Narracan Mechanics’ Institute Library & Military Display

Narracan Mechanics’ Institute Library

This new building was constructed in 2011 to house the original, and unadulterated collection of the Narracan Mechanics’ Institute library books. Although removed from their original site in the Narracan Mechanics’ Institute hall (on site at Old Gippstown), this collection of over 2,300 library books still has some original shelves (all the ones on the back wall including their original labels). The collection was started in the 1880s and has books from the 1840s-1960s. In 1971 the collection of over 2,300 books, which had been gathering dust in the library in the ante-room on the northern side of the Narracan Mechanics’ Institute Hall, was donated to Old Gippstown. These books can be viewed or accessed on our catalogue database, by appointment. The Melbourne Public Library Travelling Book Box (on the table) is the only known one of its kind and contains over forty original books. There is also a small collection of books from the Thorpdale South Mechanics’ Institute Library housed in this building.

Narracan Mechanics’ Military Display

This display is housed at the front of the Narracan Mechanics’ Institute Library building.

To honour the sacrifices made by so many, this comprehensive display includes a Boer War plaque, WWI honour roll, showcases with WWI and WWII memorabilia, photographs and pictures, military books and uniforms and the original WWI SMS Emden steam whistle, which is of national significance. Exhibits include artefacts and stories of Gippsland servicemen and women.

Two horse-drawn WWI military vehicles are housed in the Horse-Drawn Vehicles Museum (Building No. 47) at the western end of the park. A rare WWI Mark VI Field Ambulance and a WWI General Service Wagon plus a Furphy Water Tank. There is also a showcase of Lighthorse Saddles in the rear room of the Bootmaker’s Shop (Building No. 11).

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Old Gippstown Buildings: