Arts
17 February, 2026
Historical hall trowel returned back to Wedderburn
THE TROWEL used to lay the foundation stone of Wedderburn’s new mechanics’ institute hall more than 110 years has returned to the town.
Wedderburn Historic Records Society secretary Alan Mulraney said the trowel was now part of a permanent displat at the group’s new headquarters in the old court house.
“I was contacted by a man from Mornington to advise that he had found the engraved trowel amongst a deceased estate, and he has now kindly returned it,” Alan said.
The trowel had been presented to Ezekiel Hewett, who was president of the institute committee, after he layed the stone in 1913.
“He was also a bricklayer by trade, and consequently he was invited to lay the foundation stone for the new premises. This foundation stone can be seen circled at the front of the building in the photo above,” Alan said.
“Ezekiel was given an engraved trowel in comemoration of the laying of the stone. Today, the foundation stone can be seen to the right of the Reef Street main entrance. Ezekiel died in 1924. “
The Korong Miners’ Literary Institute was originally a slab and bark building which was built in 1859 on the corner of High Street and Reef Street, at a cost of £25. Unfortunately no sketches or photos of this original building have been found.
In 1863 a new brick building was erected at a cost of £175. This buidling was 31 feet x 18 feet x 10 feet high and was built by the then Wedderburn Hotel owner Joseph Morecroft, a builder by trade.
“In 1878 the name was changed to the Wedderburn Miners’ Literary Institute.
“In 1913 a new building was erected on the same site,” Alan said.
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