Taken in 1924, depicted are eleven young men dressed in school uniform attire standing in the playground of Beechworth State School. This group of young men were part of a farcical play titled "School Days" as part of Beechworth State School Concert series. Beechworth Primary School (formally known as Beechworth State School) was constructed in 1875 by architect Henry Bastow (1839 - 1920). Bastow was the chief architect and surveyor for the Victorian Government’s Department of Education. During his chiefship, over six-hundred schools were constructed across the state which was in response to the Victoria’s Education Act of 1872 legislating free, compulsory, and secular education. Performances such as this “School Days” play were common forms of entertainment within Beechworth up into the early twentieth century. This stems from the goldrush period in Beechworth (1852-1866) when travelling entertainers would tour the goldfields offering performances in singing, acting and circus tricks. These were usually held in a local pub or designated concert spaces, such as the Star Theatre in Beechworth. Entertainment offerings begun to slow down mid-twentieth century when the population begun to dwindle. Many locals took up this responsibility and put on their own plays and shows across the town. This photograph is historically significant as it provides insight into the types of entertainment activities held at the Beechworth School during the early twentieth century. It also demonstrates how students engaged with their school outside of their regular schoolwork. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board. Obverse: W.Howes / Beechworth Concert Party 1924 / State School / Beechworth Cyril Smith (Squidgy) / Keith Prowse / Bill Howes / J. Warde / J. Heatherly (Jumbo) / Gea Foster / B. Shallard (Shinky) / A. Foster / Ernie Smith / Jerry Burns / Ted Warden / School Master / Geo Foster in a Farscial Play “School Days” / Reverse: A03065 / 1997.2520 / 79.19.1 / school uniform, beechworth school, school days", concert series., henry bastow, beechworth primary school, victorian government’s department of education, education, victoria’s education act of 1872, beechworth state school

David Aloysius Patrick McKenzie-McHarg, L.I.B, O.B.E was born on 20th June 1918 in Albury, NSW to Hugh Patrick McKenzie-McHarg and Laura May (Dunne) McKenzie-McHarg. McKenzie-McHarg served on the Council of the United Shire of Beechworth for more than a decade during the 1960s-70s, including seven years as president. He was renowned as a public speaker and played a significant role in the community. In recognition for his outstanding achievements and services rendered to the Beechworth community he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976. David McKenzie-McHarg died on 6th June 1992 and is buried in Beechworth Cemetery. David McKenzie-McHarg’s wife, Marjorie Jean McKenzie McHarg, was well known to the Beechworth community as a brilliant pianist and played at all the balls and house parties. Apparently, she could play without sheet-music and would only have to hear a tune once to play it to near perfection. Together, they were a formidable asset to the Beechworth community over many years The British honours system has various orders, usually relating to the monarchy, military and colonial officials. An OBE (or order of the British Empire) is given for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others. This Order was established by George V in 1917 in response to recognising the thousands of men and women who served in a variety of non-combatant roles during the First world war who didn’t otherwise receive any formal recognition but were certainly worthy of acknowledgement. Recommendations for appointments to this Order were originally made on the nomination of the United Kingdom, however this soon became available to Commonwealth countries as well. However, Australia officially ceased to recommend the Order of the British Empire in 1989 with the establishment of the Order of Australia. Silver badge suspended from red ribbon with pearl-grey edges. The badge is in the form of a cross patonce (having the arms growing broader and floriated toward the end), the obverse of which bears the same field as the star pictures George V and Queen Mary. The reverse bears George V's Royal and Imperial Cypher. Both are within a ring bearing the motto of the Order: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE. The presentation case in which the medal is housed is of a black outer boarder edge leatherette finishing, block letters in gold OBE. The inside has a cream velvet base with a silk padded liner to the roof with the full set of Royal Mint Crest Mark. Obverse: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE / burke museum, obe, obe medal, beechworth, david mckenzie-mcharg, british honours system, george v, beechworth community, order of australia., order of the british empire, marjorie jean mckenzie mcharg

