Showing 69 items
matching gold deposits
-
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Marble Tile, circa 1878
The artefact is a white marble tile raised from the wreck of the LOCH ARD (1878). The cargo manifest of the sunken vessel has the entry “Marble £400”. This is placed directly following the entry “Glass (604 cases)”. This conjunction suggests the marble tile was originally part of a consignment intended for use in a ‘high end’ residential or public building project in the gold and wool rich Colony of Victoria. Traditionally, white or cream marble was imported into Britain from the Mediterranean region of Europe, where beds of sedimentary limestone (calcium and magnesium carbonate) had been buried over a long geological period of time. Deep in the earth’s crust, it had been subjected to immense pressures and high temperatures, sufficient to completely re-crystallise the original deposits. Marble beds began as layers of sediment at the bottom of ancient tropical seas, forming from the skeletal remains of calcareous fossils, shell, and coral fragments. The metamorphic process of prolonged compression and heating recrystallised this skeletal material, destroying all signs of the original sedimentary fabric. The resulting ‘true’ marbles of, for example, White Carrara (Tuscany, Italy), Verdi (green) Antico (Thessaly, Greece), and Rouge (red) Languadoc (Carcassone, France), were highly prized in classical decoration (sculpture and friezes) and architecture (temples and arches). Marble was found in nineteenth century Australia, but in small, uneconomic deposits, not suitable for commercial quarrying. The comparative expense of imported marble restricted its use in colonial buildings to carved fireplaces and mantel pieces, or outdoor ornaments such as fountains, statuary and grave stones. If Carrara marble floor tiles were used, they were used sparingly, as an arresting feature in entrance halls for instance. However, most prominent private and public construction used timber flooring, waxed or ‘japanned’, with carpet runners and rugs (for example the Austin’s Barwon Park Mansion, 1871), or laid tessellated and ceramic tiles of baked clay infused with colour (for example the Chirnside’s Werribee Park Mansion, 1878). HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register. The wreck of the LOCH ARD is of State significance — Victorian Heritage Register S417 Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. A square marble tile retrieved from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. Most of its surface is covered by a thin layer of limestone and marine growth encrustation that is stained rust-red. The tile is ‘rough-worked’, cut to shape and size, but not smoothed or polished. There is a companion tile in similar condition in the Flagstaff Hill collection. From visual observation of the original surface (at low magnification) the tile appears to be of white Carrara-type marble.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, white marble, marble tile, carrara marble, imported marble, colonial architecture, victorian building materials -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Marble Tile, circa 1878
The artefact is a white marble tile raised from the wreck of the LOCH ARD (1878). The cargo manifest of the sunken vessel has the entry “Marble £400”. This is placed directly following the entry “Glass (604 cases)”. This conjunction suggests the marble tile was originally part of a consignment intended for use in a ‘high end’ residential or public building project in the gold and wool rich Colony of Victoria. Traditionally, white or cream marble was imported into Britain from the Mediterranean region of Europe, where beds of sedimentary limestone (calcium and magnesium carbonate) had been buried over a long geological period of time. Deep in the earth’s crust, it had been subjected to immense pressures and high temperatures, sufficient to completely re-crystallise the original deposits. Marble beds began as layers of sediment at the bottom of ancient tropical seas, forming from the skeletal remains of calcareous fossils, shell, and coral fragments. The metamorphic process of prolonged compression and heating recrystallised this skeletal material, destroying all signs of the original sedimentary fabric. The resulting ‘true’ marbles of, for example, White Carrara (Tuscany, Italy), Verdi (green) Antico (Thessaly, Greece), and Rouge (red) Languadoc (Carcassone, France), were highly prized in classical decoration (sculpture and friezes) and architecture (temples and arches). Marble was found in nineteenth century Australia, but in small, uneconomic deposits, not suitable for commercial quarrying. The comparative expense of imported marble restricted its use in colonial buildings to carved fireplaces and mantel pieces, or outdoor ornaments such as fountains, statuary and grave stones. If Carrara marble floor tiles were used, they were used sparingly, as an arresting feature in entrance halls for instance. However, most prominent private and public construction used timber flooring, waxed or ‘jappaned’, with carpet runners and rugs (for example the Austin’s Barwon Park Mansion, 1871), or laid tessellated and ceramic tiles of baked clay