Introduction

By the early 1950’s, many towns had a community hall that was the hub of social gatherings and meetings. In Nelson Bay, the Arcadia Hall (later Arcadia Theatre) in Stockton Street was the local such hub.

The opening date of the Arcadia Hall is not known, but it was certainly in business by 1922. No events were reported as being held there during the Depression and War years of the 1930’s and 1940’s.

Other church halls in the Nelson Bay area were used for social activities, but Arcadia Hall was the main venue for such events from the early 1920’s to the mid 1960’s.

Many community and sports organisations used the Hall, with newspaper reports and advertisements showing the variety of events held there. On some occasions, dancing continued until the early hours the morning

Using the resources of the National Library’s Trove newspaper collection, this paper looks at the functions held at Arcadia Hall, to provide an insight into the social life enjoyed by early residents of the Nelson Bay area.

Annual Cricket Club Ball – 1922

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 5 September 1922, page 5, reported:

‘The annual cricketers’ ball, held in Arcadia Hall on Friday evening, was a great success. The hall was taxed to its utmost capacity to hold the dancers, as, in addition to the local residents, officers and men from the fleet, now anchored in the bay, attended. The stringed orchestra from H.M.A.S. Anzac’s Concert Party rendered several items during the evening, which were greatly appreciated. The club will benefit to the extent of about £12.’

Arcadia Hall premises auctioned – 1923

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 11 April 1923, page 3, published the following advertisement concerning the auction of the Arcadia Music Hall and a cottage:

‘PORT STEPHENS, NELSON’S BAY. TO-MORROW (THURSDAY), APRIL 12 AT THE CITY AUCTION MART, 9, 11, & 13 WOLFE-ST., at 3 o’clock. ARCADIA MUSIC HALL, Together with W.B. COTTAGE, situated in the centre of Nelson’s Bay, and close to the Water and Ferry.

ARCADIA HALL, 36ft x 70, built of w.b. and roofed with galvanised iron, contains stage, ladies’ and gent’s dressing rooms, and refreshment room. “Guyer” Piano, in walnut case, iron frame. Seating accommodation on all sides. The Hall Is in perfect order, good floor for dancing, and is let at £1 5s per night., At the rear is erected a W.B. cottage, of 2 rooms and kitchen, front veranda, which is comfortably furnished and now let at £1 5 per week. The Land has a frontage of 75ft to the main road to the Bay, by a depth of 154ft. Nelson’s Bay being a most favourable Tourist Resort, the need of an amusement hall is warranted, and under good management the rental return could be considerably increased. CREEER & BERKELEY have received instructions from Mr. M. Thompson, late A.I.F., to sell by auction, on THURSDAY, 12th April, at their rooms, 9, 11, and 13, Wolfe-street, at 3 o’clock, THE ABOVE AMIUSEMENT HALL AND W.B. COTTAGE. Terms at Sale.’

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 11 April 1923

Fund Raising Dance – 1923

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 18 September 1923, page 3, reported:

‘A benefit sports meeting, in aid of Mrs. Mitchell, of Anna Bay, was held on Saturday last. The residents of Nelson’s Bay, Anna Bay, and Tea Gardens turned out in force and made the event a great success. Twelve months’ ago Mrs. Mitchell lost her husband, who suddenly collapsed in the Nelson’s Bay store. In the past two months, two sons, the breadwinners of the family were buried, and now a third son, the only remaining breadwinner, is dangerously ill with pneumonia. At the conclusion of the day’s sports, a dance was held in the Arcadia Hall, the accommodation of which was taxed to its utmost. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs. Mitchell in her bereavement, and the people of the district, through the agency of Saturday’s events, showed their practical sympathy to the extent of about £150.’

Sports Dance – 1924

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 26 March 1924, page 9, reported:

‘The first annual picnic of the Waterside Workers’ Union of Port Stephens was held at Nelson’s Bay on Friday. The s.s. Reliance conveyed the picnickers from the northern shores to the scene of the festivities. During the day sports were indulged in by young and old, and a dance ended the day’s enjoyment, held in the Arcadia Hall. As a fair attendance was registered, the initial sports meeting of this branch proved a success.’

