Brunswick Mechanics' Institute - the first sixty years

In September 1867, The Age reported that - 

 A special entertainment, in aid of the projected Brunswick Mechanics' Institute and Public Hall, took place in the Assembly Rooms recently erected adjoining the Retreat Hotel, on Thursday evening last. The programme comprised selections from Dickens, Hood, Lord Brougham and other popular authors, and a selection of duets, songs and quartettes; Miss Lowcock presided at the pianoforte, and the entire entertainment gave every satisfaction to the large assembly present. (1)

The next report I can find of this institution is in July 1868 when £300 was itemised in the Chief Secretary's Department budget for the  purchase of a piece of land for a Mechanics' Institute, Brunswick. (2)  The building is on the  corner of Sydney Road and Glenlyon Road, next to the Retreat Hotel and opposite the Brunswick Town Hall. There is another source which notes that the land for the building was actually donated by Theodotus John Sumner, the first President (more of whom later). (3) It may be the case that Sumner sold the land for a discounted rate, I have no other information  on this. 

Some sources note that the building dates from 1868; the plaque on the building lists the establishment date as 1868, even though there was obviously a committee in 1867 working towards the projected building; so the dates in these early years are a bit murky. However, it wasn't until 1869 that an Architect, Mr T.A. Kelly, was appointed. He advertised for tenders to erect the building in November 1869. (4)

Tenders called for the erection of the Brunswick Mechanics' Institute in 1869.

The Argus, November 3, 1869 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5823975 

A few weeks later, the foundation stone of the Brunswick Mechanics' Institute was laid on Monday, December 20, 1869 and the Weekly Times had this report -

The laying of the foundation-stone of the Brunswick Mechanics' Institute, by the hon. the Chief Secretary, on Monday, as anticipated, caused considerable excitement throughout the borough. The various friendly societies assembled near the Quarry hotel, and formed in procession, headed by the band of the Pentridge Rifle Corps, and marched to the grounds of the Mechanics' Institute near the Retreat inn. Here a large number of people, including a very fair attendance of the fair sex, had assembled to inaugurate the event. On the preliminary arrangements having been got through, the mayor of the borough (Mr. J. W. Fleming) came forward and presented the Chief Secretary with a silver trowel, bearing a suitable inscription, and to be used for the occasion. Mr. MacPherson then used every precaution in seeing that the stone was "well and truly laid," after which he addressed the assemblage, and said that he was highly gratified to be present on this occasion, especially as, when a boy and living in the district, what is now known as Brunswick, he had ridden over the ground where he had that day laid the foundation-stone of such an important institution; also, that whilst a resident of Brunswick he became a member of Parliament, and subsequently Chief Secretary of the colony of Victoria. Three cheers were then given for the Chief Secretary, the president of the institute, and the mayor of the borough, after which a fruit soiree was held at the Retreat-hall, which was fairly attended. The president of the institute, Mr. T. J. Sumner, occupied the chair. Several addresses were delivered, and the proceedings were agreeably interspersed with vocal and instrumental music. (5) 

Theodotus John Sumner

The Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, June 17, 1873.  

State Library of Victoria image IAN17/06/73/96a

Theodotus John Sumner (1820-1884), the President of the Mechanics' Institute, lived at Stony Park, in Brunswick, and was well connected and wealthy.  In 1852, the same year that he married Sarah Peers, Theodotus became a partner with businessman Richard Grice (1813-1882). In 1876, Sumner’s daughter Annie married Grice’s son James and the firm became known as Grice, Sumner and Co; it was by then one of the oldest and foremost mercantile houses in the Australian colonies. The firm had large land holdings in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. (6). Alice Sumner, another daughter of Theodotus, married Charles Snodgrass Ryan and they became the parents of Maie, whose husband Lord Casey was the Governor General of Australia from 1865 - 1969, and the namesake of the City of Casey. Charles Ryan was the brother of the artist, Ellis Rowan. (7)  Grice senior, died in Fitzroy in 1882 and left a substantial estate valued at £320,000. Sumner's estate was a more 'modest' £194,883. (8)  

T.J. Sumner's Stony Park, which bordered the Merri Creek, in  Brunswick, in 1866.

State Library of Victoria image H656

The Stony Park Estate, on the corner of Glenlyon Road and Nicholson Street was sub-divided in 1923 and the new streets created were Sumner, Peers, Noel and Rupert - named for Sumner, his wife Sarah (nee Peers) and their grandsons - Noel Sumner Nash and Rupert Ryan. (9)

The Mechanics' Institute was opened on April 5, 1870 and the Weekly Times again reported on the event -
Something more than ordinary gaiety was evinced by the people of Brunswick on Tuesday, on the occasion of the opening of their Mechanics' Institute and Public Library. A tea meeting on a large scale in the new hall, followed by a concert, interspersed with various addresses by gentlemen notables, was chosen as the most agreeable mode of inaugurating this valuable institution. The tea and substantial accompaniments were provided by ladies of the borough, and was done ample justice to by some 800 persons. Upon the tea and tables being cleared away, the Hon. J. MacPherson, M.L.A., in the absence of the president of the institution, Mr. T. J. Sumner, took the chair, to preside over the further and more intellectual engagements of the evening. The Orpheus Quartett party furnished the principal harmony of the evening ; and complimentary addresses to the ladies and gentlemen of the borough for their energy in raising so commodious and handsome a building were delivered by his Honour Judge Bindon, the Hon. David Moore, Mr. E. Cope, M.L.A., and other gentlemen. (10)

The Australasian also had a report which had some interesting building details, including the fact that it was planned to have another storey, which was never built - 

The inhabitants of Brunswick were called together on Tuesday, to celebrate the opening a mechanic's institute by the holding of a tea-meeting and concert afterwards. The building, which is of brick, is to have, when completed, a handsome frontage rising to two stories in height, ornamented with rusticated pilasters on the ground floor, and Ionic columns above, the whole to be surmounted by a handsome cornice and open balustrade. The ground floor will be devoted to the purposed of library, committee, and retiring rooms, while above will be the reading and class rooms. The architects are Messrs. Kelly and Beswicke, who estimate the total cost at about £2,000. The only portion at present constructed consists of the concert hall 60ft. by 30ft., and 22 ft. high, the inside of which presents a fine and imposing appearance, with a coved ceiling rising from a moulded cornice. The ventilation with Watson's cupola vents and the lighting with ornamented sun lights are very perfect, while the acoustic qualities of the hall, which were well tested last evening, were considered first-class. This portion has cost a trifle under £700, Mr. B. Crooke being the contractor....[after the refreshments] The hon. treasurer read a report, from which it appeared that the sum of £250 was still required to complete the present contract, but confident hopes existed that the amount would shortly he forthcoming. (11)  

The Mechanics' Institute, 1905

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works detail plan. no. 1882, Town of Brunswick, 1905

State Library of Victoria  http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/128706 

Kelly and Beswicke, the Architects were Thomas Anthony Kelly and John Beswicke. Thomas Kelly was listed in the 1870 Sands McDougall Directory at 100 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne  He was noted for his design of many Catholic Churches in the 1860s and 1870s - including - St Brigid's, Fitzroy; the church of St Peter and St Paul in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill); St Augustine's in West Melbourne; St Monica's in Footscray - where The Herald noted that - The architect is Mr. T. A Kelly, of Elizabeth street, to whose taste and skill so many churches recently erected in the colony testify. ; Sacred Heart Geelong;  St Mary's in Echuca; a Sisters Of Mercy Convent and School in Kilmore and St Mary's in Sorrento.  He also designed the Footscray Town Hall. (12) Thomas Kelly had married Catherine Bullen in February 1873.  He died in Goulburn, NSW in 1923, aged 71 (13).

