Marrar War Memorial Hall is dedicated to those who served in the First and Second World Wars. It is a single-storey community hall, located in the town of Marrar in the Riverina region of NSW. It is primarily of timber construction, with a brick foundation and metal roof. Inside, the hall is well-equipped and features a dance floor, stage, and kitchen.
Planning for the hall began in April 1963. After several years of fundraising activities, the building was completed in 1965. It was designed by Ian Townsend and built by Milton Hodge and the Marrar community.
The hall was opened on 8 October 1965 by Mr J. H. Taylor, M.L.A. It was officially dedicated as a war memorial on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1965 by Councillor H. L. Eastick, Reverend Basil Thomas (Church of England), Reverend N. H. Pollock (Presbyterian), and Rev. H. Smit (Methodist).
The hall remains a key meeting place in the community and celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2015.
At a public meeting called by Cr H. L. Eastick in April, 1963, it was decided to build a hall to replace Winter's Hall, which had served the needs of the community since the early part of the century. A Committee was formed and comprised Cr H. L. Eastick, President; B. Murphy, Secretary; E. Clark, Treasurer; G. Wooden; F. Eastick; J. Fox; N. Murphy; N. Curran; A. Cashmere; T. Pattison; B. Langtry; A. C. McKelvie; M. J. Hodge; J. Turner; C. Turner; C. Spratt; W. Gooley; R. L. Wooden; M. Greenwood; M. Shea; [and] G. Mohr. The hall was completed in October 1965. I Townsend was Architect; Bede Murphy, Legal Adviser; and J. F. Cooper, Auditor.
The design and plans for the hall were drawn up by Ian Townsend. The building has a butterfly roof and is 80' x 60'. The entrance from the patio through the foyer is most attractive and leads to a tallow wood dance floor 50' x 44' with supper room to seat 150 adjacent. Designed for concert use, is a large stage with dressing rooms on each side. The kitchen is fully equipped with refrigeration, stove, hot and cold water, sinks and cupboards. Septic toilets are provided. Mrs Isobelle Roberts donated the land on which the hall stands.
Financing the project was a challenge to everyone. Mr E. J. Koetz made an unsolicited donation of $200, which led to Mick Shea suggesting a canvass for $200 donations on a basis of 30 in for committal. Alf Cashmere and Redvie Wooden took up the challenge and achieved the object very quickly, in the process getting many other offers. There were two Art Unions with motor cars for the lucky winners, two gala days, which drew large crowds and were great fun. 'Winchy Wing Dings' and 'Downside Doo's' as Alf Cashmere called them in his poetic advertising, a concert at Coolamon by the local and invited talent and after the opening a delightful concert in the hall by Gladys Lewis. The use of the racecourse was gained by the Committee, cropping was done on a voluntary basis by close at hand farmers and was a good money raiser. Jack Fox suggested a sheep project, which proved a real winner. Just over 700 wethers were bought and agisted on 65 properties in the district. The sheep became members of the farmer's flock for the duration of their useful life. The wool was collected, classed and baled at the end of each shearing season and when the sheep reached retiring age they were sold. More than $10,000 was raised by this means. There were many other efforts and as a result, the hall was fully paid for by the end of 1969.
A Plans Committee was formed, its members being, R. T. Wooden, M. J. Hodge, A. Cashmere, C. Spratt, and A. C. McKelvie. Together with a group of ladies, the Committee inspected halls at Ariah Park, Ardlethan, and Whitton and were given full co-operation of the respective committees of those halls. The Council Building Inspector, Mr John Eyies was also most helpful with relevant advice and drew up a set of plans for consideration. Ian Townsend submitted his plans in January 1964 and the Committee decided to build to them.
After two unsuccessful attempts to get a satisfactory tender it was decided on 1 September 1964 to build up to the money in hand. Milton Hodge was employed and put in charge of erecting the building. Redvie Wooden was appointed to act on behalf of the Committee for on the spot consultation and decisions regarding the building. Progress was good and in March 1965, it was decided to borrow the money required to complete the hall.
Many were called on at various times for assistance with the construction work and Bill Pearce for his work on the floor and Dave Moore as a volunteer tradesman on the painting are worthy of mention for contributions of time and effort. In this, as in the many other areas of involvement in the project, the enthusiasm and talent of Redvie Wooden were evident, playing a major part in the tasteful finish to what set out to be a utility work.
The hall was opened by Mr J. H. Taylor, M.L.A. at a ball attended by over 500 people on Friday, 8 October 1965. Mrs Taylor and Coolamon Shire President Cr C. J. Logan and Mrs. Logan were also in the official party. Cr H. L. Eastick welcomed the visitors and thanked all for their part in building the hall. Milton Hodge was called to the stage to receive the appreciation of those present for the job he had done in building the hall. Mr Ian Townsend accompanied by Mrs Townsend (nee Helen Fox) was thanked for his generous gesture in drawing up the plans and specifications. Cr Eastick complimented Ian on the outstanding quality of his work, which was clearly evident to everyone in the building. A silver tray with suitable inscription was presented to Ian.
The Honour Rolls for the two World Wars were installed one on each side of the stage and on 1l November 1965 the hall was dedicated as a War Memorial at an impressive ceremony presided over by Cr H. L. Eastick; Rev Basil Thomas, for the Church of England; Rev N.H. Pollock, Presbyterian; and Rev H. Smit, Methodist, jointly conducted the prayers and dedication service. Mr A. Anderson recited the ‘Ode to the Fallen' and on behalf of the Coolamon R.S.L. presented wreaths to be mounted below the Honour Rolls. Members of the Recruit Training Battalion from Kapooka carried out the Military procedures including the lowering and raising of the flag and sounding of the 'Last Post' and 'Reveille' at the appropriate times. The flag pole was erected by Harold and Bill Pearce.
In August 1963, Mesdames J. Turner, R. Wooden, and A. Cashmere were elected to form a Hall Ladies Auxiliary and the ladies responded in magnificent style. The Auxiliary is still active and is justly proud of it's record. They have catered for balls, weddings, and parties and the quality of their work is always praised. The Auxiliary has financed the curtains, all the kitchen and catering equipment and the major part of the chairs and tables.
A Hall Younger Set was formed in late 1965 with Les Hancock, President and Margaret Spratt, Secretary. The object being to encourage the young people to make full use of the hall. The hall was made available to the Younger Set for their meetings and functions on condition they made an annual effort for the general funds. The Group controlled a wide range of activities including dances, concerts, table tennis, car rallies, snow trips, and basketball. The main contribution to the hall was the purchase and installation of the public address system; several cash contributions have been made to the funds and members have supported the painting and maintenance working bees.
Cr Tom Pattison took over as President of the Committee in 1968 and C. G. 'Jack' Spratt was elected Treasurer when Erie Clark left the district the same year. Bryan Murphy remained as Secretary and the Executive was the same until John Seymour became President in 1978.
The hall is still used regularly and interest in it remains good.