In 1890 Mr Sidney J. Webb donated land from his farm “Holly Green” for a Mechanics Institute. The original building was funded by donations and collections from well known local identities. By December 1890 it was noted in records that the equivalent of $286.50 was received from donations and a further $455.20 was receipted from “entertainment”. The total cost of the hall was $769.50. The hall was opened in 1891.
Additions to the hall were proposed in 1898 at a cost of $350. Further extensions, the kitchen, foyer and meeting room were started in June 1899 and completed on October 1899.
From 1892 to 1898 over $1,000 was spent on books, most of them technical. Beginning with just 990 books in 1898 to well over 2000 in the library by 1905. Bookshelves stretched from the floor to the ceiling on every wall. A new floor was laid in 1938 and water was laid in 1968.
Over that period hall activities included Church services, lectures, drama, singing lessons, elections, picture shows, dances, a gun club, CWA, Soldiers farewell, Dept of the Army Voluntary defence corps, Soldiers welcome home.
In 2013 the Hall is well maintained and in keeping with its original objective. It is operated as a Community facility and used for numerous recreational activities, Youth and Migrant education and for family functions on weekends.
Judith Allen Memorial Tree
Judith Allen Memorial Tree
Judith Allen performed a mix of paid and volunteer work at the Narre Warren Mechanics Institute Hall over a period of thirty plus years, including serving on the Committee of Management. Sadly, Judith passed away in 2012 and the Committee of Management decided to honour Judith and her many years of dedicated service to the Narre Warren Mechanics Institute Hall by planting a tree in her honour. To date the tree is not marked by a plaque
Reference: Russell and Judy Owen, Narre Warren Mechanics Institute Hall Committee of Management.
Surveyed on: 7 March 2013
Surveyed by: Lynne
Narre Warren VIC 3805, Australia
Having known Judith for well over 20 years I’am aware of her love and dedication to the Narre Warren Mechanics Institute and we the committee are committed to ensure that her memory will be always be remembered and linked with the Hall. We are currently working towards completing the garden in her honour, which will include a large rock with a plaque. At the same time we are going to have other significant historical reminders of the hall installed. When we have this all together we will be organising a day to dedicate not only the garden but also the historical plaque. This will be in November 2013 to co-inside with Heritage week.
At this stage this event is a work in progress, and would to keep it as a surprise from Bill and the Girls, we would love to keep in touch so that we can invite other members of Judith’s friends and family.
Hello Heather and Irene,
we are so thrilled that you have left comments regarding this memorial to Judith. We shall notify the Mechanics Institute committee of your comments – I am sure they too will be thrilled.
We at Casey Cardinia Remembers invite you to send us a small piece on Judith if you would like, a photo would be great – and we could add this to the post, acknowledging your contribution. We have done something similiar on the Greg Clydesdale Square post.
Lynne
As one of Judi’s younger sisters I would like to say that I am deeply touched by the gesture on your behalf to honour my sisters work ,, I know how dearly Judi held the mechanics instatute and the work you all do there ,, so be it ever so humble thankyou from me ,, Heather Davies .
What a wonderful gesture. I am sure my sister Judy would have been humbled, but thrilled. Thank you. Irene