July movie challenge
Alicia Hall, Beaconsfield
From illusionists to electioneering, from revival meetings to rollerskating, the Alicia Hall has long served as a public forum. Enterprising ex-miner, politician and civic leader Thomas Henry 'TH' Walduck named the hall after his eldest daughter in 1899.
It's next owner, Belle Cowie, developed it as the town's cinema, accompanying silent movies on her piano. Chaplin, Bogart, Bacall and company were bigger show-stoppers than politics.
Yet conscription of soldiers during World War I was one of the most divisive issues Australia has faced. Diggers at the front line (in France) almost took a back seat when a bomb was thrown among 700 people attending a pro-conscription meeting at Alicia Hall. Two men were injured, but so fierce was the arguement that the meeting continued unabated
The lower floor contains three stores now - jeweller & gemstones, clothing & a glass supplier
Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YQomR5xJ_Y
