Showing 3175 items
matching self-administration
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Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Correspondence, 22/10/1952
Quinn CollectionA pale blue self-folding letter (0905.a1) headed 8 Gloucester Walk, London W 8 and dated 22/10/52. Letter is written in green ink. It is addressed to Mrs K Hayes, 14 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. It is postmarked London. Postmark is very faint. Return address is Allan Quinn, 8 Gloucester Walk, London W 8.letters-from-abroad, allan quinn, alette andersen, london 1952, vera south, jim hayes, sir malcolm sargent, albert hall,, marian anderson -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Documents - NX84949 O F Atkins
These AIF items were issued to NX84949 O F Atkins during his enlistment 21 Jan 1942 - 14 Dec 1945. Photographs and Newsapapers were collected whilst O F Atkins was posted overseas. The Books I believe would have been acquired post discharge. These documents are originals that belonged to NX84949 O F Atkins, a member of the AIF during WW2. O F Atkins served in the Middle East from 23 August 1942 to 28 February 1943 and Borneo from 25 May 1945 to 5 December 1945.This is a comprehensive collection of items obtained during the enlistment of NX84949 O F Atkins - including Soldiers Paybooks, Drivers Licences, Demobilization Proceedure Book, Dog Tags, Corps Bagdes, Colour Patches, a Self made Dagger in a bamboo sheath, Prayer Books, Photographs and an Album, Newspapers The AIF News 17 October 1942, Enemy Propaganda leaflettes, Books Soldering On, Khaki and Green, Stand Easy. Variousnx84949 o f atkins, ww2, aif, middle east, borneo, documents, photographs -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Container - Bags, Robert Harper & Co, 1900 - 1925
Three calico bags with colourful trade information printing; flour and rolled oats, two bags clearly Robert Harper and Company Limited, early 20th Century. .01 "Three Bears Porridge Rolled Oats" 7 lbs .02 "Harpers Star Avena Brand Rolled Oats"- on the back "The SilverStar Rice Starch" 7 lbs .03 "Empire Self Raising Flour" 25 lbsbusiness and traders - bakers, industry - food, robert harper & co ltd -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Catalogue, Foy & Gibson Pty Ltd, 1923
Foy & Gibson catalogue of items available to be purchased.Cream and red soft cover catalogue with black writing and picture of Commonwealth brand tomato sauce, tomato chutney and self raising flour. Reprint of original catalogue - 1923 featuring a comprehensive list, with pictures, of all items available from Foy & Gibson, Smith Street, Collingwood and Fitzroy, Melbourne. A separate sheet, coloured pink, lists more grocery items and a Sunbeam Stove for sale. 189 pages. Has stamp "PS 4657 Gowrie Street, Shepparton" imprinted.books, cataloques, foy & gibson, catalogue sales -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Ephemera - Ticket/s, Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), Set of three MMTB 3d tickets, 1950s to 1960's
Set of three MMTB 3d tickets on fawn paper (they may have faded from off white) with all black printing. All tickets have Stamina self supporting trousers adverts on rear. .1 - 3d - D - Cs 222222 .2 - 3d - A - Vs 777777 .3 - ed - over stamped "City Section in blue with ticket prefix in blue as well - C - Ns - 888888.trams, tramways, tickets, advertisements, city section -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Financial record - Receipt Book, Department of Works and Mines Victoria, July 1936 (first record)
Establishment and Functions Prior to 1860, the Chief Secretary's Department had been responsible for the administration of the gold fields and associated mining activities. In November 1860 a Commissioner of Mines was appointed and a Department was established under his administration. For the period November 1861 to June 1863, the Postmaster General was responsible for the Mining Department. A Minister of Mines was again appointed in 1863. Responsibilities of the Department of Mines were: 1. Regulation of mining and related public works activities through the issue of miners rights, business and residence licences, mining leases, mineral and other prospecting licences 2. Superintendence of the activities of mining surveyors, registrars, wardens and Mining Boards. 