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A Humble Little Hall: The Prospect School of Arts

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A Humble Little Hall: the Prospect School of Arts

Today, few people would know that Prospect once had its own School of Arts, and the important part it played in that community for almost 70 years. Even fewer would remember exactly where it had been situated, for much of old Prospect has been swept away by the Great Western Highway deviation. For a small village like Prospect was, in those times, the School of Arts prospered and was used for a variety of uses, including dances, meetings, bazaars, a polling place and even as a cinema. Yet how then did it end its days dilapidated, disused and unwanted? In 1900, Prospect was a very different place: a farming community, adjacent to the vast Prospect Reservoir, and located on the Western Road to the Blue Mountains. The construction of the western railway through Blacktown had left Prospect as a quiet rural backwater. Progress was defined in the construction of buildings and institutions, as well as local facilities such as roads, schools and churches. The Prospect School of Arts organisation was founded in July 1900, its Rules and By-laws stating “the object of the institution shall be the intellectual and social improvement of its members by the cultivation of literature, science and art.” This was to be accomplished by “the maintenance of a Library and Reading Room, the delivery of Lectures, the foundation of Classes, the encouragement of Societies for mutual improvement and intellectual recreation, the holding of Industrial and Fine Art Exhibitions, and by such other means as the Committee of Management may from time to time deem advisable provided that no subject of a religious or sectarian character shall be introduced for discussion or debate”. 1

These high and noble objectives were common to the establishment of Schools of Arts, Literary Institutes and Mechanics Institutes across Australia. Usually set up with the aid of a government grant and generous donations from the community, the Schools of Arts were a forerunner of today’s TAFE colleges and licensed clubs. They were primarily aimed at the working class man, to educate and provide “intellectual recreation” as well as somewhere to go other than hotels. They helped to provide opportunities for men for job improvement, self-improvement, and a better domestic environment at home for wives and families, where alcohol did not necessarily take priority. These were the days before cars, radio, and television and in many cases, even before moving pictures. Yet, as will be seen later, the Schools of Arts often became inextricably entwined with that of cinemas and theatres, serving both functions where a small community – such as Prospect - could not justify a purpose-built theatre of its own. Even though in Prospect the organisation was established in 1900, in those early years it did not have a home of its own and used what premises were available. A building was loaned by the Metropolitan Board of Water Supply, probably at the reservoir site 2 and there were also two early halls, Leader’s Hall, which had been used for entertainments 3 and Watt’s Hall, which was an early dance hall built

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by local Mr G H Watts, which may have been used for meetings as well. The latter was licensed 15 July 1909 4 for public entertainments and revoked 16 February 1915, 5 when it was no longer in use. Mr James Watts had been the Postmaster but when he passed away in 1898,6 his wife Mary Anne took over until her death in 1909. 7 Their son, George Henry Watts became the owner of the property and it was he who donated the land for the School of Arts. The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate reported in February 1901 that “a large and merry gathering in Prospect School of Arts was presided over by Mr R H Lalor, celebrated a pound night in the School of Arts on Saturday. Three pounds was raised towards the piano fund.” 8 A few months later, another report stated “This institute continues to flourish. On Saturday an admirable series of lantern pictures was exhibited. Mr W Giles’ Concert Company is to give an entertainment for which a first class programme has been arranged.” 9 Lantern slides were an early novelty form of entertainment using coloured slides being projected onto a wall or a screen, but soon to be made redundant by the popularity of moving pictures. On 8 September 1908, a special general meeting was held in Watt’s Hall, to accept the offer of Mr George Henry Watts of land for the School of Arts. This site was opposite the post office on the Old Western Road. 10 The “father” of the Prospect School of Arts was said to be Mr A F Jacob, who resided at Veteran Hall at Prospect. 11 In 1908 he wrote to the authorities in support of the proposal: Veteran Hall, Prospect October 1, 1908 Sir, under separate cover I have the honor [sic] to forward to you the Pass Book shewing [sic] the a/c [account] of the Prospect School of Arts with the Commercial Bank, Parramatta (A F Jacob, Trust a/c), which is required in connection with the Claim for Subsidy 1907/08 put in by that Institution. I would … to have the Pass Book returned as soon as possible. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Obedient Servant, A F Jacob, President, Prospect School of Arts.” 12 This indicates that the committee had decided to avail itself of the government subsidy available for such buildings, following the donation of the land by Mr Watts and the support of Mr Jacob. The new School of Arts building was opened on 18 November 1908. The Cumberland Argus reported: “PROSPECT SCHOOL OF ARTS OPENING OF A NEW BUILDING “The new School of Arts building at Prospect was formally opened by Mrs Jacob, wife of the President of the institution, in the presence of a representative gathering, which included Mr Willmot (President of the Blacktown Shire Council) and Councillors Sherlock and Knox. “Mr A F Jacob first addressed the gathering. The Prospect School of Arts, he said, came into existence in 1900, and its operations had been carried on hitherto in a building lent by the Metropolitan Board of Water Supply. During the present year, the question of a new building was raised; a few friends threw in their generous assistance, and Mr G H Watts came forward with a gift of a block of land. The result of the effort was now before them. It was a small beginning but was practically free of debt, and it was for the people of Prospect to work together and make the School of

