A photograph of the Warragul Shire Hall being constructed at 72 Queen St in 1892.
Amongst the nine workers posed around a large pile of bricks is Bob Kent standing on the left.
Arthur Gunter, who had come to Warragul to work on the Railway Hotel and then the Shire Hall as a bricklayer, later wrote about his experiences in Warragul.
Note in the photograph, the archway construction of the windows and the timber formed for the upper balcony window prior to the bricks being laid. After the brick work was completed the timber was removed.
It is a fine example of a cavity wall construction in a red-faced brick known as Brunswick Red.
The foundations and the internal brick walls are made of Longwarry bricks. The back wall was constructed using the Longwarry bricks because the plans were to add a hall at the back of the building.
The first contractor was Mr A D Preston of Drouin who could not complete the building. The final construction was carried out by Mr Gallard of Geelong.
The total cost of the building the Warragul Shire Hall, plus extras, was £1,953.
The Warragul Shire ceased using the building in 1965 and it is now known as the Old Shire Hall and standing strong on the prominent corner of Queen and Smith Streets. The building is home to the museum of the Warragul and District Historical Society and the West Gippsland Genealogical Society.
Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society. October is history month, and the building will be open for the week from Monday October 9 to Friday, October 13 between the hours of 10am to 2pm for visitors.
Any additional information can be obtained by contacting 0438 232 105.