John Beswicke is listed in Sands McDougall in 1875 at Harcourt Street Hawthorn. He designed hundreds of buildings including the Hawthorn Town Hall; Australian Buildings at the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders Lane; the Kronheimer Wing at the Austin Hospital; the Queen's House at 360 Collins Street and many private  houses including his own, Rotha in Harcourt Street. Beswicke was also in partnership for a time with Ralph Wilson with whom he designed the Presbyterian Church in Alma Road, St Kilda; Essendon Town Hall and the Malvern Town Hall. (14) He married Mary Hannah Parsons in 1877 and died in April 1925 aged 78. (15)

Brunswick Mechanics' Institute, 1949. Photographer: Colin Caldwell.

State Library of Victoria image H84.276/2/13D

The Victoria Government Statistical Registers provides  the following information about the Brunswick Mechanics Institute -  in 1874 they had 1,450 volumes and the opening hours were 7.00pm to 10.00pm;  1877 - 1,750 volumes, same opening hours; 1880 - 3,000 volumes, same hours; 1884 -  2,000 volumes, same hours; 1887 - 3,000 volumes same hours. Three years later in 1890, the collection was  2,749 volumes, the opening hours were 10.00am to 5.00pm, 7.00pm to 10.00 pm and there were  41,000 visits that year. In 1894 - 3,150 volumes, same opening hours and 57,000 visits. (16)  It is possible that the extra statistics provided to the Government about visits were due to the new Librarian, Arthur Goding, who was employed in 1889. Mr Goding, then living at 12 Duckett Street Brunswick, retired in 1919 and he died in June 1926 aged 84. (17)

The Mechanics' Institute, 1960s. Photographer: Alf Wesson.

Image courtesy of the Wesson Collection, Mechanics' Institute Resource Centre, Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria.

In 1912 the Library had 3,736 volume and 45 members, not including life members. (18) The Coburg Leader of February 16, 1912 published this unfavourable report on the Institution, and supported the idea that the Council should take over the building -
The Brunswick Mechanics' Institute is unquestionably not an evidence of the progress of the municipality. It is conservative in its very being, and represents the ideals of a past age when free libraries as they are known to day did not exist. In many up country townships similar establishments to the Brunswick Mechanics Institute are to be found. The so called "free liberry " turns out to be a small portion of the library room shut off from the rest and furnished with very ancient copies of illustrated papers. When the visitor unwittingly seeks to look at the contents of the larger quarter where the books are ranged on shelves and more up to-date journals and magazines are to be read, he is repelled by the notice "For subscribers only" or by the warning voice of the librarian. It is under these circumstances that the name of "Free" or "Public Library " becomes a misnomer. The places are merely institutions for the convenience of those ratepayers who subscribe to their funds and the free library or public reading room is merely retained in order to save the situation in the event of Government making inconvenient inquiries. Cr. Hickford carried a motion at the Brunswick council the other night that the council wait upon the Minister of Education and request to be informed whether Government will lend assistance towards the erection of a technical school provided the council acquires possession of the property. Crs Fleming and Methven both opposed any such transfer protesting that the institute was private property and as such would be free from any interference by the municipal council. It would be beyond all question a benefit to the community the throwing open the library to the public and letting them share in what was always intended to be for the public good. People talk largely on keeping our boys off the streets yet what sort of attractions do the miniature rooms with the out of date periodicals offer? Were the resolution moved and carried by Cr Hickford to become law the council would have to take over the ground on which the institute stands and without a doubt there is room for a row of shops which should certainly be easily let on advantageous terms. Altogether the idea is one that commends to all reasonable people and it is to be hoped the public will not let the matter drop. Once the council assumed control of the Mechanics' Institute the rest would be easy. (19)

The Council did not take over control then and two years later, the Brunswick and Coburg Leader reported that there were still only 45 subscribers and that The place is rapidly falling to pieces through senile decay, sadly neglected, and altogether the institution presents an appearance of desolation which is beyond description. (20)

In 1915, the Brunswick Mechanics Institute and Free Library Bill was passed by the Victorian Parliament and the new committee of management was to consist of four members of the Brunswick Council and four members of the Institute. The local member Mr Jewell was happy with this bill as he noted -
I am very pleased that the Government has seen fit to bring in this Bill. The Institute has been established since 1868, and in later years it has become rather neglected. It is not a free library, because people have to pay so much a week for taking out books. For many years the Council contributed certain sums to the institute, but they did not care to provide very much, because they had no control over the funds. If the Bill is passed, it will be a great boon to the people of Brunswick, because the library will be free to every young man and woman in the district who cares to take books or to pass time in the institute reading the periodicals. (21)

Brunswick Mechanics Institute and Free Library Bill bill passes

The Age, December 17, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154904433

This new management did result in improvements - in 1923, membership was 216, library visits were 37,500 and book stock was 2,987, of which 444 were new. (22)  However, in June 1925, the building was described as an eyesore, by the Sun News-Pictorial - 

The Brunswick Mechanics' Institute is in a dilapidated condition, and has been a source or complaint for a number of years. With a view to renovating the institute, at a cost of £800, specifications have been prepared.  (23)

Sydney Road Eyesore - the Mechanics' Institute - the only photo I have before the renovations. The tree on the left is a Moreton Bay Fig, which was removed for the renovation works.

Sun News-Pictorial June 24, 1925 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article274663362

The Council made the decision to renovate the building and appointed the Architect, Charles Heath, to draw up plans for the renovations and additions. Charles Heath's other work includes designing the new Coburg Town Hall in 1923; the Parish Hall and Sunday School at the Holy Trinity Church in Coburg in 1926 and the Crematorium at the Fawkner Cemetery in 1927.(24).

In October 1925, Heath advertised for tenders for the additions and renovations to the Brunswick Mechanics' Institute. (25) 

Architect, Charles Heath, invites tenders for renovations

The Age, October 24, 1925 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155671592

The Sun News-Pictorial reported on the result of the tender process in December 1925 -

Brunswick Mechanics’ Institute, Sydney-road, is to be improved and renovated. The chairman (Cr. Holbrook) stated that the committee had accepted a tender of £865 for the work. “We intend to make the building, which is one of the oldest in Brunswick, a most up-to-date institution,” said Cr. Holbrook. “Recently we have improved the front by lawns and concrete groundings. Inside improvements will include a bigger reading room, and more shelves and books." (26) 

Sadly, these improvements to the front required the destruction of a  fine Moreton Bay Fig tree, planted nearly 70 years previous by Cr John Ward Fleming and the T.J. Sumner, as the roots were impacting the foundations of the Retreat Hotel and causing the wall of the Mechanics' Institute to crack. Another tree of the same age was also removed at this time (27)

In December 1926, the Annual Report noted that the building works expenditure was £1289 including £865 for the contractors Phillips and Greeney; £211 for extra items; £79 for linen; £63 for Mr Heath's fee and £20 for two stone tablets (you can see the stone tablets in the image below). Membership had risen to 264 and book stock to 4,411. (28) 

The Mechanics' Institute, 1960s, showing the two stone tablets which were purchased for £20.

Photographer: Alf Wesson. 

Image courtesy of the Wesson Collection, Mechanics' Institute Resource Centre, Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria.

The building provided library services until March 1976,when it closed and the library moved to a new location on the old Town Hall site. It is now an Arts and Cultural Centre.(29) 

Footnotes

(1) The Age, September 14, 1867, see here. 

(2) The Argus, July 6, 1868, see here. 

