Dublin Institute
| Address: | Sixth Street |
|---|---|
| Town or Locality: | Dublin |
Prior to the opening of the Dublin Institute events were held in the Dublin Council Chambers.At a public meeting held in the Dublin Hotel on May 19th 1882, it was agreed to provide a public reading room and library for the township.The library was formally opened on September 20th 1882 in the Dublin Council Chambers. A temporary bookcase was purchased and stocked with 6 pounds worth of books. A good kerosine lamp was also purchased to assist readers and copies of the Advertiser, Illustrated London news, and the Chamber Journal were available to read.
On September 3rd 1884 it was agreed that an Institute should be built at Dublin. On September 17th 1884 allotment number 53 was purchased from Mr Carson. The trustees were Messrrs Jonathon Porter, Joel Prime, N. Tainsh, N. Crosby and G. West
Mr. O'Hara was the successful tenderer and the specifications were as follows: "The building to be no more than 52 feet long, 30 feet wide and 16 feet high". In 1884 Mr Carrier tended successfully for the raising of 200 yards of stone. The foundation stone was laid by L.C. Browne Esq. J.P. on November 25th 1884.
The Dublin Institute was opened on May 26th 1885 By Mr.W. Gilbert M.P.. " In the evening a lecture on 'Wise Sawa and Modern Instances', was delivered by the Rev.J.S.Wayland. Several ladies and gentlemen gave selections of music at intervals. The day was observed as a holiday." (from South Australian Register )
A cupboard was procured for the Institute in July 1885 and it is still used in the Institute Supper Room in 2011 and referred to as the "Institute Cupboard".
Operations of the library were suspended in 1897 and 200 books from the library were disposed of. In 1902 the Public Libraries Board tried to revive the library and following a visit from the Vice President of the Institutes Association a new set of trustees was elected and the Institute library saved.
In September 1914, tenders were invited for an extension of 20 feet to be built at the rear of the Institute. This is now the supper room. Also in 1914 four Victory Gas Lights were fitted to the interior of the institute and one to the exterior.
In July 1929 Mr. Halliday built the kitchen extension.
From 1882 - 1984 the Dublin Institute was run by the Dublin Institute Committee formed from members of the Community. This committee was dissolved in 1984 when the Dublin Community Club Inc. agreed to accept responsibility for the institute. In 2004 the Dublin Community Club disbanded and full responsibility reverted to the District Council of Mallala. In 2005 the Dublin Institute Committee was reformed to manage the institute.
In June 1983 The Institute Library was dissolved and replaced by the Two Wells/Mallala School Community Library. A Dublin Branch was maintained until 1995.
The Dublin Institute has been the central hub for most social activites in the Dublin area since 1885.
Related Articles |
Sources
- Brochure: "The Dublin Institute" compiled by the Dublin History Group Inc.
Memories of Dublin Institute
In the Dublin Institute hang the World War One Dublin and District Honour Roll, the World War One Lower Light Methodist Church Honour Roll and the embroidery of the World War Two Fighting Forces Comfort Fund which has been beautifully restored.
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