Transcript: Athenaeum building celebrates 170 years Australian Broadcasting Corporation Broadcast: 11/11/2009 Reporter: Lisa Whitehead Tomorrow marks the 170th birthday of one of the nation's historic cultural landmarks. Melbourne’s Athenaeum building has, in one form or other, provided education and entertainment for the Victorian colony as it became a city; and along the way, documented its growth. Transcript KERRY O’BRIEN, PRESENTER: Tomorrow marks the 170th birthday of one of the nation's historic cultural landmarks. Melbourne's Athenaeum building has, in one form or another, provided education and entertainment. For the Victorian colonies it became a city and along the way documented its growth. The building's original library and theatre still draw devotees and as Lisa Whitehead reports, a loyal band of volunteers. KEVIN QUIGLEY, ATHENAEUM PRESIDENT: There's nothing like us that has been here from day one, four years after the boat pushed ashore, here we are. It's a thread that runs through the life of Melbourne. LISA WHITEHEAD, REPORTER: In the heart of Melbourne's CBD, the Athenaeum is a celebrity in disguise, the oldest cultural icon in the city, but barely noticed. MARJORIE DALVEAN, VOLUNTEER HISTORIAN: People of Melbourne walk past this area and they have no idea what it is. RAY LAWLER, PLAYWRIGHT: It seemed to me to be a place that absolutely, or breathes Melbourne, I suppose, culture. LISA WHITEHEAD: Just four years after Melbourne was founded, the colony built a Mechanic's Institution, one of the first in the world, a place where the working class could meet and learn. KEVIN QUIGLEY: People think of it as Wild West sort of place where these hearty types drank and rushed about, but Melbourne was freely settled. It was a city of people who wanted to better themselves - entrepreneurs. And the Mechanic's Institution was that innovative idea that had grown up in Edinburgh and London about providing an opportunity for education for the working people. LISA WHITEHEAD: Mark Twain lectured there. Later, other buildings were added and a theatre to host classic plays. And it adopted its more bourgeois friendly title of the Athenaeum. Crucially from the start there was the library, the first to offer affordable lending to the working man. And it still attracts devotees. Former University lecturer Margaret Bowman, 89, comes in every Wednesday, along with her dog to join an enthusiastic band of volunteers sorting through the archives. MARGARET BOWMAN, FORMER UNIVERSITY LECTURER: Doing research is something that I find actually I enjoy more than anything. Every old lady needs to have a project and now I've got a project. MARJORIE DALVEAN: Margaret, Christine has just found out that Alfred Deakin was a member here from 1874 to 1877. This place is not flashy, we've never been flashy. But book lovers walk in here and they know this is the place for them. ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE: Old times and old names. The Athenaeum theatre in Melbourne for more than 40 years has been one of the city's best known cinemas. LISA WHITEHEAD: In the 20th century, the theatre surrendered to the new craze of talking pictures, and one particular fan was famous Australian playwright Ray Lawler. At 13, he dropped out of school to work in a Footscray factory and two years later his first trip to the glamorous Athenaeum cinema hinted at the education he was missing. RAY LAWLER: It just had a style about it which I responded to, I think. I was looking for something and this seemed to be part of it. Ray Lawler went on to write "Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" and found literary fame overseas. About a century after it had started as an educational place for the working man, Ray Lawler had, in effect, become an Athenaeum graduate. RAL LAWLER: If they had been looking for the sort of person that they were hoping to encourage along the way, I suppose I would have been somebody that might have fitted the mould, you know. LISA WHITEHEAD: In time, the cinema was returned to its theatrical roots. FRANK THRING, 1977: It has a great resemblance to the Theatre Royal in Hobart which Larry Olivier has called the best theatre he's ever worked in. And it's almost identical. It is the true Victorian playhouse. The horseshoe shaped thing: stalls, dress circle and gallery. And you're close to the audience and they're close to you. Marvellous feeling. LISA WHITEHEAD: Today, it's still a theatre. But time has brought compromises. The once vaunted art gallery has now covered its windows and become a comedy club and performance space. TV and suburban life have eaten away at the library membership. It offers an online service now, and a recent federal government grant will pay for the upkeep of its gracious interior, including the 1930s elevator Ray Lawler used to ride. For him, it's money well spent on history quietly made and discreetly observed. RAY LAWLER: It's the lack of awareness, I think, that people don't know what they've got here. They've really got the whole history of Melbourne almost. KEVIN QUIGLEY: It was a similar organisation in Sydney but we are the only one that's got a continual lineage on the same spot. We started here and we're still here and we'll be here for another 100 years. KERRY O'BRIEN: Lisa Whitehead on a great Melbourne landmark. © 2010 ABC | Privacy Policy Beginning as the Melbourne Mechanics' Institution in 1839, the Melbourne Athenaeum has a long history that reflects the cultural and social development of Melbourne. It continues to be managed as a not-for-profit organisation by a volunteer board, with a subscription library (maintained since 1839) and a leased theatre.Video broadcast ABC 7:30 Report for 11/11/2009. "Tomorrow marks the 170th birthday of one of the nation's historic cultural landmarks. Melbourne’s Athenaeum building has, in one form or other, provided education and entertainment for the Victorian colony as it became a city; and along the way, documented its growth."athenaeum, australian broadcasting corporation, kerry o’brien, kevin quigley, lisa whitehead, marjorie dalvean, ray lawler, margaret bowman, frank thring.

