FOR nearly a century a little building at the foot of Bolivia Hill has played an integral part in the local community and on Saturday, September 6 it will celebrate its centenary.
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The first European settlement in the area was in 1840, with the establishment of a sheep station owned by Edward Hurry.
Mr Hurry had previously spent some years in Bolivia in South America, and chose this name for the land around his property.
He sold Bolivia to Sir Stuart Donaldson who then held the property until 1843.
During the 1880s a township developed as the railway was extended through the area.
The first school opened in 1883 and closed in 1886. Several other schools opened later and one was operating up until November 1966.
The Bolivia School of Arts was built in 1914 on land donated by A.M White of Bolivia Station.
Neighbouring communities aided in funding the project with a dance held at the Settlers Hall at Glen Alpine which drew 150 people.
Using timber from Mt Speribo contractors George Petrie, Pat Petrie and A Perkins began the building process.
When completed state member for Gough, F.J Thomas, opened the building in front of nearly 200 people who had turned up for the ceremony.
First president of the Hall committee was Mr A.M White with Treasurer Ted McClifty serving until 1922.
Ab Geyer served as secretary from July 1927 through to 1949.
A race day was held to celebrate the opening of the first extensions to the Hall in June 1922.
The Hall was registered as the Bolivia School of Arts owing to the fact a library was housed in the venue.
Up until 1963 the Hall had operated off of lights run on kerosene, shellite and methylated spirits.
When the Hall officially switched over to electric power a Gala Ball was held with approximately 400 attending.
In 1972 council contributed funds under the Rural Relief Scheme which allowed further renovations to be carried out.
A $40,000 grant in 1985 allowed further extensions and septic toilets were installed.
Now at 100-years-young the Hall will be commemorated with an old time dinner dance on September 6.
A three-course dinner will be provided on the night which starts at 6.00pm with entertainment from Little Phoenix.
Tickets can be purchased from Foodworks in Deepwater or the Tenterfield Artist Collective Studio on Rouse Street.
