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The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Taken in Beechworth, this photograph depicts the business of Camp Street looking towards the Ovens and Murray Benevolent Asylum. In the foreground of right hand side; there are row of buildings, on the left hand side; there are a two standing figures. The Ovens Benevolent Asylum (or the Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged) was constructed in 1862 on an elevated site overlooking the township of Beechworth. This Asylum was built in response to boom in population due to the discovery of Gold in Beechworth in 1852. This period also saw the development of additional administration buildings such as; the Court house, the Town Hall, and offices. The original Benevolent Asylum building was designed in an unusual Flemish Gothic Revival style. The single storey building is of red brick on a dressed granite base, and the main facade is dominated by four curved, Flemish gable ends, those at the extremities being added to the original central section in 1867. This facade incorporates paired windows of pointed Gothic form and dark brick diaperwork patterning. The adjacent J. A. Wallace Wing of 1899 was designed by Donald Fiddes as a separate building. Also constructed of red brick, Fiddes adopted a conservative approach, designing a simple domestic scale building with central projecting gable porch and flanking bull nosed verandahs. The Benevolent Asylum was renamed the Ovens Benevolent Home in 1935 and The Ovens and Murray Home in 1954. Many buildings have been added to this site, particularly since the 1960s, including a poorly sited addition to the front of the original building. Extensive internal renovations have also been made to the original buildings. [https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/118]The Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged is of architectural significance as an unusual example of Flemish influenced design from the 1860s. Although the facade has been partly obscured, it remains intact, and, together with the more simply designed Wallace wing, are important examples of early buildings designed for the specific purpose of aged care. The Flemish gables remain as a dominant form of Beechworth's urban landscape. The Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged is of historical significance due to its association with the early development of Beechworth and its dominant siting within the town. It is illustrative of the civic development that took place in the town after the peak of the gold rush, when Beechworth was develpoing as the administrative centre of the north east of Victoria. [https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/118]Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper. Obverse: BOOT SHOE STORE Reverse: 7770.2 / 1997.3099beechworth, burke museum, diggings, camp street, the benevolent asylum, ovens benevolent hom, gold rush -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Taken in Beechworth, this photograph depicts Albert Road looking towards the Ovens and Murray Benevolent Asylum. In the center of the image are figures standing of a bridge. The Ovens Benevolent Asylum (or the Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged) was constructed in 1862 on an elevated site overlooking the township of Beechworth. This Asylum was built in response to boom in population due to the discovery of Gold in Beechworth in 1852. This period also saw the development of additional administration buildings such as; the Court house, the Town Hall, and offices. The original Benevolent Asylum building was designed in an unusual Flemish Gothic Revival style. The single storey building is of red brick on a dressed granite base, and the main facade is dominated by four curved, Flemish gable ends, those at the extremities being added to the original central section in 1867. This facade incorporates paired windows of pointed Gothic form and dark brick diaperwork patterning. The adjacent J. A. Wallace Wing of 1899 was designed by Donald Fiddes as a separate building. Also constructed of red brick, Fiddes adopted a conservative approach, designing a simple domestic scale building with central projecting gable porch and flanking bull nosed verandahs. The Benevolent Asylum was renamed the Ovens Benevolent Home in 1935 and The Ovens and Murray Home in 1954. Many buildings have been added to this site, particularly since the 1960s, including a poorly sited addition to the front of the original building. Extensive internal renovations have also been made to the original buildings. [https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/118]Black and white rectangular photograph. The image is printed on matte photographic paper. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: BMM7590 1997.2848 AO2848 beechworth, albert road, benevolent, asylum, burke museum, photograph, black and white -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Picture Nillumbik, 2012
A community-led project to contribute to a vision for the Shire of Nillumbik. Between October 2011 and June 2012, Nillumbik Shire Council undertook a community information gathering project to ask residents "what is your vision for your local community?” Picture Nillumbik represents a collection of responses from community groups, schools and households via online submissions, photos, interviews and workshop contributions. The resulting document provides a snapshot of the values, ambitions and resilience of Nillumbik communities. The project aimed to inform community planning and identify how Council can work better with residents. The resulting document provides a snapshot of the values, ambitions and resilience of Nillumbik communities. Aimed to inform community planning and identify how Council can work better with residents. Further that the document be inspiring, stimulating and a reminder that the future is worth planning for. Includes a number of case studies of local organisations and projects including: Christmas Hills - Butterfly Studios, Strathewen Tree Project, St Andrews mosaic seat, Eltham & District Woodworkers Inc., Edendale Farm - Home harvest, Hurstbridge, Bend of Islands, Bendigo bank, Dunmoochin - Cottles Bridge, Artists Open Studios Program, World Matters and Past Matters, Nillumbik Reconciliation Group, Boots for all. Chapters include: Deep connection and resilient community, local village life, Balance with nature, a sustaining and evolving economy, creative expression, art and cultural exchange, experience discovery and fulfilment and stewarding the Nillumbik way. Each chapter includes further questions for discussion.Spiral bound document printed in landscape format. Includes text and colour photographs. 196 pagesSmall piece of paper headed "DRAFT" included at the front of the document when bound.shire of nillumbik, planning, future, christmas hills, strathewen tree project, st andrews, eltham & district woodworkers inc., edendale farm, bend of islands, dunmoochin, artists open studios program, nillumbik reconciliation group, community groups, vision, strategy -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Manufactured glass, graduated cylinder 10ml, c1948 - 1991
Otto Schott, a chemist and glass engineer, had the vision of uniform production ie making glass items that would resemble one another. At the end of the eighteenth century, with most glass items still created by hand, the quality of output was still a guessing game. Schott was the first to render this an industrial certainty. 1884 Otto Schott, Ernst Abbe and Carl and Roderich Zeiss found the Schott & Associates Glass Technology Laboratory in Jena, Germany. Glastechnisches Laboratorium Schott & Gen was born. Production started in 1886. The following year, a crucial discovery was made: borosilicate, a heat and chemically resistant glass.By it’s 25th year anniversary, the company had grown from an experimental glass factory into an internationally renowned manufacturer of optical and industrial glasses. Soon to be added was fiolax, tube-shaped glass used for vials, ampoules and syringes thus allowing the company to play a significant role in supplying Europe's nascent pharmaceutical industry. During WW2 Company was taken over for military use, and in 1945 given to the Russians as East Germany - GDR. , US troops transfer the "brain trust" of Jenaer Glas to Mainz in West and In Jena , East Germany, in 1948 the company became a state-owned "property of the people." The West German company becomes Schott Glaswerk, while the people in Jena, GDR, shorten their name to Jenaer Glaswerk. When the Berlin Wall comes down in 1989 Germany is united once again and in 1991 the company is joined and the Jena factory is brought up-to-date by 1994.This 10ml clear glass, graduated cylinder for laboratory tests, set in a plastic pentagonal base, is made of borosilicate glass. It has a pouring lip. The wide pentagonal shaped base provides stability and makes the cylinder roll-resistant. agr / ? TRS 10/0.1 / B Tol + - 0.1 / ml in 20'C / GDR pharmacy, medications, medicines, glass manufacturing, glass works, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, jenaer glaswerk schott & gen company, west germany, east germany, berlin wall, ww2 1939-45, schott otto, zeiss roderich, borosilicate glass, glass cylinders, laboratory glass -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photographs, x3 Colour,, Highett Gasworks c1974, 1974
3 of 5 photographs of the Highett Gasworks c 1974 The Brighton Gas Company was established 1877 by local residents including Thomas Bent. Initially all went well for residents as gas light replaced kerosene lamps and street lights were installed. However disruption to supply, poor quality and failure to reach all house lead to dissatisfaction. Thomas Bent therefore began the Central Brighton and Moorabbin Gas Company 1885 and a price war ensued. This was unsustainable and the two companies amalgamated in 1877 supplying gas from the New Street Works site. 1930 this Company expanded to Highett where it had purchased 45 acres adjacent to the train line. 1927 a gas holder was built connected to the Brighton works 1936 construction began on a complete gas-making unit and the Highett Gasworks, Nepean Highway, began supply 1939. 1950 an extension program was completed. However by 1965 , with the discovery of Natural Gas offshore in Bass Strait, changes to Gas distribution were apparent. At first some of the facilities at Highett were used to distribute the gas piped from Sale, Gippsland. However after conversion of 450,000 homes to Natural Gas the Highett site was redundant. The gasometers were removed 1978. Moorabbin Council obtained part of the land for public recreation purposes. ( Dr. G Whitehead KCC Historian ) c2012 the Moorabbin Justice Centre / Magistrates Court of Victoria was built and further development of the area for apartments proceeds. The establishment of the Brighton Gas Company 1877 and the Highett Gasworks 1885 brought bright lighting to houses, businesses and streets in Moorabbin Shire and cooking ovens and heating improved the living conditions of residents. 3 x Colour photographs of the Highett Gasworks c1970bass strait gas, highett gasworks, brighton gasworks 1877, central brighton and moorabbin gas company 1885, whitehead dr. graham, magistrates court of victoria, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards -
Coal Creek Community Park & Museum
Bottle, glass, Post 1809
Wikpedia : James Murray (physician) Sir James Murray (1788–1871) was an Irish physician, whose research into digestion led to his discovery of the stomach aid Milk of Magnesia in 1809. He later studied in electrotherapy and led the research into the causes of cholera and other epidemics as a result of exposure to natural electricity. He was the first physician to recommend the breathing in of iodine in water vapour for respiratory diseases. Born in County Londonderry, Murray became a licentiate in midwifery having studied at the Edinburgh College of Surgeons in 1807. He undertook studies in pharmaceuticals, an area in which he became competent. In 1809 he developed the foundations of a fluid magnesia, which contained a base ingredient of magnesium sulfate. He modified it in order for it to act as an aid for "weak nerves", low fever, spasms, cholera, and diarrhoea. He named his recipe Fluid Magnesia, and set up the company Sir James Murray & Son in order to successfully market it. Murray graduated from the University of Edinburgh as a Doctor of Medicine in 1829, and became the resident physician to Henry Paget, 1st Marques of Anglesey, in 1831, a post Murray held until the 1840s. Murray was knighted in 1833 and received an honorary degree in Medicine from Dublin University the following year. He was appointed as an inspector of anatomical schools in Ireland, and was a member of the central board of health, as well as the resident physician to the Netterville Dispensary and the Anglesey Lying-In Hospital, Dublin. Murray died at his home in Dublin on 8 December 1871. Large clear green tinted glass bottle with small neck, for stopped seal, oval in section. Embossed text on two sides, concave impression in base. Seed bubbles in the glassSide 1 : 'SIR J MURRAY'S PATENT RECARBONATED FLUID MAGNESIA'. Side 2 : 'LONDON & DUBLIN'. -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklets, Ballarat Historical Society, Spievogel Papers, volumes 1,2, & 3
Nathan Spielvogel was a local historian. The Spielvogel Papers consist of the articles he prepared for a series of weekly talks on Radio 3BA in 1936 and 1937. According to Alex Barnett there is a reference in the Spielvogel Papers to the moving of the bodies of diggers killed at the Eureka Stockade to the old cemetery on 26 November 1857.3 soft covered books with text relating to the history of Ballarat. .1) yellow cover .2) blue cover .3) green cover .1) includes topics such as Gold discovery, Eureka, Main Road, Ballarat Fire Brigade, Ballarat Benevolent Home, Buninyong, Burke and Wills Monument, Chinese in Ballarat, Dana Street School, Ballarat Hospital, Lost Trades of Ballarat, Ballarat Military, Mount Pleasant, Old Colonists' Club, Phoenix Foundry, Ballarat Post Office, Railways, Ballarat School of Mines, South Street Society, Martin Hosking, Charles Curnow Phillips, James Sainsbury, and William Cross Yuille. .2) includes topics such as Ballarat streets, bowls, cricket, football, hotels, Little Bendigo, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Quartz Mines, Sebastopol, Ballarat Turf Club, Ballarat Zoo, water supply. .3) includes topics such as the Kohinoor Nugget, Eureka, Black Hill, Sebastopol, oddietown, Joe the bellman, Trades Hall, Lal Lal Iron, Ballarat Library, Yuille Creek, Martin Hosking, Stonewall Jackson, steeplechase, Lemonade Paddock, Ivey's Flour Mill, Salvation Army, Stick Jaw Davey, Unicorn Hotel, doctors, Alfred Bells, Ballarat School of Mines Museum (War Museum), Joseph Orange, Ballarat East Post Office.ballarat, speilvogel, nathan spielvogel -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - THE RESTORATION OF THE BENDIGO GASWORKS BOILER HOUSE COMPLEX
The Restoration of The Bendigo Gasworks Boiler House Complex, A Community Jobs Project March 2002 - June 2002. Final Report. Researched, compiled and written by: Fiona Gust and Simone (Mona) Krause. Front cover is purple, back cover is black and some inside pages are red or yellow. Topics in the book are: History of the Gasworks, How a Gasworks Works, Heritage Requirements, The CJP Crew, Crew Profiles, Initial Condition of the Boiler House Complex, O, H & S, Work Begins - Asbestos Removal, Clean-up, Iron Removal and Glazing. Artifact Cataloguing, where artifacts and where they were found were cataloged. On Going Discoveries. Exhauster ad Tank Room Ceilings, Pipes, Oil Spray Tower, Skillion over the Amenities Block, Posts, Beams along the Exhauster Room Wall-NE side, Beams on the SW side of the gable .. The join between the skillion and gable roof, Donuts on the Exhauster Room Wall - NE side, Trusses, Gutters and down pipes, Paint and Whitewash, Brickwork, Iron Fittings, Internal Fixtures, Generator Room/Compressor Room, Floors and Conclusion. The Captains Last Words by Peter Roberts. Acknowledgements. The coloured pages in the back are Edition One - 19.4.2002, Edition Two and Edition 3 of Combustible News which gives a progressive account of the work.buildings, gas company, the bendigo gasworks, the restoration of the bendigo gasworks boiler house complex, fiona gust, simone (mona) krause, city of melbourne gas and coke company, the bendigo mercury, the gas and fuel corporation, central deborah, community jobs project, peter roberts, chrysalis constructions, cvgt industrial training center, rod mclaughlin, allan fox, david gilroy, glen slater, aaron ott, ron whitford, daniel keogh, paul atkins, nick pearson, leigh williams, des leahy, anthony jennings, heritage victoria, the bendigo shire, central deborah, david bennear, david wright, deborah simm, community jobs unit, james thompson, mac booth, mine, tramways, discovery centre, mandy cooper, delwyn douglass, cindy tassie, helen yorston, brenda stanley, greg o'connell, kym smith, darren hutchesson, julie cain, john bullen, joe slaviero, mario joh;ns, norm harris, paul green, len cutting, jim morrissy, melissa tuddenham, fiona beckwith, leo trainor, gary anquetil, helen lynch, abbotts supply, action auction, garry floyd, bendigo trailers and hardware - matt, ron & jack, brennans - butch & robbie, bunnings - evan, brett crapper, hip pocket, jason kiel, country victorian scaffolding, paint right bendigo, alan gladman, deborah simms, graeme jennings, hugh ward, leigh williams, paul eccles, peter sporn, barb & mal krause, peter & shirley turner, bendigo copy centre -
Chiltern Athenaeum Trust
Medal
This medal from the estate of W.C. Busse is believed to have been awarded to a recipient at the Rutherglen Agricultural Show in 1885. Due to degradation of the embossed markings, it is uncertain what the medal was awarded for or whom it was awarded to. It may have been awarded to a member of the Busse family prior to W.C. Busse's birth. Rutherglen is located approximately 18 kilometres from Chiltern. European agriculture and horticulture in the area was well established prior to the discovery of gold in the region in the 1860s. It held its first yearly Agricultural Show in 1880; in the present day it has a sister event focusing on showcasing the region's wines. Wilfred Clarence Busse was born in Chiltern in 1898. He went to school at Wesley College in Melbourne, studied law at the University of Melbourne and became a barrister. Additionally, after spending time on a Victorian station in his early twenties, he wrote two historical novels about bush life. His first novel was 'The Blue Beyond: a Romance of the Early Days in South Eastern Australia', written in 1928 and published in 1930. Busse's second novel was titled 'The Golden Plague: A Romance of the Early Fifties'. The judges of the Henry Lawson Society's T.E. Rofe competition to advance Australian literature unanimously awarded it the Gold Medal in 1931 for the best historical novel of 1930. Newspaper articles about the award mention the writer's meticulous documentary and oral history research regarding life on the Gold Fields in the 1850s. It became a best-seller. Busse also wrote a series of articles about local history for "The Federal Standard" newspaper in Chiltern. He was a member of the Chiltern Athenaeum. He died in 1960. This item is significant for the information it provides about the development of industry and local culture in Victoria in the 1880s. Bronze coloured medal attached to single large-format chain link; embossed medal markings are indistinct but appear to show Coat of Arms on reverse side. Inscription on obverse: Illegible Indistinct inscription on reverse may read: Rutherglen Agricultural Society medal, rutherglen agricultural show, chiltern, north-east victoria, gold fields, gold mining, gold rush, 1885, heirloom, farming, horticulture, rutherglen historical society, indigo shire, wilfred clarence busse, golden plague, authors, writers, victorian writers, victorian literature, historical fiction, blue beyond, wesley college, federal standard -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Digital photograph, Winter's Swamp surrounds, April 2014
