Geoffrey Arch PagePrint Page 
The Mechanics Institute Victoria plaque was unveiled in 2004 to commemorate Geoffrey Arch Page, the founding Director of the Athenaeum Theatre Company and to mark the restoration of the building.
The purpose of the MIV Historical Plaques Program is to inform the public of the history of Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria and also give a snippet of history about the individual Institute. The idea of putting a plaque on Mechanics' Institute Halls was advanced by Committee member Alan Tonkin in 1999. Committee member Paul Permezel brought it to reality in 2003 and since then plaques have been installed to mark special occasions within Institutes all across the State. These plaques have been used to commemorate a significant date in the history of an Institute or town; be it an anniversary, or a significant renovation or restoration project.
Location
| Address: | Castella Street, Lilydale Athenaeum , Lilydale, 3140 |
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| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -37.755838 Long: 145.353519 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
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| Monument Theme: | Culture |
| Sub-Theme: | Community |
| Link: | http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mivic/ |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Sunday 22nd February, 2004 |
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Mechanics Institute of Victoria Inc. (MIV)
Lilydale Athenaeum.
The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community.
This plaque, No. 5 in the MIV series, was unveiled on 22nd February 2004 by Richard Longmore, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Athenaeum Theatre Company in memory of Geoffrey Arch Page, Founding Director of the Athenaeum Theatre Company, to mark the restoration of the building.