3. Investigation of the state's geological structure, mineral wealth and underground water resources 4. Development of the mining industry 5. Supervision of the safe working of mines, machinery and quarries including checking the credential of mine managers, inspectors and operators 6. Regulation of the disposal of sludge and other waste products 7. Administration of the Victorian Mining Accident Relief Fund. Arising from its initial responsibility for the supply of water on the gold fields, the Department became responsible for rural water supply from the mid 1860s. Statutory responsibility for rural water works during this period rested with the Board of Land and Works. In 1865 the Waterworks Act gave the Board power to construct waterworks, purchase land, levy charges and lease or sell works, while the Public Loans Act 1865 empowered it to provide loans to local water trusts for waterworks. The actual administration of these statutory provisions was undertaken by the Victorian Water Supply Department which operated from 1865 to 1889 as a sub-department of the Department of Mines, from 1889 as a department in its own right, and from 1895 to 1909 as a sub-department of the Department of Mines and Water Supply. For a brief period from 1891 to 1893 the Department of Mines was also responsible for forests and, until 1880, for the Schools of Mines subsequently transferred to the Education Department. In 1895 the Department of Mines and the Victorian Water Supply Department were amalgamated to form the Department of Mines and Water Supply. A snapshot into social history around the 1930s when the Department of works and the Mines Departments were still linkedReceipt Book for the Department of Works; Mines. Receipt No 2801 - 3000. 1st receipt Number 2801, "18th July 1936, for Rent of Cottage: 14 days for 2 pounds, 2 shillings. The inscription on the back is signed by J F Condau in 13-3-33Printed on spine "GENERAL RECEIPTS / 15 / 2801 / TO 3000" Printed on each receipt 'DEPARTMENT OF / PUBLIC WORKS. / MINES." Fill in using ink pen "(DATE) 18th July 1936 / (TO) - - - shields' / BEING) Rent of / Cottage: 14 days / (TO) 17th July / @ (symbol for pound) 1-1. p. week / . (symbol for pound) 2:2:-"Inside cover there is some red pencil writing, words and figures unreadable. Handwritten on back cover "Numbers checked / and found corredt / J S Coudou (?) / 13-3-33" One some receipts "Wharfage / S.S. Koonara"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, department of works: mines, receipt book, rent 1936, imperial currency, living costs 1936, department of works, department of mines, j f condou, 1933, 13-3-33 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - Pacific Island Natives Welfare Association
The Pacific Island Natives Welfare Association was formed in Geelong in 1940. It's initial goal was to provide trade training to young men from Nauru as a move towards self-determination for the island. It was then very active in the fight against continued phosphate mining on the island and the effects of it on the local people.Three typewritten letters. The first one dated 22nd January 1945 is a report on the native labour conference held in Sydney the 1st of December 1944. The second, dated 16th March 1945 is from the Chairman of the Pacific Island Natives Welfare Association to the Minister of External Territories, the Hon E.J. Ward asking for the minister consideration to the situation of some young people from Nauru living in Geelong. The third dated 24th April 1945 is from the Chairman of the Pacific Island Natives' Welfare Association, replying to Rev. T.H. Indian, Forest Street, Bendigo, thanking him for local rotary support and outlying the aims of the association going forward. Also included a brown envelope addressed to L.J. Ellifson, Esq C/o The International Harvester Co of Australia Ltd, North Shore. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.nauru, pacific island, natives welfare association -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Plaque - Metal Plaque (man’s head)
This metal plaque was dug up in a Warrnambool garden in the early 1980s. It appears to be an item that would have been attached to a wall or building and is possibly a representation of a British military figure involved in military campaigns or colonial administration in a British Empire outpost in the 19th century or early 20th century, perhaps in the Middle East or in north Africa. It could also be a non-British military figure from the same areas. This item is of minor interest as an object found in Warrnambool but with no known details of what it represents. . It is retained pending further research. This is a metal plaque showing the head and shoulders of a man wearing a fez and a military uniform. The back is slightly hollowed out.warrnambool, metal plaque, military plaque -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, Narranda & District Netball Ass 1840-1970, 2011
