It was a sad day for many when the Hannans Brewery was finally demolished in late 1991 – early 1992. My father in law, Bob Sharp, was one of the last employees there and would remember his time there with fond memories and of his many friends and workmates.
This photo shows the building in the process of being demolished.
Hannans Brewery During Demolition 1991-1992
Even after all these years I had failed to realised that the sign atop the building in the above photo now sits on top of the Hannans IGA. What a wonderful idea this was, I am sure that the many people who worked there and used to pass this sign each day would look on it with fond memories.
Hannans IGA Sign
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Moya Sharp
Owner at Outback Family History
My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.
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Wasn’t the brewery demolished in the 80s ?
Yes the Brewery ceased operations in Kalgoorlie in 1982. My dad was very upset. He kept bottles of Hannans Lager for a long time. As kids we grew up playing in the wood yards next door to the Managers home Reg Franklyn. Happy days. I will never forget that icon. Smokos really meant ‘beer time’.
Fantastic! I love the Hannans sign, had no idea it was a hand-me-down from the old brewery 🙂
Hi Paula I cant believe that I have been here all this time and never knew!!
Really, Paula? I thought you would have known, given our family connection 😉
Hi Moya, We sat in class at Kal Cent smelling the hops! Paul Robson put the Hannans sign on the roof.
I have fond memories of hearing the “smoko and lunch whistle” whilst in class at Kalgoorlie Central Primary School, my Grade 1 teacher Mrs Edwards stated that the noise of the whistle would be remembered and for the rest of our lives similar noises would take us back to our school days at Kalgoorlie Central.
A sad day indeed Moya…it was a very nice drop!
Many Thanks for that bit of history. It is really great to get these stories for someone that has connections to Kalgoorlie/Boulder but never lived in the region. Have you any stories about the Taaffe Bakery.
Love and Respect
Noelene Lee
Hi Noelene I have a photograph of a group of St Johns Ambulance men with an H Taaffe in the group from 1954.
Unfortunately so much damage was done thoughout the state. WA did not have their Heritage Act proclaimed until after this demolition. The developers (Biblical reference Temple money changers) in Perth destroyed very good buildings and put up junk.
While it is correct that the brewery closed in 1982 (a wake was held in Leonora, strangely enough), it was demolished much earlier than 1991-92. I lived at No.1 Cassidy street from 1982 til 1988 and watched the demolition take place, possibly around 1984. From memory the “HANNANS” sign was erected atop the brewery in the late ’60s, but does anyone remember the hilarity around town when it was discovered the workmen had erected the western side of the lettering correctly but when read from the eastern side the letters embarrassingly spelled “SNANNAH.” Many locals recorded the faux pas on film before they were reversed.