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The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, est. 1860-1875
In 1875, the Rocky Mountain Extended Gold Sluicing Company Ltd was created, utilising the previous Rocky Mountain claim for the area near Lake Sambell. The company employed A.L Martin to survey an area for a tunnel underneath Beechworth and Johnson Stephens to dig it. The tunnel was built at a rate of 40 feet a month and eventually measured 800 metres. The tunnel was a true accomplishment both in the present and during the 19th century. It was considered to be a marvelous engineering feat. Beechworth is renowned for its hydraulic sluice method of mining. This involved soil being exposed to torrents of water from high-pressure hoses. From 1876 until its closure in 1921, the mine produced an astounding 47,926 ozs of gold. Companies like this were the source of income for many Chinese gold-diggers who sought to make their fortune on the goldfields of Beechworth. During the height of the rush, the town had around 7,000 Chinese inhabitants living on the outskirts of town as they were not permitted to live within Beechworth itself.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portrays an open-cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in 1910. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertaken which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This image of the Rocky Mountain mine is historically significant as the mining complex is now non-existent, with the only remains being the tunnel built in 1880 by the company, which was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the time. The image also provides a first-hand look into the social and cultural networks at play during the 19th century with racial segregation of the Chinese at the 'Chinese Camp', as well as an insight into Beechworth's origins during the Gold Rush.A sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper as a postcardReverse: Historic Beechworth / 7792.1 / ROCKY MOUNTAIN MINE / Viewed from the “Chinese Camp”, shown partly in the foreground, we see the central plant of the famous Rocky Mountain Mining Company. This extensive complex, of which nothing remains, was situated between Silver Creek and the present Lake Sambell area. The company was responsible for a tunnel cut through solid bedrock underneath the town of Beechworth and surfacing near the keystone bridge on the Wangaratta side. Completed in 1880 it was declared to be one of the greatest engineering feats in Australia. The tunnel is still basically intact today. / Series by Wooragee Graphics: Historic Beechworth. / COPYRIGHT BURKE MUSEUM / No.72 beechworth, rocky mountain mine, sluicing, gold rush, mining, gold -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Photograph - Reproduction, c.1870s
This photograph shows a piece of gold mining equipment identified as a mine winch, possibly an air winch cylinder of 1870s RG Ford's Patent design. Throughout the history of mining for gold and other precious materials, the windlass or winch (pictured) was used to bring up buckets full of soil from the bottom of a mine. This soil was then searched for gold/metals before being relocated to a different area. Due to the size and complexity of this particular piece of equipment, this winch may have been used to raise and lower mine carts to the entrance of the mine (often used in coal mining) and could have been used in raising cages up and down (acting as elevators) containing miners if the mine was particularly deep. The actual use of this particular item in the Beechworth locality is undocumented but these are some possibilities based on the use of these pieces of equipment in other mining locations. Mining can have a largely detrimental impact to the environment and therefore, the study of machinery like the one depicted in this photograph can help researches to reconstruct the methods and technologies used in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This particular item appears to have been removed from it's original site where it would have been used to assist with mining. It is possible that this photograph has been taken for recording purposes or as part of a machinery exhibition. Prior documentation records that this piece of equipment had connections to the Rocky Mountains Mining Company. Today, the Rocky Mountains Gold Mining company is famous in Beechworth for having been instrumental in the creation of the Rocky Mountain tunnel. Construction for this tunnel began in 1859 when a group of 12 men blasted a 400ft long tailrace though the rock beneath the town of Beechworth. Today, the 800ft tunnel, completed in 1871, is a popular tourist attraction but during the decades of gold mining, the purpose of this tunnel was to divert water away from the main sluicing operations so miners could better access gold and precious materials. The tunnel was used for this purpose for many years, later becoming useful for the Zwar Brother's tannery and currently as an outfall drain for Lake Sambell. This area continued to be mined until the early 1900s. The period when this item was in use is unclear but it is estimated to have been in the 1870s based on the design and appearance of the image. The gold works at the Rocky Mountain Tunnel closed in the early 1920s but the impact of mining remains in Beechworth today and therefore the study of photographs like this one which contain mining equipment can further understanding of mining in this region.This photograph has historic and research potential for study on the gold mining of the Beechworth region and types of equipment used to locate gold after the initial gold rush of 1853-1854 which resulted in the discovery of the surface gold and required miners to dig deeper to access precious metals. The clarity of the photo, and its good preserved condition, means it can continue to be used for research. This photo is part of a collection of six photos all within the Burke Museum Collection which depict mining equipment.Square black and white photograph on card.7793.1beechworth, mining, goldmining, goldmining equipment, beechworth burke museum -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Fossiliferous Mudstone, Unknown
This specimen was found in Cape Patterson, Vic. Cape Paterson is a cape and seaside village located near the town of Wonthaggi, 132 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, in the Bass Coast Shire of Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. These dark, fossiliferous Mudstones were deposited in slow-moving water associated with sedimentary basins & continental shelves. They are rich in carbon which makes them almost black. This is typical of an anoxic, reducing environment such as deep water or stagnant conditions where carbon-rich material would remain unoxidised during subsequent deposition & diagenesis. it has an imprint of a leaf in the rock itself, displaying the fossil of the plant. This specimen is unique due to the leaf impression within the stone itself. Imprint fossils are formed from an organism moving in some way, leaving behind a trace or track. These tracks are preserved when the clay/silt dries slowly and is covered by other sediment. Plants can also leave imprint fossils when they are covered by sediment. The leaf tissue degrades, leaving an imprint of where the leaf once was. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.These dark, fossiliferous Mudstones were deposited in slow moving water associated with sedimentary basins & continental shelves. They are rich in carbon which makes them almost black. This is typical of an anoxic, reducing environment such as deep water or stagnant conditions where carbon rich material would remain unoxidised during subsequent deposition & diagenesis. FOSSILIFEROUS MUDSTONE / Locality: Cape Patterson, Victoria | Descriptive catalogue / Pg 27 No 95 / "Grey Clay, / Cape Paterson with leaf impressions' / 15/4/21 C. William /mudstone, cape patterson, leaf imprint, fossilised leaf, fossiliferous mudstone -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1930
Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area. This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found.Sepia rectangular photograph printed unmountedReverse: 84-19-5 / 1997.3185/ Values & spillway. / When completed the wall / will be as high as the / scaffolding. [featuring trademark: kodak print]construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1930
Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area.This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found.Sepia rectangular photograph printed unmountedReverse: 84-19-2/ 1997.3188/ These are the four / release valves they are / not always open (illegible) this / when closed the water flows / over the spillway. [featuring trademark: kodak print] photograph number: 354construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 25 October 1930
Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area.This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found.Sepia rectangular photograph printed unmountedReverse: 84-19-6/ 1997.3187/ The spillway [featuring trademark: kodak print] construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 25 October 1930
Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area.This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found.Black and white rectangular photograph printer unmountedReverse: 84-20-1/ 1997.3147construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 25 October 1930
Taken on 25 October 1930, various houses with the Hume Dam under construction are depicted in the background. The construction of the Hume Dam took place from 1919 to 1936. At the time of construction, it was the second largest dam in the world. It was also one of the earliest civil projects developed after the Federation. Some of the Dam workers consisted of World War I veterans. Dam workers often settled their families in Mitta Junction Village and Wodonga. Archaeological surveys were completed by Austral Archaeology, which was done when the Department of Land & Water Conservation was doing work to improve Hume Dam. The archaeological report that came out of the survey recommended three sites of interest where archaeological excavation should be done: Camp Ganger’s Quarters, Stableman’s Quarters, and the Industrial Dump. The excavation uncovered artefacts. Mitta Mitta: Mitta Mitta is situated between Mount Welcome and Mount Misery. It is named after the river that explorers Hume and Hovell discovered in 1824. The town would eventually become a huge gold mining town. Mitta Mitta is called Midamodunga by the local Indigenous peoples Wodonga: Wodonga is situated on the Murray River and is part of North East Victoria. Hume and Hovell: Hamilton Hume (1979-1873) and William Hilton Hovell (1786-1875). W. H. Hovell was born in Norfolk England and Hume was born in Parramatta, New South Wales Hovell and Hume undertook an exploration journey in 1824 and thought they discovered a river, which turned out to be the Murray River. They returned home in 1825, but returned to the area in 1826 and discovered coal in the area. This photo is historically significant as it shows the Hume Dam under construction in 1930. The Dam was named after Hamilton Hume, who is an important historical figure for this area as he helped discover the area where resources were found. Black and white rectangular photograph printer unmountedReverse: 1997.3145/ 84-20-2construction, houses, veterans, mitta junction village, hume dam, world war i, federation, wodonga, archaeological survey, excavation, austral archaeology, department of land & water conservation, camp ganger's quarter's, stableman's quarters, industrial dump, artefacts, mitta mitta, mount welcome, mount misery, murray river, hamilton hume, william hilton hovell, hume and hovell expedition -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Photograph - Reproduction
The photograph is a reproduction of a postcard from the Rocky Mountain Mining Company. In 1875, the Rocky Mountain Extended Gold Sluicing Company Ltd was created, utilising the previous Rocky Mountain claim for the area near Lake Sambell. The company employed A.L Martin to survey an area for a tunnel underneath Beechworth and Johnson Stephens to dig it. The tunnel was built at a rate of 40 feet a month and eventually measured 800 metres. The tunnel was a true accomplishment both in the present and during the 19th century. It was considered to be a marvelous engineering feat. Beechworth is renowned for its hydraulic sluice method of mining. This involved soil being exposed to torrents of water from high-pressure hoses. From 1876 until its closure in 1921, the mine produced an astounding 47,926 ozs of gold. Companies like this were the source of income for many Chinese gold-diggers who sought to make their fortune on the goldfields of Beechworth. During the height of the rush, the town had around 7,000 Chinese inhabitants living on the outskirts of town as they were not permitted to live within Beechworth itself.This image of the Rocky Mountain mine is historically significant as the mining complex is now non-existent, with the only remains being the tunnel built in 1880 by the company, which was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the time. The image also provides a first-hand look into the social and cultural networks at play during the 19th century with racial segregation of the Chinese at the 'Chinese Camp', as well as an insight into Beechworth's origins during the Gold Rush.Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on paperbeechworth, rocky mountain mine, sluicing, gold rush, mining, gold -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Mr Tom Carey, 3/08/2000
Mr Tom Carey was born in 1940 in Beechworth to family from Beechworth and Woolshed. His family had strong associations with Australia's Gold Rush, with grandparents having followed the rush from town to town, and parents in Beechworth. Tom has strong associations with Beechworth and its surrounds, with his family having some connection to the Kelly Gang. Tom worked in many industries in Beechworth, from the Bridge Road, Price’s Store, tannery, post office, the Kiewa Murray Water Authority, and the Beechworth Council. 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 Tom Carey account of his life in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. He details important historical events and hardships in the region's history that had a lasting local, regional and national impact, including Australia during war time, economic struggles, and women's and men’s societal roles in a rural area. 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 sideMr Tom Carey/ beechworth, oral history, burke museum, tannery, beechworth council, kelly gang, bridge road, price’s store, post office, the kiewa murray water authority, woolshed, gold rush, carey, tom carey, listen to what they say -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Evelyn Jensen, 13th April 2000
Miss Evelyn Jensen was born in 1908 near Mytleford Road in Beechworth. Miss Jensen was a twin but she also had twelve brothers and sisters. Miss Jensen went to school when she was nine years old but did not enjoy it. Her father was a nozzleman and had a role in finding and collecting gold. More specifically, a nozzleman operated a steel barrel with an interchangeable brass nozzle that sprayed high pressure water onto rock and similar surfaces. This broke down the surface for gold to be found. Unfortunately, when he began most of the gold was already gone. Miss Jensen's mother died when Miss Jensen was sixteen. As a result, Miss Jensen had to take care of the children and run the house. This included looking after a few months old baby. Her father was away at work most days so all of the responsibility fell on her. Her grandmother was present but she was too old to help Miss Jensen. Miss Jensen and her family lived a very long way from the main town and often had to carry kerosene tins full of water half a mile to their house. This was because they have no access to water at their home. This lack of water also meant they had to either bathe in the creek or carry the water back home for a bath. On wash day, they washed their clothes in the creek too. Miss Jensen never married but continued to provide for her family. She spent her days gardening and cooking. They did not have much money so gardening was a way that they provided food for themselves. 