Snapshot of the past

A photograph of the Warragul Shire Hall being constructed at 72 Queen Street in 1892.

Amongst the nine workers posed around a large pile of bricks is Bob Kent standing on the left.

Arthur Gunter, who had come to Warragul to work on the Railway Hotel and then the Shire Hall as a bricklayer, later wrote about his experiences in Warragul.

Note in the photograph, the archway construction of the windows and the timber formed for the upper balcony window prior to the bricks being laid. After the brick work was complete, the timber was removed.

It is a fine example of a cavity wall construction in a red-faced brick known as Brunswick Red.

The foundations and the internal brick walls are made from Longwarry bricks. The back wall was not constructed using Longwarry bricks because the plans were to add a hall at the back of the building.

The first contractor was Mr A. D. Preston of Drouin who could not complete the building. The final construction was carried out by Mr Gallard of Geelong.

The total cost of building the Warragul Shire Hall, plus extras, was £1953.

Now known as the Old Shire Hall and standing strong on the prominent corner of Queen St and Smith St, the building is home to the Warragul and District Historical Society and its museum as well as the West Gippsland Genealogical Society.

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society. If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@warragulgazette.com.au.