The swamp was named after John (Jock) Winter. John Winter (Jock) was born in Berwickshire, Scotland. He married Janet Margaret Irving the daughter of Robert Irving, advocate, Bonshaw, Dumfries, Scotland. Winter died in Ballarat in 1875 and was buried at the Ballaarat Old Cemetery. He took up the run Bonshaw from 1841; Leigh River Buninyong 1842-46; Junction, Delatite, March 1851 to September 1862; with sons: Carag Carag and Corop, April 1857 to September 1872; Colbinabbin and Stewart’s Plains, April 1857 to December 1872; St Germains February 1867 to March 1871. (The name became Winter-Irving in 1890). Mr John Winter, who died on August 22 at the age of 72, was a man of some note it the mining community of Ballarat. He was a self-made man, and one of our oldest colonists, it being over a quarter of a century age since he took up county about Ballarat and settled at Bonshaw. He died very rich. It is calculated that if he had retained an interest in all his runs, his income must have been not less than £10,000 or £50,000 a year. Some eight or ten years ago he sold his Bonshaw pre-emption to the Bonshaw Gold mining Company for £20,000, and a few years later the ground belonging now to Winter's Freehold Company brought him £50,000 more, the payment being made at the requisition of the deceased in sovereigns. In these relations Mr. Winter has been closely identified with the mining industry at Ballarat. The deceased was a native of Lauder, in Berwickshire, and landed in Victoria several years before the gold discovery. BHS were commissioned by Ballarat Environment Network for a project on Winter's Swamp and Skipton Common. Winter's Swamp was part of Ballarat West Common. The principle task of this project was the delivery of a report outlining the history of European settlement in the Skipton and Cardigan/Ballarat districts as pertinent to the use of and impact on the natural environment of the two reserves Skipton Common and Winter Swamp. The report was delivered in digital form only. The report, upon completion, was presented to the Network’s Committee in order to discuss the project. The report identified and described the uses of Skipton Common and Winter Swamp, and their impacts. In particular, this report examined farming/grazing (official and informal), mining, vegetation removal (including the removal of woodlands for timber, grasslands for pasture improvement) & use of riparian areas for access to water and timber removal. Recording the more benign and environmentally friendly uses such as picnicking, community activities, nature walks and the roles of organisations such as Field Naturalists’ and Bird Observers’ clubs, school and scout/guide groups will be relevant in helping to depict overall community attitudes towards the reserves; e.g.: has the Common generally been viewed as little more than a grazing paddock and fire hazard; has Winter Swamp always been the unknown natural asset that seems to have been its lot for at least the past 40 years? In this regard, the more contemporary history of actions surrounding the use and management of the reserves is of particular interest, in view of the extant evidence at both reserves; e.g. the actions of the Shire of Ballarat in the 1980s in establishing Winter Swamp as something of a competitor to Lake Wendouree but with a more environmental bent (although almost none of the plants used are indigenous species, but that is part of the story); the trotting track constructed on Skipton Common in the 1960s following representations to Premier Henry Bolte and the cropping of the western section of the Common to raise funds for the town’s new swimming pool, the fertilizing of the land putting an end to the native grassland vegetation. There are obviously multiple sources of information to source in preparing the report, however sources that the contractor is specifically requested to consult are the Skipton Historical Society, the former Skipton Common managers (specifically Graeme Pett), the Cardigan Windermere Landcare Group and the Learmonth Historical Society (believed to hold many of the former Shire of Ballarat’s records pertaining to the Council’s role as the Committee of Management for both Winter Swamp and the Ballarat West Town Common – Winter Swamp was split between 2 separate Crown Land tenures). The contractor is also encouraged but not required to utilise community newsletters, such as the Skipton Community Newsletter, to publicise and seek information about the project. Skipton Historical Society (Mary Bradshaw) contacted on Thursday 12 June 2.30pm. Mary lived on a farm out of Skipton but is currently living in the township. She remembers walking along the creek of the Common especially in spring and autumn in bare feet and that it was a very pretty place. There were a few snakes around the waterway in summer. People put cows and a couple of horses on the commonage to graze. Graeme Pett has always lived close to the Common and would know a lot about it. Other possible contacts would be Nicole Petress, Secretary of the Progress Association, and the Corangamite Council, Camperdown. Mary can’t remember any photos in the Skipton Historical Society that pertain to the Common. Digital photos of Winter's swamp surrounds, later known as Mullawullah.winter, winter's swamp surrounds, winter's swap, john winter, ballarat environmental network, ballarat, mullawullah -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Book, William B McGregor, Encountering Aboriginal languages : studies in the history of Australian linguistics, 2008
"This edited volume represents the first book-length study of the history of research on Australian Aboriginal languages, and collects together 18 original papers on a wide variety of topics, spanning the period from first settlement to the present day. The introduction sets the scene for the book by presenting an overview of the history of histories of research on the languages of Australia , and identifying some of the major issues in Aboriginal linguistic historiography as well as directions for future investigations. Part 1 presents three detailed investigations of the history of work on particular languages and regions.The eight papers of Part 2 study and re-evaluate the contributions of particular individuals, most of who are somewhat marginal or have been marginalised in Aboriginal linguistics. Part 3 consists of six studies specific linguistic topics: sign language research, language revival, pidgins and creoles, fieldwork, Fr. Schmidt's work on personal pronouns, and the discovery that Australia was a multilingual continent. Overall, the volume presents two major challenges to Australianist orthodoxy. First, the papers challenge the typically anachronistic approaches to the history of Aboriginal linguistics, and reveal the need to examine previous research in the context of their times - and the advantages of doing so to contemporary understanding and language documentation. Second, the widespread presumption that the period 1910-1960 represented the 'dark ages' of Aboriginal linguistics, characterised by virtually no linguistic work, is refuted by a number of studies in the present volume."B&w photographs, maps -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Sweet Bursaria, 2008
Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p181 The rare Eltham Copper Butterfly, Paralucia pyro-discus, was saved from near extinction by a community campaign in the late 1980s. Thanks to that effort, the butterfly, a form of the Fiery Copper Butterfly, with a wing span of only 2.5cm, can be seen in parts of Eltham and Greensborough from late November to April. As late as 1987 the butterfly was thought to be near extinction. But that year, entomologist, Michael Braby, found several colonies, including two major ones in natural bushland on Diosma Road, Eltham. However these were threatened with destruction, as their habitat was to be destroyed by a development of 71 houses. The colonies were on a 14 hectare subdivision owned by Esanda Finance, an ANZ Bank subsidiary. It would cost around $5 million, to reimburse the bank for the land. The butterfly, which depends on woodland, a stunted form of the Sweet Bursaria bush, and the Notoncus ant, was considered too fragile to relocate. Braby’s discovery led to a sometimes fiery two-year campaign, which even became an election issue. It involved the local community, local and state governments and the developer, before a compromise was reached. The larvae have an intricate relationship with the small black ant, Notoncus. During the day, the larvae shelter in nests made by the ants around the base of the trunk and roots of the Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa). The ants are thought to protect the larvae from predators and parasites, as they attend them from the nests to feed on the Bursaria leaves at night. In return, the larvae excrete a sugar solution, which the ants love to eat. The butterfly was first recorded in Victoria in 1893, and first collected scientifically from Eltham in 1931. But it was only officially named in 1951, by Victoria’s then top butterfly expert, David Crosby.2 However, from 1970, rapid housing development in Eltham destroyed much of the butterfly’s habitat. The discovery of several major colonies in 1987 met with great excitement, and 250 people attended the first local public meeting. The State Government commissioned Crosby to investigate how to protect the butterfly, and the council froze development for three weeks. Then Esanda agreed to suspend development for several months, until a compromise was reached. Crosby recommended that 62 of the 71 lots be kept to ensure the butterflys’ survival. However this would cost $1 million to $1.5million in compensation to Esanda. Greensborough MP Pauline Toner, launched a $1million fundraising campaign and many artists donated their works to the appeal. Toner offered Clifton Pugh’s painting Eltham Copper Country to millionaire Alan Bond for $1 million, after having heard that he had offered $6 million for the Van Gough painting Sunflowers. However Bond did not accept. The butterfly was considered a ‘hot’ election issue during the by-election, following Pauline Toner’s resignation. Liberal party candidate, Margaret Brown, was accused of falsely saying she had been involved in the butterfly campaign so as to win votes. Sadly, the $1million appeal fell short at $426,000, so a compromise was reached. The State Government donated the Education Department site on Eucalyptus Road, but only nine lots of the Diosma site were bought, and the rest of the development went ahead. On March 3, 1989, Ms Toner died, and the Eucalyptus Road site was named in her honour. Around 2000 the butterfly was further threatened by proposed developments on Pitt Street, facing the Pauline Toner Reserve and between Diosma and Nyora Roads. Fortunately the Friends of the ECB, with the Shire of Nillumbik, ensured that more habitat was made available. The butterfly now survives in seven sites in Eltham and Greensborough, including the main sites at the Pauline Toner Reserve on Eucalyptus Road, the Western and Eastern colonies on Diosma Road, and the Yandell Reserve in Greensborough.The butterfly survives also in Castlemaine and in the Kiata and Salisbury areas. However, it remains endangered.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham copper butterfly, sweet bursaria -
