Wal Jack had an extensive range of correspondents throughout Australia and the world who often prepared extensive notes and records for him. This letter from Peter Duckett, the owner and proprietor of the Model Dockyard, dated 8/3/1955 discusses the water tank on the Ballarat ESCo sprinkler tram and its disposal history, First sold to a Mr Colters of Forest St and then sold to a lady in Invermay. Also compares the Ballarat tank to that of Bendigo. Finishes off with a discussion about his visit to Ballarat the previous weekend and the traffic on the road.Demonstrates some of the correspondence that Wal Jack received from around the world and that of Peter DuckettLetter on The Model Dockyard letterhead, printed quarto sheet, hand written by Peter Duckett dated 8/3/1955 - two sheets.letters, wal jack, peter duckett, sprinkler tram, water tanks, ballarat, bendigo, model dockyard

Wal Jack collected tramway and railway items for his collection. This illustration of the first production President's Conference Committee (USA Transit operators) of 1936, built for the Brooklyn & Queens Transit Corporation. See reference for the background. The tram itself is now part of the collection of The Shore Line Trolley Museum, East Have CT. Melbourne Tram 980 was built using the PCC technology.Demonstrates a Tram that would have interested Wal Jack.Printed illustration of Brooklyn & Queens No. 1001 - the first production PCC Carletter, wal jack, pcc trams, usa, brooklyn

Newspaper item from the Digital Edition of The Courier advising that Horse Tram No. 1 will be running Saturday 22-4-2023, the first time since the pandemic. Has a photo of Neville Britton holding a harness with tram No. 1 in the background. Photo by Lachlan Bence. Gives details of time and the tram itself.Yields information about BTM's activities.Digital image of page 3 of The Courier, Ballarat, 19-4-2023trams, ballarat, horse tram, tram 1, neville britton, btm, operations

The Association of Railway Enthusiasts, a Melbourne based group, ran its first tour to Ballarat on 23 July 1961 and its last tour on 6 May 2023 also to Ballarat to visit the Museum. The group has subsequently ceased to function. The booking form provides details of the tour and times. The two tickets were used by participants as souvenirs of the day which included a lunch pack. About 70 people participated.Yields information about the last tour of the Association of Railway Enthusiasts.Set of two printed Edmondson tickets and three A4 sheets as a booking form.ballarat, tours, are, museum

Yields information about the nature of the trams that came from Sydney to Ballarat for the first electric tramcars and has a strong association with the person who prepared by the plan.Blueprint plan of NSW Govt. Tramway cars 1,2,3,- Roof plan, front and side elevation - with side running trolley poles - 3/8"=1' scale with O gauge 1/4 and O gauge 3/8" scale marked. (These cars become part of the 1905 ESCo Ballarat Fleet). Imaged by scanning in two halves and joining together - could do some further work.trams, tramways, nswgt, plans, tramcars, esco

A 40 pp booklet and covers - guide to Melb Tram and bus Routes, with listing of routes, numbers, times of first and last, with some amendments sheets, with list of cable trams, buses and railway trams. Record reviewed and scanned images of cover and inside pages added 5/9/13.Re priced by over stamp from 1/- to 6d and correction by stamp on p2.trams, tramways, mmtb, buses, routes, times

166.1- Three Page (2 Quarto) & 1 foolscap tour programme for Tramway Museum Society of Victoria (TMSV) first tour of 17/11/1963. Page 1- welcome and ticket note. Page 2- notes on trams used-Y1 613 and page 3- foolscap- itinerary- times and locations of photo stops. 166.2 - Ticket for tour in style of Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Co. bell punch ticket on pink coloured card. Images of document and ticket added 5-9-2013Half fare mark crossed out with blue ink on 166.2.tmsv, melbourne, mmtb, y1 class

Pages 7,8,9,and 10 of The Argus Saturday "Weekend Magazine" Supplement for December 28, 1940. Page 7. Articles-, "Carry On"- During the Air Raids (London -2 photos) "When St. Kilda Rickety Kate " come to town - St. Kilda & Brighton Tramway. Photo of " Toast Rack Tram & Tram and trammies." Photo of cows in transport and first train of coal from Korumburra. Page 8 - 1941 calendar with ware related sketches around - in colour. Page 9 -= Cartoons - The week in black and white, Donald Duck, Come on Steve, Believe if you want to, Our Australia - most in colour. Page 10 - "Postage Stamps may be the Cause of Ware and Strife". Record reviewed and images of three pages added 7-9-2013. See http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/page/610289?zoomLevel=1- accessed 7/9/13 for imaged copies. trams, tramways, st kilda - brighton tramway, 1941 calendar, cartoons, postage stamps

