[article by Diana Bassett-Smith in EDHS Newsletter No. 117, November 1997:] MONUMENT HUNTING THE HUME AND HOVELL WAY - Sunday October 26 1997 dawned bright and very warm. Some twenty-five members, complete with picnic baskets, met outside the Eltham Library awaiting the Cobb and Co. large coach which would be taking us on the second leg of our travels along the route of the early explorers Hume and Hovell. Stephen West was our very good driver for the day. He would be guided around the circuitous route by Russell Yeoman who had made a detailed study, not only of the intended route, but of the story of these two explorers. During the trip Russell regaled us with poetry, quotations from the Journals and the History of the Shire of Seymour, "The New Crossing Place" by Martindale, 1982, (now Mitchell Shire due to the recent amalgamations). We headed towards the Hume Highway via Greensborough and Cooper Street and proceeded north to our first stop, noting on the way Monument Hill in the distance which is near Kilmore and, according to Russell, well worth the effort to visit as the view across the valley is magnificent. Past Sunday Creek Valley, Mt Piper and Mt Disappointment, all traversed and noted and named by them. We passed through Tallarook, then onto Seymour where we took photos of the monument telling us that Hume and Hovell had passed through on the 28th of October 1824. We also deviated down Hume and Hovell Road viewing deer and emu farming and the Bellbourie property now a sanctuary. Leaving Seymour behind we travelled up the Avenel Road to the Avenel monument, pyramidal in design of four reducing square blocks with a sharply pointed peak, erected in 1924 in memory of the 1824 exploration. The day was warming up and the countryside showing the dryness of the current drought. A parallel note had been made in their journal too of 1824 of the drought appearance of the country they were traversing. At Seven Creeks, Euroa we stopped for some minutes to check the monument placed 20th November 1924 to commemorate their passage on the 29th December 1824. More photos. Russell had pointed out the abrupt termination of the distant ranges which is noted in their journal. The next monument is beside the road at the entrance to Honey Suckle Creek Caravan Park, Violet Town. The squarish shaped monument some eight feet high is topped with a simple steel cross, and was to mark the date of 28th December 1824 and built for the 20th November 1924. By now it was 12.20 and nearly lunchtime as we drove along the Warranbayne Road to Roach's Road, monument hunting without success. Though there is a large, what appears to be an old timber sign which was hard to read, maybe this was the lost monument. In many of the paddocks hay had been cut and baled or was being cut, what a contrast to the rugged country they had passed through which was smoky from the fires of the natives burning off. By 1.00 pm we were at Benalla and pulled up beside the park where abundant beds of roses filled the air with their scent and the smell of barbecued food twitched the nostrils whilst the cheerful sounds of other picnickers could be heard throughout the park. We left the bus and collected up our picnics, dispersed to the various tables and enjoyed the shade from the various European trees. 2.00 pm and we were on the road again driving along the Benalla, Mansfield, Yea road. The Swanpool monument states that they passed four miles south and returned three miles north. Then we stopped at the Barjarg monument which notes that they camped near this spot. It is again a pyramidal monument and this time topped with a steel arrow indicating their route of the 29th November 1824. Half an hour later we came to another monument, again with a steel arrow marker on top and the plaque dated the 2nd of 12th 1824. Erected on the 12th of 12th 1924. "They blazed the way that we might inherit the land." Another square based and needle topped monument appeared at Yarck near Yea and this plaque records the date of 3 December 1824. Near McGuigans Road Russell related that the expedition had lost a dog but it had found them next day, the dog was apparently torn by a kangaroo. A short while later Russell reminded us here of the problems they encountered in crossing the Goulburn River near Molesworth where banks were high, water deep and wide. "Good coat of grass but quite dry due to drought". At Yea we stopped for afternoon tea and raided the last of our picnics and looked at the monument to their journey of 1824, situated at a corner of the gardens near the bowling green. No photo – we were out of film. We returned home via Kinglake West and Whittlesea past the Yan Yean Reservoir, not full. 5.00 pm back at Eltham we emptied out of the bus and everyone, including Joan Cole, collected their things, Joan also had the major souvenir of the day, a large carp she had picked up from the river bank, her cat was in for a great feast. The day was made so interesting by the informed commentary which Russell provided. His background knowledge of the route and nature of the journey could only have come from many hours of reading and driving the area. Thank you to Russell and to everyone who made the day so informative and pleasurable. Colour photographactivities, hume and hovell, monument, yarck

This item is one of a series published annually by East Gippsland Historical Society.This item is a useful reference tool.A 2013 stapled calendar, titled "Old Views of Gippsland". On the red coloured front is a black/white photograph of Bruthen - Omeo Royal Mail and Bus service run by Charles Mitchell of Bruthen, It contains early photographs of East Gippsland, one for each month. There is a hole for hanging. The title is at the top and the year at the bottom in black print.

