Windsor Institute

**Fast Facts**
Address:	Old Port Wakefield road
Town or Locality:	Windsor
Year constructed:	1884/08/07
Used for:	Institute

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At the meeting on 6th June 1884 an Institute Committee was formed with the following personnel holding office: Mr W.Simmons as chairman, Mr T Diment as Secretary and Mr E.G. Everett as Treasurer. It was decided the building was not to cost more than 400 pounds and the building committee comprised of Mr.G. Baker, Mr Williams, Mr.White and Mr Fabian. Mr.George Baker, who had donated the land for the School, Church and the Institute laid the foundation stone on the 7th August 1884 at 2:30pm and the social event was followed by a Dinner at 3:30pm and a Lecture at 7:00pm.

A report in a newspaper illustrated the committee showed committment to the project. " Windsor Institute- A little over two months ago a few persons formed themselves into a committee and passed a resolution to build an institute at Windsor. They went to work with a will. the result being that walls of the building are now 7feet high----.The building, which will measure 65 feet and 16 feet high will be sufficiently large to answer all the requirements of the district for many years to come.The cost including the furniture, will be about 500 pounds--- The proceedings for the day resulted in 60 pounds being added to the institute funds." The official opening was held on 1st. January 1885 with the offical guests being Mr.Bagster and Mr.Gilbert who was the local MP for the Division of Yatala. Mr. Simmons , Mr.Everett and Mr. Fabian organised the entertainment and Mr.W. Baker and Mr. Feltus formed the Sport's committee but records of the official opening do not appear in the minute book. It is known that Mr. Burton purchased one gross of wooden chairs and lamps for the building. A piano was purchase by late 1885 and provided the music for balls, dances, socials and musical entertainment.

In 1924 a wizard lighting system was installed with two lights in the hall and one for the stage.

In 1955 a 32volt plant and a two and a quarter hp Ronald & Tippet engine with1000w M&E generator was purchased.

In 1958 the capacity of the fuel tank was enlarged as the former tank had been unable to provide lighting for the entire duration of a function. Within 12 months electricty came to the district and when the power was connected the Ladies Guild purchased an electric stove.

The supper room was added to the Institute in 1935 as a timely addition for the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Institute

The library service at the Institute has a cherished history with the following recorded list of librarians and with a presentation in 1984 to Mrs Erica Baker for her 39 years of community service. Mrs Baker filled the vacancy of librarian at the annual meeting of the Institute in 1944 and continued in the position until the dissolution of the Institute in June 1983.

In 1922 young readers were encouraged to read with a scholarship scheme as an incentive. A Ladies Guild was active pre-war, but a Red Cross group became the major meeting and fund raising body with records for 1942 showing that the RedCross used the hall on 46 occasions during that year.

The Centenary Celebrations of the Institute were held in August 1984 in recognition of the laying of the foundation stone and an amateur hour was the entertainment for the Saturday night. On Sunday a special Centenary Service was conducted by Rev. Kelvin Benn at the Windsor Uniting Church followed by the unveiling of a dedication plaque, at the Cactus Garden, to the memory of Joe Lowey. The Ladies Guild catered for a luncheon where friends met and enjoyed the photographic display. The Windsor community has formed an Institute Committee and continues to ensue the building provides a meeting place and is kept in good repair.

The Windsor Institute Commmittee 2009 is invited to tell the rest of the story.