Port Hedland Picture Gardens
6 Wedge Street,
Port Hedland,
WA
6722
6 Wedge Street,
Port Hedland,
WA
6722
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The Port Hedland Picture Gardens opened on 26th December 1936. The Picture Gardens closed in 1986. The venue was said to still operate in the summer in the early-1990’s. There was a special screening on 18th October 1996 showing the John Wayne film “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” to celebrate the Centenary of Port Hedland, and on the same day a mural was unveiled on the side wall of the ANZ Bank about the history of the Picture Gardens and the Town of Port Hedland, a screen painted on the wall was used for the Centenary screening. The site is now the car park between the ANZ Bank and the Tourist Bureau.
Contributed by
David Coppock
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Greg Lynch Says – THE PORT HEDLAND PICTURE GARDENS – Charles Bayman built the Port Hedland Picture Gardens in 1936 – While he was the exhibitor, no child was charged admission. Charlie built the original screen out of timber and sheet iron. A six-foot corrugated iron fence encased the area. In 1946 (because of severe weather conditions) Charlie was forced to build a concrete screen and reinforced fencing, in an effort to withstood the cyclones that frequented the area. In 1950 Fred Hulland arrived with his wife, Port Hedland-born Irene Crameri, and purchased the Picture Gardens from Charlie Bayman. That year Jack and Joyce Glass came to work for the Hulls. Movies were shown every Wednesday & Saturday. In an effort to improve presentation, Fred designed a trumpet-shaped speaker box which distributed a wider frequency sound. In 1957 the Hulls retired to the Perth area. Mr & Mrs Glass operated the Picture gardens for three years. In 1960 Jack & Joyce Glass purchased the Gardens. As the iron ore development grew. films were screened on a nightly basis. Every year the Glass family organised a Christmas Party for the local children. In 1986 because of competing factors, such as rental video & the drive in theatre, the Picture Gardens were forced to close their doors: There were reported sporadic summer screenings during the 90’s, and a special screening was held on 18th October 1996, featuring the John Wayne epic “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" This was to celebrate 100 years of Port Hedland. The site, sadly has since been developed into a car park …
TIME LINE – 1936 – THE OPENING OF THE PORT HEDLAND PICTURE GARDENS on Boxing night (1936) was the main attraction to the town during the holidays and drew a large number of country visitors. In cool open air gardens patrons sat in comfortable deck chairs and enjoyed Port Hedland’s first talkies. Judging by the enthusiasm shown by all, the talkies promise to be a great asset to the town – Northern Times (Carnarvon, WA) – Wed 6 Jan 1937
1939 – CHILDREN’S XMAS ENTERTAINMENT at the Port Hedland Picture Gardens by the courtesy of Mr. C. Bayman. who placed bis Picture Garden at the disposal of the Parents and Citizens' ‘Association. The event of the year for the children took place on December 23. when Santa Claus paid his annual visit to Port Hedland. A gaily decorated tree was erected with scores of exciting parcels. About a hundred children were present who each received a gift and were then regaled with cool drinks. The children and general public then enjoyed an excellent program of pictures as the guests of Mr. Bayman. – Northern Times (Carnarvon, WA) – Fri 6 Jan 1939
1939 – THE PICTURE GARDENS DEMOLISHED – A DISASTROUS HURRICANE STRUCK THE TOWNSHIP on January ll, 1939 causing damage estimated at over £75,000. No lives were lost as a result of the storm, however three houses and the railway Goods Shed were washed out to sea and a channel was cut by seawater from Airey Point to the back of the Post office. Nineteen kilometers of road and railway, including the causeway, were washed away. Several properties including a store, garage AND THE PICTURE GARDENS WERE DEMOLISHED BY THE WIND, and a number of houses were un-roofed. Western Mail Perth, WA : Thu 26 Jan 1939.
1941 – MR BAYMAN’S PICTURE GARDENS WERE A TOTAL WRECK and flying sheets of iron have done a great deal of damage. Many of the trees that have been struggling for existence since the blow two years ago are up rooted and in every case badly damaged. The rain was terrific, sixteen inches falling during the twenty-four hours, so against the damage done to roads and houses can be set a well replenished water supply. All the tanks overflowing for hours. – Northern Times (Carnarvon, WA) – Thu 13 Mar 1941
1952 – FACE LIFT FOR THE PICTURE GARDENS – After what must have seemed a vain quest, the proprietors of the local picture gardens have finally obtained the necessary labour to give the gardens a “face lift.” Judging by the first day’s labour the gardens will soon be about the brightest spot in the town – Northern Times (Carnarvon, WA) – Thus 8 May 1952 – Contributed by Greg Lynch –
Also called(early on) Port Hedland Picture Theatre.