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.Miss Jensen's oral history is significant because it demonstrates the struggles of living remotely during this early part of the twentieth century. When Miss Jensen's mother died, she had to take on a lot of responsibility and did not have much support. This history sheds light on these struggles of being a young caregiver but it also gives details on how large families lived in isolated places. An example of this is the way that Miss Jensen often had to do the washing in the creek because that was the only place there was running water. In addition, Miss Jensen's story is significant because her father was a nozzleman. It indicates one of the processes was used to find gold. 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 sideEvelyn Jensen /mytleford road, beechworth, three mile creek, three mile beechworth, twin, nozzleman, goldrush, gold rush, work, mother, young mother, children, siblings, baby, grandmother, father, isolation, bush, water, watertanks, kerosene tins, wash day, bath day, creek, gardening, provide, poor, money, oral history, twentieth century, recording, story -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Audio - Oral History, Jennifer Williams, Isabel Wells, 24th February 2000
Isabel Wells was born in Beechworth in 1914. Her father, Mr. Newey, was a butcher; his shop was in Ford street and he took over from his grandfather. The family business, along with the local residents, was supplying the main government institutions in the region, like Mayday Hills Hospital and The Ovens and Murray Home, making a large percentage of his profit. Mr. Newey was also a captain of the fire brigade and Isabel mentioned that there were more fires happening in those days. The menace of a huge fire was impending in Beechworth for many years, due to the lack of adequate water supply and the absence of trained firefighters. The first fire brigade in the town was voluntary and was formed in 1858 under Superintendent Luke Reilly. A few other schemes deployed the following years, with all failing to sufficiently control the fires that occurred, until the creation of the first reliable fire brigade in the 1870s. The worst fire in the town's history happened on 23rd March 1867; it swept through many shops and the post office, leaving behind a damage cost estimated at £12,000. Isabel's mother was in a wheelchair, suffering from osteoarthritis; thus, Isabel had taken over the responsibility for looking after her mother and assisting her with daily living needs and personal care activities. She used to play golf and tennis and she was a member of the town tennis club. In terms of social life, Boxing Day was a big occasion for the town, with horse-races and games taking place. According to her narration, the use of cars was a turning point in the town's social activities, since people were able to visit nearby places and take day trips, such as having a picnic at Lake Kerferd or Buffalo. 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. Isabel's account of her life in Beechworth and the local area during the 20th century is historically and socially significant as it offers valuable information about the business activity in the region and provides a deeper insight into the operation of butcher shops and meat supply during the first half of the previous century. Additionally, it offers invaluable information about the everyday life of people living in Beechworth, and highlights aspects of the overall social life and activities.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 Isabel Wells/ isabel wells, beechworth, mr. newey, ford street, butcher, mayday hills hospital, the ovens and murray home, fire brigade, 23rd march 1867, fire, osteoarthritis, boxing day, horseraces, lake kerferd, buffalo, picnic, cars, firefighters, luke reilly, wheelchair -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, 1910 - 1912
... . This lake was originally constructed to supply the town with water ...This photograph is taken of Lake Kerferd in around 1910. The photograph shows the road circling around the large lake and the jetty on the lake. On the other side, there is a written message from Fred Pulling to Win Pulling. Fred seems to have gone away and was not sure when he would return. He was also glad to hear about a gentlemen called Perc, who he stated to be a 'decent enough chap'.This postcard is significant because Lake Kerferd itself is significant within Beechworth's history. This lake was constructed in 1862 and was named after the former Beechworth Mayor, Hon. G B Kerferd. This lake was originally constructed to supply the town with water. Fred's correspondence with Win demonstrates a glimpse into what life was like during this time. Black and white rectangular postcard printed on cardObverse: (113) Lake Kerferd Beechworth / Reverse: Beechworth / 29.11.19 / [ Stamped: POST CARD / KODAK AUSTRALIA / Dear Win / Gald to hear that you / have made up your mind about / Perc / He seems a decent enough chap / too / Anyway, Thanks for the letter / Dont exactly know when we are / returning / will write later. Regards / to Nell of course, and H. (indecipherable) / Lots of love / Fred / lake kerferd, jetty, chap, postcard, letter, trees, lake, horse drawn carriage, horse drawn cart, kodak, australia, gum trees, gravel road, beechworth, kerferd -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1960
The photograph depicts a view across the water at Lake Sambell. The image dates from approximately 1960. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-Nineteenth Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. Residents of Beechworth have worked to raise funds to improve the Lake Sambell reserve several times, such as efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to raise the banks several feet to deepen the water for swimming purposes. Fundraising campaigns include the ‘Ugly Man’ competition conducted on behalf of the Wallace Park-Lake Sambell Development Scheme. The latter competition was run by the Fire Brigade Bend’s team as part of a larger competition called the ‘Mile of Pennies’; it was won by Mr Len Knight of Beechworth’s Commercial Hotel. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ was conducted at a Carnival held on New Year’s Eve, 1947. It was proposed by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. As well as improving swimming facilities, funds were raised to install a caravan park facility near the lake. Funds were also donated by commercial entities, such as £250 received from Zwar Bros. Pty Ltd. The photograph is significant as it shows the level of development of Beechworth in the early to mid-Twentieth Century. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperObverse: nil. Reverse: 3470 / Velox (paper mark)beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, lake, beechworth and district progress association, forward beechworth committee, ugly man, mile of pennies, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, zwar bros, zwar, l.h. sambell, j. mcconvill, minister of lands, commercial hotel, len knight, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, gold rush, redevelopment, transformation, community fundraising -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1960
