Showing 231 items
matching farming life
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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - Mouat Crawford Collection: Farming Life in the Wimmera
... Mouat Crawford Collection: Farming Life in the Wimmera... aid. Slide Mouat Crawford Collection: Farming Life ...Transferring grain from header to the field bin. Markings on white tape; Wheat - From Header to Field Bin. Used as a teaching aid.Agfacolorfarm, crop, wimmera, wheat, harvest, mouat crawford collection -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - PASTORAL SETTLEMENT IN NORTHERN VICTORIA VOLUME TWO CAMPASPE DISTRICT
... farming life... life farming life northern victoria. Agriculture J.O. Randell ...Book: PASTORAL SETTLEMENT IN NORTHERN VICTORIA VOLUME TWO CAMPASPE DISTRICT - 602 pages with photos, illustrations, and pull out maps. History of stations and runs in the region.J.O. Randellhistory, agriculture, northern victoria - campaspe, farming, pastoral life, farming life, northern victoria. agriculture -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book, Gwen & Harry Bourchier, Who is this Bloke? Harry and Gwen Bourchier's Memoirs, 2007
... of their farming life principally in the West Wimmera of Victoria 1917... of their farming life principally in the West Wimmera of Victoria 1917 ...Burgandy Card Cover with Gold Line border and Gold PrintWho is the Bloke? Harry and Gwen Bouchier's memoirs of their farming life principally in the West Wimmera of Victoria 1917- 2007 Inside: To the Stawell Historical Society . Gwen Bouchier Gary Bouchier 2008stawell -
Mont De Lancey
Book, Frank Tate, Some Lessons from Rural Denmark, 28/07/2024
... . Farming Rural life Reports Education Denmark Rural Denmark ...The book contains a report of the results of observations made in rural Denmark during an official visit to Europe in 1923 by Frank Tate Director of Education Victoria, Australia. Notes and conclusions are formulated as a result of Frank's inquiry about the system of adult education in Denmark, associated with the remarkable institutions known as the People's High Schools and the People's Agricultural Schools.A dark grey soft cover book titled: Some Lessons from Rural Denmark by Frank Tate Director of Education, Education Department of Victoria 1924 83p. There are several black and white photographs throughout.non-fictionThe book contains a report of the results of observations made in rural Denmark during an official visit to Europe in 1923 by Frank Tate Director of Education Victoria, Australia. Notes and conclusions are formulated as a result of Frank's inquiry about the system of adult education in Denmark, associated with the remarkable institutions known as the People's High Schools and the People's Agricultural Schools.farming, rural life, reports, education, denmark, rural denmark -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book - Paperback book, Harry H. Stephenson, Cattlemen & Huts of the High Plains, 1980
... cattlemen. cattle victoria beeding history hill farming mountain ...A book that records the early development of Victoria's alpine regions by the pioneer cattlemen.Paperback book. The cover photograph shows snow plains, wildflowers, cattle, cattlemen and the mountain scenery across the Howqua Valley in Victoria.non-fictionA book that records the early development of Victoria's alpine regions by the pioneer cattlemen.cattle, victoria, beeding, history, hill farming, mountain life, cattlemen -
National Wool Museum
Photograph - Wedding Photo of Gladys Harris and Charles Allen, 1937
... Fur Coat Fashion hunting pest eradication farming rural life ...This photograph shows Charles Winnet Daniel Allen and Gladys Eileen Harris on their wedding day, 18th December 1937. This photographs relates to the fox fur coat which is now part of the National Wool Museum Collection, NWM-9090. "The foxes were shot in the 1950's by my Father, Charles Winnet Daniel Allen at two properties around Bacchus Marsh. One was Greystones at Glenmore, owned by the O'Keith family and the other was at Parwan, owned by the Miles Family. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the Government put a bounty on the fox head. A pair of ears were sent to the Council and you were paid 2 pennies and the skins were sold to a skin buyer. My Father would go out on moon lit nights and shoot the foxes then skin them, which he would peg on a board to dry. He took 21 fox skins to Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd., Furriers at 173 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria, to have this coat made for my Mother, Gladys Eileen Allen. It cost Twenty Pound and Nine Shillings to have the skins made into this coat. My Father died on the 1st July 1982 and my Mother on the 15th October 1993, aged 76. This coat was inherited by me Theresa Joy Hodge (nee Allen) on the passing of my Mother. I have worn it on cold days, but seeing that I am 84 and the coat is 74 years old, I would like to donate it to you, as I have no-one to leave it to and hope that you and the visitors to your Museum will enjoy looking at it." Theresa Hodge, 2025 Theresa was a dairy farmer, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh with her parents, before moving to South Australia in 1980 to a 167 acre farm in Burrungale.Black and white photograph a man and a woman standing together. The woman is wearing a wedding gown and headpiece, and the man is wearing a suit.back: [handwritten] Wedding Photo of Gladys Harris / and Charles Allen 1937 / 17-3-1994 / 18-12-37 / Church of England / 18-12-1937 / ORIGINAL: / a. Surmon back: [printed] ALLEYNE HOCKLEY / 12 WILKIE STREET / CASTLEMAINE 3450 / Phone 721425 back: [printed] Kodak / PAPERfox fur coat, fashion, hunting, pest eradication, farming, rural life, bacchus marsh, greystones, glenmore, parwan, fox, nettlebergs pty ltd, furriers, clothing, theresa hodge, charles allen, gladys allen, wedding -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Fox Fur Coat, Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd, 1950
