John J. Huntly appears to have been the only licensee of the Royal Oak Hotel, built in 1858. He was a Councillor of the Municipality of Belfast at the time and later became the Secretary of the newly formed Minhamite Shire in 1872. By 1861 D. Smith appears as the licensee of the now named Commercial Hotel. In 1877 it was offered for sale—the building described as follows “Built of bluestone with slate roof, having a frontage to Bank street of 106 feet, 6 inches. Accommodation consists of twelve bedrooms, eight sitting rooms, bathroom, bar and cellar and detached kitchen also of bluestones, with outside offices. Around this time beside its usual business the hotel had various rooms for visiting doctors and a dentist. Dr. Berncastle, who was associated with the Sydney Eye Infirmary, performed several operations there on those suffering from cataracts. It was the meeting place for the Port Fairy Freemasons, before their Lodge was built in James street, and all the local sporting clubs, at one time or another. The veranda was added in 1900. The name Royal Oak was restored this century, but the name Commercial Hotel can still be seen in the leadlight window over the front entrance. The hotel still continues serving patrons with beverages and meals but no beds these days. There is also an addition to the building, as seen in the bottom illustration— a bottle shopBlack and white photograph of 8 males formally posed outside entrance to Commercial hotelhotel, building, kemp family, bank street, royal oak, commercial, oak and anchor, d.smith

John J. Huntly appears to have been the only licensee of the Royal Oak Hotel, built in 1858. He was a Councillor of the Municipality of Belfast at the time and later became the Secretary of the newly formed Minhamite Shire in 1872. By 1861 D. Smith appears as the licensee of the now named Commercial Hotel. In 1877 it was offered for sale—the building described as “Built of bluestone with slate roof, having a frontage to Bank street of 106 feet, 6 inches. Accommodation consists of twelve bedrooms, eight sitting rooms, bathroom, bar and cellar and detached kitchen also of bluestones, with outside offices. Around this time beside its usual business the hotel had various rooms for visiting doctors and a dentist. Dr. Berncastle, who was associated with the Sydney Eye Infirmary, performed several operations there on those suffering from cataracts. It was the meeting place for the Port Fairy Freemasons, before their Lodge was built in James street, and all the local sporting clubs, at one time or another. The sign on the hotel states "Fitzgerald's Commercial Hotel" more research is being undertaken as to this owner or lessee. The veranda was added in 1900. The name Royal Oak was restored this century, but the name Commercial Hotel can still be seen in the leadlight window over the front entrance. The hotel has now been transformed into apartments and a restaurant called the Oak and Anchor Image of the hotel at an earlier timeBlack and white photograph of Two story bluestone painted commercial hotel with large verandah car at kerbhotel, building, bank street, john j huntly, d smith, royal oak, commercial, fitzgerald, kemp, oak and anchor

Framed Certificate in carved wooden frame headed "In Freedom's Cause"Shire of Upper Yarra ---- The President and Councillors and Ratepayers of the Shire of Upper Yarra Hereby place on record their thanks and Appreciation for the Conduct of Leslie Raymond Jack who served his King and Country in the Great War. In Witness Whereof the Corporate Seal of the Municipality is hereto attached in the presence of.

Framed Certificate for Leslie Raymond JackShire of Upper Yarra/ The President, Councilors and Ratepayers of the Shire of Upper Yarra hereby place on record their thanks and appreciation for the conduct of Leslie Raymond Jack who served his King and Country in The Great War/ In Witness whereof the Corporate Seal of the Municipality is hereto attached in the presence of / A J Speers President, Henry E Glynn, Councillor. H B Wornerslie, Secretary. Dated 24/5/1918. / All Honour to the Brave.

