Druids are known to exist from around the 3rd century B.C. Their name may have come from a Celtic word meaning “knower of the oak tree.” Many of their ceremonies were carried out in oak groves, which they considered sacred and members were, at that time a mix of priest, judge, doctor and philosopher. The Druids enjoyed a revival in the 19th century and were taken up enthusiastically during the Victorian era. Druidry was believed to have been introduced into Australia in 1851 with the setting up of the first lodge in Melbourne under the name United Ancient Order of Druids. Unlike the Freemasons, the Druids were not a secret society and were not selective in who they let in, as long as they paid their dues and acted more like a benevolent society than a spiritual movement. "They originally operated when there were few benefits available from the government or employers and the introduction of sick leave and other employer provided benefits, combined with the gradual introduction of government subsidised medicine, caused the need for them to diminish." Druids House — in Swanston Street, was opened by the Lord Mayor in 1927 and was designed to be the movement's national head office. It was completed at a cost of 19,000 pounds. This photograph was believed to have been commissioned by the Druids of Bendigo to the Licensees of the Queens Head pub where they regularly met, situated on the corner of the Bendigo-Maryborough Rd & the Calder Alternate Hwy ( Lockwood Cross Roads). The old Marong Council offices were situated opposite from 1864 until around 1908 when new offices were then built in Marong. It is believed that this photograph and a photo of the pub were given to Marong Shire by descendants of the publicans, probably in the 90’s. Framed black and white group photographic portrait of 37 members of the Sandhurst Chapter of the Druids staged and shot outdoors. Each of the gentlemen is carrying a bouquet of flowers. The photograph has a gold inner mount with the second mount cut to give the impression of a frame. The outer mount is hand painted with botanical motifs and elaborate text c.t. DRUIDS Sandhurst Lodge/ No 247. l.c Presented to Mr and Mrs Chadwick / Lockwood / in recognition for kindness rendered.W. G. Robinson / Photo and J.H. Gribble / Long Gully / 1,11,10robinson photographer, j.h.b. gribble artist, chadwick, shire of marong, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of greater bendigo community groups

Murray Comrie Collection. Information from Murray Comrie: This building still stands at the south end of Commercial Road, Tarnagulla. Originally used as the Masonic Lodge Temple of Tarnagulla United Lodge, No. 1318 (E.C.), opened and consecrated 21.1.1869 by Wor. Bro. Wardlow. Br. Stamp was installed as Master. The other part of the building housed the Masonic Hall Hotel, with F.H. Goldsboro as licensee. In later years, this building was known as Bool's (after the Bool family).Monochrome photograph depicting the facade of a building with window canopies and an arched doorway. tarnagulla, buildings, masons, freemasons, freemasonry, lodge, commercial road, bool, stamp, wardlow, goldsboro, hotels

Henry Beardmore was a significant contributor to Wodonga and the state of Victoria. He was born in Melton on 7th February 1863 to Edwin James Beardmore and Flora McDonald. He grew up in Benalla and became a butcher at Glenrowan before taking up land at Leneva near Wodonga, Victoria. On 15 July 1885 Henry married his first wife, Agnes Annie Lee and they had two sons and two daughters. Agnes died in 1892. In 23 August 1893, Henry married Jessie Muirhead and they had six sons and four daughters. Henry represented the Green Hills riding on Wodonga Shire Council from 1898 to 1922, including terms as President from 1900-01, 1903-4, 1908-10, 1911-12, 1914-17. In 1922 Mr. Beardmore retired from the Wodonga Council due to his increased workload in State politics. Henry Beardmore was a Freemason including Master of the Wodonga Lodge from 1906 to 1907, and was an active member up until his death. From 1905-1915, Henry Beardmore leased “De Kerilleau” homestead with the exception of 1907, when Mr W. Huon was in residence, and after he died there in 1907, the Beardmore family returned. Henry Beardmore won the seat of Benambra in the Victorian Legislative Assembly at a by-election on 20th April 1917. He continuously represented the Benambra electorate as a Nationalist and United Australia Party member for more than 15 years. He was a strong advocate for country development and decentralisation, but he declined to join the Country Party. He held the seat of Benambra, up to the date of his death, and was returned unopposed on four occasions. He was an Honorary Minister in 1924 and for a short time in 1929, Minister of Railways, Minister in-charge of Electrical Undertakings and Minister of Labour. He was a leading supporter of Kiewa Hydro-Electric Project and opponent of Yallourn coalfield. Henry Beardmore died in Wodonga on 29 August 1932. His last residence was on the corner Elm Street and Beechworth Road.This photo is significant because it depicts an important local and State politician and member of the Wodonga Community.A black and white formal portrait of Henry Beardmore.henry beardmore, wodonga council, benambra - victorian politics