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Arts a centre of social and intellectual advance. Provision had been made for future extension, and he trusted that before long, a nice little hall would be added. “Mrs Jacobs then turned the key and declared the building opened… “Inside the building addresses were delivered by President Willmot and Councillors Sherlock and Knox, all of whom congratulated the Prospect people on the opening of their new building. A social and musical evening was afterwards held in Watt’s Hall, where dancing was indulged in until midnight… “The new building is situated on the Western Road, opposite the post office, and consists of a library and reading room, each 20 x 10 ft. Room has been left in front of the building for a proposed hall, 30 feet long. Mr C Glasson, the Granville builder, was the contractor for the work, which cost, including the usual adjuncts and fencing of the site, about £80, while furniture, to the value of about £60 including a piano, has been placed in the rooms.” 13 It is interesting to note that to celebrate the opening of the School of Arts, the festivities had to be held in Watt’s Hall and not in the School of Arts itself. At that stage, as the article says, the building comprised only two rooms and it was hoped to add a hall later. The library comprised 234 volumes, in addition to a number of short volumes and penny poets.

The School of Arts, 1908 building. The join in the exterior wall indicates the original two rooms at the rear, with the hall built at the front in 1912.

Photo: Mr Caprari and Prospect Heritage Trust In 1909 the Yearly Report stated: “Seventeen new members joined during the year. There are at present 44 members on the books. There were 11 committee meetings, one special committee meeting, and 2 special general meetings. The August committee meeting lapsed on account of wet weather. Mr Matthews withdrew from the position of Honorary Secretary at the close of last financial year, after occupying the position since 1 March 1906.” 14

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In 1912 the extensions were duly completed, and a Grand Reopening Social was held on Saturday, June 22, 1912, in aid of the Enlargement Fund. Mr S H Fuller was the Honorary Secretary. 15 The Nepean Times reported: “PROSPECT A large gathering of residents were present on Saturday afternoon when Mrs Jacob, the wife of the only president of the School of Arts, performed the ceremony of opening the handsome enlargement… Mr Jacob presided and congratulated the residents of Prospect on the success attending their efforts since 1900, when the School of Arts was first formed … Mr J C Hunt, MLA, expressed pleasure at seeing so fine a building used in the interests of education… councillors J S Angus and A T Pringle both addressed the meeting, complimenting Prospect with having such an excellent building and good roads… “ 16 In July 1913 the following report was submitted: “The total cost of the present School of Arts is £188/18/3. In 1909 the committee erected a building at a cost of £72/1/9 [it was actually 1908] and in that year we received £39/17/6 as a building subsidy. In the year 1911/1912, the committee decided to enlarge the then building, which was found too small for a growing population. This building was completed in the year 1912/1913 at a cost of £116/16/6 to the Institution. J Hamilton, Honorary Secretary.” 17 A number of people had contributed money towards the cost of the new building, including Mr P Leabon, five shillings; Emu Gravel Company, five guineas; A Stoddart, three shillings; R H Lalor, one pound; Mr G Wheeler, one shilling; A F Jacob, one pound; J E Hamilton, ten shillings. 18 In 1916 it was announced that the institution was prospering, and a further parcel of £5 worth of books had been added to the library, with good support for the recreation room “although perhaps not as well as it should be…” 19 In those times, library facilities were not provided by the local council – and would not be for many decades to come, so a library was seen as a place of both recreation and education for adults. In 1917 a Welcome Home was held for Private W Cameron, recently returned from Gallipoli. Private Cameron was presented with a gold medal by Mr Innes, on behalf of his many friends. 20

