MECHANICS INSTITUTE

The Walhalla Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library opened in 1867. Like similar institutes elsewhere it provided an alternative pastime to gambling and drinking in pubs. The building was destroyed in the Great Walhalla Fire of 1888. It was rebuilt but fell into disrepair after all the mines closed by 1915. It was again destroyed by fire in 1944, and rebuilt in the 1980s.

An historical plaque gives useful information.

The old photograph just manages to include the Mechanics’ Institute! It shows a large group of people outside the adjacent Lee Bros stationery shop in Christmas 1907. This shop is no longer there.

The photograph is part of the Lee collection of photographs of the Walhalla region, Victoria. ca. 1890-1920.