This is a booklet giving information on the Nirranda & District Netball Association Inc. It is a 40th anniversary publication. This association was formed in 1971 with Nirranda, Nirranda South, AllansForest, Curdievale and Commingle the competing teams. In 1991 the competing teams were AllansForest, Nullawarre North, Nirranda and Nirranda South and these clubs continued until 2010 when a new format saw individual teams playing under the administration of the Association. The Association continues today.This book is of interest as a record of the Nirranda & District Netball Association. Nirranda is a small settlement 28 kilometres south east of Warrnambool and its history and activities are of interest to the surrounding districts. Netball is the most popular sport for women in the area and the clubs are mostly allied with the local football teams. This is a soft cover booklet of 52 pages. The cover has a white background with a stylized sketch of two netballers (wire sculptures) standing on a windmill frame and throwing at a netball ring with decorative columns on the side. The sketch is in black, green and grey tonings. The booklet contains a Foreword, Personal Profiles, Extracts from Association Minutes and records of competition winners. The pages are stapled.Front Cover: ‘40 Years Nirranda & District Netball Association Inc, 40th Anniversary Re-union’. nirranda & district netball association, history of nirranda, warrnambool history -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Document, Instructions to Bailiffs of the County Court, 1978, 1 January 1978
Bailiffs are officers of the Court and as such play an important role in the overall administration of justice. This booklet has been prepared as a guide to Bailiffs of the County Court of Victoria in the performance of their duties. The principal functions of the Bailiffs are the issue and service of summonses, and verdicts and judgements given effect by the execution of warrants. In any case where Bailiffs are uncertain or unsure of what to do the Registrar of the Court to which they are attached should be consulted and their directions followed.Document. Instructions to Bailiffs of the County Court. State of Victorian; Melbourne (Vic); 1978. 28 p. Soft cover.victoria; bailiffs; county court; -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, Comments on Presidential Year 1982 - EJ Larkin, 1982
The President in 1982 was Ted Larkin. Concerns mention include legatee funerals and rising costs of administration. Also the president fund with a secret committee of past presidents that could help legatees with financial problems The presidential year ran from March to the following February. Was in a binder of documents that is passed from an outgoing President to the incoming President. It is primarily from the 1930s to 1990s. Most documents are being catalogued separately.A record of the ideas of the President in the 1980s.White foolscap paper x 1 page with black type of the President's comments in 1982.Signed in blue pen 'EJ Larkin'.presidents, ted larkin -
Heidelberg Golf Club
Memorabilia - Trophy, Heidelberg Golf Club Championship 1941, 1941
HGC Championship Cup 1941, won by E. O. (Eric) McCutchan. Eric was an administrator with the VFL commencing in 1932, he gave 44 years' service to the league. From 1945 to 1955 he was Assistant Secretary of the VFL, and from 1956 to 1965 he was Secretary. He was Administrative Director from 1966 to 1976. Eric was awarded the Order of the British Empire in December 1976 for services to sports administration.Engraved metal cup mounted on timber base"Heidelberg Golf Club Championship 1941 won by E. O. McCutchan" hgc championship, 1941, eric mccutchan -
Federation University Historical Collection
Programme - Printed Programme, The School of Mines and Industries Ballarat Tour of Inspection
Four page programe for a Tour of Inspection of the Ballarat School of MInes. The tour included the Administration Builidng, E.J. Tippett Hall (former Wesleyan Church), Trade Workshops, Hickman Street, Army Huts (BCAE Art), Armstrong Street Vehicle Repair Trades, Electrical Trades. SMB Art, Battery (BCAE Pottery and Art), New Library Building (E.J. Barker Library. A map of the tour is given, and a development plan.ballarat school of mines, art, battery building, pottery, hickman st, trade workshops, e.j. tippett hall, map, plan -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Administration building, J Kitchen & Sons Pty Ltd, Ingles Street, Port Melbourne, 1929
Large Black and white photograph in narrow gold coloured metal frame of the J Kitchen & Sons Pty Ltd new administration building in Ingles St Port Melbourne built in 1925, art deco design. Photo taken in 1929 of the new gate in Quinn St (street closed and repositioned as continuation of Munro St). Five loaded trucks exiting the gate and in the street, four have Velvet signs on them (copy).industry - manufacturing, built environment - industrial, transport - motor vehicles, j kitchen & sons pty ltd, velvet soap -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Album - Colour negatives, Negatives, c. 1999
