By Goya Dmytryshchak
Memories and memorabilia of Williamstown Town Hall are being sought to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Williamstown this year.
Hobsons Bay council has put out a call for recollections, photos and mementos of weddings, dances, debutante balls, citizenship ceremonies, graduations and other events held at the town hall since it opened in 1927.
The items will be compiled for an exhibition titled: Memories of Williamstown: 100 years a city.
The exhibition will be displayed at Williamstown Library as part of the Heritage Hobsons Bay festival from April 18 to May 19.
Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden said the centenary was a chance to reflect on the history of Williamstown, which was incorporated as a borough in 1856, became a town in 1886 and was proclaimed a city on May 17, 1919.
“Originally Melbourne’s first seaport, Williamstown has developed from what was a working port town into a popular and fashionable maritime village,” he said.
“Our majestic town hall is the very heart of the city and has played host to a wide range of activities, social events, balls, concerts, ceremonies, festivals and even weddings.
“In fact, the town hall is one of the biggest seated venues in Melbourne’s west.”
Councillor Peter Hemphill said the council was hoping to borrow items for the exhibition.
“Mementos can include concert tickets, or a debutante dress, a program, a menu, election material, a badge, wedding invitation or cake topper,” he said.
“We are open to all items that produce fond memories of the town hall, and of course the library staff will take great care of any borrowed items.”
To share your story or memorabilia, visit Williamstown library, email heritage@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or call 9932 1342.