Pages 9 and 10 of the Centenary issue of the Ballarat Courier, 8/3/1938 p9 - Article - "Prisoners aide in Municipal Work" - rifle range at Victoria Park, photo of "first train" Geelong Ballarat crossing Moorabool viaduct, Advertisements for Sherry stores, Berger Paints - S.E. Hobson and Harry Davies & Co. Department Store. p10 - article on Ballarat Banking, (see also archive item No. 200) - large ad from "The Bank of Australasia" - illustration of Ballarat in 1856 from Bath's Hotel - towards the Australasia Bank. Record reviewed and images of three pages added 7-9-2013.trams, tramways, ballarat, centenaries, banking, victoria park, rifle range

Newspaper clipping titled "Old trams "much better than present homes"" with photo of ex Adelaide single truckers cars (A class), on stands at Port Augusta for use as homes (Port Augusta Council to give approval) and on rear photo of new SA Railways Bluebird rail cars at Islington Workshops beginning trials. Item not dated. Item can be dated by knowledge of date Bluebird Railcars commenced trials. According to Railmac publication, "Railcars of S.A.R., to 1975, first Bluebird commenced service 10/54. images of both photos on file. Record updated and image added 21/9/2013.trams, tramways, adelaide, port augusta, bluebird railcars

Demonstrates an important part of Ballarat's tramway operations during the Second World War when Conductresses and many women were employed by the SEC.Photographic reproduction of an illustration that appeared in the Sept. 1942 issue of SEC News, p6. Photo is of Ballarat's first 3 conductresses - E.Jakobi, J.Wightwick, and C.Browne. Laminated with 4 Velcro dots on rear. John Phillips from a State Library negative of the illustration in Sept. 1995. Hi Res scan added 25/3/2011 See p6 of Sept 1942 issue of SECV News.trams, tramways, secv, ballarat, conductresses, world war ii

Yields information about the SEC and its operations during the second World War.27 A4 sheets of copies of relevant papers about the SEC trams, Ballarat & conductresses during the Second World War, from SECV's Staff Magazine "SEC News". Date Page No. Notes 9/1942 6 Our first Conductresses Xmas 42 & 8 Tramway Extension New Year 43 13 Women in the SEC Workforce photos " " 43/44 33 Ballarat Conductresses feted June 1944 28 Between ourselves " " 29 Conductresses raise funds Oct. 1944 10/11 Conductresses triumph " " 19 Ballarat's Success Sept 30, 1946 17 Appreciation for our tram Conductresses Dec. 15, 1945 2-18 Six years of war - the Commission's record. 23 sheets scanned. Photocopies not the best - see high resolution file. See SEC Newstrams, tramways, sec, ballarat, world war ii, conductresses.

Ten captions or label cards used in the Museum's exhibition entitled "Australia Remembers". Printed on ink jet coated paper, used Microsoft PowerPoint, BJC4000 printer, & Glued onto heavy card. Each has 2 Velcro dots on rear. .1 125 x 252 Group of Conductresses by No. 29 .2 87 x 270 Secret of Mrs. Mitchell's success - Treasure Tram .3 50 x 255 Fund raising - under Conductresses Triumph! - photo .4 102 x 250 Fund raiser float caption .5 75 x 237 Tram statistics caption - used for the two graphs .6 96 x 177 First conductresses ready to go .7 62 x 248 Replica headlight caption .8 75 x 263 Headlight drawing note .9 60 x 244 No. 27 caption .10 57 x 260 Women at work for the SEC Image of cards added 19/10/2013.trams, tramways, btm, exhibitions, world war ii

