This hall had its beginnings in 1928/9 when I formed a girls' club in order to raise funds for the purchase of a suitable site. Social functions organised by this club were held at the East Doncaster School from time to time.
One such occasion, I recall, was a Minstrel Show in which the girls were all bedecked as minstrels and sang appropriate choruses. Part singing rehearsals were often conducted at the school residence by Mrs. Jutson, wife of the headmaster.
On another occasion a basket supper was held, when lots were drawn by all the gentlemen present for a lady "supper" partner. Sam Whitten kindly offered the use of his barn for Euchre Parties, which were enjoyed in the company of his horses. All the evening the horses stood with their heads over the doors of their stalls watching everything that happened.
These Euchre Parties were very popular and well-attended. At a fund-raising bazaar held at the East Doncaster School a sum of 40 pound was raised and this went a long way to meeting the cost of the land. Interest in the venture soon began to grow and August Zerbe offered the use of his barn for old-time dances. The barn which had been used to store bags of fowl manure first had to be cleaned out. A willing team of men and I undertook to do this, and believe me this was "some job". I still remember the dragging of bags of chaff across the floor, to make the surface as clean and smooth as possible.
The first dance was held to music from Don Williamson's radio. At that time, station 3DB ran a weekly program of old-time dance music. This proved so popular that moves were soon made to purchase a piano, and subsequent, dances were held to the lively tunes of Mrs. Ern Bullen (piano) Mark Holden (violin) and Fred Sleeth (accordian). Dances were held fortnightly, and weekly dancing classes were run by Jim Sell, Bob Leonard and myself. Charges were 1/-d. per lesson, and upwards of fifty teenagers and adults attended. These "barn" dances continued for two to three years and helped to raise funds to allow the building of the hall to commence.
When the hall was nearing completion, a competition was organised to see who could raise the greatest sum of money. This competition was won by Molly Fitzgerald who was crowned Queen at the "Queen Carnival" held on the occasion of the gala opening of the hall on let July, 1932. Members of the inaugural Committee of Management included Henry Zerbe, Chairman; Jim Sell, Secretary; August Zerbe Jnr., Treasurer; Sam Maggs, Jack Snell, Maurice Fitzgerald and Victor Crouch.
Over the years the hall has been the venue for dances, flower shows, church fetes, Gospel meetings, presentation nights, euchre parties, Sunday School anniversaries and school Christmas parties. In 1972 the control of the hall was taken over by the Council of the City of Doncaster and Templestowe.
Source: Irene Crouch writing in 1974 05 DTHS Newsletter
From Google Maps (Mark Reichenbach)
East Doncaster Public Hall. Maximum 80 seated at tables with dance floor Maximum 100 seated meeting style. 1-5 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East 3109. Perfect for birthday celebrations and family gatherings. The hall is close to public transport and will also be suitable for anyone wishing to hold classes on a regular basis. Kitchen Facilities, Commercial stove, refrigerator, urn, pie warmer, Stage, timber flooring, well equipped kitchen, heating, chairs and tables
http://www.manninghamdirect.com.au/facilities/east-doncaster-public-hall July2017
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| East Doncaster Public Hall - Rear - Nov 1990 VHD |
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| East Doncaster Public Hall - Rear c graffiti - Nov 1990 VHD |
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| Doncaster East Public Hall From Blackburn Rd looking West Jan2015 GoogleStreetView |
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| Doncaster East Public Hall From Blackburn Rd looking East - Nov 1990 VHD |
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| Doncaster East Public Hall From Blackburn Rd looking West - Jan2015 GoogleStreetView |
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| Doncaster East Public Hall From Blackburn Rd looking West - Nov 1990 VHD |
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| Annual East Doncaster Ball held in the East Doncaster Hall, corner of Blackburn and East Doncaster Roads, East Doncaster. The hall is elaborately decorated for the occasion. 1936 DP0608 |
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| Opening of the Doncaster East Public Hall on 21 July 1932. The Carnival Queen was Molly Fitzgerald. DP0609 |
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| Doncaster East Hall, Cnr Andersons Creek and Blackburn Roads. Funded by local community. 1974 DP0626 |
East Doncaster Hall Update
Situations such as this where a group of local residents raised money for community projects such as building a large solid brick hall are now a thing ofthe past. Now they would apply for a grant and the satisfaction derived from the community involvement is lost.. It is interesting to note that Rene, who initiated the fundraising for the hall, was not included in the committee ofManagement. Her brother Victor took her place. Perhaps they did not think women should be on an official committee! In the Doncaste Templestowe Heritage Study the hall is designated of; "Local historical significance as an expression of community endeavour, as a place of community focus, and possibly with continuing social value for local people." At the end of last last year the council with a heritage grant carried out repairs and improvements to the East Doncaster Hall.
Source: 1996 03 DTHS Newsletter
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