Two Wells Institute

Fast Facts

Address:	Old Pt Wakefield Rd
Town or Locality:	Two Wells
Year constructed:	1877/11/27

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 The foundation stone for the new building was laid on 27 November 1877 by Thomas Cowan Esq MP. A committee consisting of  Messrs John Cowan Jnr, James Cowan, L.C. Wells, T. Hastwell Jnr, Ina Kirkland, S.Cordon and Y.C. Fowler was formed to carry out resolutions.

The Two Wells Institute was officially opened on 18 November 1877.  The report in the Advertiser reads in part " The weather was fine and a large concourse of visitors were attracted to witness the ceremony. The day was observed as a holiday throughout the neighbourhood. The building has a very substantial and imposing appearance with the hall being 50ft. long by 30 ft. wide and will comfortably seat 500 persons. At either side of the entrance doors are two lofty rooms, each 15 long by 13 ft wide. It is intended to use one of these rooms as a library and the other a reading room. Limestone with brick facings have been largely used in the construction of the building, which has added considerably to its ornate appearance. A space has been left at the rear of the building, and it is intended to construct two additional rooms when the committee has collected the necessary funds. In opening the proceeding the chairman called on Mr Cavanagh to address the meeting. Mr Cavanah said he was happy to be present on such an occasion but regretted that his Excellency the Governor was not able to be present as was previously intended."

So began the first 100 years of the Two Wells Institute with emphasis on its value as an institute of adult learning.

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Sources

• "Life Around the Light". A History of the Mallala District Council Area.

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