... in Burrungale. Fox Fur Coat Fashion hunting pest eradication farming ..."The foxes were shot in the 1950's by my Father, Charles Winnet Daniel Allen at two properties around Bacchus Marsh. One was Greystones at Glenmore, owned by the O'Keith family and the other was at Parwan, owned by the Miles Family. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the Government put a bounty on the fox head. A pair of ears were sent to the Council and you were paid 2 pennies and the skins were sold to a skin buyer. My Father would go out on moon lit nights and shoot the foxes then skin them, which he would peg on a board to dry. He took 21 fox skins to Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd., Furriers at 173 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria, to have this coat made for my Mother, Gladys Eileen Allen. It cost Twenty Pound and Nine Shillings to have the skins made into this coat. My Father died on the 1st July 1982 and my Mother on the 15th October 1993, aged 76. This coat was inherited by me Theresa Joy Hodge (nee Allen) on the passing of my Mother. I have worn it on cold days, but seeing that I am 84 and the coat is 74 years old, I would like to donate it to you, as I have no-one to leave it to and hope that you and the visitors to your Museum will enjoy looking at it." Theresa Hodge, 2025 Theresa was a dairy farmer, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh with her parents, before moving to South Australia in 1980 to a 167 acre farm in Burrungale.Dark brown fox fur coat with silk lining. Three eye and hook clasps at front edges of coat.fox fur coat, fashion, hunting, pest eradication, farming, rural life, bacchus marsh, greystones, glenmore, parwan, fox, nettlebergs pty ltd, furriers, clothing, theresa hodge, charles allen, gladys allen -
National Wool Museum
Document - Receipt, Fox Fur Coat, Nettlebergs Pty Ltd, Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd, 20/7/1950
... Fur Coat Fashion hunting pest eradication farming rural life ...This receipt is for a fox fur coat made in Melbourne in 1950 by Nettlebergs. It is associated with the fox fur coat in the National Wool Museum Collection, NWM-9090. "The foxes were shot in the 1950's by my Father, Charles Winnet Daniel Allen at two properties around Bacchus Marsh. One was Greystones at Glenmore, owned by the O'Keith family and the other was at Parwan, owned by the Miles Family. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the Government put a bounty on the fox head. A pair of ears were sent to the Council and you were paid 2 pennies and the skins were sold to a skin buyer. My Father would go out on moon lit nights and shoot the foxes then skin them, which he would peg on a board to dry. He took 21 fox skins to Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd., Furriers at 173 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria, to have this coat made for my Mother, Gladys Eileen Allen. It cost Twenty Pound and Nine Shillings to have the skins made into this coat. My Father died on the 1st July 1982 and my Mother on the 15th October 1993, aged 76. This coat was inherited by me Theresa Joy Hodge (nee Allen) on the passing of my Mother. I have worn it on cold days, but seeing that I am 84 and the coat is 74 years old, I would like to donate it to you, as I have no-one to leave it to and hope that you and the visitors to your Museum will enjoy looking at it." Theresa Hodge, 2025 Theresa was a dairy farmer, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh with her parents, before moving to South Australia in 1980 to a 167 acre farm in Burrungale.Single sided paper receipt with black printed text and handwritten text in pencil.front: [printed] No. A / 2 / Telephone: MU 2913 / NETTLEBERGS Pty. Ltd. / The Premier Furriers of Australasia / 173 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne / Not Responsible for Goods left over Six Months / We do not hold ourselves responsible for loss by Fire or Burglary, / but every precaution is taken. / 19 / M / Every care is taken, but we cannot accept any responsibility in tanning and dying skins, / as they are done at Customer's own risk. front: [handwritten] 29 ? / Deposit £10 / Bal £20/9 / C. W. A. 20/7/50 / Mrs Allen / 21 fox skins dress pelts / dark brown + make / coatfox fur coat, fashion, hunting, pest eradication, farming, rural life, bacchus marsh, greystones, glenmore, parwan, fox, nettlebergs pty ltd, furriers, clothing, theresa hodge, charles allen, gladys allen -
National Wool Museum
Photograph - Theresa Joy Hodge Wearing Fox Fur Coat, 1995
... eradication farming rural life Bacchus Marsh Greystones Glenmore ...This photograph shows Theresa Joy Hodge wearing the fox fur coat her father made, which is now part of the National Wool Museum Collection, NWM-9090. "The foxes were shot in the 1950's by my Father, Charles Winnet Daniel Allen at two properties around Bacchus Marsh. One was Greystones at Glenmore, owned by the O'Keith family and the other was at Parwan, owned by the Miles Family. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the Government put a bounty on the fox head. A pair of ears were sent to the Council and you were paid 2 pennies and the skins were sold to a skin buyer. My Father would go out on moon lit nights and shoot the foxes then skin them, which he would peg on a board to dry. He took 21 fox skins to Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd., Furriers at 173 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria, to have this coat made for my Mother, Gladys Eileen Allen. It cost Twenty Pound and Nine Shillings to have the skins made into this coat. My Father died on the 1st July 1982 and my Mother on the 15th October 1993, aged 76. This coat was inherited by me Theresa Joy Hodge (nee Allen) on the passing of my Mother. I have worn it on cold days, but seeing that I am 84 and the coat is 74 years old, I would like to donate it to you, as I have no-one to leave it to and hope that you and the visitors to your Museum will enjoy looking at it." Theresa Hodge, 2025 Theresa was a dairy farmer, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh with her parents, before moving to South Australia in 1980 to a 167 acre farm in Burrungale.Colour photograph showing an interior view of a woman wearing sunglasses and a fox fur coat. She is standing in front of a doorway, and beside a dresser which has a mirror, ornaments and a photograph.back: [handwritten] 1995 Winter / Theresa Allen back: [printed] Kodak / Official Sponsor / of the / Olympic Gamesfox fur coat, fashion, hunting, pest eradication, farming, rural life, bacchus marsh, greystones, glenmore, parwan, fox, nettlebergs pty ltd, furriers, clothing, theresa hodge, charles allen, gladys allen -
National Wool Museum
Photograph - Charles Winnet Daniel Allen, Bacchus Marsh, 1939