(3) The Age, September 30, 1936, see here. 

(4) The Argus, November 3, 1869, see here. 

(5) Weekly Times, December 24, 1869, see here. Another report of the laying of the Foundation Stone was in The Leader of December 24, 1869, see here.

(6) Richard Grice's entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography - https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grice-richard-3669

(7)  J.T. Sumner, born in England, married Sarah Peers in 1852. Their seven children were born in Brunswick (or Merri Creek) -

• Annie Ruth in 1855, married James Grice.
• Egbert Peers 1856, died in 1899 in Scotland. 
• Alice Elfrida in 1858, married Dr Charles Ryan.
• Ethel Stone in 1861, married James Traill.
• Kate Omerod, in 1862, married James Osborne.
• Maud Mary  in 1864, married Albert Nash. They owned Ballarto in Cranbourne.
• Winifred in 1868, married Andrew Chirnside. They lived at Edrington in Berwick.

His obituary - Illustrated Australian News, May 14, 1884, see here; Lady Casey - https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/casey-lady-ethel-marian-maie-12296 I have written more about the Lady Casey and family here https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2024/12/miss-fanny-dango-mr-sam-mackay-and.html and https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2021/12/laying-of-foundation-stone-of-childrens.html

(8)  Richard Grice 's estate -  https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grice-richard-3669; J.T. Sumner's estate -The Australasian, July 19, 1884, see here.

(9) Advertisement flyer for the sale of  Sumner's Stony Park Estate, May 26, 1923 at the State Library http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/167840

(10) Weekly Times, April 9, 1870, see here.

(11) The Australasian, April 9, 1870, see here.  

(12)  Churches -  St Brigid's - Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, August 14, 1869, see here; St Peter and St Paul -  The Australasian, November 13, 1869, see here;  St Augustine's - Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, July 16, 1870, see here; St Monica's - The Herald, July 7, 1873, see here;  Scared Heart -  The Advocate, May 30, 1874, see here;  St Mary's Echuca - Riverine Herald, March 9, 1876, see here; Kilmore - The Advocate, April 21, 1877, see here;  St Mary's Sorrento - The Advocate, March 13, 1880, see here;  Footscray Town Hall, Williamstown Chronicle, July 17, 1875, see here.

(13) Marriage notice -  The Argus, February 26, 1873, see here;  Death notice -  Sydney Morning Herald, July 18, 1923, see here 

(14) Hawthorn Town Hall - The Argus, August 8, 1888, see here; Australian Buildings - Weekly Times,  May 19, 1894, see here;  Kronheimer Wing - Leader, May 28, 1904, see here;  Queens Buildings - The Herald, May 4, 1916, see here. Houses -  https://www.landscape.net.au/john-beswicke/  https://www.hawthornhistoricalsociety.com.au/history/  St Kilda Presbyterian Church -  The Argus, January 28, 1885, see here; Essendon Town Hall - Essendon & Flemington Chronicle, February 12, 1886, see here;  Malvern Town Hall - The Argus, July 27, 1886, see here.

(15) Death notice - The Argus, April 29, 1925, see here.

(16) Victoria Government Statistical Registers - available here on the Victorian Government Library Service website

(17) The Herald, February 12, 1919, see here; Brunswick and Coburg Leader, June 11, 1926, see here; The Age, June 11, 1926, see here. 

(18) Coburg Leader, March 22, 1912, see here. 

(19) Coburg Leader, February 16, 1912, see here. 

(20) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, March 13, 1914, see here.

(21) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, December 24, 1915, see here; The Age, December 17, 1915, see here. 

(22) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, November 21, 1924, see here.

(23) Sun News-Pictorial, June 24, 1925, see here.

(24) The Age, September 20, 1923, see here; The Herald, October 1, 1926, see here; The Herald, June 15, 1927, see here. 

(25) The Age, October 24, 1925, see here.  

(26) Sun News-Pictorial, December 29, 1925, see here.

(27) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, July 17, 1925, see here.

(28) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, December 10, 1926, see here.

(29)  These Walls Speak Volumes: a history of Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria by Pam Baragwanath and Ken James (published by the authors in 2015), pp 110-111.

Tornado destroys Bungaree Mechanics' Institute

On June 19, 1927 Bungaree was hit by a tornado and many buildings were destroyed including the Mechanics’ Institute, however the  piano in that building survived unscathed. The Mechanics' Institute had opened in April 1894, and there is a history of the building at the bottom of this post. 

The Bungaree Mechanics' Institute, you can see the intact  piano.

Sydney Sun, June 21, 1927 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223618576

The Tornado of 1927

The Argus, of June 20, 1927 (see here) had the following report on the Tornado - 

Tornado at Bungaree. Many buildings wrecked. Mechanics’ Hall blown down. 

House Lifted and Turned Round.

Ballarat, Sunday - Although it has fortunately not accompanied by loss of life, a tornado caused tremendous  damage when it passed through the Bungaree district at 4 o'clock this afternoon. The Mechanics' Hall was blown to the ground, the Morning Star Hotel was partially wrecked, Tinney Bros chaff mills were ruined and the blacksmith's shop of Mr W. Chisholm has completely shattered. A remarkable instance of the force of the cyclone was  provided by the shifting of the home of Mr and Mrs E. Bennett's on the Millbrook road. The building was lifted from its foundations and the house changed from its eastern aspect to face in a southerly direction. Mr and Mrs. Bennett were in the house at the time, and its rockings gave them a terrifying time. The duration of the wind was just under two minutes but it blew with terrible intensity and caused wreckage in its path. It was followed by a heavy hail storm and rain.

Havoc Among Timber
According to Mr W Hamilton, curator of the Black Swamp reserve of the Ballarat Water Commission the cyclone came from beyond Pootilla through the forest, uprooting trees and causing havoc among the timber. The path of destruction was about 200 to 300 yards wide, but owing to it traversing a sparsely populated area damage was not so great as might otherwise have been recorded. The wind just missed Mr Hamilton's house, but the stables and other outbuildings were reduced to fragments. Huge trees was uprooted, and large branches scattered about the roadway, while telegraph and telephone wires were also destroyed.

Struck by Flying Iron
The only injury reported was that of Mr Martin Moran a resident of Clarke's Hill, who was a visiting Mr Hanrahan's place on the Millbrook road and was was struck be a flying sheet of iron from one of the ruined outbuildings of Mr Hanrahan's farm. Mr Moran's injuries were only of a minor character. 
A remarkable experience was that of four potato-diggers living in a hut situated in the yard of the Morning Star Hotel. The hut was completely demolished, but none of the four men were hurt. A huge uprooted tree near the hotel spoke eloquently of the violence of the storm. The Bungaree police station, occupied by Constable Pattinson, was just on the fringe of the disturbance. The garage and fencing suffered severely, but the house was not touched. Many narrow escapes from being struck by flying pieces of iron and branches of trees were reported to the constable.

No of estimate can yet be formed of the value of the destroyed property. Many exaggerated reports concerning the blocking of the road and consequent danger to traffic by falling trees were current 
this evening, but investigation showed that no serious obstacles to traffic occurred in this way.

Damage at Sulky
The storm appeared to have travelled from the north-west, and can be traced back a dozen miles to Sulky, a township situated about six miles from Ballarat, in a northerly direction. It was the scene of a similar visitation a quarter of a century ago, when many houses were wrecked. 

A graphic description of the Sulky phase of the cyclone was given by Mr. Eric Thomas of Mair street, Ballarat, who was an eye-witness. He saw the storm coming up from a valley situated near the racecourse at Dowling Forest. It appeared to him to cut a track of 200 yards, and upended huge trees and stripped the bark off saplings in its track. 