History of Teh Euroka Lodge in StwellClear Plastic Cover, Black card rear cover with black spring spiral binder. White Paper inner cover with freemasons logo over a brick buildingEuroka (The Rising Sun) An Historical account of the beginning of the lodge of Euroka and freemasons in Stawell The Result of research by the Author Allan Robert COward P.J.G.W.stawell

ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTED ON CARDBOARD. MUIOOF DISPLAYED ABOVE STAGE. AUSTRALIAN FLAG IN BACKGROUND.BLACK AND WHITE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH AND THREE REPRINTS OF LOYAL CLUNES LODGE JUBILEE SOCIAL 9/7/1909. TAKEN IN CLUNES TOWN HALL.LOYAL CLUNES LODGE JUBILEE SOCIAL 9.7.1909photographs, lodge- freemason, loyal clunes lodge, jubilee social 1909

Colour photograph pf the foundation stone at the Daylesford Mosonic Lodge.f.t. hockford, freemasons, daylesford masonic lodge

Timber board showing Worshipful Masters of St George Lodge, Daylesford.mt franklin and st george lodge, daylesford, freemasons, f.w. verey, dr harper, j. harper, a.f. ogden

The Sandridge Marine Lodge was founded in 1858. Two locations; originally Stokes St and then in Liardet St from 1917. Both buildings are now converted to apartments. Note: The caption for the image incorrectly places the building in Rouse St.Photo of second Sandridge Marine Lodge building, Liardet St, 1917built environment - civic, built environment - domestic, societies clubs unions and other organisations, built environment - industrial, freemasons lodge, swallow & ariell ltd, sandridge marine lodge

The Sandridge Marine Lodge was founded in 1858. Two locations; originally Stokes St and then in Liardet St from 1917. Both buildings are now converted to apartments. .03 - Aerial photo of Swallow and Ariell factory, with Stokes St Lodge building visible on right hand side of photobuilt environment - civic, built environment - domestic, societies clubs unions and other organisations, built environment - industrial, freemasons lodge, swallow & ariell ltd, sandridge marine lodge

Each coloured degree related to a particular value of the Manchester United Oddfellows. Purple certificate was related to charity. The Bendigo chapter of the Manchester United Oddfellows began in 1854.Blu folder. On one side the coloured logo of the Independet Order of Oddfellows in Victoria, Bendigo District, Manchester Unity Friendly Society. On the other the inscription: Purple Degree Certificate - We hereby certifythat brother R. G. Evans a member of the loyal Albert lodge, presented to us a certificate from his lodge entatling him to receive the Purple Dergee, which was duly conferred upon him at a Past Grand's Lodge, held at the M. U. Hall, Bendigo on the 20th day of January 1940. In witness whereof we have affixed our names and the Seal of our district this 25th day of January 1941. Signed bt the District Grand Master: L. Spencely. Dist. Dep. Grand Master and Secretary. Memebr signature: R. G. Evans.societies, freemasons

This is a badge belonged to a member of the Freemasons Friendly Society. In Warrnambool the Lodge of St. John was founded in 1861. and the Masonic Temple in Kepler Street ( the building still extant) was opened in 1870.This badge is of some interest as it may have local provenance. .1 Brass badge attached by a hook to three brass pieces of varying shapes through which is threaded a cream ribbon. The badge has as its centre the star of David with fine text. Attached to the points of the star is a narrow circle with text. Outside the circle are nine protruding points ending in three clover shapes. At the base is an inverted horseshoe shaped appendage with a T and H interlocked. There is a pin attached to the top piece at the end of the ribbon.. .2 Composite hinged box lined with white and royal blue satin and text..1PEACE WISDOM TRUTH BEAUTY CONCORD STRENGTH DEO REGI FRATRIBUS HONOR FIDELITAS BENEVOLENTIA .2 (Stamp) CHAS R MARTIN The rest is faded

Plaque on Chair, Franklin Lodge of Hiram freemasons, mt franklin lodge of hiram, daylesford freemasons lodge