... eradication farming rural life Bacchus Marsh Greystones Glenmore ...This photograph shows Theresa Joy Hodge's father Charles Winnet Daniel Allen on property in the Bacchus Marsh area, where he shot foxes which which were turned into a fox fur coat, which is now part of the National Wool Museum Collection, NWM-9090. "The foxes were shot in the 1950's by my Father, Charles Winnet Daniel Allen at two properties around Bacchus Marsh. One was Greystones at Glenmore, owned by the O'Keith family and the other was at Parwan, owned by the Miles Family. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the Government put a bounty on the fox head. A pair of ears were sent to the Council and you were paid 2 pennies and the skins were sold to a skin buyer. My Father would go out on moon lit nights and shoot the foxes then skin them, which he would peg on a board to dry. He took 21 fox skins to Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd., Furriers at 173 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria, to have this coat made for my Mother, Gladys Eileen Allen. It cost Twenty Pound and Nine Shillings to have the skins made into this coat. My Father died on the 1st July 1982 and my Mother on the 15th October 1993, aged 76. This coat was inherited by me Theresa Joy Hodge (nee Allen) on the passing of my Mother. I have worn it on cold days, but seeing that I am 84 and the coat is 74 years old, I would like to donate it to you, as I have no-one to leave it to and hope that you and the visitors to your Museum will enjoy looking at it." Theresa Hodge, 2025 Theresa was a dairy farmer, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh with her parents, before moving to South Australia in 1980 to a 167 acre farm in Burrungale.Black and white photograph featuring a man standing on a rural property with a dog beside him. A gate, fencing and water tank are shown in the background.back: [handwritten] 1939 / Charles Winnet Daniel / Allen back: [printed] FUJIFILM / Fujicolour Crystal Archive / Paperfox fur coat, fashion, hunting, pest eradication, farming, rural life, bacchus marsh, greystones, glenmore, parwan, fox, nettlebergs pty ltd, furriers, clothing, theresa hodge, charles allen, gladys allen -
Wooragee Landcare Group
Photograph, 3rd April 2004
... fox control pest control native animal protection farming farm ...This photograph depicts fox behaviour specialist Camille Veselsky demonstrating the use of a fox bait trap at an event conducted as part of an awareness campaign highlighting damage done to farm and domestic animals and native wildlife in April 2004. Camille Veselsky is a specialist in fox behaviour who worked for the Hume Rural lands Protection Board on pest animal control for 27 years. This date is suggested by the photograph's position in the 2004-2005 Wooragee Landcare Group Coordinator's Report folder. A note accompanying the item suggests an alternative date of 24th June 2004, however. This event raised awareness about the impacts of foxes in rural areas and provided practical training in techniques to control their populations. Flyers contained in the parent folder suggest that baiting may have been agreed as a method of fox control as the event depicted was followed by a two week baiting campaign a fortnight later. Pictured in this photograph, left to right: unknown, unknown, Quentin Mansfield, Graeme Missen, unknown, Helmut Wiemann, presenter Camille Veselsky, Ursula Wiemann, unknowns. A note accompanying the items suggests the photograph may have been taken by Karen Bowley or Maree Missen. In the folder, the photograph is accompanied by a printed label stating: 'Sensible precautions must be taken when handling FOXOFF.' Regional areas like Wooragee are susceptible to fox attacks due to the availability of food such as rubbish, scraps, native wildlife and livestock. Foxes can have a huge impact on native wildlife and domestic life as they are known to chew through irrigation systems, dig-up and defecate in gardens, raid rubbish bins and harass other domestic animals. Ground-dwelling native species are particularly susceptible to predation by foxes, which when combined with loss of habitat can endanger these species. Affected species include Speckled Warblers, Plovers, Diamond Firetails, Spotted Quail-Thrushes, Turquoise Parrots, Dunnarts, Bandicoots, Phascogales, skinks, geckos and legless lizards. This photograph is significant as an example of awareness raising and threat control programs undertaken by Wooragee Landcare Group in the 2000s in Indigo Shire. Landscape coloured photograph printed on gloss paper. Reverse: WAN NA 0ANA2N0 NNN+ 3 8743 / [PRINTED] 24 / [HANDWRITTEN] (No. 1 1) / 257 [PRINTED}wooragee landcare, wooragee, north-east victoria, indigo shire, landcare movement, 2004, fox control, pest control, native animal protection, farming, farm life, foxes, vermin, baiting, traps, speckled warbler, plovers, diamond firetails, spotted quail-thrush, turquoise parrot, dunnarts, bandicoots, phascogales, skinks, geckos, legless lizard, chickens, ducks, guinea-pigs, camille veselsky, quentin mansfield, graeme missen, helmut wiemann, ursula wiemann, karen bowley, maree missen -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Albert (Bert) Nankervis, 15th March 2000
... Springhurst Butter Factory Electricity rural life Farming ...Mr Albert (Bert) Nankervis was born at Thougla, in the Upper Murray, in 1903. He had a large family and was one of eight children, four boys and four girls. He and his family moved to a farm in Wooragee named ‘Wattle Grove’ in 1918 after his father returned from serving as a soldier in World War One. The family established ‘Wattle Grove’ as a dairy farm as Beechworth has a high demand for milk and little supply. They had 25 milk cows that were hand milked every morning in order to provide milk for approximately 100 customers in the town, with any extra going to the butter factory at Springhurst. Albert married Floré Lilias Hardy in 1930 and they had two sons, Phillip and Barry. In this oral history, Albert discusses his life as a farmer in Wooragee, including his role in getting electricity to Beechworth, as well as his participation in the Young Farmer’s Association Immigration Scheme, which provided work experience to migrants in order for them to learn how to farm. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke. Mr Albert (Bert) Nankervis’s account of his life in Wooragee and the local area, including Beechworth, during the early 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. He details his life as a farmer and milkman in the early 20th century, particularly the interwar period (1918-1939), but also discusses life after the Second World War, including employing young migrant men to train them as farmers through the Young Farmer’s Association. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved. This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 45 minutes of recordings on each side.Mr Albert (Bert) Nankervis / albert nankervis, bert nankervis, nankervis, wattle grove, wooragee, dairy farm beechworth, dairy farm, dairy factories beechworth, dairying, milkman, oral history, springhurst, butter factory, electricity, rural life, farming and agriculture, farm, farm work, cow, cattle, jersey cattle, interwar period, first world war, second world war, wwi, wwii, greatest generation, centenarian, nonagenarian, 1920s, 1930s beechworth, thougla, upper murray, murray, lucyvale, benalla -