It raced up the railway line near the Waubra Junction signal box, just missing the large building by a few yards, its full force striking the gatehouse on the Waubra line where it crosses the Creswick road, and completely wrecked it. One huge tree was uprooted and deposited 150 yards away on the Creswick road. A heavy tank attached to the smashed gatehouse was carried away by the gale and wrapped round a telegraph pole. Pieces of galvanised iron were summarily twisted round the trunks as if they were paper. The roof of the gatehouse was lifted and carried many yards away. Some distance north of this was a cottage which was entirely wrecked and all the outbuildings demolished. Considerable damage was done along the railway line, and the ground signal lines were all destroyed. Mr. Thomas added that the storm seemed to cross the railway line, and the Ballarat to Creswick road, and cut a clean path through the forest country in the direction of Bungaree, leaving stumps and levelled times in its track.  The cyclone was brief in its duration, lasting about a minute.

When he reached Ballarat, Mr. Thomas telephoned details of the occurrence to Mr Maddern (Ballarat district railway traffic superintendent ) and he sent a gang of men out to Waubra Junction to clear up the line. (1)

The Age of June 20, 1927 also published an account of the Tornado, you can read it here.

The Herald of June 20, 1927 had the following photographs under the headline - Special Pictures tell story of Bungaree Tornado.

Caption - A series of photographs taken today showing the havoc wrought by the tornado which swept the township of Bungaree, near Ballarat, yesterday afternoon. (1): The ruins of the Mechanics' Institute in the main street. (2): Tinney Bros. hay and corn store. (3): Mr. Bennett's home, which, was literally picked up and dropped a distance of 30 feet the original site is seen on the right. (4): The Morning Star Hotel, partially wrecked. (5): Mr and. Mrs Maher and their two children. They escaped death when their roof fell on top of them.

The Herald of June 20, 1927, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243963755

The Sun News-Pictorial of June 21, 1927 showed the ruined Mechanics' Institute of its front cover - All That Was Left By The Raging Tornado.

Caption: Ruins of the Mechanics' Institute, in the track of the Tornado at Bungaree, near Ballarat. The Institute was one of the most pretentious buildings in the village. When Sunday’s storm had passed, it was a mass of twisted girders, smashed planks and corrugated iron. The piano in the hall was one of the few fittings that faced the music, and remained intact. Buildings were flattened, roofs torn off, huts carried away, and trees uprooted along a storm trail 100 yards wide.

Sun News-Pictorial, June 21, 1927 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article274869471

The Weekly Times of June 25, 1927, published a full page of photographs, under the headline - Damage Caused By a Tornado At Bungaree On Sunday Afternoon.

Caption - 1. Chisholm's blacksmith flattened out. 2. Messrs. W. and Stan Forbes, of Morning Star Hotel, which was partially wrecked. 3. Tinney's hay and corn store 4. Mr and Mrs. Maher. whose home was wrecked. 5. Damage to roof of Mr. Maher s house. 6. Mr Bennett's house lifted and deposited 30 feet from the original site and twisted round. 7. 100 bags of potatoes and roofing iron were strewn about the farm of Mr. M. Hanrahan. 8. Forbes's Morning Star Hotel in Main-street. 9. Remains of Mechanics' Institute (the piano in the hall was undamaged)

Weekly Times, June 25, 1927 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222616423

Bungaree Mechanics' Institute, erected 1894

The Bungaree Mechanics' Institute was opened on April 11, 1894. It was designed by Mr William Brazenor, Architect of Lydiard Street, Ballarat. The building tender, advertised in January 1894 was awarded to the firm,  Quayle and Williams, Ballarat contractors. (2)

Tender for the erection of the Bungaree Mechanics'Institute

The Ballarat Star, January 25, 1894 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209803520

The Architect, William Brazenor was born in 1832 in Shropshire in England and came to Victoria in 1857 and a few years later arrived in Ballarat, where he designed many buildings, the Ballarat cattle and sheep yards and the railway trucking yards. He was a member of the  Ballarat Coursing Club (greyhounds) and the  Ballarat Hunt Club. He died in September 1916. (3)

As you can see in the advertisement Bungaree was called Bungaree Junction, the original name of the railway station which opened in 1879 and gave it's name to the town which developed around the Station. The Station was renamed Bungaree in 1890. (4)

Advertisement for the opening of the Bungaree Mechanics' Institute

Ballarat Star, April 9 1894 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206498821 

The Ballarat Courier of April 12, 1894 (see here) published a full report of the opening - 

Mechanics' Institute and Free Library, Bungaree Junction. Opening Ceremony. 

By Our Own Reporter.

Bungaree and its junction were en fete yesterday and last night. The occasion being the opening of the Mechanics' Institute and Free Library. In honor of the event a ball, which was carried out on a lavish scale, took place in the evening. It must be borne in mind that although the opening ceremony assumed the form of a ball, the committee did not lose sight of the fact that the institute was built for educational advantages.

It had long been the aim of the inhabitants of Bungaree to have a Mechanics' and Free Library erected in the district for the public, but the difficulty of collecting sufficient funds to supply the requirements of the district confronted those who mooted the question. It will be in the recollection of our readers that some two years ago the inhabitants of Bungaree tendered a banquet to Mr E. Murphy, M.L.A., the member for the district, and it was such an unqualified success that after paying all expenses in connection therewith, there remained a surplus of £20 in the hands of the banquet committee. Mr Murphy, with his usual go-aheadism in the interest of the district, incidentally mentioned to the committee, whilst expressing his high gratification at the great success of the banquet, that the surplus money would form a nucleus to a fund to be raised for the erection of a Mechanics' and Free Libray. Mr Murphy promised to lend every assistance that lay in his power, with the view of furthering the movement, and e also promised to supplement the amount already in hand by a substantial donation. Mr Murphy also waited upon the Treasurer for a grant-in-aid of the library, and although an amount has not yet been placed on the estimates, Mr Murphy has received an assurance that the request will be favorably entertained. 

The committee who supervised the banquet, subsequently considered the proposal, and it was decided to hold a public meeting to determine whether the erection of a suitable hall would meet with the general approbation of the inhabitants. The meeting unanimously resolved that such a hall as that mentioned by the committee was highly desirable, and it was left to an influential committee to take the initiatory steps to report progress.

A second public meeting was held, and the question then assumed, so to speak concrete form. The Rev. Father Cleary, and Messrs A. Wade, A.J. Forbes, and J. Hogan were elected trustees: Messrs H. Acton, T. Hanrahan, and P. O' Day, committee; Mr J. Horne, treasurer: and Mr J. Gibson, secretary. The district was cut up into sub-districts and canvassers were appointed to collect subscriptions, the result of their efforts being that about £100 was collected. Several sites were selected on which the building should be erected, but the committee after much consideration, chose the piece of land owned by Mr Lindsall, situated on the north side of the main road and next to the Hibernian Hall, which was purchased for the sum of £25. Tenders were called for the erection of the hall, the work being left in the hands of Mr Brazenor, architect, Lydiard street. 

The building, which is almost completed, there being a few coats of paint to put on it, is a handsome structure, and is a credit to the district. It is 70 feet long by 28 feet wide, and the walls are 14 feet. The entrance to the main hall, which is 50 feet by 27 feet, is by a well-appointed porch. The building is of elyptical design; the roof consisting of galvanised iron, which is supported by iron girders. The building is well ventilated by a ridge in the roof - running the whole length of the building - and at the basement. The platform is commodious, and is semi-circular in design. Much attention has paid to lighting the hall; there being four windows on each side, whilst the front portion above the porch consists of glass. At the rear of the main hall on the east side is the ladies' retiring, reading rooms, and lavatory, and on the west side the gentlemen's retiring and reading rooms. Altogether, the organisers of the movement may well be proud of the hall.

