Musicians in the South Arm
silent films to jazz concerts, from Bill Dunlop's lifelong commitment to the centennial celebrations, the Uki and Kunghur Halls are more than just buildings. It's a living, breathing part of our community's story, continuing to create memories and foster connections well into its second century.
There was one chap, he used to always come down here and he’d bring his violin. It was out of tune of course, poor old chap, he thought he could play. When he’d get to the door, the door-keeper’d look at him and he’d say “Orchestra” and he’d have his violin case and he’d walk straight in and he didn’t have to pay.The musicians said that they had a job to keep him away from the microphone at the end when they played “God Save the King”. -- Ella Mitchell
The Original Venue: Jack Lange’s Barn
From 1910 to 1915, Lange’s Barn at Midginbil was the place to be.
Picture this: a barn transformed into a lively dance hall, filled with the sounds of fiddles and the laughter of locals. Jack Lange’s barn entertainment hosted events that would be talked about for years to come.
Who were the musical maestros that kept feet tapping and hands clapping? Here’s our lineup of early South Arm musicians; Bill Dunlop, Hector McKenzie, George Rogan, Arthur Russell, Mr. Larkins and Jack Lange.
“Once Mum and all shifted there, I built a barn there where the track run up the hill between the two houses and nearly every fortnight they had a dance in it, on my place on Midginbil. That went on till 1914.”
Imagine that: a barn transformed into a bustling dance hall, filled with the sounds of fiddles and the laughter of locals every other week. Jack Lange’s creation became the epicentre of entertainment, hosting events that would be talked about for generations.
From Barn to Hall: The Evolution of Local Entertainment
The opening of Kunghur Hall in 1915 marked a new chapter in South Arm’s social scene. It provided a purpose-built space for community gatherings, building on the foundation laid by Lange’s Barn.
This transition from improvised venues to established community halls mirrors the growth of the South Arm area. It shows how music and social gatherings were instrumental in forging community bonds and shaping our local identity.
From Barn Dances to Silver Screens: The Evolution of Entertainment
As our community grew, so did our appetite for diverse forms of entertainment. The newly built hall quickly became a hotspot for traveling shows, bringing a taste of the wider world to our rural doorstep.
Among the most anticipated visitors was Beales Silent Pictures. Their arrival was always a cause for excitement, prompting locals to exclaim, “Here comes Beales, Rolls and Yells!” This catchy phrase referred to the trio that brought the magic of cinema to Uki:
- Charlie Beales: The picture showman extraordinaire
- Bill Rolls: The talented pianist who brought the silent films to life with his music
- Mr. Yells: The indispensable assistant who kept everything running smoothly
Each visit from Beales Silent Pictures transformed our humble hall into a grand cinema, offering a window to worlds beyond our own.
A Parade of Entertainers
As time marched on, our hall welcomed an ever-expanding roster of travelling entertainers. PK’s Travelling Picture Show rolled into town, bringing with them the latest in film technology and storytelling. Sloggetts Mystic Frolics dazzled audiences with their travelling stage production, filling the hall with laughter, gasps, and applause.
These shows didn’t just provide entertainment; they brought our community together, giving us shared experiences to discuss long after the performers had moved on to their next destination.
From the fiddle tunes of Bill Dunlop to the silent films of Charlie Beales, and from the mysterious allure of Sloggetts Mystic Frolics to the cinematic delights of PK’s Travelling Picture Show, our hall has been a testament to the changing face of rural entertainment. Each performance and screening has added another layer to the rich tapestry of our local cultural history.
Architectural Note: A portion of the chimney used to ventilate heat from the film projector remains visible in the main hall, serving as a tangible link to this era of entertainment
Bill Dunlop: From Scottish Stages to South Arm Soirees
Born in Stracathro, Scotland, in 1878, Bill Dunlop wasn’t your average fiddler. Jack Lange’s testimony confirms Dunlop’s exceptional talent: “Bill Dunlop was the best violin player in Australia at the time. He showed us prizes that he won in Scotland before he come out here, played before the Queen.”
Before setting foot in Australia, Dunlop had:
- Performed for Queen Victoria (a royal gig, indeed!)
- Won numerous violin championships in Scotland
- Mastered the art of reel music
- Toured major Scottish towns and cities
In 1909, Dunlop traded kilts for cork hats, migrating to Australia and winning a land ballot at Mt Burrell in 1910. His violin skills quickly made him a local sensation, with his music livening up dances and house parties across the area.
More Than Just Music
Dunlop’s talents weren’t limited to the violin. He:
- Became an original trustee of Kunghur Hall in 1914
- Helped build houses in South Arm
- Contributed to the construction of Uki’s Church of England in 1921
Interestingly, the hard work of pioneering took its toll on Dunlop’s musical abilities. Calloused hands from land-clearing made it challenging to maintain his violin virtuosity.
When Dunlop passed away in 1936, the Mt Burrell school closed for his funeral – a testament to his impact on the community. His journey from performing for royalty to shaping a new community in Australia is a remarkable tale of adaptability and dedication.