Port of Echuca
Audio - Oral History - Geoff Evans, Oral History of Geoffrey Thomas Evans of Echuca b1924 d 2007, 2002
Geoff Evans was the third generation to run Evans Brothers Sawmills that operated from the northern end of the Echuca Wharf from 1923 to 1983. His grandfather Richard James Evans orig. of England, settled in Victoria at a young age. He first worked as a butcher and later cut firewood in the Heathcote and Bacchus Marsh area. ‘R.J.’, as he was known established a sawmill at Barmah in the 1890s, before relocating to this site in 1923. It became known officially as the Evans Bros. Echuca Red Gum Sawmill. This site proved more economical due to its position at the railhead. Paddlesteamers towed barges carrying the logs from the surrounding forests to this mill. The Steamers that were owned by the Evans family were the Edwards (built 1875) and the Melbourne (built 1912). The Edwards was the main towing vessel. Outrigger barges at this mill were the Impulse (1885), Alison (1907), Clyde (once a paddlesteamer, built in 1884). Insider barges at the mill were old wool barges with iron topsides, the J.L.Roberts (1894), ADA (1899) and the Whaler which was of wooden construction. The Evans Mill cut both red gum and Murray pine. There was a main mill for the red gum and a second one for the pine on this site. Two new Marshall steam engines had been purchased by the family, one was used in the P.S. Edwards and the other for the Barmah mill and later this site. The Evans Bros. Mill was very much a family concern with it being owned and operated firstly by R.J., then his son Frederick. R. Evans and later grandson Geoff Evans. The mill employed 18 workers and operated until the 1980s, only briefly was it in the hands of other owners before the construction on part of the site of a tourist-oriented building known as the Red Gum Works which eventually made way for the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre in 2014.Knowledge of the redgum timber milling industry and associated mechanisms such as log slips is scant with little photographic representations to be found. The industry created alongside the Murray River in various places was very unique given the nature of red gum not floating and ingenuity and making use of local resources was required. Geoff Evans had firsthand knowledge of much of this process and how the Echuca Wharf area used to be in past decades. Geoff was also a popular musician and mayor of Echuca so had much knowledge of the local history and community.Digital recording of oral history interview with Geoff Evans of Evans Brothers Sawmill Echuca. evans bros, evans bros saw mills, evans' sawmill, geoff evans, log slip, log skid, p.s. edwards, p.s. melbourne, impulse barge, allison barge, clyde barge, j.l. roberts barge, ada barge, whaler barge, murray pine, redgum, marshall engines, r.j evans, f.j. evans, discovery centre, p.s. marion -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - Artwork - Painting, 'School of Mines New Beginnings part a & b' by John Collier, 2008
John COLLIER (1937- 2012) John Collier was born at Ballarat in 1937. He received a Diploma of Mining and a Diploma of Civil Engineering at the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB), later graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining). Early in his career he received a Diploma of Accountancy from the Australian Society of Accountants. Collier believes his experience at SMB had a profound influence on his life, especially what he learnt in Geology, Engineering, Chemistry, etc., all of which he found beneficial to his later working life and he is proud of that association. Through his experience in the world-wide mining industry John Collier has made a major impact on the mining industry. He has been exploration leader for a large number of worldwide discoveries and farm-ins both major and minor. He has experience in every facet of the mining industry, and his record in identifying diamond opportunities include Australian (Argyle), Canada (Diabik), Zimbabwe, and the Brazil Pipe (Collier Falls). His success in diamond exploration may be unparalleled. John Collier also has significant success with lead-zinc, iron ore, coal, copper, gold-silver, petroleum, heavy minerals, nickel, uranium, industrial minerals, rare earths, and tin. In 2006 John Collier was made a Legend in Mining by the Australian Mining Industry. Over his last 10 years, he had become a passionate painter, holding several successful solo exhibitions. His naive style featured beautiful and unexpected colour combinations. Many of his most lauded paintings depicted mining scenes, harking back to his Ballarat days. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Two artworks by John Collier inspired by his alma mater, the Ballarat School of Mines. art, artwork, john collier, ballarat school of mines, alumni -
Buninyong Visitor Information Centre
Container - Ceramic bottle, K. Evans Potteries of Nottingham, Brown glazed stoneware bottle
Made in Nottingham, England by K. Evans. K. Evans Potteries in Nottingham has an intriguing history. During the construction of the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway Company’s new London line (now known as the Great Central) through Nottingham, several objects of antiquarian interest were discovered. Among these treasures was an ancient pottery kiln, buried for centuries beneath the soft yellow Bunter sandstone rock that forms a significant part of the city’s foundation. The excavation took place near the point where Parliament Street intersects the railway, at a depth of ten to twelve feet below the original surface. The credit for rescuing many of these pottery fragments from destruction goes to Mr. C. B. Wright, of the late firm I. & I. C. Wright & Co., Bankers. His dedication and ingenuity allowed him to piece together broken parts, sometimes assembling as many as thirty or forty fragments to form a single complete specimen. These pottery pieces provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. Here are some details about the pottery found at K. Evans Potteries: Material: The pottery is made of coarse, reddish-brown clay. Construction: Evidence suggests that the potter’s wheel was used in their creation. Ornamentation: The vessels lack decorative patterns, except for indented or grooved handles. These handles exhibit a crude attempt at foliation, with the potter’s thumb leaving its mark. Function: The pottery likely served practical purposes, such as carrying water, ale, mead, or wine. Stew jars and drinking vessels were also part of this collection. This discovery remains almost unique, and its age continues to intrigue local antiquaries. While theories about its origin are scarce, the K. Evans Potteries offer a fascinating glimpse into Nottingham’s ancient craftsmanship. Cylindrical brown pottery jar (Bottle) with broken neck section. Uneven and work appearance of glazed surface.'... Stone bottles. K. Evans. ...Potteries of Nottingham'ceramics, pottery, bottles -
Federation University Historical Collection
Magazine - Booklet, Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine, 1944, 1944
List of Full Course Students' 1944, Editorial, News and Notes, Obituary, The Literary Society, Fumes from the Lab, Our Sojourn in Port Pirie, Arts & Crafts Gossip, Sport, Commercial Notes, The Junior Techs, List of Junior Technical School Students' 1944White, blue, green and gold soft covered magazine of 66 pages including advertisements. Artworks Mr Heseltine - By Ruth Mole Mack - By Beryl Grinter Frederick - By Beryl Grinter Stan - By Ruth Mole Scotty - By Joan Walter Jenko - By Ruth Mole Dagwood - By Ruth Mole Along the track - By Neville Reeve Kanga - By Ruth Mole Nev - By Ruth Mole Charlie - By Joan Walter Shergold - By Joan Walter Very friendly people at this beach, everyone's waving at me - By John Procter At the crest of the hill - By Joan Walter Joyce - By Beryl Grinter Mr Procter - By Ruth Mole Phyllis - By Neville Reeve Gwen - By Beryl Grinter Doreen - By William Bates Laurel - By Joan Walter Lorna - By Ruth Mole Ah! an important discovery! wireless poles on Mars - By Frank Daykin Barbara - By Joan Walter Winsome - By Beryl Grinter Kath - By Joan Walter Lola - By Ruth Mole Amy - By Beryl Grinter Laurel - By Beryl Grinter Gwen - By Beryl Grinter June - By Beryl Grinter Peggy - By Beatrice Burgess Winifred - By Ruth Mole Elaine - By M.D Iris - By Ruth Mole Iris - By Ruth Mole Isobel - By Joan Walter Betty - By Joan Walter Nancy - By Neville Reeve Charlie - By Ruth Mole Harold - By Joan Walter Sammy - By Joan Walter Brokie - By Ruth Mole Dick - By Joan Walter Mac - By Ruth Mole Mac - By Beryl Grinter Willie - By Beryl Grinter Deany - By Beryl Grinter Ducky - By Ruth Mole Fitzy - By Joan Walter ballarat school of mines, magazine, percival d. fisher, neville reeve, gwen spiers, p. marxsen, stanley c. sharp, john c. shergold, beatrice e. burgess, john g. procter, alan m. scott, w. reid, elsie coombs, laurence j. george, d. wise, robert j. mckenzie, marian a. beckwith, geoffrey biddington, thelma ellsworth, maxwell a. richards, norma eltringham, k. saunders, john a. mckenzie, beryl grinter, frank d. daykin, dawn wilson, ernest j. poppins, dr pound, mr mein, mr f. g. procter, joan t. walter, peter j. wilson, ruth mole, ian cooper, jack lannen, jack henderson, james duncan, alan wilson, j. baird, ian mclachlan, maxwell lawrence, ken palmer, joy martin, patricia allan, graham lawrie, kevin mclachlan, marion pearce, dimsey, vaughan, wilson, callister, max webster, stan lawrie, eric goon, m. collins, alan paganetti, robert tasman pound, william symons, f. neville. reeve, lester w. roffey, kevin j. whiter, john m. blainey, john middlin, roy e. mawby, phillip p. coulson, john w. jolly, kingsley r. bremmer, basil j. marshall, james s. owen, raymond g. mccahon, lindsay g. pattenden, david t. coburn, bruce j. linklater, muriel coultham, g. harrison, mr cornell, b. brookman, john l. lewis, valerie vickers, robert j. mcmenzie, betty law, miss king, mrs mcilvena, valerie ballinger, grace lawry, mina gallie, eloise prowse, lois strick, kenneth j. lindsay, r. eggleton, w. redfern, w. blundell, l. clifton, w. parker, r. fitzclarence, r. sargent, d. mclachlan, c. mouser, w. trevethan, d. hart, r. bennett, j. beecroft, r. ingleton, k. dean, w. young, b. holloway, w. coad, a. clark, k. innes, k. george, r. willian, j. heys, a. coad, l. dennis, p. banfield, g. pyke, j. humphrey, h. george, f. jacobson, f. savage, c. eltringham, i. scott, a. hughes, h. fumberger, a. smith, m. grinham, c. hoffman, r. swales, joan walter, william bates -
