Showing 201 items
matching mining life
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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Administrative record - Deborah Gold Mines N.L. Mine Manager's Report Book, 1930 to 1943
Deborah Gold Mines included the South Deborah, North Deborah and Deborah Extended. Deborah Gold Mines N.L. was wound up in 1950, when the shareholders, at an extraordinary meeting confirmed a proposal for voluntary liquidation. (Advertiser., Adelaide, 24 May, 1950) . George Kingsley, who wrote the reports, was the Mine Manager. He was born in Guildford in 1872, died in Bendigo in 1943. He spent his working life working in gold mines, mainly in Bendigo, in various roles, starting his work life as a blacksmith. One hundred and eighty page Mine Manager's fortnightly report book, dark blue cover, white label affixed on front with 'Deborah ....(.illegible) Minute Book' Dates from 18th July 1940 to 23rd July 1943. Entries signed by Geo Kingsley. Mine Manager's report book is part of the Margaret Roberts Collection. bendigo, gold mining, deborah gold mines, north deborah, south deborah, deborah extended, margaret roberts collection -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Document (item) - Research Document, Judith Vimpani, Hermit of the Cumberland Goldfield-George Ernest Locke, 2020
An account of the life of George Ernest Locke who was a gold miner on the Yarra Track near Marysville in Victoria.An account of the life of George Ernest Locke who was a gold miner on the Yarra Track near Marysville in Victoria. George was a well-educated young man and had some success prospecting in the Cumberland area before partnering with William Chester with whom he opened the Golden Bower gold mine in 1896. George and William then discovered a second reef which they named the Silver Bower mine. George lived in a log cabin in the Cumberland reserve and was known to be a loner. He was clever with his money and chose not to have a bank account in Marysville, where everyone would learn about his financial status. He banked at the ES&A in Fitzroy and at the time of his death in 1941 he had accumulated the princely sum of three hundred and sixty pounds. George Locke was known as "the Hermit of Cumberland Valley" and lived in his humpy until his last few days during which he moved into a Forest Commission's patrol hut because his old humpy had started to fall to pieces. When George passed away at the age of 81 years he had not visited Marysville for over 14 years. george ernest locke, gold miner, gold mining, yarra track, william chester, golden bower mine, cumberland goldfield, silver bower mine, chesterville, marysville, victoria, jackie lewis, baron somers, big tree, picea sitchensis exotic, box hill cemetery, john edward locke, annie caroline locke, hermit of the cumberland valley -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - LONG GULLY HISTORY GROUP COLLECTION: WATER IN THE VICTORIA QUARTZ
BHS CollectionPhotocopy of a newspaper article titled Water Continues to Rise in the Victoria Quartz by James Lerk. Article mentions the water problem in the Victoria Quartz Mine and where they believed it was coming from. Also mentioned is the mining inspector William Abraham. There is a short history of his working life up to the time of his qualifying as a mine manager after studying part-time for ten years at the Bendigo School of Mines. There is a dark photo of William and his horse.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - water in the victoria quartz, james lerk, victoria quartz, william abraham, new chum reef, matthew stevens, south bellevue, new chum and victoria mine, lazarus, new chum drainage association, william abraham snr, druid, mary kane, lady miltoa, ballarat freehold company, the wallaby, richard grenfell, bendigo advertiser, bendigo school of mines, confidence extended mine, george ellis -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Map - Maps of Whipstick
The Whipstick was a gold mining area and is now a national park. Peter Ellis ( 1946 - 2015 ) died 27th March, 2015. Bendigo Advertiser personal notices re death and funeral; obituary and two page spread on Peter Ellis' life and contribution to the retention of Australian bush music. B. Peter Nicolaus Ellis' Service of Thanksgiving for his funeral held on 25th. May 2015 at Mulqueen Family Chapel, Bendigo.Part of the Peter Ellis Collection. Survey of Whipstick, Part 7. A detailed map of the Whipstick National Park Showing locations of wildflowers. Compiled by Peter Ellis. There is one paper copy and three Laminated paper copies which are probably preparations for the paper copy. map, whipstick, peter ellis collection, wild flowers -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book, Derrick I. Stone & Sue Mackinnon, Life on the Australian Goldfields, 1976
