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.

Croydon Mechanics' Institute

The Box Hill Reporter in November 1905 reported on the beginnings of the Croydon Mechanics' Institute -
The Croydon people of late have been considering the matter of establishing a mechanics' institute in their district, and it is probable that in a very short time the project will be carried to a successful issue, judging by the interest the residents are displaying in the matter. At a recent meeting of the Croydon progressive league, a sub-committee was appointed to deal with a site on which to erect the institute. Various sites were considered, but none decided upon, principally on account of their unsuitable position and high price. At a later stage the larger matter of a recreation reserve presented itself, and the committee thought that if land for a sports ground could be secured, the building could be erected on a portion of it. With this object in view two sites were taken into consideration, when one was very favorably received, seeing that the position was so central and suitable, and the price asked for it (£15 an acre) reasonable. On Saturday last the matter was brought before the Lillydale council by a letter from the league, asking the council to assist the residents in their efforts by purchasing for recreation purposes a block on the corner of Oxford road, opposite the Croydon state school, and pointing out that the proceeds from the sale of frontages on this road might be utilised in this direction. After a little discussion the council decided, on the motion of Cr Taylor, to make the matter an order of the day for next council meeting. (1) Oxford Road is now known as Mount Dandenong Road. (2)

Even though Lilydale the town is spelt with three Ls, Lillydale the Shire was spelt with 4 Ls. Cr Taylor, who features in many articles connected to the Mechanics' Institute was Arthur Bertram Taylor, of Meadowbank Farm, Lilydale. He was elected to the South West Riding in 1896 and resigned from Council in November 1909; he was Shire President on two occasions. Arthur was a teacher and had founded Camberwell Grammar School in 1886, and was their first Principal. (3)

As it turned out there protests against the sale of some of the Oxford Road frontage, where it was proposed to reduce the width from 3 chains to one chain. The Minister of Lands also refused to allow the road to be reduced to less than a chain and a half. (4)

Croydon Mechanics' Institute. 

Photographer: F. W. Wuchatsch. A postcard from my collection.

In September 1907, at a function at the Croydon State School,  Mr Taylor announced that arrangements had just been completed for the purchase by the shire council of six acres of land in Croydon for the use of the residents as a recreation reserve (applause), which was a stepping stone to the establishment of cricket, football and tennis grounds, and a Mechanics' Institute. The council was making the people of Croydon a present of six acres of land, which would be placed at the disposal of a committee of management, to be nominated in the course of a few days. He was satisfied, from the energy which Croydon people generally put into their business, that the Mechanics' Institute would soon be an accomplished fact and that it would accommodate a much larger house even than was present that night. (5)

A month later - At a well attended public meeting held at Croydon last night, the shire president, Cr Hughes presiding, Messrs T. H. Gwillam, A. B. Taylor, J. Broadley, Grey-Smith and A. Hall were appointed trustees of three eighths of an acre of the recreation reserve, set apart by the Shire council as a site for a Mechanics' Institute. (6)

It wasn't until July 1908 that the Lillydale Council announced they intended to borrow £1900 for various projects including the purchase of Land for a Mechanics' Institute and Recreation Purposes at Croydon - £103 and Erection of Buildings at Croydon and Ringwood for Mechanics' Institutes (£500 each) - £1000. (7). With the money eventually secured in the October Cr Taylor, moved at the Lillydale Council meeting-  that a prize of three guineas be offered for a competitive design for the mechanics' institutes. Seconded by Kinsella. (8)  In November 1908, the Shire issued an invitation for designs for the Croydon and Ringwood Mechanics' Institutes. (9)

Inviting designs for the Croydon and Ringwood Mechanics' Institutes

The Argus, November 12, 1908  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10172205

Ward and Carleton of 341 Collins Street were the Architects selected to design the building. The firm was established in 1897 when Alfred Carleton commenced a partnership with John Vincent Trumbull Ward. (10).  It appears that the Architects did design a building that could be erected under the £500 budget, however due to Mr Gwillam asking for modifications of the original plans the cost had increased to £700. When the Shire Secretary queried this with them they replied to the Council, as reported in the Lilydale Express in April 1909 - 
From Ward and Carleton, architects for Croydon mechanics' institutes, in reply to the secretary's letter regarding the excessive amount of the tenders received for the building, expressing surprise to learn of a price being received for the hall, on the present drawings, for the moderate sum of £700. The fact was evidently overlooked that they had been instructed from time to time, principally through the council's representative, Mr Gwillam, to make certain additions and alterations. The original design would have come well within the amount specified, £500. (11)

