THE WAY WE WERE
TOWN HALL: Having attended the opening ceremony of Toowoomba City Hall “Annex” on December 16, John Larkin has sent in photographs recording “the way it (City Hall) was”. The newly designated “Annex” was part of Toowoomba’s third “Town Hall” erected in 1901; Toowoomba was not declared a “City” until 1904. The eastern section of the 1901 building was used to house council administration, the Toowoomba School of Arts and Technical College, including the College library. A theatre seating about 800 was located at the western end of the building. That auditorium underwent various modifications from the 1930s to the 1970s for presentation of stage and cinema attractions. However, without wheelchair access the theatre fell into disuse; seating was removed; some finding reuse in Toowoomba Repertory Theatre in Margaret Street. The tiered theatre flooring and the projection box have been removed. While the stage and Proscenium arch have been retained, the “Annex” now features two levels that can be used for dining and/or civic occasions. Attached are photographs showing TOP RIGHT: Refurbishment of the Town (City) Hall for “City” Centenary in 2004. BOTTOM RIGHT: A handbill confirming films were screened at the “Town” Hall on behalf of Empire Theatre. ABOVE: A Burstow’s vehicle at the 2004 celebration; the western wall of what is now the “Annex” is just visible in the background.