Showing 3258 items
matching information victoria
-
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
This photograph dating between the 1850s and early 1900s depicts an open cut sluicing site located in Allan's Flat looking upon the open cut from Staghorn Flat Number 1. Sluicing was undertaken in the area from 1850 to 1904. The image depicts a location mined by Yackandandah Sluicing Co. It portrays and open space with pipes laying on the ground and connected to pipes leaving the barge. These pipes were used to wash and seperate the qaurtz. There are two small buildings on high ground over looking the barge. Yackandandah Sluicing Co. was created by J.A. Wallace in the 1880s. The Yackandandah Sluicing Co. operated from the mid-1880s to the early 1900s, when resources eventually ran out. Open cut sluicing involved the use of high-powered hoses which used the centrifugal sand pump system (known as hydraulic sluicing) which broke down the soil which was then processed for quartz, gold and other materials. After the resources where drained, Wallace reaped the benefits of his mining business. Allan's Flat is located on the Yackandandah Creek, and is 10km north-east of Yackandandah and 20km south of Wodonga in Victoria's regional north-east. Allan's Flat was initially used to mine gold through alluvial methods, however that came to an end with little results. The mining business was then revived by J.A. Wallace with the introduction of hydraulic sluicing.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold and other minerals in the lat 19th Century. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertook which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This image is important for current research into the history of Allan's Flat, a small regional location near Yackandandah in Victoria's North East. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold sluicing and Allan's Flat which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.Sepia coloured retangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paper mounted on board.Revers: Sluicing at Allan's Fortallan's flat, north east gold, sluicing, gold sluicing, hydraulic sluicing, mining, gold and quartz mine, beechworth, burke museum, yackandandah -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, Late 1900s
This photograph dating to the late 1900s depicts the entrance to a reef mine the in Beechworth division. The image depicts two men outside the entrance, which is covered by a hut, where one is standing near a mine cart. The mine car was used to haul soil from the mine. The Beewchworth divison consisted of 5 locations: Beechworth, Stanley, El Dorado, Hurdle Flat and Stony Creek. These locations were set up due to speculative fever that more gold could be found. In places such as El Dorado, Beechworth and Stanley there was profit, however Hurdle Flat and Stonry Creek, gold could not be found in the quantities that was required. By 1880 the Beechworth division was in depression due to the reserves being used up. However, in spite of the depression mining was continued until the late 20th Century.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about reef mining in the late 1900s. It also shows a location where reef mining was undertook which provides insight into the impact of reef mining on the environment at a time when it was done. This image is important for current research into the history of Beechworth , a town in Victoria's north-east. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to reef mining and Beechworth which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.Sepia coloured retangular photograph printed on newspaper.Reverse: 7813beechworth, beechworth division, mining, reef mining, gold, gold mining, 1990 -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1907-8
The photo from 1907-8 is a sepia print, depicting a small valley with building at base. There are flumes visible above areas of water, trees on hills and a few small cottages on the hillside. Cock's Pioneer Gold & Tin Sluicing Co NZ No 2 Site. The photo was taken of Matthews Gully looking west. Sluicing was undertaken in the area from 1900 to 1942 with some short breaks between these periods. The image depicts a location mined by Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Sluicing Company (as recorded on the annotation on the card mount) The Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines N.L was one of El Dorado's two largest open cut sluicing mines of the 20th Century. The other was named the Cocks El Dorado Gold Dredging Company. The Cocks Pioneer Mines operated from 1901 until 1941 and found a total of 117,378 ounces of Gold and 1,673 tones of tin concentrates over these years. The Cocks company was formed in 1898 and operated until 1941. Open cut sluicing involved the use of high-powered hoses which used the centrifugal sand pump system (known as hydraulic sluicing) which broke down the soil which was then processed for gold and other precious metals. From 1914 , four years after this image was captured, the company reformed to Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL (previously it was known as Cocks Pioneer Sluicing Co) and undertook large scale sluicing operations until 1929 and then 1934-1941. El Dorado is located on Reedy Creek and is surrounded by forested country to the north and east. It is 20 km east of Wangaratta in Victoria's regional north-east. John Cock was the son of a Cornish minor who arrived in El Dorado in 1858. Cock founded his gold and tin mining company which ran successfully for many years in the El Dorado region. It was an open cut sluicing company because of the abandonment of underground mining after this was deemed too dangerous. In 1935 Cock's El Dorado Company commissioned the floating dredge which is still visible in El Dorado today. The dredge was built by the Thompson engineering works, Castlemaine, and weighed over 2,000 tones and today has a place on the Victorian Registers of historic buildings. Interestingly, the name El Dorado does not derive from the gold in the region, but from the Barambogie pastoral run completed by William Baker in 1840-1841. Gold was discovered in El Dorado 1854 but the gold was too deep for individual prospectors to find, it required the use of heavy machinery.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in 1910. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertook which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This image is important for current research into the history of El Dorado, a small regional location near Wangaratta in Victoria's North East. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold sluicing and El Dorado which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.Sepia coloured rectangle photograph printed on gloss photographic paper Reverse: 1997. 2613/ A02613/ No2 site/ Matthews Gully/ Cocks Pioneer G&T. ?? Co NZ/ No2 Site looking West/ 1907-8/ (7)sluicing, hydraulic sluicing, 1907, 1908, mining, cock's pioneer gold & tin sluicing co nz, nz, site no 2, matthews gully, west, valley, building, cottages, hillside, trees, water, gold and tin mine -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1910 - 1911
This photograph depicts Cock's Pioneer G & T Sluicing site No. 4 in El Dorado. Looking eastwards, the photo captures a wooden and tin building with various mining equipment strewn in the foreground. Underneath the verandah, figures can be seen. These are believed to be a Mr. Hollister (left), Mrs. Breustedt (4th from left), children Min and Chris Breustedt, and Kate Timmons holding a girl's hand. The Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines N.L was one of El Dorado's two largest open-cut sluicing mines of the 20th Century. The other was named the Cocks El Dorado Gold Dredging Company. The Cocks Pioneer Mines operated from 1901 until 1941 and found a total of 117,378 ounces of Gold and 1,673 tones of tin concentrates over these years. The Cocks company was formed in 1898 and operated until 1941. Open cut sluicing involved the use of high-powered hoses which used the centrifugal sand pump system (known as hydraulic sluicing) which broke down the soil which was then processed for gold and other precious metals. From 1914, four years after this image was captured, the company reformed to Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL (previously it was known as Cocks Pioneer Sluicing Co) and undertook large-scale sluicing operations until 1929 and then 1934-1941. The Cocks Pioneer was an extremely successful mining company during the 20th century. In the Annual Report of the Secretary for Mines for the year 1915, the Cocks Pioneer was the largest producer of gold and tin collecting 5,535 ozs. of gold and £7,500 of tin. Twenty years later in 1935, Cocks Pioneer was still one of the most profitable mines in Victoria, ranking as the second-highest dividend paying mine. The company produced a total of 3,650 kg of gold. El Dorado is located on Reedy Creek and is surrounded by forested country to the north and east. It is 20 km east of Wangaratta in Victoria's regional northeast. John Cock was the son of a Cornish miner who arrived in El Dorado in 1858. Cock founded his gold and tin mining company which ran successfully for many years in the El Dorado region. It was an open-cut sluicing company because of the abandonment of underground mining after this was deemed too dangerous. In 1935 Cock's El Dorado Company commissioned the floating dredge which is still visible in El Dorado today. The dredge was built by the Thompson engineering works, Castlemaine, and weighed over 2,000 tones and today has a place on the Victorian Registers of historic buildings. Interestingly, the name El Dorado does not derive from the gold in the region, but from the Barambogie pastoral run completed by William Baker in 1840-1841. Gold was discovered in El Dorado in 1854 but the gold was too deep for individual prospectors to find, it required the use of heavy machinery.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in 1910. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertook which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This image is important for current research into the history of El Dorado, a small regional location near Wangaratta in Victoria's North East. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold sluicing and El Dorado which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.A black and white copy of a sepia coloured rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on boardObverse: COCKS PIONEER G + T SL CO, N.L. / 1910 - 11 / NO 4 SITE LOOKING EAST / 4 Reverse: 1997.2508 / AUG 29 1909cocks pioneer gold and tin sluicing company, el dorado, mining, sluicing, hydraulic mining, hollister, breustedt, timmons, gold, tin, gold rush, victoria -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1910
This photograph dating to 1910 depicts an open cut sluicing site located in El Dorado captured looking east up the open cut from the number 3 Barge site. Sluicing was undertaken in the area from 1900 to 1942 with some short breaks between these periods. The image depicts a location mined by Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Sluicing Company (as recorded on the annotation on the card mount). It portrays open cut rocks with a crevice in the center of the image where the sluicing was being undertaken. There is a small timber structure on the right of the image which could be an entrance to a mine or supports made of wood to prevent a cave in at the open cut site and above the cut rock there is bush. The timber structure has rail tracks on top of the bridge which could suggest the identification of this structure as a mine entrance. The rail tracks were used for little carts which hauled soil from the mine. The Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines N.L was one of El Dorado's two largest open cut sluicing mines of the 20th Century. The other was named the Cocks El Dorado Gold Dredging Company. The Cocks Pioneer Mines operated from 1901 until 1941 and found a total of 117,378 ounces of Gold and 1,673 tones of tin concentrates over these years. The Cocks company was formed in 1898 and operated until 1941. Open cut sluicing involved the use of high-powered hoses which used the centrifugal sand pump system (known as hydraulic sluicing) which broke down the soil which was then processed for gold and other precious metals. From 1914 , four years after this image was captured, the company reformed to Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL (previously it was known as Cocks Pioneer Sluicing Co) and undertook large scale sluicing operations until 1929 and then 1934-1941. El Dorado is located on Reedy Creek and is surrounded by forested country to the north and east. It is 20 km east of Wangaratta in Victoria's regional north-east. John Cock was the son of a Cornish minor who arrived in El Dorado in 1858. Cock founded his gold and tin mining company which ran successfully for many years in the El Dorado region. It was an open cut sluicing company because of the abandonment of underground mining after this was deemed too dangerous. In 1935 Cock's El Dorado Company commissioned the floating dredge which is still visible in El Dorado today. The dredge was built by the Thompson engineering works, Castlemaine, and weighed over 2,000 tones and today has a place on the Victorian Registers of historic buildings. Interestingly, the name El Dorado does not derive from the gold in the region, but from the Barambogie pastoral run completed by William Baker in 1840-1841. Gold was discovered in El Dorado 1854 but the gold was too deep for individual prospectors to find, it required the use of heavy machinery.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray an open cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in 1910. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertook which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This image is important for current research into the history of El Dorado, a small regional location near Wangaratta in Victoria's North East. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold sluicing and El Dorado which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.Sepia coloured rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paper mounted on board.Obverse: COCKS PIONEER Q + T SL CO, N.L. / 1910 / LOOKING EAST UP OPEN CUT / FROM NO3 BARGE SITE / Reverse: 1997 . 2611 / A02611el dorado, north east gold, sluicing, gold sluicing, hydraulic sluicing, 1910, gold and tin mine, open cut mining, mining, gold mining, north-east victoria, beechworth, burke museum -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, C. F. Falk, c.1930
This postcard contains a depiction of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria from the direction of Farm Hill, circa 1930. It was designed by C.F.Falk in Beechworth and printed in Saxony which is a landlocked state of Germany which borders the states of Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Bavaria and the countries of Poland and the Czech Republic. The depiction is a painting of the Mayday Hill Hospital which portrays the extensive buildings an HaHa wall (many of which have not survived to the present day). It provides a unique opportunity to reconstruct this historical site as it may have looked in approximately 1930. 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). The extent of buildings displayed in this postcard helps convey the imposing and enormity of the structure before decommission. 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. The title on the obverse of this photograph as "Asylum for Insane, Beechworth" reflects a bygone era and attitude to mental health. Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. 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.Colour rectangular postcard printed on cardObverse: Asylum for Insane, Beechworth. / Reverse: C.F. Faulk, Beechworth. Printed in Saxony. POST CARD / ADDRESS ONLY / AFFIX / STAMP / B 2298 / 1997.2457 /mental hospital, insane asylum, mayday hills mental hospital, beechworth, mayday hills, asylum, gold town, north-east victoria, ararat asylum, kew asylum -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, R & B Hall, c.1930
This postcard was published by R. & B. Hall in Beechworth and printed in Saxony, circa 1930. Saxony is a landlocked state of Germany which borders the states of Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Bavaria and the countries of Poland and the Czech Republic. This particular postcard is embossed with a pattern which surrounds the middle image in the center of the card. This image depicts Asylum Avenue which leads to the Mayday Hills Asylum in Beechworth, Victoria. What makes this scene particularly interesting is the appearance of snow which is rare in Beechworth. The road depicted on the postcard has track marks made by a car with thin wheels. 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. Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. 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.Pale coloured rectangular postcard printed on matte embossed card.Obverse: Snow Scene; Asylum Avenue, Beechworth. / Reverse: POST CARD / ADDRESS ONLY / Published by R. & B. Hall, Beechworth. / Printed in Saxony. / 3447 [crossed out] / 1997.2492 / AFFIX STAMP /asylum, asylum avenue, beechworth, snow north-east vic, victoria, snow scene, mayday hills, mayday hills hospital, mental hospital, colonial attitudes, mental health, history, town development, postcard -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, J. Collins, c.1940-1950s
This photograph was captured sometime between an estimated 1940s-1950s. It depicts the Beechworth Benevolent Asylum (later the Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged) which was built in 1862. It is located on an elevated site in Beechworth, Victoria because it was believed the height was beneficial to the health of the patients at the Benevolent. Later wings were added to the original building between 1867 and 1890. The building was constructed in an unusual Flemish Gothic Revival style which contrasts with the classical style of the Mayday Hills Hospital in close proximity to the Benevolent. The Hospital was designed in Italianate Revival architecture. The appearance of buildings like the Mayday Hills Hospital and the Ovens Benevolent Asylum are representative of the importance of Beechworth as a town shortly after the goldrush. During the 1850s and 1860s, administration buildings were erected alongside churches, shops and structures of justice. This marks a movement away from the "chaotic" structure of life on the goldfields and towards a more civilised and cultural lifestyle. This social phenomenon is also witnessed in Melbourne with the creation of buildings like the State Library and the University of Melbourne. The Beechworth Benevolent Asylum was renamed the Ovens Benevolent Home in 1935. The Asylum had been set up to provide accommodation and care for permanently injured gold miners, and for women and children who were penniless, homeless, or whose parents were guests of the state. In 1954 it was renamed as The Ovens and Murray Home (as pictured in this photograph). The purpose of this building was to provide a refuge for the poor and destitute, homeless older men, deserted women and children along with providing care for the mentally ill. These buildings were built at the government's expense and are of great historical and architectural significance.This photograph depicts the Ovens and Murray Home (previously the Ovens Benevolent Home) during the 1940s or 1950s. Since this building is of great historic and architectural significance, photographs like this are especially valuable in reconstructing the use history and any changes/additions to the building over a period of time. This building is important for what it can reveal about society in Beechworth and also architectural styles. This building is made in the Flemish Gothic Revival style which is quite unusual for the 1860s. It is important as an early example of a building constructed for a specific purpose, in the case of this particular building: caring for the aged/destitute. This building is important for research into the civic development of Beechworth as an early Gold Rush town located in Victoria's North-East. During this period, Beechworth was developing as the main center of administration in this region which made it a very influential and quickly developed town. Photographs like this one which depict a building during one period in history can reveal important information for the use and alterations of a building and for preferences in architectural style. It can also be studied for what it reveals about society in Beechworth and compared and contrasted to similar institutions across Australia and with additional photographs in the Burke Museum collection.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paperObverse: OVENS & MURRAY HOME / Reverse: KODAK PAPER / 727 / J. Collins BMM 8689.1 /mayday hills, beechworth benevolent asylum, ovens benevolent home, asylum, refuge, poor and destitute, goldrush, flemish gothic revival, architecture -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, J. Collins
This photograph was captured sometime between an estimated 1940s-1950s. It depicts the Beechworth Benevolent Asylum (later the Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged) which was built in 1862. It is located on an elevated site in Beechworth, Victoria because it was believed the height was beneficial to the health of the patients at the Benevolent. Later wings were added to the original building between 1867 and 1890. The building was constructed in an unusual Flemish Gothic Revival style which contrasts with the classical style of the Mayday Hills Hospital in close proximity to the Benevolent. The Hospital was designed in Italianate Revival architecture. The appearance of buildings like the Mayday Hills Hospital and the Ovens Benevolent Asylum are representative of the importance of Beechworth as a town shortly after the goldrush. During the 1850s and 1860s, administration buildings were erected alongside churches, shops and structures of justice. This marks a movement away from the "chaotic" structure of life on the goldfields and towards a more civilised and cultural lifestyle. This social phenomenon is also witnessed in Melbourne with the creation of buildings like the State Library and the University of Melbourne. The Beechworth Benevolent Asylum was renamed the Ovens Benevolent Home in 1935. The Asylum had been set up to provide accommodation and care for permanently injured gold miners, and for women and children who were penniless, homeless, or whose parents were guests of the state. In 1954 it was renamed as The Ovens and Murray Home (as pictured in this photograph). The purpose of this building was to provide a refuge for the poor and destitute, homeless older men, deserted women and children along with providing care for the mentally ill. These buildings were built at the government's expense and are of great historical and architectural significance.This photograph depicts the Ovens and Murray Home (previously the Ovens Benevolent Home) during the 1940s or 1950s. Since this building is of great historic and architectural significance, photographs like this are especially valuable in reconstructing the use history and any changes/additions to the building over a period of time. This building is important for what it can reveal about society in Beechworth and also architectural styles. This building is made in the Flemish Gothic Revival style which is quite unusual for the 1860s. It is important as an early example of a building constructed for a specific purpose, in the case of this particular building: caring for the aged/destitute. This building is important for research into the civic development of Beechworth as an early Gold Rush town located in Victoria's North-East. During this period, Beechworth was developing as the main center of administration in this region which made it a very influential and quickly developed town. Photographs like this one which depict a building during one period in history can reveal important information for the use and alterations of a building and for preferences in architectural style. It can also be studied for what it reveals about society in Beechworth and compared and contrasted to similar institutions across Australia and with additional photographs in the Burke Museum collection.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paperBack of photograph. Handwriting: "For John Beckingsale"mayday hills, beechworth benevolent asylum, ovens benevolent home, destitute, gold town, beechworth, victoria, north-east vic -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Photograph Reproduction, 1890
The photo is taken in 1890 and a man is depicted, entering the main gates of the Mental Hospital at Beechworth, with the lodge on his right side. The man is dressed according to the australian fashion of that time, wearing a dark suit and a top hat. The countryside surrounding the Hospital is in the background. The Mayday Hills Hospital was constructed between 1864 and 1867, with buildings created in a number of periods. It formally opened on 24 October 1867 and, along with the Ovens Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum, made Beechworth a prominent social welfare centre in Victoria. The need for an institution of this kind was arisen due to the increased number of people with mental disturbances (induced by the harsh living conditions on the goldfields) and the remoteness of the district from Melbourne. The site was chosen for its panoramic view of the countryside, the hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, all contributing to the cure of patients. It was designed in Italianate style and around 250 workmen were employed for its construction. The Hospital was originally named the “Ovens Lunatic Asylum” but, during the centenary celebrations in 1967, the name was officially changed to “Mayday Hills Hospital”, showing the gradual shift in the perception and understanding of mental health conditions over the last decades. The Hospital lies on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.This photograph is historically significant as it provides an insight into the location, surroundings and the exterior of the Mayday Hills Hospital at the end of the 19th century. It also contributes to the understanding of the district`s development and its importance to the course of Victoria`s history. Moreover, it adds information to the scientific research and the way mental health conditions were treated at that time.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on paper unframed.Obverse: Asylum Gates & Lodge/ Reverse: 3451-1/mental hospital, beechworth, australian fashion, dark suit, top hat, countryside, mayday hills hospital, ovens hospital, benevolent asylum, institution, mental disturbances, social welfare, living conditions, goldfields, workmen, italianate style, kulin nation, mental health, ovens lunatic asylum, patients -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1934