The photograph depicts a view across the water at Lake Sambell. The image is thought to date from the 1960s so may show the lake during a period of drought, such as that experienced across South-Eastern Australia in 1967. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-Nineteenth Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. Residents of Beechworth have worked to raise funds to improve the Lake Sambell reserve several times, such as efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to raise the banks several feet to deepen the water for swimming purposes. Fundraising campaigns include the ‘Ugly Man’ competition conducted on behalf of the Wallace Park-Lake Sambell Development Scheme. The latter competition was run by the Fire Brigade Bend’s team as part of a larger competition called the ‘Mile of Pennies’; it was won by Mr Len Knight of Beechworth’s Commercial Hotel. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ was conducted at a Carnival held on New Year’s Eve, 1947. It was proposed by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. As well as improving swimming facilities, funds were raised to install a caravan park facility near the lake. Funds were also donated by commercial entities, such as £250 received from Zwar Bros. Pty Ltd.The photograph is significant as it shows Lake Sambell at lower water levels, such as may have been experienced during period of drought.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperObverse: nil Reverse: 3470beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, lake, beechworth and district progress association, forward beechworth committee, ugly man, mile of pennies, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, zwar bros, zwar, l.h. sambell, j. mcconvill, minister of lands, commercial hotel, len knight, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, gold rush, redevelopment, transformation, community fundraising, drought, 1967, 1960s -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1960
The photographs in this set depict views across the water at Lake Sambell. The images date from approximately 1960. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-19th Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. Residents of Beechworth have worked to raise funds to improve the Lake Sambell reserve several times, such as efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to raise the banks several feet to deepen the water for swimming purposes. Fundraising campaigns include the ‘Ugly Man’ competition conducted on behalf of the Wallace Park-Lake Sambell Development Scheme. The latter competition was run by the Fire Brigade Bend’s team as part of a larger competition called the ‘Mile of Pennies’; it was won by Mr Len Knight of Beechworth’s Commercial Hotel. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ was conducted at a Carnival held on New Year’s Eve, 1947. It was proposed by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. As well as improving swimming facilities, funds were raised to install a caravan park facility near the lake. Funds were also donated by commercial entities, such as £250 received from Zwar Bros. Pty Ltd.The photographs are significant as they show the level of development in Beechworth in the middle of the Twentieth Century. Four sepia and black and white rectangular photographs printed on matte photographic paper. 3469.1: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-1 3469.2: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-2 3469.3: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-3 3469.4: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-4beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, lake, beechworth and district progress association, forward beechworth committee, ugly man, mile of pennies, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, zwar bros, zwar, l.h. sambell, j. mcconvill, minister of lands, commercial hotel, len knight, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, gold rush, redevelopment, transformation, community fundraising -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Geological specimen - Opal Bearing Stone, Unknown
There are 17 opal fields in Australia. This opal bearing stone was found in Lightning Ridge, NSW over what is known as the Great Australian Basin. This basin was formed and covers an area of 1.7 million square kilometers in eastern Australia in the Cretaceous period. This basin used to contain an inland sea, which provided an environment where silcrete eventually formed when water levels changed. This eventually seeped into other structures, and eventually hardened and formed opal. Lightning Ridge has a population of around 2000 people, with about 80 000 visitors every year. It is a historic mining town, and is known for its deposits of a rare black opal. Mining started in the area in the late 1800s, early 1900s when the black opal was discovered. This opal-bearing stone is of social and historical significance. It is from Lightning Ridge, which is well-known for being a large producer of opal stones, most famously black opal. The history of the period dates back to 140 million years, with the discovery of black opal in the early 1900s causing interest in the area. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.***A palm-sized solid mineral specimen in shades of beige and light orange*** silica based? burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, opal, opal fields, australia, lightning ridge, new south wales, great australian basin, cretaceous, silcrete, black opal, mining -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, January 1934
Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost's history.A very faded black / white photograph of flood water under the railway viaduct at watt's Gulch.orbost-flood-1934 railway-viaduct-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
iron wheel rim
This was probably for a light buggy. Heavy farm, and lumber wagons had wider tires. It would have been made by a blacksmith. The blacksmith fitted steel rims onto wooden wagon wheels. The red hot metal rim expands when hot, so it can be fitted to the wagon wheel. Then it contracts to create a tight fit as it cools after being dropped into a tank of water.Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Orbost’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.A large iron rim for a wagon wheel.wheel-rim wagon transport agriculture -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Photograph - Reproduction
This photograph depicts the Great Southern Mine located in Rutherglen as it was during the 1900. After the initial Gold Rush of 1853-1854, Gold was discovered deeper under the surface of the earth in the 1860 after the discovery of another deep lead system. Due to the discovery of Gold in Rutherglen, Rutherglen developed into a community in its own right, possessing a population of 6600 by December 1860 and developed into a municipality in 1862. The Great Southern Mine depicted in this photograph required the use of a range of modern technologies, including the hydraulic pumps, in order to reach gold. This photo depicts the mining operations as they were undertaken around the turn of the century.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray a modern mining operation undertaken in the 1860s, can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about the methods used to extract gold in 1900. It is significant as most mining operations around the region, particularly earlier on in the period, used different technologies such as water races. This image is important for current research into the history of Rutherglen more generally, a town which developed singlehandedly due to the discovery of minerals and mining, as depicted here in this photograph, thus indicating an element of social significance as well as historic. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to mining and Rutherglen which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.A black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: $ 3.00 19972503 / a02503 / Great Southern Mine Rutherglen 1900rutherglen mine, rutherglen, great southern mine, beechworth, mine, mining, post goldrush, victoria, gold, 1860s, sluicing, hydrolic sluicing -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, unknown
