29 NOVEMBER 2023 | ISSUE 538 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
Mechanics Institute celebrates turning 150 in style with a ball The Nagambie Mechanics Institute (NMI) turned 150 this month and to celebrate it the NHI formed a Ball committee to organise a ReCreation Ball that would feature music from the late 1800’s to now.
music gave the whole Ball a great atmosphere and guests showed their enthusiasm and appreciation by dancing the night away.
The Mechanics hall was brightly decorated with fairy light strands around the walls, with subdued lighting projecting from some lovely old fashioned lamps and ornate lanterns filled with candles on the tables.
At a public meeting on 16th May 1873, attended by 21 citizens, it was revealed that the building would cost about 900 pounds – and 420 shares at 2/6d a share in the form of debentures was suggested. A building committee was formed; Purbrick and Orgle were selected to build the hall for 817pounds: 11,300 bricks were purchased and carted to the site on 5th September 1873.
President of the Institute Hugh Lawrence welcomed everyone to the grand affair and was impressed with how many had dressed up for the special anniversary ball. The stage was set up for the entertainer, well known local Trevor Dennis, who kept the 80 odd guests foot tapping to his easy to listen songs and dancing to many of them. Old time as well as modern. His
Short history of Mechanics Institute Peter Branagan of the NMI gave a short history of Nagambie Mechanics Institute which also tells the history of the Nagambie district. The hall has shared in most happenings and events since it was built in time for Christmas 1873.
Prior to the building of the Mechanics Hall, entertainments, meetings and concerts had been held in a room at the Valley Hotel. The new hall became a busy centre for every occasion. Short History of the NMI Hall
At a meeting on the 19th June 1930, the tender of C.J. Jones for 1873 pounds was accepted. At the August, September, October and November meetings, the building and picture committees decided on new chairs for the large hall, new pictures, also a new curtain for the stage and a sub committee was formed to make arrangements to have a dance to open the new hall. Prices were 7/6d. Per double; extra lady 2/6d. On the 19th February 1931, another meeting was held to arrange for completion of building the hall. Honour Board Mr Branagan said “My project in this 150th year was to research the history of the office bearers over those years and put them together on an honour board. As you will see I was reasonably successful with the help of Robert “Bobo: President of the Nagambie and District Historical Society and his wife, Bruce and Gladys Parris, Judy McDonald, Vonnie Deering and Elaine Lodding.” Robert McMaster and Elaine Lodding helped unveil the Mechanics Institute Honour Board took place during the evening.