This item is one of a series of calendars compiled and published by East Gippsland Historical Society.This item is a useful reference toolA 2016 stapled calendar, titled "Old Views of Gippsland". On the light blue coloured front is a black/white photograph of Tongio Gap, Omeo, showing Mitchell's coach which ran from Bairnsdale to Omeo. The calendar contains early photographs of East Gippsland, one for each month. There is a hole for hanging. The title is at the top and the year at the bottom in black print. calendar-old-views-gippsland photographs-histporic-gippsland

This is one of a series of calendars compiled annually by East Gippsland Historical Society.This is a useful pictorial reference tool.A 2017 stapled calendar, titled "Old Views of East Gippsland". On the turquoise coloured front is a black/white photograph of Eagle Point, Mitchell River C 1875 with a family group, possibly Alfred Howitt and children, on the bank of the Mitchell River opposite Eagle Point Bluff.. It contains early photographs of East Gippsland,. There is a hole for hanging. The title is at the top and the year at the bottom in black print. calendar-old-views-of-east-gippsland photographs-historic-east-gippsland

This calendar is pert of a series of calendars compiled by East Gippsland Historical Society.This item is a useful pictorial reference tool.A 2019stapled calendar, titled "Old Views of East Gippsland". On the pale orange coloured front is a black/white photograph of S.S, Gippsland on the Mitchell River, Eagle Point C 1920. IThe calendar contains early photographs of East Gippsland, one for each month. There is a hole for hanging. The title is at the top and the year at the bottom in black print. calendar-old-views-of-east-gippsland photographs-historic-east-gippsland

This plummet came from S.S. Auckland which was wrecked at Beware Reef near Cape Conran in 1871. The S.S. Aukland was a two masted , iron screw steamer built by C. Mitchell & Co. in 1863 in Newcastle, England. It was owned by the Australasian Steam Navigation Company who modified it in Sydney. In May 1871, on a voyage from Melbourne to Sydney, it ran into breakers and struck Beware Reef. Conditions were foggy and there was a strong easterly current. All passengers and crew were rescued by the S.S. Macedon. (ref. Victorian Heritage Database)The S.S. Aucckland is archaelogically significant. Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary is located five kilometres south east of Cape Conran. On one side of the reef lie the remains of old shipwrecks, including the SS Auckland, a steamship wrecked on the reef in 1871.A tapered conical shaped piece of a lead, a plummet, used for measuring the depth of water.s.s.aukland beware-reef sounding-lead shipwreck

Photograph missing from archives after having been scanned and catalogued as follows, however no clear information on location or date:Written on mounting sheet above the photograph, "R.B. Lord, Dolly Lord, Eileen Mitchell, Dot Mitchell, Ethel Mao, James Mitchell??? (Scotty) (around tree), Mrs. Chris Russell, Mrs. Ruby Lydster and child and lady unknown, (Thos Tuadion?) Jean Mitchell". Written on back of mounting sheet, "Please return to Mrs. A. Cooke, Smith Street, Healesville. Tree planted for Harry Lord, Main Road, Wandin North, near E. Reads present home".

These items were donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. The East Gippsland Region Water Authority was constituted on January 1, 1995. The new Authority assumed responsibility for the services previously provided by the Mitchell Water Board, the Tambo Water Board, the Orbost Water Board and the Mallacoota Water Board. East Gippsland Water is the registered business name of the East Gippsland Region Water Authority. (info. from P.R.O.) These items are a historical record of Orbost Shire transactions with water management authorities which no longer exist.Seven rate books for the Shire of Orbost, Mallacoota and Cann River Water Trust. 2554.1 with records from 1977-1978 has a brown cardboard cover and string binding. 2554.2 has a brown cardboard cover with a hand-written title and green string binding. Records are from 1978 -1979. 2554.3 has a brown cardboard cover with a hand-written title and green string binding. Records are from 1919 - 1980. 2554.4 has a white cardboard cover and taped spine. In black print on the cover is 1980/1981. 2554.5 has a green cover with a metal fastening clip. Records are from 1980 -1981. 2554.6 has a white cover, taped binding and metal clips.Records are from 1982 -1983. 2554.7 has a white cover and metal rings. It is dated 1984.water-rates cann-valley-water-board

This booklet was the first of a series of scientific and historical studies of Gippsland to be published by the Bairnsdale Advertiser. The author, Eric Charles Frederick Bird was Principal Fellow, Department of Geography, University of Melbourne, Australia. The Mitchell River silt jetties are an unusually long, thin landform located in the Gippsland Lakes region. They have been formed over millions of years by sediment deposition from the Mitchell River during periods of low water flow and subsequent wash-through during periods of high water flow. The long narrow banks of silt extend more than eight kilometres east into Lake King. This item is a useful reference for the silt jetties of the Mitchell River.A 32 pp book with alight green cover. The title is in black print, " The Silk Jetties of the Mitchell River" and underneath the title there is a b/w photograph of the Mitchell River and silt jetties taken from above in 1931. It was written by E. C. F. Bird.silt-jetties mitchell-river paynesville bird-e.c.f.

