In 1977, a suite of Victorian-era shops in Bakery Hill were slated for demolition to make way for a purpose-built McDonald’s restaurant. While the buildings were not heritage listed, concerned residents formed the Save Bakery Hill Action Group to agitate against the destruction. The area is also believed to be the site where the Eureka […]
From the Curator | Bakery Hill Read More »
It seems there may have been at least three grand pianos in the BMI, some were hired for a particular event or performance, but the main problem was getting such a large and heavy object up and down the stairs to the hall, as well as getting the piano from Melbourne to Ballarat, especially before
Rex’s Snippits | Grand Pianos at the BMI Read More »
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow oldAge shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. MH 60-20 | Arch of Victory & Sea Scouts, Ballarat This news item was a social media post, below are
From the Curator | Lest we forget | Post 11 Nov 2023 Read More »
The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has been selected to receive a Community Heritage Grant to the value of $5,500 (excluding GST) for the Significance Assessment of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute Collection. Community Heritage Grants is an Australian Government partnership between the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and four national collecting institutions: National
Significance Assessment of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute Collection Read More »
Mike Stephens, the founder of Meridian Agriculture, has almost forty years’ experience in directing, managing and advising small and medium sized agricultural businesses. He has developed and directed industry projects, and consulted extensively on succession and transition in business. Before establishing Meridian Agriculture Mike worked as farm manager and managed very large holdings. Mike holds a
Introducing Mike Stephens | Treasurer, Board, Ballaarat Mechanics Institute Read More »
Travel back in time to Conder’s Milk Bar for a delicious banana split topped with ice cream, wafers, nuts and chocolate syrup! Jack Conder opened his eponymous milk bar on Sturt Street in 1941 at the tender age of 25. As well as ice cream, Conder’s sold pastries, cigarettes, candy and newspapers. Conder’s fast became a popular
From the Curator | Condor’s Milk Bar Read More »
The art deco beauty of Walter Davis & Co. Walter Davis & Co first opened on Bridge Street in 1920, selling men’s, ladies and children’s clothing, as well as household furnishings and manchester. By 1930, the shop was solely focused on ladies fashion, with Walter’s brother Joseph opening a men’s clothing store nearby. Walter and
From the Curator | Shopping at Walter Davis & Co Read More »
Yesterday the BMI was a-buzz with people streaming in for a book signing with Max Harris who was selling his new book Ballarat The Swinging 60s by Max Harris & Peter Butters. The book was luanched at the Mecure Ballarat on 24 November. The book is jam packed with more than 400 images of this difinative
Max Harris book signing | The Swinging Sixties Read More »
The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the Ballaarat Mechanic’s Institute occupied all of the upper story of the first (back) section of the Institute built in 1860. The hall is 84 ft. long, 47 ft. wide and has a 25ft. ceiling. It was designed as a lecture hall, meeting, function and exhibition
Rex’s Snippits | Moving Pictures at the Institute Read More »
Built in 1866, the former London Chartered Bank Building was one of the four handsome buildings that graced “the corner” of Lydiard and Sturt Streets for much of the 20th century. The building was designed by the celebrated architect Leonard Terry, known for his designs of banks and churches, including the former Bank of Australasia
From the Curator | London Chartered Bank Building Read More »
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