Collection of negatives with instructions for developing. Probably belonged to Stuart Miller (Staff). Some scanned. 1-4,17,18,22,31 Student outside class, 5-8 Oak Lawn, 9-11. Students working in the Orchard, 13,19,20 Students in the Nursery, 14-16 James Hitchmough Grasslands, 21,24,25 Students inside class, 23. Garden view, 26. John Delpratt and his Grassland Project, 27-30. Administration Building,stuart miller, staff, john delpratt, grassland project, students inside class, laboratory, landscape design, nursery, potting in nursery, trees in suburbs, students outside class, herb garden, administration building, plants -
Greensborough Historical Society
Leaflet, Yarrambat Historical Society, Ye Olde Yarrambat Walk, 2013_
This brochure is a self-guided tour of the historical buildings remaining in Yarrambat. The walk takes in 13 sites which link ‘Olde’ Yarrambat to today including the Eltham & District Woodworkers and the original school house site. A guide is available from the Old Yarrambat General Store and Yarrambat Post Office. One page leaflet, colour images.yarrambat, yarrambat historical society -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Marten Syme, Lifeboats For Victoria, 2001
History of lifeboats and their crews in Victoria from 1856 to 1879This is a paper back book with a plasticized cover. It has 76 pages and an index. The cover is olive-green in colour with images of a life boat and a lifeboat service certificate. The book contains printed material, diagrams, maps, photographs and other illustrations.non-fictionHistory of lifeboats and their crews in Victoria from 1856 to 1879lifeboats, shipwrecks, port fairy lifeboats, warrnambool lifeboats, history of warrnambool -
Orbost & District Historical Society
fasteners, mid 20th century
These items belonged to Helena Warren (nee McKeown) of Newmerella. Helena warren was a self taught photographer who became a competent commercial photographer. She was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was known for her soft toy making and these items were probably purchased for that activity.These items reflect the popularity of needlework and the making of hand crafted items by women in the mid 20th century.Two packets of metal fasteners. One packet, 2494.1, contains 13 unused snap fasteners - Sew'n Save. They are on a rectangular piece of yellow cardboard. It has black print. There is a pink sticker on the back - 3 different sizes 1/0;3/0;2/0. 2494.2 is a torn piece of cardboard with 5 hooks/eyes attached.needlework warren-helena fasteners newey-goodman -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Image, c April 1958
Booklet - Rutherglen heritage walk : a self-guided tour of Rutherglen's Historic Streetscapes / by Rutherglen Wine Experience. 2009, p. 5 - states that the Red Boot Shop was "demolished sometime after WWII, and no trace remained until a wild storm uncovered the tiled entrance in the mid 2000's."Black and white photograph of the front of a café, with a central door flanked by two display windows. In tile, in front of the door, is the sign "The Red Boot Shop".On back of photo: "Ozone Café Main St Rutherglen | approx. April 1958 | purchased by Harold Hall March 1958 from McKinlays. | owners after H. Hall | McCarthy | Alan Zotti"main street rutherglen, red boot shop, ozone cafe, harold hall, alan zotti, mccarthy -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Correspondence, 23/06/1950
Quinn CollectionThe Netherlands self-folding letter (0842) is addressed to Allan C/- Mongabarra, headed The Hague and dated the 23/06/50. The overall colour of the letter is pale green. There is a fine blue pattern on the outside except for part of the middle section where the address, return address and a printed notice are displayed. The sender's name and return address is J. Holsheim, 65 van Hassell ladn (spelling tbc), Apeldoorn. The letter is postmarked S'Gravenhage.The letter commences "Dear Allan!" and is signed "........ John."letters-from-abroad, quinn, apeldoorn, holland, john holsheim -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Correspondence, 17/11/1951