Councillor William Anderson lived at his property “Rosemount” Yangery. he’s was elected to the Legislative Council and represented this district for a number of years.Black and white portrait of a male with white beardCouncillor W Anderson 1865-1866president, belfast, portrait, council, shire, government, municipal, local-government, rosemount, yangery

Councillor James Jellie came to Melbourne from Ireland in 1841 and moved to Belfast in 1843. he then relocated to Warrnambool in 1849 where he worked as a farmer. He later entered into business as an auctioneer, loan and estate agent and valuation and several large properties passed through his hands. He was one of the partners in the auctioneering firm that sold Atkinson’s Crown Special Survey. His municipal activities extended to the Shire of Warrnambool as well as the Borough of Belfast.Black and white portrait government, belfast, president, portrait, shire, municipal, local-government, auctioneer, james jellie

Councillor George Haynes a native of Staffordshire, England settled in Belfast in 1854 where he carried on the business of Draper and general merchant. George was also one of the original founders of the Mechanics Institute in Port Fairy. He was also a member of Belfast Municipal Council (later Borough of Port Fairy) for 18 years and was it’s first Mayor. he was President of the Hospital Benevolent Asylum Committee and for some years a member of the School Board of Advice.Black and white portraitbelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government, george haynes, mechanics institute

Councillor P.McGrath lived on the Koroit-Woolsthorpe Road and engaged in farming pursuits. He gained fame by his masterly handling of the subdivision of the Shire into 3 Ridings practically of equal valuation and they remained that way until the amalgamation of the shire and the Borough council.Black and white portraitgovernment, belfast, president, portrait, shire, council, municipal, local-government

Councillor J. Gibson on leaving to sail to Australia from Ireland was shipwrecked two days out and most of the passengers were lost. He owned the property at Clonlara, and bred horses. He was a native of Cavan Ireland. Black and white portrait belfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, clonlara

Councillor William Leddin resided at Yambuk.Black and white portraitbelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, yambuk

Councillor William Boyd was the son of Alexander Boyd who emigrated from Scotland and purchased the property known as Tarrone station in 1884. William managed the station grazing cattle and sheep. The area was later to become part of the Soldier Settlement land after the Second World War.Black and white portraitbelfast, president, government, portrait, shire, council, municipal, local-government, tarrone

Councillor AF Molan owned land in Crossley close to where the Shamrock Hotel was built. The Council held it’s meetings at this hotel for some time.Black and white portraitgovernment, belfast, president, portrait, shire, municipal, local-government, cr af molan

Councillor Geoff Ritchie was the son of John Ritchie who had been one of the early Presidents. He lived on a station called “Boodcarra” and was engaged in pastoral pursuits.Black and white portraitbelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, cr geoff ritchie

Councillor John Cox Ritchie has the distinction of being in the chair for 4 consecutive years. He lived on his father’s property “Aringa” station and was the brother of Councillor Geoff RitchieBlack and white portrait of Councillor J.C.RitchieCr JC Ritchie 1996-97-98-99 1900belfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, aringa

Councillor J Cruikshank. Owned “Terka” station near Kirkstall. The property had for some years sheltered and fed a number of kangaroos and he expressed the wish that they would be given a home there. The homestead is a bluestone building with a shingle roof, built by Robert Ireland of Port FairyBlack and white portrait of a male with a beard and moustachebelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government, terka, kirkstall, cr j cruikshank

Councillor M Scott was a butcher in Koroit and his fame spread as a trainer of several good race horses. At the time racing was prospering in the district and it was a very rare occasion that Councillor Scott’s horses did not win a race at the local meetings.Black and white portrait president, belfast, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government, m.scott

Councillor D Carroll was President of Belfast Shire Council in the Years 1907,1908,1909 and 1918-1919Black and white portraitbelfast, president, portrait, government, shire, municipal, local-government

Councillor Lane carried on agricultural farming activities at Killarney on part of the Special Survey. His last term as president was during the Great Depression of the late 1920’s when there was a considerable amount of unemployment in the district Black and white portraitCr D Lane 1911-12,17-18, 29-30government, belfast, president, portrait, shire, council, municipal, local-government, d.lane

Councillor Riddell’s property on Riddells Lane, Kirkstall was mainly used for grazing. He was actively associated with all types of sport and was a judge at Kirkstall and Koroit race meetings.Black and white portraitportrait, belfast, president, shire, government, municipal, local-government, kirkstall, riddells lane

