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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Concertina, c.1920s-1940s
Musical instruments were a source of entertainments for families and groups. This concertina would be easily carried from place to place and brought out without preparation.This concertina is an example of the musical instruments used for casual entertainment in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is currently not associated with a historical event, person or place at this time and is being used to augment Flagstaff's village display.Concertina; musical instrument, wooden ends, grips and some key buttons missing. Bellows still produce sound. Concertina centre is coloured in green tones.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, concertina, musical instrument, squeeze box, entertainment, live music -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Raising The Roof In The Loft, 2018
The $18 million dining & entertainment precinct 'The Loft' on level three of Forest Hill Chase Shopping centre opened on December 7th.The $18 million dining & entertainment precinct 'The Loft' on level three of Forest Hill Chase Shopping centre opened on December 7th.The $18 million dining & entertainment precinct 'The Loft' on level three of Forest Hill Chase Shopping centre opened on December 7th.forest hill chase shopping centre, forest hill -
Clunes Museum
Programme, 1905
Loyal Orange Demonstration Purple Heroes No. 21 ClunesBlack ink printed on cream paper of concert and entertainment by Clunes and Creswick leading talent at Wesley Hall on Wednesday July 12th 1905Nilloyal orange, concert -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - FAVALORO COLLECTION: CRUISE SHIP PROGRAMME, 1957
Programme for the days entertainment First Class on board passenger liner Oceania of the Lloyd Triestino Line sailing between Australia and Italy 1957.G.Schenone Genovaprogram, music, cruise ship -
Sunshine and District Historical Society Incorporated
Souvenir Programme (1944), DIAMOND JUBILEE celebration of the SUNSHINE HARVESTER, 1944
As a youth while working on his father's farm, Hugh Victor McKay became tired of the labour involved in winnowing wheat by hand. In 1884 he built the first machine in the world which did the winnowing in conjunction with the reaping. On Monday 21st August 1944, which coincided with the birthday of the late H. V. McKay, more than 2000 employees and friends of H. V. McKay Massey Harris Pty Ltd were entertained at the Melbourne Town Hall, in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Sunshine Harvester Works.The event was planned to "turn it on for the boys' in a manner befitting the occasion." The compere was Eric Pearce (of later TV newsreader fame) and the entertainment was provided by leading performers of song (W.M.Laird and Mary Miller), of music (John Robertson, W.M.King, and the Sunshine Brass Band), and of humour (Charles Sherman). The accompanists for some of the performances were Betty Miller and Eric Fox. Two films depicting the activities of the Sunshine Works were shown, and the managing director Mr C. N. McKay, was presented with a book by Mr Fred Bult who had 50 years service with the company. The book contained more than 1000 signatures from invited employees who had completed more than 10 years of service, Supper was provided in the Lower Hall, and the MC for dancing to the Synco-Harvesters Dance Band in the Main Hall was James Patrick. The committee which organised the function were Messrs. L.W. King (Chairman), G. Baker, J. Downing, R. Stewart, F. J. Lee, V. Armstrong, F. Fields, J. Aird, G. Wilson, J. G. McKay, T. N. McArthur, and R. Webb, with secretaries Messrs. G. Shaw and D. J. McKay. The above information was compiled from the Souvenir Programme, and from The Argus of Tuesday 22 August 1944 which can be viewed at http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11357700, and from the Sunshine Advocate of Friday 30 June 1944.The Souvenir Programme provides a historical record of how the Diamond Jubilee was celebrated, as well as the type of entertainment and the names of the entertainers and other people involved. It also lists the types of dances such as the 'Fox Trot' and the 'Pride of Erin' that were normal entertainment in 1944. The Souvenir Programme is also significant in what it does not tell us. There is absolutely no indication of what would be considered to be a supper for an event like this in 1944, especially in the Melbourne Town Hall. From a historical point of view it would be interesting to know.Beige coloured cardboard document which is folded in two, and has brown coloured printing on three of the four sides. The document provides a detailed list of the entertainment and the presentations held in the Melbourne Town Hall, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Sunshine Harvester Works.1884 1944 / SOUVENIR PROGRAMME / DIAMOND JUBILEE of the SUNSHINE HARVESTER / MELBOURNE TOWN HALL / Monday 21st Aug.sunshine harvester, diamond jubilee, h. v. mckay, massey harris pty ltd, 21 august 1944, 1884, 1944, melbourne town hall, sunshine harvester works, sunshine harvester, diamond jubilee, h. v. mckay, massey harris pty ltd, 21 august 1944, 1884, 1944, melbourne town hall, sunshine harvester works -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Plaque - Commemorative
