Mornington RSL - original site in Main Street

OBJECT TITLE / NAME

Mornington RSL - original site in Main Street

DATE1990 to 2010

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society

REG NO.1281.1

HISTORY

The main building was the original Mechanics Institute, built on the corner of Main and Queen Streets and opened in 1885. It comprised a hall, reading room and library and it functioned as the main cultural and entertainment centre for the local community. The adjoining building was built in 1922 for the Mornington branch of the Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Imperial League (now RSL, Returned Services League. Both buildings later housed some of the Shire Offices for Mornington behind the old facades.

DESCRIPTION

A building from the late 19th century, now modernised, stands on a street corner. Its original walls are now rendered white. The main building is symmetrical about a front entrance, with three windows either side of a main door. The door frame is in modern style. An adjoining building has a lower roof line, one window on either side of a former entrance and is similarly rendered. The word MEMORIAL in raised lettering is on the wall above the window on the left. There are two deciduous trees in the street and the street furniture includes a seat, a memorial bollard and a decorative container for garbage.

KEYWORDS

Mechanics Institute, Mornington, Returned Services League - Mornington Branch