Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Hall (Former)
26 Pasco Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Pasco Street Heritage Precinct
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
The former Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Hall, designed by Lawrence Worthington and constructed by Goss & Pitt in 1863 with later additions, at 26 Pasco Street, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The former Manchester Unity IOOF Hall at 26 Pasco Street, Williamstown is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, it is significant for its strong associations with the early development of the Impendent Order of Oddfellows as perhaps the first hall constructed for this association outside of the City of Melbourne. It also demonstrates the civic development of the Government Survey precinct, which was associated with the prosperity of the port at that time. (AHC criteria A4 and D2)
Socially, it is significant as an early public building that played an important role in the early development of the Williamstown community as a meeting place and venue for church services over a long period: (AHC criterion G1)
Aesthetically, it is significant as an early and original civic hall in a competently designed naive Renaissance revival style, which makes an important contribution to the historic character of Pasco Street and the Government Survey precinct. (AHC criteria E1)
-
-
Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Hall (Former) - Physical Description 1
A parapeted stuccoed hall with segmental and gabled pediments to the two aedicule windows, placed either side of a similarly aedicule form doorway which has a four panel door. Above the cornice mould, itself supported on Tuscan pilasters, a severe, stepped parapet which is gently gabled at its highest point, holds the hall's name. An early colour scheme survives on the stucco. The hall resembles other early civic and commercial designs, including the Williamstown Chronicle building (q.v.), Parker Street, the Williamstown Grammar School (q.v.) and the former Savings Bank, Castlemaine.
The timber picket fence, though sympathetic, is not original. The original picket fence with its capped posts may be seen in Williamstown Illustrated 1904. The early colour scheme, which survived until the 1990s has been lost under the present scheme, and there have been some glazing changes.
Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Hall (Former) - Integrity
External Integrity and condition
Integrity - Moderate. Condition - Fair.
Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Hall (Former) - Physical Description 2
Context
Next to the similarly stuccoed and parapeted Crown Hotel and adjacent to 14, 16 and 22 Pasco Street, which share period detail.
Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Hall (Former) - Historical Australian Themes
Developing cultural institutions and ways of life, Forming associations
Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Hall (Former) - Physical Description 3
Associations
Manchester Unity IOOF
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading:
-
-
-
-
-
FORMER MORGUEVictorian Heritage Register H1512
-
WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
-
RESIDENCEVictorian Heritage Register H0487
-
-