Estimated to be taken in the early 1900s, this photograph was likely taken in the federal Hall, Loch Street, Beechworth at a ball-like event. Depicted are 89 attendees dressed in formal evening wear, positioned in tiers and in front of the stage. This photograph provides insight into the lives and activities of residents of Beechworth during the early 1900s. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matt photographic paper, mounted on card. Obverse: Frazer & Vallance PHOTOGRAPHERS Melbourne Reverse: A02487 / 1997.2952 entertainment album, beechworth, burke museum, regency house, ball, debutante ball, black and white photography

The photograph is a reproduction of a lantern slide produced in 1880. The image depicts a circus arriving in town. The wagons are being pulled by an elephant.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 3291 / A03291 /entertainment album, circus, beechworth, 1800s, lantern slide, elephants, animals, performance, entertainment

This photograph was taken in the early 1900s, documenting a boy standing beside a large circus elephant with painted polka dots, from a travelling circus which visited Beechworth.This photograph provides insight to the especially noteworthy events and attractions, such-as the travelling circus, that were enjoyed by Beechworth residences during the early 1900s. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 3414entertainment album, beechworth, burke museum, circus, elephant, travelling circus

Element of Ashton's Circus c.1870s showing crew staff, wagons and a circus tent in the background, and a man seated in the foreground with four small dogs standing on their hind legs (poodles?). This photo details the noteworthy entertainment, specifically Ashton's Circus or now known 'Circus Joseph Ashton', that would travel to Beechworth and be enjoyed by its citizens in the late 1800s. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 3718 / Ashton Circus / About 1870beechworth, burke museum, circus, ashton's circus, travelling circus, entertainment album, circus joseph ashton

Depicted in this photograph is a religious minister or priest dressed in a dark suit with a clerical collar. He is seated in an armchair holding a small suitcase or a briefcase. A group of adults (mainly women) dressed in formal attire are standing behind him, while a older women holding a bouquet stands beside him.Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paper Reverse: 6952 (in pencil)/ B62K091 (stamped in black ink)/entertainment album, beechworth, burke museum, religion

Depicted is Michael Sinclair dressed in a collared shirt and woollen bed robe seated in a wheel chair that is being pushed by a nurse dressed in a white nursing uniform. A man wearing a clown costume consisting of a wig, clown suit and face paint, stands next to Michael and the nurse. The trio are located under a tree that stands in front of a brick building.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 5645 (in black pen)/ Michael Sinclair/ Clown ?/ Nurse ?/ ENS AND MURRAY ADVERTISER (stamped in blue ink)/entertainment album, beechworth, burke museum, clown, nurse

Depicted is a large group of adults dressed in either costumes or formal clothing standing upon a stage as part of an act for a concert party.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.entertainment album, burke museum, beechworth, concert

A photograph taken in the early 1900s, depicting a race meeting at Baarmutha Park in Beechworth. Patrons are scattered in formal dress, enjoying a band playing beside the grandstand. This postcard provides insight to the lives and activities of the residences of Beechworth during the early 1900s, specifically in their enjoyment of Baarmutha park and its continued role in the Beechworth community. Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card Reverse: POST CARD / Correspondence / Address. / 942 / 78 / Race meeting Baarmutha Park about 1900 / 6957 entertainment album, beechworth, burke museum, baarmutha park, races, race meeting, horse racing, grandstand

Depicted is Father Cannon Hull, dressed in a suit and clerical collar, is standing in front of a large group of adults dressed in either costumes or formal clothing. They are all standing upon a stage as part of an act for a concert party. Sepia rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5647 (in black pen)/ Front/ Father Cannon Hull (in pencil)/entertainment album, burke museum, beechworth, concert, party

A large black and white photograph of 9 ladies dressed in long garms with tea cups and saucers, some standing and some sitting in a house garden and onto verandah. A central figure is pouring tea from a silver pot on a table with a lace table cloth. This image depicts the way in which female residents in Beechworth in the late 1800s would enjoy their time through garden tea parties, providing insight to their ways of entertainment. Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paper Reverse: BMM 8785 / 1997 2600/ PH 79 beechworth, tea party, burke museum, garden party, garden, verandah, cups and saucers

