Whittlesea Mechanics Institute
| Name | Whittlesea Mechanics Institute |
|---|---|
| Address | 28 Forrest Street, Whittlesea, Victoria 3757 |
| Operation Dates | 1924-01-01 - 1962-01-01 |
| Capacity | 200 |
| Suburban/Country | Country |
| Purpose | Mechanics Institute |
| Screens | 1 |
| Roles |
1946-01-01 - 1962-01-01 : Exhibitor : Bell, R. L.
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The Whittlesea Mechanics Institute was opened on April 16 1884 and was used as the library and for community singing, political meetings and social gatherings. From 1924-1944, the Institute was used by Benjamin Owen (later by Walter Edes) as a picture theatre on Saturday nights. Electricity was installed in 1938. To comply with regulations a projection room was also added around this time. (Payne 1975, p. 158) Film Weekly Motion Picture Directory also lists this venue in the 'Victorian Theatres and Exhibitors' list, from 1946/7 to 1961/2. R.L Bell is recorded as sole exhibitor during this period. Seating capacity changes in 1952/3 from 250 to 200. Image of building http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/jcollins/0/1/7/doc/jc017571.shtml References Payne, J.W. 1975 The Plenty: a centenary History of the Whittlesea Shire, Shire of Whittlesea. |
| Event Date | Name of Venue | Address | Latitude / Longitude |
Capacity | Suburban | Purpose | Screens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1924-01-01 | Whittlesea Institute |
28 Forrest Street Whittlesea Victoria 3757 |
-37.511201 145.120833 |
250 | Country | Mechanics Institute | 1 |
| 1946-01-01 |
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| 1952-01-01 |
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200 |