Thomas Henry Gwillam is listed in the Electoral Rolls as a Contractor (builder) of Croydon. He was President of the Croydon Progress Association and the Croydon Arbor Day Association, Secretary of the Rifle Club and later Secretary of the Mechanics' Institute. (12)

In May 1909, the Architects advertised for tenders to erect the building. (13)

Tenders for erection of the Croydon Mechanics' Institute

The Age, May 19, 1909 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196127866

In June, the Healesville Guardian, reported on the results of the tender process and the article also includes a description of the building -
A special meeting of the Lilydale shire council was held last Friday to deal with tenders for the erection of a mechanics' institute and public hall at Croydon. The president and Crs Taylor, Kinsella, Rouget and Hughes were present. Eleven tenders were received and considered. Cr Taylor moved that the tender of T. Rolfe, at £587, be accepted, subject to the alterations in the specifications proving satisfactory, the work to be completed within three months from the signing of the contract. Seconded by Cr Kinsella and carried. 

The amount of the tender is in excess of the funds, £500, available for the purpose out of the loan raised recently for this and other works, but at the ordinary meeting of the council on the previous Monday Cr Taylor said that there was a sum of £100 lying in the Chief Secretary's office which could be appropriated for the purpose, and that there was a prospect of another vote of £100 being obtained next year, so that there would be a substantial sum remaining for furnishing the building. 

Certain alterations and excisions in Messrs Warde & Carleton's original design have been made in order to reduce the cost of building to something like the amount available from the loan. The design as it now stands shows an imposing building of architectural beauty. On either side of the front vestibule entrance are provided ladies and gentlemen's cloak rooms ; next are a lodge room and library, and then the entrance to the main hall, which is 45 x 32ft. The stage extends practically the width of the hall, and outside are the ladies and gentlemen's anterooms. A verandah also runs along one side of the building; and ventilation and lighting are provided for according to the Board of Health regulations. The new building is to be erected on the Croydon reserve, on the original site of the tennis courts. (14)

Croydon townspeople at the newly built Mechanics' Institute, 1909

Image: McGivern, Muriel A History of Croydon (Victor Publishing, 1967), p. 201.

The building was essentially finished in three months and was officially opened on October 27, 1909 by the Premier, Mr Murray, accompanied by Mr. Evans, M.L.C., and Mr. E. H. Cameron, M.L.A. Cr Taylor was also there in his capacity as Shire President together with a large gathering of other officials and towns folk. (15)  A monster bazaar to raise money for the Mechanics' Institute to be held over four days was organised by the ladies of Croydon, who  were working very enthusiastically, and all kinds of novel idea are being worked out, one of which will be a bachelors' stall, to be presided over by bachelors. The Ladies Committee was headed by  Miss Clapperton, with Mrs Yde as secretary.  Much interest was anticipated in the bazaar as special trains will be run from Croydon to Melbourne each evening, and from Lilydale to Croydon on the 27th and 30th inst. (16)

When Croydon was  a country town, c. 1920s/1930s. 

A panorama of Croydon. Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co,

State Library of Victoria image H32492/4016

Croydon was a scenic and popular tourist spot as this 1906 letter to the editor of the Lilydale Express notes -

March On, Croydon! - Through all the changing scenes of life we will find it hard to beat such a picturesque place as Croydon and its surroundings. Taking into consideration the short distance it is from our noble city of Melbourne, and its reasonable railway fares, can you wonder that within two years and a-half the accommodation for boarders has risen from ten to twenty-eight houses? We have had thousands visiting Croydon this summer, and many more are wending their footsteps this way at an early period. Many places which blow their trumpets loud cannot be compared to the delightful hill and dale of this elevated township; the soft, beautiful clear air is in itself vigorating to the over-worked city man, and will restore health to the most delicate of our womenly women. The pretty rippling streams, the shady nooks for book lovers, the pleasant drives, rich dairy produce, beautiful fruit, and many other attractions, make it hard to supersede. It has been said by travellers who have visited many parts of Australia, England, and the Continent, that the restful, peaceful air which prevails at Croydon is unsurpassed; the rising of the glorious sun in early morn and its setting when the shadows of the evening and the residents of the place think that when the station accommodation is looked into, a new brick building, similar to the Brighton one, would not look out of place and would be a great improvement upon the present boxes. The Mechanics' Institute and sports ground are progressing rapidly, and Croydon henceforth will not be Croydon in word, but Croydon in deed. Folk wishing for health, happiness and vigor, which is a great help to prosperity, should reside in Croydon, and by so doing would be well repaid. Yours, &c. "A Lover of Croydon." (17)