Depicted is a group of five young women dressed in fancy costumes (two girls sit upon chairs while three girls stand behind them) upon a stage next to an older woman dressed in a formal dress is sitting behind a microphone and table. The women in the photograph are part of a concert party. The older woman is Isabel Rosengren, a local teacher. Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5646 (in black pen)/ Teacher - Isabel Rosengren (in pencil)/ ADVERTISER (stamped in blue ink)/burke museum, beechworth, concert, concert party, isabel rosengren, entertainment album

The postcard depicts a large grandstand with spectators attending a race meeting in Baarmutha Park, Beechworth. The crowd is made up of many young men, women and children. There is one horse with a jockey captured in movement. The postcard is historically significant as it illustrates how Barrmutha Park was used at this time. The record's historical significance is enhanced by its strong relationship to the popular, continuing tradition of horse racing within Victoria (vis-a-vis Melbourne Cup, W.S. Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup). More broadly, it provides insight into the type of sport and entertainment valued by local residents.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: POST / CARD / 51 / THE ADDRESS TO BE WRITTEN ON THIS SIDE / Race Meeting Baarmutha Park / 19/4/06 / Beechworth / Please give enclosed to Meg with my love. / You may be able to recognise a few people / on this with the aid of a glass. / Jell Mother + Father I am looking after / the family very well + all are behaving / themselves. Hope to see you over here very soon / but am afraid we will have to get a glass to / be able to see you if Meg / is so big as she is cracked to / be. Good-night. (?) /entertainment album, baarmutha park, beechworth, race meeting, horse race, horse racing, recreation, sport

Printed in 1906, the postcard depicts an image of the grandstand and track at Baarmutha Park, Beechworth. There is a carriage in the left side of the image. On the right side, there are people, mostly young women, seated on a bench and gathering around a table on the lawn. The "clericals" and "brewery" mentioned in the written correspondence on the postcard's reverse refer to two local football teams.The record is historically significant as it illustrates how Baarmutha Park look and was used by the public in the early twentieth century.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: Baarmutha Park 1906 / POST CARD / This space may be used for correspondence. / (For Address only). / BEECHWORTH / AP 14 / 06 / VIC / 9 / This was taken today / week when the clericals / played the "brewery". / It is a pretty view of the / lawn and stand. / (?) / Miss Alice Foster / Ford Street / Beechworth /entertainment album, baarmutha park, grandstand, racecourse, sport, athletics, picnic, leisure, race track

This original photograph depicts the grandstand and track at Baarmutha Park, Beechworth. There is a long picket fence, a hurdle, and different types of shrubbery. The record is historically significant as it is an original photograph. Furthermore, it also illustrates what the grandstand and track at Baarmutha Park looked like at the time the image was taken.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: GRANDSTAND / RACECOURSE / BEECHWORTH / Reverse: 97.2334 /entertainment album, baarmutha park, beechworth, victoria, racecourse, grandstand, sport, athletics

Copied from a lantern slide, the photograph depicts a large gathering at Baarmutha Park on Easter Monday, 1906. There are groups of men, women and young children, all dressed in formal attire. Some of the women are holding parasols.The record is historically significant as it provides insight into the types of social and leisure activities enjoyed by people in the early twentieth century. It also illustrates the attire worn during this time. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 1997.2557 / A02557 /entertainment album, entertainment, racecourse, baarmutha park, sport, leisure, athletics, beechworth

Printed in 1908, the postcard depicts a public gathering at Baarmutha Park, Beechworth on Boxing Day the same year. There are many men, women and children dressed in formal attire including suits and hats. A large number of women are holding parasols. Multiple horse-drawn carts are visible throughout the image.The record is historically significant due to its production in the very early twentieth century. This significance is enhanced by its contextual information, as the record provides insight into the social and leisure activities enjoyed by people at Baarmutha Park during this time.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Obverse: BAARMUTHA PARK, BEECHWORTH. BOXING DAY, 1908. / Reverse: Parks & Gardens. / POST CARD. / KODAK / CORRESPONDENCE. / ADDRESS ONLY. / AUSTRAL / AUSTRAL / KODAK / (?) Craig / Stanley / 3747 / 9/ - Boxing Day / Sports Baarmutha / Park Beechworth / 84-148-1 / GARDENS / 97.2335 / 79.21.9 /entertainment album, baarmutha park, beechworth, 1900s, social, leisure, gathering, horses