National Wool Museum
Invoice
... , Gulargambone, February 1947 . Farming Agriculture Country Life ...Subscription invoice for "Country Life and Stock and Station Journal", made out to Mr J H Landers, Lanauria, Gulargambone, February 1947 .farming agriculture, country life newspaper co. ltd, farming, agriculture -
National Wool Museum
Book, With a Passport and Two Eyes
... District, farming, country life, city life, retail stores and wool.... to the Western District, farming, country life, city life, retail stores ..."With a Passport and Two Eyes" by V.C. Buckley, c.1930. An account of the authors travels around the world, including an extensive chapter on Australia, with references to the Western District, farming, country life, city life, retail stores and wool.farming sheep stations, farming, sheep stations -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, The Cocky Farmer, 1907
... . The book is about school life and farming at Sale, Stawell.... The book is about school life and farming at Sale, Stawell ...Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874-1956), teacher, writer and historian, was born on 10 May 1874 at Ballarat, Victoria. as well as his stories he published a number of Books about the history of Ballarat. Nathan Frederick Spielvogel (1874–1956) was a teacher, writer and historian. As a country schoolteacher, he traveled widely in the eastern Australian outback and also made a journey to London. Spielvogel gained distinction as one of the only Australian Jewish writers of his time. Many of his early books were best-sellers. A paper back book with 146 pp.written by Nathan Spielvogel. On the front cover is a drawing of a farm-house in a green paddock. The book is about school life and farming at Sale, Stawell, and the Wimmera district. the-cocky-farmer spielvogel-nathan literature -
National Wool Museum
Tool - Water Pump, c.1960
... of Australian Farming life. A pump like this rest at the heart of all... iconic sights of Australian Farming life. A pump like this rest ...A windmill may be considered one of the most iconic sights of Australian Farming life. A pump like this rest at the heart of all such windmills, turning wind energy into water for farmers both here in Australia and worldwide alike. The water windmills access is referred to as an aquifer, an underground layer of water trapped in rocks but accessible with use of water wells and windmills. Australia is home to an underground aquifer known as the Great Artesian Basin. It is the largest and deepest aquifer in the world. Stretching over 1,700,000 square kilometres, the Basin underlies nearly a quarter of the continent including most of Queensland, the south- east corner of the Northern Territory, the north-east part of South Australia and the northern part of New South Wales. The basin is 3,000 metres deep in places and is estimated to contain 64,900 cubic kilometres of groundwater. To try and give this number context, a megalitre is a million litres. The Great Artesian Basin contains 65,000 million megalitres of water. This would be enough to cover all the land on the planet in almost half a metre of water.Lift style piston pump typical of an Australian farm connected to a multi-bladed windmill. Bronze cylindrical construction coming up from removable wood base. Rotating lever is above outlet pipe which would send water to the storage tank.windmill, australian farming, great artesian basin, aquifer -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Painting - Portrait of Dolly Barton for Peoplescape, Betty L. Barberis, 2001
... representations of her 12 children, her farming way of life, her.... The painting includes representations of her 12 children, her farming ...In February 2001 the National Council for the Centenary of Federation called upon Australians to nominate someone whom they felt had significantly affected their lives, their community or our country. Thousands of these heroes and quiet achievers were selected. Betty Churcher, a member of the National Council, chaired the Peoplescape Selection Panel. Nominators then made life size, cutout figures to represent their "hero". The sculptures were installed in alphabetical order, on the hill at Parliament House and down to the Federation Mall in Canberra, each with a plaque at its base outlining the individual's achievement. This portrait was painted by Betty Barberis to represent her mother "Dolly" Barton. Dolly raised 12 children, lived through 2 World Wars and the depression. She kept the family dairy farm running whilst her husband was serving in World War 2 whilst still supporting the war effort through the Red Cross and CWA and the church guild. Betty’s great body of work included landscapes, banners, millinery, ceramics, and a bronze sculpture of her husband Vern Barberis who was a fellow schoolteacher and represented Australia as a weightlifter, winning a bronze medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. She was also an art teacher of 22 years. Betty passed away at The Grange, Wodonga on 26 November 2013.This portrait was created by a renowned and highly regarded artist from Northeast Victoria for a national celebration of the centenary of Australian Federation in 2001.A large oil painting depicting a portrait of Dolly Barton, mother of the artist Betty L. Barberis. The painting includes representations of her 12 children, her farming way of life, her commitment to the community and to the war effort. The image was painted on to yellow corflute for exhibition. It has since been covered with perspex to protect the image.betty l. barberis, myrtle ann 'dolly" barton, peoplescape 2001 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Craft - Ship Model, Mary Campbell, circa 1940
