Yields information about the people around the photograph of the Horse Tram at the depot with the Duncan and Fraser name board in front and has a strong association with the people named in the document.Piece of torn paper headed "Horse Tram No. 1 Photo" listing details of the men around the photograph of Horse Tram No. 1 at the depot with the Duncan and Fraser name board in the front. Handwritten by Dave Macartney c1985 as advised by Norman Fraser (a relation to Farser of the Duncan and Fraser family) See Reg Item 765. "Man in doorway with arms folded is George Fraser Snr, father of Norman Fraser. The manager Peter Hodgetts, seated on top of tram, lived at 1163 Gregory St. Company had 13 cottages for employees building along south side of Gregory St. The Frasers lived next door to the sheds. Norman Fraser remembers a horse named Nobby which could not be shod unless its legs were tied. Big George Barnett did the job. He is pictured standing in from of Mr Fraser Senior along with blacksmiths Moyce and Lang. The drivers were Nicholls, Gaston, Buckley, big George Armstrong (lying on the ground) and John Cameron. Si Barker and W. Skewes were the carpenters." trams, tramways, horse trams, duncan fraser, depot

Yields information about Bendigo and Ballarat tramcars and tramways - personal notes.Notebook titled "Bendigo Tramways" formed from a larger note book - with other pages torn from the centre as well, ruled paper. Each page that had been written on has been imaged. Cover - title 1 & 2 - notes re Bendigo tramcars, original No. 1, use of white discs 3 & 4 - notes re Bendigo routes 5 & 6 - Notes re Bendigo tramcars, trucks, controllers and the summer cars. 7 - note re tram 123 ex Melbourne and first public run - 17/12/1945 10 - notes ret original Ballarat electric tramcars 20 - Ask MrNaught re dates cars sold, C class and Birney trams in Bendigo 27 & 28 - notes re tram stops in Ballarat 29 - ditto rear cover - Office Manager in Ballarat - Mr. E. C. Kirton, since 15/7/1953. Contained originally within Reg Item 5623 at the front of this note book. For items see btm5623 loose items list.pdf. trams, tramways, bendigo, ballarat, tramcars

Tickets printed and issued by the Victorian Railways for the St Kilda to Brighton electric street railway or tramway. The line closed in sections with the last section between the railway station and Elwood Depot closing in 1959. All tickets numbered for accounting purposes.Yields information about the VR Ticketting System for its TramwayslSet of 7 Victorian Railways St Kilda Brighton ticket blocks. Printed on white sheets, stapled at the top with a large staple onto a cardboard backing strip. Each value in red ink with black print information. Each block has the ticket number printed on the stub of the ticket that remained with the block when torn off. Were printed in blocks of 200. 1 - 2d tickets nos 178027 to 178199 - for use between Glenhuntly Rd and Carlisle Street. 2 - 3 1/2 - backing cardboard removed and some tickets removed from the rear of the block - Nos. 747011 to 747182. 3 - 4d - Nos. 20007 to 20195 - some tickets at the rear removed including the stubs, 4 - 4d - No.s 513612 to 513791 - cardboard backing and some tickets at rear removed. The ticket numbers are in a different style to that above. 5 - 5d - Nos. 230013 to 230195 - cardboard backing and some tickets at rear removed. 6 - 5d - Nos 397246 to 397399 7 - 5d - Nos 387204 to 387295 - some tickets at the rear removed including the stubs. tickets, vr, vr trams, victorian railways, st kilda brighton electric tramway, fares

This book came into our collection via a donation to the Book Barn, which operates as a second-hand book shop. The donor is unknown.This book was published in 1887, a time of consolidation of wealth after the initial gold rushes in Ballarat in the 1850s. Its full title is 'History of Ballarat from the First Pastoral Settlement to the Present Time.' By William Bramwell Withers, Journalist. Second Edition with Plans, Ilustrations and Original Documents. It is an invaluable history of the origins of Ballarat and its mining history, with a chapter devoted to the Eureka Stockade. Book bound in green cloth on hard cover. On cover: Title incised in black on gold: HISTORY/OF/BALLARAT In gold: REVISED EDITION In black:By/W.B.Withers/PUBLISHED/BY/F.W.NIVEN &Co/Ballarat. Front cover embossed with gold pictures, one of a spray of wattle, one of a spray of eucalyptus leaves, a picture of a miner standing at a winch, and two panoramas of Ballarat, one in its early days as a gold-mining camp, and one as a built-up city. On spine: In green on gold: HISTORY/OF/BALLARAT : BY W.B.WITHERS 1887 Picture of two miners in a lift cage descending a mine shaft. On back cover: In black, picture of an aborigine looking into the sun, which is either rising or setting. On inside front cover: label pasted in. Inscription in gold: PRESENTED TO/THE/MEMBERS/OF THE/Empire Commerce Congress/BY/BALLARAT'S PIONEER DIGGER,/MR.JAMES ODDIE,1851. Front brown flyleaf partially torn off. ballarat gold rush, w.b.withers, eureka stockade, mining history, early maps of ballarat, mr james oddie, empire commerce congress

Sets of SEC Provincial tramways pre purchase strip tickets (known in Bendigo as Section tickets) consisting of up to 12 No. 1d tickets (1/- worth), printed on 210 gsm orange pasteboard and blind perforated at each ticket to enable them to be torn off and cancelled. Each ticket strip has the same ticket number. Form TYE 2-15 See below for the ticket details of each strip. Each strip of 10 or 12 tickets has been folded in half. Tickets availability printed on back of ticket - 0 and 1, 1A and 3, 1A and 4, or two for a 2d section or part payment of a 3d or 4d fare. Not known when in use at time of cataloguing. Pre 1950's? Each ticket has been stamped "CANCELLED" in purple ink. 2112.1 - Ticket No. AA322405 - 12 tickets in strip .2 - AA322404 - 12 tickets in strip .3 - AA374335 - 10 tickets in strip .4 - AA2449563 - 4 tickets .5 - AA244954 - 2 tickets .6 - AA244953 - 4 tickets See Reg Item 3069 for Bendigo type. trams, tramways, secv, tickets, parcels

