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SITE OF THE FORMER EMERALD HALL/MECHANICS INSTITUTE
400A BELGRAVE-GEMBROOK ROAD EMERALD, CARDINIA SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory
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Statement of Significance

Despite the fact that this is not the 'original' location of the hall, during its 32 year history on this location it provided a central focus for township activities with Emerald, such as Mechanics Institute, Town Library, Museum and social venue. The location is still the site of the Emerald Hall, therefore continuing the general function on the site and therefore has high local significance.
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    • History

      SITE OF THE FORMER EMERALD HALL/MECHANICS INSTITUTE - History

      The Emerald Township Reserve of one square mile, was marked out in 1859 by M. Callanan. The study area lies within the Emerald Recreation Reserve (10 acres) reserved in 1894. The reserve lies at the middle of the eastern boundary of the reserve (township). In 1905, the Emerald Mechanics Institute was erected at the north-east corner of the Emerald Recreation Reserve. The hall was built with the help of Carl Nobelius who advanced the money for the building materials and labour. The money was later repaid by public subscription. The hall was built and furnished for 600 pounds. The hall was moved in 1923, to a site at the south-west corner of the reserve. Expenses for the removal of the hall, approximately 700 pounds, were met from the proceeds of a Queen Carnival. The Emerald Hall was also the Mechanics Institute, the town library and museum. Socials, dances, movies or "pictures" and charitable functions were held in the hall. In 1955, the hall and many other buildings, farming and residential land, were destroyed by fire. A new brick hall was opened on the site in 1957.

      Interpretation of Site

      SITE OF THE FORMER EMERALD HALL/MECHANICS INSTITUTE - Interpretation of Site

      The early Emerald Hall was built in 1905, removed to this site in 1923, functioned as a multipurpose venue for 22 years at this location, and then burnt down after bushfires. The area has a brick hall present since 1957, and bitumen carpark at rear (east). At the northern edge of the bitumen lies a row of exposed bricks. These bricks may indicate former foundations for a timber building, be it the former Emerald Hall or an associated outbuilding.

      Heritage Inventory Description

      SITE OF THE FORMER EMERALD HALL/MECHANICS INSTITUTE - Heritage Inventory Description

      This is the site of the former Emerald Hall/Mechanics Institute. The Emerald Hall which currently exists at the corner of Monbulk-Emerald Rd and Beaconsfield-Emerald Rd, was constructed in 1957. It is a brick building. The original hall was burnt down in 1953, and was located in approximatley the same location as the current hall. However, there is a possibility that the original hall was sited in a slightly different spot, perhaps to the east.

      The original hall was timber and moved to the site in 1923 from the N-E corner of the recreation reserve. The likelihood that the original location was further east is supported by the presence of a row of bricks exposed at the northern edge of the bitument carpark at the rear of the current hall.

      Physical Conditions: Removed/demolished

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