Showing 88 items
matching unsealed road
-
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide - Photograph, Nyora Road, Eltham, c.1993
... Road was unsealed. This section was only a fire access track... Road was unsealed. This section was only a fire access track ...The east end of Nyora bewteen Stokes Place and Reynolds Road was unsealed. This section was only a fire access track as evidenced by the trees growing in the middle of the road. Real Estate agents would advertise homes as down a (dusty) country lane. The Nyora Road Resident Action Group arose to address concerns with Council regarding the dangerous conditions and traffic from outside the area using it as a 'rat-run' to avoid Main Road. Council traffic monitors showed that the amount of traffic was only 20% less than that of Mt Pleasant Road. The Action Group wanted the road closed at reynolds Road however Council elected to install speed calming devices along the sealed section between Stokes Place and Eucalyptus Road. Chicanes were added at several locations and a roundabout installed at Stokes Place in 2004. This remaining dirt section was sealed post 2004.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Black and Whiteinfrastructure, roads, eltham, nyora road -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Newspaper, Scrapbook Clipping, Library Collection, Ringwood, Victoria
... planned for the unsealed section of Oban Road because "council... Road Ringwood North melbourne Ringwood North residents say ...Newspaper Clipping from the ""Mail", 5 May 1998 P20. "No plans for improvement to Oban Rd's poor condition"Ringwood North residents say they are fed up with speeding traffic, "dangerous" gravel edges and deep potholes on Oban Road. Ringwood North Primary School Principal Barry Archibald said there was a great deal of concern within the school community about the condition of the road. A council spokesman said no works were planned for the unsealed section of Oban Road because "council only had a certain amount of money for grading" He said no roadworks were planned near the school either. -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, The Rose Stereograph Company, Log Bridge, Eltham Road. Greensborough, c.1920
A woman stands at the end of a log bridge over a creek looking towards the south along the unsealed roadway. The sun illuminates her back. She is wearing a woollen knit beanie with edges rolled up, dark jacket and skirt, full length dark stockings and slip on dark leather shoes with raised heel, typical of the early 1920s. The creek is possibly feeding into the Karingal Yalloc. The direction of the road based on shadows is northwest as is the Eltham Road to Greensborough (present day Sherbourne, Karingal and St Helena roads). The creek is falling to the foreground so from south west to the north east, possibly feeding into the Karingal Yalloc, somewhere near presenet day Ramptons Road Reserve. This glass plate negative was used to manufacture postcards (1:1 printing) for commercial sale by the Rose Sterograph Company and its subsidiaries. George Rose founded the Rose Stereograph Company in 1880 and was joined by Herbert (Bert) Cutts in the early 20th Century. The pair formed a lifetime working partnership and strong personal friendship. Assisted by George’s two sons, Herbert George and Walter, and later by Neil Cutts, the Rose Stereograph Company continued its operations for more than 140 years. The company was initially built on stereographs, but as cinema took over and stereographs fell out of fashion, the Rose Stereograph Company developed Australia’s first commercially viable photographic postcard business. Specialising in postcards of iconic historical moments and significant landmarks, The Rose Stereograph Company became a staple of the Australian travel industry.This remarkable collection of glass plate negatives, transparencies, and postcards – arguably Australia’s most significant photography collection outside of public hands – has been passed down through the generations, surviving war, relocation, and the harsh Victorian climate. The historic Rose Stereograph collection is the culmination of George Rose’s dream of capturing and preserving precious moments in time and remains the legacy of the Rose and Cutts families. It is with great sadness that the Cutts family says goodbye to a collection that spans five generations and 140 years. The Cutts family understands that for these historically important pieces to rest with one family is to deny others the pleasure of their custodianship.Glass Plate Negative Size: 9.2 x 13.8 cmLog Bridge, Eltham Road, Greensborougheltham, postcard, travel, rose stereograph company, glass plate negative, creek, eltham road, greensborough, karingal road, karingal yallock, log bridge, sherbourne road, st helena road, women's fashion, rampton's road reserve, peter and elizabeth pidgeon collection -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide, Uniting Church, cnr John Street and Main Road, Eltham, c.1975, 1975c
