MIV Historical Plaques Program #0041
Rushworth Mechanics' Institute. Founded 1861. This building erected 1913. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The Rushworth Mechanics' Institute has featured in Rushworth history since 1861. First meetings were held in the National School, and later the library was housed in a small room in the shire hall. The first Institute building was erected in 1897, to be replaced by this building in 1913. Its library and billiard room were popular meeting places. Since 1969 it has been home to the Rushworth Museum, and volunteers from the Rushworth Historical Society give their time to ensure it remains a place of interest, education and enjoyment. This plaque, No. 41 in the MIV series, was unveiled by Life Member Mr Jeff ("Chief") Perry to mark the 100 years of service by this grand old building.
Cnr High and Parker Street, Rushworth, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0042
Acheron Mechanics' Institute (later Acheron Community Hall) Officially opened 10 June 1914. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. This plaque, No. 42 in the MIV series, was placed here by the community of Acheron to acknowledge the vision and generosity of those Acheron residents who, for 100 years, have given of their time, energy and money, to build and maintain this hall for the benefit of the Acheron Community, as a place for meeting, entertainment, education and enjoyment. June 2014
McColl Lane, Acheron, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0043
Barfold Mechanics' Institute. Established 1897. Moved to this site in 1906. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. This building, originally sited at Emberton, was the Emberton State School from 1874 to 1886. It was used by Redesdale railway construction workers till 1891. The site was gazetted for a Mechanics' Institute in 1895, and in 1897 a library was established with a donation of books by Miss Mitchell of Barfold Estate. In 1906 the building was relocated to this site in Dargan's paddock, beside the Barfold Railway Station, on the Kyneton-Redesdale Road. This plaque, No. 43 in the MIV series, commemorates the Victorian launch of "Home is Where the Hall Is" on 27 October 2013 by Ms Amanda Millar MLC representing the Minister for the Arts. The occasion included a book launch, artwork by students of Langley and Redesdale-Mia Mia schools and unveiling of a replica 'Mechanics' Free Library' sign.
Heathcote-Kyneton Road, Barfold, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0044
Christmas Hills Mechanics' Institute. Founded 1877. This building erected 2013. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. Built in 1877 on what is now the sailing club, the original Hall, with library and records, was burnt down in 1893. It was rebuilt on its current site in 1895 on land donated by Thomas Young. Almost a century later, in 1984, a larger hall was added, built by the community, Box Hill TAFE, and the Healesville Shire. Following the bush fires of 2009, the Victorian Bushfire Appeals Fund financed the demolition of the then unfortunately derelict hall, and the building of the current hall. It was re-opened in 2013. This plaque, No. 44 in the MIV series, was unveiled in 2014 to mark its completion.
787 Ridge Road, Christmas Hills, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0045
Wallan Wallan Free Library and Mechanics' Institute. Established on this site 1877. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The first Wallan Mechanics' Institute committee was elected in 1865, and was granted land for the Free Library building in 1877. The original brick building was added to with extensions in 1913, 1926 and 1931. The Hall was not only the first Library, but also a school in 1915, and is now the venue for family parties, social events, community fund-raising activities, community groups, and a place for public meetings. This plaque, No. 45 in the MIV series, was unveiled in 2014 to acknowledge the contribution of past committees of management in ensuring this building's continued use for our community.
Northern Highway, Wallan, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0046
Barwon Heads Community Hall. Established 1922. This building constructed 1934. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The first hall was a galvanised iron structure transported from North Geelong in 1922. On 12 December 1932 it was destroyed by fire. The Barwon Heads Community Hall was built in 1934. A modern building of brick and concrete, it cost 1500 pounds, raised by a local appeal. The meeting room, kitchen and toilets were added in the 1960s. The hall is well maintained, with a new aluminium roof replacing the original tile roof, and modern facilities. It has been a community meeting place for Film nights, Debutante balls, Dances, Cabarets, Charity events and Public meetings, and continues to be used by many diverse community groups. This plaque, No. 46 in the MIV series, is dedicated to this citizens of Barwon Heads who generously gave and worked diligently to achieve this result.
79 Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0047
Ruffy Mechanics' Institute Hall. Ruffy township proclaimed 1878. Ruffy Mechanics' Institute and Free Library established 1893. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The first Ruffy Mechanics' Institute & Free Library was a weatherboard building 20ft x 30ft. The hall, with planned improvements, was the venue for balls, church meetings, dances, concerts, card nights, chess and draught club meetings - all regular entertainments for the people of Ruffy and district. The hall has been modified and extended over the years and continues as a popular centre for community events. This plaque, No. 47 in the MIV series, was placed here to acknowledge the generosity, hard work and fundraising efforts of the committee and community.
