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ment, an application to build in a more central sire was
resolved by the decision to build the Institute and Shire
HaJI on the public reserve in the gardens facing Castella
Street The Athenaeum designed by Philip Treeby was
finally erected in 1888. A grand proscenium arch was
built in 1889.

In 1896 the building was purchased by the Shire of
Lilydale. A Musical and Dramatic Society held monthly
meetings and additional social and fund raising evenings
to benefit local causes. Professional companies from Mel-
bourne competed with local amateur players.

The Lilydale Band of Hope gave fortnightly concerts and
the Imperial Quadrille Society organised baUs and so- International actors appeared at the Athenaeum and it
cials. Silent films were shown in the pre-war years and was the first Australian llleatre to screen talking films in
Dame Nellie Melba performed at the hall four times be- 1929 with the premiere of "The Jazz Singer". Today the
tween 1920-30. Institute continues to serve its original purpose as a meet-
ing place. library. and venue for special occasions. exhi-
The Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company currently Ul.es bitions and performances.
the hall. The exterior has been repainted. The interior
has been restored. Extra walls have been built to provide StArnaud
a large foyer, a room declicared to Dame Nellie Melba,
and a more intimate theatre. In 1867 P.A. Jennings came to St Arnaud for the express
purpose or promoting the establishment of a mechanics'
Melbourne Athenaeum institute. A commillee was duly elected and the St Arnaud
Library was established. Its original purpose was to coun-
The Athenaeum was established in 1839. just five year!> ter the demoralising influence of the local billiard par-
after settlement, for the '·diffusion of scientific and other lour and dancing room.
useful knowledge·· among its members and the general
community.

The original two storey rendered brick building wa!.
erected in 1842. It contained a library, reading room. and
a hall where Council mer. B) 1857. two single storey
wings were added to the facade.

In 1872, the institute's new hall designed by Alfred Smith.
opened as the Melbourne Athenaeum. The current three
storey building next to the Town Hall is a notable fean1re
in the Collins Street streetscape and was built in the boom
style architecture in 1886. The upper hall was converted
into an art gallery in 1910 and the hall was converted
into a theatre in 1921. The 1920s theatre combines nine-
teenth century configuration witJ1 later style plaster deco- The institute purchased the former timber court house on
ration. There is also an Art Deco foyer. The pressed metal the police reserve. It provided a library and reading
awning was added in 1924. room.''Popular readings'' were held fortnigbllv. The lo-
cal State School also used the building for its infant classes

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