In 1918 the School of Arts was again filled for a Welcome Home, this time for Private Hunt, who had entered the Australian Imperial Force in 1916 and recently returned home. Private Hunt had been in the charges at Poziere and Ypres. He was welcomed by local dignitaries, including schoolmaster Mr Burrell, and Mr Hicks, the President of the School of Arts gave him a gold medallion, suitably inscribed. Private Hunt then related some of his experiences on the battlefield. 21 Another Welcome Home was held on 20 September 1919 for four returned soldiers, Trooper Gardiner, Private Strang, Sergeant Tonkin and Lance Corporal Abraham, all of whom were given medals. Private Strang was “minus his left arm”. 22 The extensive use of the School of Arts continued, with euchre, cabaret, dancing, balls, first aid classes, linen teas, a debating society, revues, shower teas, and use as a polling place. The little hall had become the community centre of Prospect, and a very busy one at that. By 1923 even the additions were proving too small, and it was decided to build a second, larger hall immediately adjacent to the original. Once again George Henry Watts donated the extra portion of land, and this was transferred to the trustees – Albert Francis, Jacob George, Henry Watts, George Henry Watts and Joseph Hicks on 1 February 1923. Under the old System Search at the Department of Lands, the site was described as “Parish of Prospect, County of Cumberland, being 1 rood 32

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perches, being part of Lot 2 of Tarlington’s Subdivision of part of a Grant of 160 acres to John Kennedy…” 23 The Government Architect, Mr G N Kenworthy, reported in May 1923 that the hall was to be 50 ft long by 30 ft wide, and 14 ft high. There was a stage measuring 30 x 10 ft and two dressing rooms. At the street end was an office and cloak room and the building was to be timber framed, with a roof of galvanised iron. Natural light would filter inside by means of eight windows, four on each side. 24 The new School of Arts hall opened on 2 June 1923 25 and was licensed as a public hall on 13 August 1923. 26 It was a much larger building, with an office and cloak room at the front and a large stage and dressing area at the rear. The old building continued to be used as a reading and supper room. The Cumberland Argus reported: “OFFICIAL OPENING PROSPECT SCHOOL OF ARTS Another page in the history of Prospect was added to the already voluminous records of this, one of the oldest districts in NSW on Saturday afternoon last, when the new School of Arts was officially opened. The building, which is of weatherboard and lined with fibro plaster, is situated beside the old structure which has done duty for many years and which will now be used as a supper room. Containing several dressing and other ante-rooms, a commodious stage and a splendid dancing floor, with exits at each side, this building should be a boon and a blessing to the residents. “The ever popular and portly Mr Joe Hicks, who holds the honourable position as President of the School of Arts, has a fine team of energetic members on the committee, which consists of Messrs T H Burrell [hon secretary] K Hicks [treasurer], C I Rutgerson, J Thornley, H Neaves, B Coogan, A Wooster and W Bennett, (committee) with Mr A F Jacob as a life member, and it is largely due to this combination of enthusiasts that such large strides have been made in the movement. “Seated on the stage were Crs Page and G A Lalor, Ald H C G Moss (Mayor of Parramatta) and Mrs Moss, Brigadier-General C Cox and Mrs Cox, Mr and Mrs Jacob and Mr P S Shorter. Proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem… “The first School of Arts was off the main road, in an out of the way place and consisted of a loft in an old stable. However, the late Mr Geo Watts came along and offered a piece of land on which was erected a building of 20 feet square. This soon proved to be inadequate to house the large attendances and the structure was added to. During the war the hall was loaned free for every patriotic movement, and after hostilities had ceased, the bank balance was certainly diminutive… “After much discussion it was at length decided to erect a more imposing building and Mr A F Jacob again filled the breach as a practical worker. Costing £700, arrangements were made with a Parramatta bank to borrow the money… On rising, Mr Jacob was greeted with applause. He thanked those responsible for giving him the honor of performing the opening ceremony, and mentioned that this was the third occasion on which he had officially opened a School of Arts at Prospect… He referred to the lamented death of the late Mr Geo Watts and considered that the movement had lost in him one of its best supporters. “Dancing was indulged in until a late hour and this put the finishing touches on a very pleasant function.” 27