Yields information about tram 14 and a charter at the time of the closure of the Ballarat system.Newspaper Clipping reporting the hire of tram 14 by the Apex Club on Sept. 19, 1971 for a farewell tour. On rear has an item (pastoral) on turning first sod for Ballarat's Historical Park - Sovereign Hill.On rear "The Way we were" supplement - Ballarat News - 9/12/?1trams, tramways, ballarat trams, closure, apex club, tours

Fold out sheet coloured map, 12 portions or folds, - title - "Map of Melbourne's Trams and Bus routes and all night services" map shows trams lines, route numbers, terminal points, bus routes, railway lines, blow up of city area with places of interest and key. On rear details, places of interest, suburb index, index to routes, first and last services, Sunday am services, all night bus services and locations of depots and head office. 2nd copy added 11-8-2006. Images of document - scanned to A3 size and overlapping added 30/10/13 On rear "out of date" stamp and 1 "cancelled" stamp - red ink.trams, tramways, melbourne, map, tram & bus services, all night services

Yields information about the closure of the SEC operated Ballarat tramway system and the formation and first 10 years of the BTPS. Contains a number of cuttings, Hansard extracts and photographs.Book - 40 page + covers, book describing the last days of the SECV's Ballarat operation, the formation of the BTPS and the first 10 years of the BTPS operating. Cover-card with photos in green ink. Title = "Ten Years" Book has 40 photos, four drawings, list of SECV trams at Sept. 1971. 309.1 - donation by Neville Gower 309.2 - collected from stock.309.1 - has "Neville Gower" in ink on page 3, top right hand corner.trams, tramways, ballarat, secv, btps, closure

Black & white postcard of the Coliseum Hall soon after catching fire - 24/3/1936. In stamp area of card, has 'Kodak Australia', printed on it. In ink has written 'Coliseum Theatre, Ballarat (seating 6000). Taken 10.35am , 24 March 1936, 5 minutes after it was first observed' If card held face up to reflect light, can see imprint of cancellation stamp and cancellation machine - the wavy marks.trams, tramways, ballarat, ballarat coliseum, fire, theatres, tram 34

The recipient of the testimonial, Thomas O’Grady (1824-90) had migrated to Melbourne in 1854, practising the trades of building and contracting. The Australian Dictionary of Biography records that he became a Councillor of the City of Melbourne in 1868. It lists one of his major achievements as the construction ‘with Leggett & Noonan [of] the fifty-six-mile (90 km) railway from Essendon to Seymour’. He was chairman of the Tramways Trust from its formation in 1884. His obituary in the Melbourne Herald (29 Apr 1890) reported: "DEATH OF ALDERMAN THOMAS O'GRADY. Today we have the sad duty of recording the death of two old colonists, who for many years, havo occupied very, prominent positions in building, commercial and municipal circles. The first of these is Alderman Thomas O'Grady, who died last night at his residence in Carlton. Mr O'Grady has been ill for some time, and at one period his death was expected any moment. Then he rallied, and strong hopes of his recovery were entertained; but he had a relapse, and expired as stated. The deceased gentleman was one of the oldest members of the City Council, in which he has held the various positions of Councillor, Alderman and Mayor. At the time of his death he sat as alderman for Victoria Ward. Mr O'Grady also at one time represented the City Council on the Harbor Trust, and was chairman of that body. He has been the council's representative on the Tramway Trust and was chairman of that body for some considerable time." As late as 1951, the Advocate (11 Oct 1951) stated that: "To Alderman Thomas O'Grady, Lord Mayor of Melbourne in 1872-3, is due the credit of the successful inauguration of Hospital Sunday. Alderman O'Grady was the first Catholic Lord Mayor of the city. He was elected a councillor for Smith Ward in 1868, and an alderman in 1869. In private life he was an extensive contractor, being a member of the firm of O'Grady, Leggett and Noonan, the contractors for the first section of the Northeastern Railways (between Melbourne and Seymour)."This is a unique civic document, illustrating the life and contribution of Thomas O’Grady (1824-90), Melbourne City Councillor and first Chairman of the Melbourne Tramways Trust. It is historically significant in its recording of the development of Melbourne's public transport system. The design of the certificate and particularly the ebonised frame are artistically and aesthetically significant.An illustrated testimonial presented to the first Chairman of the Melbourne Tramways Trust in 1886. The Testimonial is encased in an ebonized frame of the period. It includes the coat-of-arms of 12 cities, corporations, boroughs and towns, including that of Kew. At the head of the testimonial the engines used to drive the cable systems are illustrated. At the foot of the testimonial there is a picture of two cable trams.The testimonial reads: ‘At the meeting of the Melbourne Tramways Trust held on the Fifth Day of February 1886, the following resolution was unanimously carried. That the thanks of the Melbourne Tramways Trust are due and are hereby accorded to Alderman Thomas O’Grady Hon. JP, the first Chairman of the Trust for the ability, courtesy and impartiality with which he has discharged his duties during the past two years, and the Trust heartily congratulates him on the successful opening during his term of office of the Richmond Tramway (the first Cable line constructed in Australia) and tenders him its earnest wishes for his future prosperity and welfare.’ melbourne tramways trust, thomas o’grady (1824-90), cable trams, lord mayors of melbourne