Allan mentions that they are going to the Royal Performance Concert at the Festival Hall and that Alette had seen the Queen opening Parliament Quinn CollectionA pale blue self-folding letter (0889.a1) written in green ink, headed London and dated 17/11/51.. It is addressed to Mrs K Hayes, 14 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. The postmark is partly obscured but appears to be Paddington W 2. The return address is Allan Quinn, C/- Aust. House, London. Below this is written Fru. Andersen, Gamlegatan, Brumundoal Street, Norway.Letter commences "My dear Mum,..." and concludes "...from us both, Allan and Alette."letters-from-abroad, allan quinn, alette andersen, london-uk -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Letter - Correspondence, 23/04/1952
Quinn CollectionA pale blue self-folding letter (0897.a1) headed 8 Gloucester Walk, London W 8 and dated 23/04/52. Letter is typed using a very small font. The print is uneven and difficult to read. It is addressed to Mrs K Hayes, 14 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. It is postmarked Kensington. The return address is Allan Quinn, 8 Gloucester Walk, London W8. letters-from-abroad, allan quinn, alette andersen, london 1952 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Newspaper, The Courier Ballarat, "All aboard for some education and fun" "Ballarat Tramway Museum has something for everyone", 17/09/2018 12:00:00 AM
Newspaper clipping from The Courier, 17/9/2018 in the Advertising feature for the September school holidays. Article titled "All aboard for some education and fun" details the tramway operations, collection, photos, hours and self guided tours. Has a photo of Neville Britton turning the pole with helpers on 27. Below is an advert titled "Ballarat Tramway Museum has something for everyone" with photos of kids and Tram rides fares etc.btm, advertisements, school holidays, courier -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Book, Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), "Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board Rules and Regulations", Nov. 1974
Demonstrates the method that the MMTB used to inform its tram and bus crews of the organisational rules and regulations in respect to the operation of the public transport service in Melbourne - mid 1970's.Book with light green Rexene covers, slightly rounded corners, six sections, sewn with self end papers, 104 pages, excluding end papers. Details the MMTB Rules and Regulations relating to drivers, conductors and employees concerned in any aspect of electric tram and motor omnibus operations. Issued with date Nov. 1974. Full scan of document (difficult to do a proper scan) added 29/5/2019.trams, tramways, mmtb rules, rules, drivers, conductors, buses -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Uniform - GSSC School Sports Top
Golden Square High School in the city of Bendigo, was established in temporary accommodation at Camp Hill Primary School in central Bendigo in 1960. With the completion of the new school's buildings, it moved to Golden Square in 1962, providing for Forms 1 to 6, now known as years 7 to 12. In 1978 it became a 7–10 school and was one of the original feeder schools to Bendigo Senior High School. In 1986, a Hearing Impaired Unit was established and in 1990 it underwent a name change to become Golden Square Secondary College. The Golden Square Secondary College campus closed on 28 November 2008. It merged with Kangaroo Flat and Flora Hill secondary colleges as part of the implementation of the Bendigo Education Plan. Its buildings were demolished. (Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Square_Secondary_College) This uniform collection belonged to Anna Matthews, daughter of the donor, who attended GSSC as part of the last group enrolled before the school closed in 2008. Golden Square Secondary College dark green short sleeved sport top / soccer strip with with extended yoke section. V neck with yellow ribbed band. White and yellow vertical stripes on either side. Fabric has self patterned geometric pattern. Iron on letters "Golden Square SC" and numbers "34" (10 cm high) at centre front. Iron on "34" (20 cm high) centre back.White tag. "100% Polyester" "SSI" "MADE IN THAILAND"gssc, golden square secondary college, uniform, bendigo education plan., sports top -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Uniform - GSSC School Sports Singlet