Clunes Museum
Document - POST OFFICE HISTORIC RECORD
2 COPIES OF HISTORIC RECORD OF CLUNES POST OFFICE, WHICH WAS OPENED IN OCTOBER 1857, CLUNES WAS A MAJOR GOLD-MINIG SETTLEMENT AND WAS THE SITE OF THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN 1851 . IN 1857 IT HAD A POPULATION OF 22O, IN 1861 THERE WERE 1711 IN 1881 5811 IN 1891 3486 IN 1901 2426 LONG YIELDING QUARTZ MINES WERE LOCATED AT CLUNES. THE TOWN IS LOCATED ABOUT 33 KM NORTH OF BALLARAT. IT BECAM AN LPO ON 4 JANUARY 1994 BARRED NUMERAL CANCEL 147 WAS USED AT CLUNES. IT IS RATED AS COMMON POST OFFICERS AT CLUNES HAVE BEEN: MARK PATTINSON 1857-1861 JAMES LYNDONCOLLIER 1861-1884 JOHN HARTLEY KIBBLE 1884-1886 SAMUAL BAKER 1886-1887 AUGUSTUS WOLFE 1887-1890 MATTHEW GLENTON 1891-1903 JAMES DIRLING HUDSON 1903-1912 WALTER CHARLES THORNTON 1912-1918 FRANK EDGAR JOHN BLAKE 1918-1923 HERBERT STANLEY OPPERMAN 1923-1925 WILLIAM HENRY MADDOCK 1925-1928 GEORGE LEONARD POWELL 1928-1929 GEORGE A;EXANDER CAMERON 1929-1934 G A STEVENS (STEPHENS?) 1934-1945 WALTER BERTRAND WILLIAMSON 1945-1950 FEDERA; HENRY GORDEN RODDA 1950-1952 PATRICK JOSEPH LYNCH 1952-1956 THOMAS SELWYN BALLINGER 1956-1962 JOHN PATRICK GRIGG 1962-1966 LESLIE BENJAMIN CARMICHAEL 1966-1975 G M STOUT 1975 TO THERE IS A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE POSTOFFICE AND SOM STAMPS. ONE COPY IS LAMINATED clunes post office, post officers 1857 to 1975, history of post office -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Original x-rays, X-rays from pioneering Ballarat Demonstrations, 1896, 1896
X-Rays were first discovered on 08 November 1895. By 18 July 1896 staff members of the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB), were experimenting with the exciting new discovery. The history of x-rays began on 08 November 1895 at the University of Wurzburg in Bavaria. The discovery was officially announced on 25 December 1895. The first radiographs in Ballarat were taken at the School of Mines in July 1896 according to the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Annual Report. Frederick J. Martell, the Registrar of SMB arranged for the importation of tubes, while John M. Sutherland, an electrician, conducted most of the experiments giving 6 inch, 12 inch and 16 inch sparks respectively. In a short time brilliantly successful results were obtained, with some SMB Roentgen negatives taken at this time still in existence today. Samuel Ernest Figgis, H. R. W. Murphy, D. McDougall, and Frederick J. Martell carried out experiments at the SMB on Saturday evening 18 July 1896, producing 'perfect' negatives of a hand and wrist. A Roentgen Tube and an induction coil giving a two inch spark, the coil being sparked by the SMB's dynamo, were used to obtain these results. The Courier reported that 'the exposure of five minutes was ample' but concluded that 'the length of the exposure will be shortened as experiments proceed.' The Ballarat Courier reported on 20 July 1896 that: "Thanks to the energy of the staff of The School of Mines, Ballarat, and particularly to Messers F.J. Martell and D. McDougall, the assistance of Rontgen X-rays will soon be available, for the relief of suffering humanity, at this institution." Martell was an ardent amateur photographer, and Duncan McDougall's experience as an electrician has enabled the two gentlemen to carry their experiments on to a perfectly successful issue. At first these gentlemen, together with Professor Purdie and Mr W. Huey Steele, conducted a series of experiments by the aid of a Bonetti glass-plate induction machine which had been constructed by Mr McDougall. The results were very good, the various bones of the hand being distinctly visible. The following people were among those who witnessed the first X-ray experiments to be carried out in Ballarat. Andrew Anderson, President of the School of Mines, a large number of ladies and gentlemen, the medical profession Dr Edward Champion (1867-1929) Dr Gerald Eugene Cussen (1888-1943) Dr William Edward Davies (1868-1928) Dr Charles William Henry hardy (1861-1941) Dr Edward Kenneth Herring(1864-1922) Dr Joseph Lalor (1859-1907) Dr James Thomas Mitchell (1856-1945) Dr Edward Graham Ochiltree (1857-1896) Dr Robert Denham Pinnock (1849-1902) Dr Joseph Francis Usher (c1832-1909) Dr Grace Vale (nk-1933). The staff of SMB Professor Alfred Mica Smith Professor D. J. Dawbarn Mr. F. J. Martell. (http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/aasp/is/library/collections/art_history/honour-roll/honourroll_X-Ray_pioneers.shtml) "Seven patients of the doctors who were present were treated. In each case the patient was suffering from the effects of an old wound or some other injury to other a hand or foot. One patient, a boy had a finger broken some years earlier and when xray plate of the injury was developed it indicated plainly the fracture on one of the joints of the third finger. In another case a woman had a foot had a foot X-rayed and the photograph revealed the seat of an earlier imjury to it. Likewise an injury to the bones of a hand of an elderly man was revealed by an x-ray photograph. Every X-ray photograph that evening showed the importance of this new development in electrical science and the doctors present agreed the "the results of the experiments on their patients, by showing the exact seat of the injury and its present condittion, would materially assist them iin supporting cures." (Warren Perry, The Ballarat School of Mines and Industries Ballarat, p 146.)A number of photographic xrays as taken by the Ballarat School of Mines in 1896. The xrays include bones, hands, feet, shoes and more. ballarat school of mines, scientific equipment, x-ray, xray, photography, foto, roentgen tube -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Pauline Toner Butterfly Reserve, 2008
One of seven sites in Eltham and Greensborough where the butterfly survives. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p181 The rare Eltham Copper Butterfly, Paralucia pyro-discus, was saved from near extinction by a community campaign in the late 1980s. Thanks to that effort, the butterfly, a form of the Fiery Copper Butterfly, with a wing span of only 2.5cm, can be seen in parts of Eltham and Greensborough from late November to April. As late as 1987 the butterfly was thought to be near extinction. But that year, entomologist, Michael Braby, found several colonies, including two major ones in natural bushland on Diosma Road, Eltham. However these were threatened with destruction, as their habitat was to be destroyed by a development of 71 houses. The colonies were on a 14 hectare subdivision owned by Esanda Finance, an ANZ Bank subsidiary. It would cost around $5 million, to reimburse the bank for the land. The butterfly, which depends on woodland, a stunted form of the Sweet Bursaria bush, and the Notoncus ant, was considered too fragile to relocate. Braby’s discovery led to a sometimes fiery two-year campaign, which even became an election issue. It involved the local community, local and state governments and the developer, before a compromise was reached. The larvae have an intricate relationship with the small black ant, Notoncus. During the day, the larvae shelter in nests made by the ants around the base of the trunk and roots of the Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa). The ants are thought to protect the larvae from predators and parasites, as they attend them from the nests to feed on the Bursaria leaves at night. In return, the larvae excrete a sugar solution, which the ants love to eat. The butterfly was first recorded in Victoria in 1893, and first collected scientifically from Eltham in 1931. But it was only officially named in 1951, by Victoria’s then top butterfly expert, David Crosby.2 However, from 1970, rapid housing development in Eltham destroyed much of the butterfly’s habitat. The discovery of several major colonies in 1987 met with great excitement, and 250 people attended the first local public meeting. The State Government commissioned Crosby to investigate how to protect the butterfly, and the council froze development for three weeks. Then Esanda agreed to suspend development for several months, until a compromise was reached. Crosby recommended that 62 of the 71 lots be kept to ensure the butterflys’ survival. However this would cost $1 million to $1.5million in compensation to Esanda. Greensborough MP Pauline Toner, launched a $1million fundraising campaign and many artists donated their works to the appeal. Toner offered Clifton Pugh’s painting Eltham Copper Country to millionaire Alan Bond for $1 million, after having heard that he had offered $6 million for the Van Gough painting Sunflowers. However Bond did not accept. The butterfly was considered a ‘hot’ election issue during the by-election, following Pauline Toner’s resignation. Liberal party candidate, Margaret Brown, was accused of falsely saying she had been involved in the butterfly campaign so as to win votes. Sadly, the $1million appeal fell short at $426,000, so a compromise was reached. The State Government donated the Education Department site on Eucalyptus Road, but only nine lots of the Diosma site were bought, and the rest of the development went ahead. On March 3, 1989, Ms Toner died. Thee Eucalyptus Road site was named in her honour. Around 2000 the butterfly was further threatened by proposed developments on Pitt Street, facing the Pauline Toner Reserve and between Diosma and Nyora Roads. Fortunately the Friends of the ECB, with the Shire of Nillumbik, ensured that more habitat was made available. The butterfly now survives in seven sites in Eltham and Greensborough, including the main sites at the Pauline Toner Reserve on Eucalyptus Road, the Western and Eastern colonies on Diosma Road, and the Yandell Reserve in Greensborough.5 The butterfly survives also in Castlemaine and in the Kiata and Salisbury areas. However, it remains endangered.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham copper butterfly, pauline toner butterfly reserve -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Decorative object - Swinging Clock, Charles Frederick Falck, 1855
