Warrandyte Mechanics Institute Hall

The old Warrandyte Hall was built in 1890 on the site of the recently demolished old Infant Welfare Centre. The new Mechanics Institute was built at the corner of Yarra and Mitchell Streets, and opened on April 7, 1928, by W. H. Everard, M.L.A. The organizing committee took 5 years to raise the money for the project. First trustees were Messrs. Scarborough, Hemsworth, Hogan and Topping, who donated £25 for curtains.

Picture of play "Happiest Days" inside the hall from 1956 from http://warrandytehallarts.asn.au/wmiaa/the-hall

No pictures of the original hall can be found.

The first motion picture was shown on April 18, 1928, by A. G. Canfield. This was a double feature, "Devil's Island" with Pauline Frederick, and "Millionaires" starring Louisa Fazenda.

The Annual Report in 1932-33 showed assets valued at £2000 and a debt of £491.

Mrs. D. Rush writing in 1968 08 DTHS Newsletter.

See also:

• The Warrandyte Mechanics Institute Hall History: http://warrandytehallarts.asn.au/wmiaa/the-hall