Methodist Church Concert – 1926

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 1 October 1926, page 5, reported:

‘A successful concert was held in Arcadia Hall, Nelson’s Bay, under the auspice of the Methodist Church. A packed audience greeted each item with the appreciation it deserved. The programme included action songs and, nursery rhymes by the infants, songs by Miss Flos. Parkin (with ballet), Mr. J. Laman, and Miss Vega Jensen. “T’wo Dolls,” by Misses Joyce Lund and Yvette Richardson, was well acted and sung, and also ”Daddy’s sweetheart,’” by Yvette Richardson. Items were also contributed ‘by the Leaf Band (Mr. D. Ridgway aid party); senior scholars, Miss E. Laman, Mr. D. Ridgway, Mr. J. Laman, Miss Vega Jensen, Miss N. Roche, Miss G. Laman, Mr. Margrave, T. Richardson, H. Diemar, E. Whittney, T. Gordon, J. Hillman, and Master Alf. Diemar (a sketch), Misses E. Laman, Miss Lola, Arthur T. Diemar, R. Larman (pianoforte, trio); Miss Flos. Parkin, Mr. D. Ridgway, E. Whitney; physical display, Miss. F. Parkin: and “The Mock Wedding’ by members of the ‘Sunshine Club.’ Mrs. C. Laman, joint promoter of the concert, with Mrs. Richardson the accompanist.

The Rev. G. Williams, superintendent, minister of Raymond Terrace Circuit, thanked the promoters and public for their splendid support, and especially Mrs. Cody and Mr. W. Thompson for placing Arcadia Hall at the church’s disposal ‘gratis’. The ballet for “Ukulele Lady” was arranged by Miss. F. Parkin and the dresses by Mrs. Richardson. The proceeds amounted to over £20. At the conclusion of the “Mock Wedding” supper was served. A wedding cake made and presented by Mrs. C. Laman to the one who guessed nearest to its weight was won by Mrs. R. Gordon.’

Methodist Church Jumble Stall and Concert – 1927

The Dungog Chronicle of 28 October 1927, page 2, reported:

‘A jumble stall concert and entertainment was held in the Arcadia Hall on Wednesday 12th inst., in the interest of the local Methodist Church. The concert was under the guidance of Mr. C. Laman. The attendance was good in the face of rain coming at the critical moment when people would have come from their homes. Some even turned back after getting a bit wet, fearing worse conditions as it looked as if it would have been a very wet night, but it cleared after some 2 hours’ rain in showers. The people who came meant biz. as the stall and dips were cleared in a comparatively short time. Everything for sale was sold.

The concert platform was presided over by Mr. Rowe. The platform gave general satisfaction. The local talent is greater and higher than most expected to find it, after the example of Wednesday night. The artists were warmly clapped as they ended their items. Mr. Grater who was to have sung fell sick, Mrs. J. Robinson (Anna Bay) came part way and was turned back home by the rain, Mrs. V. Bassett (Tea Gardens) would have been among the artists but for other duties, Little Miss Laurel Moriceau (Tea Gardens) surprised the audience by her great form and ability as pianist, she being only 10 years of age. Mr. H. Connolly of Pindimar gave quite a treat to all by his violin solos. We hope to hear him again.

Mrs. Connolly accompanied him on the piano. Miss Conners of Tea Gardens also gave a recitation very nicely. A pianoforte trio was well rendered by Misses E. Laman, R. Laman and Thel. Deimar promising young artists. Much praise is due to Miss Flora Purkin and company for their two ballets ‘Baby’ and ‘Rose.’ Miss Purkin did her part very well and her company supported her well. Mrs. W. Hill sang in her usual acceptable form. Mrs. Hill is always a willing helper in social affairs where her help is needed. Mr. Jack Laman gave a serio comic song “Maggie, Yes Ma’am” also the comic assisted by Mrs. C. Deimar “I never saw a straight banana.” A chorus “Childhood” was well rendered by the company Mrs. C. Deimar, Miss Roche, Messrs. D. Roche and Laman. A speech was listed for Mr. Rowe, but he confined it to suggesting acknowledgement and appreciation for local talent and so encourage local efforts of like kind. Success is for the one with a ‘will.’ Closed with ‘God Save the King.’

Methodist Church Spring Fair and Concert – 1928

The Dungog Chronicle of 16 October 1928, page 2, reported:

‘The Methodist Church held its Spring Fair and Concert in the Arcadia Hall on October 4th, directed by the L. C. A. For success in any public function, the ladies are indispensable. The stall of useful and fancy articles were of good value and were well displayed and from the time of opening up to the time for the concert a brisk business was done, with Mrs. M. Laman, Mrs. B. Tarrant and Miss Laman as counter attendants. ….

The concert party consisted of the young folk of Tea Gardens repeating their sacred concert given at Tea Gardens some weeks ago. The full concert party were not on the platform. Mrs. E. Holbert was absent through illness, also Mrs. Connelley was not on the platform, her absence being due to the same cause, and she was missed, as also was Mrs. Holbert. Mrs. J. Robinson, of Anna Bay was in her usual form, which is always pleasing and acceptable. The children of Tea Gardens behaved themselves real well under the direction of Miss Smith, assisted by Mrs. Moriceau, Mrs. Brown, and Mr Wilson. Appreciation was manifest by the attention of the audience of 150 or more persons. The hope is that the party of young people will keep together and with patience and practice will become a worthy choral party.