This reproduced photograph is of Pennyweight Flat near Beechworth, a notable area of the 1850's gold rush in Victoria. Donald Fletcher, migrating to Beechworth from Scotland in 1855, had substantial claims at Pennyweight Flat and was amongst the first in the district to utilise hydraulic sluicing and water diverting methods.The flat is said to have seen a flurry of 200 miners to the area around 1857, and by 1861 when work commenced on extending Fletcher's tail race the census recorded 644 people residing there (European males, females and Chinese). Pennyweight Flat is also significant for the cemetery that resides on the hilltop and which noted approximately 200 burials from the gold rush period 1852-1857, known for a long period as a children's cemetery due to the number of children's graves present.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in 1910. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertaken which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This image is important for current research into the history of Beechworth and surrounding area including Victoria's North East. The Rocky Mountain Extended Gold Sluicing Company was a long running and very active mine that was one of the most successful and largest in the district. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold sluicing which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one. When the mine closed in 1921, in a liquidation sale, Zwar purchased the tunnel and clear water supply that ran under the town of Beechworth. He directed the water to his tannery and over time built a major industry in leather works that was a major employer in Beechworth. In growing his leather business, Zwar installed crude oil engines for electricity in his factory. He oversaw working with local council to introduce electricity to Beechworth via a sub-station on Albert Street. In 1927 Electric street lamps replaced gas lamps in the streets of Beechworth. Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on glossy photographic paperObverse: Reverse: 84.222.5/ digital print/ rocky mountain extended gold sluicing company, gold, sluicing, gold sluicing, hydraulic sluicing, gold mine, open cut mining, mining, gold mining, north-east victoria, beechworth, burke museum -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
This photograph was captured in approximately 1900 and depicts the on site nurses homes. During the 1880s, these detached cottages were constructed and provided accommodation for the staff (in this case, the nurses) who lived within the hospital walls. Within the image are weatherboard buildings, a number of nurses and water tanks. Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. The hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, it was argued, would assist in the cure of the patients kept at the hospital (Wood 1985, 122). The positioning of the hospital had a beneficial effect on the rural town. A pamphlet published by James Ingram and Son (1849) reveal that famous landmarks in Beechworth which included the Post Office, Gaol, Courthouse and Asylum "demonstrate the appreciation of Beechworth by the Government not only as as important district center, but also as a site unrivaled as a sanitarium". There were other locations in contention at the time, but ultimately Beechworth was chosen (Craig 2000, 33). Prior to the creation of the Asylum in Beechworth, those charged with having mental illnesses or, as it was termed, "insanity" were unable to be properly cared for in the Gaol (which is where they were often sent). John Buckley Castieau wrote, in 1861 for the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, that the Gaol was unable to properly care for those classified then as "insane" but that they would endeavor to treat them above the other inmates (which he notes is not always the case in other establishments). Castieau wrote this in favour of supporting the building of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth. It was stated that at the time the Mayday Hills Hospital was built, there were 83 prisoners kept in the Gaol who were to be rehoused to the Hospital on the grounds of "insanity". The classification as someone as "insane", in this period of time is a reflection on the inability to cure and understand illnesses of the mind during the mid to late 1800s. Opening on the 24th of October 1867, the Mayday Hills Hospital was originally named the "Ovens Lunatic Asylum", a title which is very much a product of its time. Whilst controversial, changes to the name is part of the history of the Hospital and can provide much insight into the understanding of mental illness throughout history and the use/disuse of this term provides information into the reception/changing opinions of mental illness in society. The Hospital would later become known as the "Mayday Hills Asylum" and/or "Mayday Hills Hospital" with the latter being the most commonly used title. An article in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser notes that on the 7th of March 1865, the foundation stone of the Hospital was laid (it would officially open in 1867) and that it was such a moment of accomplishment and joy for Beechworth that a letter to the editor even suggested that there should be a holiday dedicated to the day the foundation stone as laid. This reveals an extent to which the townspeople of early Beechworth valued the construction of the Hospital in their town. It provided the town with a sense of prestige and honour.At first glance, the remains of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria, inspire tragedy, trauma and beauty. The buildings themselves, with their Italianate style Renaissance architecture designed by J.J. Clark (Craig 2000, 49 & Smith 2016, 203) reflect a bygone period of European and Australian history. The gardens provide a sense of tranquility and beauty. The experience of those within these walls remains a valuable area of study to provide a more complete understanding. This particular hospital is considered the fourth of its like and one of three identified as the largest of their kind. The Mayday Hills Hospital is a sister to the Kew and Ararat Asylums in Melbourne which are both located in relative proximity. Understanding the role of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth history is integral to understanding the development of the goldfields town, but also for providing important information as to the history of caring for, and the reception of, mental illnesses in Australian and wider European history. Mayday Hills provides a case study which can be researched through oral history, an analysis of the grounds/buildings and through images like these. Images like these depict the strong façade of the Hospital and provide a glimpse into the tranquility of the gardens. This has been done deliberately to provide a sense of comfort and healing about the building to those looking from the outside. Further research into the importance of the Hospital in Beechworth and it's connection to the town will be supported through images like these kept in the Mayday Hills photo album in the collection of the Burke Museum.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper mounted on card"Early nurses quarters, Beechworth Mental Hospital, now May Day Hills Hospital."may day hills hospital, nurses quarters, beechworth, mayday hills, asylum -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
These images are copies of a photograph (3448) captured in approximately 1900 and depicts the on site nurses homes. During the 1880s, these detached cottages were constructed and provided accommodation for the staff (in this case, the nurses) who lived within the hospital walls. Within the image are weatherboard buildings, a number of nurses and water tanks. Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. The hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, it was argued, would assist in the cure of the patients kept at the hospital (Wood 1985, 122). The positioning of the hospital had a beneficial effect on the rural town. A pamphlet published by James Ingram and Son (1849) reveal that famous landmarks in Beechworth which included the Post Office, Gaol, Courthouse and Asylum "demonstrate the appreciation of Beechworth by the Government not only as as important district center, but also as a site unrivaled as a sanitarium". There were other locations in contention at the time, but ultimately Beechworth was chosen (Craig 2000, 33). Prior to the creation of the Asylum in Beechworth, those charged with having mental illnesses or, as it was termed, "insanity" were unable to be properly cared for in the Gaol (which is where they were often sent). John Buckley Castieau wrote, in 1861 for the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, that the Gaol was unable to properly care for those classified then as "insane" but that they would endeavor to treat them above the other inmates (which he notes is not always the case in other establishments). Castieau wrote this in favour of supporting the building of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth. It was stated that at the time the Mayday Hills Hospital was built, there were 83 prisoners kept in the Gaol who were to be rehoused to the Hospital on the grounds of "insanity". The classification as someone as "insane", in this period of time is a reflection on the inability to cure and understand illnesses of the mind during the mid to late 1800s. Opening on the 24th of October 1867, the Mayday Hills Hospital was originally named the "Ovens Lunatic Asylum", a title which is very much a product of its time. Whilst controversial, changes to the name is part of the history of the Hospital and can provide much insight into the understanding of mental illness throughout history and the use/disuse of this term provides information into the reception/changing opinions of mental illness in society. The Hospital would later become known as the "Mayday Hills Asylum" and/or "Mayday Hills Hospital" with the latter being the most commonly used title. An article in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser notes that on the 7th of March 1865, the foundation stone of the Hospital was laid (it would officially open in 1867) and that it was such a moment of accomplishment and joy for Beechworth that a letter to the editor even suggested that there should be a holiday dedicated to the day the foundation stone as laid. This reveals an extent to which the townspeople of early Beechworth valued the construction of the Hospital in their town. It provided the town with a sense of prestige and honour.At first glance, the remains of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria, inspire tragedy, trauma and beauty. The buildings themselves, with their Italianate style Renaissance architecture designed by J.J. Clark (Craig 2000, 49 & Smith 2016, 203) reflect a bygone period of European and Australian history. The gardens provide a sense of tranquility and beauty. The experience of those within these walls remains a valuable area of study to provide a more complete understanding. This particular hospital is considered the fourth of its like and one of three identified as the largest of their kind. The Mayday Hills Hospital is a sister to the Kew and Ararat Asylums in Melbourne which are both located in relative proximity. Understanding the role of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth history is integral to understanding the development of the goldfields town, but also for providing important information as to the history of caring for, and the reception of, mental illnesses in Australian and wider European history. Mayday Hills provides a case study which can be researched through oral history, an analysis of the grounds/buildings and through images like these. Images like these depict the strong façade of the Hospital and provide a glimpse into the tranquility of the gardens. This has been done deliberately to provide a sense of comfort and healing about the building to those looking from the outside. Further research into the importance of the Hospital in Beechworth and it's connection to the town will be supported through images like these kept in the Mayday Hills photo album in the collection of the Burke Museum.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic papermental hospital, mayday hills, beechworth, copy, nurse, nurses quarters, on-site dwelling, 1900s, 1880, beechworth asylum -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
This photograph is a copy of that captured in approximately 1900 and depicts the on site nurses homes. During the 1880s, these detached cottages were constructed and provided accommodation for the staff (in this case, the nurses) who lived within the hospital walls. Within the image are weatherboard buildings, a number of nurses and water tanks. Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. The hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, it was argued, would assist in the cure of the patients kept at the hospital (Wood 1985, 122). The positioning of the hospital had a beneficial effect on the rural town. A pamphlet published by James Ingram and Son (1849) reveal that famous landmarks in Beechworth which included the Post Office, Gaol, Courthouse and Asylum "demonstrate the appreciation of Beechworth by the Government not only as as important district center, but also as a site unrivaled as a sanitarium". There were other locations in contention at the time, but ultimately Beechworth was chosen (Craig 2000, 33). Prior to the creation of the Asylum in Beechworth, those charged with having mental illnesses or, as it was termed, "insanity" were unable to be properly cared for in the Gaol (which is where they were often sent). John Buckley Castieau wrote, in 1861 for the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, that the Gaol was unable to properly care for those classified then as "insane" but that they would endeavor to treat them above the other inmates (which he notes is not always the case in other establishments). Castieau wrote this in favour of supporting the building of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth. It was stated that at the time the Mayday Hills Hospital was built, there were 83 prisoners kept in the Gaol who were to be rehoused to the Hospital on the grounds of "insanity". The classification as someone as "insane", in this period of time is a reflection on the inability to cure and understand illnesses of the mind during the mid to late 1800s. Opening on the 24th of October 1867, the Mayday Hills Hospital was originally named the "Ovens Lunatic Asylum", a title which is very much a product of its time. Whilst controversial, changes to the name is part of the history of the Hospital and can provide much insight into the understanding of mental illness throughout history and the use/disuse of this term provides information into the reception/changing opinions of mental illness in society. The Hospital would later become known as the "Mayday Hills Asylum" and/or "Mayday Hills Hospital" with the latter being the most commonly used title. An article in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser notes that on the 7th of March 1865, the foundation stone of the Hospital was laid (it would officially open in 1867) and that it was such a moment of accomplishment and joy for Beechworth that a letter to the editor even suggested that there should be a holiday dedicated to the day the foundation stone as laid. This reveals an extent to which the townspeople of early Beechworth valued the construction of the Hospital in their town. It provided the town with a sense of prestige and honour.At first glance, the remains of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria, inspire tragedy, trauma and beauty. The buildings themselves, with their Italianate style Renaissance architecture designed by J.J. Clark (Craig 2000, 49 & Smith 2016, 203) reflect a bygone period of European and Australian history. The gardens provide a sense of tranquility and beauty. The experience of those within these walls remains a valuable area of study to provide a more complete understanding. This particular hospital is considered the fourth of its like and one of three identified as the largest of their kind. The Mayday Hills Hospital is a sister to the Kew and Ararat Asylums in Melbourne which are both located in relative proximity. Understanding the role of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth history is integral to understanding the development of the goldfields town, but also for providing important information as to the history of caring for, and the reception of, mental illnesses in Australian and wider European history. Mayday Hills provides a case study which can be researched through oral history, an analysis of the grounds/buildings and through images like these. Images like these depict the strong façade of the Hospital and provide a glimpse into the tranquility of the gardens. This has been done deliberately to provide a sense of comfort and healing about the building to those looking from the outside. Further research into the importance of the Hospital in Beechworth and it's connection to the town will be supported through images like these kept in the Mayday Hills photo album in the collection of the Burke Museum.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper mounted on cardmayday hills, nurse, weatherboard, watertank, mayday hills hospital, asylum, mental health, kew, ararat, mental hospital, beechworth, gold town -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Chair, 1907-1914