The Boer War took place from 11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902. Also known as the Anglo–Boer War, or the South African War, the conflict was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics (the South African Republic and the Orange Free State) over the Empire's influence in Southern Africa. As part of the British Empire, the Australian colonies offered troops for the war. Samuel McGowan was born in North Ireland in 1845, immigrating to Australia in 1870. He arrived in Bendigo 1871 and having worked in a large engineering works at home was quickly able to find management work in foundries, later opening a legal manager's office growing this into one of the largest of its type in Bendigo. Samuel McGowan was elected a member of the City Council in 1883 and was elected Mayor in 1885 and again in 1899, resigning as a councillor in 1901. He was the treasurer of the Bendigo Hospital, a senior member of the Zenith Lodge and president of the Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Samuel McGowan and Kate Goyne from Epsom married on 29th August 1874. Samuel died in 1921 aged 76 and Kate in 1930 aged 78. This plaque was probably attached to a commemorative board such as an honour board, however its whereabout are unknown. Engraved plaque in the shape of a flag and flag pole. Four small holes indicate that it was previously attached to a larger commemorative board.Flag; Special functions by / Mayor & Mrs McGowan / entertainment and distribution of Comforts to the / Bendigo Soldiers Contingent prior to their / departure for the Boer War. / Reception at the Town Hall / Ball to the Citizens. / Entertainment of distinguished visitors, etc.etc.etc / Flag pole; F. Prescottmayor mcgowan, councillor s h mc gowan, mayoress mcgowan -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document - Two printed programmes, Ballarat Junior Technical School Speech Night Programme - 1943 and 1944, 1 in 1943; .2 in 1944
A distinctive event for the Junior Technical School in 1942 was the retirement of the founding Headmaster, Mr A.W. Steane. His replacement was Mr C.F. Jeffery from Wangaratta High School. He revived the Annual Speech Night with a gathering in the Masonic Hall on 8 December 1942. These events may have been stopped during the Depression years when the number of students attending school dropped. The Students' Association introduced the House system in 1919 - blue, yellow and green - the School colours. .1 item lists three Houses - blue, yellow and green Twenty-five years later, in 1944, a fourth House was created due to the increased school enrolment in the Post Depression years. .2 item lists four Houses - blue, yellow, green and red.1 Blue printed sheet folded. Outlines the programme for the night, Staff names, prize winners for form levels, sports awards and entertainment by the students at the Speech Night - 1943. .2 Pink printed sheet folded. Outlines the programme for the night, Staff names, prize winners for each form, sports awards and entertainment by the students at the Speech Night - 1944.ballarat junior technical school, headmaster, a a w steane, c f jeffery, speech night, masonic hall, depression, wangaratta high school, house system -
Tennis Australia
Book, Circa 1998
Book: 'THROUGH THE ROOF: TEN YEARS OF THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN AND ENTERTAINMENT AT MELBOURNE PARK'. Hardcover with dustjacket. Copyrighted 1998. Materials: Ink, Paper, Cardboardtennis -
Clunes Museum
PROGRAMME
PROGRAMME PRINTED ON YELLOW PAPER FOR 'A GOLDFIELDS ENTERTAINMENT" PRESENTED BY STUDENTS OF CAREY GRAMMAR SCHOOL, CLUNES TOWN HALL, SUNDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2001.local history, document, programmes, events and celebrations -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Loft To Lift Forest Hill After Dark, 2018
Forest Hill Chase's latest precinct, The Loft, is bringing 11 new restaurants, an entertainment space and an unique free children play area to the shopping centre.Forest Hill Chase's latest precinct, The Loft, is bringing 11 new restaurants, an entertainment space and an unique free children play area to the shopping centre.Forest Hill Chase's latest precinct, The Loft, is bringing 11 new restaurants, an entertainment space and an unique free children play area to the shopping centre.forest hill chase, the loft -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Newspaper - Newspaper - The Portland Observer 22 November 1934, 22/11/1934