Croydon Mechanics' Institute - open for business, December 1909

The Argus, December 25, 1909 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10756621

Not surprising then, that soon after opening, the Croydon Mechanics' Institute and surrounding  grounds was advertised for let for picnics, parties and Balls. The building was also used for the usual range of activities - a Strawberry Fete in aid of funds for St John's Church of England; performances of the Croydon Comedy Club; a farewell to Mr Hooton, the popular school teacher on his transfer to Mitcham;  a ball to  raise money for the Relief  of Belgium widows and other patriotic functions during the First World War; a concert to celebrate the anniversary of the Presbyterian Church and a bazaar to raise money for St Joseph's Catholic Church. A function held in the hall in October 1919, after the unveiling of the Croydon War Memorial where returned soldiers were 'welcomed home' and presented with an illuminated certificate. (18)

The Mechanics' Institute was also used to show films and the first reference I can find to this was in 1911 when the picture drama, For the Term of his Natural Life was shown in aid of the Football Club. (19).  From the mid-1920s films were presented every Saturday night and in July 1931, Mr Gray Edmeston (20) took over the operation  and installed a sound system and thus could show 'talkies.'  The first 'talkie' film exhibited was The trial of Mary Dugan, with Norma Shearer. (21)  More of Mr Edmeston and his involvement with the hall, later. 

For the Term of his Natural Life film

The Age, May 12, 1911 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196198772

The building also housed a Library, the first books for which arrived in February 1910, supplied by the Melbourne Public Library as noted by the Lilydale Express - At a meeting of the trustees of the public library held last week a loan of books was granted on the usual terms to the Croydon mechanics' institute committee. (22) In 1944 as the same paper reported that the Croydon Mechanics' Hygienic Library had received a Council grant of £10. (23)  In 1956, a children's library was established in the hall, with free membership to any child. However, there was limited space in the hall with all the other activities it supported and funds were raised to build a new Library. On May 18, 1961 this new Library was officially opened. (24)

As far as the building itself - a caretakers residence was built in 1914, in 1925 the Council granted £40 to go towards renovating and painting the building. The Hall had a board of management who were also guarantors for money lent to them by the Council and in 1928 they were reported as -
F. E. Brown, chairman of board of management of Croydon Mechanics' Hall, forwarding list of names for new guarantors, as follow:— Messrs. F. Arblaster, J. Stuart, A. J. Smith, H. Doods, G. R. Smith, G. Ford. L. Goswinkel, H. Graham, J. T. O'Rourke, F. Turner, J. Bunting, T. Blight. E. Matthews, W. Reed and Captain Robertson.—Adopted. (25)

In 1924, the Croydon branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (R.S. & S.I.L A.)  was established. Muriel McGivern, in her history of Croydon, wrote that  in 1928 they desired to join forces with Hall committee dividing the work and responsibility and in consequence sharing the management and control of both Hall and grounds, including the use of the Hall for their activities. They also desired to alter the name  to Memorial Hall and Mechanics' Institute. After various discussions, including the fact that the Mechanics' Institute constitution required all committee members to also be guarantors and the fact that some of the Committee felt the R.S. & S.I.L A were trying to control the Committee, the amalgamation attempts proved to be  fruitless. (26)

In 1933 the hall was extended and the new works were opened in the December. The Fern Tree Gully News reported - 
On Thursday evening the president of the Lillydale Shire, Cr R. Blair, officially opened the new 

extensions to the much improved Croydon Mechanics' Institute. The sum of £400 had been spent in improvements and extending the hall, the interior of which had been lined with a special sound carrying preparation, while the hall had been extended 12 feet. A new stage 20ft. deep had been erected. The building will now hold an extra 120 people, and 150 new tip chairs have been purchased. In introducing Cr Blair, Mr R.Jansen, president of the hall committee, thanked the citizens of Croydon for their interest and support. He wished to particularly thank Mr A. Pretty, architect, and Mr  Allan, builder, for the splendid way in which the work of extension had been carried out. (27)