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Sadly, Mr George Watts, who had given the land for both the 1908 and 1923 halls, had passed away that year and did not live to see the opening of the new building. 28 May 1924 saw the first in a series of variety dances conducted by Messrs Barber, Sanderson and Brown, of the Sunshine Music Parlour in Parramatta. The entertainment was said to be “new and novel and much appreciated by those present”. Each dance was preceded by a vaudeville turn, contributed by Dot Dingle, Trixie Murphy, Billy June, May Allard, Josie Mead and with George Rose at the piano. 29

The 1923 School of Arts [larger building] located adjacent to

The original 1908 building. Photo: Les Tod Collection. In October 1924 a bazaar was held in the hall to raise money to reduce the debit attached to the building. “Last year, thanks to the efforts of an enthusiastic band of local workers, a large and up-to-date hall was erected at Prospect … and since the opening the same sturdy group has made sound progress in an endeavour to reduce the debt attached to the building. With this end in view, a bazaar was held on Saturday, the result being that an additional £90 was raised. .. The hall was beautifully decorated by Mrs Hicks with multi coloured streamers and the stalls were prettily ornamented with floral trimmings, while a bevy of fair assistants gave the necessary animation to the scene. The ladies assisting were” refreshment and cakes, Mrs Hicks, Mrs Bennett, Mrs Wooster, Miss Patience Hicks and Miss Beryl Hicks; ice cream and drinks, Miss Watts, Miss Pond and Miss Leabon; sweets, Mrs Mullens, Miss Matthews, Miss Mullens and Miss B Chambers…”. 30 Today, nobody would remember just how hard these ladies must have worked, not only on the stalls, but also in their own kitchens. The bazaar was declared open by the School of Arts President, Mr Hicks. A cooking competition was judged in the categories of scones and sandwiches, and the winners of a school competition were announced, prizes including a map of India and a map of Australia. At the conclusion of the sale in the evening, a dance was held. Such was life in the days when a community pulled together and if it wanted something, worked hard to get it without any assistance from government authorities. In the following month, the Western Entertainers, all Wentworthville amateurs, gave an entertainment in aid of the Benevolent Fund of the Duke of York and Prospect branches of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows (GUOOF), both masonic lodges. 31

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A fancy dress ball was held on June 28, when the GUOOF held its second annual plain and fancy dress ball. A large number of “jazzers found the floor in tip-top condition.” Valuable prizes were fiven for the various events, including belle of the ball to Mrs Roberts, and best fancy dressed lady to Miss M Burn, and fancy dressed gentleman to Master Kelvin Plum. The Monte Carlo Waltz was won by Miss K Allchin and partner and the Chocolate Waltz by Miss W Chambers and partner. Wheatley’s Band from Westmead provided the music “and the social cup of tea, with an abundance of good things to eat, helped to make the function a success.” 32 A soccer dance by Blacktown Soccer Club in July included a euchre party and Cullen’s Jazz Band provided the music. 33 In July 1928 two young men were charged with indecent language in the hall “which necessitated their attendance at Parramatta Police Court”. Both pleaded guilty to drinking at the local hotel and then making a general nuisance of themselves. It was stated that “there were a hundred couples in the hall and the language could be distinctly heard”. Each was fined £5. 34

A concert in aid of the Church of England, arranged by Mrs W Walker of Bungarribee, took place in April 1929 and was chaired by Mr A Innes, the Minister’s Warden. The programme included Miss Blackburn singing a song for the overture, then a dance by Miss Joan and Norman Trevillian, violin solo by Ray Turner, recitation by Miss Marjorie Ferguson, song by Mr Walker, comic song by Bobby Watson, dance by Miss Joan Trevillian, and recitation by Miss Joan Trevillian. 35 March 1930 saw a farewell at the School of Arts for popular teacher, Mrs Fletcher, who was leaving the district after teaching there for three years. Little Mary Heathfield presented Mrs Fletcher with a handsome bouquet and the farewell was chaired by Mr Batgerson, chairman of the Parents and Citizens Association, who presented a valuable collection of cut glass to Mrs Fletcher and thanked her for taking a foremost role in assisting the P&C. 36 In September 1930, the unfortunate Patrick Sadler had his pony and sulky stolen from the rear of the School of Arts while he was inside. 37 Typical of the events held in the hall was a cabaret on 26 May 1934. “A very successful evening was held in the School of Arts, Prospect, last Saturday, in aid of the Ladies Relief Association, Girraween. The cabaret, where tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes were provided was well patronised. During the evening a clever turn of eccentric step dancing was put over … Dances consisted of old time and jazz … Music was supplied by Trevor Pear’s famous dance band.” 38