infused with colour (for example the Chirnside’s Werribee Park Mansion, 1878). HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register. HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register. The wreck of the LOCH ARD is of State significance — Victorian Heritage Register S417 Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. A square marble tile retrieved from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. Most of its surface is covered by a thin layer of limestone and marine growth encrustation that is stained rust-red. There is a piece of corroded iron encrusted at an oblique angle on the tile’s rear face. The tile is ‘rough-worked’, cut to shape and size, but not smoothed or polished. There is a companion tile in similar condition in the Flagstaff Hill collection. From visual observation of the original surface (at low magnification) the tile appears to be of white Carrara-type marble.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, white marble, marble tile, carrara marble, colonial architecture, victorian building materials -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, 1920
This postcard depicts the set-up of an abandoned gold mine. This includes a water wheel and other mining implements next to a creek. The postcard inscription indicates that this image is of the remains of the Wallaby Reef battery and water wheel. Wallaby Reef was discovered in 1864, and a prospecting claim established a four head battery and water wheel. Quartz was mined there, with gold also discovered at this location at a later date. By 1878 the mine was no longer resulting in rich deposits, this resulted in the miners moving their search for gold closer to the river where they were able to access more gold. This was in approximately 1879. In 1882 a rich deposit was found. In 1908 the battery was closed, and the mine finished. This photo was taken in 1920 and shows the deterioration of the site since its closure. Gold mining was crucial to the development of the Beechworth area. It has strong research and historical value because the clarity of the photo shows all the minute details of the mining equipment. The text on the back also indicates the mine is the Wallaby Mine, which was used for 45 years to find gold and quartz. Therefore, due to the location being quickly abandoned, this site is a rich location for historical study on gold mining during the 1900s. It can provide important information on the types of tools utilised and the impact of the mining on the environment.Black and white postcard photograph on card.8169 Be / Also near Wallaby Reef Workings / Relics of Rechabite Reef (locality) workings. / Shaft in bed of creek. Wheel used to drive sheadd (?) / stamp battery too I believe near B'worth 1920?beechworth, mining, gold mining, quartz mining, wallaby reef mine, mine battery head -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Gold-Sulphide Ore
... of gold deposits will form as a native metal, however, on occasion ...This particular specimen was recovered from two hundred feet down in the Golden Mile in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The Golden Mile, named after the estimated sixty million ounces of gold worth around one hundred billion dollars, was the birthplace of the largest gold rush in Australia almost one hundred and thirty years ago when William Brookman and Samuel Pearce leased the Great Boulder mine. The Golden Mile is also the home of the Super Pit, Australia's most well-known mine.The majority of gold deposits will form as a native metal, however, on occasion, it can form a compound with another element, in this case, sulphur. Therefore, this specimen is a rare example of gold naturally forming into a compound mineral with sulphur. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A small gold-sulphide ore mineral specimen in shades of silver and grey with flecks of gold. Precious metals are often found in Sulphide Ores, as sulphides usually bind to these metals. They are also extremely symmetrical in crystaline form. Gold-Sulphide Ore occurs when gold forms a natural compound with other elements. In this form, gold can be present in one of two ways. It can be fully immersed in the sulphide, or a portion may be partially free. This specimen has minimal gold visible, with only a few flecks being partially visible.burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, gold-sulphide ore -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Chalcopyrite