On the opening of the hall last night, there was a brilliant assemblage; the hall being crowded to excess. Amongst those present were a large number of visitors from Ballarat, and Fathers Cleary and Foley. The main hall was gaily decorated with flags. After the first set of quadrillies had been gone through, Mr A. J. Forbes, in the absence of Mr S. Murphy, M.L.A., who was unavoidably detained for some hours at a wedding at Gordons, formally declared the institute open. He expressed the hope that the ball would prove highly enjoyable, and that the institute would prove of incalculable benefit to the young and old residents of the district. The committee were anxious that the hall should be opened free of debt, but unfortunately this was not the case. The trustees, however, had entered into a personal security for the amount owing on it, and they were thankful for the interest manifested by them. Three cheers were then given, and dancing was resumed and kept up till an early hour this morning. 

Mr C. Mc'Intyre, of Bridge street, catered for the requirements of those present, and he gave entire

satisfaction. Mr J. C. Fraser, Ballarat, fulfilled the duties of M.C., and the music was supplied by Messrs Millar (piano), Scarse (cornet), and Gude (violin). Mr Murphy subsequently attended the gathering, and received an ovation from those present. The secretarial duties were ably carried out by Mr J. Gibson, who was assisted by Mr H. Acton. Excellent service was also rendered by Mr J. Horne, treasurer, to whom much praise is due. The thanks of the committee are due the Revs. Father Cleary and Foley, Mr E. Murphy, M.L.A., and Messrs A.J. Forbes, Hogan, Wade, and Coghlan for the great interest they evinced in the matter. (5)   

The new Bungaree Mechanics' Institute, erected 1928

The replacement Mechanics' Institute was opened just over a year after the  tornado on September 4, 1928. The Sun News-Pictorial of September 5, had a short report (with one error, the cyclone was only the previous year, not two years previous.)  Lady Peacock, who had the honour of opening the hall, was the wife of Sir Alex Peacock, the Speaker of the Parliament and previously the Premier of Victoria.  

Bungaree New Hall Opened

Ballarat , Tuesday. -  The new public hall at Bungaree, erected to replace the building which was destroyed by a cyclone two years ago, was opened today by Lady Peacock. She was presented with a silver key to the building by Mrs. W. Burke, president of the ladies' committee. An official luncheon was presided over by the president of the Bungaree Shire (Cr. G. Davies). The hall cost £1500, of which £500 was contributed by the Government. (6)

The Bungaree Mechanics' Institute

Image: https://www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/Services-and-support/Community/Find-a-venue-or-facility/Bungaree-Mechanics-Institute-Hall

Footnotes

(1) The Argus, June 20, 1927, see here

(2) The Ballarat Star, January 25, 1894, see here;  Ballarat Star, April 12, 1894, see here.

(3) Ballarat Courier, September 22, 1916, see here.

(4) Lost and almost forgotten towns of Colonial Victoria: a comprehensive analysis of Census results for Victoria, 1841-1901 by Angus B.Watson (published by the author in 2003); VicSig website   https://vicsig.net/infrastructure/location/Bungaree

(5) Ballarat Courier, April 12, 1894, see here

(6) Sun News-Pictorial, September 5, 1928, see here.

1909 in Cheltenham - the year of the Whirlwinds - part 1

In 1909 Cheltenham was hit by two whirlwinds - the first one was on January 27 and the other one on November 19. This post looks at the January whirlwind and I have written about the November whirlwind, here. In 1909, Cheltenham and neighbouring Highett were still very much country towns surrounded by market gardens. In fact, in 1906, The Australasian could report -

From the Highett railway station a lovely panorama of the highly cultivated gardens is to be obtained, and so perfect is the ploughing and sowing that to the casual observer the country looks as though it had been divided by parallel rulers. (1)

This is Cheltenham, dated 1928-1930, and you can see the extent of the market gardens. The building in the centre is the Methodist Livingstone Home for Children, it faces the Nepean Highway, the curved street to the right is Jamieson Street and the road at the back is Chesterville Road. The Children's Home site is now occupied by Southland. 

Photographer: Charles Daniel Pratt/Airspy. State Library of Victoria image H91.160/389. 

Click here for a high-res version http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/21085

The avenue of trees are part of the Avenue of Honor - read about it here https://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/articles/348 and here https://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/articles/659

The Brighton Southern Cross published this interesting report on the January whirlwind -

A phenomenal whirlwind swept through the Highett and Cheltenham districts on Wednesday afternoon. It was about 10 feet wide and travelled at a furious rate, carrying dust and all sorts of debris up out of sight. It was first noticed in Wickham-road, and travelled west, skirting Mr. Stayner's property, and going round Mr. Williams's house. A big pine tree in its course did not break it, and it continued on through Messrs. Allen, Brough and Davies' gardens. It made a track through Mr. Brough's tomato patch, scattering the fruit about, and dust, paper leaves, grass and debris of all kinds went up hundreds of feet high, and tea-tree boughs, kerosene tins and heavier materials were also caught up. It swept through Mr. Phillips's and struck the billiard-room of the Mechanics'-institute. This home of big breaks was too much for the cyclone, the building breaking up the wind in its course, and diffusing it down the Main-road. (2)

I have identified the people mentioned in the article through the Electoral Rolls - Messrs Stayner, Williams, Allen, Brough, Davie and Phillips. What follows, is a look at their lives as well as a short history of the Cheltenham Mechanics' Institute. 

Mr Stayner

George Alexander Stayner lived on Wickham Road, South Brighton and his occupation was a gardener, by which they meant a market gardener. He was married to Winifred Ann, whose address was Wickham Road, Moorabbin, so it appears there was some fluidity of place names at that time. George was the son of George and Flora (nee McLeod) Stayner, listed in the Electoral Roll at Nepean Road, South Brighton. George and Flora, the daughter of Alexander McLeod of Cheltenham, had married at the Presbyterian Manse in Brighton on December 14, 1870. (3) George Alexander was the third George Stayner living in the area as his grandfather George Christopher Stayner (1822-1895) first settled in Brighton in 1849.  

In 1894 the Oakleigh Leader wrote -

The patronymic of Stayner is among the historical ones of this district. Mr. George C. Stayner, sen.,

came to Brighton in 1849 from the old country, and although he did a little gardening his chief avocation was in the carting and carrying line. Like almost every one else he departed for the goldfields when the gold fever was on, but returned to this locality, and in 1854 took up land in South Brighton on the Highett road. (4)  The article continues with a detailed description of his orchard, and you can read it here.  