... as people, throughout Australia. stawell gold mining Life ...Early Photographs of mining towns and Sites as well as people, throughout Australia.Hard Green cover with b/w photo of two miners with pans and hats. Life on the Australian Goldfields. Derrick I. Stone Sue Mackinnonstawell gold mining -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, Bates Bob, Lucy Stonebridge, 2003
A sympathetic account of the life of Lucy Strobridge a woman who lived in isolation in the bush in the old Brookville mining area, Swifts Creek being the closest permanent township. The author gives an account of Lucy's family history, and the history ofsettlers, mines and mining, genealogy -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Historical, Australia, Man Tracks
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as a Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service because he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until he died in 1969. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age of 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932,d 1940 he published three books each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ were where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968.The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. Man Tracks with the Mounted Police in Australian Wilds Author: Ion Idriess Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1935Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 364.1 IDR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service and a stamp from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, man tracks, ion idriess, historical book -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Historical, novel, Drums of Mer
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Drums of Mer Author: Ion L Idriess Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1933Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 919.4 IDR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Historical, Australia, The Great Boomerang
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. The Great Boomerang Author: Ion L Idriess Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1948Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 919 IDR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the great boomerang, ion l idriess -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Painting - WES HARRY COLLECTION: S.T. GILL PRINTS, 1852 - 53
A collection of nine prints of watercolours by S.T. Gill, depicting life on the goldfields in 1852 - 53. (a) Tin dish washing, (b) Mt. Alexander Gold escort on road to Melbourne, (c) Road from Forest Creek to Bendigo, (d) Diggers Licensing, Castlemaine Camp, (e) Eaglehawk Gully, Bendigo, (f) Cradling, (g) The license inspected, (h) Puddling, (i) Fryers Creek Nr. CastlemaineS. T. Gillpainting, watercolour, gold diggers, s.t. gill, life on the goldfields, diggers, mining -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MINING REPORTS - BENDIGO MINING REPORTS
Albert Richardson had a life long interest in Bendigo's mining. He wrote broadly about the practical aspects of mining and the history of many of the mining companies. One handwritten and typed copies (3 of page 1, 3 of page 2, 2 of page 3 and 2 of page 4). Notes, written by Albert Richardson, include an introduction which mentions the noise of the mining activities, all the machinery being made in Bendigo by the local foundries and the end of the mining.There are explanations of poppet legs or heads, landing brace, intermediate brace, safety brace, pulley wheels, boilers, winding engine, types of engines and air compressors.document, gold, mining reports, mining reports, bendigo mining reports, a. roberts & sons, h.harkness and coy, horsfield's, south new moon, central deborah, great extended hustlers, wattle gully mine chewton, big deborah mine, royal hustlers reserve no 2 shaft, the city, johnsons reef no 2, lansell's comet, south devonshire, great southern, victoria quartz, lansell's big '180', little '180', new moon, big blue, central blue, central nell gwynne, lansell's sandhurst or 'needle' mine, eureka extended -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - Albert Ernest Richardson, Peter Anderson's article 2020
... Richardson's life; his passion for mining history and more generally... clippings on mining, focusing on Albert Richardson's life; his ...Albert Richardson was born on 22nd. June, 1902 to George Albert Richardson and Catherine Agnes (nee Flynn). He married Mavis Irene Yarwood on 23rd. December, 1931. Albert Richardson's childhood activities in Duncan Street, Long Gully, were influenced strongly by the occupation of his father and grandfather, both of whom were engine drivers on the Bendigo field. Albert had his own model goldmine, complete with poppet head, baling tanks etc and was up and ready to start work with the sound of the 7 a.m. mine whistles. Albert spent a short time working as a motor mechanic and then took up0 welling insurance with T & G. However, his heart was with the mines and he worked daytimes with T. & G. and then took off to learn