This specimen originated from Mount Lyell on the west coast of Tasmania, where a large group of open cut and underground copper-silver-gold mines began operating in 1883. Between 1893-1994, the Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Company were responsible for operations. The Mt Lyell copper-gold mines produce some excellent crystallised specimens of chalcopyrite and other minerals. The deposits are generally considered to be of Cambrian volcanic origin, but there are indications of Devonian granitic influence on the ores, plus local remobilisation during Devonian deformation. Over 120 million tonnes of ore was produced from several workings, including the main Prince Lyell mine and the North Lyell mine, which was also of great importance. The Mount Lyell mines have a long history of human and environmental disasters, including the 1912 North Lyell fire that killed 42 miners, and two separate incidents in 2013 in which three people lost their lives. The environmental impacts from this complex of mines are extensive, with waste tailings and heavy metal contamination flowing directly into the King and Queen River catchments. In 1954, the eminent Australian historian, Geoffrey Blainey, published 'The Peaks of Lyell' which delves into the history of the 1912 North Mount Lyell Disaster.Chalcopyrite does not contain the most copper in its structure relative to other minerals, but it is the most important copper ore since it can be found in many localities and occurs in a variety of ore types. The brassy-yellow colours in Chalcopyrite mean it is often confused with pyrites and gold, leading to use of the term, "fool's gold." Chalcopyrite has been the primary ore of copper since smelting began five thousand years ago. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.This hand sized solid mineral specimen has shades of brass-yellow with spots of iridescent green-black tarnish. Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulphide mineral and a major ore of copper common in sulphide veins and disseminated in igneous rocks. Chalcopyrite has a hardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs Scale. It is a member of the tetragonal crystal system and has metallic lustre and opaque transparency.burke museum, beechworth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geology, geological specimen, chalcopyrite, copper pyrites, copper mining, tasmanian geology, mount lyell, mount lyell mines, fools gold, mohs scale, crystals, minerals, historical geological collection, victorian geological survey, a.r.c selwyn, gold rush, van diemans land -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Gold Telluride Ore
... Gold usually is found as a native metal, but it also forms...-country Gold Telluride Ore Geological specimen A hand-sized ...Gold usually is found as a native metal, but it also forms minerals with tellurium, sulphur, or selenium. The gold-bearing minerals that contain tellurium are called tellurides. Kalgoorlie, Western Australia contains greater than 1500 tonnes of gold.Seventy to seventy-five percent of the deposit occurs as native gold, but a further twenty percent appears as tellurides. What remains is in the form of 'invisible' gold. Extracting gold from telluride minerals, such as calaverite, which contains around forty-two percent gold, has produced approximately three hundred tonnes of gold. Prior to 1896, rocks containing tellurides were not recognised as rich gold ores, and were discarded.This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A hand-sized silvery to pyrite-yellow striated mineral containing tellurium and goldburke museum, beechworth, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineralogy, telluride, tellurite, gold-bearing, kalgoorlie, tellurium -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Chalcopyrite, Unknown
This specimen was recovered from Mica Schist, Canada. Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulfide mineral with a chemical composition of CuFeS2. Its name derives from the Greek words for copper (chalco-) and brass (pyrite). It can be found in shades of yellow, green and grey, and, when exposed to acid, it can change to purple, blue, violet and yellow tones. Weathering can cause loss of its metallic luster and its brass-yellow colour. Chalcopyrite forms under various conditions, with the most significant deposits being hydrothermal in their origin. It is known globally as the most important ore of copper for thousands of years, and is thus considered a very important mineral formation. Given its golden appearance, it is often confused for the mineral gold, earning it the popular reputation as 'fool's gold' or 'yellow copper'. However, it can be straightforwardly distinguished from gold; the latter is soft, with higher specific gravity and a yellow streak, whereas chalcopyrite is brittle, easily scratched by a nail, and has a greenish grey streak. Copper was the first metal that was used by people. It was discovered by the Neolithic man about 9,000 years ago and it gradually replaced stone as it was easier to be shaped. In Australia, search for copper began after the European settlement, leading to the discovery of substantial deposits, like the one at the Olympic Dam in South Australia, which is regarded as one of the largest copper deposits in the world. Chalcopyrite has been used for copper since smelting processes began approximately five thousand years ago. Although by no means rare, this the specimen of this mineral can be used to reflect a wider history of industrial uses of copper for a significant portion of human history. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A solid hand-sized copper iron sulfide mineral of brass yellow, often with an iridescent tarnish, with greenish-black streak and submetallic luster. Chalcopyrite can be formed in several ways, including crystalizing from accessory minerals in igneous rocks, or from magma or within volcano sulfide deposits. Most commonly, chalcopyrite are found in hydrothermal conditions, where it forms in hydrothermal veins. As a member of the tetragonal crystal system, it often takes the shape of tetra-headed crystals, often with striations along the sides of the crystals. #18 Copper pyrites/(chalcopyrite) in/Laurentian Slate/(page 315 of inventory)/page missing from/descriptive catalogue/ Other label: 81 /fool's gold, chalcopyrite, mineral, rock, geology, geological, hydrothermal, neolithic, european settlement, olympic dam, south australia, stone, deposits, specific gravity, greenish grey streak, brittle, mineral gold, metallic luster, cufes2, greek words -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Ropy Lava