DEATH OF MR. H. NEWMAN. Widespread regret will be felt at the announcement of the death of Mr Henry Newman, an old colonist and a member of firm of Newman and Sons Proprietary Limited, jewellers, which occurred at his residence, "Sadova," William street, on Saturday, at the age of 89 years. Mr Newman who was born at Riga, in Russia, went to England when a lad, became naturalised, and emigrated to Victoria 61 years ago. He tried his fortune at Ballarat but soon afterwards returned to Melbourne, and began business as a jeweller, on a site in Collins street that is now occupied by Scott's Hotel. A few years later Mr Newman went back to England, where he was married. On his return to Victoria again he resumed his jewellery business in Elizabeth street opposite the General Post-office. An interesting fact in connection with his business is that his first journeyman watchmaker was Mr. Thomas Gaunt, the founder of the firm of Messrs. T. Gaunt & Co. Five years ago Mr. Newman retired from the business, which has since been carried on by his two elder sons. Although he took no active part in public affairs, Mr Newman was held in high regard on account of his business integrity, sterling personal worth. and the unostentatious way in which he did good. His vitality, even in his later years, was wonderful. On four occasions he met with accidents, having been twice knocked down by motorcars and twice by trams, without having sustained injury. A widow and grown up family of four sons and four daughters survive him. The Age Monday 27 October 1913, page 9. Roy Cronin 156 High Street Kew Jeweller and watchmaker. East side between Denmark Street and Cotham Road. Wood, enamel, brass and glass wall clock, the movement made by H Newman of Collins Street, Melbourne. A small label on the interior records the name R. Cronin, 156 High St, Kew, 1/7/20. It is unclear whether Cronin, a watchmaker and jeweller may have repaired or sold the clock. The clock (broken) is housed in a steel box.roy cronin - watchmaker - jeweller - kew (vic), h newman - melbourne (vic) - collins street - jeweller - clockmaker

An electrified tram route from Melbourne along High Street replaced an original Horse Tram that terminated at the Kew Cemetery. This new tram only reached the bridge over the Outer Circle railway at the Harp Junction. The line was later extended to North Balwyn.Black and white print positive showing the view west along High Street, Kew (formerly Bulleen Road). In the centre distance is the Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery. In the foreground, the road crosses the Outer Circle railway. The photograph reflects the level of urbanisation in Kew during the First World War. "Looking towards Kew from Strathalbyn St / High St corner, about 1916. Courtesy Mrs E Bennett, Kew East / Property of Miss Foley"trams -- kew, trams -- kew east, mmtb, m&mtb, tramways, harp junction

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event at the Kew Tram Depot. Birney Safety Cars were first imported by the M&MTB in 1924. Laminated colour enlargement of a 'Birney Safety Car', taken at a re-enactment at the Kew Depot in 1990.Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. Model of Birney Car."kew tram depot, birney safety cars

One of a series of photographs, taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, his family later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Dandenong Office.The image is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's tram network in the years preceding and during World War 1.Two faded original horizontal photographs, mounted on vertical card showing external and internal features of the Hawthorn Tram Depot during its construction phase. The top photo shows a panoramic view of the exterior while the second photo shows workers posed within the building.Recto: "The tramways building in course of creation. C/r of Power St & Wallen Road, Hawthorn. Showing one of the original horse drawn trams which ran from Hawthorn Bridge to Auburn Road".. theme --- travelling by tram, theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, tramways -- hawthorn