engine driving with night shift in one of the mines. He gained his engine drivers' ticket in 1938 and began work at the Nell Gwynne. His longest work time was at the North Nell but he also had shorter spells at other mines. His leter work years were spent at John Brown, from where he retired in 1968. Albert had a deep regard for the working man and worked for many years in the position of Secretary at the Trades Hall, Bendigo. (adapted from biography in BHS Collection, written by I. Hendry, 1972) The Bendigo Historical Society holds a wide range of Bendigo mining records researched and written by Mr. Albert Richardson. He was President of the Bendigo Branch of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria from 1969 to 1971.When he joined the Bendigo Branch in 1966 he began compiling a history of the Bendigo mines. He spent many long hours researching at the Bendigo Mines Department, summarising mine records. He gathered relevant mining material wherever it could be obtained. He devoted most of his spare time and energy to the Society, conducting tours of the goldfields, writing articles and presenting talks to various organisations. His first and foremost interest lay in Victoria Hill. He examined mining reports and early newspaper articles to document its history. He envisaged the once fabulously rich hill as becoming a tourist attraction and campaigned vigorously to achieve this. In 1971 his dream was realised, when, with the help of South Bendigo Rotary Club 'The Hill' was cleaned up and historical site4s sign-posted. In 1972 the Bendigo Trust produced a booklet on Victoria Hill. Albert Richardson is acknowledged as the person ' on whose work and writings the text of this booklet has been based' The park adjoining Victoria Hill was named the Albert Richardson Reserve in his honour. Four newspaper clippings on mining, focusing on Albert Richardson's life; his passion for mining history and more generally, the work of engine drivers on the Bendigo goldfield. Clippings taken from the 'Bendigo Weekly' 2016, dated September 29 'Learner Drivers' , October 7 'Becoming qualified', October 14 'Steam power in his veins' and November 11 ' Victoria Hill over the decades'. All articles written by James Lerk in a series titled 'Discover Bendigo'. albert richardson, engine driver, mining, bendigo, boiler, engine room, mining cage, albert richardson reserve, victoria hill, george ellis, south bendigo rotary club -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, Rob Christie, Cargo Crooked River 1984 edition, 2000
This updated edition gives a broader picture of life on the Dargo Crooked River goldfields, Illustrated with photographs and maps.mines and mining, township -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - PURDY COLLECTION: WILFRED WATSON ARTICLE
Newspaper article: 'Years in the Mines". Article details the life of an Eaglehawk man who spent 22 years working in Bendigo mines and who is celebrating his 80th birthday (no date on article) Wilfred worked at the Unity Mine in Long Gully, when the Prince of Wales, visited it. He also worked at the Red White and Blue, Big Deborah and South Virginia (between 1920 and 1942) He stated worked as a shoveler and then learnt to bore holes and fire with explosives. At the South Virginia, there were three shifts working the shaft. Each shaft shift had two miners and one shoveller and the mine has 20 or 30 workers.bendigo, mining, wilfred watson -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, First known photograph of The Reefs and Reef Hotel Pleasant Creek with a bullock team in front 1858 -1861
B/W Photo The Reefs Hotel and Assembly Hall Pleasant Creek with Bullock team in front. 1858 -1861 Three windlasses over mineshafts can be seen, two on the left and one in front of the assembly hall. Some horse driven Whims can be seen in the background above the Assembly Hall. This hotel was built right among the mines in upper Main Street. The first licence was held by William Pond in 1858. Robert Young in 1859 and John Steele in 1861. It had a short life as only rates were paid in 1862.Earliest known photograph of the Reefs Pleasant Creek.Several buildings in mining area with trees in background, one building labelled The Reefs Hotel. Spoil heaps in foreground with other mining activities and with bullock team and cart. Man can be seen standing on slab hut roof at centre and woman in street. stawell, hotel -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Ceremonial object - Trowel, William Bennett, Silver Trowel, c1887