‘Ropy lava’ is known for its sculptural and layered qualities. It occurs in specific lava flows that are slow moving and slow cooling, allowing for unique formations to be created out of the motion. Ropy Lava is a flow that has a hardened crust with molten material underneath, the tension between these states is what creates its characteristic form. The brown/red hue of the stone is an indication of age, as it is oxidised iron deposits. This rock deposit is thought to be sourced from the area by Talbot, in western Victoria. This area has a rich mineral history and experienced the gold rush in the 1850's. The traditional owners of this area are the Dja Dja Wurrung people.This geological specimen shows the conditions in which the Australian landscape was created as well as provides an indication as to how these events occurred. It is representative of a common natural process that contextualises the formation of Australia with the formation of other landmasses. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.Hand sized specimen in brown/red hues42 / victoria, talbot, lava, ropy, ropy lava, mineral, geological specimen, geological, geological heritage, natural stone, natural history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, In The Wilds of Africa, 1901
This is a boy’s adventure book owned by Francis Skuse of Strathallan, Allansford in 1906. Francis Skuse, the son of John and Catherine Skuse, was a grazier at the property Strathallan, six kilometres from Allansford. His property included the Strathallan mine which had limestone/carbonates deposits. He died in 1962. This book is of interest because it was owned by Francis Skuse, a farmer and long-time resident of Strathallan, near Allansford.This is a hard cover book of 558 pages. It has a blue cover with the names of the title and author in blue print on a gold background. The front cover and the spine are patterned with scrolls and imprints of sailing ships. The book contains several black and white sketches. The inscription on the first page, with the page partly detached, is handwritten in blue ink. ‘Francis Skuse, Strathallan, Allansford, June 3rd 1906’. francis skuse, strathallan -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Miners candle holder, Late 19th century
This candle holder has a sharpened point to push or hammer into soft rock and a hook to hang on a ledge or piece of rock. It is intended to be used in a mine and many residents of Warrnambool and district went to the gold mining districts in the 19th century. But it could have been used in the Warrnambool district if a small night light was required in one of the many local quarries or even in the search for coal deposits in the region. It could also have been used in a household.This miner’s candle holder has no known local provenance but it is retained as an interesting example of a candle holder used in the past.This is a thin piece of metal tapering to a point at one end and curving around in a loop at the other end to make a handle. Along the straight metal piece is attached a curved metal hook. At the end of the loop is an open-ended circular piece with a serrated top. The circular piece has a rectangular-shaped end piece which enables the hole in the curved piece to be pushed out or pulled in to make the hole smaller or bigger. The metal is much rusted. 19th century mining, history of warrnambool -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Functional object - Glass Bottle, Bartlett Cordial Co, late 1970's early 1980's
made by Bartlett's during the 1970's early 1980'sGreen bottle with a green, white and gold label, white cap.Bartlett's logo on yellow label, soda water, manufacturer, phone number, 750 ml. Recyclable. No deposit.bartlett cordial co, bartlett soda bottles, soda bottles -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Headwear - Green Cotton & Yellow Silk Ribbon Smoker's or Lounge Cap, 1860s