John Street unsealed35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)eltham, john street, main road, uniting church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide, Uniting Church, cnr John Street and Main Road, Eltham, c.1975, 1975c
John Street unsealed35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)eltham, john street, main road, uniting church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide, Uniting Church, cnr John Street and Main Road, Eltham, c.1975, 1975c
John Street unsealed35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)eltham, john street, main road, uniting church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide, Uniting Church, cnr John Street and Main Road, Eltham, c.1975, 1975c
John Street unsealed35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)eltham, john street, main road, uniting church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide, Uniting Church, cnr John Street and Main Road, Eltham, c.1975, 1975c
John Street unsealed35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)eltham, john street, main road, uniting church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide, Uniting Church, cnr John Street and Main Road, Eltham, c.1975, 1975c
John Street unsealed35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)eltham, john street, main road, uniting church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Steam locomotive D639 with Tait (Red Rattler) carriages approaching the level crossing at Wattletree Road, Eltham, c.1970, 1970
Railway Parade (unsealed) in foreground.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford HP4 black and white transparencyd-639, railway parade, red rattler, steam engine, tait train -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph, Main Road bridge looking to township of Greensborough, 1929c
View of Main Street Greensborough from Partington's Hill including Plenty River bridge and Marble Hall on corner of Carter Street (now Para Road) and Main Street. This view of Greensborough Park shows the old pan toilets, the hawthorn fence line and the rather undeveloped roadside area of the park. Looking up Main Street we see the old Chapman house at the corner of Poulter Avenue and some newer houses below this. The stone river bridge appears to be only a single lane wide and the road approaching the bridge is unsealed. The rail bridge shows evidence of soot from steam trains and at the extreme left of picture the two concrete buildings indicate the line had been electrified. This occurred in 1923. Sparse housing is seen in the Flintoff Street and Grimshaw Street area.Part of a collection of photographic enlargements of views of Greensborough in the early 1900s.Black and white enlargement of photographic imagemain street greensborough, marble hall, greensborough railway, chapman house, greensborough park, poulter avenue greensborough, carter street, para road -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph, Corner Para Road and Main Street Greensborough c1993, 1993_
The photograph shows road works on the corner of Para Road and Main Street Greensborough in 1993.The view also includes the Greensborough Hotel, the valley Buildings and the group of shops on the Para Rd corner named as Greensborough Valley Market. In the foreground it shows the Greensborough railway station car park as unsealed.A colour photograph of a street scene.Nilpara rd, main st, greensborough, road works, valley buildings, greensborough hotel, greensborough valley market -
Halls Gap & Grampians Historical Society
Postcard - Sepia, C 1920s
The road winding up Stoney Creek Gorge with Elephant Hide, the rocky slope in the picture, on the left. Sections of the earlier 19th century bridal track, which was later widened to become a jinker track, can be seen above the new road.Postcard shows Mt Victory Rd unsealed Elephant's hide on leftPostcard Correspondence Address only Kodak Mt Vic Roadaccess routes, mt victory rd, roads -
Halls Gap & Grampians Historical Society
Photograph - B/W, C 1926
... Photo shows car on Yarram Gap Road Road is rocky... 117-119 Grampians Road Halls Gap grampians Mirranatwa Gap ...Mirranatwa Gap was originally known as Yarram Gap; this name was given to the opposite gap on the Mt William side of the Dunkeld Road sometime in the mid 20th century. An early touring car, claimed to be the first, crossing Mirranatwa (then Yarram) Gap.Photo shows car on Yarram Gap Road Road is rocky and unsealed. trees on left side of photo has been felledaccess routes, roads, yarram gap -
Halls Gap & Grampians Historical Society
Photograph - B/W, C 1940s (?)
... Photo shows unsealed section of the Dunkeld/Grampians Road ...Photo shows unsealed section of the Dunkeld/Grampians Road, looking towards the face of Mt. Frederick.access routes, roads -
Halls Gap & Grampians Historical Society
Photograph - B/W, C 1940s (?)
