatly appreciated. On one side of the existing building a handsome council chamber . . . furnished throughout in blackwood. . . Adjoining this is a spacious office for the transaction of public business with accommodation for the town clerk. . . Corresponding with this on the other side of the main hall is an up-to-date room, 38 x 14 for the use of the local institute library.” [Register 6 Mar 1919]
“Brighton. . . the recent additions to the local town hall were officially opened by the Mayor of Brighton (Mr. J. H. Grundy). . . a commodious council chamber, with up-to-date accommodation for the Town Clerk, and his staff and a public office for the convenience of ratepayers and others doing business with the council. This structure has been erected on the east side of the existing hall, and a fine building for the housing of the library owned by the institute has been added on the west side.” [Register 30 Apr 1919]
“The Brighton Council has decided to ascertain what amount can be obtained by hiring its town hall to the public instead of holding council meetings there. At a meeting last night Ald. Giltrap said that £500 had been spent on improving the hall so that the public could use it, but since the improvements the council had monopolised it as a council chamber.” [News 7 Feb 1933]
“The Brighton Council has decided to hold a special meeting to consider the building of a new town hall and municipal offices as a centenary project.” [News 29 Nov 1934]
“Councillor Hewish suggested that, in the event of a new council chamber and town hall being built, the existing building should be handed over to the local sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers' League at a nominal rental. Councillor Niehuus supported the suggestion, but Councillor Bruce said he thought it was premature. It would be better, in his opinion, to discuss the matter later. No action was taken.” [Advertiser 15 Sep 1936]
“Because about 200 Brighton ratepayers have objected to the council raising a loan of £6,000 to construct a new town hall and municipal offices, a poll will be held.” [News 21 Dec 1936]
“Although the Brighton Council, by a majority of one vote, decided at its meeting last night to take steps for the erection of municipal offices and a council chamber, to cost £3.000 . . . the mayor (Mr. F. J. Brown) told members that because of the divided opinion he did not think it advisable to instruct the town clerk to proceed.” [News 26 Jan 1937]
“To discuss whether new municipal offices for Brighton should be built on the site of the present town hall alongside the Hove Railway Station, or on another block owned by the corporation at the corner of Jetty and Rainbow roads, Brighton, a public meeting will be held in Brighton Town Hall tonight. The mayor (Mr. F. J. Brown) will preside. At a recent meeting the council, by a majority of one vote, decided to build municipal offices at a cost of £3.000. Provision is made in the plans for the addition of a hall at a later date.” [News 17 Feb 1937]
“In a plebiscite conducted by the Brighton Council on Saturday, ratepayers decided by a majority of 16 votes that the proposed new municipal offices and council chamber should be erected on a site at the corner of Rainbow and Jetty roads, Brighton. The voting was as follows: — For Jetty road site 176. For present site (Brighton road) 160. There was only a 10 per cent poll. Only about 10 people were present when the town clerk (Mr. A. H. Sanders) announced the result at the Brighton Town Hall.” [Advertiser 22 Feb 1937]
“If a new site is chosen, it should be on the main Brighton road, next to the Savings Bank for preference; otherwise rebuild a town hail and offices on the existing site. Such buildings would look ridiculous half way down Jetty road. Why not have another referendum?” [Advertiser 11 May 1937]
“A conference will be held between representatives of the Brighton Council and the Brighton, Seacliff and Marion sub-branch of the R.S.L. tomorrow night to discuss the conditions under which the old Town Hall will be made available to the sub branch. . . the main hall of the old building should be made available to the R.S.L., with provision made for the needs of ratepayers for public meetings and other functions, and the northern annexe could be made available to the local Old Age Pensioners' Association, and the southern annexe to the local branch of the Mothers and Babies' Health Association.” [Advertiser 18 Aug 1937]
“'It is a debt the Brighton Council and the residents of the district owe to the returned soldiers,' said the Mayor of Brighton (Mr. F. J. Brown) on Saturday night, when officially handing over portion of the building formerly used for municipal purposes to the Brighton, Seacliff, and Marion sub-branch of the R.S.S.I.L.” [Advertiser 30 May 1938]
“members greatly appreciated the action of the Brighton Corporation In allowing the association the free use of portion of the old town hall building for meetings and social functions. . . The corporation was pleased to hand over the building for the use of three societies: — Old Age Pensioners. Mothers and Babies' Health, and the Returned Soldiers.” [Advertiser 4 Feb 1938]