The context in which the hat was made and worn assists in establishing its potential historic significance. 'Bailliere's Victorian Gazetteer and Road Guide containing the most recent and accurate information as to every place in the Colony' (1870), describes the village of Vaughan as being located on the road from Daylesford to Castlemaine. In 1870 the Vaughan was deemed to be entirely a gold mining area, gold having been discovered in the district in 1853. Intriguingly the entry in the Gazetteer claims that the electoral division of Vaughan began at the junction of the Middleton Creek and the Loddon River, so perhaps the cap might have belonged to a member of a significant local family. In 1870, Vaughan had a population of about 1000 persons and included almost 300 dwellings. Articles from newspapers, published on Trove refer frequently to a Mr Middleton as a litigant in court cases before the Vaughan Court in the 1860s. By the 1870s, the Mt Alexander Mail, in an article on ‘Mining: The Pioneer Wheel’ describes the success of Mr Middleton and his Middleton’s Reef Gold Quartz Mining Company, which had built the largest water wheel in the Colony. The wheel was 20’ in diameter and 2’ wide. Quartz mining as practiced by companies such as Middleton’s had become necessary after the exhaustion of alluvial quartz mining deposits in the 1860s. So we can probably establish a link between the cap and a significant mining identity in the period in which the article was made. The historical significance of the cap is only one part of the story. Caps such as the Middleton example can also be items of aesthetic significance as they were typically, examples of women’s work, using published patterns in magazines such as the Ladies Home Magazine. While women might follow or adapt a published pattern, their choice of materials reflected what was available locally. The fine hand stitching on this example is evidence of high quality domestic needlework. The maker crafted the cap from five triangular pieces of cotton cloth, each piece lined with a faded yellow net. The net provides some stiffening for the cap and has a functional purpose in that it anchors the hand-stitched, looped design of yellow silk ribbon that decorates the surface of the cap. Gentleman’s smoking (lounging) cap believed to have been made in c.1860-69. The conical hat is made of a dark green cotton fabric embroidered with narrow ribbon of a paler green silk. The unlined rimless hat is made of four pieces of fabric. There is no evidence of the hat at one stage featuring a tassle. The original donation record noted that the cap had been made for, and was worn by, a Mr Middleton, of Vaughan in Central Victoria. Nilhats, smokers hats, men's clothing -
Bright & District Historical Society operating the Bright Museum
Pan gold
Gold pans were used to separate gold flakes or particles from alluvial deposits by washing and discarding sand, gravel and the like. This pan is very small and may have been produced for demonstration or display purposes.Gold pans had widespread use wherever alluvial deposits were found an d water was available.Gold Pan. Smal size, as to have been galvanised. Diameter 240mmgold, gold pan, goldfields -
Orbost & District Historical Society
account book, BETE BOLONG DRAINAGE AREA PAY SHEET, 1910 - 1913
This account book was used by the Orbost Shire council to record payments made for work done on the Bete Bolong Drainage Area between 1910 and 1913. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item is a hand-written record of the accounts of the local government. The Orbost Shire Council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A brown leatherette, hard cover book. In gold lettering on the front is "BETE BOLONG DRAINAGE AREA PAY SHEET". It contains records of payments made for work done 1910-1913.In gold lettering on the front is "BETE BOLONG DRAINAGE AREA PAY SHEET".bete-bolong-drainage-area accounts orbost-shire -council -
Orbost & District Historical Society
visitors' book, 1937
This book was used by Orbost Shire Council at the "Back to Orbost" celebrations in 1937 and again in 1963. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The book was presented to the president, Jacob Perry, as a token of esteem and in appreciation of his interest and services to the movement. Jacob Perry was an Orbost farmer. Born 1874. Died 1950. He was a Boer War veteran , 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen. He was a shire councillor and worker for school affairs. The book was used again on Friday, 8th March to Saturday, 16th March 1963.This item is a record of an early Orbost celebration and a useful reference tool.A green covered hard back visitors' book with a red spine and gold lettering on the front cover. It contains names and addresses and comments from those who attended the "Back to Orbost" celebrations in 1937 and in 1963. Entries have been hand-written in ink (1937) and biro (1963).On front in gold framed rectangle - "BACK TO ORBOST 27th FEBRUARY TO 6th MARCH 1937"visitors'-book back-to-orbost-celebrations perry-jacob -
Orbost & District Historical Society
ledger, 1906
This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1906 to 1910. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. In Australian suburbs and rural towns where the sewer wasn't connected, people usually had an outside toilet. The toilet seat was made of a plank of wood secured at its ends to the walls of the building with a large round hole in the middle. Underneath was the removable sanitary pan and on a regular basis, usually weekly, the full pan was taken away and replaced with an empty one. This was the job of the sanitary carter. the sanitary depot was in Martins Lane, Orbost Development of the Orbost Wastewater Treatment Facility began in the 1960’s with the construction of four treatment lagoons. Shortly after the construction of the lagoons the sewerage system was installed throughout Orbost.This item is a record of accounting for the local government. The collection of sanitary pans was a necessary service before the Orbost township was had its own wastewater treatment facility.A large register of pan fees for the Shire of Orbost. A black hard cover book with red binding and marbled end pages. Entries are hand-written in black ink.On spine - "PAN FEES REGISTER: in gold lettering. In centre of front cover in gold - "SHIRE OF ORBOST (underlined) PAN FEES REGISTER"orbost-shire-council ledger-pan-fees sewage orbost-township-sanitary-service -