The Portland Observer, from 22 NOV, 1934. Four pages (not numbered) Advertisements, Society, show results, Portland Centenary, letters to editor, entertainment etc. -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, 2008
Date made August 2008Colour photograph of the Lakes Entrance Entertainment Centre, playground in front of building. This site was originally Carpenters Caravan Park situated on Esplanade. Lakes Entrance Victoriarecreation, resort, room display -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - EAGLEHAWK DAHLIA AND ARTS FESTIVAL 1972 PROGRAM
Typed program for the Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival from 23rd March to Tuesday 4th April 1972. Program lists the displays and entertainment for the duration of the Festival.event, exhibition, eaglehawk dahlia & arts festival, eaglehawk dahlia and arts festival 1972 program, historical society museum, karl steinbergs puppet show, bendigo gem club, australian handicapped and disabled artists, country women’s association, sam cragg, sandhurst boys centre, spastic children's friends & parents committee, sir rohan delacombe, national dahlia society, eaglehawk y m c a all grade basket ball summer competition, game birds society, bushwackers and bullocky's bush band, eaglehawk bowling club, state services orchestra recital, alan paull, arts council of australia, chitrasana dancers from ceylon, eaglehawk croquet club, bendigo music advancement society, phillip miechel, henry wenig, margaret schofield, shirley jacobs, the german national circus, bendigo clay target club, bendigo photographic society, eaglehawk bowling club, kennel club, eaglehawk citizen's band, society of organists, bendigo field naturalists -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Booklet - Music Score, Franz Schubert Song Album, c. 1950
Commercially printed Song book with blue cover featuring small portrait of composer. Contains words and music scores for 8 songs by Franz Schubert.non-fictionmusic, sheet-music, entertainment, indigenous songs, songs, franz schubert, allan and co music -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Sell-off bombshell, 2010
Article on the decision of Reading Entertainment International to abandon its plan to redevelop the former Nubrik brickworks site in Middleborough Road Burwood East and to sell the 20ha site.Article on the decision of Reading Entertainment International to abandon its plan to redevelop the former Nubrik brickworks site in Middleborough Road Burwood East and to sell the 20ha site.Article on the decision of Reading Entertainment International to abandon its plan to redevelop the former Nubrik brickworks site in Middleborough Road Burwood East and to sell the 20ha site.middleborough road, burwood east, reading entertainment australia pty ltd -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - INVITATION, 1974
Official invitation to Bendigo Historical Society from The Matthew Flinders Bicentenary Citizens Council and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. A large cream coloured card printed with the following words in black script: In the distinguished presence of His Excellency Major-General Sir Rohan Delacombe Governor of Victoria and Lady Delacombe and The Honourable R J Hamer Premier of Victoria and Mrs Hamer, The Chairman Sir John Holland and Members of the Matthew Flinders Bicentenary Citizens Council in association with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria requests the pleasure of the company of Bendigo Historical Society at "Flinders 200"A multi-media historical entertainment of song, dance, film and narration at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Sunday 24th March 1974 at 7:30pm. In the lower left hand corner is printed Admission Free to the lawns. Reserved seats at $2 available at the Victorian Government Tourist Bureau 276 Collins St Melbourne 3000 From 4th March.event, entertainment, anniversary -
Bendigo Military Museum
memorabilia - CARD & ENVELOPE, 6) 21/08/1941; .7) 24/09/1948; .8) 11/11/1942
Documents in a collection held by Kenneth Frederick Bawden RAAF No 250882. Refer Cat No 213.109P for his service details. They were held in the large envelope re 213.109P. Documents relating to K.F.Bawden RAAF. .1) to .4) Entertainment concert items .5) Hand-drawn illustration of convoy .6) to .8) Dinner menus .9) to .10) Envelopes.6) & .7) Autographed by a number of peoplememorabilia, military history - souvenirs, raaf -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ROYAL PRINCESS THEATRE COLLECTION: PROGRAMME GRAND MATINEE ENTERTAINEMENT, 22 May