... Robilliard exchanged sea life for farming in Peterborough. In about... Robilliard exchanged sea life for farming in Peterborough. In about ...This ship model is of the sailing brigantine MARY CAMPBELL, which once belonged to Captain James Arthur Robilliard. The model was made by Harry McKenna, a well-known ship model maker and Warrnambool resident. CAPTAIN ROBILLIARD James Arthur Robilliard, sea captain and tent maker, was born in 19th April 1843 in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands. He trained there in his father’s sail loft as a sail maker. He later became a skipper. His first job as a sailor was achieved in Liverpool, England. In 1875 James Robilliard migrated to Australia as mate on the “E.M. Young”. Captain Robilliard and his family were amongst the early settlers along the Curdies River in the Heytesbury district. In 1877 he became a Captain. On 14th November 1879 Captain Robilliard married Helen Beckett. James and Helen had ten children; James Arthur (Jnr), Henry William, Nellie Jessie, Alfred Albert, Rubena Nellie, De Jersy Norman, Clifford Beckett, Olive Ida, Frances Ridley Havergal and Nellie Elvie, all born in Victoria. THE MARY CAMPBELL The ship “Mary Campbell” was built by Alexander Newton Jnr. She was carvel planked, of iron bark and blue gum timber. The family shipyard was at Pelican, on the Manning River, NSW, and “Mary Campbell” was first launched by her builder in 1869 as “The Son”. Three months later she was renamed “Mary Campbell’ by her purchaser J. Campbell in Sydney. She was used to carry equipment for the Sydney Sugar Refinery’s Mill in Southgate, NSW. She then traded for the next 20 years between Australian ports and rivers along the east coast as well as regular ports in New Zealand. She was “recognised as one of the best carrying little vessels in the timber trade” (Sydney Morning Herald). She had several owners over this time, the last one being Captain James A. Robilliard. On 29th April 1889 “Mary Campbell”, in the charge of her owner, Captain James A Robilliard, was on her way from Clarence River, NSW to Melbourne, Victoria with a cargo of railway girders for the Melbourne Harbour Trust. Captain Robilliard encountered a storm off Port Macquarie. He sailed the vessel south to 25 miles (about 40km) east of Cape Hawke, near Tuncurry and Forster. At 7pm, he discovered that the cargo had shifted during the stormy seas and the heavy girders had damaged the hull, causing a leak. The pumps were inadequate to stem the fast flowing leak and over a meter of water filled the hull during the next 2 hours. Some of the crew began throwing the cargo overboard to lighten the vessel, hoping to keep it afloat until daylight. When the water reached over 2 meters in the hull they realised their efforts were in vain. At 1:30am on 30th April 1889 the crew left the vessel. They stood by in the lifeboat until 3am. The ship was sinking fast, so they left for the shore, looking for a safe place to beach their boat. While still miles off Cape Hawke all 7 crew members, including the Captain, were rescued by the Government Tug “Rhea” and taken to Port Macquarie hospital then returned to Sydney in the “Wellington”. Captain Robilliard managed to rescue his ship’s compass but no cargo was saved from the vessel. It had been under-insured, only covered for half its value, due to lack of funds. Many years later, in 1976, an anchor was caught up in the net of a trawler south of Forster and thought to be from the “Mary Campbell”. It was donated and installed in the Great Lakes Museum, Tuncurry, NSW. (The same museum also has a half-model of the hull of “Mary Campbell”.) The name of the last ship Captain Robilliard sailed is currently unknown, however he sailed that ship from the port of Marlborough, Queensland, carting steel railway girders for the Geelong-to-Camperdown line. On one trip it hit a storm, the cargo shifted and the ship was wrecked along the NSW coast. After this, Captain Robilliard exchanged sea life for farming in Peterborough. In about 1897, verging on retirement, Capt. Robiilliard superintended the Melbourne Sailors’ Home in Spencer Street, Melbourne, before being asked to leave this position in 1902 for trying to shut down the local hotel! At this time the Melbourne Sailors’ Home was about to change its location. On 6th May 1917 Captain James Arthur Robilliard J.P. died at Blackwood Park, in the Cobden district of Brucknell, which is now considered the first official Robilliard family homestead in Australia. He was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery, Victoria. His wife Helen passed away in 1947. The Becket and Robilliard family names continue to be well known in the Western District Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village also has a ship’s compass in the collection that was also owned by Capt. J. Robilliard and was used on the ship Mary Campbell.This ship model of the MARY CAMPBELL is of local significance for its association with well known Warrnambool resident and ship model maker. The model is also significant for its association with the brigantine MARY CAMPBELL, a trading vessel that brought railway girders to the Melbourne Harbour Trust.Ship model "Mary Campbell", a two-masted vessel with black hull, brown masts and black rigging. In glass case with timber frame painted green. Painted on the bow in white “MARY CAMPBELL” Gold label with black print attached to display case “MODEL BY THE LATE HARRY McKENNA OF WARRNAMBOOL”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, marine artwork, model making, captain james arthur robilliard, j.a. robilliard, vessel mary campbell, ship mary campbell, melbourne sailors home, vessels, harry mckenna -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1900
The Beechworth Foundry was vital to the industry of the town and surrounding district in the early years of the town’s development. Originally opened as the New Ford Street Foundry by A. Roger in 1858, J Duncan and M Straughair amalgamated and established the Beechworth Foundry in 1867. The business was extensive and operated out of many buildings, each with their own specialisation. All of the buildings pictured in this image are part of the larger Beechworth Foundry. In the late 1860s it employed 16 men. The foundry was fundamental to the running of the town and surrounding district, as it manufactured all manner of items, including tools and machinery for the mining and agricultural industries. The foundry business collapsed in 1896 after the death of it’s founder, John Duncan, the same year (Straughair had died in 1882). The foundry was reopened by W H Phillips in 1905 and taken over by H Delora in 1906 This image is significant as it shows some of the many buildings of the Beechworth Foundry, which was a fundamental business to the running of the town and surrounding district, and supplied many of the tools and machines required for the mining and agricultural industries, as well as other aspects of life between the 1850s and early 1900sSepia rectangular photograph printed on paper. It has rough, torn-looking edgesReverse 97.2321 / BMM A03115duncan, john duncan, j duncan, m straughair, straughair, foundry, beechworth foundry, industry, factory, newtown, new ford street foundry, a roger, roger, w h phillips, phillips, w phillips, h delora, delora, metalwork, farming and agriculture, tools, mining, workmen -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr and Mrs Forrest, 25th September 2000