The design of this set of four lightweight chairs is based on Thonet’s bentwood designs, which are still some of the best-selling designs for café and restaurant owners. It is elegant, sophisticated and durable. Some of these chairs still have their original seat, under which the letters “TH” or “RSL” are hand written. Flagstaff Hill has several bentwood chairs with these letters on them, in either chalk, black paint, or both. It is believed that the chairs were used in the original Warrnambool Town Hall, and later the RSL. The Town Hall was completed in 1891, built on the corners of Timor and Liebig Streets. (In 1977 the Town Hall was declared unsafe and was later replaced by the Warrnambool Performing Arts Centre.) Some of the chairs have marks, paper labels and symbols on them that show that the maker was Josef Jaworek, who had a small furniture factory in east Sinensia, which was at that time in Austria, from 1907 - 1914. Bentwood chairs are made by a process of wetting wood in water, bending it into curved shapes, then allowing it to dry so that the shape becomes permanent. This process originated by Michael Thonet, who had been given the right to bend wood into desired curves by the Austrian Courts in 1842. In 1856 he was granted a 13 year patent to manufacture chairs and table legs of bent wood treated by steam or boiling water. In 1859 his company Gebruder Thonet produced his original design. Thonet’s early designs also featured hand carved or laminated wooden seats. His Model No. 14 was produced in the 1850’s and his most popular design. After Michael’s death in 1871 the family went on designing and producing chairs. These bentwood chairs are believed to be associated with the original Warrnambool Town Hall. The Warrnambool Town Hall played a significant role in the both the local government and the social events of local and district areas. It was a place for Council meetings, community events and entertainment, theatrical and musical.Bentwood chair (4 of 4), painted black, inner back is curled loop, seat has leather cover attached with studs, ventilation holes under seat, legs are splayed and have a bracing ring. Marks: under seat, handwritten and stamped into wood.Marked with handwritten "TH", in both black paint & white chalk. Under rim is label printed "65" Stamped into wood on rim under chair "95".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, bentwood chair, café chair, restaurant chair, josef jaworek, austrian chairs, furniture -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Poster - Recreation, Warrnambool Hot Sea Water Baths, c. November 1908
The poster includes a cartoon by Arthur Jordan, with a conversation between an ailing man and a good man after baths visits. There are several reviews dating from 1906 to 1908 extolling the healing powers of the baths' waters. In February 1877 a Baths Company (1050 shares) was formed in the town of Warrnambool for the establishment of the baths at the south end of Gillies Street. The baths were filled with sea water from Lady Bay, originally pumped by a windmill situated near the current Surf Lifesaving Club and carried by iron pipes to the Public Baths; later the water was pumped by gas motor. Hot and cold fresh water baths were advertised. The gentlemen’s bath was 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, of graduating depth. A second bath, solely for ladies, was 60 feet long by 30 feet wide. Hot Sea-water Baths were also part of the institution, and were sought after for their ‘wonderful curative powers’, and ‘incomparable’ as a ‘tonic for the feeble’. In June 1881 the Hot Sea Baths were opened, and both hot and cold water baths were supplied at reasonable charges. Patrons came from near and far to receive the benefits. The manager of the Baths was J. Kirkpatrick. The Baths Company struggled for several years without success so in 1883 the baths were sold to the Borough Council for 1250 pounds. The original shareholders received nothing for their outlay; the overdraught was over the sale price. In May 1884 the Council announced that an estimated they has spent 1000 pounds in improving the baths since purchasing them and were now returning an income of 11 per cent. The poster promotes the healing powers of the hot sea water baths that were in use in Warrnambool in the late 19th century through to the early 20th century. The baths were a place for fitness, health and social activity, an example of the recreational activities during this period.Poster, black and white, mounted on card. It shows advertising Warrnambool Sea-water Baths and Hot Sea-water Baths. There are several references promoting the health benefits of baths, dating from 1906-1908. The cartoon was sketched by Arthur Jordan. The poster was printed by The Thompson Printing Co. Warrnambool. Handwritten inscription on the lower edge.Handwritten "10,000 mailed by post through Victoria"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, warrnambool salt baths, warrnambool therapudic baths, arthur jordan, baths company, sea water baths, hot sea water, swimming, healing powers, warrnambool baths, advertisement, thompson printing co. warrnambool -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Poster - Recreation, Town of Warrnambool Swimming Baths, ca. May 1884
The poster advertises these Swimming Baths as “the most complete in the Southern Hemisphere”. In February 1877 a Baths Company (1050 shares) was formed in the town of Warrnambool for the establishment of the baths at the south end of Gillies Street. The baths were filled with sea water from Lady Bay, originally pumped by a windmill situated near the current Surf Lifesaving Club and carried by iron pipes to the Public Baths; later the water was pumped by a gas motor. Hot and cold fresh water baths were advertised. The gentlemen’s bath was 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, of graduating depth. A second bath, solely for ladies, was 60 feet long by 30 feet wide. Hot Sea water Baths were also part of the institution, and were sought after for their ‘wonderful curative powers’, and ‘incomparable’ as a ‘tonic for the feeble’. In June 1881 the Hot Sea Baths were opened, and both hot and cold water baths were supplied at reasonable charges. Patrons came from near and far to receive the benefits. The manager of the Baths was J. Kirkpatrick. The Baths Company struggled for several years without success, so in 1883 the baths were sold to the Borough Council for 1250 pounds. The original shareholders received nothing for their outlay; the overdraught was over the sale price. In May 1884 the Council announced that an estimated they has spent 1000 pounds in improving the baths since purchasing them and were now returning an income of 11 per cent. Historically significant to Warrnambool and the recreational facilities available in the 1880s to 1900s. The remains of the baths are still visible to the public today.Poster on heavy cream paper, landscape orientation, with coloured print. The poster advertises the Warrnambool Swimming Baths. It has several drawings such as Middle Island and the Merri River Mouth with vessels in the water, The inside of the Baths facility, the men's baths with the adjacent bathing rooms and figures in and out of the water, a cottage with figures in the garden, and fenced buildings with a windmill and aqueduct or