Institute

Located in Main Street, Hahndorf

Located in Main Street, the Hahndorf Institute began its life in 1861 in flourmiller F.W. Wittwer's new two storey house over the road from the Mill with the first meeting held on 23 November and the official opening on 4 December of that year. Alfred von Doussa Snr (storekeeper) was the President and Rudolph Ey (Lutheran School teacher) the Secretary.

Although the Institute struggled financially in its early years, it fulfilled a community purpose. A number of German newspapers were available, and lectures were given on a range of subjects in a social atmosphere. Lectures given incuded Electricity, Magnetism, Galvanism, Vulcanism, Anatomy and Physiology. A singing class and a debating group were formed. A library was created which by 1873 had a holding of 273 books.

On 11 August 1869, the Hahndorf Institute affiliated with the South Australian Institute. This caused problems as a requirement of affiliation was that the reading room was to be open to the public. This clashed with members only being admitted to Wittwer's house. As a resut an attempt was made in 1872 to establish a building for the Institute. Unfortunately, this effort was unsuccessful.
By 1875, the Institute was dormant.

In 1892, the support for a building for the Institute was re-kindled and public meetings held. As a result, donations and loans received enabled the Institute to be built. The site chosen was narrow and steeply sloping requiring the building to be constructed part-way up the block with considerable excavation necessary. This work was carried out with voluntary labour using manual methods.

On the 10 April 1893, Mr Barr-Smith laid the foundation stone for the building, following which the 'Mount Barker Courier' newspaper reported:
'The Institute will be one storey in height. The front door will lead into a passage 8 feet in width, on the right and left of which will be two rooms to be used as a library and reading room, each of which will be 16½ feet in length by 15 feet in height and suitable for all requirements. At the end of the passage a door will give access to the main hall, 24 feet in width and 56 feet in length and 18 feet in height. This hall will have a large stage and suitable dressing rooms, fittings and other accommodations provided .... and, as the site is central and prominent and the external design pleasing, the building will be an ornament to the township. It is estimated that when completed and furnished, the building will cost about £700 ....'

The official opening of the Institute took place on 4 November 1893.

In 1954, plans for a new hall were prepared and construction was approved in 1955 with a loan of £5000 taken out. In 1956, the Library and Reading Rooms were demolished, and the foundation stone was laid by Senator E.W. Mattner on 19 January 1957. The Library was re-located to the old Stage, the old Hall became the Supper Room, and the old Supper Room became the Kitchen.

The Institute continued to operate until 1988 when a motion to dissolve was carried on 5 July of that year.
In 1989 a new 'Committtee of Management' for the building was appointed by the District Council of Mount Barker.

The Hahndorf Memorial Institute building has continued to be constantly used from that date for different functions such as miscellaneous classes, meetings, concerts, festival displays, shows of different types, private functions, and similar usages.

Hahndorf Memorial Institute (2004) FW Wittwer's House - Site of the First Meeting to form the Hahndorf Institute. Hahndorf Institute (1893) Hahndorf Institute (1930)

The Hahndorf Institute building and car park are owned by the Mount Barker District Council. A Management Committee elected by local residents, and according to a formal Management Agreement with Council, pays the running costs, manages the bookings, maintains the building in good order and makes improvements through grants or good financial management.

Recently, as the result of an audit on the building, Council has undertaken major improvements to comply with OHWS requirements. The kitchen is the current focal area.

The 'new' hall was 50 years young in October 2007. Celebrations were carried out at that time.
The publication, 'FIFTY YEARS ON' - Golden Jubilee of the Hahndorf Institute Extensions 1957-2007, was prepared by Reg Butler for the event,

If you have any old photographs or information about the Institute, the management Committee would be very interested to view these.

The Institute building is available for hire for groups and individuals.
Full details and availability can be obtained by contacting Eric Aliffe (phone: 8391 2028 or 0405 761831).

Details required.

• A very succesful year with continued high usage of the Community Facility.
  

• Excellent support from the Mt Barker District Council.
  

• Completed major electrical audit and commenced remedial upgrade.
  

• Commenced asbestos removal program. Kitchen walls, floor, cupboards removal completed.
  

• Replaced rear section of main roof and high box gutter.
  

• Commenced salt damp repair to walls. Kitchen walls completed.
  

• Replaced side fence.
  

• Supported kitchen upgrade.
  

• Reviewed hirer contract in consultation with Committee.

Hahndorf Memorial Institute Inc.
59 Main Street Hahndorf

The Hahndorf Memorial Institute is recognised as


the performing arts base for Hahndorf and District.


The building, or part thereof can be hired for -


• not for profit community events.
  

• workshops, fitness classes,etc
  

• concerts.
  

• private functions
  

Hiring fees: Total premises $150 per day.
Hourly rates. Negotiable according to event

Ph 0405 761 831