Contents belonged to Major Damien Batty whilst serving with the United Nations Forces in Afghanistan. Major Damien Batty served in Afghanistan in 2011-2012 with the Bravo Commando Company Group, 2nd Commando Regiment in Uruzgan. The Commandos took part in 20 rotations with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) between 2007 and 2012. During this time they undertook significant combat operations, and were awarded for its actions, the regiment was collectively awarded the Unit Citation for Gallantry and the Meritorious Unit Citation.Contents from the Field Notebook Holder, (see 0096.1) belonging to Major Damien Batty whilst serving with the United Nations in Afghanistan. Located in the clear plastic compartment of the Field Note Holder: 0096.02 - Authority card in colour featuring a photograph of Major Damien Batty. 0096.03 - Facility access card in colour featuring a photograph of Major Damien Batty. Located in the folded compartment of the Field Note Holder: 0096.04 - White boarding pass with colour text 0096.05 - Peach sticker with black text 0096.06 - Peach sticker with black text 0096.07 - Green sticker with black text 0096.08 - White A4 sized paper copy of passport with certification stamp 0096.09 - Small grey Rules of Engagement card with a gloss surface and rounded corners. Has text on both sides 0096.10 - Small yellow Rules of Engagement card with a gloss surface and rounded corners. Has text on both sides 0096.11 - Small purple Rules of Engagement card with a gloss surface and rounded corners. Has text on both sides 0096.12 - White piece of paper torn from a spinal notebook with written text in blue and red ink. (Not pictured) 0096.02 - UNESCORTED / WEAPONS AUTHORISED / CELL PHONE ALLOWED / BATTY / TF-66 / VALID UNTIL 5 DECEMBER 2012. 0096.03 - 03-MAR-74 / BATTY DAMIEN / OF-3 Back 0096.04 - ADAGOLD / AVIATION PTY LTD / FROM SYDNEY / TO MIHAD MILITARY / DATE 05 JUN /1310 / 0096.05 - NHD / 10987 /ADAGOLD / AVIATION PTY LTD / 0096.06 - NHD / 10986 / ADAGOLD / AVIATION PTY LTD / 0096.07 - QUALITY CONTROL / 0096.08 - DAMIEN BATTY / 0096.09 - RESTRICTED / DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE / SEARCH AND DETENTION / OP SLIPPER / (AFGHANISTAN ONLY) / DEC 2010 / 0096.10 - RESTRICTED / DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE / MEAO FORCE PROTECTION / INDIVIDUAL GUIDANCE ON THE USE OF FORCE / APR 2009 / 0096.11 - RESTRICTED / DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE / PURPLE CARD / ORDERS FOR OPERATING FIRE / OP SLIPPER / contents, field notebook holder, identification, united nations

Tickets printed and issued by the Victorian Railways for the Sandringham to Beaumaris motor coach (bus) service, following the closure of the tramway to Black Rock in 1956. All tickets numbered for accounting purposes.Yields information about the VR Ticketting System for its Tramways and motor coach services.Set of 7 Victorian Railways Sandringham to Beumaris Motor Coach ticket blocks. Printed on white sheets, stapled at the top with a large staple onto a cardboard backing strip. Each value in green ink with black print information. Each block has the ticket number printed on the stub of the ticket that remained with the block when torn off. Were printed in blocks of 200. 1 - 2d - Nos. 051601 to 051788 - cardboard backing strip, front and some rear tickets removed 2 - 2 1/2d - Nos. 012801 012993 - series A - Child - cardboard backing strip, front and some rear tickets removed 3 - 2 1/2d - Nos. 012801 012999 - series B - Child - front ticket removed 4 - 3d - Nos. 134403 to 134589 - front and rear tickets removed 5 - 4d - Nos 232201 to 232392 - cardboard backing strip, front and some rear tickets removed 6 - 5d - Nos 104801 to 104994 - front and rear tickets removed. 7 - 6d - Nos 134201 to 134393 - cardboard backing strip, front and some rear tickets removedtickets, vr, vr trams, victorian railways, fares, sandringham, black rock tramway, beaumaris

BHS CollectionHanro (Australia) Knitting Mills Limited Invoice and Packing Slip: White colour paper with black print. A gold oval circle with a fine gold oval circle inside with Hanro Swiss Inspired printed within the oval on the upper left hand side of the invoice. Registered office is 264-175 Hargreaves Street. Cable address: ' Benknit' Bentleys private Telephone 3-0241. In the body of the document is Styles, Description, Quality, Price Extension and Total. The terms of sale is 3 1/4 % seven days from invoice date or 2 1/2% 30 days (unless marked net,) interest 6 1/2% charged on overdue accounts. Goods on objected in 14 days after receipt are considered duly accepted. Two holes at the left side are 5cm x 7.3cm apart for storage. Pink blank sheet followed by orange blank sheet and cream blank sheet to have carbon sheets inserted. A red glue holds the sheets together and bits of glue appear on the top sheet which is also torn in the top left corner. Box 116Adocument, invoice, hanro

This swimsuit belonged to Brighton local Joyce Fuller, nee Harries (1920-2018), who wore it at Dendy Beach in the 1950s. Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. Visiting Brighton Historical Society in 2019, Ada recalled this particular swimsuit style to be a popular one, particularly with older women, as the cinched waist and pleated modesty skirt suited many body types. This was important to her, as she wanted women of all ages and sizes to look and feel good in her swimwear, and she devoted much time and attention to the fit and finish of the garments. When the company began introducing padded bras, such as the one in this swimsuit, Ada insisted on using lacy floral lining and a small ribbon rosette in the centre gore, to give women a sense of quality, femininity and care in construction.Blue one-piece swimsuit with waist tie and short finely pleated overskirt. Sleeveless with thin elasticised straps. Inbuilt padded underwire bra with label and pale pink ribbon rosette on centre gore. Fastens with back zip.Label: "Ada / OF CALIFORNIA / 38"swimwear, brighton, dendy street beach, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, joyce fuller, joyce harries