Example of soldiers making their own entertainment while posted to remote location in New Guinea during WW11 The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria on active service during World War 2 (1939-1945).Four black and white photographs of soldiers dressed up as women for a concert party at Merauke, Dutch New Guinea 1944. Part of 20th Light Horse collection." Lowell French, John Cole, Ballet Girls. "20th, merauke, new guinea, wwii world war two, entertainment

Decorative domestic objects of this type where gathered by the regiment for use in formal occasions such as dinners, afternoon teas and suppers where guests were entertained. Often these were gifts from regimental officers as their time in the regiment ended.Representative of the type of object in regimental officers' messes. It is in excellent condition.Silver sugar bowl with four legs, two handles and a lid.sugar bowl, entertainment, formal ocasions, mess, officers

The regiment gathered objects of this kind for use at formal dinners and other occasions. Often the were acquired as gifts from parting officers.Good quality objects in pristine condition.Decorative silver tray with silver bowls for condiments: bowl for mustard and bowl with inner glass liner, spoon and lid for salt.silverware, domestic, mess, officers, formal, entertainment

The Official 1978 Victorian Ballroom Dancing Championships including the 1978 Jazz Ballet Teams Victorian Championships held on the 9th April, 1978 at the Broadmeadows Town Hall. Program includes notification of AGM, office bearers and officials, program and names of competitors, including P. Ellis and K. Hammer. Program ha slight green cover with ADS emblem on the front cover with a drawing of two dancers.entertainment, dance, ballroom dancing, peter ellis collection, sustralian dancing society, mickey powell, 1978 victorian ballroom dancing championships, 1978 jazz ballet teams victorian championships, fred barber, fred jenyns, jack mcpherson, bruce saunders, neil rosenfeld, bob courts, maureen mccabe

Invitation to John Williams & members of Emu Creek Bush Band to attend the Inaugural VMC Annual Dinner and Launch of the 1999 VMC Calendar with The Premier of Victoria Hon. Jeff Kennett MLA. Held at Melrose Receptions, Tullamarine on Thursday, October 22nd, 1998.Victorian Multicultural Commissionentertainment, music, bush band, peter ellis collection, victorian multicultural commission, hon jeff kennett mla, john williams, emu creek bush band, melrose receptions