Orbost & District Historical Society
ledger, 1950's
This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost in 1959. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This is a handwritten record of revenue accounts from local government. The Shire of Orbost as a local government no longer exists havinb absobed into the East Gippsland Shire Council.A heavy ledger with a brown cover and steel bindings. The covers are probably wooden. It is alphabetically indexed and the ledger is lockable. it contains revenue accounts for 1959. On the front cover is "LEDGER (underlined) SHIRE OF ORBOST" in gold print. It is an "Emu Binder".accounts-shire-of-orbost local-government -
Orbost & District Historical Society
ledger, 1950's -1960's
This ledger was used bt the Shire of Orbost local government to record Country Roads Board accounts 1950's and 1960's. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. The Country Roads Board was the government authority for the construction and maintenance of main roads in Victoria between 1913 and 1983. It was succeeded by the Road Construction authority on 1 July 1983 and later merged with the Road Traffic Authority on July 1 1989 to form the Roads Corporation. James Cameron, an Orbost farming pioneer and Member of the Legislative Assembly, fathered the Country Roads Board. This ledger is a hand-written record of accounts for the Orbost Shire local council. It pre-dates computer records. The Orbost Shire Council no longer exists having been absorbed into the East Gippsland Shire Council.A heavy brown coloured ledger with covered wooden covers. it has steel metal binding. Inside are strips of paper marking pages. It contains blue ink hand-written records of monies in/out (?) to Shire of Orbost Council. On the front cover inside a black rectangle in gold print is " LEDGER COUNTRY ROADS BOARD ACCOUNT ORBOST". It is an "Emu Binder".ledger orbost-shire accounts country-roads-board -
Orbost & District Historical Society
cash book, first half 20th century
This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost to record transactions relating bto the Newmerella Drainage Area from 1927 to 1950. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council.This item is a hand-written record of the accounts of the Orbost Shire local government. It pre-dates computer records. The Orbost Shire Council no longer exists having been absorbed into the East Gippsland Shire Council. A ledger with a black cover and brown binding. It has marbled end covers. It contains handwritten records of transactions relating to the Newmerella Drainage Area. On the front cover in gold print is "LOAN CASH BOOK (underlined) NEWMERELLA DRAINAGE AREA ACCOUNT (underlined) SHIRE OF ORBOST". on spine - "Newmerella Drainage Area Cash Book" in gold print.orbost-shire-council ledger accounts newmerella-drainage-area -
Orbost & District Historical Society
ledger, first half 20th century
This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1927 -1940. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item is a handwritten record of the accounts of the Orbost Shire local government. It pre-dates computer records. The Orbost Shire Council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A ledger with a black cover and brown leather binding. It has marbled end pages. On the front cover in gold print is " LOAN LEDGER (underlined) NEWMERELLA DRAINAGE AREA ACCOUNT (underlined) SHIRE OF ORBOST.on spine - "Newmerella Drainage Area Loan Ledger"ledger orbost-shire newmerella-drainage-area accounts -
Orbost & District Historical Society
ledger, first quarter 20th century
This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1910 -1925. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item is a hand-written record of the accounts of the Orbost Shire local government. It pre-dates computer records. The Orbost Shire council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire council.A ledger with ablack cover with brown leather binding.Pages have marbled edges. It contains hand-written records of transactions relating to the Bete Bolong South Drainage Area.on spine - gold lettering on red " Cash Book" and "Bete Bolong South Drainage Area" ; gold lettering on black " Shire of Orbost"ledger orbost-shire accounts bete-bolong-south-drainage-area -
Orbost & District Historical Society
cash book, 1905 - 1914
