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TAKE YOUR PARTNERS NEW
Written by Grace Earp 1986

The early settlers worked hard – no 40 hour week for them – in fact there was an old adage "Up with the birds in the morning and to bed with the birds at night” which, in fact, meant working from sunrise to sunset. Nevertheless, they had time to relax on Saturday nights.
Dancing was a favourite pastime, and this was enjoyed by young and old because when a dance was arranged everyone that was able, attended.
Father harnessed up the horse to a buggy, sulky, spring cart, or even a dray pulled by a plough horse, the family were packed in, covered by rugs and even chaff bags in winter. A hurricane lantern hung on the axle beneath, swinging jauntily over the bumps in the road –There were no bitumen roads in those days – mostly winding bush tracks. The horses did not have an easy time, tied up for as long as 7 hours in heat and cold. Their owners rarely finished dancing before 3a.m. and fell asleep on the way home, relying on their trusty steeds to find their way in the dark. Sometimes it was so late that the cows were milked and other stock cared for, before the family went to bed and got up in time for dinner.
The main venue was the Agricultural Hall, and there all the major social events were held. The Show Ball, Easter and New Year’s Eve Balls were very popular affairs. As the district grew, schools and halls were built, and dances and concerts were held, usually to raise Funds. One favourite spot was Harry Weston’s Barn, situated on the Canning Road at Pickering Brook, just below the cool store. This is now a water catchment area and a clump of pine trees marks the spot. Horses were stabled at one end of the barn and on the walls hung tools and harness and odds and ends.

FRANK WESTON #1

Seating consisted of planks placed on kerosene boxes, the floor was polished up with sawdust and candle grease. It was great fun for the smaller boys and girls, sitting on bags, pulled around the floor to put a polish on the rough boards. Music was supplied by Harry Weston with a concertina, and he played tirelessly 1-2-3 rhythm until the early hours of the morning. Supper was provided by the ladies – each brought a plate of ‘goodies’. Tea was made on an open fire in kerosene buckets – men stood round, waiting for the water to boil, discussing the latest news of the day.

The Carmel School room was very popular also, and well attended by parents and children. Mrs Fred Wallis supplied the music – she was an expert pianist. The old-time dances – Barn Dance, Maxina, Three Step, Waltz, Valeta, Schottische, were danced with gusto. How they enjoyed the lively Lancers, the sedate Alberts, the Threepenny Bit Waltz, the energetic Polka, the Three-step - - three steps one way, three steps the other, six bars of waltz time.

How romantic it was under the soft lights from the kerosene lamps. When the small children tired they were put to sleep on the desks or under the seats on rugs. After the dance it was a common sight to see lanterns flickering in the bush as the dancers walked home, - some as far as 5 miles. Dress was informal but everyone wore their best clothes – Father in a blue serge suit, white shirt and a tie; Mother in ankle length skirt, blouse with long sleeves, sensible shoes, cotton stockings, long hair neatly plaited or pinned

up with hair pins, perhaps a ribbon bow at the back; make-up rarely used, it was considered 'fast’. The girls were pretty without! Of course, when a Ball was held in the Agricultural Hall, Ballgowns and Dinner suits, white gloves, dance programmes, were the order of the night. A Master of Ceremonies – the M.C. as he was known, had everything under control. He announced the dances, decided on the duration or a dance, called the figures for the sets, and saw that there were no ‘wallflowers’ and made the introductions, and many a romance flourished at his instigation. The men wore white gloves or carried a white handkerchief which was placed on his partner’s waist to protect her gown. Young and old danced together – the young under the watchful eyes of their elders – but the result was that most youngsters learnt to dance at an early age, and very expertly too. The New Year’s Eve Ball was one event that was not to be missed; when midnight came, streamers and balloons were released and there was a great spirit of goodwill with hugs and kisses for all, ending with linking of arms and singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’. There was little class distinction, everyone worked hard and earned what he received

CARILLA HALL #2

Later, in the early twenties, the Carilla Hall was commenced. The hard working committee, keen to have a hall in the district erected a floor with a railing round it, the stars shining down, the wind blowing, light beaming from Tilley pressure lights, but the keen dancers soon provided enough finance to finish the building. A bus came from Kalamunda, usually driven by Dave Baxter or Maurie Scullard, and this was well patronised.

This was the era of short skirts, short hair, beads, bangles and the Charlston, Fox Trot, Jazz intermingled with Boston Two-steps, Flirtation Barn Dances and Waltzes. Mrs Madge Bevan supplied the music at first, then Mrs Alice Beard (nee Hewison) then only 15 years old, relieved when Mrs Bevan jammed her fingers in a door.
Mr Dunton from Victoria Park, and his young daughter playing a zylophone, provided very good music for a number of years until Mrs Beard with her husband as drummer, formed a band. Bill Kirkham (sax), Alan McGrath, Albert Letch (drums), Neil Earp (sax) were some of the musicians who gave their services. Mr Mark Hayes was a popular M.C. and presided at Barton’s Mill as well. Mrs Bevan was pianist there, accompanied by Mrs Isaacs on a concertina. At Karragullen dancing was popular as well, first held in the school, then later in a fine hall. Frank Haycox and Bill Saunders were the music makers.

DANCE PROGRAM BOARD #3

PIESSE BROOK SCHOOL #4

In 1928 a school was built at Piesse’s Brook, and to provide funds for much needed amenities, dances were held regularly. Mr Mick Loaring and Mr Bert Green and his family officiated on piano and violin and drums. These functions were friendly affairs and well supported by other districts, - without their co-operation there would not have been enough patrons to fill the hall. At Walliston an active Progress Association was formed, and with voluntary labour a hall was erected; and, as at the time there were many young folk in residence, it was used to capacity. Mr Fred Wallis, always keen on dancing, acquired a set of drums and a fine set of dance records, and with the assistance of Mrs Pike, many new dances were introduced.

Pride of Erin, Modern Waltz, Rock and Roll, Jive, Slosh, Moonlight Saunter, and a young team of Square Dancers became so expert that they were able to give demonstrations at other halls. Very smart they looked in red and white outfits.
Mr Welburn, a dancing teacher from Bayswater, and his team of instructors, conducted weekly dance lessons until they reached the stage of passing examinations. The one thing that was a feature of all the functions held was the friendliness and intermingling of ages and sexes. There is a saying that the family that plays together, stays together. The family that dances together, shares in an enjoyable experience of rhythm, laughter and togetherness that they remember until the end of their days.

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References: Article: Grace Earp

                                  Image:    1, 4        Kalamunda & districts Historical Society
                                                         2            Gordon Freegard Collection
                                                         3            Internet