Photocopy of an article titled 'Diggings music launched'. Has a photo of Dave Barkla playing the Accordion and Des Skinner playing a guitar. Both are former members of the 'Harry McQueen's Band'. The CD has songs and tunes from the Central Victorian Goldfields.entertainment, music, songs of the victorian goldfields, peter ellis collection, harry mcqueen's band, des skinner, dave barkla, castlemaine theatre royal, diggings committee, david bannear, music of the diggings, emu creek bush band, friends of the mount alexander diggings, parks victoria, mount alexander shire council, visitor information centres castlemaine, maldon & bendigo

Photocopy of an article titled - Cross Currents Music & Art in & around town - Diggings CD launch. The CD is titled 'Music of the Diggings', songs and tunes of the Central Victorian Goldfields - produced and recorded by residents of Mount Alexander Shire. Musician and singers on the disc are: Ken Mansell, Danny Spooner, Duncan Brown, Peter Ellis and the Emu Creek Bush Band. Also Des Skinner, Tom Walsh, Alby Hood, Keryn Randall, Judy Howell, Dave De Hugard, Martin Hungerford, Jan Wositzky, Maurie Gervasoni, Jack Heagney, Gordon Pratt, Randal Percy, Richard Leitch, Thompson's Foundry Band, Dave Barkla who used to play in Harry McQueen's Dance Band, CD's are available from the Castlemaine and Maldon Information Centres. Has a photo of Dave Barkla playing an accordion.entertainment, music, music and art, peter ellis collection, cross currents - music & art in & around town, cd-music of the diggings, central victorian goldfields, mount alexander shire, the friends of mount alexander diggings, parks victoria, ken mansell, peter maloney, danny spooner, duncan brown, peter ellis, emu creek bush band, des skinner, tom walsh, alby hood, keryn randall, judy howell, dave de hugard, martin hungerford, jan wositzky, maurie gervasoni, jack heagney, gordon pratt, randal percy, richard leitch, thompson's foundry band, dve barkla, harry mcqueen's dance band, castlemaine information centre, maldon information centre

Town Hall Bendigo. Wednesday & Thursday, 3rd & 4th August 1938. The famous Royal Blind Orchestra. Town Hall Bendigo. Wednesday 2nd & Thursday 33rd August. The famous Royal Blind Entertainers from the Royal Victorian Insitute for the Blind. Biggest variety show of 1939. Both of the above programs have a folded list of events.entertainment, theatre, town hall

Royal Blind Entertainers, Town Hall, Bendigo Wednesday and Thursday 3rd-4th, 1938. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind presents a programme from the following: The Famous Royal Blind Orchestra. Jack Stewart, Ern Pike, Gordon Girdwood, Harry Keegan, Jack Byrns, J. H. Croker, Will Rule, Terry Scanlon, F. Sutcliffe.entertainment, theatre, town hall

This annual report covers both the AGM of 1962 and a special AGM held in 1961. Articles include: celebration of Alice McClelland's 40 years of service, resignation of A. Brahe and L. Dextor as Trustees and appointment of R Bigwood and E Webb to replace them, extension of membership so that blind readers could become voting members, overview of the decisions and affects of the decision to become an incorporated entity and the name from Victorian Association of Braille Writers to Braille Library of Victoria, the use of subcommittees to handle entertainments, building, publicity, library and braille textbooks, property owned at 4 Margaret Street, South Yarra was subdivided into 2 lots and sold, Braille Boat House has been redecorated and renovate and available for hire, appointment of Alan Woods to assist as a Reviser for music transcription and Ivan Molloy in the Home Teaching Service, resignation of Joyce Bolger, appointment of Doreen Ross, Mr and Mrs Hinchcliffe left as honorary caretakers and death of Mrs J Rowe, past Mayoress of Ballarat, who was a keen subscriber of the Ballarat branch.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. 'Helping the afflicted" from The Herald Jun 14, 1917 - ' On Thursday evening the Entertainment Committee of the Braille Writers' Association held it's first social evening in the Braille Library. More than 100 blind readers responded to the invitation. A hearty welcome was give to two blinded soldiers, Sergeant Walshe and Private Glew. A musical programme followed, and the evening ended with the serving of light refreshments. These gathering will be held fortnightly in the Braille Library, and the next is to be a picture competition'.1 volume of handwritten minutesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. It was noted at the June 4, 1953 meeting that the Braille Cottage at Chelsea had been sold to Mr and Mrs Smith of Ascot Vale, both who are blind readers for £1,950.1 volume of handwritten pages and typewritten sheets glued on to pagesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. This minutes includes a copy of the 41st & 42nd Annual Report 1935-1936 of the Entertainment Committee it noted that the Boat House, which was the gift of Mrs Cecil Macmeikan 10 years ago, was wholly destroyed during the storm in November however was repaired the next year. The Boat House has been a wonderful source of pleasure for day trippers, and many picnics have been arranged, enabling the blind to meet their friends and have an outing at the seaside at a nominal cost. 1 volume of handwritten pagesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation, boat house

