The King George V. Memorial Scout Hall on Milford Street was officially opened on Saturday 7 August 1937. It was to be the new home for the 2nd Ipswich Scout Group.
The advertisement for the Scout Hall official opening. Appeared in The Queensland Times, 7 August 1937.
The 2nd Ipswich Scout Group had its origins in 1923, when it was launched by Mr Val Outridge, a former member of the 1st Ipswich Scout Group. The group utilised the Central Congregational Church’s Young People’s Hall in East Street for their meetings. It was said that the hall was used more by the Scouts and Guides than for any other purpose! This arrangement lasted until June 1936, when the Hall was sold and the Scouts had to vacate. The last Scout meeting there was Friday 21 June, 1936.
Needing a new home, the Scouts were able to stow their equipment in the garage of Mr & Mrs Wratten. Mr H.S. Cribb allowed part of the old power-house building, owned by Cribb and Foote, to be used for meetings. In the meantime they worked towards building a new Scout Hall.
By July 1936 permission had been obtained from the council for the lease of some land in Queens Park, fronting onto Milford Street. Fundraising for the hall began in earnest, with the Scouts pursuing many money-raising ventures – including hosting dances, and performing concerts and shows. Assistance and support also came from Mayor Stephenson, the Aldermen, the Ladies’ Committee, and the Rotary Club.
Construction on the hall began towards the end of March 1937, the work being carried out by builder Mr J. Donald. It was to measure 25ft x 40ft and feature a brick fireplace on the rear wall. An additional leader’s room of 10ft x 14ft was to be attached to one end. The hall itself was purchased from elsewhere, dismantled and then brought to its new location for re-erection. By the end of April the hall’s framework was up, and in May the hall was mostly completed. It was painted dark red and green and featured a highly polished wooden floor. From the beginnings of the project the intention had been to name the new hall the King George V. Memorial Scout Hall, in memory of the late King and patron of the Scouting Association. A carved wooden sign with this name was placed above the front door. This sign is still in place today.
King George V. Memorial Scout Hall, August 1937. Photo appeared in The Queensland Times, 9 August 1937.
From 21 May 1937, the Scouts and Cubs could select their patrol corners and begin using the hall for their meetings. They quickly decorated the interior with Scouting trophies, flags, displays, and equipment. A painting by Scoutmaster R. Donald stood above the fireplace, showing a uniformed Scout hiking along a bush track. Scoutmaster Donald’s work also appeared on the Hall windows, each decorated with Scout badges done in painted imitation leadlight.
On Saturday 7 August 1937, the hall was officially opened by Mr Jos. Francis, M.H.R. Upon arrival, Mr & Mrs Francis were welcomed with a guard of honour. Mr Francis then presented a speech on the important role Scouting played within the community, followed by cutting the cord across the hall doorway. He then knocked on the door and as it was opened declared the hall also officially opened. Mr D. Roberts, a former Scout, presented the group with a painted silver Scout badge carved from pine. This was later mounted on the front of the hall.
The King George V. Memorial Scout Hall in 1991. Photo courtesy of Picture Ipswich, taken as part of the Ipswich Heritage Study.
The 2nd Ipswich Scouts are today known as the Queens Park Scout Group. They still meet regularly in the King George V. Memorial Scout Hall. The hall has had some additions over the years, including two rear rooms, a toilet block and a storage area. The leaders’ room is now a kitchen, and a porch with wheelchair access has been added to the front.
The King George V. Memorial Scout Hall as it appears in May 2017. Photo courtesy Ipswich Libraries.
Sources:
- Ipswich Heritage Study Vol.3
- Picture Ipswich, Ipswich Libraries
- 2nd Ipswich Group, The Queensland Times, Friday 12 March 1937, p9
- New Scout Hall, The Queensland Times, Thursday 20 May 1937, p6
- Scout Notes, The Queensland Times, Friday 6 August 1937, p4
- New Hall Opened, The Queensland Times, Monday 9 August 1937, p8
- Scout Notes, The Queensland Times, Friday 13 August 1937, p4