Councilor J Mitchell was elected to council in1871 until 1875 and 1898 until 1915.He served two terms as Shire President,1903-04 and 1909-10.Original Historic Photo.This photo of Councilor J.Mitchell, is in sepia with grey mount cut rectangular and curved top.It is placed left side of third row of set of photos showing all councilors for 1906. Presented by the President to the Ballarat Shire Council.1906.ballarat shire council, mitchell j, 1871 1875, 1898 1915

This photo depicts Shire President J.Dickie Esq.J.P.1911-12,and councilors J.Baird,(J.P),J.Feery (J.P),D.Walton,(J.P),J.Mitchell,(J.P.)M.Ryan,(J.P.).H.W.Symons (J.P.),J.Troup,T.Jones,(Secretary and Engineer)H.T.Hughes,(Rate Collector) and R.L.Medwell.It was presented to the Ballarat Shire Council by President J.Dickie.Esq.J.P. Original Historic Photo or 1911-12.Photo depicting President J.Dickie and councilors.Set in light brown frame with decorative sculpture on inner edge, mount is a light pinkish tan and decorated with white/blue/brown decorative features. Presented to the Ballarat Shire Council.J.Dickie Esq. J.P. President, 1911-12.ballarat shire council, medwell r l, ryan m, mitchell j, symons h w, dickie j esq j p, 1911 12, feery j, walton d, troup j, jones t secretary engineer, hughes h t rate collector, baird j

Councilor J.Mitchell J.P. was elected to council in 1871-75 and again in 1898-1915. He served two terms as Shire President, in 1903-04 and1909-10.Original Historic Photo.Sepia photo, rectangular in shape,set in pinkish/tan mount,of Councilor J.Mitchell,J.P.It is in the top right hand corner of collection of photos of all councilors for 1911-12. Presented to the Ballarat Shire Council,J.Dickie Esq.J.P.1911-12.ballarat shire council, 1871 1875, 1898 1915, mitchell j j p

In 1963 the Shire of Ballarat celebrated its Centenary. This book outlines the history and development of the Shire over the 100 years.Councilor Charles Edward (Ted) Brown was at the time Shire President.The District Roads Board was created on 7th October 1856 and on 24th November 1863 was proclaimed a Shire,thus making it the first Shire in Victoria. The book was compiled by James Mitchell(Shire Secretary) and the staff of the Shire of Ballarat and printed by local printers Waller and Chester.Celebrating 100 years of the Shire of Ballarat.A rectangular shaped book (landscape shape).Pale pink background on which is the title in black and,in shades of deeper pink, a photograph of the new Shire Office building and Clock tower in WendoureePROGRESS IN THE SHIRE OF BALLARAT.district roads board 1856.ballarat shire 1863

Building Construction and Drawing Author: Charles F. Mitchell Publisher: B T Batsford Ltd Date: 1920 flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, building construction and drawing, book

WW1-photoPhoto,black and white-waist,up-sgt stripes,right arm-rising sun,on cap-rising suns on collarsno, henry, mitchell, c sgt reg, 11550

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1966, bible street, taylor street, streets

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1966, bible street, streets, henry street

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1966, bible street, streets, houses

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1966, dalton street, eltham, main road

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1967, arthur street, bible street, streets

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1967, bible street

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1968, eltham, york street, houses

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1968, eltham, york street, houses

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1968, eltham, york street, houses, door knob

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1968, eltham, york street, houses, door knob

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1968, eltham, york street, houses, door knob

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1968, eltham, york street, houses, door knob

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1968, eltham, york street, houses, bible street

Valiant is parked outside what was no. 43 now part of a unit complex at no. 41. Immediately in front of Valiant is no. 45, which has been a vacant block since before 1990. Gentleman in hat with paper walking up hill is outside no. 39, now a unit complex and the old house on left is no. 37 (since replaced) which borders what is now the Walter Withers ReserveDigital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1968, bible street, arthur street, eltham, houses, streets

Digital copy of colour photographfred mitchell collection, 1968, bible street, eltham, houses, streets