Funds were raised for RVIB in the during the 1940's and 1950s by putting on concerts called 'Variety on Parade'. The ticket reads 'As a Thanksgiving for sight! Proceeds in aid of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Babies, Children & Adults, St Kilda Road, Prahran, Melbourne'. It was held at the Public Hall, Buckrabanyule on Tuesday 2nd Sept. 1952 at 8pm. Admission was 3/6 and it was advised that 'New! Non-stop Variety Entertainment of Music, Mirth and Sensational Acts' would be experienced. 1 rectangular shaped concert ticket with black ink text Ticket no. 56 Ticket no. 57royal victorian institute for the blind, fundraising

Travelling entertainment has been one popular way that charities have been able to raise revenue over the past 170 years. The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind toured regional Victoria regularly to help raise awareness, showcase their talents and fundraise to provide care and education for vision impaired men, women and children. Double sided printed ticket for a concert in the Bendigo Town Hall featuring blind artists and dancers from the Royal Institute of the Blind.Obverse; Under the Patronage of the Mayor and Mayoress (Cr, and Mrs J. A. Michelson) and / Councillors of the City of Bendigo / 30 Blind Artists !! / FIRST APPEARANCE IN BENDIGO of The Famous Orchestra and / Concert Party of Blind Artsits and Blind Children Dancers from the / ROYAL VISTORIAN INSTITUTE for the BLIND, / (ST KILDA ROAD MELBOURNE) / WILL GIVE THEIR / FIRST BENDIGO ENTERTAINMENT / IN THE BENDIGO TOWN HALL, / on TUESDAY, MARCH 22nd, 1927, at 8PM / His worship the Mayor will Preside / Tickets 2/- box plan at the Premier Piano Company from March 14th. / PROCEEDS IN AID OF INSTITUTE S.W Hedger, Superintendent and Secretarymayor and mayoress michelson, vision australia, city of bendigo town hall, city of greater bendigo community partnerships, city of greater bendigo events

A small red self patterned Collins Illustrated Pocket Classics novel The Caxtons: A Family Picture. It is very badly damaged with the spine coming away from the pages, loose pages and tears. Pages 3,4 and 5 are missing. The frontispiece opposite the title page is a black and white illustration of three well dressed men of the period standing talking in a sitting room. A few black and white illustrations are throughout the book. At the back are four pages of Collins' Illustrated Pocket Classics for further reading. Pp 632.fictionThe Caxtons: A Family Picture is an 1849 Victorian novel that was popular in its time. The book was first serialised anonymously in Blackwood's Magazine from April 1848 to October 1849 and first published as a novel in 1849. Victorian novels were characterised by depictions of everyday people, hard lives and moral lessons. They were meant for more than just entertainment. Victorians were interested in the hero as well as folk art. Victorian novels often focused on these themes.family life fiction, religious fiction, morals fiction