A few years later more extensions were added in the Streamlined Moderne style, also designed by Architect Arthur E. Pretty. (28)  These works had been discussed at Council meetings from June 1936 onwards when the issue of renovating and extending the Croydon Mechanics' Hall with the object of converting it into a modern picture theatre was raised and eventually given the go ahead, with a budget of £2000. (29)

The conversion was at the behest of Mr Edmeston, the afore-mentioned the picture show operator, as the existing hall was too small for his shows and patrons were being turned way on some nights. As part of the negotiations Edmeston would have the right to show pictures on a Saturday night and one weekday night for a term of fifteen years, at a rental of £7/10/- per week for the two evenings each week.  (30) In connection with these works, the original committee who also acted as guarantors was annulled, the council took over any financial liabilities and a new committee of councillors and community members was established. (31) Tenders were advertised for the new work  in December 1936. (32)

Tenders invited for the extension of the Croydon Mechanics' Institute

Lilydale Express, December 18, 1936 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article267488592 

Months later in May 1937 there was a progress report in the Lilydale Express -

The contract was signed at the tender fee by the successful tenderers Messrs Pepper and Chenoweth, of Alphington and Ormond, and a start was made on the same day. The contractor states that the work will be completed in 16 weeks, and that arrangements will be made so that the Coronation Ball in the hall on Wednesday, May 12, will not be interfered with. Temporary cloak rooms will be arranged, and the patrons' comfort at the hall will be assured. 

The plans provide for an imposing brick veneer finished front, with four massive folding glass doors, The hall will be widened 8 feet, and extended 30 feet, with a sloping floor on the new portion. There will be a complete new fibro plaster ceiling throughout, and the inside lining it will be of "Insulite"—a new sound proof material. The new supper room will be 32 feet by 23 feet, and the kitchen will be enlarged to 12 feet by 10 feet. an imposing foyer will contain a curved sweet counter and two modern ticket boxes. The right side entrance will contain the cloak rooms. A new modern bio box will be erected. The new building will present an attractive appearance, and will combine the convenience of picture theatre and a public hall. 

It is estimated that this building will meet the requirements of the district for many years to come, and the hall committee have to be congratulated on the successful outcome of their efforts. The contractor states that it is his intention to use as much local labour as possible on the work, and already three local men have been engaged. (33)

Croydon Hall, 1967.

Image: McGivern, Muriel A History of Croydon (Victor Publishing, 1967), p. 198.

The 'new' hall, which ended up costing £2,300 was officially opened by Cr H. Jeeves on September 9, 1937. The local M.L.A., Colonel Knox and the local M.L.C., Mr Chandler were amongst those present. (34) The month before in August, the name of the building had been changed from the Mechanics' Institute to the Croydon Hall, and this new name was proudly displayed on the new facade, as you can see from the photograph, above.  (35)

On January 14, 1955 Gray Edmeston, along with W.E. Spencer and R. Kirby opened the Croydon Village Drive-in Theatre (36).  However, films were still shown in the Hall as in 1956 it became the venue for the newly established Croydon Film Society. It appears the building was then referred to as the Croydon Theatre or the Croydon Hall Cinema. The Film Society moved to the Mooroolbark Community Centre in 1991, and are now based at the Boronia Cinemas. (37) 

Croydon Film Society at the Croydon Theatre (the Hall)

The Age, January 30, 1965, p. 40 from newspapers.com

The building continued to be used for community activities until 1991. Here is a random selection of events held at the Croydon Hall - An exhibition to celebrate the Shire centenary in November 1964;  an Art & Craft Show in December 1974; Sewerage was connected to the building in 1979; the Croydon Community School used it as a venue for their performance, The Frogs by Aristophanes in November 1981;  the Croydon Horticultural Society held a Spring Show in October 1985; in 1987 it was the venue for the auction of seventeen Main Street retail  properties; The Angels played there in December 1990; there was a Garden Show there in March 1991. (38)

Centenary of local government  in 1964 at Croydon Hall

The Age, November 16, 1964, p. 11 from newspapers.com

Art & Craft Exhibition at Croydon Hall in 1974

The Age, December 14, 1974, p. 19 from newspapers.com

Auction of Main Street properties in the Hall in 1987

The Age August 8, 1987, p. 82 from newspapers.com

From 1992, the building, became a Youth Centre, known as EVs and is used by thousands of young people each year as a meeting place, a source of information and education and as an entertainment venue (39). It is operated by the City of Maroondah. 

