Creswick's grand old hall to celebrate 150th

A GRAND old dame of Creswick is bracing her foundations ahead of her impending 150th birthday celebrations.

Everyone is invited to help mark the occasion as the Creswick Town Hall marks its impressive milestone during a multi-day celebration over 26 February-1 March.

Major milestone: Creswick and District Historical Society’s Jack Van Beveren, David Preston, Marjorie Poole and Phyllis Wright are inviting everyone to help celebrate the Creswick Town Hall’s 150th anniversary. Photo: EVIE LAMB

“We will have an official opening at 10.30am on February 26th,” said Creswick and District Historical Society’s Marjorie Poole, part of the working group that is busy organising the event.

“We will have the Creswick Brass Band playing on the Saturday afternoon and a display of historic items in the main hall.

“We have the support of Hepburn Shire Council who own the building, the Creswick Museum that’s in the original council offices, and we also have contributions from the Creswick Garden Club, the Creswick Brass Band and others who will all have items of interest to display.

Major milestone: The Creswick Town Hall as it appeared in 1877, not long after it was built in 1876. A special celebration event will take place to mark the Hall’s 150th anniversary over 26 February-1 March. Photo: SUPPLIED

“There will be no charge for entry but donations would be welcome.”

Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its architectural and historical significance, the Creswick Town Hall opened in 1876 and reflects the architecture of the gold rush period.

“When you think about it, back at the time it was built, it was a fair leap of faith,” Creswick Historical Society president David Preston said.

“And a competition was run for its design at the time,” Ms Poole said.

It was used as the local council chambers until 1968 and is now home to the Creswick Museum.

Significant upgrade and restoration works on the grand old building were completed in 2023 with support from all three tiers of government.

Along with restoration of its historic tower clock, the work included external repairs and painting, roof plumbing, masonry improvements to chimneys and parapets, accessibility improvements, and a new flagpole.

The upgrade also included repairs to the building’s beautiful old decorative orbs and bases.

These days the hall is a key venue for local events ranging from weddings to the annual CresFest folk and roots music festival that will be taking place for the fifth time over 10-12 April.

As part of the Town Hall’s 150th anniversary celebrations, Creswick’s historic Havilah Masonic lodge will also have items on display and will also be opening its doors to the public.