A dance in September 1935 raised funds in aid of the Catholic Church which packed the hall. The evening was organised by Miss Cooney and music was supplied by Wally Stevenson’s Orchestra, with Mr Johnson as MC. 39 Extensions to the hall were opened on Saturday 19 June, 1937. Mrs Jacob, wife of the President, again opened the hall in the presence of a large gathering of residents and visitors, and that evening a social was held in the enlarged hall. 40 December 1937 saw the Valerie Cooke School of Dancing present a “sparkling revue” to a packed house in the extended hall. 41

Another popular function in September 1939 was a Fancy Frocks ball. The Argus reported “Mrs Ravet and Miss Jane Hawkes will judge the fancy frocks at the Prospect School of Arts on October 14, when the Parents and Citizens Association is holding a juvenile ball for school funds. Mrs Ravet is donating a silver cup for the belle of the ball.” 42

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The sad passing of the School of Arts President and founding member, Mr Joe Hicks, was announced in May 1939. Mr Hicks had bred Jersey cattle at Bridestowe, his Prospect farm and was also a foundation member of Blacktown Agricultural Society and on its council for 20 years. He had been a member of Parramatta Lancers and patron of several local societies, involved in trotting and a keen runner. His loss would have been a huge blow for both the Prospect and Blacktown areas. He was, appropriately, buried in St Bartholomew’s Church cemetery at Prospect.43 In late 1939 the Secretary, Mr N K Hicks (son of the late Joe Hicks) wrote to the Chief Secretary and advised that “we are arranging to let our hall once a week for a Picture Show.” 44 It was not uncommon for such halls to agree to being used as a cinema/theatre as it gave a regular and reliable income stream to help in their upkeep as well as a sense of prestige. However, a permanent and approved bio box had to be constructed according to department specifications for safety reasons. The application was granted. Blacktown Police inspected the hall on November 1939 and reported that it was 30 x 68 feet, had no bio box, was of good appearance, lined and ceiled, [sic] with no screen. 45 An advertisement appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald in January 1940 giving notice by Mr N Hicks, Secretary, that an application has been made for a film licence for the School of Arts hall. 46

However, Mr Hicks had to advise the Chief Secretary later in 1940 that the two picture show promoters had disappeared and the proposal had fallen through. 47

There was some excitement at a dance for the Blacktown Shire Patriotic Fund Younger Set in March 1941, when a car collided with a telegraph pole in Prospect and caused a local blackout, just as patrons of the dance were arriving. The cashiers, W A Hartley and Bill Boys, hurriedly procured candles and Stella Smith and her orchestra carried on for some 50 minutes before lighting was restored. The Younger Set had decorated the hall and the “grown-ups” provided an excellent supper. 48

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In May 1946 the hall was used for a ball by the Communist Social Club – an occurrence today which would raise more than a few eyebrows! 49

No further attempts were made to use the hall as a picture theatre until 1949, and this caused an objection to be lodged. At that time, Blacktown was without a picture theatre, the Rivoli having burnt down in 1946 and its replacement, the new Warrick Theatre was yet to open. Some Prospect residents claimed they preferred to travel to Parramatta or Wentworthville to see the pictures. Mr R Payne, who operated the Regent Theatre at Wentworthville, objected to Prospect School of Arts being licensed to show films, and stated that the new Warrick Theatre at Blacktown, when it opened, [a Payne Family theatre] would adequately serve the people of Prospect. Notwithstanding the objection, the judge upheld the issuing of a licence, and Prospect School of Arts was allowed to have its own picture show. The licensee was to be Mr John Cornell, a returned serviceman. 50

Construction of a bio box was undertaken at the rear of the hall and the screen was hung above the front entrance. The hall was never equipped with a rewind room (necessary for public safety as film was highly inflammable in those days) and the Chief Secretary demanded that the rewinding of films could not be done while members of the public were present, for safety reasons. 51 Mr Cornell opened his Prospect Theatre on 18 January 1950 with the film Blue Skies, starring Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. Seating capacity was 250, a reduction on the licensed 333. 52

