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Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, Flag of St Alipius', Ballarat East, 2004, 23/09/2004
"Centenary of Fnrst Mass at Ballarat Friday last marked the centenary of the arrival of the first priest and the celebration of the first Mass in Ballarat. The Rev. Patrick Dunne reached the diggings on October 17, and on Sunday, October 19, 1851, in a bark hut near Brown Hill, he celebrated Mass. Worshippers had to kneel on quartz gravel. The weather had been the worst experienced in Victoria for a number of years, and most of the creeks between Melbourne and Ballarat were flowing torrents, but Father Dunne (who came from the Coburg mission), carrying the barest necessities and the sacred vestments, set out for Ballarat on horseback. He had to ford and swim his horse across the creeks. When most of his congregation left for the Castlemaine diggings Father Dunne returned to Melbourne. In August, 1852, Rev. Matthew Downing became Ballarat's first resident priest. He built a large wooden structure with a canvas roof which served as a church, but later erected at the Gravel Pits the first permanent church. This church was the largest of any house of worship on any goldfield in the colony. It cost £ 100, contributed solely by Father Downing and his flock. Soon after he got the authorities to survey a large piece of land at the back of the township as a burial ground and procured a grant of £500 for fencing it. A grant of £250 was also obtained for the improvement of the chapel and fittings of a school, where Michael Campion Carey opened the first school. Rev. Patrick Smyth succeeded Father Downing, who was followed by Rev. P. Madden, who in 1857 began to plan the erection of St. Patrick's Church. The foundation stone of this was laid by Bishop Goold on February 12, 1858, and the church was opened for the first time on November 8, 1863." (Melbourne Advocate 25 October 1951)Two colour photographs showing the St Alipius' Catholic Church flag - a blue cross and border on white. st alipius, church, ballarat east, flag -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Photograph - Colour, Steele's Pioneer Mine Ruins, Yandoit, 2016, 18/01/2016
Steele's Reef was opened in 1859 along with a number of other reefs in the Yandoit area. The reef was worked by small mining parties until the late 1880s. In 1887, the Steele's Reef Quartz Mining Company fixed steam pumping machinery and commenced sinking a shaft. The company were unable to find a profitable ore body and after two years work closed down. By this time their shaft had reached a depth of 150 feet. The mine was then taken over by the Pioneer Quartz Mining Company who appear not to have worked the mine. In 1906, the Steele's Pioneer Company commenced work, erecting a winding winch at the old shaft sunk by the Steele's Company. The next year the company erected a 10-head battery, set of poppet legs, a pumping engine. Sinking the shaft a further 100 feet, the company struggled to find payable ore and soon closed down.Colour photographs of the remnants of Steele's mine at Yandoit, Victoria. steele's mine, yandoit, mining, ruins -
City of Ballarat Libraries
35mm Slide, Christmas Decorations, Myer Store, corner Sturt Street and Armstrong St Ballarat circa 1956
The Myer store, at the south west corner of Armstrong and Sturt Streets, with the 'new' cantilevered verandah (and evidently still some building renovations happening). This building has had many tenants and occupiers, but has always been a department store, originally constructed 1869-71 for R.J. Mitchell. The architect was noted Ballarat architect H.R.Caselli. A replica of the 1901 verandah was built in the late 1980s. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. sturt street, myer store, christmas lights, christmas decorations, verandahs, ballarat, olympic games -
City of Ballarat Libraries
35mm Slide, Bridge Street Ballarat circa late 1950s
A night exposure of Bridge Street looking west. The tram tracks are clear, one set going straight ahead up Victoria St hill, the other set turning along Main Road. Stone's at Stones Corner was a select ladies dress shop for many years. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. bridge street -
City of Ballarat Libraries
35 mm Slide, Wallace Statue and Statuary Pavilion, Ballarat Botanical Gardens, circa late 1950s
This image perfectly captures the Botanical Gardens in late afternoon light. The Statuary Pavilion was built following a bequest from James Russell Thompson, who was originally from Scotland. The Wallace Statue was purchased with money remaining in the bequest after the Pavilion was established. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. statues, statuary pavillion, botanical gardens, lake wendouree, william wallace statue, charles summer, james russell thompson -
City of Ballarat Libraries
35mm Slide, St Andrew's Kirk, Ballarat circa late 1950s
St Andrew's Kirk faces into Sturt St, but this photograph is taken at an unusual angle from Dawson St. Architecturally this church is of great importance being part of the group of churches in Dawson St which includes St Patrick Cathedral, and the former Congregational and Baptist churches. The cast iron fence was erected after 1900. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. -
City of Ballarat Libraries
35mm Slide, Cenotaph and St Andrew's Kirk, Ballarat circa 1950s
The Cenotaph is one of the collection of war memorials in Sturt St, Ballarat, and was erected in 1948. St Andrew's Kirk was first constructed in 1862-4, and the spire added in 1884. This beautifully composed photograph shows Sturt St looking its best in late afternoon light. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.church, sturt street, cenotaph -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Slide, View east over houses from Ballarat Hospital circa late 1950s
This image appears to have been taken from Ballarat Base Hospital, looking east over Drummond Street to Mt Warrenheip. The City Fire Brigade tower painted white can be seen to the right, while St Andrew's Kirk dominates the middle ground of the photograph. Many photographs over the years have been taken from this viewpoint, and are interesting to compare. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.mount warrenheip, ballarat east -
City of Ballarat Libraries
35mm Slide, Sturt Street West, Ballarat circa late 1950s
A lovely shot of the western end of Sturt Street, looking east to Mt Warrenheip. Not much traffic today! Just a tram and an early Holden, yet at the time of this photograph, this was the main highway through to Adelaide. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.sturt street, trams -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Slide, Fireworks over Lake Wendouree circa late 1950s
An interesting night exposure. Unfortunately it is not known what event these fireworks were supporting. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.fireworks, lake wendouree -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Slide, Parade Float, North Western Victorian Regiment Ballarat circa late 1950s
A series of photographs showing a street parade, these may be from an early Begonia Festival Parade. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. north western victorian regiment, parade, ballarat voluntary riflemen -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Slide, Parade Float, Sturt Street Ballarat circa late 1950s
A series of photographs showing a street parade, it may be an early Begonia Festival Parade. Because of the bunting, Union Jacks, and crowns, it may be dated to 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II visited Ballarat at the time of the Begonia Festival. This float may be the float of the Queen of Begonias. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. parade, sturt street, royal visit -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Slide, Brass Band Parade Sturt Street Ballarat circa late 1950s
A series of photographs showing a street parade, it may be an early Begonia Festival Parade. Because of the bunting, Union Jacks, and crowns, it may be dated to 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II visited Ballarat at the time of the Begonia Festival. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. brass band, parade, sturt street, royal visits, ballarat -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, Mr. J. Vallins reminiscences
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Mr. J. Vallins - Reminiscences given before the AHRS, City Hall, Ballarat on Nov 26th, 1899 : Vallins, born in Berkshire in 1831, arrived in Australia at Geelong in 1854. He came to Ballarat for the gold and spent most of the rest of his life here, living in Ligar Street. He died in 1904 and is buried in the Ballarat Old Cemetery. -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, Reminiscences of James Oddie Esq
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Notes from a lecturette given to the AHRS by James Oddie, and recorded by Mr Coulthard, the Recording Secretary. James Oddie was born in England and arrived in Geelong with his wife and daughter in 1849. The gold lured him to Ballarat, where he witnessed the Eureka uprising. He was the first chairman of the Ballarat Municipal Council, and because of his many philanthropic activities and community involvement, is thought of as "the father of Ballarat."larpent (ship), eureka stockade, goldrush, ballarat, immigrant experience, immigrants -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, John Gavan Reilly, Letter to AHRS, 13th March 1896
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.In this very long letter, Gavan Reilly seeks membership of the Society, and urges the Society in preserving the 'absorbingly exciting stories of a vanishing past.' He was postmaster at Creswick at the time, an amateur poet, and an enthusiast for local history. -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, The First Visit of the Early Pioneers to Mount Buninyong
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Excerpt of George Russell's Manuscript Diary copied by William Lewis. George Russell, from Scotland joined his brother Philip in 1831 in Tasmania, and farmed there for five years under his supervision. He then followed John Batman's exploratory lead to Port Phillip in March 1836. George Russell later established Golf Hill Station at Shelford. These memoirs describe first visits by Europeans to Lal Lal falls (which weren't running) and Mt Buninyong. These records must have been sought out by the AHRS as Russell had died before the Society was established. -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, Reminiscences - Strange But True Stories About Gold. J.M. Meek
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Mr. James McCain Meek boasted of building the first house in Ballarat, on the corner of Dana and Lydiard Streets, which was also a lemonade store and some say a sly grog shop. Meek arrived in Australia in 1847. He was in Ballarat 1851-1853, and in later life he returned to Ballarat to live at the Benevolent Asylum. When he became very ill in 1898 his daughter Marianne Dallimore took him to live with her, and he died at her property near Warrnambool in 1899. He wrote these reminiscences for the AHRS, of which he was a member. He was an excellent penman and illustrator and he produced several extraordinary complicated works. Meek was the subject of a PhD project undertaken at Federation University Australia by Joan Luxembourg, resulting in the 2015 publication The Inimitable Mr Meek. ballarat, illustration, goldrush, lithography -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Document - Australian Historical Record Society papers, Notes on the Ballarat Riots October 1854
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years. -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, Reminiscences of J.P. Murray, Esq., J.P
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Reminiscences narrated before the AHRS in the City hall, Ballarat, August 25th, 1899, by John P. Murray, from the Orkney Islands, who arrived in Melbourne as a 15 year old in 1849. He served as President of the Ballarat Shire Council 1871-72. In these reminiscences he recalls a time before the goldrush. -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, Rules of the Australian Historical Record Society, 1896
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Several copies of the little rule book of the AHRS have been preserved with the Society's papers. historical societies, ballarat -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, John M. Hood, A Few Recollections of the Long Ago
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.John Hood was originally from London, and arrived in Melbourne from Tasmania in 1842. He first dug for gold in Little Bendigo / Nerrina, in 1852. He died in 1909, a very old man, at the Ballarat Benevolent Asylum. -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, Thomas J. Bath J.P
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Thomas Bath came to Australia in 1849, establishing a butchering establishment at Geelong. He mined during the rushes at various sites, eventually coming to Ballarat where he established a hotel now known as Craig's Royal Hotel. He held the first publican's license on Ballarat (1854) and his hotel was known as The Ballarat, later changed to Bath's Hotel; after the sale to Mr Craig in 1857 Thomas Bath established his farm Ceres, at Learmonth. Thomas Bath was instrumental in the formation of Ballarat and was a champion of all public institutions. He died in 1901. These reminiscences appear to have been recorded by the AHRS rather than Mr Bath writing them himself.goldrush, sailing ships, coach fares -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Australian Historical Record Society papers, Incidents in the Life of Mrs Charlotte Francis Drew, interviewed by W. Coulthard, AHRS interviewing secretary
The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Mrs Charlotte Drew was a long term resident of Canadian, an area of Ballarat East. She first arrived in Australia in Adelaide. She and her husband George, who was a carpenter, arrived in Ballarat in 1851, and in these reminiscences she recalls a very lively life. -
International House, The University of Melbourne
Photograph (Item), Students Felicity Ho and John Howie ironing, and Megan Edwards washing clothes in a Scheps Building laundry, 1972
This image brings together two major events in International House history in 1972, the opening of the Scheps Wing, and the admittance of women. Female students were initially accommodated on separate floors, and the Council has since attempted to maintain between 25% and 50% female students. The Scheps Wing was opened in May that year, named in honour of donors Theodor and Ida Scheps, its 92 rooms accomodating the growth of IH's diverse student body. John Howie was IH Student Club President from 1971-1972, the first permitted to regularly attend IH Council Meetings after years of petitioning for Council representation by the Student Club. Felicity Ho and John Howie, pictured ironing together here, later married."Photographed for publicity" inscribed in pen on reverse with names of subjects and datelaundry, scheps wing, students -
Unions Ballarat
Pitt the elder (Don Woodward Collection), Black, Jeremy, 1992
William Pitt was the First Earl of Chatham. He was a Whig who led the party to government on two occasions. His son, Pitt the Younger, was also (later) a British Prime Minister. This book is the biography of Pitt the Elder.Politics and government - United KingdomBook; 320 pages. Cover: illustration of William Pitt by William Hoare; black background; white lettering; author's name and title.Title page: blue ink - "Ex Libris, Philip Dennis Orders, 112 Pennant Hills Road, Normanhurst, 2076, New South Wales, 489 3490."btlc, ballarat trades hall, ballarat trades and labour council, pitt the elder, prime ministers - united kingdom, politics and government, military - seven years war, political parties - whig -
Unions Ballarat
Peter Lalor Lithograph, n/d
Peter Lalor rose to fame for his leading role in the Eureka Rebellion at Ballarat in 1854. He is the only outlaw to make it into parliament. The siege of Eureka culminated in November and December 1854 arising as the result of disagreement between disaffected gold miners (led by Peter Lalor) and colonial forces about compulsory mining licences. This lithograph is rare - the only one we are aware of.Eureka Stockade (Ballarat), politics and government (Victoria, Australia).Lithograph - sepia. Picture of Peter Lalor in Legislative Assembly speaker's regalia."The late Hon Peter Lalor, Ex-Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and leader of the Memorable Eureka Insurrection of 1854. Born - Tennikill, Queen's County, Ireland, 1827. Died - Melbourne, Victoria, 1889. Aged 62 years."btlc, ballarat trades hall, ballarat trades and labour council, eureka stockade, lalor, peter, history - ballarat, politics and government -
Bialik College
Medal - No Butterflies in the Ghetto
The phrase 'no butterflies in the ghetto' is an adaptation from a poem by the young Czech Jew Pavel Friedman. He was 21 years old when he was deported to the Terezín concentration camp/ghetto (Theresienstadt, in German), a few dozen kilometers north of Prague, in the Czech region of Ústí nad Labem. Here, a few weeks after his entry into the camp, Pavel Friedman wrote this poem on a piece of paper which was later found after the liberation and donated to the Jewish museum of the Czech Republic. In September 1944 Pavel Friedman was deported to the Oświęcim (Auschwitz) extermination camp where he was killed on an unspecified date. THE BUTTERFLY The last, the very last, So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow. Perhaps if the sun's tears would sing against a white stone. . . . Such, such a yellow Is carried lightly 'way up high. It went away I'm sure because it wished to kiss the world good-bye. For seven weeks I've lived in here, Penned up inside this ghetto. But I have found what I love here. The dandelions call to me And the white chestnut branches in the court. Only I never saw another butterfly. That butterfly was the last one. Butterflies don't live in here, in the ghetto. Beit Lohamei Haghetaot Museum's archive was contacted for release date details. https://www.gfh.org.il/eng A medal commemorating the Jewish children who perished in the Holocaust. No Butterflies in the Ghetto, #42judiasm, holocaust, children, memory, remember, medal -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Photograph - Colour, Clare Gervasoni, Bendigo Cemetery, 2018, 02/09/2018
Colour photograph of the Helsham Gravestone in Bendigo Cemetery. It includes a memorial for Pte J. George Douglas Helsham who was killed at Gallipoli during World War One. In loving memory of my dear son Pte. J. George Douglas Helsham Late 7th Bn. A.I.F. Killed at Gallipoli between 25-4-'15 & 2-2-'15 aged 21 years. "Our ANZAC" Also his father John Phillip died 1sr May 1918 aged 52 years. Erected by E. Helsham. Also Emalie Helsham beloved wife & mother of the above Died 20th March 1936 aged 75 years. Resting beyond life's sunset. bendigo cemetery, graves, j. george douglas helsham, gallipoli, john phillip helsham, emalie helsham, anzac, world war one, dead man's penny -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Image, David Syme, 1934
David Syme (1827-1908) was a newspaper proprietor who was born on 2 October 1827 at North Berwick, Scotland. Early in 1851, he went via Cape Horn to California seeking gold. By mid-1852 he was in Melbourne, and in the next three years prospected with some success on Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Beechworth diggings. In 1855 he lost a possible fortune at Egerton near Ballarat when a promising claim was jumped. Ebenezer Syme bought the insolvent Melbourne Age for £2000, and invited David Syme to take up a share. In September 1856 Syme put up some cash and his contracting business to obtain a half-share. He helped to manage the paper but returned to contracting late in 1857. When Ebenezer retired in 1859 Syme reluctantly returned to the business, and on Ebenezer's death next year he began his fifty-year career as publisher and editor of the Age. (C. E. Sayers, 'Syme, David (1827–1908)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/syme-david-4679/text7741, published first in hardcopy 1976, accessed online 25 August 2019._Reproducation of a image of David Syme.david syme, portrait, the age, journalist