Contextual or historic information One of a series of photographs, taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, his family later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Dandenong Office.The image is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's tram network in the years preceding and during World War 1.Two faded original horizontal photographs, mounted on vertical card showing the original railway level crossing in Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, before a railway overpass was constructed and the laying of the electric tramline. The two photos depict northern and southern views of the crossing. Dimensions: Photo 1 106 x 157 mm Photo 2 107 x 147 mm Mount 249 x 197 mmAnnotated recto: "Showing tramway gates at Glenferrie, taken 1912 by E.J. Dower, just prior to construction of electric tramline." Verso: "1912"theme --- travelling by tram, theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, trams -- boroondara (vic.), tramways -- hawthorn, trains -- hawthorn (vic.), glenferrie station

Contextual or historic information One of a series of photographs, taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, his family later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Dandenong Office.The image is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's tram network in the years preceding and during World War 1.Digital copy of an original mounted photograph of construction of the electric tramline in Riversdale Road, Surrey Hills.Annotated verso: "Showing the commencement of preparing for electric trams in Riversdale Road / Taken from the corner of Union Road, note Essex road on right with picket fencing"theme --- travelling by tram, theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, trams -- boroondara (vic.), tramlines -- surrey hills

One of a series of photographs, taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, his family later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Dandenong Office.The image is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's tram network in the years preceding and during World War 1.Digital copy of an original mounted photograph of the removal of the horse tram tracks in Riversdale Road, Hawthorn, in preparation for laying the new electric tramline.Annotated verso: "Pulling up Hawthorn horse tram line in Riversdale Road, which ran from Hawthorn Bridge to Auburn Road"theme --- travelling by tram, theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, trams -- boroondara (vic.), horse tram -- hawthorn (vic.), riversdale road

One of a series of photographs, taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, his family later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Dandenong Office.The image is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's tram network in the years preceding and during World War 1.Digital copy of an original oval mounted photograph of the construction of the tracks for the new electric tramline in Riversdale Road, Surrey Hills. Annotated verso: "Preparing for electric tram line, Riversdale Road, Surrey Hills / Taken from near Warrigul [sic] Road / note Essex Road on right with picket fencing."theme --- travelling by tram, theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, trams -- boroondara (vic.), riversdale road -- surrey hills

Contextual or historic information One of a series of photographs, taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, his family later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Dandenong Office.The image is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's tram network in the years preceding and during World War 1.Digital copy of an original oval mounted photograph depicting preparation for laying the tracks for the new electric tramline in Riversdale Road, Surrey Hills. Annotated verso: "Riversdale Road Surry Hills / preparing for electric tram line / Taken just west of Middlesex Road, looking west"theme --- travelling by tram, theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, trams -- boroondara (vic.), riversdale road -- surrey hills

One of a series of photographs, taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, his family later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Dandenong Office.The image is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's tram network in the years preceding and during World War 1.Digital copy of an original oval mounted photograph depicting preparation for laying the tracks for the new electric tramline in Riversdale Road, Camberwell. Annotated verso: "Riversdale Road / Preparing for electric tram line / Taken from near corner of Coolangatta Road"theme --- travelling by tram, theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, riversdale road -- camberwell, trams -- camberwell

Contextual or historic information One of a series of photographs, taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, his family later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Dandenong Office.The image is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's tram network in the years preceding and during World War 1.Digital copy of an original oval mounted photograph depicting Riversdale Road, Surrey Hills, before the construction of the proposed electric tramline.Annotated verso: "Riversdale Road Surrey Hills / Preparing for electric tram line / Note Essex Road on right with picket fencing."theme --- travelling by tram, theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, riversdale road -- surrey hills, tramlines -- surrey hills

One of a series of photographs, taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, his family later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Dandenong Office.The image is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's tram network in the years preceding and during World War 1.Digital copy of an original mounted photograph depicting construction of a new electric tramline in Cotham Road, Kew. The photo shows workers with an early steamroller.Annotated verso: "Preparing for electric trams / Cotham Road Kew / Taken near Barrington Avenue / 1913"theme --- travelling by tram, theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, cotham road -- kew (vic.), trams -- kew (vic.)