... 117-119 Grampians Road Halls Gap grampians ACCESS ROUTES Roads ...Photo shows an unsealed section of Grampians Rd. near Jimmy's Creek. The sharp profile of Mt Frederick can be seen in the distance.access routes, roads -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Burgoyne family outside J.N. Burgoyne's Store, Main Road, Eltham, Vic, 1940
The store built in 1925 was located on Main Road just south of Bridge Street (present day No. 820 Main Road). An extension was added to the right in 1939. The store was built in late 1925 at the same time as Mr C. Nicholls’s new store was constructed. Both were considered modern shops, and an improvement on most, business establishments of the time. Mr. Nicholls’s store included alongside it a modern, weatherboard villa residence. Mr. Burgoyne’s store incorporated the post and telegraph office, which was operated by John Neville Burgoyne’s half-aunt, Miss Anne Hunniford until her death in 1928 at which time J.N. Burgoyne became postmaster. The unsealed footpath in front is reasonably extensive as not visible is a concrete kerb and channel which was laid from the Post Office to John Street during Nov-Dec 1926. Footpath construction in front of Burgoyne’s store commenced August 1942. The extension to the right of the store was erected in 1939 for a new telephone exchange adjacent to the store and post office. A continuous telephone service operated by Mr Burgoyne and his family commenced operation 18 November 1939. Approximately 70 extensions were routed through the new exchange, 40 of which were transferred from the Greensborough Exchange. Entry to the exchange was via a separate door on Main Road or via the shop. The public telephone was initially mounted on the wall but later moved to the street. Cross Ref: 0701 of the store c.1934This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, burgoyne's shop, eltham, main road, post office, shops -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Photograph (item) - Colour tinted photograph, Valentine Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd, On the Acheron Way to Marysville . No.12, 1923-1963
... is an unsealed, winding road that runs from just outside of Marysville ...An early colour tinted photograph of the Acheron Way near Marysville in Victoria. This photograph was published by the Valentine Publishing Co Pty. Ltd as a souvenir of Marysville.An early colour tinted photograph of the Acheron Way near Marysville in Victoria. The Acheron Way is an unsealed, winding road that runs from just outside of Marysville to Warburton. This photograph was published by the Valentine Publishing Co Pty. Ltd as a souvenir of Marysville.acheron way, marysville, victoria, valentine publishing co, souvenir, warburton -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Photograph (item) - Black and white photograph, Valentine Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd, On the Acheron Way to Marysville . No.12, 1923-1963
... Marysville in Victoria. The Acheron Way is an unsealed, winding road ...An early black and white photograph of the Acheron Way near Marysville in Victoria.An early black and white photograph of the Acheron Way near Marysville in Victoria. The Acheron Way is an unsealed, winding road that runs from just outside of Marysville to Warburton. This photograph was published by the Valentine Publishing Co Pty. Ltd as a souvenir of Marysville.acheron way, marysville, victoria, valentine publishing co, souvenir, warburton -
Daylesford & District Historical Society
Photograph (copy), Daylesford Fire Brigade First Ladder Carriage, c1867 (original)
... Street (now Central Springs Road) and shows the former Daylesford... Street (now Central Springs Road) and shows the former Daylesford ...The Daylesford Fire Brigade carriage was locally built by White and Oldham, wheelwrights and carriage makers to the design of Captain Henshaw. Their premises was behind the Victoria Hotel, and American by origin.Photograph of the first ladder carriage bought by the Daylesford Volunteer Fire Brigade, built locally, and designed by Captain Henshaw. It is an important record of purchase and some significant buildings circa 1867.Black and white photograph showing the first ladder carriage of the Daylesford Fire Brigade taken from Bridport Street looking towards Wombat Hill. The carriage stands in Victoria Street (now Central Springs Road) and shows the former Daylesford Post Office on the right. The building on the left was the Bank of Victoria, later the Belvedere Hotel, and in 2012 was Kookla. Other buildings include Victoria Building, Church of England (Anglican), Stanbridge Hall.The carriage shows ten canvas water buckets hanging on hooks, a long ladder and two hoses hang from hooks on the lower section of the four wheeled carriage. The roads and footpaths are unsealed.Typed verso: "Copied from on original kindly loaned by J. Ogilthorpe. Shows Daylesford Fire Brigades first Ladder Carriage outside the then Fire Station where Kindergarten now stands 1977. Date about mid 1860s. This ladder carriage was locally built by a wheel and carriage maker with premises behind Victorian Hotel. White and Oldham. Designed by Capt. Henshaw was an American who went to the New Zealand goldfields about 1870. Post Office was built in 1867. On Belvedre (sic) at this time a a Bank, Bank of Victoria." Stamped: "Daylesford and District Historical Society"dayelsford, daylesford fire brigade, henshaw, post office, white and oldham, -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, 1930