The programme was in the hands of Mr. H. G. Reeks, who is hopeful for service in the ministry. In the early part of the week, with the westerly blowing almost a gale, it was feared a postponement would he unavoidable, but the wind lulled by Thursday evenings so that the fear of the waves fled and the party came over in good spirits on Korsnian Bros’. launch, and if there is a boat that is easy to ride on it is Mr. Korsman’s ‘Yoothopona.’ At the close of the programme Mr. Rowe proposed a vote of thanks to all the artists of the concert and all who helped to make the function so successful. Mr. W. W. Lamon seconded, and a hand clap carried it by acclamation. Proceedings closed with the National Anthem. The takings were just over £26. Not too bad!

Empire Day Celebrations of Nelson Bay Public School – 1929

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 1 June 1929, page 4, reported:

‘The Empire Day celebrations in connection with the Nelson’s Bay Public School attracted a large attendance to Arcadia Hall, which had been extensively decorated and lighted by electricity, the current being supplied free of charge by Mr. H. Donald. The whole of the programme was rendered by the children numbering about 50. Mr Dixon was conductor, and Miss Palmer accompanist. Miss Jean Gordon, the school captain, presided, and after the opening chorus, spoke briefly on the significance of Empire, Master Gordon Thompson following with an address on the life of Nelson. Addresses were also given by Miss June Hillman, Miss Queenie Hunter, and Miss Ina Dixon.

The building of the Australian Flag was a well-arranged tableau, the component parts being placed in position and explained by Miss Enid Blanch, Master Neville Blanch, Master Mark Diemar, and Master Bernard Thompson. The five stars of the Southern Cross were named and placed by Misses Joyce Lund, Jean Lambourne, Milba Wells, Stella Asquith, and Mary Catsicas. Miss Nancy Gordon concluded with an appropriate quotation for the large Commonwealth star.’

Debutante Ball – 1952

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 8 March 1952, page 6, reported:

‘Nelson Bay C.W.A. [Country Women’s Association] branch will hold a Debutante Ball on May 9 in the new Arcadia Theatre. The Lord Mayor of Newcastle (Ald. Armstrong) and the Lady Mayoress will receive 11 debutantes.’ 

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 1 May 1952, page 560, further reported:

‘This season more than 60 balls and cabarets will be conducted in Newcastle’s 1952 ball season, to begin next week. ……

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress (Ald. and Mrs. Armstrong) will receive 11 debutantes at Nelson’s Bay Country Women’s Association’s annual ball in the New Arcadia Theatre on Friday night, May 9.’

Dancing Gala Night – 1952

Newcastle Morning Herald, 19 November 1952

Mannequin Parade – 1952

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 3 December 1952, page 4, reported:

‘Nelson Bay R.S.L. Women’s Auxiliary benefited from a mannequin parade in the Arcadia Theatre, Nelson’s Bay. Mannequins were Mesdames E. Williams, V. Sproule, M. Sproule and D. Hunter and Misses E. Chalkley, V. Brown, N. Hillman, J. Ode, V. West, B. Moy, L. Laman and E. Robinson. Artists were Mesdames Youngreen, Pearson, Walker and Glover.’

Footballers Annual Ball – 1953

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 28 May 1953

Returned Sailors’, Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia Ball – 1953

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 4 June 1953

Footballers Annual Ball – 1953

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 30 July 1953

Coronation Debutante Ball – 1953

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 15 October 1953, page 2, reported:

‘The Annual meeting of the Nelson Bay Country Women’s Association was held on Tuesday, October 6th and the report presented stated that a very satisfactory year had been concluded. …..

The Fourth Annual Ball was again held in the Arcadia Theatre and the supper in St. Michael’s Hall. This being a Coronation Ball the theatre was suitably decorated. The debutantes were presented to the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Newcastle. The profit was £134.’

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 9 April 1953

Hospital Ball – 1953

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 22 October 1953, page 2, reported:

‘At a public meeting held in Nelson Bay, in June stressing the urgent need of a hospital for Nelson Bay and the surrounding district, the Nelson Bay Hospital Committee was formed, and negotiations were commenced for permission to use the hospital buildings on the H. M. A. S. station and latterly used by the Department of Immigration. ….. The Minister for the Interior has agreed to lease the land and buildings to the Hospital Committee on a permissive occupancy basis at a peppercorn rental.