This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost pound keeper from 1906 - 1914. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This book records the impounding of animals which have been found wandering on local roads or trespassing on land. Many are farm animals. Impounded animals were either claimed by their owners after payment of a fee or if unclaimed , they were sold. The Orbost Pound was situated on Martin Street.This book is a record of a practice which was necessary to remove stock which were wandering on local roads or trespassing on neighbours. It contains many local names and is of social interest. (ref. Vic. Collections)A ledger with a black cover, brown binding. The page edges are marbled. It contains hand-written records of payments received by the treasurer of the Orbost Pound.on spine : inside a red box in gold lettering"Pound Cash Book" inside a black box in gold lettering"Shire of Orbost"orbost-shire-council orbost-pound accounts cash-book -
Orbost & District Historical Society
creditors' ledger, 1901 - 1960
This creditors' ledger records information about Shire purchases. The purpose of the Creditors Ledger is to provide knowledge about which suppliers the Shire has paid money to. This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost pound keeper from 1901 -1960. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item is a hand-written record of the accounts of the Orbost Shire local government. It pre-dates computer records. The Orbost Shire council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire council.A large book with a black patterned cover with brown binding, it contains records handwritten in ink. These are records of money paid out by the local government. There are typewritten sheets of sundry creditors added to the back section of the book.hand-written on front cover on white sticker - " Creditor's Ledger" on spine in gold on red - "Ledger" ; on black - "Shire of Orbost" accounts ledger orbost-shire-council -
Orbost & District Historical Society
credit ledger, 1892-1909
This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1892 - 1909. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This is a hand-written record of the accounts of the local government. The Orbost Shire Council no longer exists having been absorbed into the East Gippsland Shire Council.A heavy ledger with a dark brown cover and lighter brown binding. it has marbled end covers and marbled page edges. It contains accounts records hand-written in ink.on spine in gold lettering - on a red square : "Ledger" - on a black square : "Shire of Orbost"accounts ledger orbost-shire-council -
Orbost & District Historical Society
gold panning dish, mid - late 19th century
... Panning dishes were used for washing fine gold from river... the heavy deposits, such as gold, remained at the bottom. (ref ...Panning dishes were used for washing fine gold from river sediments or from the residue trapped in cradles and puddling tubs. They were often used on the edge of streams/rivers to sift gold from alluvial soil or crushed quartz. This simple pan would have been filled with sand and gravel which might have contained gold. The pan was submerged in the water and shaken to sort the gold from the gravel and other material, with the lighter material gradually being washed over the lip until only the heavy deposits, such as gold, remained at the bottom. (ref. Museum Victoria) This pan was used by George Henry Douglas Russell Snr. As a young man prior to his enlistment in WW1 he panned for gold using this dish. During the war he became a vet sergeant in charge of horse lines.Gold panning is the oldest and simplest method of extracting gold. Gold pans had widespread use in alluvial gold fields where water is available. This item is an example of the type of pan commonly used on Victorian gold fields.A circular dull metal panning dish which has a wide rolled top lip which tapers down to a smaller diameter for the base which is flat. The pan has been made from ironmetal which has a coating of another metal with a matte grey finish. It has a small hanging hole and a reinforcing ring all around the top.russell-doug gold-panning mining -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Native (metallic) copper, Unknown
This specimen is a native copper specimen that is metallic. Copper is typically found in the earth's crust and is often found alongside other metals such as gold, zinc, lead and silver which all belong to the same group which is the Copper/Gold group. Copper is most commonly formed from large masses of molten lava rock which has solidified in the earth's crust and over time though different sizes and speeds of crystal growth has turned into large amounts of copper, stored in porphyry copper deposits. Copper has a distinctive colour, yet can sometime appear blue and greenish which is often caused by oxidisation or a mixture of copper and other metals. This specific specimen was recovered from Moonta, South Australia. The Moonta Mining Company was established in 1861, after a Shepard in the area noticed traces of copper. This lead to a rush in the copper mining industry which was relatively young in Australia at the time, making Moonta Mining Company one of the richest in Australia. By the 1860's, South Australia had been nicknamed the "Copper Kingdom" due to its vast amount of Large copper mines and resources. As of 2016, Australia was the second largest producer of Copper internationally, following behind Chile in first place. This