Blacktown Police visited the theatre in January and April 1951 and stated that Mr Cornell was conducting the pictures, but as he also worked at the Hoyts Theatre at Burwood, he had another man run the pictures at Prospect for him. 53

However Mr Cornell was forced to close his Prospect Theatre later in 1951 when it was discovered that his screen was war disposal and did not meet with safety requirements. The department was very firm on theatre screens, their origin and age, and flammability requirements. 54 Blacktown Police inspected the hall and noted that the screen was from Army Disposals. Mr Cornell had sprayed it with fire retardant liquid and stated it would be a hardship to him if he had to purchase another. Mr Cornell “only attends this Hall on weekends to do the work and pictures [are] shown only on Saturday nights…” 55

But the authorities would not budge on public safety matters in theatres and halls, so Mr Cornell managed to source a new screen, installed it, and films resumed on Saturday 5 April 1952. 56 In 1953 Cornell sold his picture show rights at the hall to Mr A V Thompson. 57

The 1955 official annual inspection stated that the theatre seated 333 and the Brakell screen had been installed on 2 April 1952. 58

Mr Thompson continued to operate his films until closure on 7 June 1958. 59 It would not have been economically viable to install the new widescreen CinemaScope and stereophonic sound in the hall, which was already installed in Blacktown’s Warrick and the Wentworthville Regent, as well as the three Parramatta cinemas. In addition, Toongabbie and Seven Hills both also now had cinemas, which was additional competition that Prospect School of Arts simply did not need. All were feeling the effects of television with dwindling attendances. With people’s social and recreational activities also changing, and without the picture show’s weekly revenue, the Prospect School of Arts entered its final years – ones of neglect and decline. The aspirations of its founders in 1900 had long been forgotten. Blacktown Municipal Council now had a library and TAFE colleges and high schools were springing up throughout the district, making the objectives of Schools of Arts no longer necessary and an anachronism. Licensed clubs were providing entertainment and recreation, and television had closed many theatres since its introduction. People’s leisure habits were changing, and the availability of motor cars had made travel

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and other forms of recreation available to everyone. Small village halls like the School of Arts at Prospect were quickly becoming relics of the past. The hall was no longer used for the types of functions which had made it both popular and essential in bygone years. No longer was the echo of music, dancing and laughter emanating from its brightly lit interior, nor the flickering shadows of motion pictures. If the hall had had an active committee and community, it may have survived, but it lacked community support and was rapidly also becoming structurally unsound. The hall was inspected by the NSW Fire Brigade in July 1960 and a critical report was submitted. This stated: “An inspection of the premises carried out on 2 October, 1958 by Mr A McFarlane of the Chief Secretary’s Department listed a number of items requiring attention, none of which have been complied with. On the same date, District Officer Meeve inspected the building and made recommendations…none of these have been complied with.… no effort is being made to have the hall brought up to the standards required… “On the recent visit it was found that of the two hand chemical fire extinguishers installed, one was empty, one could not be located. The screening of films was discontinued over two years ago and access [to the bio box] cannot be gained for inspection…the whereabouts of the former projectionist is not known. It is apparent the building was infested by white ants …” 60

The Government Architect of the Department of Public Works was the next to inspect the School of Arts in February 1961: “A urinal has been provided in the men’s toilet. A concrete slab has been provided in front of the urinal. The toilets were found to be reasonably clean. “… white ants have caused considerable damage throughout the premises. Some structural timbers have been completely eaten through… the walls are leaning out of plumb and are badly warped. The main portion of the building is supported on concrete piers… One pier has fallen over and the remainder are leaning up to three inches out of plumb. “The premises from a structural point of view are considered unsatisfactory and concern is felt as to the cause of the lean in the building and the piers.” 61 Around 1962 this writer, as a teenager, rode past the derelict halls several times and on one occasion looked inside. Full of old seats piled to the side, rubbish, cobwebs and dust, the large hall presented a sorry sight. A faded film poster for “Ghost of Frankenstein” was still stuck on the front and was probably the last film screened there. Tall weeds and rubbish proliferated around its outside borders. The last dancer had long departed, the last film had run off its reel. Only silence remained. In 1964 the hall was de-licensed, meaning it could not be used for any public purpose.62

Abandoned and forgotten by the community it was built to serve, condemned as being unsightly and unsafe, the School of Arts now sat quietly awaiting its fate. In 1967 the only surviving trustee, Ken Hicks, wrote to Blacktown Municipal Council consenting to a takeover of the hall by Council, stating that nobody had any interest in it.63