Golden Square High School in the city of Bendigo, was established in temporary accommodation at Camp Hill Primary School in central Bendigo in 1960. With the completion of the new school's buildings, it moved to Golden Square in 1962, providing for Forms 1 to 6, now known as years 7 to 12. In 1978 it became a 7–10 school and was one of the original feeder schools to Bendigo Senior High School. In 1986, a Hearing Impaired Unit was established and in 1990 it underwent a name change to become Golden Square Secondary College. The Golden Square Secondary College campus closed on 28 November 2008. It merged with Kangaroo Flat and Flora Hill secondary colleges as part of the implementation of the Bendigo Education Plan. Its buildings were demolished. (Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Square_Secondary_College) This uniform collection belonged to Anna Matthews, daughter of the donor, who attended GSSC as part of the last group enrolled before the school closed in 2008. Golden Square Secondary College dark green sport singlet with with V neck and arm holes with yellow trim. LHS of singlet has tapering diagonal geometric white and yellow stripes. Fabric has self patterned geometric pattern. Size 16. White embroidered letters "Golden Square Secondary College" on RHS and red iron on "6" (10 cm) on LHS. Iron on "6" (20 cm) centre back.White tag 1." SPORTS SERVICE 2 WALKER STREET BRAESIDE VICTORIA 3195 03 9580 3511 MADE IN AUSTRAKIA" Tag 2 "Polyester" Washing instructions.gssc, golden square secondary college, uniform, bendigo education plan., sports singlet -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Cocktail dress, c1980s
This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di purchased this 1980s cocktail dress second hand around 2000 to wear as part of a Dame Edna Everage costume to a hen's party. A blue mid calf length polyester dress with prominent gathered and padded shoulders, horizontally ruched bodice, high scoop neckline, full length sleeves and dropped waist. The skirt is of plain blue polyester mock wrap style with ruched blue spiral detail on left leg seam of bodice to skirt. The dress secures at the centre back with a nylon zip and self covered button. The sleeve is lined with mauve / pink polyesterManufacturers label "Teena Varigos" "Size 14, To Fit Bust 90cm, Waist 70cm, Hip 95cm" "Do not iron pleating" "100% Polyester, Warm Iron, Dry Clean Only"teena varigos, costume party, cocktail dress, 1980s, dame edna everage, di reidie -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Sign - C.W.A. - Country Women's Association
C.W.A. is the Country Women's Association of Victoria and was formed in 1928. It is a self funded philanthropic organisation. It is non-sectarian, non-party-political, non profit lobby group working predominantly in the interests of women and children in rural areas. It helps in the provision of services to its members and the improvement of amenities in rural areas.The C. W. A. has had branches in the Kiewa Valley up until the present day.Round metal sign. On the front it is green, white and gold. There are four holes in it for attaching it to a fixture eg. Entry to town sign.c.w.a., country women's association -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Machine - BAE Kingfisher 2 UAV
Historical Details: . Description: BAE Systems is also carving a growing niche as a developer of unmanned systems. While the bulk of this work is conducted by 600 staff at its Warton manufacturing site in Lancashire, the UK company also has expertise in two of its other self-styled "hom. Level of Importance: -
City of Kingston
Photograph - Black and white, Percy Fairlam, Mechanics Institute and Temperance Hall, Cheltenham, c.1910
The Institute movement came to Melbourne in 1839 with the establishment of the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute later known as the Melbourne Athenaeum. Adopting the principles of self help, social improvement and the recognition of the importance of useful knowledge, it maintained a library, a reading room and an art gallery, while also establishing classes and lectures in a variety of fields. Various dates have been suggested for the founding of the Cheltenham Mechanics’ Institute with the range being somewhere between 1853 and 1856. The first Institute building erected on the tip of the land where Charman Road joined Point Nepean Road was of weatherboard construction. It consisted of a small hall, a reading room and a library. Later it was realized that the building was inadequate for community functions that attracted a large number of participants; consequently additions and modifications were needed. The Shire Council in 1888 voted £10 to the building fund but stipulated that the money would only be paid when the new building was commenced. Major contributors to the fund were the temperance societies who were regular users of the Institute’s facilities. As a result of their contributions the building was named Mechanics’ Institute Free Library and Temperance Hall with this title being proudly painted on its façade in ‘gold letters shaded with blue’.Black and white image of a group of six men dressed in suits and wearing hats, standing at the front entrance of the Mechanics Institute, Free Library and Temperance Hall, Cheltenham