Merriland Hall

This timber arched corrugated iron igloo structure on the Mazlin Street corner of the Atherton Showgrounds, is a remnant of WWII. Designed by the Senior Government Architect R C Nowland, the Allied Works Council built the structure as the Australian Defence Canteen Store in 1943. The entire showgrounds was taken over by the military in 1942, with Australian and American forces stationed here for training in jungle warfare, before being sent to the islands north of Australia. After the war, the Atherton Show Society purchased the building. The shire hall burnt down in 1948 and this hall became the main venue for community events. The Council, The Atherton Choral Society and the Atherton Players raised money to incorporate a dance floor and tiered seating. The hall was renamed it the Merriland Dance Hall, opening in July 1949. In 1958 a brick frontage was added to improve the dressing rooms and backstage space. The interior of the auditorium has been divided into two spaces; the rear being set up for indoor sports and a raised timber dance floor is in the remainder. It continues to operate as a public hall and exhibition space.