115 years after it opened the Croydon Mechanics' Institute is still used for community purposes. Whilst I am grateful the building is preserved, it is shame that the three rectangular window at the front of the building have been replaced by a bland square window and the non-original parapet on the verandah partially obscures the Croydon Hall lettering. All that remains now is to find out why it is called EVs. 

EVs Youth Centre - you can still see the original 1909 building behind the 1937 brick extension.

Image: Suzanne Burville 

https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/index.php/places/contributions/image/972

Acknowledgement -The entry on the Croydon Mechanics' Institute in the book  These Walls Speak Volumes: a history of Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria by Pam Baragwanath and Ken James (published by the authors in 2015) was a useful starting point for this post.

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on Trove, related to the Mechanics' Institute and some of the people involved with it. Access it here.

Footnotes

(1) Box Hill Reporter, November 3, 1905, see here.

(2) https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Explore/About-our-City/History-of-Maroondah/History-of-Croydon

(3)  Arthur Taylor - See various articles in my Trove list, here; including his obituary in The Argus, October 22, 1938, see here. Also the Camberwell Grammar website     https://www.cgs.vic.edu.au/our-school/our-history

(4) Lilydale Express, October 19, 1906, see here.

(5) Lilydale Express, September 20, 1907, see here.

(6) Lilydale Express, October 11, 1907, see here.

(7) Lilydale Express, July 10, 1908, see here.

(8) Lilydale Express, October 2, 1908, see here.

(9) The Argus, November 12, 1908, see here.

(10) Death notice of John Ward - The Argus, July 29, 1927,  see here; Obituary of Alfred Carleton - The Age, February 21, 1936, see here.

(11) Lilydale Express, April 30, 1909, see here.

(12) Thomas Henry Gwillam, died 1930 - See various articles in my Trove list, here.

(13) The Age, May 19, 1909, see here.  

(14) Healesville Guardian, June 4 1909, see here.

(15) The Age, October 28, 1909, see here; The Argus, October 28, 1909, see here.

(16) Box Hill Reporter, September 3, 1909, see here;  Punch, October 21, 1909, see here.

(17) Lilydale Express, April 20, 1906, see here.

(18) See various articles in my Trove list, here.

(19) The Age, May 12, 1911, see here

(20) Gray Denison Edmeston, the son of Harold and Elizabeth Edmeston.  Harold was, as noted in the Electoral Rolls, a Musician and sometimes listed as a Professor of Music. In the early 1920s they operated a guesthouse, The Marlborough, Fernshaw Road, Healesville. Gray married Carol Segerberg in 1935 and he died at the age of 87 in August 1996

The Age, August 28, 1996, p. 44. newspapers.com

(21) McGivern, Muriel A History of Croydon (Victor Publishing, 1967), p. 204. Also Cinema Record, Issue 24, June 1999 https://www.cinemarecord.org.au/read/cr24/files/basic-html/page9.html

(22) Lilydale Express, February 4, 1910, see here.

(23) Lilydale Express, December 1, 1944, see here.

(24) McGivern, op. cit., p. 210.

(25) See various articles in my Trove list, here and Lilydale Express, April 27, 1928, see here.

(26) McGivern, op. cit., pp. 201-202.

(27) Fern Tree Gully News, December 15, 1933, see here.

(28) Streamlined Moderne description comes from  https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/index.php/places/184815/download-report . Arthur Pretty - https://www.builtheritage.com.au/dua_pretty.html

(29) See various articles in my Trove list, here

(30) Lilydale Express, December 4, 1936, see here.

(31) Ibid

(32) Lilydale Express, December 18, 1936, see here.  

(33) Lilydale Express, May 14, 1937, see here.

(34) Sun News-Pictorial, September 11, 1937, see here.

(35) McGivern, op. cit., p. 204.

(36) McGivern, op. cit., p. 162.

(37) Croydon Film Society website https://www.croydonfilms.org.au/about/ Cinema Treasurers website https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/31890 - has links to interior photos.

(38) These were found in The Age on newspapers.com

(39) Music Victoria website https://www.musicvictoria.com.au/directory-item/evs-youth-centre/  The 1992 date comes from the first reference I could find in The Age on newspapers.com