Historical information

A Mechanics Institute in Bacchus Marsh dates from sometime in the 1850s. The foundation stone for this hall dates from 1858. The hall was located on the corner of Young Street and Bennett Street on land donated by James Young. In 1883 a new and larger Mechanics Institute Hall was built in Main Street. The old hall was purchased by Thomas Anderson and for some years was a private residence. It was later bought by the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) and became a Lodge for that order. In its later years it was known locally as 'The Buff's Hall'. It was eventually demolished in the late 20th century.
Built in Young Street on land owned by James Young, a prominent citizen of Bacchus Marsh, this Hall was the venue for the commencement of the political campaign of Alfred Deakin, and later for the campaign of Peter Lalor, a leader of the Eureka Rebellion.

Physical description

Small sepia 'carte de viste' style unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by the photographers Stevenson and McNicoll. The photo is of a single-storey brick building. The front has a gabled entrance with a central doorway and two windows, one on either side of the door. A plaque has been inset in the gable above the door. The hip roof is shingled. Three windows run along the side of the building. A picket fence on very uneven footage runs along the front. The entrance gateway has two steps up to the entry and is decorated with an ornate lantern supported by a slim metal framework. Another lantern is fixed to the left of the front door.

Inscriptions & markings

Printed
On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME.
On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun.
Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE.

References