Stockwell Hall

Located at 4 Duckponds Road, not far from Stockwell Recreation Park and walking distance to the local Hotel, Stockwell Hall has played an important role in its local community since it was opened in 1911.

Whilst the town has grown around it, the character and charm of the iron and wooden hall has continued to provide a welcoming space, hosting many celebrations, from birthdays and wedding receptions to old style dances and performances.

Hon. FW Coneybeer, Minister for Education, officially opened the hall in Stockwell on 29 September,1911.

The special guest was greeted with a guard of honour by local school children under the direction of head teacher, Mr AJP Kumick, Chairman of the “Stockwell Institute Committee” who had the honour of laying the foundation stone.

Plans for the fluted iron and wooden building,built on land donated by Mr Jacob Mickan, were drawn by Mr H Juncken. He also took on the job of building the hall, with the exception of the foundation which was in the hands of Nuriootpa's Mr EA Bartsch, at a cost of 260 pounds.

Although the weather on opening day was inclement, it didn’t dampen the spirits of locals who enjoyed the celebration reported in the Advertiser as a bazaar with “well-laden luncheon tables and tastefully decorated stalls”.

Described at the time as a “neat and comfortable structure with a suitable stage and necessary appointments”, Stockwell Institute as it was known as until 1962, was well patronised by the local public, with dances held every second Saturday night, euchre evenings, annual strawberry fetes, local table tennis tournaments and more.

“This was the best dancing floor ever! The best dancing floor in the Valley,” one resident, Diann Auricht, said in a report in The Leader newspaper.