George Christopher Stayner died on August 14, 1895; 36 years after his wife Dinah (nee Wedmore) who died on August 16, 1859. They are buried at the Brighton Cemetery. (5)

George Stayner  (1847-1922)

Brighton Southern Cross, April 4, 1908  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164349902

George (the middle George) was also a market gardener and he died on May 30, 1922. His Probate papers show that he owned 12 acres of land on the triangle bounded by the Nepean Highway (also called Main Road or Point Nepean Road), Worthing Road and Wickham Road, in what was called Highett. This was where his market garden was located along with his house, Beaumont, which fronted the Nepean Highway.  The property also had 5 other cottages, constructed in 1888 and a Blacksmiths shop. (6)

George Stayner builds five cottages

The Age, November 14, 1888 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193399677

George also owned ten acres of land in Keys Road, Moorabbin; two acres in Highett Road, Moorabbin; ten acres in Wickham Road East, Moorabbin and a small block adjoining the Wickham Road property on Sandford Street. His Will shows that his wife, Flora, was left £400; that the Beaumont property was left to his son George; and that the remaining property was to be sold and divided amongst his eight daughters - Mary Friday, Letitia Jane Allen, Flora Isabella Andrews, Ethel May Stayner, Lydia Grace Andrews, Lavinia Ivy Mills, Clarice Evelyn Hore and Christina Dinah Allen. (7)

The youngest George had married local girl, Winifred, in February 1903 at the Presbyterian Church in Cheltenham; she was the daughter of Sidney and Sarah Clayton of Wickham Road, Moorabbin. They had two children, Nancy and Sid. (8)  

George was also a Boer War veteran; he had served in the First Victorian Mounted Infantry Company. 

he was "welcomed home" at a function in December 1900 with three other local men and they were presented with a gold medal suitably inscribed, by the Shire President, Cr Bent, M.L.A. (who later became the Premier of Victoria). The Oakleigh Leader began their report with - 

Privates Matson (East Brighton), Stayner and Daff (South Brighton), and Rigg (Mordialloc) received a most enthusiastic welcome home from the South African war at the Shire Hall South Brighton on Monday evening last. As the result of a public meeting the demonstration was made a shire affair and arranged and carried out under the supervision of the shire officers and a large committee of rate-payers. The hall being too small for the large gathering that was expected a marquee was erected, and the exertions of a section of the committee made it a comfortable rendezvous for some 700 people. (9)

This wasn't his only military service, both George and his father were members of G Company of the Victorian Rangers, part of the Colonial Military Forces.  G Company was formed in July 1889 and its headquarters were at Cheltenham and in 1891 it became part of the 3rd Battalion, also based in Cheltenham. George (the father) retired from service in 1895 with the rank of lieutenant

and quartermaster. (10)

George Stayner (1878-1953)

The caption that accompanied the photo noted that George was well-known in athletic circles having twice won the Market Gardeners  Cup

Brighton Southern Cross, October 28, 1899 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165307065 

George died May 30, 1922 and Flora on August 28, 1919;  the youngest George died on December 10, 1953 and  his wife, Winifred, a year later on November 7, 1954.  They are buried together in a double grave at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery. (11)  Not long after the deaths of George and Winifred, Beaumont, on that triangle of land bounded by the Nepean Highway, Worthing Road and Wickham Road was subdivided into 67 superb residential sites, with two internal roads Stayner Grove  and Florida Court. (12)

The sub-division of the Stayner property, Beaumont.

The Argus February 23, 1956 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72537545

Mr Williams

The whirlwind was heading south as it ended up at the Mechanics' Institute which was on the intersection of Charman Road and the Nepean Highway, and it went around Mr Williams' house. This is likely to be Joseph and Hannah (nee Westlake) Williams who lived on Highett Road, Highett, as did their son Ernest Joseph. Ernest and his father Joseph were market gardeners, although  a few years later their occupations had changed to orchardist and their address to Highett Road, Moorabbin.

In 1942, Joseph and Hannah celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary (60 years) and The Argus reported on the occasion -

Mr and Mrs Joseph Williams of Mayfield Highett rd, Moorabbin will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary tomorrow and members of their family will gather for the occasion. Mr Williams who is 85 came to Victoria from England when he was one year old and has always lived in the Moorabbin district. Mrs Williams was born in Victoria 79 years ago. They have spent all their lives on the land and still conduct an orchard market garden and dairying herd. Both are in excellent health.  (13)

Joseph, who died on April 21, 1946 and Hannah who died on May 2, 1943, are both buried at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery.  Their son Ernest married Adela Constance Swan in 1931. Her brother, Dr E.F. W Swan, a Minister of the Congregational Church, was appointed the Chairman of the Congregational Union in May 1945; her sister Miss Florence Annie Swan was the Principal of Box Hill Girls' Technical School. Ernest died in January 1961 and Adela in March 1976 and they are buried at the Cheltenham Memorial Park. They had no children.  (14)

Hannah Williams' death notice

The Age, May 4, 1943 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206837456 

Mr Allan

The whirlwind continued through Messrs Allen, Brough and Davies' gardens. 

The Electoral Rolls list five members of the Allan family (incorrectly spelt Allen in the article) -   Bertha Rosina, Edith Alice, Louis John, Percy Albert and William Leonard Allan at Highett Road, Highett.  Percy was a labourer, but Louis and Leonard, as he was known, were market gardeners. The three men were the sons of Charles and Emma Elizabeth (nee Blencowe) Allan.  Louis had married Edith Alice Hall in 1894 and Leonard had married Bertha Nelder in 1906 (15). I have no confirmed information about Percy.

The Allan family were long term settlers in the area. Charles' father, also called Charles, came to  Highett Road in the 1860s, perhaps earlier. His farming enterprise was profiled in The Leader in December 1891 -

Many of the first settlers planted orchards, which after a few years proved very profitable, the ground in the meantime having yielded a considerable profit in vegetables. Among these were Mr. Charles Allan, who planted an orchard, which was gradually increased to 20 acres, on the Highett-road, about a quarter of a mile westwards of that of Mr. Stayner, mentioned last week. Mr. Allan having some stalwart sons, was able to make the business so successful that in course of time he gave it up to them; about 20 years ago one of them, Mr. Charles Allen, jun., planted an orchard of 8 acres half a mile to the southward; and when his father retired about 15 years ago, and planted a small orchard further west chiefly for his own amusement, his other son was given possession of the original orchard, but left it after a few years, and Mr. Charles Allan became occupier, so that he now holds the two orchards, comprising 28 acres, and, not satisfied with that, has broken up a paddock of 5 acres alongside, and is gradually filling it with fruit trees of various kinds. (16) You can read the rest of the article here. The Leader's article about George Stayner, can be read here. 

It was Charles Allan, junior, who was the father of Percy, Louis and Leonard.  Sadly he died January 1896 at the age of 53 and The Leader had the following obituary -

The decease of Mr. Charles Allan, of Brighton, will be noted with much sorrow by a very large number of friends. Mr. Allan has been a representative man in Victorian horticultural circles for a very lengthened period, and the loss of his able and energetic association with all movements connected with the advancement of the gardening and fruit growing industry will be very much felt. (17)

There are at least three generations of the Allan family buried at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery. Charles Allan, the original settler who died January 29, 1901 is buried with his wife Ann (nee Anderson)  who died October 23, 1893. Charles junior, died January 17, 1896 and is buried in a double unmarked grave with his wife Emma, who died July 17, 1891, along with their daughter Lucy who died in 1910. Of the next generation - Louis who died July 15, 1930 and Edith on February 10, 1939 are also buried there. Leonard who died October 6, 1941 and Bertha on September 2, 1962 are buried at the Cheltenham Memorial Park, with their daughter Lily, who died in 1998. (18)

The death notice of Louis John Allan

The Age July 16, 1930  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202462586 

The death notice of Leonard Allan

The Age, October 7, 1941 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209812917

