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Swan Suburban Summer Gardens Canning Highway and Westbury Crescent, Palmyra, W. - Grand opening December 11, 1933.

In 1932 James McKercher leased the the Empire Hall which had been dark for many months. He renovated and renamed the venue calling it Swan Suburban Pictures. At the same time installing talking pictures sound equipment supplied by the XL Tone Sound Equipment Company under the supervision of Mr. R. Yelland. The Hon. J. Scaddan, M.L.A. performed the opening ceremony at a private screening on April 20, 1932.

Building the Swan Suburban Summer Gardens

Stage two was to purchase the land next door and build picture gardens, naming them the Swan Suburban Summer Gardens, opening on December 11, 1933. The Fremantle Advocate wrote - “Two good quality pictures have been chosen for the initial programme, “Trouble in Paradise” starring Miriam Hopkins and Herbert Marshall, supported by “2000 Years in Sing Sing” with Spencer Tracy. The accommodation is ample and there is no risk of overcrowding. The system of reserving seats which operated in the Swan Suburban Theatre will continue in the gardens, and deck chairs can be secured over the phone.

Beautifully presented

Built of cement blocks the picture gardens have accommodation for 1,000 persons. The entrance is essentially modern and is fronted with cool looking lawns. The bio box is over the entrance. Creepers and ornamental shrubs add attraction to the building. We commend the opening function to picture lovers and confidently predict a happy gathering to offer the management”.

In 1936 James McKerchar moved into the Beacon Theatre at East Fremantle after selling the Swan Suburban Summer Gardens to Herbert Locke, who then operated both the theatre and the gardens through his family company Richmond Theatre and Gardens Co.

In 1936, the Richmond Theatre and Gardens Co. built the Mayfair Cinema, with shops facing onto the road. This opened on 18th July 1938 with Charlie Ruggles in “Turn Off the Moon” and “Danger! Love at Work” with Ann Southern. At the same time The Swan Suburban Summer Gardens became the Mayfair Picture Gardens - AKA - The Mayfair Cinema & Gardens

Contributed by Greg Lynch -