The Koppin Yarratt Barracks were built during 1903 / 1904. It was located further up Hogans Road and on the opposite side to the Koppin Yarratt Methodist Church.
On Monday 25 January 1904 the official opening of the Koppin Yarratt Salvation Army Barracks took place. Major Hammond, the new Sydney Divisional Officer in declaring the barracks open, said it was pleasing to know that it stood entirely free of debt. This spoke volumes from the soldiers of the Salvation Army at the Lansdowne as the building was built without assistance from outside sources. The work was carried out under the supervision of Mr W Unicomb and the building was 27ft x 17 ft and seated 100 persons. A full report of the opening appeared in the Manning River Times on 3 February 1904.
Back row: Chris Minett, Alfred Drury, Harold Drury, Len Minett, Stan Drury, George Unicomb, Arthur Minett
Standing: Mrs Sheather & baby, Mrs Chris (Caroline Unicomb) Minett, Mrs Jim Dykes, Sarah Ann (Unicomb) Drury, Minnie Dingle, –, May Minett, Gertude Sheather (later Mrs W.G. Unicomb), Laura (Minett) Drury, Sophie Unicomb (later Mrs Archie Minett), Sheather, Etheleen Unicomb, Mrs John Cause, Jim Burns & baby, Harry Sheather, John Cause
Seated: Jim Dykes, Edward Drury, W G Unicomb, –, Capt, Hansen, –, –, Ben Sheather, Carl Peedom (kneeling)
Front: Manning Minett, Morris Unicomb, Lance Minett, Ted Minett, –, –, Senai Unicomb, Annie Unicomb (later Mrs Hec Atkins) nursing baby, Deliah Unicomb, Bill Sheather (Photo by Mr. Stan Strange, Taree)
Mr Ken Drury in his notes stated that by the time the Barracks were established at Koppin Yarratt , it was said to be bigger than the Taree Band, with the Drury boys well represented.
In March 1940 a working bee painted the interior and the exterior of the hall. CSM Wilbur Ford also offered to supply and fit the hall out with electrical equipment run off a battery so that they would have electric illumination.
As transport became easier and faster the barracks finally closed and the building was sold and removed to another property circa 1960.
Compiled by Gloria Crittenden – February 2021