The Committee are now considering a programme for the establishment and maintenance of the hospital which they hope will be available to the people of Nelson Bay in the very near future.

The first annual hospital ball was held in the Arcadia Theatre, Nelson Bay, on October 9th. The ballroom was tastefully decorated with large bowls of pink and white flowers and approximately 250 couples were present. The music was supplied by the Graingers’ Dance Band and novelty dances were arranged throughout the evening. A floor show was produced by John Laman and added to the attractions of the night. A poultry and lobster supper was served in St. Michael’s Hall during the evening.’

Blue and Gold Ball – 1954

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 29 April 1954.

Returned Sailors’, Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia Ball – 1954

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 27 May 1954

Footballers Annual Ball – 1954

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 12 August 1954

Debutante Ball – 1955

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 26 May 1955, page 1, reported:

‘A most successful Debutante Ball was held by Nelson Bay Branch of the Country Women’s recently in the Arcadia Theatre, Nelson Bay. Al. Lightfoots Orchestra played to a capacity house, the attendance being over 400. Mr. Cyril Daley was general Master of Ceremonies and carried out his duties with great enthusiasm. During the presentation of Debutantes Mr. Reg Francis spotlighted each person during their promenade down the hall.

Ten beautiful debutantes were presented to the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Newcastle, Ald. and Mrs. Purdue, who were officially welcomed on stage by the President of Port Stephens Shire Councillor W. Scott, who was accompanied by Mrs. Scott, also the President of Nelson Bay C. W. A., Mrs. Len Randall and Cr. Randall. Mrs. Randall supported Cr. Scott in his welcoming remarks and also praised the efforts of members and supporters for the help they had given the Ball Committee and the Association. She also stressed the need for further support if they were to be successful in their aim for 1955, which was to assist with the completion of their War Memorial Sports Area, something Mrs. Randall said, that has been a long felt want at the Bay.

The Debutantes made their entrance through a rose-strewn old world garden archway and long white picket gates, preceded by Robyn Henderson, flower-girl dressed in salmon pink nylon net and lace and carrying a muff of red roses, her escort was Dennis Dart, clad in formal dress of white tie and tails. The Matron of Honour, Mrs. Doug Kelly, was next to appear looking radiant in mushroom embossed brocade and carrying a sheaf of roses.

Mrs. Kelly proceeded to the stage and presented the debutantes in this order. Catherine Bright (Bob’s farm), (partnered by Mr. Arthur Upton), taffeta and nylon net. Ruth Hampson, (Nelson Bay), (Mr. Hugh Randall), water-wave faille, hand-worked yoke. Valerie Sansom, (Salt Ash), (Mr. Reg Boyd), lace, net skirt. Joy Russell, (Williamtown), (Graham Robinson), Guipure lace and net. Athalene Bull, (Anna Bay), (Mr. Neville Moxey), nylon embossed. Janette Asquith, (Nelson Bay), (Mr. Trevor Holbert), Guipure lace and nylon. Janet Asquith, (Nelson Bay), (Mr. Robert Bagnall), embossed nylon. Fay Skelton, (Anna Bay), (Mr. Kevin Bolton), embossed faille. Doris Chapman, (Salt Ash), (Mr. Peter Chapman), nylon net, applique of Guipure lace. Cynthia Mitchell, (Nelson Bay), (Mr. Tony Jackson), Guipure lace top, skirt of tulle.

Each debutante carried a muff of red roses and after making her bow were joined by their partners who accompanied them in a ”Pride of Erin”. As a small gesture of appreciation gifts were presented to the teachers — Mrs H Diemar, Mrs. O. Ware and pianist, Mrs. C. Diemar. Mrs. L. Randall presented Robyn and Dennis with suitable gifts. A very enjoyable supper was served in St. Michael’s Hall and the highlight was the cutting of the debutante cake, which was made and donated by Mrs. Doug. Kelly. The cake was a wonderful example of the decorative art, being made as replica of the deb’s muffs with white background and handmade red roses. The Matron of Honour cut the cake on the request of Mrs. Daley.

The Lord Mayor, spoke strikingly to the debutantes asking them to continue their interest with their new found friends and to assist the Country Women’s Association in the future. Mr. Hugh Randall responded quite capably on behalf of the debs.

Returning to the main hall, everyone proceeded to enjoy a happy evening. Many novelties were distributed and quite a number of chocolates and cigarettes were given at various time.’

Concluding Comments

The St. Michael Catholic Church Hall in Magnus Street was located close to the Arcadia Hall. From 1947, it was also the venue for community events. On some occasions, large events shared both venues

Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

December 2023