An article from a supplement to the Bulletin with a poem by Legatee Brian Armstrong written just before he passed away. It reflects on Foundation Day and the first 50 years of Service certificates that were being awarded. Legatee Armstrong had been president in 1937. The prom was called Accolade. Last Anzac Day a fine old Digger / Asked me to write him 'a sort of a letter' / Mentioning something of what he had done / As a private soldier in World War One. He had lived alone since he lost he wife / But a score of 'Grandies' adorned his life / They were always asking what he had done / As a Front Line Digger in World War One. He wanted to give them something to show / When he got his call and 'had to go' / But he couldn't remember and wasn't sure / When they fingered his medal and asked for more. He was one of our best and I knew him well / In those far off days of pain and hell / So I wrote recalling his scenes of strife / Especially one when he'd saved my life. Later I found a note at my gate / Just a line of thanks to 'my Dear Mate'. That grand old word so hardly won / In freezing trench and blinding sun / Fifty years gone but it's not too late / To be proud when a Digger still calls you Mate. Thrice in our time have the War Bells tolled / And thrice does the Legacy tale unfold. Fifty years gone but it's never too late / To guard the Kin of a fallen mate. The story is written for all to see / The 'Why' and the 'How' of Legacy / But it still rings true that it all began / With the trust in his mate of a War-Torn Man. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of a poem made by Legatee Brian Armstrong a past president of Legacy about the mateship of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Yellow page from Bulletin with a poem by Legatee Brian Armstrong in 1978.Bulletin No 2430 26.9.1978past presidents, foundation day, brian amstrong, poem

These labels come from the Brewery of Hodgens & Co. who operated the Warrnambool Brewery west of the corner of Timor and Banyan Streets This brewery was established by Edmund Wheeler as the Western Brewery in 1866. Daniel Hodgens the principal of Hodgens & Co. owned the Warrnambool Brewery from sometime in the 1890s until 1909. (Hodgens died in 1907.) Daniel Hodgens also owned the National Hotel and the Pieter Both Hotel and leased the Union, Princess Royal, Prince of Wales and the Bayview hotels in the late 1890s.These labels are of considerable interest as they are artistically pleasing and are part of an important brewery business in Warrnambool in times past. .1 Oval grey and white label adhered to a piece of cream coloured card. It has a sketch of a lake and hills in the centre which resembles Tower Hill .This is surrounded by a wide border containing text. The label is discoloured .2,.3 Dark cream paper rectangular labels with black and white text. There are decorations of berries and leaves in one corner. The primary texts are contained in two long arcs and a black rectangle. Both labels are torn. .2 has a section missing. .4,.5 Rectangular labels with a curved top and extended side panels. It features,on a gold coloured background, the profile of Punch wearing a crown with a striped red and white stocking attachment. Punch has a long hooked red nose and is raising a flask towards his mouth. Above him in the curved top section are two diagonal red and dark green panels containing text. Underneath Punch are two rectangular wide, dark green and white panels containing text. The extended side panels are at right angles to the central section.There are two crosses on the top and bottom of .5 The section containing these and also a sections beside the side extensions have been removed from .4. .1EXTRA NOURISHING STOUT HODGENS & CO WARRNAMBOOL .2,.3 HODGENS & CO. WARRNAMBOOL BREWERY BRAVO ALE Refreshing, Invigorating and Contstiting (sic.) an Appetising Tonic while slightly Stimulating. Easy of Digestion HODGENS & CO PROPRIETORS WARRNAMBOOL .4,.5 A CERTAIN CURE FOR INDIGESTION HOT STUFF USED WITH BEER SPIRITS AND AERATED WATERS A DELICIOUS DRINK . Bottled for the Manufacturers by Hodgens & Co. at their Spirits Stores. . warrnambool brewery 1885-1909

GRANT, Thomas (From Short Notes on Ringwood - RDHS) Born 1854, died 1933, aged 79 years. Thomas Grant, born in Burwood, Victoria, came to Ringwood in 1876. On land purchased from Mr. D. Gostick in Whitehorse Road, in the vicinity of the present Drive In Arcade, he built a blacksmith's and coach building shop. In 1880, he married Mary Ann French, of Mulgrave. There were four children, Andrew, Mary, (died in infancy) Thomas, and Margaret. Miss Margaret Grant is a well known resident of Mullum Road. With the opening of the station in 1882, activities in the growing district tended to congregate in its vicinity, and, in 1883, Mr. Grant moved his “smith" to the corner of Adelaide Street. At the same time, he planted out an orchard on his land which ran from Ringwood Street, to Warrandyte Road, and north as far as Mullum Greek. Eventually, about 1910, he sold his business to the Reed Brothers, and retired to the comparatively lighter life of orchardist and market gardener. In 1909, he sold 8 acres of his land to the Lilydale Council. This land, situated in Ringwood Street, behind the Town Hall, is known as the Ringwood Reserve. Mr. & Mrs. Grant were foundation members of the Methodist Church. He was appointed a Trustee in 1879, and served until his death 54 years later. He was an enthusiastic member of many societies, and he held public office in civic affairs. His interests included the Progress Association, Cricket Club, and the Agricultural Society, at whose annual show, he was a regular exhibitor. He served as a Councillor in the Lilydale Shire, repres¬enting Ringwood, from 1889 to 1894, and was a Justice of the Peace. 26278a Ledger belonging to First Blacksmith in Ringwood 1880s. Dark green cover with leather spine and corners. Dark coloured edges on pages. 542 pages, 320 used. 26278b Day book belonging to Thomas Grant, Blacksmith, Ringwood used 1929. Brown covered book with leather spine. First 95 pages torn out. Only two pages of remaining 76 used. 26278c Ledger with alphabetical index - Thomas Grant, Blacksmith, Ringwood - 1888. Green covered book with red spine and corners. Dark coloured edges on pages. 275 pages. Some unused. 26278d T. Grant Blacksmith Day Book. Green covered day book of T. Grant, Blacksmith and General Smithy, Ringwood 1883 . Red square on spine with Day book written on it. Day Book in ink hand written on front spine. 26278e Day book belonging to Thomas Grant, Blacksmith, Ringwood - 1879-1881. Green cover with brown spine and edges. Gold lettering on spine saying Day Book Pages all used. 26278f Collection of receipts, some blotting paper, some pages from the Journal of Architecture, a short story, and drawing with description of an Albert Sociable carriage.