Nolans Road, Ruffy, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0048
Jeffcott North Mechanics' Institute and Free Library. On this site 1891-1900. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The opening of the Jeffcott North Mechanics' Institute and Free Library was celebrated with a Concert and Ball on 19th November 1891. It was a pine weatherboard building, 50ft x 20ft, built by Mr. J. R. Hornsby of Donald. It consisded of a main hall, library and reading room. It was a place for the district people to meet, learn and socialise. The Jeffcott Orchestra played at the Annual Race Concerts, Balls and other social functions. On 3rd January 1900 a fierce storm destroyed the building, a a clearing sale was held. A public hall was later built on a different site. This plaque, No. 48 in the MIV series, was placed on the site in November 2015 by the Jeffcott History Research Committee.
, Jeffcott North, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0049
Kyneton Mechanics' Institute. Opened 19 October 1858. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. In 1855 a committee was formed to establish the Kyneton Mechanics' Institute. The first building opened in 1858, had meeting rooms and a library. Serious fires in 1867 and 1876 destroyed large sections of the building and its valuable library. In 1897 fire damaged the room of the main hall. The building was rebuilt after each of these fires. The original hall had a mural in a Grecian theme that was later replaced with an Art Deco design. The restoration and refurbishment in recent years has returned a grand building to the community where people can meet and socialise in the heart of the town. This plaque, No. 49 in the MIV series, was placed here in 2015. It is dedicated to the pioneers who established the reserve and built the hall.
Mollison Street, Kyneton, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0050
Somerville Mechanics' Institute. Established 1891. Main hall built 1891, front rooms added 1916. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The hall was built on land donated by Mr. Henry Gomm and was managed by volunteer committees until the 1980s. It became the centrepiece of the town and a popular venue for community gatherings and the Horticultural Show. In 1916 the two front rooms and facade were added and used by the library, community groups and the Manchester Unity Lodge. These rooms are now the home of the Somerville, Tyabb & District Heritage Society. This plaque, No. 50 in the MIV series, was placed here in 2016 by the Mornington Peninsula Shire to celebrate the Centenary of the front rooms and the 125th Anniversary of the main hall.
66 Station Street, Somerville, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0051
Rhyll Mechanics' Institute. Established 1891. Rhyll School No. 3132 from 1891 to 1952. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The hall was erected in 1891 by the cooperative effort of Rhyll residents to provide a building for a school. It was let to the Education department for 2/6 per week. After school hours it was used for church services, dances, euchre parties, family events, Christmas parties and Guy Fawkes night with a huge bonfire and fireworks. The school closed in 1952, but the hall remains a vital social centre of the district. This plaque, No. 51 in the MIV series, was placed here in 2016 to celebrate its 125th Anniversary.
Lock Road, Rhyll, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0052
Moonambel Mechanics' Institute. Established 1901. First hall built 1901, this hall built 1937. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The first Mechanics' Institute hall was built in Brooke Street and was opened in 1901. It was the venue for many enjoyable entertainments until it was washed away in the great floods that occurred late 1933. It was replaced by the present building in 1937. The hall continues to provide a popular community venue, with many regular users including the Moonambel Community Theatre Company. This plaque, No. 52 in the MIV series, commemorates the 80th Anniversary of this hall.
14 Woods Street, Moonambel, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0053
Merton Mechanics' Institute (later Merton Memorial Hall). Established 1910. Building opened 1923. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. In 1910, the Merton community met to discuss building a public hall and Mechanics' Institute. The Mechanics' Institute hall finally opened on 20th June 1923 at a cost of 550 pounds. It had a main hall for social events, and a smaller room for a library. In 1944 the Merton community supported changing the hall's official name to Merton Memorial Hall to honour residents who served in both wars. In 1952 the hall was upgraded with a kitchen and toilets, and major renovations have taken place over recent years. This plaque, No. 53 in the MIV series, was placed here in 2016 to celebrate this historic hall's restoration and its continuing role in the community.
17 Shaws Road, Merton, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0054
Amphitheatre Mechanics' Institute. Established here in 1901. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The Amphitheatre Mechanics' Institute was first instigated by Headmaster, Albert M. Barry. It was constructed by a local builder, Mr. William Whitley, at a cost of 179 pounds. The official opening was on 19th November 1901. The Free Library was established soon after. Many original books remain, including the 1900 edition of the Encyclopaedia Brittanica. In 2011 the library was renamed the 'Glenlogie Room' and is used for meetings and displays of historic memorabilia. The Mechanics' Institute continues to be well utilised by many groups and prides itself on its community support and spirit. This plaque, No.54 in the MIV series, was placed here in 2016.