pipes. The text describes the location and advantages, the opening times and various costs. It was printed in Ballarat by F.W. Niven & Co. Lithos."TOWN OF WARRNAMBOOL" "SWIMMING BATHS" "HOT SALT-WATER BATHS FOR LADIES AND GENTLEMEN" "HOURS FOR BATHING fROM 7 a.m. to 9 p. m. Closed on Sundays at 10 a.m." Single Bath 1s [1 shilling]; or 10s per Dozen Tickets" "HOURS FOR SWIMMING BATHS: Ladies and Gentlemen, from 6 a.m. to Sunset, Sundays 6 a.m. to 10 a.m." "Every information can be obtained from the Manager, J. Kirkpatrick" "HOT SEA-WATER BATHS ... strongly recommended by the Medical Faculty" "Hot and Cold Fresh Water Baths" "Showers etc." "LIST OF CHARGES ... Single Season Ticket, Single Monthly Ticket, Single Bath without towel ... with towel.. Tickets per dozen without towel, with towel..." "The Baths are situated at the end of Gillies Street, in the rear of the Post Office, and are of salt water pumped by gas motor continuously from the sea. The Swimming Bath is 100 feet long by 50 feet wide, of graduating depth; and a second bath for ladies' use solely, 60 feet long by 30 feet wide. The hot Sea-water Baths in connection with this institution have been extolled far and wide for their wonderfully curative powers in cases of rheumatism, sciatica, and nervous afflictions generally. As a tonic to an enfeebled system, they are incomparable, These Baths, the most complete in the Southern Hemisphere, have been recently re-erected and fitted with marble plunges, and everything provided for the comfort and convenience of invalids and visitors." "F.W. NIVEN & Co, LITHOS, BALLARAT"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, warrnambool swimming baths, hot sea water baths warrnambool, warrnambool baths company, f.w. niven & co, warrnambool therapudic baths, town of warrnambool, swimming baths, hot sea water baths, salt water baths, ladies' baths, gentlemen's baths, warrnambool town baths, j kirkpatrick -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Chair, 1907-1914
The design of this set of four lightweight chairs is based on Thonet’s bentwood designs, which are still some of the best-selling designs for café and restaurant owners. It is elegant, sophisticated and durable. Some of these chairs still have their original seat, under which the letters “TH” or “RSL” are hand written. Flagstaff Hill has several bentwood chairs with these letters on them, in either chalk, black paint, or both. It is believed that the chairs were used in the original Warrnambool Town Hall, and later the RSL. The Town Hall was completed in 1891, built on the corners of Timor and Liebig Streets. (In 1977 the Town Hall was declared unsafe and was later replaced by the Warrnambool Performing Arts Centre.) Some of the chairs have marks, paper labels and symbols on them that show that the maker was Josef Jaworek, who had a small furniture factory in east Sinensia, which was at that time in Austria, from 1907 - 1914. Bentwood chairs are made by a process of wetting wood in water, bending it into curved shapes, then allowing it to dry so that the shape becomes permanent. This process originated by Michael Thonet, who had been given the right to bend wood into desired curves by the Austrian Courts in 1842. In 1856 he was granted a 13 year patent to manufacture chairs and table legs of bent wood treated by steam or boiling water. In 1859 his company Gebruder Thonet produced his original design. Thonet’s early designs also featured hand carved or laminated wooden seats. His Model No. 14 was produced in the 1850’s and his most popular design. After Michael’s death in 1871 the family went on designing and producing chairs. These bentwood chairs are believed to be associated with the original Warrnambool Town Hall. The Warrnambool Town Hall played a significant role in the both the local government and the social events of local and district areas. It was a place for Council meetings, community events and entertainment, theatrical and musical.Bentwood chair (1 of 4), painted black, inner back is curled loop. Seat is padded leather, attached by studs. Splayed legs. Patterned ventilation holes under seat. Under seat are various Marks; hand painted, printed on small piece of paper, stamped in wood.Under seat are various Marks; hand painted in black "TH", printed on small piece of paper "400", stamped in wood "400" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, bentwood chair, café chair, restaurant chair, josef jaworek, austrian chairs -
Upper Yarra Museum
Food Safe, Untitled
http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/infosheets/the-coolgardie-safe/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coolgardie_safe The Coolgardie Safe is a low-tech refrigeration unit which uses the heat transfer which occurs during evaporation of water. It was named after the place where it was invented — the small mining town of Coolgardie, Western Australia, near Kalgoorlie-Boulder. http://www.biggles.com.au/ The Coolgardie Safe was simply a wire framed box with wheat sack strips hanging down the sides, which were kept wet by the process of osmosis from a dish or small tank of water. The food inside the Safe was kept cool due to the principle that evaporation takes away heat; the wet hessian strips experience evaporation from the wind and the sun and thus you have a refrigerator. http://www.whitehat.com.au/australia/Inventions/InventionsA.html Coolgardie Safe made from galvanised iron with hessian drapped over 4 sides, rectangular on 4 legs. 2 trays inside, 3rd tray inserted in top as cover, metal meshing on callapsable sides and door. Stands in tray. The tray assists with pest control as it was filled with water.kitchen galvanised iron coolgardie safe hessian food preservation pest control water -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Painting, Hopkins River - Mary Norman - Clifton Banks
Clifton Banks is the name given to a bank on the Hopkins River Estuary, about one kilometre upstream from Proudfoots Boathouse. It is at the foot of the property, Clifton, which dates from 1850s. There are several works of art and photographs of Clifton Banks dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mary Norman (later known as Mary Norman=Bail) came to Warrnambool in 1901, residing with Canon and Mrs McGeorge. She studied art with Samuel Pearce Fuller and later taught art at Fuller's studio and at a local private school. She produced several seascapes and landscapes while she was in Warrnambool, leaving the town in 1905. She devoted the rest of her life to art as an artist and teacher. In 1922 she married Jess Bail. This art work of Clifton Banks won first prize at the 1902 Annual Ararat Art competitions. It was reported at the time that the work was not a copy but had been drawn from nature. The Warrnambool and District Historical Society has five of Mary Norman-Bail's art work.This is a most significant item as it is one of Mary Norman's art works and she was known in the early 20th century as a competent artist and a member of the Victorian Artists' Society. This art work also has historical significance as one of a number of Clifton Banks representations still surviving. Mary Norman also had an impact on the cultural life of Warrnambool during her short stay in the town. She also returned to teach in the town several times for short periods during the summer vacation times.This is a water colour mounted on art board and with a gilt framed and three outer layers of wooden gilded ornamental frames. The sides of the frames are broken in places and the guided material is somewhat discoloured. There are Les O'Callaghan handwritten notes and some typed material on the back giving information on Mary Norman and the art work. The back is sealed with pasted paper and there are both string and wire attached for hanging the pictureBack of art work: 'Diamond Bros, Photo Enlargers, Importers of Mouldings, Mounting Boards, Albums, Mirrors etc, Picture Framers. Mount Cutters and Plush Workers, Studio - 27 Bridge Road, Melbourne, Factory- 45 and 47 Duke Street, Richmond, Armstrong Street, Ballarat, Pirie Street, Adelaide, Brisbane, & Freemantle W.A.'mary norman, clifton banks, warrnambool