Councillor Conheady occupied a farm at Rosebrook. Cr P Conheady Shire of Belfast President 1919-20 1928-29Black and white portraitpresident, government, belfast, portrait, shire, municipal, local-government, conheady

Strathfieldsaye was first incorporated as a road district on 20 August 1861, and became a shire on 17 September 1866.Strathfieldsaye Council was suspended on 20 July 1993, with a commissioner appointed, after allegations of the council being divided and unworkable.On 7 April 1994, the Shire of Strathfieldsaye was abolished, and, along with the City of Bendigo, the Borough of Eaglehawk, the Rural City of Marong and the Shire of Huntly, was merged into the newly created City of Greater Bendigo. (source Wikipedia). Strathfieldsaye was divided into three wards, each of which elected three councillors; Axedale Ward, Mandurang Ward, Strathfieldsaye Ward. The Shire of Sthrathfieldsaye President's chain was manufactured by P. Blashki and Sons in Stirling silver with a 22ct gold plated finish. Consisting of 20 links, the centre piece depicts the Australian Coat of Arms and drop features an enameled Shire of Strathfieldsaye coat of arms. President / Shire of Strathfieldsaye / Victoria / 1866 / Dieu et mon droit / PROGRESS / 1866city of greater bendigo ceremonial item, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Keck with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile slightly to right with walrus moustache. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and flowers. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfieldsaye / Shire Council / W.H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / J.H.E Gribbs / Presented by / Cr Herbert Keck / President 1903-4. 1912-13.shire of strathfieldsaye, councillor keck, strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire

Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Osbourne with hand coloured and drawn detail. Left facing profile with walrus moustache. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text ornate border. Hand written title top and lower centre.Presented to Strathfieldsaye Shire Council / W.H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / J.H.E Gribbs / by / Cr Fred Osborne / President 1909-10shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor fred osborne, strathfieldsaye shire council

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Group portrait of 13 men / councilors, 5 seated and 8 standing dressed in suits. There are another 2 men further back in front of the hall doors. Photograph is taken outside the Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall.Srathfieldsaye Shire Council. / With the President's (Cr T. Somerville) Compliments. / September, 1910 / W.H. Robinson Photo. Bendigo Verso; William Drechslershire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, strathfieldsaye shire council

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Eppalock Ward is one of three wards in the Greater Bendigo municipality which includes the former Strathfieldsaye Shire. Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait with hand coloured detail. Man with profile slightly to right, walrus moustache, image encircled. Photograph is attached to mount card. Hand written title lower centre.Ex. Councillor / F. Orr / Eppalock / The / Yeoman / Studiosshire of strathfieldsaye, councillor orr

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Burke with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile centre facing with beard. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and fscrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre. Wooden frame with detail and gold inner.Presented to Strathfieldsaye / shire Council / w. H. robinson / Photo / Bendigo / By the family of / Cr John Burke / President 1890 - 1899 - 1900strathfieldsaye shire council, councillor burke, president of strathfieldsaye shire

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Somerville with hand drawn detail. Profile slightly to left, face has full beard. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Presented to / Strathfieldsaye / Shire Council / W. H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / by / Cr Thomas Somerville / President 1892 - 3. 1901.2. 1910.11 strathfieldsaye shire council, councillor somerville, president of strathfieldsaye shire

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Condon with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile slightly to left. No facial hair. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text, scrolls and flowers. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfieldsaye / Shire / Council / W. H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / JMB Gribble / Presented by / Cr Michael Condon / President 1889 - 90. 1895-6. 1904 - 5strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor condon

The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Doak with hand coloured and drawn detail. Left facing profile with walrus moustache. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Presented to / Strathfieldsaye Shire Council / W. H. Robinson / Photo / JMB Gribble / by Cr S. Doak / President 1911 - 1912strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor doak

Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Read with hand coloured and drawn detail. Head profile facing right with beard. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfieldsaye Shire / Council / W H Robinson / Photo / J H Gribble / Chas. My. Read. President 1886 - 7 / Presented by his sonsstrathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, president read