Mr Forrest was born on the 11th of November 1916 in Beechworth. Mrs Forrest was also born in Beechworth. Mr and Mrs Forrest's families have strong association with Beechworth's farming community, especially when it came to rearing sheep and cattle. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Although Beechworth is famous for its history in gold, the project by Jennifer Williams is significant as it captures the everyday life and struggles of residents living in Beechworth during the twentieth century. Mr and Mrs Forrest’s story is significant as their story brings to light the life on a farm in Beechworth. It gives insight into not only the Forrest’s role in Beechworth’s farming, but it also gives insight into the changed Beechworth went through during and after the war period.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, forrest, mr and mrs forrest, farm, farming -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Alfred Spencer, 17th February 2000
Alfred 'Alf' Spencer grew up on a dairy farm run by his mother, west south west of Beechworth 'down Robertson Road', and was very well connected to the wider Beechworth area. In this oral history, he recalls his time driving the milk cart around Beechworth as well as the time he spent buying lollies and seeing the pictures. He talks extensively about working as a butcher at his brother's store, including how the butchers interacted with the rest of the town and the staff, as well as his time constructing roads and the pipe network of Beechworth. He discusses the dynamics of other workplaces around Beechworth, describing issues with how the local tannery treated its workers as well as how post-war migrants integrated across the town. He briefly discusses racial tensions between Chinese migrants and other miners on the goldfields. He also discusses the experience of health care in a rural area during his childhood. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Alfred Spencer's oral history of his life around Beechworth during the 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural history of the region and Victoria. There is a lot of detail about workplaces, their staff, and how the resources of the town interacted. He explores themes that are important to Victorian history, such as migration. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up to 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mr Alfred Spencer /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, spencer, alfred spencer, migration, post-war migration, goldfields, health care, farm, farming, dairy farm, black springs, butchers, meat processing, butcher, road, road network, labour relations -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Linda Peacock, Ernie Warner, 2000
Ernie Warner was a local of Beechworth, a third generation inhabitant of the town. His grandfather arrived as a prospector, and his parents married there and established a sheep/wool farm, which passed to his brother. Ernie was the owner of the hardware store in Camp street, which was the former Post Office Hotel, from 1955 to 1979, having previously worked there as a teenager in the 1930s/1940s. He did not go to war due to injury, but during the wartime was employed in the hardware, at Zwar Bros. Tannery and by bookkeeping for his father. Ernie married in 1948 and had 6 children. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams (and Linda Peacock) in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Ernie Warner's oral history recording has social and interpretive significance due to his discussion on life in Beechworth during the Depression, War and post-war eras. He discusses his work in the hardware shop on Camp Street and his work in the Zwar Bros. tannery during the wartime, when it supplied leather to the army. His recording also has social significance because he discusses his family; his grandfather had arrived in Beechworth from England to prospect for gold and his father and brother were sheep farmers. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Ernie Warnerzwar brothers tannery, beechworth, gold prospecting, world war two, hardware store, sheep farming -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Hubert Warner, 2 April 2000
Hubert Warner’s story shows insight to the families that emigrated from Europe for the gold rush. It illustrates the nuances of life in the district. This history speaks of land cultivation and the innovation of industry in the region, in particular sheep and cattle farming and slaughter. Warner speaks of the highs and lows of the practice of breeding cattle, the awards he won, but also the hardships that come with working on the land such as having to face natural disaster. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titles: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Hubert Warner's account of life in Beechworth is uniquely illustrative as it captures many aspects of the community. It explains the motivation for European migrants for choosing to settle in the area and how they were able to both become a part of and create a presence in their local community. This oral history also exemplifies the process of developing industry through the twentieth century, how it was done, the struggles it faces, and the triumphs that came with this. Warner's history is specific to the cattle industry and shows great nuance in the day-to-day operation of such a business over time. This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side. Herbert Warnerlisten to what they say, listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century beechworth, 1800s beechworth, 20th century beechworth, beechworth, farming and agriculture, cattle, gold, gold rush, farm, farming -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, John O'Loughlin, 13 July 2000