The silver trowel was used for the laying of the foundation stone of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall. It was donated to the Old Colonists' Associaiton in 1906. The Old Colonists' Association minutes noted 'Mrs Murray handed to the Secretary the silver trowel presented to the late President on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Hall.' The silver trowel was used for the laying of the foundation stone of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall. It was donated to the Old Colonists' Associaiton in 1906. The Old Colonists' Association minutes noted 'Mrs Murray handed to the Secretary the silver trowel presented to the late President on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Hall.' "THE OLD COLONISTS' HALL. The foundation-stone of the building to be erected by the Old Identities’ Association, in Lydiard street, was next laid with the usual ceremonies. This was immediately adjoining the foundation-stone of the Mining Exchange building. Mr J. Graham presented Mr Murray with a silver trowel, bearing the following inscription:—“ Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. Presented to J. P. Murray, Esq., president of the Old Colonists’ Association, on the occasion of his laying the foundation stone of their new hall, Ballarat, 21st June, 1887.” Mr Graham said he thought the pioneers of such a city were quite right in erecting a building that would be a home for them while they lived, and a memorial of them when they were no more. Mr J. Fraser, secretary, read the followin'- report:— “Mr Chairman, ladies, and gentlemen,—The bottle about to be deposited under this foundation contains documents in which are written particulars of the founding of the Old Colonists' Association at Ballarat; its financial and numerical position at the present time, the names of its officers and committee of management for the current term: a complete list of the names of its members, a copy of the rules and regulations of the association: copies of The Star, Evening Star, Courier, and Ballarat Advertiser newspapers, programme of to-day's proceedings as far as they relate to the laying of the foundation-stone, together with a brief summary of the aims and objects of this philanthropic institution. That the nature of these objects are considered worthy of encouragement and support is amply proved when we see on the Association's roll of membership the names of so many of our most prominent citizens and public men, "and from the fact that the Government of the colony have recognised the just claim of the old colonists'of Ballarat to be placed in possession of this valuable and central site, upon which to erect a building that will, be a credit to them and an ornament to the city, and which will enable them to still further extend the sphere of their benevolence and usefulness iu this district. The following is a copy of the signed and sealed memorial document:—*The foundation-stone of the hall of the Old Colonists’ Association of Ballarat; was laid on Her Majesty Queen Victoria's Jubilee Day,- Tuesday, 21st June, 1887, by John Paul Murray, Esq., J.P., president of the association. Under the foundation stone is deposited a copy of the constitution and rules of the association, the names of the officers, and a complete list of the names of ail the members to date; also a copy each of The Star, Courier, Evening Post, and the Advertiser, local newspapers. At this date the association numbers 319 members—accumulated funds, £203 10s 3d. The land upon which the hall is to he erected was granted by the Government to the association for that, purpose. (Signed) John P. Murray, President; W. B. Perry, Samuel Delpratt, Vice-presidents; Daniel Fern, Treasurer; John Fraser, Secretary. Committee—J. W. Graham, J. W. Lee, James M'Merkin, Andrew Lister, James Ward. Trustees—J. W. Graham, Wm. Irwin, John M'Cafferty ” Mr Murray said he was proud to lay the foundation stone of this building. The association was started in I883, and he might say they were a purely philanthropic institution. They formed an association whose creed was to assist one another in every shape and form. They had now 319 members, and were daily increasing in number.-. They were very fairly off as regarded their financial position. With respect to the objects of the association, they were to form a bond of brotherhood among those whose past experience in commercial or in mining pursuits so intimately associated them with the early history of the goldfields; men, to whose indomitable energy and perseverance Ballarat and other mining centres in the colony were so largely indebted for their development and commercial prosperity. Some of whose names were also closely identified with the memorable and sanguinary struggle 'for freedom and constitutional liberty in 1883. Their object was, further, to gather together within one fold those who survive those stirring times, to meet occasionally in friendly and social intercourse; to relieve their brethren who were overtaken by sickness or affliction; to provide the shelter of a home for those Pioneers of the goldfields whom the reverses of fortune had deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years; to assist the widow and succor the orphan; to mutually cheer and support each other in their temporary troubles and vicissitudes as they journeyed onward to the grave; and lastly, to tender a tribute of respect to the memory of a departed brother, by following his remains to their final resting place. Such were some of the principal objects of the “ Old Colonists' Association.” It was an institution for the good of their fellow man, and he hoped it would be successful, he hoped that the young people who came after them would appreciate what the Old Colonists had left them. He hoped they would all assist in making the institution one that would he worthy of the place. He would hand a small donation to the secretary, and hoped others would do the same. (Cheers.) The secretary, amid cheering, announced that the cheque handed over by Mr Murray was for £2O. Archdeacon Julius, who was asked to speak, said nothing could have been more fitting than the laying of the foundation-stone of the Old Identities’ Association on the Queen's Jubilee. They were a link between the past of 50 years gone by and today. Many of them remembered well enough perhaps the time when it took a man five and twenty minutes to light his pipe with tinder and steel, and when the small boys went, up the chimneys to sweep them. (Laughter.) They were building something now that people would look upon in years to come, and speak of in connection with the Old Colonists, if the young men were' half as good as their fathers they would be uncommon good fellows, and he did not think they would be. (Laughter, and interjection.) ''An old fellow said it was very true, and he knew it. (Laughter.) The Old Identities would agree with him to a man. (Laughter.) If the young men walked in their steps Ballarat in another 50 years would be 50 percent, better than it was now. There was not a man there that wished that more strongly, than 'he’ did. The Old Identities were laying this stone on the jubilee day of Her Majesty, and there never sat on the throne a worthier or nobler Queen than she who held her jubilee that day. There was not a man present, whatever his views of government may be, who did not say “God bless our Queen.” (Cheers.) The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem and cheers for the Queen. (Ballarat Star, 23 June 1887)Silver trowel used during the laying of a foundation Stone for the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association building in Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, trowel, silver trowel, foundation stone, mrs j. murray, william bennett, j. fraser, john murray, w. lee, william irwin, john m'cafferty, john mccafferty -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - AUSTIN COLLECTION: Ray Beer, Central Deborah Gold Mine
Ray Beer was an employee of the Central Deborah Gold Mine. February 15th 2009: Bendigo Advertiser: 'MINING stalwart Raymond Beer has died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer. He leaves behind an extended family and a legacy in Bendigo’s mining history. Ray was mine manager at the Central Deborah Gold Mine - appointed in 1978 - and led the team that made possible the underground project at the second level. He had a vision to allow visitors to go underground and experience Bendigo’s mining heritage first hand. Ray was responsible for developing the new battery, shaft and poppet head to make this a reality. It took persistence and lots of hard work. Friend and work colleague Bill McNamara said Ray was as good as 10 men. His enthusiasm and work ethic were unprecedented. Ray will be sadly missed by his wife, Thelma, six children, 15 grandchildren, seven brothers, three sisters, his extended family, and friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, tenacity and strength of character. In recognition of his contribution to Bendigo’s mining history, after more than 20 years of service at his retirement, a bronze life-sized statue was unveiled in his honour'. Central Deborah Gold Mine history: At its peak, Central Deborah Gold Mine reached a depth of 412 metres. It has 17 separate levels and 15 kilometres of drives and cross cuts (tunnels). The Central Deborah was very much a hands-on mine and the conditions that the miners worked in would be considered shocking by today's standards – being lowered underground in a cage with only two sides, often working ankle to knee deep in water, filling up to 32 ore trucks a shift by hand which were then pushed a mile or more along rails in the drives, working by carbide lamp, breathing in the fumes and rock dust and communication by bells. Geez, they were ironmen. However, at the time working conditions were considered to be among the best on the goldfields at Central Deborah, after all it was one of the only mines that had hot showers. Following Central Deborah Gold Mine's closure, the Bendigo skyline began to noticeably change. Obvious remnants of mining such as poppet heads, engine rooms, service quarters, battery houses and chimneys were steadily disappearing. After intense lobbying by the local community, the Bendigo City Council purchased the still very much intact Central Deborah Gold Mine in 1970 for a mere $6,000 to ensure that a vital link to Bendigo's historic golden past was maintained. The Bendigo Trust was then formed to oversee the operations of the Central Deborah Gold Mine, which led to the surface of the mine being opened to the public in 1971. Initially the surface was open for just 12 hours a week and as the demand for viewing a part of Bendigo's history increased, so did the opening hours. In 1974 the mine was gazetted as a Public Historical Purposes Reserve and attracted such visitors as H.R.H Prince Charles. By far the greatest shortcoming at this stage was that no one could view the underground workings, as these had become flooded. After what could only be described as a monumental effort by everyone involved, Level 2 of the mine was officially opened to the public by the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable John Cain, on 20 June 1986, which brought to fruition a long standing dream.Black and white photograph. Ray Beer, underground at Central Deborah Gold Mine, standing alongside wooden sign 'Murrell's Corner'. Sign is placed horizontally on timber supports; side of drive visible in background. Ray is wearing bib and brace overalls and hard hat with a belt around his waist. He is giving a 'thumbs up' sign. gold mining, central deborah gold mine, ray beer, mine manager -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - LONG GULLY HISTORY GROUP COLLECTION: SOME HISTORICAL INFORMATION
BHS Collection12 photocopied pages. Page four has acknowledgements, Page five mentions Pen-Portraist by Raly Wallace and Kevin Vallence, Page 14 mentions some rich areas: White Hills, Red Hill (now Virginia Hill), Eaglehawk, Golden Gully, New Chum Gully, Long Gully, Spring Gully, Derwent Gully, California Gully, Sailors Gully and Peg Leg Gully. There are two sketches on the page: Windless, by W. Ralston, Australasian Sketcher 20/12/1879 (D O'Hoy Collection) and a sketch of some miners in a tent with some mining equipment in front of it. There are two men in front of a fire at the front of the tent. Page 16 has a sketch of an old brick house with iron lace on the veranda and a picket fence at the front. Page 17 mentions the school and some Friendly Societies and Church. Page 22 mentions Quartz Mining. There is a Lithograph of a Quartz outcrop, New Chum Gully 1852 by George Rowe and a View of Surface Workings 1861, a Batchelder Photo. Page 23 mentions Edward Nucella Emmett, a pioneer gold digger who became involved in many important public issues. Page 25 mentions Company Mining and Crushing. It has a sketch of a Primitive Quart Crusher. Page 37 Mentions Richard Pope, a Miner who tramped from job to job in Bendigo and eventually followed the rush to Broken Hill. Page 38 mentions the Eaglehawk Brass Band and Friendly Societies in Eaglehawk. Page 39 is headed Miner's Cottage. It mentions stone miners' cottages. Page 40 has a sketch of a Georgian Style Sandstone Cottage Harvey Town. Page 41 mentions men sweeping the road to get gold, Bull Family grocery shop and a blacksmith. Page 42 is headed St. Augustine's. Page 43 has a sketch of St. Augustine's Church. Page 59 is headed Bendigo Amalgamated Goldfields (B.A.G.) Edward Clarence Dyason was largely behind a new company set up in 1917 to work the Bendigo field in an entirely new way. (B.A.G.) wished to take over all existing mining companies, and place them under a single management structure.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - some historical information, mr l hooley, mr l bennetts, mr w watson, mr w heraud, mr d m davies, mr w perry, mr h harvey, mr a llewellyn, mr e oates, chook temple by mr alan llewellyn, mr f cusack, tracey ipsen, ray wallace, bendigo field naturalists' club, eaglehawk tree lovers' society, bendigo historical society, university of melbourne, kevin vallence, monash university, bendigo technical college, south australian writer's fellowship, windlass, w ralston, australasian sketcher 20.12.1879, d o'hoy, mechanics institute, california gully school, bell topper hill, i.o.r. (rechabites), cobden tent, refuge tent, sutton tent, m.u.i.o.o.f.'s loyal darling, bible christian church, california hill wesleyan methodist church, saint jude's anglican church, quartz mining, e n emmett, jonathan harris, haris' claim, j hustler, george rowe, batchelder, la trobe library, cave, amos, new chum line of reef, edward nucella emmett, bendigo city council, all saints, william westgarth, latham and watson, hustler's line of reef, bell and irons, ballerstedt and son, young and company, nicholas and bassit, ensor, thomas carpenter, quartz crusher, goldfields and mineral districts of victoria, richard pope, daniel webster mine, isaac dyason, old chum mine, north old chum mine, young chum mine, george lansell, lazarus, silicosis of the lungs, eaglehawk brass band, victoria hotel, mr williams, eaglehawk branch of the australian natives association, loyal catherine lodge, mr james, odd fellows in the loyal catherine lodge branch no 4935, richard harvey, thomas harvey, moonta copper mines, harvey town, national trust of australia, eaglehawk tree lovers society, saint mungo's methodist church, clark's beehive battery, world war 1, kee-young, lady barkly hotel, prankhurst, bull family, cousin jack, st augustine's, myers, nicholls, john o'brien, around the boree log, the rev dean hayes, st kilian's, bendigo amalgamated goldfields (b.a.g.), edward clarence dyason, r h s abbott, hercules and energetic, south new moon, new chum goldfields, central red white and blue consolidated, brown john, the life and times of long gully, bendigo press, val white, megan snoop -
Clunes Museum
Booklet, MAY TOWNSEND, CLUNES - VICTORIA"S FIRST GOLD TOWN
THE STORY OF CLUNES WITH SCETCHES AND POEMSYELLOW SOFT COVER COVERED WITH ADHESIVE PROTECTION OF CLEAR PLASTIC. A DRAWING ON FRONT OF CLUNES QUARTZ MINING COMPANY, NORTH SHAFT. 90 PAGES A TYPED PAGE IS GLUED IN THE BACK WITH ENTITLED "A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE LIFE OF JAMES ESMOND" non-fictionTHE STORY OF CLUNES WITH SCETCHES AND POEMSclunes victorias first gold town, history of clunes, -
Narre Warren and District Family History Group
Book, Phyllis Somerville, Not Only in Stone, 1997
NOT ONLY IN STONE is the story of Polly Thomas, a woman of strength, courage and compassion, whose life is intimately tied to the pioneering era of South Australia. Polly arrives in Adelaide from Cornwall in 1865 with her husband Nathan, a miner, Richard, her baby son, and Ellen, her young sister. The baby had been born on the long and arduous voyage to Australia. Polly and Nathan move to the copper mining towns on the Yorke Penjnsula. Tragedy and death haunt Polly's life. Her sister dies in childbirth; Polly has four children but only two survive; a son is drowned; her beloved daughter dies of croup; Nathan is crippled; and a crooked lawyer swindles Polly of her life savings. Although tragedy robs Polly's life of joy, her independent spirit is never quelled. After Nathan's death, she moves to Adelaide and for many years lives in North Adelaide close to her son, who succeeds in business, and his family. The sorrow in the life of Polly Thomas is overwhelming, but never is it mawkish. This is history with a human face. A family life chronicle full of the stuff of the pioneers... a closely woven tapestry of the humour and pathos of life. Shirley Stott Despoja, Adelaide Advertiser (book jacket notes)non-fictionNOT ONLY IN STONE is the story of Polly Thomas, a woman of strength, courage and compassion, whose life is intimately tied to the pioneering era of South Australia. Polly arrives in Adelaide from Cornwall in 1865 with her husband Nathan, a miner, Richard, her baby son, and Ellen, her young sister. The baby had been born on the long and arduous voyage to Australia. Polly and Nathan move to the copper mining towns on the Yorke Penjnsula. Tragedy and death haunt Polly's life. Her sister dies in childbirth; Polly has four children but only two survive; a son is drowned; her beloved daughter dies of croup; Nathan is crippled; and a crooked lawyer swindles Polly of her life savings. Although tragedy robs Polly's life of joy, her independent spirit is never quelled. After Nathan's death, she moves to Adelaide and for many years lives in North Adelaide close to her son, who succeeds in business, and his family. The sorrow in the life of Polly Thomas is overwhelming, but never is it mawkish. This is history with a human face. A family life chronicle full of the stuff of the pioneers... a closely woven tapestry of the humour and pathos of life. Shirley Stott Despoja, Adelaide Advertiser (book jacket notes)polly thomas, nathan thomas -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - Jonathan Harris / Axedale
Jonathan Harris was born in Sussex England in 1822. His father Jonathan Snr was transported to Australia and his wife obtained permission to follow him as a free settler when Jonathan jnr was about 7 yrs.In 1842, Jonathan snr (who held a ticket of leave) and his son Jonathan Jnr were found guilty of theft and transported to Tasmania. Family history suggests that following his term, Jonathan jnr became a police detective before returning to Victoria. He and his wife had a store at Third White Hill in Bendigo and one day while walking to Eaglehawk, Jonathan found a rich vein of gold in what was to become the Hustlers Mine. He took large samples to England for crushing and subsequently sold his claim. Upon returning to Melbourne he conducted a business before taking up land at Axedale. He farmed here, including the growing of apples up until his death 20/7/1881. His efforts must have been successful as following his death the sale of property at Axedale included two pieces of land that each had two cottages that had been rented out. Jonathan was also on the board of the Axedale School.An eight page document with newspaper articles and information about the life of Axedale man Jonathan Harris.jonathon harris, axedale, mining.