Taken in the 1880s, depicted is a large group of children and adults dressed in formal clothing picnicking upon the bank of Lake Kerferd. The five members of the group are holding union jack flags that have been hoisted upon portable flag poles. The group is seated by the lakeside in a grassed area beneath eucalyptus trees.This image was taken in the 1880s at Lake Kerferd. Lake Kerferd was created in 1862 to retain water for gold mining purposes from the Hurdle Swamp, and to additionally serve as Beechworth's main water supply. It was named after George Briscoe Kerferd, a Beechworth businessman and councillor, who later became the tenth Premier of Victoria.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on boardentertainment album, picnic, lake kerferd, beechworth, burke museum, kerferd

Depicted is a group of 27 children dressed up in Christmas and Nativity costumes as part of a Christmas concert party.Black and white reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5466 (in black pen)/ I (in blue pen)/entertainment album, burke museum, beechworth, concert, children, christmas

Taken in c. 1902, depicted is a group of adults and children dressed in formal clothing, with some of the women in the crowd carrying parasols, standing and sitting around and upon the rock at Queen Victoria Park on the Ford Street side of the park. This group is celebrating the official opening of the park. On top of the rock is a gas lamp post.Originally known as the Beechworth Botanical Gardens, the Queen Victoria Park features a extensive collection of historic trees and plants, which have been listed on the Indigo Shire’s Significant Tree Register. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 3716 (in black pen)/ 97.2273 (in pencil)/entertainment album, beechworth, queen victoria park, gardens & parks, opening, burke museum

Depicted is James Ashton (also known as Jim Ashton), a circus proprietor, crouched beside a seated small girl (or a lady with dwarfism). The two are dressed in formal attire, James is wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and together with the girl holding a small bouquet of flowers.James Ashton was the son of James Henry Ashton. James Henry Ashton founded Ashton Circus in the early 1800s, well before Federation. For over 160 years Ashton Circus has travelled to both regional towns and big cities, bringing joy to the people of Australia. Generations of the Ashtons crossed desserts and flooded rivers, drove over snow-covered mountains, fended off bushrangers, and even ventured where there were no roads to reach the communities that have loved and inspired our family of performers for over a century. People came from all around to enjoy Ashton Circus. In the 1800s, Ned Kelly watched our show on a number of occasions and even enjoyed tea with the performers after the show. The Ashton Family has grown and changed over eight generations since James Henry Ashton started his circus. Our family continues this great tradition, proud that we still bring affordable family entertainment to our fellow Australians. Today, the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th generations of the Ashton family are still on tour, operating three individual circuses throughout Australia- each of having grown from the same roots.Black and white oval reproduced photograph printed on rectangular paper mounted on cardboardObverse: Jim Ashton was the first generation in Aus-/ tralia. His father came out in the 1840's and/ established a circus that toured the country. (printed)/ Reverse: 1997.2560 (in pencil)/ about 1860 (in blue pen)/ A02560 (in pencil)/entertainment album, burke museum, beechworth, circus, ashton circus, james ashton, jim ashton

Taken in 1908, depicted is a large group of children and adults dressed in formal attire on a nature study. The group is standing on a granite outcrop listening to a man who is using a large boulder as a podium.Nature study was a new subject introduced into the school curriculum throughout the English-speaking world in the 1890s and 1900s that taught students about the natural environment. It was hoped that a concern about the natural environment would be fostered into the school children, who were seen as future citizens of the world, and that they would implement changes to preserve the natural environment when they reached adulthood. Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph (from negatives) printed on matte photographic paperObverse: AN ADDRESS/ ON NATURE STUDY/ Reverse: 6955 (in pencil)/ ©/ DONALD HAYES/ BEECHWORTH (stamped in orange ink)/entertainment album, burke museum, beechworth, nature study, nature, study