, Amphitheatre, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0055
Inverleigh Mechanics' Institute. Officially opened on Tuesday 27 March 1866. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The Inverleigh Mechanics' Institute was opened at a concert. Major additions to the original bluestone building have been the cream brick main hall and entry in 1959, the community room and new kitchen in rendered brick in 2002. Events at the hall have included sending off and welcoming home local soldiers, a 'turning on the lights' ceremony when electricity came to Inverleigh in 1952, and the early days of the kindergarten in the 1970s. The hall continues to be a focal point for social, recreational and educational activities, and provides a meeting place for diverse community groups. This plaque, No. 55 in the MIV series, was unveiled in November 2016, at a concert to celebrate the 150 years the hall has served the Inverleigh district. It recognises the hard work, fund raising and generosity of successive generations of committees and the community.
, Inverleigh, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0056
Ararat Mechanics' Institute. Established in 1859, first built on the Barkly Street site in 1869. The Mechanics’ Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A “mechanic” was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics’ Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the “spread of useful knowledge” and provision for “rational recreation” in the community. The 1869 building was rebuilt in 1889, and again in 1908. The Federation style building with its corrugated iron roof, red brick walls, timber windows and doors, and finely decorated parapet, is a feature of the streetscape. In its early years it had an extensive library, and held music classes, lectures and penny readings. In the 1980s the top floor became the venue for the Rosengreen School of Dance with dance teacher Stella Rosengreen. Stella died in 1997, but a Dancing School continues with about 200 students, and a Hairdressing Salon operates downstairs. David Rosengreen joined the Committee in the 1980s. Now Secretary/Treasurer, and with Alan Wetton, President, he has continued to work tirelessly to keep the Institute functioning. This plaque, No.56 in the MIV series, is dedicated to David Rosengreen in recognition of his lifetime of service to the local community. December 2016.
Barkly Street, Ararat, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0057
Sea View Mechanics' Institute. (now Seaview Mechanics’ Institute Inc.) Built on this site in 1905. The Mechanics’ Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A “mechanic” was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics’ Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the “spread of useful knowledge” and provision for “rational recreation” in the community. The early pioneers held meetings, concerts, church services, balls and euchre parties in the Sea View School. As the number of settlers grew they agitated for a hall. Money was raised by local subscription and the Sea View Mechanics Institute and Library was built on land donated by Mr Bernard Kennedy, with plans provided gratis by architect Mr Lacey of Sale. The building was completed by Mr R. Games of Yannathan at a cost of £300. The grand opening by the Hon. J.E.Mackey,M.L.A. on Wednesday 14th June 1905 was attended by more than 200 people. This plaque, No.57 in the MIV series, was placed here in February 2017 in recognition of the building's significance in the history of the district.
, Seaview, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0058
Romsey Mechanics' Institute. Original building 1875, rebuilt in 1884, current building 1904. The Mechanics’ Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A “mechanic” was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics’ Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the “spread of useful knowledge” and provision for “rational recreation” in the community. The first Romsey Mechanics Institute (RMI) committee was formed in 1865. Following a formal proposal in 1868, the RMI received a government grant in 1870. The original RMI and library foundation stone was laid in 1875. In 1884 a larger building was erected. After a fire in 1904, the present substantial brick building was erected. It has been the centre of the town’s social activities, with “The Picture Show Man”, roller skating, and numerous balls and shows. The library closed in 1975, but the RMI continues to host a wide range of community events. This plaque, No.58 in the MIV series, was placed here in 2017.
122 Main St, Romsey, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0059
Taggerty Mechanics' Institute. Opened on 15 April 1898. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. This plaque, No. 59 in the MIV series, was placed here by the Taggerty Hall Committee to acknowledge the dedication of those who built the hall, and all who have maintained it in a long history. It has provided a place for social enjoyment, education, meetings, and shelter in times of trouble. The Honour Board commemorating the district volunteers in the Great War is a reminder of the truly testing times endured by our forbears. Today this beautiful building still serves the community, and is a centre for local activities, drawing the community together as intended by the founders.
5 Taggerty-Thornton Rd, Taggerty, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0060
Wandong Public Hall (formerly Wandong Mechanics' Institute & Free Library) Opened on 17 October 1902. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The hall was built as the growing population needed a larger meeting place. A donation of timber from the Australian Seasoned Timber Company, and fundraising activities around the district, helped build the hall. It became the social hub of Wandong with dances and concerts, family celebration, fairs, and bazaars, a meeting place for the local groups, and during both world wars, as the local men enlisted, they were given rousing send-off from the hall. A focal point of the building is the large mural painted on the boards at the back of the stage. This plaque, No. 60 in the MIV series, was placed here on 25th April 2018 to celebrate the hall's continuing role as a community meeting place, and in memory of those soldiers who did not return to receive their welcome home at the hall.
19 Rail Street, Wandong, Victoria, Australia
