Morisset Memorial Hall and Literary Institute

About

Morisset Memorial Hall and Literary Institute is located at 77 Dora Street, Morisset NSW 2264 (Lot 2 DP 590896). It has stage heritage status with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (#1910482) and local (Lake Macquarie City Council #231). The hall is owned and controlled by Morisset Memorial Hall and Literary Institute Incorporated and is a "not for profit" organisation serving the community of Morisset. It currently has 277 members. The townspeople of Morisset commissioned architect Robert Wilkinson and builders George Grace and Sons to build a community hall in honour of the townspeople who had given their lives in the First World War. The official opening and dedication took place on Armistice Day, 11 November 1927. The overall building is 16.4 metres wide by 33 metres long. There is also a lower hall used for meetings. The frame is timber with weatherboard and an iron roof. The floor is of high quality Tallowood making it ideal for dancing. There is a stage at the southern end. The hall houses the Morisset and Lake District Roll of Honour.  The facade and part of the front of the hall was destroyed by fire in 1953. The townspeople rallied to the rebuilding project. Herb and Clarrie Mullard donated timber, equipment and mill workers helped with the restoration. Women of the town supplied lunches and refreshments. The Masterbuilder at Avondale College came with apprentices and formed the brickwork facade. From the day of its opening, the hall has been the heart of the community. During the Second World War, farewells were given to departing servicemen from Morisset. The rear of the hall was the literary institute, being the town library. It later became the venue for the Country Women's Association, the local RSL and RSL Women's Auxiliary. Prior to 1961, a church service was held for Anzac Day. Sub-branch member Bill Braken introduced the Anzac Day March. The hall was the centre of all the activities. Mr Braken, Dr Maine, Medical Superintendent of Morisset Hospital, and Mr John Henderson, Hospital Manager, organised the Returned Service Personnel Patients to take part in the Anzac Day March. Mrs Anne Braken and wives of the RSL members organised the luncheon. It was a resounding success. Morisset and Dora Creek sub-Branches amalgamated in 1961. They used the lower hall for their meetings. The main hall was used as a picture theatre, for wedding receptions, balls, parties, plays, card evenings, flower shows, school presentations and even a roller skating rink. With over 16 organisations regularly using the hall, it is always fully booked. The hall has been serving the Morisset Community for 90 years.              [References: Iron Horse and Iron Bark - History of Morisset and District by Beryl Mullard]