Mayday Hills Mental Hospital was originally constructed in 1864 under the name of the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum. It was built for locals in need of help who were kept in the local gaol. In its first decade, the residents of the hospital were used as menial labourers but over time, as mental healthcare progressed, were cared for in more nuanced ways. This site became a training hospital for nurses in the 1960's. Eventually, mental health patients were moved to other care facilities and Mayday Hills was operating as a geriatric care facility. It was closed in 1995, after which the buildings and their grounds were purchased to La Trobe University to be used as a campus. The university sold the site in 2011 to private ownership. This image depicts the front facade of the building and a portion of the gardens, including a fountain. Mayday Hills Mental Hospital is a historically significant site for many factors. It is representative of healthcare practice in nineteenth century Victoria. It contains rare examples of construction and architecture. It is also significant for aesthetic and technical reasons.Black and white photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: Mental Hospital/ Beechworth Lunatic Asylum/ Xmas 1930/ 8190 VELOX (Watermark)mayday, mayday hills hospital, mayday hills, mayday hills mental asylum, beechworth, beechworth asylum, beechworth lunatic asylum, beechworth hospital for the insane, garden, gardens & parks, architecture, historic victorian architecture, healthcare, health, fountain, la trobe university

Mayday Hills Mental Hospital was originally constructed in 1864 under the name of the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum. It was built for locals in need of help who were kept in the local gaol. In its first decade, the residents of the hospital were used as menial labourers but over time, as mental healthcare progressed, were cared for in more nuanced ways. This site became a training hospital for nurses in the 1960's. Eventually, mental health patients were moved to other care facilities and Mayday Hills was operating as a geriatric care facility. It was closed in 1995, after which the buildings and their grounds were purchased to La Trobe University to be used as a campus. The university sold the site in 2011 to private ownership. This postcard depicts an interior room which is presumed to be a living or reception room. It is filled with period furnishings. Mayday Hills Mental Hospital is a historically significant site for many factors. It is representative of healthcare practice in nineteenth century Victoria. It contains rare examples of construction and architecture. It is also significant for aesthetic and technical reasons.Black and white postcard printed on matte cardReverse: 11.5.35/ Miss Peach/ Best wishes/ from/ P. Beckman mayday, mayday hills hospital, mayday hills, mayday hills mental asylum, mayday hills mental hospital, beechworth, beechworth asylum, beechworth hospital for the insane, beechworth lunatic asylum, lunatic asylum, healthcare, health, living in country towns, living room, furniture, interior

Mayday Hills Mental Hospital was originally constructed in 1864 under the name of the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum. It was built for locals in need of help who were kept in the local gaol. In its first decade, the residents of the hospital were used as menial labourers but over time, as mental healthcare progressed, were cared for in more nuanced ways. This site became a training hospital for nurses in the 1960's. Eventually, mental health patients were moved to other care facilities and Mayday Hills was operating as a geriatric care facility. It was closed in 1995, after which the buildings and their grounds were purchased to La Trobe University to be used as a campus. The university sold the site in 2011 to private ownership. This postcard depicts the Mayday Hills Mental Hospital (Titled as 'Asylum for insane') from a distance and includes the surrounding grounds and farmlands.Mayday Hills Mental Hospital is a historically significant site for many factors. It is representative of healthcare practice in nineteenth century Victoria. It contains rare examples of construction and architecture. It is also significant for aesthetic and technical reasons.Sepia tone postcard printed on matte cardObverse: Beautiful Beechworth (Vic.) 1880 ft. above Sea Level - General View of Asylum for Insane/ Copyright F. Foxcroft Reverse: 1997.2459/ Post Card/ THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR CORRESPONDENCE/ THIS SPACE FOR NAME AND ADDRESSmayday, mayday hills hospital, mayday hills, mayday hills mental asylum, mayday hills mental hospital, beechworth, beechworth asylum, beechworth hospital for the insane, beechworth lunatic asylum, beechworth mental hospital, healthcare, health, rural australia, farm, architecture, historic victorian architecture, classical architecture

Taken about 1880, this photograph depicts nine people and a horse-drawn carriage in front of the Administration building of Beechworth Mental Asylum. Constructed between 1864 and 1867 to the designs by the Public Works Department (PWD) is the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum which was renamed Mayday Hills Mental Asylum. The decommissioned asylum was one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria and consisted of sixty-seven buildings, one thousand two hundred patients and five hundred staff members. The asylum was predominately inhabited by long-stay patients but there were active out-patients. The asylum was one of the first asylums to focus on treatment and rehabilitation instead of institutional confinement. At the asylum, active work was considered imperative and workshops were located near the male accommodations and laundries and drying yards near the female accommodation. The asylum closed in 1995 and was sold to La Trobe University before being closed and sold again in 2011 to a private owner. This photograph is historically significant as it shows one of the main buildings of the Beechworth Mental Asylum that was pivotal in changing the approaches to treating the mentally ill.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.Reverse: 1997.2458/ Front view/ Beechworth/ about 1880/ Lunatic Asylum/ administration building, mayday hills, beechworth, beechworth lunatic asylum, beechworth mental asylum, horse drawn carriage, mayday hills mental hospital, beechworth lunatic asylum administration building, psychiatric hospitals

Taken in Beechworth 1865, this photograph depicts the view of the Spring creek with the Beechworth township in the background. This photograph was taken 13 years after the discovery of Gold at Spring Creek. Within eleven months of the discovery in 1852, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard.Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: BMM6925 / BEECHWORTH FROM SPRING CREEK 1865 beechworth, spring creek, gold rush, titan's field, 1865, prospectors

This image was taken in 1865 overlooking the diggings at Spring Creek, Beechworth. Gold was discovered in this area in 1852 and within eleven months of this discovery, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: 7771 / BEECHWORTH / FROM SPRING CREEK / 1865 spring creek, diggings, beechworth, 1865

This image was taken of the diggings at Spring Creek. In February 1852 gold was discovered at Spring Creek, Beechworth. Within eleven months of this discovery, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: BMM6926 / BEECHWORTH FROM SPRING CREEK 1865 spring creek, beechworth, burke museum, 1865, gold rush

This was taken in 1865 of Spring Creek, Beechworth. Gold was discovered in this area in 1852 and within eleven months of this discovery, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Revese: 97.22.95 / 7772 / 25/1 / beechworth, burke museum, gold rush, 1865

Taken in Beechworth 1867, this photograph depicts the Bank of Victoria on the corner of Camp and Ford Street. This building was erected in 1867 to replace the former bank that was destroyed by a fire on the same site. This classical style structure was designed by architects Smith and Johnson who designed many of the public buildings in Melbourne and Victoria. Arthur Ebden Johnson, 1821–1895 and Alfred Louis Smith, 1830–1907 were appointed as the Bank of Victoria's architects who, in-conjunction with the Branch in Beechworth, also completed branches in Wangaratta and Bendigo. This photograph was taken and produced by the American and Australasian Photographic Company which was founded by Beaufoy Merlin joined by his assistant, Charles Bayliss and Augustus Clinton, and operated between 1866-1873. The company traveled throughout Victoria and New South Wales before establishing a portrait studio in Sydney. There is no apparent connection to America. Sepia rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and has a white border.Reverse: 1997.2727 (in pencil) Bank of Victoria / Beechworth / 1877 (in pen) Harvey Collection American & Australasian / Photographic Company / Victoria Branch / C. Bayless, Manager No 56beechworth, bank of victoria, american and australasian photographic company, 1877, c.bayless, harvey collection, arthur ebden johnson, alfred louis smith, smith and johnson

Taken in Beechworth 1928, this photograph depicts Camp Street with an array of cars lined up and and people walking among them with a row of flags hung up across the street. The Back to Beechworth celebrations were held from Thursday 5th April 1928 until the following Wednesday. An estimate 750 people returned to Beechworth for the events that included church services, a ball, a picture show, cricket march, special dinner and a band recital. The event was planned to celebrate Beechworth winning the Sun News Pictorial Ideal Town Competition. Black and white rectangular photograph. Obverse: Back to Beechworth 1928 Reverse: BMM7782 56 burke museum, camp street, 1928, beechworth

This photograph was taken of an avenuw of acacias on Sydney Rd, Beechworth. Picture on the left hand-side is a row of Liquidamber trees also known as American storax, hazel pine, bilsted, redgum, satin-walnut, star-leaved gum, alligatorwood, or simply sweetgum. On the right is a row of English Oak trees commonly known as common oak, pedunculate oak, or European oak. Behind the English oaks is Old Beechworth Goal. Many of the trees in the Beechworth township were planted in the 1860's and today have exceptional historical, botanical or cultural value. Their place within the built environment reflects the importance in the Victorian era of town planning for a community, wealthy in gold and civic pride.Black and white rectangular photograph. The image is printed on gloss photographic paper and mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: 7760 The old Acacia Avenue alongside the jail. Sydney Road Beechworth Gardens & Parks beechworth, acacia avenue, gaol, sydney road, burke museum, photograph, post card, english oak, liquidambar

The Lehmann toy company exported toys to the USA from 1895 to 1929 and specialized in mechanical, friction transportation and lithographed wind-up tinplate toys. Founded by Ernest Lehmann Co. in Brandenberg, Germany, 1881. In 1951 the fim re-established and is still making friction toys. Some of the most famous include: Autobus, the Dancing Sailor and Icarus. Lehmann distinguished itself early 20th-century by releasing small tin toys which were cheaper than the toys the competition made. End of the 19th century, beginning of th 20th, competitors were producing heavy, cast-iron toys. By the 1920s the Lehmann company had a staff over 800 people and made 80+ different toy designs.How it is significant? (...this item is one of last remaining examples of German toy manufacturing prior to World War One. ) How it is significance to local history? (....this item represents the importance of preserving local history and culture.) German, clockwork, red and white tinplate cart with green and white driver with green pointed hat, being pulled by zebra with red ears and cord tail. 1881/ Lehmann 'Zikra' Marke Pat./USA Appl. / For Jan 1907, Dec 1913 lehmann, toy, beechworth, burke museum, zebra, cart, germany

This photograph was taken of the “Wanderers” Football club at Barmutha Park, Beechworth in c1890. The Beechworth Football Club was formed in 1861 which then became affiliated to the Victorian Football Association (VFA) upon being founded in 1877. There were two football teams in Beechworth. One was the Beechworth FC and the other was the Wanderers FC, which was based at Hurdle Flat, near Stanley. In 1892, the two teams merged under the name "Beechworth District Wanderers Football Club." Those present include; Bob Wray, Jim Wray, Ike Brown, Jim Buckley, George Spencer, Jim McKenzie, Dave McAliece, Arite stone, Win Johnstone, Jack Tresize, Jim Shennan, Ned Turnbull, George Johnson, Jerry Sutherland, Jack Brown, Dick Hambleton, George Hacket, Jim Brown, Jack Johnson. The team adopted a red and black striped football jersey.The club joined the Ovens and King league, winning three consecutive premierships in 1912, 1913 and 1914, leaving the league that same year. The club suspended its activities from 1915 to 1918 during the WWI returning to the league in 1919. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board. Obverse: THE "WANDERERS" 1890 Reverse: From Mrs R. Scott beechworth, the wanderers, football, sports

This postcard was sent by Violet Bonner to her sister Margaret Bonner. The pair were daughters of Edwin Ralph Bonner and Eliza White. Violet was born in 1895 and Margaret in 1893, both in Ararat. Violet married William Messer in 1926. She died in Ballarat in 1967.Sepia rectangular postcard featuring a photograph within an oval frame bordered by a decorative edge. Obverse: Snow scene / Ford Street / Beechworth Reverse: To Mag, / Wishing her many happy returns of her 28th birthday. / From / You loving sister Violet Bonner / [in pen] 2670 / [in pencil] beechworth 24/1/1913 [pencil]burke museum, streetscapes, snow, beechworth, ford street, postcard, photograph, sepia

Photograph of 2 teams with hoses and reels in a race as part of a CFA competition. Fire brigade competitions have been running for almost 150 years with the first State Championship held in Melbourne in 1874. State Championships have continued every year since 1873. The event goes on regardless of weather conditions or natural disasters. The only cancellations being due to WWI and WWII. In the 1950s, the Rural State Championships were developed to reflect the unique skills of rural brigades. The competitions started out as 'Demonstrations' with the introduction of hose reels into the fire service in the mid 1800s. This was to assist in getting hose and other necessary equipment to the scene of a fire faster. Brigades soon find that competing with other brigades improved their training and efficiency. The State Championship became the peak of the season's competitions conducted by districts and associations across the state. Black and white rectangular photo reproduction printed on matte photographic paperemergency services, beechworth, fire brigade, firemen, photograph, competition, black and white, fire

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

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

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. 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 large group of young men and women dressed in formal attire. They were part of the Beechworth Methodist Church's Youth Group.The photograph provides insight into one of the first religious institutions in Beechworth. The Methodist Church is historically significant as it was the first permanent church built on the Ovens goldfield in 1857. A Sunday School group for local youth was established in 1869, emphasising the importance of children's religious education during the nineteenth century. Thus, the photograph reflects the importance of Methodism in Beechworth - and, more broadly, Victoria - at this time.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.Reverse: 3714 / Beechworth Meth / 97.2332 / Endeavour / Beechworth Methodist / Endeavour Group /entertainment album, entertainment, church, religion, beechworth, methodist church, youth group, leisure, recreation

The photograph depicts a large group of young men and women dressed in formal attire. They were part of the Beechworth Methodist Church's Youth Group.The photograph provides insight into one of the first religious institutions in Beechworth. The Methodist Church is historically significant as it was the first permanent church built on the Ovens goldfield in 1857. A Sunday School group for local youth was established in 1869, emphasising the importance of children's religious education during the nineteenth century. Thus, the photograph reflects the importance of Methodism in Beechworth - and, more broadly, Victoria - at this time.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.Reverse: 3716 / 97.2339 / Beechworth / Meth Endeavour / Beechworth Methodist Church / Endeavour Group / A03289 /entertainment, entertainment album, church, beechworth, religion, recreation, leisure, youth group, methodist church

The carte de visite features a photograph of Charles Sherwood Stratton (professionally known as General Tom Thumb) and his wife, Lavinia Warren Stratton. The image was taken in Paris, France in 1864. Charles Sherwood Stratton and Lavinia Warren Stratton were American performers who traveled with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, founded by Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum in 1871. They each participated in various acts including singing, dancing, miming, and celebrity impersonations. Both Charles and Lavinia gained international fame for their successful careers and small physical stature. The duo performed in Australia in August 1870. They were joined by their touring party as part of the Barnum & Bailey Circus "Round the World" tour. The "Australian Tom Thumb", real name John David Armstrong, made his "audaciously competitive" stage debut alongside the popular Stratton couple when the circus performed at the Prahran Popular Entertainments in Melbourne. Charles, Lavinia, P. T. Barnum and the circus inspired the musical drama film, "The Greatest Showman" (2017).The carte de visite is historically significant due to Charles Sherwood Stratton's status as an internationally renowned performer. In a general sense, it also provides insight into the arts in Victoria during the late nineteenth century, illustrating the type of entertainment that was enjoyed by the public during this time. The record's historical significance is further enhanced by its medium as a "carte de visite"; a specific photographic method popularised in the nineteenth century. The record has a valid interpretive capacity for those interested in history and museum studies. It develops our understanding of the sensationalised "human curiosities" exhibition genre that was championed by the West during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Considering the record's historic context, it is a useful resource for discussing the ethics of representing live human beings for entertainment in a public exhibition context.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.Obverse: General Tom Thumb and Wife, / in the identical costumes worn before Emperor Louis / Napoleon and the Empress Eugenie, at the Palace of / the Tuilleries, Nov. 29, 1864 / Reverse: 3707 / Compliments of / Charles SStratton. / Lavinia Warren Stratton. / Published by / E. & H. T. Anthony & Co. / CA / 591 Broadway New York. / MANUFACTURERS / of the best / PHOTOGRAPHIC ALBUMS / A02539 /entertainment, entertainment album, circus, general tom thumb, australian tom thumb, charles stratton, lavinia stratton, performance, arts, carnival, p. t. barnum, melbourne, prahran, john david armstrong, film

Taken in the 1900s, the photograph on the postcard depicts a very large group of children posing outdoors. It is believed they were attending a concert party.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: POST CARD / 7158 / PLACE / PENNY / STAMP / HERE / THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR CORRESPONDENCE, / FOR ADDRESS ONLY. /entertainment, entertainment album, concert party, children, arts, recreation, beechworth, 1900s

Printed in the late 1880s, the postcard features a photograph of Charles Sherwood Stratton (professionally known as General Tom Thumb) and his wife, Lavinia Warren Stratton. Accompanying this image are a pair of black calf boots. Charles Sherwood Stratton and Lavinia Warren Stratton were American performers who traveled with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, founded by Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum. They each participated in various acts including singing, dancing, miming, and celebrity impersonations. Both Charles and Lavinia gained international fame for their successful careers and small physical stature. Charles and Lavinia performed in Australia in August 1870. The duo were joined by their touring party as part of the Barnum & Bailey Circus "Round the World" tour. They performed at three evening events and two matinees in Beechworth during this time. Charles, Lavinia, P. T. Barnum and the circus inspired the musical drama film, "The Greatest Showman" (2017).The postcard is historically significant due to Charles Sherwood Stratton's status as an internationally renowned performer. It also provides insight into the arts in Victoria during the late nineteenth century, illustrating the type of entertainment that was enjoyed by the public during this time.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card.Obverse: A pair of General Tom Thumb's boots presented to / the town of Beechworth, where he and three other / dwarfs gave 3 night & 2 matinee performances 1870 / General Tom Thumb toured Europe as the star of / Barnum's famous circus giving impersonation acts / He was a great favourite of Queen Victoria / He was then 34 years old and 31 inches high / His wife was 34 inches / Reverse: 3706 / POST / CARD / KODA / CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / KODAK / KODAK / A02450 /entertainment album, general tom thumb, charles sherwood stratton, lavinia stratton, circus, p.t. barnum, barnum and bailey circus, arts, performance, recreation, entertainment

Taken in the early 1900s, the photograph depicts eleven young men dressed in semi-formal attire. They were believed to be attending a costume party in Beechworth.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board.Reverse: 1997.2521 / (?) (?) / A03066 /entertainment album, concert party, 1900s, beechworth, leisure, entertainment, social

Taken in 1870, the photograph depicts Charles Sherwood Stratton (known professionally as General Tom Thumb), Lavinia Stratton, George Washington Morrison Nutt (known professionally as Commodore Nutt), and Huldah Pierce Warren Bump (known professionally as Minnie Warren). They are all dressed in identical costumes worn in 1864 before Emperor Louis Napoleon and Empress Eugenia in Paris. Charles, Lavinia, George and Huldah were all American performers who traveled with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, founded by Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum. They each participated in various acts including singing, dancing, miming, and celebrity impersonations, gaining international fame for their successful careers and small physical stature. The group performed in Australia in August 1870. They were joined by their touring party as part of the Barnum & Bailey Circus "Round the World" tour. Beechworth hosted the circus for three evening shows and two matinees.The photograph is historically significant due to the internationally renowned status of the four individuals pictured. In a general sense, it also provides insight into the arts in Victoria during the late nineteenth century, illustrating the type of entertainment that was enjoyed by the public during this time. The record's historical significance is further enhanced by the attire worn by the individuals in the photograph, and these garments' connections to Emperor Louis Napoleon and Empress Eugenia.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 4732.1 / General Tom Thumb + wife / Colonel Nutt + Minnie Warren / (?) / Beechworth / 1870 /entertainment album, general tom thumb, lavinia warren, commodore nutt, minnie warren, circus, p.t. barnum, barnum and bailey circus, beechworth, 1800s, performance, arts

Taken in 1944 in Bonegilla, Victoria, this photograph depicts soldiers of the 1st Australian Corps Signals training battalion releasing carrier pigeons from a portable loft for their daily exercise.The 1st Australian Corps Signals was a branch of the Australian Imperial Airforce that was active during World War Two. One of the tasked carried out by 1st Australian Corps Signals was to send messages through the use of carrier pigeons. Carrier pigeons were most commonly used by the Allied Forces to send messages from the front line trenches or advancing units.Black and white square reproduced photograph on rectangular archival paperObverse: Negative Number: 066265/ thumbnail/ image 066265/ purchased from Australian War Memorial/ Bonegilla Victoria 1944*05-03 Carrier pigeons being released for their/ daily exercise from a portable loft of the 1st Signals training Battlion/ Reverse: 7993/military album, beechworth, burke museum, military, world war 2, ww2, australian army, bonegilla, pigeons

Taken in 1944 in Bonegilla, Victoria, this photograph depicts soldiers of the 1st Australian Corps Signals training battalion releasing carrier pigeons from a portable loft for their daily exercise.The 1st Australian Corps Signals was a branch of the Australian Imperial Airforce that was active during World War Two. One of the tasked carried out by 1st Australian Corps Signals was to send messages through the use of carrier pigeons. Carrier pigeons were most commonly used by the Allied Forces to send messages from the front line trenches or advancing units.Black and white square reproduced photograph on rectangular archival paperObverse: Bonegilla Victoria 1944 - 05 - 03 Carrier pigeons being released for their daily exercise/ from a portable loft of the 1st Signals training Battlion/ copied from the Australian War Memorial No 066265 Order No 2319835 Copyright/ permission for the collection of/ Robert O'Hara Burke Memorial Museum Beechworth/ Reverse: 7993.1military album, beechworth, burke museum, military, world war 2, ww2, australian army, bonegilla, pigeons

Taken in 1944 in Bonegilla, Victoria by Captain E.C. Johnston, this photograph depicts soldiers of the 1st Australian Corps Signals training battalion releasing carrier pigeons from a portable loft for their daily exercise.The 1st Australian Corps Signals was a branch of the Australian Imperial Airforce that was active during World War Two. One of the tasked carried out by 1st Australian Corps Signals was to send messages through the use of carrier pigeons. Carrier pigeons were most commonly used by the Allied Forces to send messages from the front line trenches or advancing units. Edgar Charles Johnston (1896-1988) was an aviator and public servant. In WW1 he served with the Australian Imperial Force, and later joined the Royal Flying Corps. For his service in the Royal Flying Corps he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, which assisted him in becoming the assistant director-general in 1939 of the Commonwealth Department of Aviation. During World War II he was heavily engaged in the department’s activities in support of the war effort.Black and white square reproduced photograph on rectangular archival paperObverse: Bonegilla Victoria 1944-05-03/ Carrier Pigeons being released for their daily exercise/ from a portable loft of the 1st Signals training Battalion/ Photograph made 3 May 1944, by E.C. Johnston/ copied from CD Image supplied from/ Australian War Memorial collection/ Copyright/ Use of this image for the/ Robert O'Hara Burke Memorial Museum, Beechworth/ enhanced to remove moir effect/ Reverse: 7993.2/military album, beechworth, burke museum, military, world war 2, ww2, australian army, bonegilla, pigeons, edgar charles johnston