Document, Program, Princess Theatre Programmes: Grand Matinee Entertainment in aid of Ministering Children's League, Saturday Afternoon,December 1st at 3.A.M.Drummond Printer arcade Bendigo.A.M.Drummond Printer Arcade Bendigoprogram, theatre, royal princess theatre, princess theatre programmes -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Leisure object - Stereoscope c. late 1800s - early 1900s
In the 1800s, the stereoscope was the only way to view with world in 3-D. A viewer would look through the lenses of the stereoscope's eyepiece to a card called a stereograph. On the stereograph, two of the same image were printed side by side, which when viewed through the stereograph transformed the one dimensional images into relatively life-like representations. A popular form of entertainment among the middle classes in Europe and America, people could use a stereoscope to view images of real faraway places, or fantastical magic scenes. The first patented stereo viewer was invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone in 1838, and remained a favoured leisure activity until the advent of cinema in the 1930s. This object contributes to our understanding of social life, leisure and entertainment in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. A wooden stereoscope with a cardboard 'view' of a streetscape.stereoscope, stereographs, entertainment, fun, leisure -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Leisure object - Stereoscope c. late 1800s - early 1900s
In the 1800s, the stereoscope was the only way to view with world in 3-D. A viewer would look through the lenses of the stereoscope's eyepiece to a card called a stereograph. On the stereograph, two of the same image were printed side by side, which when viewed through the stereograph transformed the one dimensional images into relatively life-like representations. A popular form of entertainment among the middle classes in Europe and America, people could use a stereoscope to view images of real faraway places, or fantastical magic scenes. The first patented stereo viewer was invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone in 1838, and remained a favoured leisure activity until the advent of cinema in the 1930s. This object contributes to our understanding of social life, leisure and entertainment in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A wooden stereoscope with a cardboard 'view' of a streetscape.stereoscope, stereographs, entertainment, fun, leisure -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Leisure object - Stereoscope c. late 1800s - early 1900s
In the 1800s, the stereoscope was the only way to view with world in 3-D. A viewer would look through the lenses of the stereoscope's eyepiece to a card called a stereograph. On the stereograph, two of the same image were printed side by side, which when viewed through the stereograph transformed the one dimensional images into relatively life-like representations. A popular form of entertainment among the middle classes in Europe and America, people could use a stereoscope to view images of real faraway places, or fantastical magic scenes. The first patented stereo viewer was invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone in 1838, and remained a favoured leisure activity until the advent of cinema in the 1930s. This object contributes to our understanding of social life, leisure and entertainment in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A wooden stereoscope with a cardboard 'view' of a streetscape.stereoscope, stereographs, entertainment, fun, leisure -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Card - Stereoscope Cards c. late 1800s - early 1900s
In the 1800s, the stereoscope was the only way to view with world in 3-D. A viewer would look through the lenses of the stereoscope's eyepiece to a card called a stereograph. On the stereograph, two of the same image were printed side by side, which when viewed through the stereograph transformed the one dimensional images into relatively life-like representations. A popular form of entertainment among the middle classes in Europe and America, people could use a stereoscope to view images of real faraway places, or fantastical magic scenes. The first patented stereo viewer was invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone in 1838, and remained a favoured leisure activity until the advent of cinema in the 1930s. This object contributes to our understanding of social life, leisure and entertainment in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. A cardboard box full of stereoscope cards showing street views and landscape scenery. stereoscope, stereographs, entertainment, fun, leisure -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - INVITATION, 1974
