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History of Geelong Chess Club. The Geelong Club had a checkered history in the first hundred years, alternately folding and reviving. The club has been in continuous existence since 1955. 1855 Geelong Club formed, but soon folds 1870 Mechanics Institute Chess Club formed. Club is to remain at Mechanics Institute in Ryrie Street for 100 years, albeit sporadically. Mechanics Institute maintains ownership of chess equipment until 1950’s. This was probably fortunate, given that the club folded from time to time. 1874 Melbourne Chess Club defeated Geelong Chess Club 30 games to 10. 1890 Geelong Chess and Draughts Club formed. 1904 Cyclopedia of Victoria describes ‘commodious chess, draughts and smoking room’ at Mechanics Institute. Chess is of a social nature at this time. 1925, 1926 Matches against Ballarat Chess Club. Ballarat dominates. 1930’s, 1940’s Club has series of revivals. 1949 First Club Champion recorded on shields 1953, 1954 Club goes into recess 1955 Stuart McDonald revives club. European immigrants boost club in 1950’s and 1960’s. Club gains ownership of equipment around this time. 1960 President Nowell Horne introduces regular tournaments. 1961-1962 Regular Chess Notes in Geelong Advertiser begin. 1970 Club leaves Mechanics Institute after 100 years because of cramped conditions. New site at Barwon Heads Road, run by Camera Club. 1972 Fischer-Spassky World Championship match creates unprecedented interest in chess. Record membership for club in 70’s 1970’s Geelong Open Tournaments begin. 1978 Club evicted by Camera Club, moves to Boys’ Employment Centre Spring Street. High numbers maintained until mid 80’s. Club nights changed from Fridays to Monday nights because of introduction of Friday night shopping. 1986 Another move, to old golf club rooms, Barwon Valley Golf Club, ‘to secure premises on a long term basis’. 1987 Club becomes incorporated. 1988 Match against Croatian Club on big board in Market Square. Club promoted with games against public in Market Square shopping mall. 1990 Smoking banned after 120 years of smoky atmosphere in clubrooms. 1995 Big flood at Barwon Valley. Club loses library, some equipment. Many clocks and boards saved by floating tables. 1995-97 Geelong Open run by Chess World, an era of large attendances. 1996 Club begins era of many shifts. No longer maintains tables and chairs, these being part of new premises, club uses roll-up boards. Club’s possessions can be accommodated in a filing cabinet. 2004 Club moves to GATE building in Moorabool St. Probably best premises in post-war period. Evicted without warning at beginning of 2006. 2007 Old Courthouse new club premises, 200 metres from original Mechanics Institute site.