MECHANICS INSTITUTE (FORMER)
12-14 Stirling Street DUNKELD, Southern Grampians Shire
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
The former Mechanic's Institute is located in the north-east corner of Sterling Street and Martin Streets, two blocks south of the Glenelg Highway in the township of Dunkeld. The building was constructed in two phases. The earlier 1892 section comprises a main hall and rear wing with elevated stage and side dressing rooms. The newer 1963 section is a cream brick facade with a side entrance and side windows. Most of the windows in the older section were replaced or bricked up in the 1963 renovation. No architect or builder has been associated with the design, however, it is possible that the 1963 renovations were designed by Taggeter Walter, who was responsible for the renovation and remodelling of the Glenthompson Hall and Library in the 1950s. The former Mechanic's Insatiate is in fair condition, and retains a high degree of integrity to the mid 1960s.
How is it significant?
The former Mechanics Institute is of historical and social significance to the township of Dunkeld and the Southern Grampians Shire.
Why is it significant?
The former Mechanic's Institute is of historical significance as a prominent and well-used public building in a street that previously was an important commercial thoroughfare and thus is a reminder of an earlier, more prosperous era of the town's history. The hall has additional historical significance for its association with Harold Armytage, a patron of the Mechanics Institute and prominent early pastoralist.
The former Mechanic's Institute is of social significance to Dunkeld because, in the early 20th century it reflected the town's status and was associated with the self-improvement of its citizens through reading, lectures and concerts. Socially, the hall provided a focus for community activities such as dances, book borrowing and film nights. These roles continue and the hall is still used for a range of activities.
-
-
MECHANICS INSTITUTE (FORMER) - Physical Conditions
The building is in good condition internally and externally
MECHANICS INSTITUTE (FORMER) - Physical Description 1
The former Dunkeld Mechanic's Institute has been constructed in two sections. The earlier 1892 section is a T-shaped red brick hall with bluestone footings. It comprises a large hall with the rear wing accommodating an elevated stage and adjacent rooms to either side. Many of the original windows were replaced in the 1963 renovation or bricked up. The new section was built in 1963 and includes a cream facade with side windows and a new entrance. This is in a loosely International style. The new section may have been designed by Taggeter Walter, who was responsible for the new facade on the Glenthompson Library and Hall
MECHANICS INSTITUTE (FORMER) - Historical Australian Themes
3. Developing local, regional and national economies
3.21 Entertaining for profit
6. Educating
6.1 Forming associations, libraries, and institutes for self-education
8. Developing Australia's cultural life
8.5 Forming associations
8.5.3 Associating for mutual aid
8.5.4 Pursuing common leisure interests
8.14 Living in the country and rural settlementsMECHANICS INSTITUTE (FORMER) - Usage/Former Usage
Public Library & RSL Hall
MECHANICS INSTITUTE (FORMER) - Integrity
Low degree of intactness for its nineteenth century fabric but a high degree of intactness for its later twentieth century development.
MECHANICS INSTITUTE (FORMER) - Physical Description 2
G.G Crouch, first owner of the land
Harold Armytage, patronHeritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
-
-
-
-
-
LOCK-UPVictorian Heritage Register H1535
-
LOCK-UP, STABLES AND WC (FORMER)Southern Grampians Shire H1535
-
UNITING CHURCHSouthern Grampians Shire
-
"1890"Yarra City
-
"AMF Officers" ShedMoorabool Shire
-
"AQUA PROFONDA" SIGN, FITZROY POOLVictorian Heritage Register H1687
-
"1890"Yarra City
-
'BRAESIDE'Boroondara City
-
'ELAINE'Boroondara City
-
-