Page 22 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

69. St. Georges- Yarraville by Denise McGuire

Today's U.D.C. Ballroom was previously the St. George theatre and the St. Georges Hall. As we all know time
waits for no-one, but for a building such as this time moves with it. In every brick, window and floorboard there
is a story to be told. Hundreds of couples courted within these walls as far back as the late 1800's. The building
has a great history; one Yarraville can be proud of, so let's share it's history.

* On 8/11/1890 plans were submitted on behalf of Annie Parry by Architects Craven, Brown & Marquand
for the construction of a concert hall on the cnr Murray and Sydney Streets, Yarraville. Plans were
amended on 19/12/1890.

* On 5/6/1891 The St. Georges hall opened with the play Uncle Toms Cabin. The original hall was actually
the area running from the current cloak room area, (previously toilets), to the Murray Street well. The hall
continued to be used for plays and public gatherings until March 8th, 1905 when the theatrical licence
was canceled and the property taken over by National Trustees, presumably after Mrs. Parry's death.

* During this period the upper floor of the building was used for lodge meetings.

* In 1910 the Company Dank & Co ran moving picture shows, but faced a few problems with complaints
about the then outdoor toilets, and dangerous gas tanks which were situated behind hall.

Original St Georges Hall built in 1890 Extensions to Hall in 1913

U.D.C. Ballroom/St. Georges Theatre Today

* On the 20/2/1913, J. McFarlane asked permission for proposed addition to hall which would then be
situated at the corner of Murray and Birmingham Street. Given permission theatre plans were then
submitted by Architects Harry B. Gibbs & Finky, these included a sliding sun roof. After its opening, the
St. Georges theatre ran until New Years Eve 1958. During this time more changes were made.

* In 1939 renovations were made to the foyer and a central stair was built to the balcony, and a ladies toilet
was added in this area.

* In 1960 Pat McGuire purchased the theatre for the purpose of running a dancing studio, and renamed
the hall the U.D.C. Ballroom, which stood for his business name Universal Dancing Classes. Pat put in

22