Stratford Mechanics Institute

The historic Stratford Mechanics Institute is believed to have been originally constructed in the 1890s, with later alterations and additions, including the glass additions to the front porch, and the modern additions to the north and west elevations, opened in 2004. The Mechanics Institute is also significant for its association with architect Edgar J. Henderson.

The Stratford Mechanics Institute and Boer Memorial Plaque is historically significant at a local level as it illustrates the importance of Stratford as the established town centre of the surrounding farming district and as the main town and seat of Government of the Avon Shire from 1865 to 1873, and again from 1875 to 1994.

The Stratford Mechanics Institute and Free Library opened in 1890 and is significant as it represents the importance of the mechanics institute movement, and the importance of education in the developing town of Stratford. The institute is important as it has served as a venue for educational lectures, and as a meeting place and housed a free public library.

It also served as a venue for public meetings, wedding celebrations, farewells, annual events, celebrations, concerts and welcome homes to local soldiers. The Stratford Mechanics Institute retains soldiers memorials including a unique brass Boer Memorial plaque.