Mr Brough

The Brough family were also impacted by the whirlwind, especially Mr Brough's tomato patch. The Electoral Rolls of the time have Ellen Mary, Elsie Lillian and Horace Walter at Bay Road, Cheltenham. On Point Nepean Road, Cheltenham we have  Charles, Charles Richard, Florence Elizabeth, George John  and Mary. All the men were market gardeners and the women, no matter what they actually did, had home duties as their occupation. This is the family - Charles Brough married Mary Evans on December 25, 1875 at Ballarat; the service was conducted by the Congregational Minister at the residence of the parents of the bride. Charles and Mary had nine children - Florence, Ada, Clara, George, Charles, Horace, Ellen, Stanley and Amy. All the Broughs from the Electoral Roll are from this family and Elsie (nee Crittenden) is the wife of the eldest son George. It seems likely then, that as George and Elsie had a different address that the Broughs had two properties one on Point Nepean Road and the other on Bay Road, and this is confirmed by Charles' Probate papers - he had two farms one of 20 acres and the other 28 acres.  I cannot tell you at which property the damage to the tomato patch occurred. (19)

Charles Brough (1846-1920)

https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/59891708/person/46195383746/facts

Death notice of Charles Brough

The Argus, May 17, 1920, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1702384

Charles, who died on May 15, 1920 and Mary on July 11, 1923 are buried at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery in a double grave with Charles' parents John and Sarah (nee Morton) Brough. John, a stonemason, died on November 14, 1892 and Sarah on December 31, 1902. John's death notice noted that he was from Whitby Cottage, Bay Road, Cheltenham and that he was one of the Eight Hours Pioneers. This was movement by stone masons and other building trades to gain the eight hour working day, with eight hours rest and eight hours recreation, which they did in 1856. (20)

Death notice of  John Brough

The Age, November 15, 1892 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197170929

Death notice of Sarah Brough

The Argus, January 1, 1903 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9822161

Mr Davie

The whirlwind then moved on to the Davie property. The Electoral Roll lists George and Beatrice Davie at Point Nepean Road, Cheltenham; and George, Robert Alexander and Jane Davie, of Bay Road, Cheltenham. The men were all market gardeners. George and Jane (nee Bain) were the parents of George junior and Robert Alexander. Beatrice (nee Roberts) was the wife of George junior. (21)

The Moorabbin News obituary of George, the elder, tells the story of the family -

Death of Mr Geo. Davie, senr. Another of our very early pioneers of the district, Mr George Davie, 

passed away at his home "Fern Hill," Bay Road, quietly, yet suddenly, on Wednesday morning. He was a man who possessed some of the finest qualities of the true pioneering Scot of the type of men to whom Australia owes so much. The sympathy of all is extended to Mrs Davie, and her family in their loss. There are two sons, Messrs George Davie and R. A. Davie, and two daughters, Mrs A. R. Judd and Mrs L. M. Penny. Miss G. Judd also lived with her grand parents, and there are twelve other grandchildren. Mr George Davie was a native of Aberdeen Scotland, arriving in Tasmania in 1852, and two months afterwards came to Melbourne and started for Bendigo, where in one month he secured 11lbs weight of gold. After a short pleasure trip to Tasmania, he went back to the diggings for three months, but not being successful, decided to return to Melbourne, which he did, and purchased 25 acres of land in Cheltenham which he held up to the time of his decease, and for which he paid £12 per acre. He first started wood carting to Melbourne, and after a time turned his attention to carrying to the diggings, in which he was engaged for eight years. He then left for New Zealand, but being unsuccessful there, returned to Victoria and subsequently went to Lachlan, N.S.W., New Zealand, Sydney and Queensland. In the latter State he worked as a carrier to and from the Peak Down Copper Mines for four years, clearing £1000 profit. He afterwards sold out, and went again to the goldfields of New Zealand, was unsuccessful and took a trip to the old country where he married. Returning to Victoria, he settled on his land at Cheltenham, where ever since he has continued in the market gardening industry. (22)

George, the father, died on June 2, 1915 and Jane on September 29, 1924, they are buried together at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery.  Their son Robert died April 16, 1958 and is buried in the same Cemetery, with his wife, Constance (nee Curtis), who died  eleven days  later on April 27. Robert and Constance had married at the Brighton Congregational Church on September 30, 1914. (23)

Robert was still growing vegetables as a hobby in 1937 and entering his produce into the Royal Melbourne Show, where the judge was fellow Cheltenham resident, George Alexander Stayner. 

(It's a bit hard to read, but is transcribed in footnote 24.)

Sun News-Pictorial September 25, 1937 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article278276672

The other son George, died January 4, 1935 and his wife Beatrice on November 25, 1955. They are also buried at the Pioneer Cemetery, in the same grave as Beatrice's parents James Neilson and Bridget Elizabeth (nee Devereaux) Roberts. James' 1899 death notice notes that he had been a Colonist of 60 years and a resident of Mordialloc for over 40 years. He was 62 at the time of his death, so had come to Victoria as a 2 year-old around 1839, quite an early arrival to the Colony. He was the son of James and Sophia (nee Neilson) Roberts, who are buried at St Kilda Cemetery (25)

Death notice of  James Roberts, the father-in-law of George Davie

The Argus, August 14, 1899 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9528439

Mr Phillips

From the Davie property the whirlwind then swept through Mr Phillips, who I believe is Mark Phillips, a market gardener, of Charman Road, Cheltenham. He lived with his mother, Mary (nee Comerford), whose husband Henry Phillips had died on April 24, 1872, when young Mark was only 5 years old, and his sister Sophia just one year old. At the time of his death, Henry's two children from his first marriage 18-year-old Caroline and 11-year old Henry Edwin were also living with the family.   

Henry was a market gardener and left assets of £181, including seven acres of land at Cheltenham. His Grant of Administration file at the Public Records Office of Victoria shows that one of the listed executors in his Will was Alexander McLeod, the father-in-law of George Stayner, who renounced this role in favour of Mary Phillips. As well,  James Roberts, the father-in-law of George Davie, signed an affidavit confirming the truth of Mary Phillip's affidavit regarding her husband's estate. These documents demonstrate how inter-connected these early residents of Cheltenham were.  (26)

Henry Phillips' assets at the time of his death.

PROV - VPRS 28/P0002, 11/679

 https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/E84C29ED-F1DE-11E9-AE98-CDFCF1B0D6DA?image=1

Mary died on February 14, 1913 and is buried with her husband at the Pioneer Cemetery.  Mark died on September 10, 1926 and is buried at the same cemetery with his sister Sophia, her husband James Gregory and their son Norman. Also in the grave is Miss Alice Izett Bale, who died in July 1955, aged 85, I don't know what the connection is, and a matter of interest (but irrelevant to this story) in February the same year, another Miss Alice Bale died - 79-year old Alice Marion Ellen Bale, who was an artist (27)

Death notice of Mary Phillips

The Age, February 17, 1913 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201132082 

The Cheltenham Mechanics' Institute

Cheltenham Mechanics' Institute and Temperance Hall, c. 1910

Two Acre Village: A Cheltenham History by Graham Whiteside (City of Kingston, 2012), p. 33

Which brings us to the Mechanics' Institute on  the corner of Charman Road and the Nepean Highway, where the whirlwind struck the Billiards room. The Cheltenham Mechanics' Institute and Temperance Hall site was reserved in July 1864 and the Trustees appointed in February 1865. The original Trustees were James McKnight, William Ruse, Henry Wells, Norman McSwain and Jonathan Stanway Parker. (28)

Original Trustees of the Cheltenham Mechanics' Institute

Victoria Government Gazette Tuesday February 7, 1865, p.291.  

https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1865/V/general/15.pdf

I don't have an exact opening date, however in January 1865, it was reported that a lecture was held at the re-opening of the Cheltenham Mechanics' Institute, would imply that it had already been opened and then closed for some reason. (29)

The re-opening of the Mechanics' Institute

The Leader, January 14, 1865 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197035672