This clock was made by Charles Frederick Falck who was a watchmaker and jeweller in Beechworth from 1863-1908. Falck was born in Körlin, Prussia on May 22nd in 1833 and died at the age of 75 in 1908. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Beechworth: edition June 13, 1908 OBITUARY: Falck was brought up to the business of watch-making, in which he developed exceptional mechanical ingenuity. Attracted by the favourable prospects held out by the Australian discoveries of gold he, like many other young adventurous spirits, left his native land to seek his fortune in the great southern Eldorado, arriving in Adelaide in 1854, and shortly after came to Melbourne where he worked as a journeyman, and subsequently started in business on his own account. Feeling inclined to test his fortune on the goldfields, he went to Blackwood but, meeting with little success, he returned to Melbourne where he was married. In 1862, he moved to Beechworth, where he commenced business as watchmaker and gold-buyer. He then embarked in vine-growing on the Sydney road, but eventually resumed his business avocations. His skill in practical horology was evinced in a clock of his own design and manufacture, surmounted by a golden eagle, which was exhibited at the first Melbourne Exhibition in 1856, and which afterwards formed a pre-eminent attraction in the window of his business premises in Ford Street. For many years, he filled the position of timekeeper to the Beechworth Racing Club, with complete satisfaction also at various sports meetings. He leaves a family of six sons and one daughter (Mrs. Jas. Broadfoot) all arrived at maturity. The funeral, which was well attended by a number of residents, took place at the Beechworth Cemetery on Sunday, the burial service being performed by the Ven. Archdeacon Potter. The cortege was capably supervised by Mr. D. Wilson, undertaker. The clock was returned to Beechworth in 2020 through the generous support of the Copland Foundation. Given that Mr. C. F. Falck traded as a watchmaker and jeweller in Beechworth for 45 years and traded with the 1855 clock mounted in his front window, there is a direct link between the clocks and the social, cultural and economic life of nineteenth century Beechworth at time when the town was developing and expanding in response to gold mining. This clock represent the significant skill and expertise of Charles Falck as an horologist. Medium-sized pendulum clock featuring a carved gilt wood eagle with wings outstretch (épandre - expanded with wing-tips directed upwards) and perched above a pendulum rod that holds a silver dial clock face within a reeded sunburst surround. The clock has an eight-day fuse movement with dead beat escapement wound from the clock face. C. F. F. FALCK / EXHIBITION 1856 / MELBOURNEburke museum, copland foundation, beechworth, leonard joel, auction, purchase, clock, pendulum, eagle, eagle clock, charles frederick falck, c. f. falck, falck, horology, pendulum clock, melbourne -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Decorative object - Swinging Clock, Charles Frederick Falck, 1870
This clock was made by Charles Frederick Falck who was a watchmaker and jeweller in Beechworth from 1863-1908. Falck was born in Körlin, Prussia on May 22nd in 1833 and died at the age of 75 in 1908. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Beechworth: edition June 13, 1908 OBITUARY: Falck was brought up to the business of watch-making, in which he developed exceptional mechanical ingenuity. Attracted by the favourable prospects held out by the Australian discoveries of gold he, like many other young adventurous spirits, left his native land to seek his fortune in the great southern Eldorado, arriving in Adelaide in 1854, and shortly after came to Melbourne where he worked as a journeyman, and subsequently started in business on his own account. Feeling inclined to test his fortune on the goldfields, he went to Blackwood but, meeting with little success, he returned to Melbourne where he was married. In 1862, he moved to Beechworth, where he commenced business as watchmaker and gold-buyer. He then embarked in vine-growing on the Sydney road, but eventually resumed his business avocations. His skill in practical horology was evinced in a clock of his own design and manufacture, surmounted by a golden eagle, which was exhibited at the first Melbourne Exhibition in 1856, and which afterwards formed a pre-eminent attraction in the window of his business premises in Ford Street. For many years, he filled the position of timekeeper to the Beechworth Racing Club, with complete satisfaction also at various sports meetings. He leaves a family of six sons and one daughter (Mrs. Jas. Broadfoot) all arrived at maturity. The funeral, which was well attended by a number of residents, took place at the Beechworth Cemetery on Sunday, the burial service being performed by the Ven. Archdeacon Potter. The cortege was capably supervised by Mr. D. Wilson, undertaker. The clock was returned to Beechworth in 2020 through the generous support of the Copland Foundation and the Friends of the Burke. Given that Mr. C. F. Falck traded as a watchmaker and jeweller in Beechworth for 45 years and traded with the 1855 clock mounted in his front window, there is a direct link between the clocks and the social, cultural and economic life of nineteenth century Beechworth at time when the town was developing and expanding in response to gold mining. This clock represent the significant skill and expertise of Charles Falck as an horologist. Large swinging clock featuring a carved gilt wood eagle with its wings outstretched (abaisé - expanded with wing-tips lowered) and perched above a pendulum rod that holds a silvered dial clock face within a reeded sunburst surround. (Similar to #2019.056.01) The clock has an eight-day fuse movement with dead beat escapement wound from the clock face. C. F. FALCK / WATCHMAKERburke museum, copland foundation, beechworth, leonard joel, auction, purchase, clock, pendulum, eagle, eagle clock, charles frederick falck, c. f. falck, falck, horology, pendulum clock, melbourne -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Photograph - Colour, John Brooksbank's Old Identities' medal
The Old Identities' Association was a forerunner of the Old Colonists' Association Ballarat. John Brooksbank was a very early arrival to Ballarat in September 1851, which was not long after the discovery of gold at Ballarat. J. Brooksbank lost a dog in 1857 "LOST from the Half Way House, Smythe's Creek Road, a black bloodhound and kangaroo dog. Anyone detaining him after this date will be prosecuted. J. BROOKSBANK" (Ballarat Star, 30 December 1857) Another very early identity in Ballarat, James Oddie, advertised the sale of J. Brooksbank's hotel in 1860: "JAMES ODDIE & CO. have received instructions from the Mortgagees, to sell I by auction at their rooms, Dana street, on Thursday, 20th September, at twelve o'clock, All that desirable properly known as the , Halfway House Hotel, Together with all that piece or parcel of ' land situate in the parish of Cardigan and county of Grenville, containing 34 acres 1 rood 26 ½ perches, part of allotment 1, section 6, of said parish, situated on the Ballarat and Smythesdale road, and recently occupied by Mr J. Brooksbank. The property consists of a spacious stone building one story high, strong and substantially built, the internal fittings and arrangements are neat and complete. The house possesses all requisite accommodation for a respectable country hotel. In addition are stockyards, stables &c, all well and securely fenced. Terms at Sale. (Ballarat Star, 20 September 1860) Four years later Brookbank was selling his hotel in Lyons Street Ballarat: "RARE OPPORTUNITY.-FOR SALE the BLACK BULL HOTEL, Lyons street. The proprietor of the above hotel being about entering into another line of business, begs to call the attention of parties looking for a safe and profitable investment, the above having undergone thorough repairs, and is now in good working order and doing a fair share of business. The conditions will, be half cash, balance six, nine, and twelve months. Apply, J. Brooksbank, proprietor, on the premises. (Ballarat Star, 22 October 1864)Colour photograph of a sterling silver medal relating to The Old Identities' Association 1851-1854. The medallion, belonging to John Brooksbank, has a drilled hole at the top suggesting it was worn by the owner at some stage in its life. The medal has been engraved: Arrived "Sep 51 J. Brooksbankold identities association, old colonists' association ballarat, c.a. welch, silversmith, numismatics, j. brooksbank, medal -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Photograph - Black and White, John Brooksbank
The Old Identities' Association was a forerunner of the Old Colonists' Association Ballarat. John Brooksbank was a very early arrival to Ballarat in September 1851, which was not long after the discovery of gold at Ballarat. J. Brooksbank lost a dog in 1857 "LOST from the Half Way House, Smythe's Creek Road, a black bloodhound and kangaroo dog. Anyone detaining him after this date will be prosecuted. J. BROOKSBANK" (Ballarat Star, 30 December 1857) Another very early identity in Ballarat, James Oddie, advertised the sale of J. Brooksbank's hotel in 1860: "JAMES ODDIE & CO. have received instructions from the Mortgagees, to sell I by auction at their rooms, Dana street, on Thursday, 20th September, at twelve o'clock, All that desirable properly known as the , Halfway House Hotel, Together with all that piece or parcel of ' land situate in the parish of Cardigan and county of Grenville, containing 34 acres 1 rood 26 ½ perches, part of allotment 1, section 6, of said parish, situated on the Ballarat and Smythesdale road, and recently occupied by Mr J. Brooksbank. The property consists of a spacious stone building one story high, strong and substantially built, the internal fittings and arrangements are neat and complete. The house possesses all requisite accommodation for a respectable country hotel. In addition are stockyards, stables &c, all well and securely fenced. Terms at Sale. (Ballarat Star, 20 September 1860) Four years later Brookbank was selling his hotel in Lyons Street Ballarat: "RARE OPPORTUNITY.-FOR SALE the BLACK BULL HOTEL, Lyons street. The proprietor of the above hotel being about entering into another line of business, begs to call the attention of parties looking for a safe and profitable investment, the above having undergone thorough repairs, and is now in good working order and doing a fair share of business. The conditions will, be half cash, balance six, nine, and twelve months. Apply, J. Brooksbank, proprietor, on the premises. (Ballarat Star, 22 October 1864)Photographic portrait of John Brooksbank from a photographic montage held by the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association.john brooksbank, ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - acrylic on canvas, Collier, John, 'Port Phillip Colonial GMC, Clunes' by John Collier, 2008
