The Freshwater Creek Mechanics Institute and Library was officially opened at 3 pm on Friday 8 October 1920 by Mr D McLennan, MLA. A Gloria lighting plant had been installed. (no electricity back then) A bazaar was held on the afternoon followed by a dance in the evening. Dances were held regularly until last year. The Freshwater Creek Horticultural Society held their annual exhibitions at the hall. A year later at the annual meeting the following men were elected to the committee — Messrs McIntyre, Dickins, Foster, Mousehall, Coombs, Preston, Hopgood, Kurzman, and Larcombe. Mr Walter Preston was elected as secretary In 1968 the council compulsorily acquired the Mechanics Institute (£75) and the Methodist Church (£411.63). In 1976 it compulsorily acquired 3.38 hectares of the east of the Institute. Freshwater Creek Riding Club held their monthly rallies on this land. In 1985 it accepted WJ and SL Walters' tender of £164, 587 to build a new hall which was opened on 7 December 1985. |