Official invitation to Miss L J Parry from The Matthew Flinders Bicentenary Citizens Council and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. A large cream coloured card printed with the following words in black script: In the distinguished presence of His Excellency Major-General Sir Rohan Delacombe Governor of Victoria and Lady Delacombe and The Honourable R J Hamer Premier of Victoria and Mrs Hamer, The Chairman Sir John Holland and Members of the Matthew Flinders Bicentenary Citizens Council in association with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria requests the pleasure of the company of Miss L J Parry at "Flinders 200"A multi-media historical entertainment of song, dance, film and narration at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Sunday 24th March 1974 at 7:30pm. In the lower left hand corner is printed Admission Free to the lawns. Reserved seats at $2 available at the Victorian Government Tourist Bureau 276 Collins St Melbourne 3000 From 4th March.event, entertainment, anniversary -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Nunawading Arts Festival 1966, 1966
Entertainment guide to the third annual Nunawading Arts Festival 30th Sep - 22nd Oct 1966.Entertainment guide to the third annual Nunawading Arts Festival 30th Sep - 22nd Oct 1966. Includes Mitcham Repertory Group program for 'Fool's Paradise'. With tickets for three productions.Entertainment guide to the third annual Nunawading Arts Festival 30th Sep - 22nd Oct 1966. nunawading arts festival, repertory -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Mitcham Combined Carnival and Sports Meeting, 1925
Foundation Day - Mitcham. Combined carnival and sports meeting, numerous and varied events listed finishing with a grand picture entertainment at night.Foundation Day - Mitcham. Combined carnival and sports meeting, numerous and varied events listed finishing with a grand picture entertainment at night. C.P. Porritt, organizing secretary, Fellowes Street, Mitcham.Foundation Day - Mitcham. Combined carnival and sports meeting, numerous and varied events listed finishing with a grand picture entertainment at night. sports carnivals, porritt, c.p. -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Caulfield State School No. 773
A) 1 photograph of Caulfield Primary school number 773, date unknown, B) 1 photograph of 5th class, date unknown, C) Musical and Entertainment programme Nov 11, 1867caulfield primary school, schools -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - 20th Merauke
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 -
City of Kingston
Photograph - Digital image, c.1918
Roderick William Mills, known as Saltbush Bill, was the inspiration for several poems by A.B. Paterson. Born at Balnarring in 1869, Mills earned the title of Saltbush Bill whilst working on a cattle station in Queensland. On these long droving trips, he learnt the art of cracking stock whips of many different lengths and sizes, a skill that earnt him £100 after a Melbourne saddler, J.K. Jennings, suggested that no man could crack a 65-foot stock whip in three tries. Saltbush Bill succeeded on his first attempt and decided to make a career in entertainment with his skill. Over his career he performed for royalty, travelled and performed extensively overseas and lent his skill to fundraising efforts, particularly during the war. His last concert was given in the Boomerang Hall in Dandenong in 1926.A local resident of the City of Moorabbin, Saltbush Bill was an ambassador for Australia and a literary inspiration to A.B. (Banjo) Paterson. Saltbush Bill, his wife Hannah Louise Porter and their 11 children lived in Old Dandenong Road, Heatherton, where Saltbush Bill and Hannah conducted a market garden for many years. Saltbush Bill is buried in Cheltenham's Pioneer Cemetery.Black and white digital imageheatherton, banjo paterson, saltbush bill, stock whip, entertainment -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - St Kilda Strumpet, Launch of "A Sense of Place" podcast, Spirit of Tasmania, Ann Smallpage, 22 Aug 2007
A set of colour photos taken on board the "Spirit of Tasmania" 22 August 2007 at the launch of Gerald MAIR's "A sense of Place" podcast, an audio heritage tour of Port St Kilda Strumpet (entertainment)Numbered, dated on back in inkarts and entertainment - heritage tours, gerald mair, spirit of tasmania, st kilda strumpet -
Melbourne Athenaeum Archives
Video - ABC 7.30 Report: The Athenaeum 's 170th birthday, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Melbourne, Athenaeum building celebrates 170 years, 11/11/2009
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.