Historical information

A Mechanics’ Institute hall was constructed in 1885 and opened as Orbost's first library. It was situated in Browning Street, Orbost. The hall is still in use today as a community venue.
Mechanics' Institutes are the forerunners of public libraries and adult education in Australia. The origin of mechanics' institutes is attributed to Dr George Birkbeck, who in 1799 gave a series of free lectures for the working men of Glasgow. At the time, 'mechanic' meant artisan, tradesman or working man. The movement spread quickly throughout the British Empire. The first Victorian Mechanics' Institute was the Melbourne Mechanics' Institute established in 1839. From the 1850s, Mechanics' Institutes quickly spread throughout Victoria wherever a hall or library, or a school was needed.
This ledger was used by the Orbost Mechanics' Institute from 1884 until 1926. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum.

Significance

The Mechanics' Institute was a very early feature of the Orbost community. The building became a community facility used for a variety of essential civic needs in particular a library. It also provided a suitable venue for community social requirements and functions.

Physical description

A heavy minute book with faded black covers and brown binding. The edges of the pages are marbled as are the end covers. Pages inside are blue with hand-written black ink records. It contains minutes from the Orbost Mechanics Institute.

Inscriptions & markings

on spine on red leather in gold lettering: "MINUTE BOOK"