Local History

Plympton Park is an inner south-western suburb of Adelaide 8 km from the CBD, in the state of South Australia and falls under the City of Marion. It is adjacent to Park Holme, Plympton, South Plympton, and Morphettville. It is bordered to the east by Marion Road, to the west by Park Terrace, to the south by Taranna Avenue and to the north by the Glenelg tram line. The oldest parts of modern Plympton Park can trace their heritage back to the original subdivision of the area in the 1880s, when the Ryan family’s farm was first subdivided. This area, contains the oldest houses in the area, including one in Arthur Street that dates back to the 1880s, and one adjacent the tram line that can be dated back to the 1890s.

The hall commemorates those who served in the various conflicts in which Australia has been involved. By 1941, the hall would be the home base of the Plympton RSL and by the end of the Second World War the hall was known as the Soldiers Memorial Hall. In 2016 the exterior of the RSL was updated with a mural by Jemahl Casper.

Progress Hall is the name of building to be erected at Marion road, Plympton Park, by the South Plympton Progressive Society. This afternoon the foundation stone was laid by Mr. A. J. Mesecke, who is president of the society.  Formed on May 18, 1921, when 14 residents met at the home of Mr. H. Holley, William street, Vermont, first officers of the society were Mr. Mesceke (president), Messrs. A. Howcroft (vice president), R. E. Deere (secretary), and E. J. Mesecke (treasurer).

In 1925 members decided that the society should build a hall of its own. Various means were adopted for raising funds, chiefly by bazaars, the first of which realised £106. The second, yielded £128, and another in November last £114. As a result a block of land was purchased. On this the new hall is being built. Mr. F. Wood, who is a member of the society, is contractor. It is expected that the hall will be ready for use, at the end of November. 
News (Adelaide, SA), 8 September 1928