Either way, early 1865 would seem to be a reasonable date to list as the opening of the building. In the late 1880s the building was expanded (30) and in 1906 the Billiard room and other works were undertaken, as the Brighton Southern Cross reported in the July -  

The usual monthly meeting of the Mechanics'-institute, Cheltenham, was held on Wednesday last; a full attendance of committeemen being present. The sub-committee recommended the erection of two ante rooms at the rear of the hall; a new fire-proof proscenium; alterations in accordance with the requirements of the Central Board of Health; extension of library, with necessary improvements; and the building of a billiard-room. The recommendations were adopted by the full committee with little discussion. Plans are to be prepared at once by the architect, Mr. Schreiber. (31)

As the whirlwind article noted This home of big breaks was too much for the cyclone, the building breaking up the wind in its course, and diffusing it down the Main-road, so there was no damage to the building. In March 1909, the Mechanics' Institute committee accepted a tender to extend the Billiard room and and in June they purchased a second billiard table. (32) In the late 1950s the Trustees made the decision to surrender the title of  the building to the Moorabbin Council and the original building was demolished in 1958 and replaced with the hall  which stands there today. However, the Billiard Room was relocated  to Highett for use a Scout Hall. (33). I have no information if it is still in use.

So this is the story of the January 1909 whirlwind which hit Cheltenham. To read about the November 1909 whirlwind, click here.

Footnotes

(1) The Australasian, August 25, 1906, see here. 

(2) Brighton Southern Cross,  January 30, 1909, see here.

(3) Electoral Rolls from Ancestry.com; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; George and Flora's 25th wedding anniversary - The Age, December 16, 1895, see here.

(4) Oakleigh Leader, November 3, 1894, see here. This wasn't the first account of  George's farming enterprise, The Leader wrote about him on  December 19, 1891, see here and earlier still in 1884 - The Leader, February 23, 1884, see here. There was also another story in the Brighton Southern Cross, April 4, 1908, see here. 

(5) George's death notice Weekly Times, August 24, 1895, see here; Information from the Brighton Cemetorians database - https://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/

(6) Public Records Office of Victoria  - Will and  Probate papers are here   https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/5DEEF603-F1EF-11E9-AE98-B1752095F0FE?image=1# and   https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/A5B87993-F55B-11E9-AE98-2B7C5F1814FB?image=1#

The Age, November 14, 1888, see here.

(7) Public Records Office of Victoria  - Will and  Probate papers are here   https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/5DEEF603-F1EF-11E9-AE98-B1752095F0FE?image=1# and   https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/A5B87993-F55B-11E9-AE98-2B7C5F1814FB?image=1#

(8) Wedding report - Brighton Southern Cross, March 28, 1903, see here; George - death notice - The Age, December 11, 1953, see here; 

(9) Boer War https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1069339/large/5520059.JPG; 

Oakleigh Leader, December 22, 1900, see here.

(10) Whiteside, Graham Two Acre Village: A Cheltenham History (City of Kingston, 2012). pp 93-97 and  Brighton Southern Cross, April 4, 1908, see here. 

(11) Death notices - George, can't find one, date death is from his Probate papers (see Footnote 6). Death notices - Flora - The Argus, August 30, 1919, see here; George - The Argus, December 11, 1953, see here; Winifred - The Argus, November 8, 1954, see here. 

(12) Land sub-division - The Argus February 23, 1956, see here.  

(13) The Argus, February 14, 1942, see here.

(14) Death notices - Joseph - The Argus, April 24, 1946, see here; Hannah - The Age, May 4, 1943, see here ; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Dr Swan - Suns News-Pictorial, May 1, 1945, see here; Florence Swan - Box Hill Reporter, August 11, 1950, see here. Friends of Cheltenham Regional Cemeteries https://www.focrc.org/

(15) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages

(16) The Leader, December 26, 1891, see here.

(17) The Leader, February 8, 1896, see here.

(18) Death notices - Charles - The Argus, January 30, 1901, see here; Ann - The Argus, October 24, 1893, see here; Charles - The Age, January 21, 1896, see here; Emma - The Herald, July 18, 1891, see here; Louis - The Age July 16, 1930, see here; Edith - The Age, February 13, 1939, see here;  Leonard - The Age, October 7, 1941, see here;  Bertha - The Age, September 3, 1962 (from newspapers.com)

(19) Marriage notice Brough/Evans - Ballarat Courier, December 29, 1875, see here; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Public Records Office of Victoria - Probate papers - https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/EE7244A1-F1ED-11E9-AE98-81591BA3CA23?image=1

(20) Death notices - Charles - The Argus, May 17, 1920, see here; Mary - The Argus, July 12, 1923, see here; John - The Age, November 15, 1892, see here;  Sarah - The Argus, January 1, 1903, see here.

(21) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages

(22) Moorabbin News, June 5, 1915, see here.

(23) Death notices - George - The Argus, June 3, 1915, see here;  Jane - The Argus, September 30, 1924, see here;  Robert  and Constance - dates from headstone photograph  https://www.focrc.org/;    Report of the wedding of Robert Davie to Constance Curtis - Brighton Southern Cross, October 17, 1917, see here.

(24) Giant Pumpkins article - 

Giant Pumpkins and Cabbages of Rich Green. Vegetable Quality There, But Quantity Disappoints Judge

There was no Good Fairy to turn the pumpkin into a Cinderella carriage at the Royal Show yesterday - but there should have been. Giant pumpkins, ruby red rhubarb and a new type of curled silver beet brought praise from the judge of table vegetables. The expert vegetable grower must have the artists' striving for perfect formation and color. For instance, rich green defeats the lighter green in cabbage judging. The carrot is not completely judged until it is sliced through the centre to reveal formation. Mr. R. A. Davie, of Cheltenham, who adopted vegetable growing as a hobby on his retirement, won the coveted prize for the best collection of 12 vegetables. Mr. Davie has won this prize for several years. Praising the high quality of the exhibits from a seasonal viewpoint, the judge Mr. G.A. Stayner) expressed regret at the small number of entries. The collection exhibits, he said, were well staged and everything they contained was of high quality. Cabbages won many points for their excellent formation, color and size. Cauliflowers were up to standard, but their centres showed faint yellow tinges front the effects of warm weather. Mrs. R. Brinsmead, of Leopold, Geelong, won the first prize with an outstanding lettuce exhibit. Almost perfect in formation and color, it dominated other lettuce entries. (Sun News-Pictorial September 25, 1937, see here.) 

(25) Death notices - George - The Age, January 7, 1935, see here; Beatrice - The Argus, November 28, 1955, see here; James Roberts - The Argus, August 14, 1899, see here; James and Sophia Roberts - James died December 17, 1893 and Sophia on April 14, 1874 - St Kilda Cemetery transcriptions on Ancestry.com. 

(26) Public Records Office of Victoria - Henry's Probate papers and Grant of Administration papers -- https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/E84C29ED-F1DE-11E9-AE98-CDFCF1B0D6DA?image=1 and https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/5CC8ABBA-F1CF-11E9-AE98-6F095347710E?image=1

(27) Henry, Mary and Mark- dates from headstone photographs https://www.focrc.org/;  Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages

(28) Victoria Government Gazette, Tuesday February 7, 1865, p. 291.    https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1865/V/general/15.pdf

(29) The Leader, January 14, 1865, see here. 

(30) Whiteside, Graham, op. cit.,pp. 31-41.

(31) Brighton Southern Cross, July 7 1906, see here.

(32) Brighton Southern Cross, March 6, 1909, see here; Brighton Southern Cross, June 19, 1909, see here.

(33) Whiteside, Graham, op. cit., p.39.