Bracken fern covered lane beside property late developed as Lambert Street.Black and white photograph of a house in Myer Street, clad in cement sheet with hipped roof, clipped hedge inside wire lace front fence, footpath in front of property is unsealed. House at 37 Myer Street, in background, known as Ardlui. Lakes Entrance Victoriaroads and streets, houses, heritage study -
Melbourne Legacy
Film, Firewood
15 min black and white 16 mm film, no sound. Begins with shots of trees in the bush and piles of cut logs beside a track before moving to a group of men standing by a car with 'Operation Firewood' on the boot. A road sign indicates 'Nathalia 6 1/2', 'Numurkah 22', 'Picola 3'. 'Katunga' and 'Barmah'. Shots of an empty Austin flat bed truck with 'Legacy Operation Firewood', poster on the drivers door covering the truck company name,and other empty flat bed trucks parked along a country town street which looks unsealed. A shot of a wooden sign saying 'Euroa Please slow down' follows with the Legacy car travelling very slowly past it before we see a large group of men throwing up logs onto a nearly fully loaded truck, and then a partially loaded truck with men on the flat bed stacking the logs. Five trucks are shown fully loaded and a crowd of men are gathered around a table. A circular saw (with no safety guards!) is being used to cut the bigger logs into a manageable size for splitting before being loaded by a lot of men of varying ages. The film then moves to the city where we see three men riding on the back of a moving fully loaded truck, before it stops to deliver the cut but unsplit logs to a delighted widow and her children. The logs are hurled into her front garden as a well dressed man photographs the proceedings. Other deliveries follow to further widows, but it is not clear who is going to split the logs, some of which are extremely large. The film ends showing a line of empty trucks, and a fenced city area with a sign saying 'Melbourne Legacy Firewood' holding further a supply of logs. 15 mins 07 sec. Legatees delivered firewood annually until 1995 to widows to help them through the winters in a project called 'Operation Firewood' . See also Cat. No. 000848.A record of Legacy helping widows with supplying and stacking firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating a load of firewood, and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Metal Kodak film cannister, silver coloured, with 'Firewood' label on outer casing.No inscriptions on internal film. operation firewood, widows -
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum Inc
Washboards, Glass
Two plain, unsealed framed wooden washboards with glass corrugations for scrubbing clothes. 8.1 has a retaining strip across the top of the glass at the back.domestic items - laundry; -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 23.05.1967
... . In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions ...This photograph shows the typical road conditions encountered by RDNS District Sisters during their days work visiting patients to administer nursing care. From its inception in 1885 their Trained nurses (Nurses) of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. District Nursing has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as MDNS, the Nurses walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used; bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford 'T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take their Trained nurses (Sisters) to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled until, having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles by the mid 1960s. In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters negotiated to reach their patients to give care. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the nurses travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. In the centre of this black and white photograph is a Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS) Sister in her RDNS grey car driving up the lower section of a hill on a dirt road. The car's rear black Victorian number plate, with 'JPH - 516' written on it can be seen. Dust is rising on either side of the car. In the foreground the road runs downward to a dip and then up the hill; trees are along either side of the road, and dirt and stones are seen on the side of the road in the left foreground. Photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 95rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, 23 05 1967
... there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters ...This is a typical situation confronted by RDNS Sisters when travelling to the home of a patient to give them nursing care. The Sister is driving an Australian built Holden vehicle made in the mid 1960s which was part of the RDNS fleet of cars.From its inception in 1885 the Trained nurses of the then named Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), later named Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) gave high quality nursing care to patients in their own homes. They nursed patients referred by Hospitals and General Practitioners giving treatments, such as injections, wound care and doing other procedures, as well as assisting them with general care when required. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles by the mid 1960s. In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters negotiated to reach their patients to give care. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966 which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so those that gave nursing care in the Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Warburton and Powelltown area used a large paper map and once the particular house was found an 'x' was marked to denote the street and approximate site of the house to assist the visiting Sisters. On the right of the black and white photograph is a front-on view of Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS), Sister driving her RDNS Holden car, with Registration number 'JPH 516' on the front number plate, on a dirt road approaching an intersection. Seen on the left hand side of the photograph is the cabin view of a truck as it is about to enter the intersection. A white house with a pitched roof can be seen on the left hand side of the photograph behind the truck. A lamp post is seen in the centre of the left hand side nature strip behind the bonnet of the truck. Trees line the road the RDNS car is traversing, and in the background behind the RDNS car, a hill with houses can be seen. photographers stamp. Quote No. GE 102rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns transport -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, c.1967
... . In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions ...Mr. Bralsford,the Transport Manager at Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), is instructing RDNS staff in the responsibilities of driving an RDNS vehicle. The Sisters were undergoing a Post Basic Course given by RDNS Educators, Car maintenance was necessary from 1937 when a car was donated by the Rotary Club to Melbourne District Nursing Society, (MDNS). Another car was donated, by General Motors-Holden, via the Duchess of Gloucester, in 1947, and the fleet began to grow from 1950 with seven Ford Prefects being provided by the Hospital and Charities Commission. For many years Melford Motors in South Melbourne maintained the MDNS fleet, until the fleet grew to the point of, the now named, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) providing its own Car Maintenance Division to service the cars regularly. The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, (RACV), attended any breakdowns which occurred when nursing staff were on the road. Each new Sister employed by the Service was taken out for a driving test before she drove a District car. Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) has had various modes of transport over the last 130 plus years. At first, from 1885 as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), their Trained nurses (Nurses) walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of central Melbourne. As the Society expanded public transport was used; bicycles were bought by the Society in 1903 and used in inner areas until 1945. During the Spanish flu epidemic, in 1919, MDNS appealed for assistance to procure Motor vehicles so the Nurses could visit an influx of cases. Through trusts, grants and donations four 'Ford T Model' cars were procured which enabled the Nurses to triple their visits. Through constant use the cars were in such a poor state they were sold in 1927. A Motor Auxiliary was formed in 1929 to take Sisters to patients, and some Sisters used their own cars; even a motorcycle was used by one Sister in 1933. All these forms of transport were intermingled until, having received Royal patronage; the now Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) had its own full fleet of vehicles by the mid 1960s. In many areas there were unsealed roads, in various conditions, which the Sisters negotiated to reach their patients to give care. Seat-belts had been introduced to Victoria in 1959 and District fitted them to their cars from 1962, even though they did not become compulsory until 1970. The Melways Directory of maps was introduced in 1966 which was a boon to the Sisters, though it was a few years before it went beyond Seville, so those that did the Warburton and Powelltown area worked off a large paper map. By 2009 there were 598 cars in the fleet and the Sisters travelled 9 million 200,000 kilometres – this is equivalent to 12 trips to the moon and back. Black and white photograph showing Mr. Bralsford instructing RDNS staff. In the left foreground is Sister (Sr) Liz Thomson who has her dark hair drawn back, is looking down at a piece of white paper resting on the arm of the wooden chair on which she is sitting. In front of her are the back views of Sr. Betty McDonald with curled dark hair and to her right is Sister Joanne Wilkinson. Mr. Bralsford, who has short dark hair; is wearing glasses, and wearing a grey coat, is standing in front of them pointing to a blackboard with his extended left arm and hand. He is looking down, and has his right hand on a piece of white paper on a desk. A strip heater is high on the left hand wall.Photographers stamp and Quote No. GW 101royal district nursing service, rdns, rdns transport, rdns education, melford motors, racv, sister liz thomson, sister betty mcdonald, sister joanne wilkinson, mr bralsford -
City of Kingston
Photograph - Black and white, c. 1930