Taken in c. 1905, depicted is a large group of children and adults dressed in formal attire sitting and standing upon a granite rock that is located in the centre of Queen Victoria Park. In front of the group is a wooden picket wire fence that sides the granite rock. On top of the rock is a gas lamp post.Originally known as the Beechworth Botanical Gardens, the Queen Victoria Park features a extensive collection of historic trees and plants, which have been listed on the Indigo Shire’s Significant Tree Register.Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 6956 (in pencil)/ ©/ DONALD HAYES/ BEECHWORTH (stamped in orange ink)/entertainment album, burke museum, beechworth, queen victoria park, park

Taken in c. 1900, depicted is a large group of adults and children dressed in formal attire gathered on a granite outcrop around a man giving a lecture on nature studies. Some members of the group are standing while others are seated or lounging.Nature study was a new subject introduced into the school curriculum throughout the English-speaking world in the 1890s and 1900s that taught students about the natural environment. It was hoped that a concern about the natural environment would be fostered into the school children, who were seen as future citizens of the world, and that they would implement changes to preserve the natural environment when they reached adulthood.Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 6954 (in pencil)/ ©/ DONALD HAYES/ BEECHWORTH (stamped in orange ink)/entertainment album, beechworth, burke museum, nature study

Taken in c. 1900, depicted is a group of adults and children dressed in formal attire standing and sitting on a granite outcrop that overlooks a valley surrounded by a cluster of eucalyptus trees. The group is participating in a nature study.Nature study was a new subject introduced into the school curriculum throughout the English-speaking world in the 1890s and 1900s that taught students about the natural environment. It was hoped that a concern about the natural environment would be fostered into the school children, who were seen as future citizens of the world, and that they would implement changes to preserve the natural environment when they reached adulthood.Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 6953 (in pencil)/ ©/ DONALD HAYES/ BEECHWORTH (stamped in orange ink)entertainment album, beechworth, burke museum, nature study

The photograph depicts a group of adults dressed in everyday clothing viewing a theatrical performance of 10 adult actors dressed in Victorian era costumes. The actors are performing on a make-shift stage that features upright logs as a background. Next to the stage is a group of workers laying bricks. The audience is seated on a grassy ground in front of the stage.Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5655 (in black pen)/ Beechworth (in blue pen)/entertainment album, beechworth, burke museum, performance, play, theatrical performance, performers

Taken in the mid 1900s, the photograph depicts seven unidentified male and female performers. They are all dressed in different theatrical costumes.The photograph provides insight into entertainment, performance and recreation in Beechworth during the 1950s. The item's interpretive capacity is enhanced by its strong relationship to other photographs in the catalogue. Collectively, these records enrich the community's understanding of how the arts have developed in Beechworth since the mid-twentieth century.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5656 /1900s, beechworth, theatre, actor, actress, costume, entertainment, entertainment album

Depicted are three men dressed in women's clothing, including bonnets, tutus and wigs. They are part of a theatre group.The photograph provides insight into entertainment, performance and recreation in Beechworth during the 1950s. The item's interpretive capacity is enhanced by its strong relationship to other photographs in the catalogue. Collectively, these records enrich the community's understanding of how the arts have developed in Beechworth since the mid-twentieth century.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5657 / K42K242entertainment album, entertainment, dance, theatre, theatrical group, beechworth, event, party, 1950s

Depicted are seven unidentified theatrical performers. The male in the foreground is dressed in formal clothing and holding a large, open umbrella. The remaining performers are dressed uniformly in long, dark cloaks.The photograph provides insight into entertainment, performance and recreation in Beechworth during the 1950s. The item's interpretive capacity is enhanced by its strong relationship to other photographs in the catalogue. Collectively, these records enrich the community's understanding of how the arts have developed in Beechworth since the mid-twentieth century.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5658 /entertainment album, entertainment, performance, theatre, theatrical group, performers, arts, recreation