Photo by Pam Baragwanath (copyright).

Name: Allansford Mechanics’ Institute Hall  

Address: Allansford

Institute established: By 1878

Date of Present Building: 1911

Building succession number: 2 : By 1878 and 1911

Current use: Community

Social History: The first timber hall built in 1878 had been damaged by fire by 1900 and a public meeting decided to rebuild on the same site.  But controversy arose when a new site was offered in the town centre. A building erected there by an opposition committee in 1905, was called the New Public Hall. But the committee of the original Institute decided to build a slightly larger hall and that was opened in 1911. Both halls had a stage, supper and dressings rooms. The rival Mechanics’ Institute committees were known as the East-enders and the West-enders. At one meeting the doorway was barred by East-enders but an enterprising West-ender found a way in through an unlocked window!  But by 1920, the New Public Hall had little support and was sold and removed.

The Mechanics’ Institute had a library, held dances, balls and meetings and ran roller skating, badminton and table tennis. A billiard table was in use from 1912 but “whistling and smoking were strictly prohibited”. Acetylene lighting was used, then Gloria lights until electricity was introduced in 1912. Piano lessons were given and organisations who used the hall were the Public Library Committee, Country Women's Association, Oddfellows Lodge, Hibernian Lodge, Mutual Improvement Class and the Progress Association.  The Allansford Centenary Ball held at the hall in 1955. Improvements and repairs have been carried out and the hall is now owned by the City of Warrnambool.

Reference: Bryon, Beverley.  Hall secretary. (1997).  The back to Allansford book, 1855-1981.

Note: for further information see:

Mechanics' Institutes Resource Centre (MIRC)  List of holdings 

and  Prahran Mechanics' Institute Library catalogue www.pmi.net.au