TEMPERANCE & MASONIC HALL (FORMER)
77 Watton Street, PENSHURST VIC 3289 - Property No 0070

-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report




Statement of Significance
The former Temperance and Masonic Hall at 77 Watton Street, Penshurst is a substantial single storey building in the Classical style, which takes the form of a simple basilica. The well executed structure incorporates fine bluestone masonry with sandstone from the Grampians, and decorative timbers. The hall was built in 1872, at a time when the Temperance movement in Victoria was gaining momentum. The trustees included important local figures such as Thomas Aitken and his son Robert, both tanners, and George Chesswas, storekeeper, representing the Protestant Establishment in the district. The power of the Temperance lobby is reflected in the attempt to close some of the seven hotels in Penshurst, a move that was overwhelmingly defeated at a local referendum in 1888. The hall was taken over by the Penshurst Masonic Lodge in 1914, apparently with little change in its local connections, which use continued until 1987. No architect or builder has yet been associated with the building. The choice of style and form for the building draws on important associations and demonstrates particular values, not only for the Temperance Movement but also for its easy conversion to a Masonic Hall. The building was extended in the mid twentieth century to provide better facilities. It retains a very high degree of integrity and is in good condition.
How is it significant?
The former Temperance and Masonic Hall, 77 Watton Street Penshurst is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria.
Why is it significant?
The former Temperance and Masonic Hall, 77 Watton Street Penshurst is of historical significance as an early and rare surviving demonstration of the Temperance Movement and subsequently for its long-term use as a Masonic Hall. It has further historical significance for its association with several of the town's civic leaders, including the Aitken, Black and Chesswas families. Historically, the hall served as a important venue for community events, and as an expression of shared community interests for over 100 years.
The former Temperance and Masonic Hall is of architectural significance as one of the earliest and most substantial public buildings surviving in Penshurst. Its architectural significance is enhanced by its finely executed stonework, incorporating the use of contrasting materials, and by its simple, elegant decorative timbers. The use of the Classical style is typical for this kind of hall, reflecting the conservative values of the Temperance Movement. The Masonic values, while different and much older, were not incompatible, and the conversion of the building was therefore easily achieved.
-
-
TEMPERANCE & MASONIC HALL (FORMER) - Physical Conditions
The building is in good condition. It has not been inspected internally.
TEMPERANCE & MASONIC HALL (FORMER) - Physical Description 1
The hall is a single storey symmetrical stone building. It takes the form of an elementary basilica, although with a side entrance, which is reinforced by the high side windows. Its form, scale and Classical style are typical for such public buildings, and can be compared with the contemporary Penshurst Courthouse. The gabled roof is perpendicular to the street, incorporates three ventilators and is clad with corrugated iron. The fascia boards are decorated with a simple ogee scalloped edge. The walls are constructed in local rock-face bluestone with contrasting quoins in pink rock-face sandstone or quartzite from the Grampians, a rare and distinctive combination. The facade includes a pair of large semicircular arched windows, apparently fixed, the combined sills of which are at half the height of the walls. The side elevations each include two small arched windows also at a high level. Some of these have been bricked-in. The hall has been extended towards the rear with a timber framed and corrugated iron clad wing of similar scale and form to the original wing. This includes a red brick chimney on the east side. Another more recent extension on the west side appears to cover the original entrance.
TEMPERANCE & MASONIC HALL (FORMER) - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 4: Building settlements, towns and cities
Theme 8: Developing Australia's Cultural Life
8.5 Forming associations
8.5.1 Preserving traditions and group memories
8.5.2 Helping other people
8.5.3 Associating for mutual aidTEMPERANCE & MASONIC HALL (FORMER) - Usage/Former Usage
vacant
TEMPERANCE & MASONIC HALL (FORMER) - Integrity
High degree of integrity externally. [Not inspected internally.]
TEMPERANCE & MASONIC HALL (FORMER) - Physical Description 2
Thomas Aitken, first trustee
Robert Aitken and James George Chesswas, second trustees
Alexander Black, estate of, long term owner of the land.Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
-
-
-
-
-
KOLOR HOMESTEADVictorian Heritage Register H0541
-
PENSHURST PROTECTORATE SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
-
A. J. PAGE ELECTRICAL STORESouthern Grampians Shire
-
"1890"Yarra City
-
"AMF Officers" ShedMoorabool Shire
-
"AQUA PROFONDA" SIGN, FITZROY POOLVictorian Heritage Register H1687
-
'Boonderoo', House and OutbuildingsGreater Bendigo City
-
'Riverslea' houseGreater Bendigo City
-
1 Adam StreetYarra City
-
-