A rebuilt version of the original Walhalla Mechanics Institute and Free Library with superimposed images showing the original buliding
A rebuilt version of the original Walhalla Mechanics Institute and Free Library with superimposed images showing the original buliding

Walhalla Mechanics Institute and Free Library

A$15.00

Mechanics Institutes started to appear in Britain in the early 1800s and were important to the social dynamic and prosperity of a town. Not only did they provide adult science and technology training and up-skilling for the working class, but many had a library which helped pass the time as an alternative to alcohol and gambling. Many Institutes would also have a social programme. The Mechanics Institute in Walhalla was one of more than 1200 built in Victoria. As the town started to grow it provided a location for schooling and worship until dedicated buildings could be constructed. Like many existing town buildings it is not the original, having been rebuilt twice, most recently in 1980. Both historical images show the Institute after the initial rebuild. The image to the right also shows two mounted police with a shipment of gold outside the Bank of Victoria, which like the Institute building was reconstructed after the 1888 fire. Today, the Walhalla Mechanics Institute building provides facilities for retail and venue hire.

Mechanics Institutes started to appear in Britain in the early 1800s and were important to the social dynamic and prosperity of a town. Not only did they provide adult science and technology training and up-skilling for the working class, but many had a library which helped pass the time as an alternative to alcohol and gambling. Many Institutes would also have a social programme. The Mechanics Institute in Walhalla was one of more than 1200 built in Victoria. As the town started to grow it provided a location for schooling and worship until dedicated buildings could be constructed. Like many existing town buildings it is not the original, having been rebuilt twice, most recently in 1980. Both historical images show the Institute after the initial rebuild. The image to the right also shows two mounted police with a shipment of gold outside the Bank of Victoria, which like the Institute building was reconstructed after the 1888 fire. Today, the Walhalla Mechanics Institute building provides facilities for retail and venue hire.

Historical image (left): The Gippsland and Regional Studies Collection (GRSC), Reproduced courtesy Federation University Australia

Historical image (right): Rodda Collection, Museums Victoria, MM 42864

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