This Day in History: 1874-10-07

The Newcastle Mechanics’ Institute building, on New Road, Newcastle, was to be officially opened with a subscription ball.

The builder was Thomas Davey (of York), assisted by George Henry Hasell (of Newcastle). The librarian and caretaker was Mrs James Betts. (This building is the current Toodyay Public Library)

Sources:
Inquirer, 30 Sept. 1874, p.4.
Hocking Planning & Architecture & Dr. Robyn Taylor. Toodyay Library (former Newcastle Mechanics’ Institute): conservation plan. Draft report. Dec. 2004, p.25.
R. McK. Campbell & I.H. van Bremen. Toodyay Library building conservation report, Feb. 1995, p.4.
Rica Erickson. Old Toodyay and Newcastle. Toodyay Shire Council, 1974, p.233.