Yields information about the history of Bendigo's trams, tramways and the trammies and their stories. Has a strong association with the businesses in Bendigo.Newspaper feature section from the Bendigo Advertiser of April 13, 1972, an eight page feature on the closure of the Bendigo tramways. See also item 277.2 - photocopy of this item. Features history of the Bendigo trams, the services, personal stories, photos and advertisements from local commerce - published Thursday April 13, 1972. Tram services closed the following Sunday. The 8 page feature in a single sheet of newsprint, with one half printed upside down to the other half. Includes numerous photos of the trams, one of the last staff photo, and item called "1927 and all that" with the memories of Basil Miller, Senior Traffic Inspector. 2nd copy of the feature section added 12/10/2007 ex Graeme Breydon. 1038.1- copy of the Bendigo Advertiser of April 13 1972 - 16 pages, including the supplement. The supplement section has been "torn" down the middle of the single sheet. On pages and 11, there are other tramway stories - page 2 - a photo of a CRB worker cutting pavement with a motorised saw and on page 11 a item about the White Hills Progress Association opposing the retention of the Bendigo trams - "childish and impracticable". For scans of each page as a pdf file see Reg Item 276.1038 - 2nd copy and 1038.1 - has "Graeme Breydon" address stop in top right hand corner.trams, tramways, bendigo, closure, basil miller

Set pf personal papers concerning tramway / railway level crossings in Melbourne. Consist of .1 - letter to Ross dated 19/3/1984, carbon copy from Jack McLean, printed on computer paper perforated computer paper torn into strips - has hand written notes. Three separate sheets. Covers Market St Melbourne (Queensbridge) South Melbourne (City Road) St George Road - North Fitzroy Queens Parade Clifton Hill Epsom Road Showgrounds Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Glenferrie Road Malvern Burke Road Camberwell, Glenferrie Rd Kooyong, Burke Road Gardiner Glenhuntly Road Glenhuntly Glenhuntly Road Elsternwick, Whitehorse Road (Deepdene), Riversdale Road, Riversdale Lygon St North Carlton Nicholson St Footscray Nicholson St North Fitzroy, .2 - six pages - retype of above document on A4 computer printing paper - covers the same material. .3 - Hand drawing of the Melbourne rail system with crossing dates including bridges noted on it for cable and electric tramways. Has initials KK 12/54 in bottom right hand corner. drawn on lined double width foolscap paper.trams, tramways, level crossings, railway squares, tramway square, cable trams

Set of 6 documents associated with the provision of low floor tram stop platforms along route 96, East Brunswick to St Kilda. .1 - Pamphlet - 20 pages centre stapled, titled "Route 96 Project - Have your say: Stop 133 Fitzroy St and Acland Street Early designs" Includes a feedback form. Dated 2013. .2 - Drop in DL card - for general update on Nicholson St between Kay Street and Fitzroy North and Brunswick Road. March 2019 .3 - 6 fold A3 to DL - "Route 96 is being upgraded so everyone can catch the tram" - shows the program and map for the provision of 9 stops and timeline. The later was not achieved. 2 copies held. .4 - 6 fold to DL, special size sheet - for the redevelopment of stop 125 Port Junction - shows the siding for the Tramcar Restaurant, and stop 124 at the world trade centre. Dated 2013 .5 - 8 fold to DL - special size paper (has been torn into two), for the Acland St options, and Fitzroy St at the junction with the Light Rail line. Again not all work undertaken. Dated 2013. Have logos of PTV, Yarra Trams and Department of Transport.trams, tramways, route 96, tram stops, fitzroy st, acland st, platform stops, nicholson st, brunswick rd, port junction, clarendon st, whiteman st

John Brown Industries became a listed company in 1951 and acquired Star Hosiery Mills factory and its Bendigo offshoot. In 1955 they purchased a 4 acre site at Ironbark to build a new mill. This was completed in a record 19and a half weeks and the mill was handed over in Sept. 1956.Photographs of the Erection of John Brown Knitting Mills: A brown envelope which had hand printed writing in black ink. On the right hand top is *MP385*. In the middle *John Brown Knitting Mills Ironbark Bendigo. 14 Photos of Erection 1954? Photos by Reg Brock*. Attached to the envelope is a torn piece so paper which has been hand written in blue ink *John Brown & Welmar* Knitwear Socks & Dress wear The Finest in the Land. Made on the site of Bendigo's Richest Gold Mine, *The Little 180*. Inside the envelope is a collection of black and white photos of the erection of the John Brown Knitting Mills on Marong Road in Ironbark Bendigo. 14 Photos in total showing various views of the construction site. Workmen on the site laying bricks, constructing the steel building and trucks delivering steel etc. A crane truck with *General Carriers Bendigo* printed on the side door. On the back of each photo is *MP385*. The Circular stamp in blue ink of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria Bendigo Branch and a cream photographers label with a blue band top and bottom with *Reg. V. Brock of Bendigo in the bands. In the centre of the label in blue print is *No.... B1098. pos.... Additional copies may be obtained at any time by quoting this number. Box 116A.Reg. V. Brock of Bendigo.photograph, building, john brown, john brown knitting mills

The story behind this little gold watch is intriguing. The condition of the watch certainly shows the effects of time in the sea. Some inner workings can be seen through broken encrustations and missing sections of the watch’s case. The winding knob on the top is recognisable even though it is covered by sand and other adhesions from the sea. The manufacturer of this dainty watch may have made it for a female, and the value of the gold metal case shows that it would be marketed for a person with wealth. The watch was donated along with a letter, an envelope and a newspaper cutting, all neatly folded and tucked with the watch into a small, strong cardboard box with metal reinforcing on the corners and a fitted lid. The letter is dated March 6, 1905, and its sender writes about the ‘souvenir’ lady’s gold watch found in Loch Ard Gorge at Port Campbell, though the finder remains unnamed. The letter’s date is also uncertain, as there are only 27 years, not 28, between its date and the date the Loch Ard was wrecked (1905-1878 = 27). The signature on the letter appears to be ‘Wyon’, which is the name of a creek in NSW, and also the name of the renowned William Wyon, medallist and engraver of British coins, medals and stamps; and continued as Wyon and Sons, London. The envelope has a postmark for Florence (Firenze), Italy. It is stamped October 12th, 1911 (12.10.11). It is addressed to an illegible name, then Glencove, Portsea, Victoria, Australia: 'Glencove, Portsea' is referred to in newspapers between 1927 and 1949. The newspaper cutting puts the watch into its context, telling the story of the wreck of the Loch Ard, the survival of only two of the 54 people onboard, and a little of the survivors’ future events. It doesn’t single out the watch in any way. Any one of the 17 passengers sailing on the Loch Ard could have owned the watch, including Dr. Carmichael, his wife, Eva, their other three daughters, and two of their sons. Instead of belonging to anyone onboard, it may have been amongst the cargo, as the ship’s manifest includes ‘clocks and watches £25’. The donated watch was carefully packaged with related documents, showing respect for this small shipwreck artefact, which is nearing 150 years of age at the time of writing (2025). The watch’s connection to the sands of Loch Ard Gorge also connects it to the ship Loch Ard, contributing to our knowledge of personal items brought to Australia in 1878, whether as the belongings of a passenger or as cargo; a gold watch would be intended for a wealthy buyer. Although many people would have visited the shipwreck site, it was revealed over 25 years after the Loch Ard was wrecked; this length of time helps us understand the effects of the sea on shipwreck objects. The watch is significant for its connection to the infamous Loch Ard, where only two of the 54 people on board survived.Ladies' fob watch, thought to be gold. It is now covered in encrustation. A bump on the edge would be the winding mechanism for the watch. A small section of the back of the case has broken away, and an engraved surface can be seen. Face and hands are missing, revealing the spring workings inside. Donated with the watch were two documents and a newspaper cutting about the story of the shipwreck of the Loch Ard. They are all in a strong cardboard box with reinforced corners on the base and lid. Found at Loch Ard Gorge and said to have been from the Loch Ard. The three donated documents are: - 1. A rectangular envelope made of cream waxy paper lined with black and white diagonally striped paper. The top right corner, usually meant for a postage stamp, has been torn off, partly exposing text on a rectangular printed logo. A round black postmark stamp near the top centre shows the post office location and date. The address on the front is handwritten in black ink. The creases on the envelope suggest it has been folded three times. 2. A letter on cream rectangular paper features clear, handwritten script in black ink. The unevenly cut bottom edge has two short black vertical lines, possibly the tops of tall written letters. There are creases where the page has been folded three times. 3. A newspaper clipping featuring text, an illustration, and handwritten details of the newspaper’s source.1. Envelope: - Address: ”Australia (per Postage) / (illegible) / Glencove, (Portsea) / Victoria” Postmark: “FIRENZE” 12 10 11” “ - - - -PORTEN – (illegible)” Logo inside envelope: “BUSTA BRE--- / Earliera Lialia” [Italian; Busta = envelope, Earliera == earlier] 2. Letter: - “I am sending you a ‘souvenir’ from the wreck of the Loch Ard 28 years ago at Port Campbell. It is the remains of a lady’s gold watch found in the gorge where Miss Carmichael & Tom Pearce (the only two saved) were washed up. This souvenir was lying there ever since. I went down into the awful gorge & saw the cave where these two unfortunates (or fortunate perhaps, as they were saved) lived until rescued. I also saw the graves of those who were washed up from the wreck. One grave contains Dr and Mrs Carmichael & six of their children. Later on, when I can get some good views of that wild coast I will send them. [signed] Wyon. 6/3/05.” 3. Newspaper cutting: - History of the Lochard. Refer to the Sydney Morning Herald, Nov. 28th, 1971: “Loch Ard: the wreck that became a legend”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, ladies fob watch, gold watch, fob watch, pocket watch, horology, accessory, time keeping, scientific instrument, ladies' watch, ladies' pocket watch, diagonally striped envelope lining, glencove, portsea victoria, firenze, busta, earliera, souvenir watch, loch ard souvenir, lady's watch, port campbell, tom pearch, survivor, miss carmichael, mrs carmichael, dr carmichael, wyon, 1878, 1905, 1911, loch ard: the wreck that became a legend, florence, clocks and watches

David NOONAN (1969- ) Born Ballarat, Victoria. Lives and works Melbourne, Victoria and London, United Kingdom. Leaving secondary school as soon as he could, David Noonan enrolled in a Visual Art Course at the Ballarat School of Mines. He described this time as 'an inspiring time, with every art form covered and treated with passion and rigour.' He studied ceramics, photography, painting and knew that he had to be an artist. (https://art150.unimelb.edu.au/articles/david-noonan-making-art-in-a-dark-and-quiet-place, accessed 17 January 2020). Between 1987 and 1989 David Noonan completed a Bachelor of Fine Art at Ballarat University College, Victoria, Australia (Now Federation University Australia). He undertook Post Graduate Studies at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne in 1991 and 1992. Since 2005 he has been based in London with his work featuring in a number of major international exhibitions of contemporary art, including 'Altermodern', the 2009 Tate Triennial at Tate Britain, London. Producing works in a range of media including painting, photography, film, print-making, collage and sculpture David Noonan's work often evoke the subconscious realm through their fragmented imagery, allusive qualities and complex layering of historical and cultural references. Animals, actors and masked figures are recurring motifs that imbue his works with a magical atmosphere that is suggestive of childhood memories or half-forgotten dreams. ( produced works in a range of media including painting, photography, film, print-making, collage and sculpture. His works often evoke the subconscious realm through their fragmented imagery, allusive qualities and complex layering of historical and cultural references. (https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/essay/david-noonan-untitled/, accessed 17 January 2020) David Noonan has become known for large-scale monochromatic collages on linen comprised of fabrics which are torn, folded, cut, stitched and combined with silkscreened images. This approach was used to produce his 2018 atmospheric film 'A dark and quiet place'. Noonan is interested in combining art and traditional craft techniques. (https://artgalleryofballarat.com.au/gallery_exhibitions/david-noonan-stagecraft/, accessed 17 January 2020) This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Six stretched canvases making up the work 'Ring of the Nibellings'. art, artwork, david noonan, oil on canvas, alumni

David NOONAN (1969- ) Born Ballarat, Victoria. Lives and works Melbourne, Victoria and London, United Kingdom. Leaving secondary school as soon as he could, David Noonan enrolled in a Visual Art Course at the Ballarat School of Mines. He described this time as 'an inspiring time, with every art form covered and treated with passion and rigour.' He studied ceramics, photography, painting and knew that he had to be an artist. (https://art150.unimelb.edu.au/articles/david-noonan-making-art-in-a-dark-and-quiet-place, accessed 17 January 2020). Between 1987 and 1989 David Noonan completed a Bachelor of Fine Art at Ballarat University College, Victoria, Australia (Now Federation University Australia). He undertook Post Graduate Studies at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne in 1991 and 1992. Since 2005 he has been based in London with his work featuring in a number of major international exhibitions of contemporary art, including 'Altermodern', the 2009 Tate Triennial at Tate Britain, London. Producing works in a range of media including painting, photography, film, print-making, collage and sculpture David Noonan's work often evoke the subconscious realm through their fragmented imagery, allusive qualities and complex layering of historical and cultural references. Animals, actors and masked figures are recurring motifs that imbue his works with a magical atmosphere that is suggestive of childhood memories or half-forgotten dreams. ( produced works in a range of media including painting, photography, film, print-making, collage and sculpture. His works often evoke the subconscious realm through their fragmented imagery, allusive qualities and complex layering of historical and cultural references. (https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/essay/david-noonan-untitled/, accessed 17 January 2020) David Noonan has become known for large-scale monochromatic collages on linen comprised of fabrics which are torn, folded, cut, stitched and combined with silkscreened images. This approach was used to produce his 2018 atmospheric film 'A dark and quiet place'. Noonan is interested in combining art and traditional craft techniques. (https://artgalleryofballarat.com.au/gallery_exhibitions/david-noonan-stagecraft/, accessed 17 January 2020) This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.A large painting on canvas. art, artwork, david noonan, noonan, alumni, oil on canvas, available

Coorongite is a dark, rubber-like, highly resilient structureless algal deposit. In the Coorong district of South Australia it occurs in moderate quantities associated with the coastal swamps and sand dunes which extend for a considerable distance east of the mouth of the Murray. This particular specimen was recovered from the south of the Coorong River, South Australia. A type of sediment rich in organic matter, Coorongite is the unlithified end-member of the sapropelic coal series. The members of the sapropelic coal series can be ranked in order as sapropel (the unlithified form), sapropelic-lignite, and sapropelic-coal (the lithified forms) based on increasing carbon content and decreasing volatile content. Sapropel (Coorongite) is an unlithified dark, pulpy, fine organic mud containing concentrations of algae and miospores that are more or less identifiable. Coorongite is typically found as an algae like substance, that can be found in irregular size pieces. Coorongite was believed to be dried up oil due to its rubber-like texture. The Coorongite is also soft to the point where it can be cut into with a knife or it can be broken and torn by hand. Otherwise known as 'Kurangk', the Coorong River is home to the Ngarrindjeri people, which acts as both a place for gathering food and a spiritual place. In 1852 the first sight of Coorongite was found along the Coorong River. The finders mistook the Coorongite for dried up oil, which lead to the belief that there were oil reserves under the Coorong River. Between the 1860s and the 1930s the Coorong River became a place where mining oil and Coorongite became precedent. Nowadays, the local council and the South Australian Government are working together with the Ngarrindjeri people to sustain and preserve the Coorong River and the culture that is with it. Soon after gold was discovered in 1851, Victoria’s Governor La Trobe wrote to the Colonial Office in London, urging ‘the propriety of selecting and appointing as Mineral Surveyor for this Colony a gentleman possessed of the requisite qualifications and acquaintance with geological science and phenomena’. Alfred Selwyn was appointed geological surveyor in Australia in 1852 which began the Geological Survey of Victoria. Selwyn went on to collect geological samples and catalogue thousands of specimens around Australia. In 1853-69 the Geological Survey issued under Selwyn's direction sixty-one geological maps and numerous reports; they were of such high standard that a writer in the Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London bracketed the survey with that of the United States of America as the best in the world. During his years spent in Australia, Selwyn collected numerous significant geological specimens, examples of which are held in collections such as the Burke Museum.Coorongite is considered to be a mineral with a unique texture, where it can be both hard and soft. Coorongite can also be considered to be a rare mineral, as it is only located along the Coorong River and due to the mining of it, has left very few sources. It was believed at one point that Coorongite could be used to replace oil. 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.Three solid varyingly hand-sized pieces of wooden appearing organic matter derived from the river in the Coorong District in South Australia. A rubber-like, highly resilient structureless algal deposit.Specimen 245 page 69 / in Descriptive Register / "Elcestic Bitumen, / Coorangite" South of / Coorung River, South Australia . / C. WIllman / 15/4/21burke museum, beechwoth, indigo shire, beechworth museum, geological, geological specimen, mineraology, coorong, coorong river, kurangk, ngarrindjeri, south australia, coorongite, coorongite specimen

Many displaced people who migrated to Australia after World War 2 brought similar tubs with them as part of their luggage. The tubs were valued by the migrants because they were used for washing clothes and other laundry items, and for bathing children and even adults. The tub in our possession was brought out to Australia in 1950 by the Pierzak family who eventually settled in North Sunshine, Victoria. The following story about the Pierzak family has been provided by the daughter Halina Wlodarczyk (nee Pierzak). The father Stanislaw Pierzak was born on the 26th of July 1916 in Zbrza, and the mother Teodozja (Teodozia) Szalas on the 5th of March 1919 in Goleciny, both villages in the Kielce district of Poland. In 1940 they were both taken by the German Army to work as slave labour on farms in Germany. Stanislaw worked in the Saxonia area and Teodozja near Dillingen. The work was hard, and when Teodozja contracted pneumonia she was told that she would not be given any food if she did not work. After the war the displaced persons, as they were called, were settled in various barracks and camps organised by the United States Army. Stanislaw and Teodozja married in Gablingen, Bavaria, Germany, and Halina was born in the camp at Gablingen in 1949. The displaced people were given the choice of several countries if they wanted to migrate from war torn Germany, and so the Pierzak family chose Australia. The Pierzak family set sail from Naples, Italy aboard the ship General M. B. Stewart and arrived in Sydney on the 17th of April 1950. The men and women had to stay in separate quarters, and many passengers were so sick that they did not think they would survive the journey. In Australia they lived in migrant camps in NSW at Bathurst, Orange, Parkes and Cowra. To pay off their fares to Australia migrants were required to work under contract for 2 years. Stanislaw Pierzak worked in Broken Hill NSW returning to visit his family every 3 to 4 months. The son John was born in the Red Cross building at the Parkes camp in 1952. In 1953 the whole family moved to Melbourne and lived in a converted garage in Victor Street, North Sunshine. In 1954 the family bought a bungalow on a block of land in Compton Parade, North Sunshine, where eventually they built a house. Stanislaw Pierzak worked at Steelweld in Ashley Street, Braybrook travelling there on his bicycle, while Teodozja Pierzak found work at Smorgon in West Footscray. Stanislaw and Teodozja Pierzak lived in North Sunshine for the rest of their lives, and Mrs Pierzak always said that Sunshine was the best place in the world.Tubs like this which belonged to displaced people were highly valued possessions and are of historic significance. They were brought out to Australia after World War 2 by many migrating displaced families. The tubs were used for washing activities in the camps in Germany, and the migrant camps in Australia, and also when people lived in bungalows in Australia before they built houses with laundries and bathrooms.Oval shaped galvanised iron tub with two rigid handles, one at each end. The top of the tub is larger than the base. The galvanising is deteriorating in some parts which show a whitish appearance. There are some small dents, and a few chips in the galvanising where surface rust has appeared.The number 70 is stamped on both sides.washing tub, galvanised tub, laundry, bath, displaced persons, immigration, general m. b. stewart, galvanized tub, pierzak, galvanised wash tub

This is a car picnic set made by the English firm of G. W. Scott and Sons who were producers of wickerwork crafts, basketry and luxury leather goods. The business was founded in 1661 and ceased operations in 1967. The picnic set belonged to Dr Horace Iles Holmes (1877-1959) who was born and educated in Tasmania and completed a medical degree at Melbourne University. He commenced a practice in Warrnambool in 1906 and was the Honorary Medical Officer at the Warrnambool Hospital and Warrnambool’s Health Officer. His practice was at ‘Ierne’ at the corner of Spence and Kepler Streets. He was an early member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and was prominent in Warrnambool community affairs (Foundation President of Warrnmbool Rotary Club, a member of the local Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, Warrnambool Hospital Committee member, long-term Trustee of the Warrnambool Methodist Church and President of the Lyndoch Hostel for the Aged Committee). Dr Holmes also had agricultural interests and enjoyed fishing, golf and bowls. He also had a motor car and this picnic set would have been used for family picnics. This picnic set is of considerable significance because: 1. It is a good example of the luxury picnic sets owned by more affluent people in the 1930s and 40s. 2. It has important local provenance as it belonged to Horace Holmes, a doctor associated with the professional and community life of Warrnambool for over 50 years. This is a rectangular wooden box with a leather covering. It has metal hinges on the corners of the box and two two metal catches on the side with a leather belt and metal buckle on one of these catches with one leather belt missing on the other side. These leather straps were to attach the picnic box to the running board of the car. There are also two metal catches or locks on the front of the box. Inside the box there is a white lining with a plaited wickerwork insert containing spaces for the following: 1. large china container with a silver top 2. smaller metal container with a silver lid 3. small rectangular metal tin with a silver lid. This container still has some loose tea leaves inside 4. four china cups 5. two circular china dishes for jam and butter 6. four china saucers 7. one glass bottle with a silver top 8. one metal phial, silver-coloured 9. one amber-coloured glass bottle (probably not an original) 10. four nickel silver spoons 11. three metal forks 12. three white enamel plates, blue edged Numbers 10,11 and 12 are held in place by leather straps on the inside of the lid of the box 13. two loose metal straps 14. one metal kettle with a handle with cane strapping, a brass lid, a brass spout with an end chain and a metal inscription 15. The kettle is sitting in a metal tray which has a lighting mechanism to heat the water The picnic set has some rusted metal catches on the exterior of the box and the leather is very stained and torn in places. ‘Remove screw before lighting G.W.S. & S ‘ ‘Coracle brand’ antique luxury picnic set, dr horace holmes, history of warrnambool

Eight of these letter books contain letters written by the Warrnambool lawyer George Mackay. They are mostly letters written to contacts while he was living in Scotland and letters sent from Warrnambool to Scotland to his daughter, Margueretta (Meta) who was studying medicine. Scottish-born George Sutherland Mackay (1850-1926) opened a legal practice in Kepler Street, Warrnambool in 1891 and in 1893 bought the business of the late James Fletcher, with the business known as Fletcher and Mackay. In the 1920s John Taylor became a partner and the firm of Mackay, Taylor & Co. (later Mackay Taylor) continued until 1999 when it merged with Taits Solicitors to form Tait Taylor (now Taits Legal). George Mackay was a Warrnambool Councillor and the first Mayor to hold office for four successive years. He was instrumental in getting the Warrnambool High School established and was the Chairman of the first School Council. Two of these letter books contain letters written by Ernest Powling. One letter book contains letters written by James Mack, a Warrnambool accountant These letter books are of considerable importance as they contain letters relating to legal matters in Warrnambool and district from the late 19th century to the mid 1940s. The letters also give an insight into the private life of a prominent Warrnambool lawyer, George Sutherland Mackay..1 This letter book has a dark blue cover, brown leather binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and handwritten letters. The spine is damaged. .2 This letter book has a dark red cover with red binding, an alphabetical index with tabs, a handwritten label on the front cover, information on the ledger maker and the handwriting of the letter writer inside the front cover. The spine is slightly damaged. .3 This letter book has a dark red mottled cover with white binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and a handwritten label on the front cover. .4 This letter book has a dark red cover with white paper binding and a handwritten label on the cover. .5 This letter book has a dark blue cover, red binding, and alphabetical index with tabs. The spine is slightly damaged. A loose receipt is inside the front cover. .6 This letter book has a mottled blue and pink cover, black binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and handwritten personal letters. .7 This letter book has a dark green cover, brown binding, an alphabetical index with coloured tabs and handwritten private letters. .8 This letter book has a mottled cover with black binding and an alphabetical index with tabs. Many of the letter copies are upside down. .9 This letter book has a dark green cover with red binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and handwritten personal letters. .10 This letter book has a dark green cover with buff-coloured leather binding, an alphabetical index with tabs and copies of typed letters. The leather is torn on the front cover. .11 This letter book has a green cover, a brown leather spine and a paper label pasted on the cover. This book has the spine detached and is badly waterstained .2 G Sutherland Mackay 1874 Private Letter Book james mack, warrnambool, ernest powling, port fairy, george mackay, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

BHS CollectionDrawings of the Erection of the Hanro Knitting Mills: In a binder made of pieces of brown cardboard top, bottom and spine joined together with white cotton ribbon to form the binder. On the front is a number on a white sticker in black biro * D1710* on the right hand top. In the centre top is the blue circular Royal Historical society of Victoria. Bendigo Branch. Underneath that, hand written script in black ink is *Hanro 'Aust. Bendigo Knitting Mills Pty. Ltd. Drawings in connection with the erection of New Mills* and a small star drawn in black ink. At the right bottom is *William Rockli C.E. Melbourne. On the spine is *Drawings in connection with the Erection of New Mill*. The spine has had a 7cm piece torn off. Inside the front is a white sheet of paper glued to the cover. Its title underlined *List of Drawings Job No. 37. 'Hanro' Aust. Bendigo Knitting Mills Pty. Ltd.* Drawings No 8-34 and 1 copy Tender, *Specifications and General Conditions for Steel Roof Construction*. Plus 1 copy Tender, *Specifications and General Conditions for Excavation, Brick Work and Concrete*. The Report in a brown paper folder with four metal pins for attaching hand written in black script. * A Report in connection with Establishing Dyeing Plant*. At the bottom is *William Rockli C.E. Melbourne. Two brown paper folders are as follows:- The first is *Tender, Specifications and General Conditions for Excavation, Concrete Work and Brick Work, under that is a black star. The second *Tender, Specifications and General Conditions for Steel Roof Construction, a black star on the front page as well., Both have four metal pins to secure. Box 116BWilliam Rockli C.E. Melbournebendigo, industry, hanro knitting mill, hanro. constructions drawings. tender documents.

Bendigo Operatic Society Programme: ''Viktoria and Her Hussar'' Capital Theatre Bendigo. Opening Friday, 14th April 1961, for Five Nights. Price 1/6. Bendigo Operatic Society Presents by permission of J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd. ''Viktoria and Her Hussar'' A Norman Lee Production, Music by Paul Abraham, Book and Lyrics by Harry Graham. Cast in Order of Appearance: Leonard Carr as Stephan Koltay (A Hungarian Cavalry Officer) - Ferd Lorenz as Janzci (His Servant) - Reginald Boromeo as A Russian Sergeant - Peter Houston as A Cossack Sentry - Gerald Hayward as Tokeramo Yagani (A Japanese Secretary) - Carol McKenzie as Viktoria - Brian Thomas as John Carling (American Ambassador at the Court of Japan) - Frederick Trewarne as Miki (A Japanese Servant) - Annette Wilson as Riquette (Viktoria's Maid) - Bryan Brewer as Count Ferry Hegedu - Greta Smyth as Suzuki (A Japanese Maid) - Patricia McCracken as O Lia San - Peter Haines as Webster (Butler to the American Ambassador) - Patricia Lyon as O Muki San - Alfred Annison as Bela Porkelty. Musical Director: Max O'Loghlen. Ballet Mistress: Madge Welch. Society Pianist: Mrs. P. House. Synopsis of Story: Viktoria believing her lover Stephan to have been killed in action against the Russians, has married John Carling. Stephan wasn't dead but taken prisoner of war. With the help of Janzci escapes and take refuge in the american embassy. Here he meets Viktoria who remembering the vows she made before the war is torn between her love for him and her loyalty to her husband.program, theatre, bendigo operatic society

Photographed in the early 1900s, this black and white photograph depicts 25 members of the Mayday Hills Hospital Staff. Six men sit in front of the group (Mr Imhose stands fourth from the left in front row), upon the ground and behind them, in bright white clothing, sit eight female nurses upon a long bench (one of these nurses is identified on the rear as Miss A.J. Ross). Behind these women stand 10 men. The men are all wearing dark clothing and several have 'Kepi' style hats. The staff photograph was captured by Frazer and Vallance Photographers Melbourne. This image was originally combined with 1997.2491 but these images have since been torn apart and catalogued separately. 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 this postcard which portray the structure in a highly deliberate manner. Images like this 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 cardHandwriting reads: "Mental Hospital / Beechworth / Miss A. J. Ross / about 82 in 1944".mental asylum, beechworth, mayday hills, mayday hills hospital, victoria, mental health, history of mental illness, treatment of metal illness, asylum, hospital for mentally unwell, miss a.j. ross, nurse, staff, doctors

Photographed in the early 1900s, this black and white photograph depicts 25 members of the Mayday Hills Hospital Staff. Five men sit in front of the group, upon the ground and behind them, in bright white clothing, sit eight female nurses upon a long bench (one of these nurses is identified on the rear as Miss A.J. Ross). Behind these women stand 12 men. The men are all wearing dark clothing and several have 'Kepi' style hats. The staff photograph was captured by Frazer and Vallance Photographers Melbourne. This image was originally combined with 1997.2490 but these images have since been torn apart and catalogued separately. 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 this postcard which portray the structure in a highly deliberate manner. Images like this 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 cardFrazer & Vallance Photographers Melbournemental asylum, beechworth