Around this period, Blacktown City Council was attempting to remove old unsightly halls from its area, at Quaker’s Hill, Toongabbie, and Blacktown. In 1968 it turned its attention to the Prospect School of Arts and wrote to the Department of Education and the Crown Solicitor concerning its options. The

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issue was a complicated one, as many Schools of Arts and Institutes were built on land given by the Crown, in which case the land should be returned to the Crown. However, in the case of Prospect, the land had been donated by Mr Watts and was now owned by the Prospect School of Arts, and controlled by its trustees. But by 1968 all of the trustees had passed away and there was no-one to act on behalf of the hall, nor were there any members left. The Department of Education had stated that the building “was in an unsightly condition and the institution is without trustees, the former trustees having died.” It had added that “the institution is no longer carrying out the objects for which it was established, being without members or trustees…” 64

The Crown Solicitor replied that it would be difficult for Council to resume the land, depending on its intentions, as it had been acquired for a charitable purpose, and that any proceeds would need to be put to a similar purpose. However, if such proceeds were applied to Council’s library services, this may be acceptable. 65 Another department suggested that the land be reclaimed for unpaid rates.. 66 However, the situation was overtaken by events. The Prospect School of Arts was destroyed by fire on 10 August 1968. 67 Both the halls of 1908 and 1923 were lost in the blaze and nothing remained. In 2013 the site still remains vacant and is zoned for future public recreation purposes. That part of Old Western Road is now a cul-de-sac, the original road having been divided by the later construction of the M4. 68 Much of the original village of Prospect was demolished for the Great Western Highway deviation in the 1960s. The former Post Office building still stands, but is disused and fenced off to prevent vandalism. After a history of almost 70 years and once the community heart of prospect, the School of Arts was consigned to the mists of time and fading memory, the labours of its founders, donors and members now long forgotten. Unwanted, dilapidated, having outlived even its trustees as well as its times, it became the subject of legal argument between Blacktown Council and Government bodies until its long career of public service was finally ignominiously and conveniently ended by fire. It is to be hoped that this research serves as a tribute to the labours and dedication of those men and women, including Mr A F Jacobs, Mr George Watts, Mr Joseph Hicks, Mr Ken Hicks, the supper ladies and the many others who sought to bring to Prospect and its residents an educational facility, a social venue, a library and a picture show, all in the humble little timber hall known as the Prospect School of Arts.

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References: 1. Prospect Heritage Trust, Inc. Website www.prospectheritagetrust.org.au. The original Rules and

Practice book of 1900 is held by the State Library of NSW, 027.4/S 2. Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, 28 November 1908. 3. State Records of NSW. Colonial Secretary’s files, 87/9314, Mr John Leader to the Colonial

Secretary, 19 August, 1887. [this collection] 4. Chief Secretary’s Department, licensing lists. [L R Tod collection]. 5. NSW Government Gazette, February 1915. 6. Births, Deaths and Marriages, NSW. 6765/1898 7. Ibid. 4566/1923 8. Argus, Op Cit. 23 February 1901. 9. Ibid. 25 May 1901. 10. State Records, Op Cit. Education, NRS3830; Prospect School of Arts, 1908-1913 [20/13124] 11. State Records NSW. Prospect School of Arts, Op Cit. 12. Ibid. 13. Argus, Op Cit. 28 November 1908. 14. State Records, NSW. Prospect School of Arts, Op Cit. Yearly Report, 30 June 1909. 15. Argus, Op Cit. 15 June 1912. 16. Nepean Times. Saturday 29 June 1912, p3 17. State Records, Op Cit. Prospect School of Arts File, Op Cit. 18. Ibid. 19. Argus, Op Cit. Saturday 8 July 1916 p11 20. Ibid. Saturday 31 March 1917 p5 21. Ibid. Saturday 11 May 1918, p11 22. Ibid. Saturday 27 September 1919, p13 23. State Records of NSW. Education, 67/41726. Old System search, Land Titles. Book 1291, No

301. Dated 1 February 1923. 24. State Records, of NSW. Chief Secretary’s Department, File T2435, 10/53143. Letter by

Kenworthy to Chief Secretary, 8 May 1923. George Kenworthy was born in England and would later become well known in Australia as a prominent theatre architect, who trained under famous architect Henry E White. Kenworthy would go on to design many architecturally outstanding theatres, including the Cremorne Orpheum, Mudgee Regent and the Hurstville Savoy.