copper specimen is significant historically and scientifically as it is such an important metal commonly used throughout the world in various ways. Copper is an invaluable recourse used in daily life, used in most electrical appliances as it is a great conductor of heat and electricity, as well as being soft and malleable, making it easy to bend and mould into delicate sheets and wires. Copper does not corrode and is therefore used in the production of water pipes among countless other significant necessities that are often overlooked in our society. Historically, Copper holds great significance as it was the first metal used by humans. It was discovered roughly 9000 years ago and was utilised by the Neolithic Man who learnt that heating the metal made it more malleable, thus tools and utensils were made which were far superior to the previous stone tools used by humans. This history and its connection to the current and ongoing relationship between humans and copper must be preserved and highlighted as it is integral to the history of all humankind. A small, palm-sized solid native copper mineral specimen with shades of browns, black and rustic tones throughout the specimen.NATIVE (metalic) COPPER / Locality: Moonta, South Australiabeechworth, burke museum, geological specimen, native specimen, geological, mineral, mineralogy, indigo shire, beechworth museum, copper, copper ore -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1857
This photograph is of old mine workings on the site of the Spring Creek diggings. Spring Creek is a contact zone for granite pluton and siltstones, shales and standstones; which has, over time, encouraged natural springs to form. Enriched with gold washed out of the surrounding granite, these alluvial deposits achieved fame from 1852 onwards as the Spring Creek Diggings sprang to life (not realised as geographically important until 1871). In Spring Creek that runs behind the main street of Beechworth, near the foot of Newtown Hill a pint pot of gold was discovered on one of these expeditions in 1852 by prospectors Baker and Strickland and the gold rush town of Spring Creek was formed. Australian gold rushes have always created a sense of independence and freedom; as do-it-yourself, off-grid, low-tech adventures. People of all backgrounds were drawn to the gold fields by the prospect of riches and adventure, but they also learned self-sufficiency and found freedom of expression. Industry boomed, new practices were adopted and social norms were upended. This image is of historical significance as it informs on the history of Australian gold mining. It represents the innovation that accompanied the mining industry and the importance of gold mining in town building and regional histories. Black and white rectangular photograph on unmounted board.gold mining, spring creek, mining, geography, geology -
J. Ward Museum Complex
Booklet - Objects Belonging to Miss Isabella Beatrice White, Passport and The State Savings Bank of Victoria Book, 1930's
Both patients and staff were in frequent possession of passports and bank books particularly during the 20th century. These objects give an insight into people lives. The objects belonging to Miss Isabella Beatrice White are significant as they show everyday objects used by both patients and staff of Aradale Mental Hospital. British Passport - bound in thick blue material with the British Coat of Arms embossed in gold. The Passport contains 32 pages. The State Savings Bank of Victoria Book - The bank book is grey with black printed type. The Passport has both printed and hand written information and personal details. The bank book contains account details and hand written deposits and withdrawals made.bank book, passport -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Functional object - Gold Panning Tin, c1900
Alluvial deposits along with water were scooped into this pan and aggressively agitated to allow dense material, such as gold, sink to the bottom for easy extraction.Mining played an important role in the history of Beechworth, for the township was established in the mid-1850s after gold was discovered in the area. The success of goldmining lead to the growth and development of early Beechworth.A circular gold panning tin featuring sloped sides, a folded over rim, and handles.burke museum, beechworth, gold mining, alluvial mining -
Clunes Museum
Tool - GOLD CRADLE & PANNING DISH, JAMES ESMOND, CIRCA 1850
USED TO OBTAIN ALLUVIAL GOLD THE DESIGN OF THIS EQUIPMENT IS MOSTLY BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF THE WAY HEAVY MINERALS ARE CONCENTRATED IN ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS. THE PROSPECTING DISH IS USED WHEN WORKING WITH SMALL AMOUNTS OF STONES & CLAY WHILE BIGGER JOBS THE CRADLE OR BANJO IS MORE EFFICIENT. THE GAUZE OF MESH IN THE SIEVE IS VARIABLE. THE CRADLE OR BANJO IS USUALLY SET UP AT RIGHT ANGLES TO A SHALLOW CREEK OR WATERHOLE WITH THE OPEN ENDS TOWARDS THE WATER.1 WOODEN CONSTRUCTION MADE BY HAND WITH GAUZE FILTER IN UPPER SECTION TO SEPARATE QUARTZ ROCKS, SAND AND SOIL. A HANDLE ON BOX LIKE CONSTRUCTION IS USED TO ROCK THE CRADLE WHICH IS MOUNTED WITH ITS ROCKERS RESTING ON WOODEN BEARERS. .2 PANlocal history, mining equipment, mining