John COLLIER (1937- 2012) John Collier was born at Ballarat in 1937. He received a Diploma of Mining and a Diploma of Civil Engineering at the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB), later graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining). Early in his career he received a Diploma of Accountancy from the Australian Society of Accountants. Collier believes his experience at SMB had a profound influence on his life, especially what he learnt in Geology, Engineering, Chemistry, etc., all of which he found beneficial to his later working life and he is proud of that association. Through his experience in the world-wide mining industry John Collier has made a major impact on the mining industry. He has been exploration leader for a large number of worldwide discoveries and farm-ins both major and minor. He has experience in every facet of the mining industry, and his record in identifying diamond opportunities include Australian (Argyle), Canada (Diabik), Zimbabwe, and the Brazil Pipe (Collier Falls). His success in diamond exploration may be unparalleled. John Collier also has significant success with lead-zinc, iron ore, coal, copper, gold-silver, petroleum, heavy minerals, nickel, uranium, industrial minerals, rare earths, and tin. In 2006 John Collier was made a Legend in Mining by the Australian Mining Industry. Over his last 10 years, he had become a passionate painter, holding several successful solo exhibitions. His naive style featured beautiful and unexpected colour combinations. Many of his most lauded paintings depicted mining scenes, harking back to his Ballarat days. This work and subject matter was painted for the artist's alma mater, the Ballarat School of Mines (now Federation University Australia). This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Colourful acrylic on canvas painting depicting the Port Phillip Gold Mining Company, Clunes.art, artwork, john collier, port phillip cold mine, clunes, clunes, available, alumni, mining -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Speech, 'Forty Years On' Foundation Day 1967 address by Past President Brian Armstrong (H30), 1967
In September 1967 Legatee Brian Armstrong gave a speech about the first 40 years of Legacy. He mentions; 'what, in all humility, does our word 'Legacy' conjure up? To each of us, no doubt, something different, according to the the period of our service and our particular interests. To the early ones, many pictures, grave and gay, many voices, two perhaps in particular, both on the brink of a discovery. One, rather triumphant, - 'I've got it, we will call it "Legacy", but we will give instead of take, and look for nothing in return; and two years later, a quiet voice, still with us, thank heaven, "Have you ever through what the dying wish of our cobbers would have been?". This is our link. On the one hand, the still sharp memory of the lost men of Anzac France, Belgium, and the Middle East. One's own private nightmare - the expression in the eyes of the men of one's own Platoon, particularly towards the end, when they were warned for yet another operation. Men who by some miracle had survived twelve and more separate and individual hells between Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux and who knew full well that the Hindenberg Line was yet to come. And then we lucky ones were home again . . . Now here it was, the link, the chance to do something of real personal value, something with a real future. We do not speak a great deal of these things, nor would I do so now if I were not sure that everyone of you who wears this small badge has travelled much the same road. " He mentions the Legacy Diary belonging to Frank Meldrum, from 1925, with records on the start of Legacy. It is believed this diary was one of many documents lost in a fire. He mentions the fire destroyed the home and valuable library of Legatee Jimmy Downing. The notation H30 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. A speech given at a Legacy function that has significant information about the first forty years of Legacy.White foolscap paper with black type x 5 pages of an address by Legatee Armstrong on 26 September 1967.Handwritten H30 in red pen.history, speakers, speech, founding legatee -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Work on paper - Letter, Henry Watts, Letter written 1859
Henry Watts (1828_1889) Died at Melbourne, 16th December, 1889. He was a good microscopist. His botanical studies were chiefly devoted to algae, both fresh-water and marine, and while living for many years at Warrnambool he was a contributor of algae to Harvey, who figured Wrangelia wattsii, Harv., and Crouania wattsii, Harv., in his “Phycologia Australica " He was the author of "On the Fresh-water Algae of Victoria " (Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict., 1861-4, 67) ; .also a paper "On Fossil Polyzoa" (ib.. 82); "A Trip to Mt. Macedon in Search of Fresh-water Algae" (Wing's S. S. Record, iii., 252); "On a Species of fresh-water Algae from Victoria" (Vict. Nat., i., 21); "Some Recent Additions to our Knowledge of Microscopic Natural History" (ib., iii., I33) (includes lists of fresh-water algae and Desmidieae ), First librarian (1881-2), also a vice-president of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria. He is further commemorated by Acacia wattsiana. F. v. M. www.anbg.gov.au/biography/watts-henry.html . Henry Watts worked as a bootmaker in Timor and Liebig streets Warrnambool in the 1860’s but it was as an amateur scientist that Watts gained public notice.For an exhibiton in Melbourne in 1861 Henry Watts prepared a collection of over 100 different species of seaweed from the Warrnambool district. It is recorded in the Examiner in 1863 that he had been elected as an honorary member of the Bristol Microscopical Society of England He was a member of the Warrnambool Horticultural society and in 1865 he opted to become a flower distiller.At the 1866 MelbourneExhibition, Henry Watts exhibited 44 bottles of his perfumes. He had a keen interest in microscopes and microscopic organisms.He spent many hours combing the caves and examining the guano of local bats. This letter is written to Professor Quekett advising him that he has sent a collection of packets of samples of diatomaceae asking him to examine and name the same.. Professor Quekett was a famous microscopist of the Victorian era with the Quekett microscopist club one of the oldest in the world dedicated to the use of the microscope and its discoveries. Henry Watts was one of Warrnambool’s first botanists and marine scientists. He also established a flower distilling and perfume manufacturing business in Warrnambool. In 1861 he sent a collection of over 100 species of seaweed to the Melbourne Exhibition.Framed, handwritten letter, ink on blue paper. Transcript of letter is typed black on white paper. Five small numbered pieces of paper containing specimens of diatomaceae collected from marine and fresh water areas around Warrnambool.Names Henry Watts, Professor Quekett. Handwritten along the bottom of the frame, “The above was bought at a London Auction for $12-10-00 by Miss Eddey a Melbourne Book shop Proprietress and recently presented to the W.F.N. Club.: warrnambool, henry watts, watts henry, botanist,microscope, microscopic, quekett, john thomas quekett -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Craft - Ship Model, H.M.S. Lady Nelson, 1988
This model of the ship H.M.S. Lady Nelson was researched and built as the vessel Lady Nelson by David Lumsden, a professional ship model builder. His Majesty's Armed Survey Vessel Lady Nelson was commissioned in 1799 to survey the coast of Australia. This vessel was purpose-built before the British Admiralty requested plans for a Schooner for Port Jackson. At the time large parts of the Australian coast were unmapped and Britain had claimed only part of the continent. The British Government were concerned that, in the event of settlers of another European power becoming established in Australia, any future conflict in Europe would lead to a widening of the conflict into the southern hemisphere to the detriment of the trade that Britain sought to develop. Against this background, Lady Nelson was chosen to survey and establish sovereignty over strategic parts of the continent. Lady Nelson left Portsmouth on 18 March 1800 and arrived at Sydney on 16th December 1800 after having been the first vessel to reach the east coast of Australia via the Bass Strait. Before that date, all vessels had sailed around the southern tip of Tasmania to reach their destination. Lady Nelson's survey work commenced shortly after she arrived in Sydney, initially in the Bass Strait area. She was involved in the discovery of Port Phillip, on the coast of Victoria, in establishing settlements on the River Derwent and at Port Dalrymple in Tasmania. She also successfully chartered much of the Victorian coastline and was heavily involved with the exploration of the Queensland coast with Matthew Flinders; investigated the Hunter River; made numerous visits to New Zealand and Norfolk Island and was involved in the founding of numerous settlements. In comparison to most colonial vessels, the Lady Nelson was technically unique she was fitted with sliding keels, or centreboards, and water-tight trunks reaching to the deck. Captain Schank invented these sliding keels that, when raised, reduced her draught to less than six feet. Her life as an exploration vessel ended while accompanying HMS 'Tamar' to Melville Island in 1825, the 'Lady Nelson' was captured and later abandoned by pirates off the island of Babar (Indonesia). This brought the vessel's 25 years of coastal exploration and navigation to a close.The Lady Nelson made was the first British ship to survey of the southern or south-western coast of Australia and traverse the Bass Strait. The vessel holds a special place in Australia's history of exploration as the first to explore and establish settlements in the then-new British colony of Van Diemans Land. The model gives an insight into what life must have been like onboard sailing vessels of the time and Australia's early history of establishment and exploration. This model acts as an important legacy of the full-scale ship which no longer survives. Ship model of the 60 ton British brig HMS Lady Nelson. Timber model of a two-masted brig with rigging but no sails, displaying the British Union Jack flag. The ship is in a glass exhibition display case on metal stand. HMS Lady Nelsonflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, by captain john schanck, sliding keels or centreboards, lady nelson, british brig hms lady nelson, david lumsden ship model builder, lieutennant james grant, bass strait discovery, surveying king island and port phillip bay, philip gidley king -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Digital photograph, Dorothy Wickham, Winter's Swamp, Ballarat, January to April 2014