The photo is taken in 1934 and illustrates the internal view of a ward in the Mental Hospital at Beechworth. Some patients in beds and three nurses are in view. Beds were arranged in lines alongside the walls and there were no partitions or screens to create privacy for patients. Furniture was simple and humble; bed frames were made of metal or wood and pillowcases and covers for the attendant`s tables were sometimes made of blue-striped canvas or calico. Large windows in the walls were offering ample light and the room was well-tended, with Christmas decoration, flowers, pots and carpets on the floor. The nurse in the foreground is Miss Neary. The Mayday Hills Hospital was constructed between 1864 and 1867, with buildings created in a number of periods. It formally opened on 24 October 1867 and, along with the Ovens Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum, made Beechworth a prominent social welfare centre in Victoria. The need for an institution of this kind was arisen due to the increased number of people with mental disturbances (induced by the harsh living conditions on the goldfields) and the remoteness of the district from Melbourne. The site was chosen for its panoramic view of the countryside, the hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, all contributing to the cure of patients. The Hospital was originally named the “Ovens Lunatic Asylum” but, during the centenary celebrations in 1967, the name was officially changed to “Mayday Hills Hospital”, showing the gradual shift in the perception and understanding of mental health conditions over the last decades. The Hospital lies on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation. This photograph is historically significant as it provides an insight into the living conditions of patients admitted to the Mayday Hills Hospital at the beginning of the 20th century. It also contributes to the understanding of the district`s development and its importance to the course of Victoria`s history. Additionally, it provides important information about the way mental health conditions were perceived at that time and how patients were treated. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on paper. Reverse: 1997.2665/ To Miss JA.Peach/ [hallmark: Printed by Harringtons]/ With best wishes/from/H.Jeanes/for 1934.mayday hills hospital, benevolent asylum, ovens hospital, ovens lunatic asylum, kulin nation, beechworth, patients, nurse, social welfare, goldfields, melbourne, mental health, living conditions, blue-striped canvas, calico, bed frames, miss neary, mental disturbances, traditional land, centenary celebrations -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Photograph Reproduction, 1870
The photograph is a copy of the original one, with the latter been captured in 1870. The man depicted is Doctor Thomas Thomson Dick, who was the first Medical Superintendent at Mayday Hills Hospital. He was born in Scotland in 1840 and he died in East Malvern in 1919. He obtained his degree of Doctor of Medicine from Melbourne University in 1864 and, later in his career, he became Inspector-General of the mentally ill. Dr Dick promoted the hospital`s self-sufficiency by engaging patients in various forms of work, such as clothing alterations and cultivation of the farm. He also introduced monthly balls, which could be attended by patients, staff and guests, and they were later replaced by concerts. The Mayday Hills Hospital was constructed between 1864 and 1867, with buildings created in a number of periods. It formally opened on 24 October 1867 and, along with the Ovens Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum, made Beechworth a prominent social welfare centre in Victoria. The need for an institution of this kind was arisen due to the increased number of people with mental disturbances (induced by the harsh living conditions on the goldfields) and the remoteness of the district from Melbourne. The site was chosen for its panoramic view of the countryside, the hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, all contributing to the cure of patients.The Hospital was originally named the “Ovens Lunatic Asylum” but, during the centenary celebrations in 1967, the name was officially changed to “Mayday Hills Hospital”, showing the gradual shift in the perception and understanding of mental health conditions over the last decades. The Hospital lies on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.This photograph is historically significant as it provides information about the staff served at the Mayday Hills Hospital when it first opened. It also contributes to the understanding of the district`s development and its importance to the course of Victoria`s history and adds valuable information about the changing approaches to the treatment of mental health conditions.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on paper.Obverse: (7)/ Reverse: 1997.2452/ Dr Dick/No(7) Pioneer Board/doctor thomas thomson dick, superintendent, mayday hills hospital, scotland, east malvern, doctor of medicine, melbourne university, inspector-general, clothing alterations, cultivation of the farm, self-sufficiency, balls, concerts, ovens hospital, benevolent asylum, beechworth, goldfields, kulin nation, panoramic view, mental health conditions -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Photograph Reproduction, 1998
The photograph, created in 1998, is a copy of the original one, depicting a nurse in uniform at the Mental Hospital in Beechworth, with a fern house behind her. In the background, the two-storey building is in view, along with the covered walkway. The institution had to operate with serious shortage of female nurses for long periods of time. During the 1880s, small houses (cottages) were built to offer accommodation for the nurses living in the hospital and in 1937 began the construction of a nurses` hostel. In 1962 the upper level of the Nurses` Home was converted into a Nurses` Training School. The Mayday Hills Hospital was constructed between 1864 and 1867, with buildings created in a number of periods. It formally opened on 24 October 1867 and, along with the Ovens Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum, made Beechworth a prominent social welfare centre in Victoria. The need for an institution of this kind was arisen due to the increased number of people with mental disturbances (induced by the harsh living conditions on the goldfields) and the remoteness of the district from Melbourne. The two-storey buildings, designed in Italianate style, and the three-storey towers at the front, were influenced by the asylum at Colney Hatch in England. Large masses of granite were excavated for its foundation and around 250 workmen were employed for its construction. The building, divided into six sections, was comprised of dormitories, doctors` rooms and plenty ancillary rooms and facilities, such as laundries, reading rooms, a concert hall and cooking areas. The site was chosen for its panoramic view of the countryside, the hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, all contributing to the cure of patients. The Hospital was originally named the “Ovens Lunatic Asylum” but, during the centenary celebrations in 1967, the name was officially changed to “Mayday Hills Hospital”, showing the gradual shift in the perception and understanding of mental health conditions over the last decades. The Hospital lies on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.This photograph is historically significant as it provides an insight into the everyday life of staff living within the walls of the Mayday Hills Hospital. It also offers important information about the location and the exterior of the Hospital and contributes to the understanding of the district`s development and its importance to the course of Victoria`s history.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on paper unframed.Reverse: 3445/mental hospital, beechworth, fern house, female nurses, nurses` home, nurses` training school, nurses` hostel, mayday hills hospital, ovens hospital, colney hatch, two-storey buildings, italianate style, benevolent asylum, ovens lunatic asylum, kulin nation, workmen, covered walkway, granite, hilltop atmosphere, mental health -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the surrounding farmland from Mt. Stanley in Victoria. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.1 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, mt. stanley, beechworth, victoria, 1940s, australian army, melbourne, sydney, royal australian corps of signals -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the view of surrounding hills from Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.2 / 32 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian signal army corps, war, beechworth, victoria, mt. stanley -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the view from Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.3 / 32 /military album, army album, beechworth, victoria, mt. stanley, australian army, wwii, world war ii, royal australian signal corps, army signal detachment unit -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the view from Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.4 / 32 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, mt stanley, beechworth, victoria, melbourne, sydney, royal australian corps of signals, army signal detachment unit, military, war -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, depicted are members of the Army Signal Detachment Unit with local residents at at Lake Kerferd. David Pittard (back row, right) is standing beside Dorrie Elliot. The other people are unidentified. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.5 / Relaxing with some of / the Stanley locals / David Pittard (back row Rt.) / next to Dorrie Elliot / I can't recall the others / Lake Sambell, I think / Kerferd /military album, army album, lake kerford, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, military, war, wwii, world war ii, beechworth, victoria, sydney, melbourne -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, depicted are two unidentified soldiers presumed to be part of the Army Signal Detachment Unit. They are cooking a meal outdoors around Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested near this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.6 / Our Cookhouse / 32 /military album, army album, military, war, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, mt stanley, beechworth, victoria, melbourne, sydney -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts an Australian Army truck driving along an unsealed road from Stanley to the top of Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at Mt. Stanley by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.7 / The track up (?) from / Stanley to the top / 32 /military album, army album, military, war, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, beechworth, victoria, stanley, mt stanley, melbourne, sydney -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts two trucks and a trailer park at an undisclosed location inside the Stanley forest. An unidentified young man is standing in the background. There are also two tents installed on either side of the vehicles. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested in Stanley, Victoria by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.8 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, ra sigs, stanley, army truck, victoria, beechworth, melbourne, sydney -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts an Australian Army vehicle with a trailer driving through bushland in Victoria. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested in Stanley, Victoria by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.9 / Our outfit (fully mobile) / on the move / 32 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, ra sigs, australian army, army truck, beechworth, stanley, victoria, melbourne, sydney -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts a van with two large, round satellite dishes installed on the roof stationed near Mt. Stanley, Victoria. There is a transmission tower in the background. Four unidentified young men are in the foreground on the right hand side. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.10 / Our station set-up / in operation beside / the old Fire Watchers / Tower / 32 / It was man-handled / the last 50m. to the top /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australia corps of signals, military, war, australian army, mt. stanley, victoria, beechworth -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, depicted is an aerial view of an Australian military camp set up at Mt. Stanley in Victoria. There are two large tents along with a vehicle and trailer surrounded by bushland. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.11 / Our camp / From the top. / (?) (?) /military album, army album, australian royal corps of signals, army signal detachment unit, mt. stanley, victoria, beechworth, wwii, world war ii, melbourne, sydney -
Ballan Shire Historical Society
Book - Book. St. Brigid's School, Ballan, St Brigid's School Ballan. A Short History, 2010
A short history of St. Brigid's (Catholic) School from it's beginnings as the Ballan Catholic Common School No. 100 at St. Agnes Church c. 1859 up to the present in 2010. The book contains teacher and class photographs, information on the establishment of Catholic Schools in Victoria, and a section on the history of Catholics in Ballan and the beginnings of the Church community. Recent events are covered as are recollections and interviews with former pupils.Significant to past and present students and staff, also to those researching family history and education within the local area.A small paperback book with an olive green cover on which is centered an oval coloured photograph of the school. 62 pages.schools, ballan, st brigids, catholic schools -
Ballan Shire Historical Society
Book - Book, Ford - Our Ford Family History, 2015
A history of the Ford Family and descendants, pioneer settlers of the Morrisons/Meredith area in Victoria. Contains photographs, family trees, documents, newspaper cuttings, maps, narratives etc. Black and white only.This book is significant in that it contains valuable historic information on the Ford and Brawn families. The publication is private and intended for the information and interest of family members and others researching the family.Book, soft cover, perfect bound, with a leather look cover and a photograph of family members with a scrollwork surround.ford, brawn, bant -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Weapon - Cannon, Alexander Hall and Son, c. 1855
The Schomberg Cannon was recovered from the 1855 wreck of the SCHOMBERG in 1974 by Flagstaff Hill divers Peter Ronald, Colin Goodall and Gary Hayden. The wreck site was discovered in August 1973 by Stan McPhee and John Laidlaw. ABOUT THE SCHOMBERG When SCHOMBERG was launched in 1855, she was considered the “Noblest ship that ever floated on water.” SCHOMBERG’s owners, the Black Ball Line, commissioned the ship for their fleet of passenger liners. The ship was built by Alexander Hall of Aberdeen at a cost of £43,103. It was constructed with three skins: one planked fore and aft and two diagonally planked, fastened together with screw-threaded trunnels (wooden rails). Its first-class accommodation was simply luxurious; velvet pile carpets, large mirrors, rosewood, birds-eye maple, mahogany, soft furnishings of satin damask; an oak-lined library and a piano. Overall she had accommodation for 1000 passengers. At the launch, the SCHOMBERG’s 34-year-old master, Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes, had promised Melbourne in 60 days, "with or without the help of God." James Nicol Forbes was born in Aberdeen in 1821 and rose to fame with his record-breaking voyages on the famous Black Ball Line ships; MARCO POLO and LIGHTNING. In 1852 in the MARCO POLO he made the record passage from London to Melbourne in 68 days. There were 53 deaths on the voyage but the great news was of the record passage by the master. In 1954 Captain Forbes took the clipper LIGHTNING to Melbourne in 76 days and back in 63 days, this was never beaten by a sailing ship. He often drove his crew and ship to breaking point to beat his own records. He cared little for the comfort of the passengers. On this, the SCHOMBERG’s maiden voyage, he was going to break records. SCHOMBERG departed Liverpool on her maiden voyage on 6 October 1855 flying the sign “Sixty Days to Melbourne”. The ship departed with 430 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo including iron rails and equipment intended to build the Melbourne to Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. She also carried a cow for fresh milk, pens for fowls and pigs, and 90,000 gallons of water for washing and drinking. It also carried 17,000 letters and 31,800 newspapers. The ship and the cargo was insured for $300,000, a fortune in those times. The winds were poor as she sailed across the equator, slowing SCHOMBERG’s journey considerably. Land was first sighted on Christmas Day, at Cape Bridgewater near Portland, and Captain Forbes followed the coastline towards Melbourne. Forbes was said to be playing cards when called by the Third Mate Henry Keen, who reported land about 3 miles off, Due in large part to the captain's regarding a card game as more important than his ship, it eventually ran aground on a sand spit near Curdie's Inlet (about 56 km west of Cape Otway) on 26 December 1855, 78 days after leaving Liverpool. The sand spit and the currents were not marked on Forbes’s map. Overnight, the crew launched a lifeboat to find a safe place to land the ship’s passengers. The scouting party returned to SCHOMBERG and advised Forbes that it was best to wait until morning because the rough seas could easily overturn the small lifeboats. The ship’s Chief Officer spotted SS QUEEN at dawn and signalled the steamer. The master of the SS QUEEN approached the stranded vessel and all of SCHOMBERG’s passengers and crew were able to disembark safely. The SCHOMBERG was lost and with her, Forbes’ reputation. The Black Ball Line’s Melbourne agent sent a steamer to retrieve the passengers’ baggage from the SCHOMBERG. Other steamers helped unload her cargo until the weather changed and prevented the salvage teams from accessing the ship. Later one plunderer found a case of Wellington boots, but alas, all were for the left foot! Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and cargo, but did not attempt to salvage the cargo still on board the ship. They eventually sold it on to a Melbourne businessman and two seafarers. In 1864 after two of the men drowned when they tried to reach SCHOMBERG, salvage efforts were abandoned. Parts of the SCHOMBERG were washed ashore on the south island of New Zealand in 1870, nearly 15 years after the wreck. The wreck now lies in 825 metres of water. Although the woodwork is mostly disintegrated the shape of the ship can still be seen due to the remaining railway irons, girders and the ship’s frame. A variety of goods and materials can be seen scattered about nearby. Flagstaff Hill holds many items salvaged from the SCHOMBERG including a ciborium (in which a diamond ring was concealed), communion set, ship fittings and equipment, personal effects, a lithograph, tickets and a photograph from the SCHOMBERG. One of the SCHOMBERG bells was in the old Warrnambool Library. The Schomberg cannon is currently on loan to the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre.The SCHOMBERG collection is of historical and archaeological significance at a State level, listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S612. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the SCHOMBERG is significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck. The collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the SCHOMBERG. The SCHOMBERG collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger ship. The shipwreck collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be the fastest and most luxurious of its day. The SCHOMBERG collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history.Cannon; 6-POUNDER (6pdr) smooth bore cannon, mounted on a wooden frame. The cannon has a metal lug on each side. It is commonly known as the Schomberg cannon. It was recovered from the wreck of the Schomberg in 1974.warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, schomberg, shipwrecked-artefact, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, cannon, the schomberg cannon, schomberg cannon, peterborough, 1855, sailing ship -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph, circa 1878
Loch Ard was bound for Melbourne in 1878 loaded with passengers and cargo when it ran into a rocky reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: an apprentice, Tom Pearce and a young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. The wreck of Loch Ard still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island and much of the cargo has been salvaged. Some was washed up into what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge following the shipwreck. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. The photograph is significant for its association with the wreck of the Loch Ard. This wreck has been protected as a Historic Shipwreck since 11 March 1982, under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act (1976) Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from Loch Ard is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register. The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the Loch Ard. The Loch Ard collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The Loch Ard collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the Loch Ard, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. The Loch Ard collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history. Photograph, portrait of Miss Eva Carmichael. Reverse has gold maker’s print and a white adhesive label with hand writing on it.Reverse of photograph shows 3 signatures in script on bottom right corner., Printed text “PHOTOGRAPHIC / SOCIETY OF VICTORIA / MELBOURNE / REGISTERED COPYRIGHT / JULY 24th 878” and “NONE ARE GENUINE UNLESS WITH / SIGNATURES THUS” and “PRESIDENT / VICE PRESIDENT / - - - - - TARY” plus white label, hand written “F- Ph 56/2 – 74” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, photograph miss eva carmichael, loch ard shipwreck, loch ard survivor -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph, March 1895
Loch Ard was bound for Melbourne in 1878 loaded with passengers and cargo when it ran into a rocky reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: an apprentice, Tom Pearce and a young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. The wreck of Loch Ard still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island and much of the cargo has been salvaged. Some was washed up into what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge following the shipwreck. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. The photograph is significant for its association with the wreck of the Loch Ard. This wreck has been protected as a Historic Shipwreck since 11 March 1982, under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act (1976) Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from Loch Ard is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register. The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the Loch Ard. The Loch Ard collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The Loch Ard collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the Loch Ard, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. The Loch Ard collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history. Photograph of Miss Eva Carmichaels Cave at Loch Ard Gorge where the survivors found shelter. Reverse has four areas of torn surface, perhaps were photo had been mounted. Hand written text in pencil and in ink.Reverse of photograph Hand written in pencil “ … refuge … which he … offer words … Miss Carmichael. He then … on the …“ Hand written in ink “Loch Ard Gorge / Miss Carmichael’s cave” and “ Mr J Swinton / Warrnambool / March 1895” 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, loch ard shipwreck, 1878 shipwreck, loch ard gorge, miss eva carmichael -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph, late 1800's
Miss Eva Carmichael is one of two survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck.. Loch Ard was bound for Melbourne in 1878 loaded with passengers and cargo when it ran into a rocky reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: an apprentice, Tom Pearce and a young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. The wreck of Loch Ard still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island and much of the cargo has been salvaged. Some was washed up into what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge following the shipwreck. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. The photograph is significant for its association with the wreck of the Loch Ard. This wreck has been protected as a Historic Shipwreck since 11 March 1982, under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act (1976) Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from Loch Ard is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register. The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the Loch Ard. The Loch Ard collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The Loch Ard collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the Loch Ard, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. The Loch Ard collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history. Photograph of Miss Eva Carmichael sitting on a chair holding a curtain. Text below photograph is partly unreadable but gives the name of the photographic studio. A printed on the back "County of Gloucester Studio Cheltenham" with the address and other informaion.Reverse has crest that includes “PRIZE MEDALIST PARIS EXHIBIT’N 1867” Printed text “No. …………” “COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER STUDIO / 20a / PROMENADE VILLAS / CHELTENHAM” and “Autotype Prints or Permanent Porcelain enlargements can be made from this plate” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, photograph of miss eva carmichael, eva carmichael, loch ard shipwreck, county of gloucester studio