By Williamstown Historical Society
In the late 1700s, the term ‘mechanic’ referred to artisans, tradesmen, or working men. During the Industrial Revolution, it became more associated with ‘working with machinery’. In 1799, Dr. George Birbeck of Glasgow championed the idea that education “was not just for the wealthy and should be available to all with curious minds and determination to better themselves”, inspiring the creation of Mechanics Institutes. The first institute was the Edinburgh School of Arts in 1821, and this movement spread to Britain’s colonies. Australia’s first institute was established in Hobart in 1827.
The Williamstown Mechanics Institute was founded in 1856, by a group of local citizens many of whom were key figures in the community: George Verdon, Robert Ellery, Thomas Mason, David Purdie Maclean, Thomas Stewart, James Moxham, Mr White, William Pickersgill, James Wallace, Frederick Stratford, and William Litchfield.
The land in the Electra Street precinct was granted by the Surveyor General and through community funding and donations, the Mechanics Institute rose, embodying the principle of a place ‘built by the community – for the community’.
Architect John Flannagan, and builder John Swindley were selected to build the large public hall, and timber buildings housing library, classes, committee rooms and reading rooms. The foundation stone was laid with elaborate procession and ceremony on 18th February 1860.
The precinct was constructed in stages from 1860 to 1890 as funds became available. The two storey Italianate section fronting Electra Street, was constructed in 1869 to a design by architect John Beswicke, along with the hall extensions and south wing (1880). A weatherboard caretaker’s cottage was added in 1883/84. The ‘Supper’ and catering rooms were completed in 1890 to plans by western suburbs architect Charles Polain.
The Mechanics Institute served as Williamstown’s town hall, for community events until 1927 and housed the library until 1968. It was a central hub for activities and entertainment; hosting classes, lectures, silent pictures and many clubs and groups.
The Williamstown Historical Society began operations in 1956 in the building, with the museum opening in 1964. It operated successfully providing history education, tours and research facilities, until 2018 when the Society was required to vacate the building for restoration work to be undertaken, estimated to take between 18-24 months.
Seven years on, this work has stalled due to significant funding shortfalls. The building is largely unusable, with further restoration works required to return it to community use.
During this time the Historical Society has been operating from temporary offices with the extensive museum collection in storage. Our team of volunteers continue their passion for preserving the history by cataloguing, documenting and curating the collection.
If walls could talk they would tell a unique and rich story of a community since early settlement. Our hope is that the Mechanics Institutes value to Heritage Tourism in Hobsons Bay be recognised by those who hold its future in their hands, and with a little inspiration they can find a way to continue the legacy and connection with the community who built it.