Study of Winter's Swamp commissioned by BEN and completed by BHS. The swamp was named after one of the first European settlers in the district. Winter Swamp LAT -37 32 LONG 143 47, Parish of Dowling Forest, County of Grenville Winter Swamp, on the southwest corner of Ballarat West Town Common, was not included in the original proclamation of the Common in 1861. However, being marshland, it was not considered suitable for grazing, so was added to the Common soon after 1861. Winter Swamp is a large wetland with native and exotic pasture significant for wildlife. John Winter (Jock) was born in Berwickshire, Scotland. He married Janet Margaret Irving the daughter of Robert Irving, advocate, Bonshaw, Dumfries, Scotland. Winter died in Ballarat in 1875 and was buried at the Ballaarat Old Cemetery. He took up the run Bonshaw from 1841; Leigh River Buninyong 1842-46; Junction, Delatite, March 1851 to September 1862; with sons: Carag Carag and Corop, April 1857 to September 1872; Colbinabbin and Stewart’s Plains, April 1857 to December 1872; St Germains February 1867 to March 1871. (The name became Winter-Irving in 1890). Mr John Winter, who died on August 22 at the age of 72, was a man of some note it the mining community of Ballarat. He was a self-made man, and one of our oldest colonists, it being over a quarter of a century age since he took up county about Ballarat and settled at Bonshaw. He died very rich. It is calculated that if he had retained an interest in all his runs, his income must have been not less than £10,000 or £50,000 a year. Some eight or ten years ago he sold his Bonshaw pre-emption to the Bonshaw Gold mining Company for £20,000, and a few years later the ground belonging now to Winter's Freehold Company brought him £50,000 more, the payment being made at the requisition of the deceased in sovereigns. In these relations Mr. Winter has been closely identified with the mining industry at Ballarat. The deceased was a native of Lauder, in Berwickshire, and landed in Victoria several years before the gold discovery.The principle task of this project was the delivery of a report outlining the history of European settlement in the Skipton and Cardigan/Ballarat districts as pertinent to the use of and impact on the natural environment of the two reserves Skipton Common and Winter Swamp. The report was delivered in digital form only. The report, upon completion, was presented to the Network’s Committee in order to discuss the project. The report identified and described the uses of Skipton Common and Winter Swamp, and their impacts. In particular, this report examined farming/grazing (official and informal), mining, vegetation removal (including the removal of woodlands for timber, grasslands for pasture improvement) & use of riparian areas for access to water and timber removal. Recording the more benign and environmentally friendly uses such as picnicking, community activities, nature walks and the roles of organisations such as Field Naturalists’ and Bird Observers’ clubs, school and scout/guide groups will be relevant in helping to depict overall community attitudes towards the reserves; e.g.: has the Common generally been viewed as little more than a grazing paddock and fire hazard; has Winter Swamp always been the unknown natural asset that seems to have been its lot for at least the past 40 years? In this regard, the more contemporary history of actions surrounding the use and management of the reserves is of particular interest, in view of the extant evidence at both reserves; e.g. the actions of the Shire of Ballarat in the 1980s in establishing Winter Swamp as something of a competitor to Lake Wendouree but with a more environmental bent (although almost none of the plants used are indigenous species, but that is part of the story); the trotting track constructed on Skipton Common in the 1960s following representations to Premier Henry Bolte and the cropping of the western section of the Common to raise funds for the town’s new swimming pool, the fertilizing of the land putting an end to the native grassland vegetation. There are obviously multiple sources of information to source in preparing the report, however sources that the contractor is specifically requested to consult are the Skipton Historical Society, the former Skipton Common managers (specifically Graeme Pett), the Cardigan Windermere Landcare Group and the Learmonth Historical Society (believed to hold many of the former Shire of Ballarat’s records pertaining to the Council’s role as the Committee of Management for both Winter Swamp and the Ballarat West Town Common – Winter Swamp was split between 2 separate Crown Land tenures). The contractor is also encouraged but not required to utilise community newsletters, such as the Skipton Community Newsletter, to publicise and seek information about the project. Skipton Historical Society (Mary Bradshaw) contacted on Thursday 12 June 2.30pm. Mary lived on a farm out of Skipton but is currently living in the township. She remembers walking along the creek of the Common especially in spring and autumn in bare feet and that it was a very pretty place. There were a few snakes around the waterway in summer. People put cows and a couple of horses on the commonage to graze. Graeme Pett has always lived close to the Common and would know a lot about it. Other possible contacts would be Nicole Petress, Secretary of the Progress Association, and the Corangamite Council, Camperdown. Digital images of Winter's Swampwinter's swamp, ballarat, john winter, ballarat environmental network, mullawullah -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - W. G. DAHL PHOTO SERIES
Photograph captioned 'Golden Square Fire Brigade Dahlia Float at Easter Fair', is one of nine sepia mounted photographs pertaining to early 20th century Bendigo donated to BHS by the Essendon Op Shop. Uncle Son caption and tick possibly relates to W G Dahl. Float mounted upon a hand drawn fire brigade hose & reel cart has two uniformed Fire-men standing beside the cart, along with three kneeling men wearing ties, vests and suits. Float covered in dahlia flowers has sign reading 'Erected by the Committee of the Victorian Gold Jubilee Exhibition Melb 1901-2 in Commemoration of the Discovery of Gold in Bendigo'. Moulded images in white featuring a kneeling boy panning for gold beside a standing young girl in long dress are prominently displayed upon the top portion of the flower covered float. The float stands in Charring Cross in front of the now demolished Horse Bazaar once located between the Lyric Theatre and the City Family Hotel. Ornate brickwork of the building follows the roof-line either side of embossed 'Established 1853'. Two matching arches are featured on front of building. Horse Bazar is embossed in large capital letters above main entrance arch, with Nicholls & Hill above the other. Embossed letters below read succeeded to L Macpherson & Co & F Hill. A small arched window within walled arch matches entrance arch. A notice board mounted on building front reads, Office of the Australian Alliance Assurance Company , Fire Life Guaranteed. Sandhurst agents ,L Macpherson Sternberg & Son.bendigo, fire brigade, golden square -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Portland Lifeboat, n.d
Built in 1858 at the Port and Harbour Master's yard in Williamstown Victoria, the Portland Lifeboat was overseen by Harbour Master Charles Ferguson. It is understood to have been constructed from the same moulds used to build the Port Fairy Lifeboat, designed by William White, in 1857. Both boats are similar to the lifeboats designed in England by James Peake and adopted by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the UK. The Portland Lifeboat's 9.14 m (30 ft) long hull is double diagonally planked in New Zealand kauri, and many of the planks run from gunwale to gunwale in one piece under the inner keel section. Eucalyptus and oregon were used elsewhere and the local blacksmith made the iron work. The fastenings are copper. There are two flotation or buoyancy tanks at either end, with prominent whaleback style decking. Under the thwarts is a deck with scuppers so that the craft is both buoyant and self draining whenever large waves are taken aboard in rough conditions. The lifeboat was oar-powered with a sailing rig. The original rig was a lug mainsail, but this was replaced with a lug and headsail rig taken from a fishing boat in 1903. The lifeboat was manned by volunteer crews, mostly local fishermen from Portland. They maintained this service until 1915 when the boat was replaced with a new motorised craft. The lifeboat's most outstanding service was to the steamer ADMELLA in 1859 when the ship grounded on a reef off Cape Banks in South Australia, 150 km to the west of Portland. Survivors clung to the rigging in heavy seas for over a week and 89 people lost their lives in the shipwreck. Taken to the scene by the steamer LADY BIRD, the Portland Lifeboat was unable to assist until eight days after the ADMELLA's grounding when the seas abated enough for the lifeboat to manoeuvre close to the ship and rescue the last 19 survivors. Since its retirement in 1915 the lifeboat has been a memorial to those who manned it and those it rescued. For a long period it was on display in the Portland Gardens, first in the open and then under a canopy. In 2008 it was on display inside the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre, still in original condition complete with the rig from 1915. It is one of the oldest vessels of its type in Australia, and the world.Portland LifeboatPhotograph showing the Portland Lifeboatphotography, portland lifeboat, admella