Snapshot of the past

A photograph of the interior of the Warragul Theatre c.1923.

The theatre entrance was off Williams St adjacent to the cenotaph and included parts of what is today the Warragul Cinema Centre.

This photograph captures what is believed to be the Bachelors Ball held as the first function in the new theatre.

The ball was originally booked for the Warragul Public Hall in Williams Lane, but the building was burnt down just prior to the function being held.

The venue was changed to the theatre which was nearly due to open. The organisers had to clean up after the builders and prepare the floor for dancing by applying candle wax and sawdust.

The photograph captures the Dress Circle with the projection box on the rear wall.

The entrance was in the centre with the two exit doors on either side.

Where people are gathered is where the back stalls of the cinema seating had been arranged with the front stalls just in front of the screen.

There was always a member of the fire brigade in attendance for each screening and gentlemen with torches to keep the youths from misbehaving.

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society.

The society’s museum at the Old Shire Hall in Warragul has a range of historical photographs. However, it is currently closed.

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@ warragulgazette.com.au.