Material for clothing was scarce and rationed in the war years. There were only five houses in the street at that time. There was even a very large cave which was used as an air raid shelter during the war. It was still good fun! This hill is now covered with very flash houses but then it was our big adventure. As we lived so close to the Beacon Theatre (Ashburton Terrace), on hot summer nights we would take a blanket up on the hill at the end of our street and watch the outdoor movies for free – but without sound. People walked a lot in those days and we cannot remember any parking problems. Raspberry cordials were so delicious – real fruit and nothing artificial. It did not seem to worry anyone because it was a special summer outing! Sometimes we would take a billy can down to the theatre refreshment shop to buy a couple of 1 penny milkshakes and then take them home to share for supper. Most patrons sank so low in these canvas chairs, I’m sure they could not see all of the movie screen. We were friends with one attractive usherette who wore the very best of fashions and we children thought it was the most glamorous job to have.īehind the sweet shop was the outdoor theatre garden with deck chairs for summer evenings. The usherettes always carried a torch to show you to your seat. On Friday nights it was always a cowboy movie and cartoons but it was “serial style” … to be continued…so that all the young ones had to go again the following Friday. At interval time people would be looking around to see who they knew ….quite a social gathering, When the movies finished, a military march was played so that all patrons could file out in an orderly manner. As you entered the theatre, there were seating rows called “stalls” for the lesser paying public and the “lounge” for the pricier seating also the upstairs viewing for the very posh. The shop was always crowded at interval time and the usherettes had to help out in the shop.Įvery theatre in those times always screened a newsreel, a cartoon and two movies. This shop had lollies, milkshakes, chewing gum and raspberry cordial at 1 penny a cup. There were outdoor deck chairs for summer time, a chemist shop on the northern corner of the building and a refreshment shop on the southern side. Sentimental notes about the Beacon Theatre: “The Beacy Corner in the 1940’s (as many old Fremantle people fondly remember it)” A local history contribution from Mrs Margaret Groenink : local resident and Ellen Health VIP. Revitalization of the old building has brought joy to many community members, particularly older patients who fondly recall the cinema from a different era. The renovation incorporates features promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. The result is a beautiful and functional medical centre. Catriona’s vision and attention to details such as highlight windows and conserving the original Art Deco design have helped achieve this beautifully presented building.Ī second-stage renovation of the lower level in 2016, again designed by Michael Francas, led to a dedicated space for occupational health rooms, and WORKWELL Ellen Health was born. Catriona Gregg advised on the interior design. Ben managed this challenging project with great patience and talent. Typically there were some surprises whilst renovating an old building. The works included removal of an existing asbestos roof, major demolition of internal walls and external projection box, and alterations to the internal footprint of the building, including new internal walls, ceilings, bathrooms and a new carpark.Īrchitect Michael Francas’s creative skill led to the achievement of a highly functional recreation of the building, with excellence in design and amenity.īen Roberts of Redtail construction carried out the works with the utmost of skill and flexibility. The conversion of the two-storey commercial building into a medical centre was a bold project undertaken by Ellen Health Directors in 2013, with the creative expertise of Ben Roberts and his team from Redtail Construction, Architect Michael Francas and Interior Designer Catriona Gregg. The cinema closed in 1961 and the building later traded as a supermarket, video rental shop, and community op shop. The building has been listed by the City of Fremantle to be of significant cultural heritage. Built to accommodate stadium seating for 792, the building brought Fremantle residents a new place for entertainment. The Beacon Theatre originally opened as a community cinema in 1937 and its Art Deco streamlined architecture is still evident.
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