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The Leonora Tram ran from the Gwalia State Hotel to its final stop at Barnes’ Federal Theatre.

“Fun, Laughter and Gaiety” The Barnes Federal Theatre building is a product of the optimism, enthusiasm and energy of David and Philip Barnes who also owned the Leonora Hotel that once stood next door.

In September 1900 it was announced in the Mount Leonora Miner newspaper that David Barnes was “erecting a structure which would fill the long felt want in the town of a large hall, suitable for community activities”. Built to accommodate 1000 people and opened in April 1901, the Barnes Federal Theatre was known as the best hall outside Perth. The building was utilised for many community concerts, Poster Balls, dances and meetings. At Poster Balls, a form of fancy dress ball popular in the early 20th century, patrons dressed as poster advertisements to promote well-known products. Regular films were also screened at the theatre.

The theatre’s hall measured 80 x 30 feet (24.38 x 9.14 metres), with the depth of the stage area approximately 20 feet (6.10 metres). The roof was domed with moveable skylights and the original flooring was of Kauri pine. Access to the front seats was gained from the southern entrances while the rear seats were accessed from the main Tower Street entrance. A separate entrance led to a private parlour which was connected with a saloon bar 18 x 20 x 13 feet high (5.49 x 6.10 x 3.96 metres high).

The façade was of dark-hued bricks with the cornices, mouldings and facing rendered in Portland cement. The pediment consisted of an iron frieze. The work was carried out under the supervision of Will Kelly, a well-known architect and also a popular comedian and dancer. The stone for the building was most likely procured from Frederick Fessey’s Leonora Quarry, situated on the Menzies Road a quarter of a mile (0.4 kilometre) from the Leonora Post Office.

In 1911 David Barnes opened the Glideaway roller skating rink adjacent to the theatre and skating became a popular past-time in Leonora.

The Leonora Roads Board bought the building and Glideaway Rink in May 1927 for £325 ($650), when it officially became the Leonora Town Hall. As the Town Hall, the building was used by a variety of community groups. In the mid-20th century the roof blew off during a storm and was only rebuilt in 1981, but with a gable roof. A fire in 1986 caused damage to the kitchen, floors and ceiling. In 1988 the Leonora Tourism Committee Inc. became the owner and the Leonora Community Telecentre occupied the building from 2000-2007. It has been unoccupied since early 2007.

A proposal to restore the Barnes Federal Theatre is under consideration - Shire of Leonora Collection.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -