Dear Linda, Thanks for doing all that, Re your trip, I can't think of any particular ones, but its always valuable to have a - recent - photo - because sometimes there have been changes or even a demolition! So any you can get will be valuable for the database, (some of my photos were taken over 20 years ago). Good spotting Linda, but keep your eyes on the road too! I shot down the new Eastlink Freewayng 100 and there like amirage, right on the side of the freeway, a most unlikely sight - the Bangholme Soldiers memorial Hall, circa 1900's or something - looking like a typical MI. yet to follow this up, Cheers pam. -----Original Message----- From: aus-vic-mech-inst-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:aus-vic-mech-inst-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Linda Barraclough Sent: Sunday, 26 October 2008 10:40 AM To: AUS-VIC-MECH-INST@rootsweb.com Subject: [AUS-VIC-MECH-INST] Playing Spotto Hi Everyone, Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria has uploaded to the web about two hundred of the unidentified Wesson photographs of Victorian halls from the 1960s. They are hoping people may be able to identify some. The photos are on Flickr, and are accessed through http://www.flickr.com/photos/31337922@N02/ I think I have got five, and am working on a sixth. If you can identify any, you can either: a) follow the links at http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mivic/ to e-mail MIV b) if you are a member of Flickr, like I am, you can have the fun of putting a comment on the photo, so others can see it too c) post it here, so we get the fun of seeing another one bite the dust too. or you can do all three. FLICKR HINT: When you see a photograph that interests you (there are about 18 to a page), click on it and it comes up larger. There should then be a small "all sizes" link just above the lefthand corner of the photo. That gives you the biggest. And, on another note - I am going off to play Spotto for a week, so these got posted at the right time. I probably won't leave the highway, but i am going to go from Melbourne to Benall, to Swan Hill and Sea lake, and then back down the Calder to Kangaroo Flat, then Melbourne. So Pam - if you have any red pins on a map of Victoria that mean you want a photograph of a hall on that route, drop me a line. I will wind down the window as I go past, and take a quick pic. And see if I can get my Spotto count up as I go. Cheers Linda ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to AUS-VIC-MECH-INST-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi Everyone, Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria has uploaded to the web about two hundred of the unidentified Wesson photographs of Victorian halls from the 1960s. They are hoping people may be able to identify some. The photos are on Flickr, and are accessed through http://www.flickr.com/photos/31337922@N02/ I think I have got five, and am working on a sixth. If you can identify any, you can either: a) follow the links at http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mivic/ to e-mail MIV b) if you are a member of Flickr, like I am, you can have the fun of putting a comment on the photo, so others can see it too c) post it here, so we get the fun of seeing another one bite the dust too. or you can do all three. FLICKR HINT: When you see a photograph that interests you (there are about 18 to a page), click on it and it comes up larger. There should then be a small "all sizes" link just above the lefthand corner of the photo. That gives you the biggest. And, on another note - I am going off to play Spotto for a week, so these got posted at the right time. I probably won't leave the highway, but i am going to go from Melbourne to Benall, to Swan Hill and Sea lake, and then back down the Calder to Kangaroo Flat, then Melbourne. So Pam - if you have any red pins on a map of Victoria that mean you want a photograph of a hall on that route, drop me a line. I will wind down the window as I go past, and take a quick pic. And see if I can get my Spotto count up as I go. Cheers Linda

Thanks Bev, Looking forward to it. Any luck with The Age? Or any other papers? Your work deserves recognition. Cheers Pam. -----Original Message----- From: aus-vic-mech-inst-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:aus-vic-mech-inst-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of D & B Johns Sent: Thursday, 28 August 2008 8:13 PM To: AUS-VIC-MECH-INST@rootsweb.com Subject: [AUS-VIC-MECH-INST] Kinglake West Mechanics Institute Our hall turns 100. In recent years it was in disrepair. A few years back the roof leaked, no kitchen, no toilets and no heating. A building not many could use and no revenue to fund repairs. After much work and many grant applications we had little bits of success. None of which gave us the basics we really needed. Then in 2004 we were successful in obtaining a Regional Partnerships grant with the help of the Murrindindi Shire. The transformation is wonderful. We have re-roofed, reclad, added kitchen, toilets, heating and much more. Since then we have added a BBQ, picnic table and shelter and new clubrooms for the Tennis Club and oval. The building was the primary school library built by the community in the 1980s, with the school rebuilding program this year it would have been demolished. So now it has a new home. If you would like to come and see what we have done, please feel welcome to drop in. Our address is 1055 Main Road, Kinglake West. 2kms east of the Kinglake West intersection, next to the primary school. Regards Bev Johns ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to AUS-VIC-MECH-INST-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Our hall turns 100. In recent years it was in disrepair. A few years back the roof leaked, no kitchen, no toilets and no heating. A building not many could use and no revenue to fund repairs. After much work and many grant applications we had little bits of success. None of which gave us the basics we really needed. Then in 2004 we were successful in obtaining a Regional Partnerships grant with the help of the Murrindindi Shire. The transformation is wonderful. We have re-roofed, reclad, added kitchen, toilets, heating and much more. Since then we have added a BBQ, picnic table and shelter and new clubrooms for the Tennis Club and oval. The building was the primary school library built by the community in the 1980s, with the school rebuilding program this year it would have been demolished. So now it has a new home. If you would like to come and see what we have done, please feel welcome to drop in. Our address is 1055 Main Road, Kinglake West. 2kms east of the Kinglake West intersection, next to the primary school. Regards Bev Johns

Yeah gorgeous one that. Reminds me of the Gippsland MI (cant think of the name)who opened up for roller skating. The local Minister said - he would rather see his sister dead than disporting herself thus. Thanks a lot, Pam. -----Original Message----- From: aus-vic-mech-inst-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:aus-vic-mech-inst-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Linda Barraclough Sent: Thursday, 14 August 2008 11:31 AM To: AUS-VIC-MECH-INST@rootsweb.com Subject: [AUS-VIC-MECH-INST] Sunday Depravity 1873 Drat - sorry the last one was empty everyone! Hi Everyone, been quiet around here - thought you might enjoy this Linda >BRISBANE COURIER 22 Dec 1873 > >THE Australasian writes in this mournful strain of the condition of >hopeless depravity observable at Wangaratta -" We may be prepared to >hear that in this unhappy town vice advances with giant strides, and >that it is rapidly becoming a whirlpool of profligacy. All the barriers >of social order have been broken down, and the fences of virtue and >religion trampled under foot. To put tho enormity of the case in the >fewest possible words, the Sabbath is desecrated by the local Athenaeum >being opened every Sunday. It is distressing to read the letter of a >correspondent of the Argus, who states that the institution has been >opened on Sunday afternoons for about ten years, and this state of >things has been attended 'with such gratifying results'-his very words >-that it was lately resolved, ' without a dissentient voice,' that it >should be kept open on Sunday during tho same hours as on other days. >It is evident that this procedure strikes at the very foundation of >public and private morality, and that the gratifying results referred >to only add to its danger and wickedness. Because, if the opening of >the Atheneum on Sundays were the cause of drunkenness and disorder, >this would tend to discredit the movement, and thus, by a circuitous >route, good might be evolved out of evil. But now, when it only gives >opportunity of rational study and enlightenment, and culture to many >people who without this resource might be driven to tho taproom, or >perhap to church, from the sheer inability of otherwise disposing of >their time, it is evident that all our social and religious qualities >are attacked in the most insidious manner. Certainly there must be >another side to this statement. The place must be becoming another >Sodom or Gomorrah, upon which the vengeance of heaven cannot be always >delayed. There must be some fearful per contra to this account. Were it >otherwise, it would seem that we might adopt a similar course in >Melbourne-throw open our Public Library, Picture Gallery, and National >Museum on Sunday, to be the same sources of elevated recreation and >instructive amusement on that day as on other days. But we have the >assurance of a good many people, who profess to know a good deal about >it, that such a course would be to open the flood gates of Communism, >atheism, free thinking, and many other dire agencies, and to >precipitate some frightful catastrophe. Under these circumstances, >perhaps, it is better to wait, and take warning and comfort from the >fate which many very positive persons doubtless feel assured must be >impending over tho intrepid town of Wangaratta " ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to AUS-VIC-MECH-INST-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Drat - sorry the last one was empty everyone! Hi Everyone, been quiet around here - thought you might enjoy this Linda >BRISBANE COURIER 22 Dec 1873 > >THE Australasian writes in this mournful strain of the condition of >hopeless depravity observable at Wangaratta -" We may be prepared to >hear that in this unhappy town vice advances with giant strides, and >that it is rapidly becoming a whirlpool of profligacy. All the barriers >of social order have been broken down, and the fences of virtue and >religion trampled under foot. To put tho enormity of the case in the >fewest possible words, the Sabbath is desecrated by the local Athenaeum >being opened every Sunday. It is distressing to read the letter of a >correspondent of the Argus, who states that the institution has been >opened on Sunday afternoons for about ten years, and this state of >things has been attended 'with such gratifying results'-his very words >-that it was lately resolved, ' without a dissentient voice,' that it >should be kept open on Sunday during tho same hours as on other days. >It is evident that this procedure strikes at the very foundation of >public and private morality, and that the gratifying results referred >to only add to its danger and wickedness. Because, if the opening of >the Atheneum on Sundays were the cause of drunkenness and disorder, >this would tend to discredit the movement, and thus, by a circuitous >route, good might be evolved out of evil. But now, when it only gives >opportunity of rational study and enlightenment, and culture to many >people who without this resource might be driven to tho taproom, or >perhap to church, from the sheer inability of otherwise disposing of >their time, it is evident that all our social and religious qualities >are attacked in the most insidious manner. Certainly there must be >another side to this statement. The place must be becoming another >Sodom or Gomorrah, upon which the vengeance of heaven cannot be always >delayed. There must be some fearful per contra to this account. Were it >otherwise, it would seem that we might adopt a similar course in >Melbourne-throw open our Public Library, Picture Gallery, and National >Museum on Sunday, to be the same sources of elevated recreation and >instructive amusement on that day as on other days. But we have the >assurance of a good many people, who profess to know a good deal about >it, that such a course would be to open the flood gates of Communism, >atheism, free thinking, and many other dire agencies, and to >precipitate some frightful catastrophe. Under these circumstances, >perhaps, it is better to wait, and take warning and comfort from the >fate which many very positive persons doubtless feel assured must be >impending over tho intrepid town of Wangaratta "

Linda, not sure if I thanked you for those wonderful photos, just fantastic stuff. Considerable library collection,(s) looking good. Can I send it to the the MIRC - MI Resource Centre currently being established at PMI? Opening officially in November, -07. Pam. -----Original Message----- From: aus-vic-mech-inst-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:aus-vic-mech-inst-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Linda Barraclough Sent: Saturday, 21 April 2007 7:01 PM To: AUS-VIC-MECH-INST-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [AUS-VIC-MECH-INST] Fwd: Re: Melbourne Public Library travellingbook box Hi Everyone, Thought you might be interested in the final outcome of enquiries into the Box Book (prob. ex Narracan Mechanics' Institute) in the collection at Old Gippstown (Moe). So the reply from the State Library of Victoria is below. If anyone knows of any other intact ones in a collection anywhere else, we would be interested to hear. Once again, a photograph (third one down) is at: http://gippslandheritagepark.blogspot.com/2007/04/mechanics-institutes-libra ries.html Must take another photo, that shows the handles and railway stickers on the side. It was obviously designed to arrive on the train, and an easy two-man lift. Cheers Linda >Dear Linda, > >I am writing in reply to your recent email in which you seek >information on a Travelling Library book box. > >A couple of these book boxes have survived however they are lacking the >sliding doors.They were rescued by members of the cataloguing department. > >I was able to consult two librarians who have been working here since >1959 and one thought that the boxes were in use until the late 1960's. >However, the former head of the External Services section said that >they were still in use in the mid 1970's. She thought that they were >first used in the 1920's. > >A brief article on the Public Library by Ernest Pitt (the Chief >Librarian in 1934) in a publication titled Centenary journal 1934-35 >Souvenir ed, editor L. L. Politzer Melbourne: Collinson, 1934 states >that in April , >1859 the Trustees purchased 500 volumes for circulation amongst the >dwellers of country towns, thus introducing the system of circulating >cases of books, a system later known as "travelling libraries" and one >destined to become a common feature of Australian libraries, and to be >adopted later in America and elsewhere. > >I hope that the information provided helps to answer your queries > > >Regards >Gerry Brody > >Access & Information Division >State Library of Victoria >info@slv.vic.gov.au >03 8664 7002 ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to AUS-VIC-MECH-INST-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi Everyone, Thought you might be interested in the final outcome of enquiries into the Box Book (prob. ex Narracan Mechanics' Institute) in the collection at Old Gippstown (Moe). So the reply from the State Library of Victoria is below. If anyone knows of any other intact ones in a collection anywhere else, we would be interested to hear. Once again, a photograph (third one down) is at: http://gippslandheritagepark.blogspot.com/2007/04/mechanics-institutes-libraries.html Must take another photo, that shows the handles and railway stickers on the side. It was obviously designed to arrive on the train, and an easy two-man lift. Cheers Linda >Dear Linda, > >I am writing in reply to your recent email in which you seek information on >a Travelling Library book box. > >A couple of these book boxes have survived however they are lacking the >sliding doors.They were rescued by members of the cataloguing department. > >I was able to consult two librarians who have been working here since 1959 >and one thought that the boxes were in use until the late 1960's. However, >the former head of the External Services section said that they were still >in use in the mid 1970's. She thought that they were first used in the >1920's. > >A brief article on the Public Library by Ernest Pitt (the Chief Librarian >in 1934) in a publication titled Centenary journal 1934-35 Souvenir ed, >editor L. L. Politzer Melbourne: Collinson, 1934 states that in April , >1859 the Trustees purchased 500 volumes for circulation amongst the >dwellers of country towns, thus introducing the system of circulating cases >of books, a system later known as "travelling libraries" and one destined >to become a common feature of Australian libraries, and to be adopted later >in America and elsewhere. > >I hope that the information provided helps to answer your queries > > >Regards >Gerry Brody > >Access & Information Division >State Library of Victoria >info@slv.vic.gov.au >03 8664 7002

Hi Everyone, The AUS-VIC-MECH-INST mailing list has been a little quiet of late, so I thought I would show off my latest finds. They are the libraries of the Narracan Mechanics' Institute and Free Library from Narracan East, and the Thorpdale South Mechanics' Institute collection. They are at Old Gippstown in Moe. I knew both were there, but have been doing a little more work on them recently. There are in excess of 2,300 books in the Narracan Collection (accompanied by minutes and some borrowing records), and about 200 in the Thorpdale South one. And, just as an extra, we have identified a Melbourne Public Library travelling book box, probably from the 1950s, probably from Narracan East. Photographs of all are at http://gippslandheritagepark.blogspot.com/index.html Cheers Linda

Dear Linda, Thanks for that interesting tip-off, I'll send the Museum one of my archival collection letters and would love to see that Narracan catalogue, also the Thorpdale one, We have done a lot of work copying most of the Narracan MI Minute Books but one was misplaced that had been handed to the Folk museum some time in the past - don't suppose you have seen the missing Minute Book around?? Did I include you in that last mailout? It was a while ago, I have stopped and started several times and still have not written to all Hist.Soc in Victoria, anyway will send one to you at Gippstown as well, Best regards, Pam -----Original Message----- From: Linda Barraclough [mailto:kapana@netspace.net.au] Sent: Monday, 26 June 2006 8:04 PM To: AUS-VIC-MECH-INST-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [MECH-INST] Libraries spotted Hi Everyone, This is just to record that two existing Mechanics' Institutes Libraries have been spotted in the collection at Old Gippstown at Moe, where I am doing a little work. The library for the Narracan east Mechanics' and that for Thorpedale have both been located, in different buildings, so hopefully retain their integrity. The Narracan East one has been entered into the catalogue, and can be provided digitally for anyone undertaking serious research. It was compiled under a labour market scheme by untrained cataloguers, so does have a few inherent errors, but is pretty good. The Naracan East Mechanics' Institute building is also in the grounds (although its library is in the school building) and the building is suffering serious white ant infestation. The Thorpedale one seems to have only been partially catalogued. Regards Linda

Hi Everyone, This is just to record that two existing Mechanics' Institutes Libraries have been spotted in the collection at Old Gippstown at Moe, where I am doing a little work. The library for the Narracan east Mechanics' and that for Thorpedale have both been located, in different buildings, so hopefully retain their integrity. The Narracan East one has been entered into the catalogue, and can be provided digitally for anyone undertaking serious research. It was compiled under a labour market scheme by untrained cataloguers, so does have a few inherent errors, but is pretty good. The Naracan East Mechanics' Institute building is also in the grounds (although its library is in the school building) and the building is suffering serious white ant infestation. The Thorpedale one seems to have only been partially catalogued. Regards Linda

Thanks again Linda for another interesting info lead - Yes Oh Dear - are there any more days in the week yet? Will try to have a look soon, sounds juicy. I love it when there's a lead on a mystery one, of which there are 100's. Best regards Pam., -----Original Message----- From: Linda Barraclough [mailto:kapana@netspace.net.au] Sent: Sunday, 12 February 2006 9:04 PM To: AUS-VIC-MECH-INST-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [MECH-INST] Argus Index Oh Dear. The Argus Index for the 1870s is now online. And it is addictive. Just putting Mechanic* in (the wild-card will hopefully deal with all combinations of apostrophes), brings up over 1,300 references. I may never be seen again. I am told the 1860s one is not far away. And they actually come up listed by each Institute. Linda

Oh Dear. The Argus Index for the 1870s is now online. And it is addictive. Just putting Mechanic* in (the wild-card will hopefully deal with all combinations of apostrophes), brings up over 1,300 references. I may never be seen again. I am told the 1860s one is not far away. And they actually come up listed by each Institute. Linda

Hi, I am new to this list today. I am looking for any information on Mary JEFFS who was Librarian Caretaker at the Romsey Mechanic's Institute in 1890. Can anyone give me any more information on Mary. Thank you. Elaine (nee Jeffs)

G'DAY Linda Re Kalorama in the Dandenongs I normally like to assist in these situations .. and there have been quite a few lately with old buildings all over the country being demolished in the name of ‘progress’ . .. but I am not prepared just to write/email Mayors etc. I need more background and need to be able to contact the person who originated the request .. that info please and I may be able to help/participate. Recently I acted on information that seemed plausible but was really less than half the truth .. and knowing all the circumstances I would not have acted in the way I did .. I guess you’ll understand. Cheers BB -- Barrie Brennan - Honorary Fellow UNE Home 0267 663058: Postal 54 Roderick St Tamworth 2340

Dear Linda, Thanks for sending on the message re Kalorama. No, it does not appear to have been an m.i. BUT such an impassioned and worthwhile plea should not go unheeded so we will send letters etc in support of their case. Actually I tend to include halls generally, just in case they turn out to be m.i.'s/or because they played the same role anyway. Hope you are well, we are just back from U.S. to visit my daughter, and Brittany for a Celtic Festival. Re the writer of this message, Robert, do you have his other name and email address? Thanks again, Pam. -----Original Message----- From: Linda Barraclough [mailto:kapana@netspace.net.au] Sent: Thursday, 4 August 2005 8:50 AM To: AUS-VIC-MECH-INST-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [MECH-INST] Kalorama Hall Hi Everyone, The e-mail below first appeared on another forum, and is forwarded with the permission of the owner. I had a quick look in Pam's Book, and could not see any reference. Is this news to those in the know??? Linda ======================================================================== ===================== I'm in deep need of help - maybe not from all of you - but some of you may be able to provide valuable assistance? I live in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria - and I have a problem ... here's the story: the Dandenong ranges has very little in the way of historic buildings - mainly due to the lack of history - the region was really only settled in the very late 1890's - prior to this period there weren't any substantial communities - a few individuals scraping a living from the land ... most of the area was settled as a result of government policy during the 1890's depression - relocation of struggling citizens from the suburbs to various regions around Victoria including the Dandenong Ranges - which was - prior to the 1890's mostly thickly forrested bushland. Geography, bushfires, housefires, impoverished origins and a remote centre of local government have all asisisted to ensure that construction/survival of public buildings has been minimal throughout the history of the Dandenongs. In about 1910, residents of the Kalorama, Mt. Dandenong region and surrounding environs - raised the money and built themselves a community hall - now generally known as the Kalorama CWA ( Country Women's Association) Hall. The Kalorama CWA hall has provided a valuable service to the people of the Dandenong ranges for most of its history - CWA hall, playgroups, kindergarten, theatre, church, and now the hall is under direct threat ... the Shire of Yarra Ranges intends to sell the property to a private individual - with approved uses being - private residence and/or bed&breakfast - demoliton has not been excluded... my own specific interest is this: I'm a member of the Mt.Dandenong and District Historical society - and we don't have a home where we can display, preserve or manage our growing collection of historical documents, images etc. The Kalorama hall has an ante-room that would make a fine home for the Mt.Dandenong and District Historical society's collection and a wonderful base for historical, family history, genealogical research .. at the mopment our valuable collection is spread about - mainly in the homes of the pres. and secretary ... we need a permanent location for fixed and rotating displays and a base for our family history research activities. Until now we rent space in another property but it doesn't allow us to have a permanent exhibition and have run special weekend displays for people from far-afield - a permanent home in the Kalorama Hall would improve our services and most likely develop greater community involvement. There are almost no public buildings in the Dandenong ranges - and the council wants to sell the oldest of the public buildings ... this sale just shouldn't happen ... apart from the historical society - the local primary school, an arts group, the local country fire authority and the reformed CWA all wish to use the hall and for it to remain in public ownership. please help me ... write a letter to the Yarra Ranges Council ... telling them that the building shouldn't be sold ... here's the address: Shire of Yarra Ranges PO Box 105 Anderson Street, Lilydale, Vic 3140 or email the councillors that will determine whether the sale proceeds: the mayor Cr David Hodgett, Melba Ward, Mayor - Melba Ward covers: Lilydale and Mooroolbark. email to: d.hodgett@yarraranges.vic.gov.au Cr Monika Keane, O'Shannassy Ward, Deputy Mayor - O'Shannassy Ward covers: Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Don Valley, Millgrove, Hoddles Creek, Gladysdale, Powelltown, Yarra Junction, Wesburn, Warburton, McMahons Creek, Reefton, Yellingbo, Gilderoy, Three Bridges and St Clair. email to: m.keane@yarraranges.vic.gov.au Cr Alan Fincher, Chandler Ward - Chandler Ward covers: Silvan, Kalorama, Seville, Wandin, Monbulk and Macclesfield. email to: a.fincher@yarraranges.vic.gov.au Cr Clive Larkman, Billanook Ward - Billanook Ward covers: Mt Evelyn and part of Lilydale. email to: c.larkman@yarraranges.vic.gov.au if you need more info - please write me ... thanking you Robert -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.9.8/61 - Release Date: 1/08/2005

Hi Everyone, The e-mail below first appeared on another forum, and is forwarded with the permission of the owner. I had a quick look in Pam's Book, and could not see any reference. Is this news to those in the know??? Linda ============================================================================================= I'm in deep need of help - maybe not from all of you - but some of you may be able to provide valuable assistance? I live in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria - and I have a problem ... here's the story: the Dandenong ranges has very little in the way of historic buildings - mainly due to the lack of history - the region was really only settled in the very late 1890's - prior to this period there weren't any substantial communities - a few individuals scraping a living from the land ... most of the area was settled as a result of government policy during the 1890's depression - relocation of struggling citizens from the suburbs to various regions around Victoria including the Dandenong Ranges - which was - prior to the 1890's mostly thickly forrested bushland. Geography, bushfires, housefires, impoverished origins and a remote centre of local government have all asisisted to ensure that construction/survival of public buildings has been minimal throughout the history of the Dandenongs. In about 1910, residents of the Kalorama, Mt. Dandenong region and surrounding environs - raised the money and built themselves a community hall - now generally known as the Kalorama CWA ( Country Women's Association) Hall. The Kalorama CWA hall has provided a valuable service to the people of the Dandenong ranges for most of its history - CWA hall, playgroups, kindergarten, theatre, church, and now the hall is under direct threat ... the Shire of Yarra Ranges intends to sell the property to a private individual - with approved uses being - private residence and/or bed&breakfast - demoliton has not been excluded... my own specific interest is this: I'm a member of the Mt.Dandenong and District Historical society - and we don't have a home where we can display, preserve or manage our growing collection of historical documents, images etc. The Kalorama hall has an ante-room that would make a fine home for the Mt.Dandenong and District Historical society's collection and a wonderful base for historical, family history, genealogical research .. at the mopment our valuable collection is spread about - mainly in the homes of the pres. and secretary ... we need a permanent location for fixed and rotating displays and a base for our family history research activities. Until now we rent space in another property but it doesn't allow us to have a permanent exhibition and have run special weekend displays for people from far-afield - a permanent home in the Kalorama Hall would improve our services and most likely develop greater community involvement. There are almost no public buildings in the Dandenong ranges - and the council wants to sell the oldest of the public buildings ... this sale just shouldn't happen ... apart from the historical society - the local primary school, an arts group, the local country fire authority and the reformed CWA all wish to use the hall and for it to remain in public ownership. please help me ... write a letter to the Yarra Ranges Council ... telling them that the building shouldn't be sold ... here's the address: Shire of Yarra Ranges PO Box 105 Anderson Street, Lilydale, Vic 3140 or email the councillors that will determine whether the sale proceeds: the mayor Cr David Hodgett, Melba Ward, Mayor - Melba Ward covers: Lilydale and Mooroolbark. email to: d.hodgett@yarraranges.vic.gov.au Cr Monika Keane, O'Shannassy Ward, Deputy Mayor - O'Shannassy Ward covers: Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Don Valley, Millgrove, Hoddles Creek, Gladysdale, Powelltown, Yarra Junction, Wesburn, Warburton, McMahons Creek, Reefton, Yellingbo, Gilderoy, Three Bridges and St Clair. email to: m.keane@yarraranges.vic.gov.au Cr Alan Fincher, Chandler Ward - Chandler Ward covers: Silvan, Kalorama, Seville, Wandin, Monbulk and Macclesfield. email to: a.fincher@yarraranges.vic.gov.au Cr Clive Larkman, Billanook Ward - Billanook Ward covers: Mt Evelyn and part of Lilydale. email to: c.larkman@yarraranges.vic.gov.au if you need more info - please write me ... thanking you Robert -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.9.8/61 - Release Date: 1/08/2005

Hi Everyone, having recently sent out a link to a rather depressing photograph for Sale MI, I though people might like to see what has happened to Stratford MI, which is the other side of the coin. if you have a look at Pam's book, there is a rather poor photo of the rather depressing state it was in - with a totally unsympathetic extension on the front that mainly comprised toilets. This has now been restored (although that might not be the right word, maybe sympathetically redeveloped), and you can see my rather poor picture at: http://kapana.blogspot.com/2005/04/stratford-mechanics-institute.html It really is beautiful - and although the hall was always loved and cared-for by the locals, now it shows. Cheers Linda PS Pam was also asking if the Boisdale Hall (not a MI, actually privately built by early developers, so even more unique), was included in the Boisdale Estate sale. It is not, as it has been in public hands for more years than I can remember.

Dear Linda, Much appreciation for sending those images, sad, a shame. Specially the inroads into the beautiful structure, so it wasn't ever = just = the rear portion So much still disappearing. I know Carole tried really hard. Have sent them on to several miv comm.. members. Was going to write to you anyway to tell you I've had a great communication with Dr. Walter Savige (many thanks again for sending on that message to you from him ages ago, I kept it and contacted him again re the miv archival collection), so that we now have beautifully scanned images and Minute Books pages to make up a valuable collection about Narracan m.i. He certainly had a wealth of material. I presume I sent you a letter too, let me know if not. Re those old books you mention, I'm always interested in m.i. library book stamps (photocopies of same) if you notice any on old books around. I got a lovely old Toora M.I. Library book from a church fete in Cowes recently, complete with Rules, borrowing stamp etc. Sometimes, when the building has gone, the library book is all that remains. Re Boisdale, selling, does that include the Hall? Thanks again, best regards, Pam. -----Original Message----- From: Linda Barraclough [mailto:kapana@netspace.net.au] Sent: Saturday, 9 April 2005 4:26 PM To: AUS-VIC-MECH-INST-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [MECH-INST] Sale MI Hi Everyone, Some of you may be aware of the demolition of part of the Sale Mechanics' Institute complex - which is part of the Sale Secondary College complex. I have posted pictures on my blog at http://kapana.blogspot.com/2005/04/sale-mechanics-institute.html in case anyone wishes to download pictures of a very sorry site for their own records. Regards Linda