25. State Records of NSW. Op Cit. Letter from T Burrell, Secretary, to Chief Secretary, 28 May 1923.

26. Chief Secretary’s Department, licensing lists. [L R Tod collection] Copy of licence held. 27. Argus, Op Cit. 6 June 1923. 28. BDM, Op Cit. 4566/1923 29. Argus, Op Cit. Wednesday 7 May 1924 p2 30. Ibid. Friday 24 October 1924, p3 31. Ibid. Friday 7 November 1924 p3 32. Ibid. Friday 2 July 1926 p6 33. Ibid. Friday 29 July 1927 p2 34. Ibid. Friday 13 July 1928, p1 35. Ibid. Monday 29 April 1929 p2 36. Ibid. Thursday 20 March 1930 p3 37. Ibid. Monday 29 September 1930 p1 38. Ibid. Thursday 31 May 1934 p9 39. Ibid. Thursday 12 September 1935 p15 40. Ibid. Thursday 24 June 1937, p16 41. Ibid. Thursday 2 December 1937 p10 42 Ibid. Wednesday 27 September 1939 p6

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43. Ibid. Wednesday 3 May 1939 p3 44. State Records. Chief Secretary’s Department, Op Cit. Hicks to CS, 13 November 1939. 45. Ibid. Blacktown Police, 25 November 1939. 46. Sydney Morning Herald, January 1940 [no day cited] [L R Tod Collection] 47. Argus, Op Cit. Wednesday 2 April 1941 p3 48. State Records, Op Cit. Hicks to CS, undated. 49. Argus, Op Cit. Wednesday 29 May 1946. P10, 50. State Records, Op Cit.. There is a considerable amount of documentation relating to this objection, and the opinions of local people and others, as well as the final judgement. Whenever a new cinema was proposed, it was normal for competing operators in the area to lodge a complaint. 51. Ibid.

52. Cork, Kevin J. Information prepared for article “Pictures at Prospect”, published in an uncited issue of the journal of the Blacktown and District Historical Society, Inc.

53. State Records, Op Cit. Blacktown Police, 30 January 1951 and 3 April 1951. 54 Ibid. Inspection report, 7 July 1951 55. Ibid. Blacktown Police, 21 February 1950. 56. Ibid. Blacktown Police, 7 April 1952. 57. Cork,, Op Cit 58. State Records, Op Cit. Inspection report, 28 July 1955. 59. Cork, Op Cit. 60. State Records, Op Cit. Board of Fire Commissioners report, 28 July 1960. 61. Ibid. Department of Public Works, Government Architect, 24 March 1961. 62. NSW Government Gazette, 13 November 1964 63. State Records, Op Cit. Public Trust Office to Department of Education, 9 October 1968 64. Ibid. State Crown Solicitor to Department of Education, 20 August 1968 65. Ibid. 66. Ibid. Public Trust Office, 9 October 1968 67. Ibid. 68. Blacktown City Council BLEP 2013, map 14.

SPECIAL NOTE: Extracts from State Records of NSW files have been used with consent: Reference SR 06/0501 15 May 2013. Extracts may NOT be used independently of this research without the written permission of State Records of NSW.

15

Appendix 1: Excerpt of the newspaper report on the opening of the Prospect School Of Arts. [ Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrower’s Advocate, 28 November 1908.]

16

Appendix 2: Excerpt of the newspaper report on the opening of The 1923 building. [Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrower’s Advocate,6 June 1923]

17

Appendix 3: Copy of the original licence of the 1923 School of Arts. [Chief Secretary’s Department, State Records of NSW. File 2435. 13 August 1923.]

18

Appendix 4: Land Title search, Book 1291, No 301, for the 1923 land ownership transfer from George Henry Watts to the Trustees. [Department of Education, State Records of NSW. File 67/41726]

19

Appendix 5: excerpt from Parish of Prospect, Map 2, County of Cumberland, Department of Lands, showing the original grant of John Kennedy and the later location of the Prospect School of Arts with the Prospect Post Office

shown almost opposite. These locations are approximate. That part of the original Old Western Road is now a cul-de-sac, divided from the major section by the later construction of the M4 motorway.