John O'Loughlin was born in 1922 in Warracknabeal, Victoria and moved to Beechworth in February 1969. Following a brief time working in the real estate business, John gained employment as a prison officer at Beechworth Gaol. The gaol had initially closed its doors in 1918 but was reopened after the completion of alterations in 1926 as a reformatory prison for habitual male criminals. In his new role, John was able to pursue management in the farming industry, taking trusted prisoners out to a farm on the Wodonga side of Beechworth to work the land. This area was known as The Rockery, a grazing property of two-hundred and eighty acres about two miles north of Beechworth. This work done by the prisoners included timber cutting, land maintenance and the grazing of livestock, mainly Black Poll cattle. The programme was an instrumental component of prisoner rehabilitation, allowing freedom and responsibility. When he retired from his work in 1987, John observed that many improvements had been made towards the living conditions and daily life of the prisoners. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. The cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke. John O'Loughlin's account of his life in Beechworth and the local area during the twentieth century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. He details important information surrounding Beechworth Gaol and the daily life of its prisoners; it is a place that still holds significance for the residents of Beechworth today. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth'. While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the twentieth century, much of which would have been lost if they had not been preserved. This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white stripe and is currently stored in a clear flat rectangular plastic container. It holds up to forty minutes of recording on each side. John O'Loughlin / beechworth gaol, old beechworth gaol, john o'loughlin, beechworth prison, beechworth, gaol, prisoners, beechworth prison officer, prisoner reform beechworth, the rockery, black poll cattle, daily prison life beechworth, prisoner farmwork, beechworth training prison -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Alan French, 1st June 2000
Alan French was born in Beechworth in 1918 on Christmas Day, an only child descendent from French, Irish and Scottish family who had moved to and stayed in the area years before, both of his parents were born in Beechworth and were fourth generation Indigo Shire locals. Alan grew up in the depression era working the land with his dad when they could, cutting wood or helping on the local farms in and around Wooragee. Everyone able in those days bartered for goods, little coin and vegetables if there was spare to go around with labour or what little they produced from their efforts. In this interview, Alan discusses how his great grandparents Francois (French) and Catherine (Irish) Bertrand were the first vignerons in Beechworth, even mentioned in Beechworth, a Titans Field; 'Vines were draped across 156 acres of Beechworth shire in 1880, and notable vignerons included Francois Bertrand [...]' (Woods: 162) according to Alan 'you can still see where the old vines used to be, Malakoff Rose Garden' but whether or not the wine they produced was any good for drinking is open to interpretation and lost to the history of Beechworth and those who tasted it. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, vigneron, a titans field, beechworth a titans field, francois bertrand, wooragee, indigo shire, depression era, wood cutting, labour, farming, vines, history, malakoff rose garden -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Clemence Orton, 7th December 2000
... a light on farming and life on the land, farming techniques ...Clemence Orton was born in Beechworth in 1922 and lived his life in Murmungee on his parent’s property that he took over and ran working the land. He was schooled in Murmungee and interested in vet science. He served in WWII and was 24 years old when he returned. After World War II he took work experience with the local vet and attended his own farm stock, horses in particular. His knowledge of the area during his parent’s time and his families time saw him familiar with mining in the local area and Chinese miners through to farming techniques and practices. He was known as a ‘local resident with an encyclopaedic knowledge of local history'. Clemence married Dorothy and raised his family in Murmungee. He passed away on January 17th 2007. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke. Clemence Orton’s family has lived in the Beechworth and Murmungee region for over a century. Through his experience living on the land he is able to shine a light on farming and life on the land, farming techniques and mining history in the region. Clemence Orton was know for his knowledge of local history and lived in the region making his involvement in this oral history project important. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a cleat flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up to 40 minutes of recordings on each side. Mr Clemence Orton /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, orton, vet, mining history, chinese miners, clemence orton -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Herbert McFeeters, 4 May 2000
Herbert McFeeters as born in Wooragee Creek in 11th July 1905. Mr McFeeters would walk to school in Beechworth by foot, about 3.5 miles through the hills. It would take him and his siblings one hour to get to school. Mr McFeeters worked at the local tannery from the age of 14 for 11 years. After which he worked for himself, farming cattle and selling milk around the region. Mr McFeeters bought land from the Crown, who were selling lands after many miners had left the region. Mr McFeeters recalls the Chinese community that remained the Beechworth area and the social activities in the town, including the pictures, football games and Harvest Festivals. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke. Mr McFeeters oral history provides detail of life in rural Victoria during the early 20th Century. Mr McFeeters describes his early childhood and working life, including details of the social activities This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke. This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mr Herbert McFeeters /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, herbert mcfeeters, wooragee creek, reid's creek -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Max Suter, 29 June 2000
Mr Max Sutor was born in South Australia. He first began his work as a marine engineer at the Mildura Irrigation Trusts, moving later to the Melbourne Harbour Trusts. After a number of years as an engineer, he moved into farming at Gippsland and joined the prison service several years after during the late 1960s. He was first stationed at Morwell River Prison in South Gippsland, transferring to McLeod Prison in 1972 and finally to Beechworth in 1974 as senior prison and stores officer. He would assist in the organisation, obtaining and distribution of food and medication to prisoners. The prison, at the time, was of medium security and held high security prisoners, with an estimated amount of 108 prisoners to 23 staff. Mr Suter showed a great push in showing humility towards prisoners, wanting to avoid animosity against them by never looking at their records to treat them equally. His choice of kind behaviour towards prisoners had clearly influenced their own, especially during manual labor. The prison had worked cooperatively with a local farm, having their prisoners assist in the farm work. Attitudes inevitably changed positively for several prisoners. Whilst he held no control over their actions at the farm, he still became well trusted and liked amongst the prisoners, as they would continue to go to him for assistance and questions. Mr Suter had also worked as an instigator of finding drugs within each prison he has worked within. This led him to study the variations, and being a member of the Parents and Citizens Association at the high school his children attended, as well as Community Service Director of a Rotary club, he wanted to educate parents in guidance for those unsure on how to conduct actions against such behaviours. From his first seminar, a police surgeon told him that three drug users were found by their parents. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Mr Max Suter's account on his time and experience as a senior prison officer at Beechworth Prison is historically and socially significant for the cultural heritage of the region. His recounts of his time working within the prison and out in local parent and community associations held a positive effect on the awareness and behaviours of the Beechworth area, and provides detailed information on the duties and complications working in a 20th century rural prison, as well as the lack of local awareness from adults with young influential children. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Max Suterlisten to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, max suter, beechworth prison, farming, drug awareness -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Mrs May Harris, July 2000
... ' statement explores life in a small farming community alongside some ...This oral history interview was conducted with Mrs May Harris (née Peach), who grew up in the farming town of Stanley, about 9km southeast of Beechworth. Mrs Harris moved to Melbourne and got work cleaning houses before getting married. Her husband worked on farms, and the couple eventually found their way back to Stanley. She describes experiences of illness, particularly her husband and children's experience with asthma and the impact that had on their lives and careers. Mrs Harris talks about local fundraising events in Stanley, particularly what she calls 'Australian Teas', as well as some of the dances and picnics that were major sources of entertainment when she was young. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Mrs May Harris' statement explores life in a small farming community alongside some of her life in the city, which might provide an interesting comparison. She discusses the difficulties of facing illnesses in these rural communities, noting the lack of available resources and need to travel to Beechworth. She discusses community events, highlighting both the social aspects and the fundraising aspects.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, illness, asthma, farming, farm work, rural life, stanley, stanley athenaeum, sinclair's sawmill, sawmill, the great depression, housework, australian tea, fundraising -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mrs Vanessa McDonald, 9 November 2000
Mrs. Vanessa McDonald was born in Beechworth in 1917. Christened, Agnes Bertha Collins, Vanessa changed her name in 1960. Mrs. McDonald's family's connection with gold mining in the district reach back to the first of Beechworth's gold rushes, when her great grandfather, a Dutchman who adopted the name Charles Collins, arrived in 1851-1852. Mrs. McDonald spent her childhood in the isolated hamlet of Stanley, in the area known as 'Little Scotland', where she recalls helping her mother to raise younger siblings, picking apples and walnuts on the family farm, and roaming the hills for wildflowers. As a young woman Mrs. McDonald attended religious and social gatherings in the local community. In 1940 she went to Melbourne to work as a mothercraft nurse during the Second World War. She met her husband at a Beechworth football match and was married at the Stanley Methodist Church in 1941. The gold diggings known as the 'Nine Mile' became the hamlet of Stanley, after the British Prime Minister, Lord Stanley, in 1858. By the late 1850s, Stanley boasted schools, an athenaeum, a church, a weekly newspaper and several hotels and other civic infrastructure to cater for a growing population. The area attracted large numbers of Chinese miners, whose presence was frequently resisted. Like other early Victorian mining settlements, Stanley was a hotbed of political and racial tensions during the gold rush. One side of the Nine Mile Creek was known as 'Little Scotland’, the other, 'Little Ireland'. A number of Christian denominations built congregations and churches in Stanley, including the Church of England, Methodist Church, the Catholic Church, and Presbyterian Church. Stanley became part of the United Shire of Beechworth in 1871. By 1880 timber was being cut and two sawmills were established by 1887. River-dredged gold mining consumed vast amounts of timber from the forests in the area, and in 1931 the first of several softwood plantations began. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth'. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Following the decline in the mining and associated industries during the early-mid-twentieth century, the Beechworth district experienced a period of general economic decline. On the east side of the Dingle Range, Mrs. McDonald's father, William Henry Collins, felled timber and the family were pioneer apple orchardists. The establishment of apple orchards in Stanley reflects changes to how land was used and contributes to our understanding of the historical development of rural communities following the gold rush. Mrs. McDonald's recollections are significant for understanding family and social life in a small rural town in years leading up to the Great Depression and prior to the Second World War. This oral history recording may be compared with other oral histories and items in the Burke Museum's collection. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Mrs Vanessa McDonald /listen to what they say, beechworth, oral history, burke museum, emigration, gold rush immigration, victorian gold rush, mining families, apple orchard, forestry, forest plantation, little scotland, stanley, twentieth century history, regional australia, rural australia, farming, harvest festival, great depression, dingle range, the nine mile, australian wildflowers, high country wildflowers, mothercraft nurse, rural and regional women, social history, collins, mrs. vanessa mcdonald, building community life, shaping cultural and creative life, fruit growers, family history, changes to land use in regional victoria