... on the side of the road, in front of a large billboard/hoarding... the crossing. The road appears to be unsealed. Photograph Black ...This image is part of a larger collection of images from the Public Transport Corporation displaying train stations and streetscapes in what is now the City of Kingston.The Nepean Highway is a major highway running through the City of Kingston. This image is one of many that depicts its importance to the local community as it undergoes many changes over time.Black and white photograph depicting the level crossing at Moorabbin. While the gates at the level crossing are open, two cars are making their way across the crossing, while a third car is parked on the side of the road, in front of a large billboard/hoarding for ham and bacon products. There is a man standing on the road as if watching the cars go through the crossing. The road appears to be unsealed. Black printed text on a round white sticker adhered to the reverse: 148 Handwritten in red ink: 60% Blue ink stamped on reverse: COPYRIGHT / Public Transport Corporation / For re-ordering photographs / Please quote negative No ADU907 / Enquiries C/- PTC Photographic Unit / Telephone switchboard 619 111moorabbin, trains, railway crossing, level crossing, cars, roads, nepean highway -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Site of the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, 28 December 2007
The largest gold mine in the area originated from a find in 1862. The mine was closed January 20, 1915 when a fire destroyed nearly all the above ground plant. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p75 Beneath Mine Hill, as locals call it, runs a network of tunnels once of central importance to the fledgling township of Diamond Creek. These are relics of gold mines, which transformed early Diamond Creek.1 The tiny settlement of about 20 families soared to more than 200 because of gold. For around 50 years, from 1862, gold mining was Diamond Creek’s major source of employment. On September 7, 1854 The Argus newspaper reported a find of a four pound (1.8kg) gold nugget in Nillumbik (an early name for Diamond Creek). Exactly where, is not known.2 The largest mine in the district, the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, apparently originated from a find in 1862. It is said Joe and Dave Wilson were visiting former tailor then cook, Charles Orme, at the southern end of Fraser Street. Sitting on a stump outside the front gate on land belonging to Dr A. E. Phipps the Wilsons found a vein of gold-bearing quartz, which led to the discovery of four quartz reefs varying in width to eight inches (20cm), running north and south. A reef found at the foot of the hill opposite Challenger Street became the Union Mine. This reef was traced south to Allendale Road where a small mine began operations.3 Other smaller mines later operated as well. Dr Phipps immediately began to mine and also built the Diamond Reef Hotel as a boarding house for miners. But Charles Orme, who owned the land alongside, leased his mine to Dr Phipps probably because of insufficient funds and business skills. By mid 1865 the mine had produced 2530 ounces of gold – a 100% profit on the original outlay. Of course there were problems. When the local dam dried up a Blake pump was installed to draw water from the creek. The Union Mine operated under the Diamond Creek Gold Mine management except when disputes sometimes resulted in separate management. However disagreements had to be resolved as the Union Mine depended on Diamond Creek Gold Mine pumps to remove underground water from common reefs. In 1912 the main shaft of about 380 yards (350m) employed 200 men recovering an average of 5000 ounces (141.7kg) of gold a year. But not everyone did well out of gold. Records of failed mining companies in the Victorian Public Record Office, reveal that owner Dr Phipps leased his Right to others. Companies came and went over the next 40 years, most sponsored by Melbourne businessmen who sold shares to gullible locals and then became insolvent. Although there were some good profits, financial returns were haphazard until 1905. Some local residents, who were share holders in short- term companies, became well-known names in modern Diamond Creek such as Scott, Haley, Butler, Alder, Ryan, Wadeson, Reeves, Alston, Paul and Edwards. Gold mining was brought to a disastrous end on January 20, 1915 at 3 pm, when fire destroyed nearly all the above-ground plant. Fortunately no lives were lost. But reopening the mine was almost impossible because of the increasing depth of water in the main shaft. The closed mine destroyed the livelihood of 200 families and the debris took many years to clear.4 In 1946 the Diamond Creek Gold Mine was reopened by the Golden Hind Mining Company, but money ran out before the 600 feet (182.8m) or so of water could be removed. Gold remains in the mine but enormous capital would be needed to buy the land, equipment and to remove the water. Today 12 known sealed shafts along the ridge of the hills on private property extend west for around one kilometre from the corner of Fraser and Haley Streets, crossing Norma and Fyffe to Dering Streets. As recently as 1987, heavy rains revealed a former Union Mine shaft in the Georgiadis family Fyffe Street back yard.5 Allendale Mine, south of Allendale Road, is still open and one of the Union Mine’s main drives (horizontal excavation) remains unsealed, on the Creek Reserve.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, diamond creek, diamond creek mine, fraser street, gold mining, james cook drive, mine hill