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Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Historical Special to Cudgewa, 3 November 1963
The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community. Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891, Shelley on 13 June 1916 (the highest station in Victoria), Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961 The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Historical Steam locomotive on journey to Cudgewa. Locomotive K184 leading with Driver Noel Strauss and Fireman Barrows. Locomotive K186 is the Banker with Driver Doug West. A banker is railway locomotive that temporarily assists a train that requires additional power or traction to climb a gradient. K Class Locomotives - One of VR's most successful classes of loco they were built over a 24 year period. A general purpose, light lines loco the K class had a very long career in all sorts of service from branch line passenger and goods work to pilot and banker duties and roadside mainline service. The K class is credited with working virtually every line in the VR system and hauling almost every kind of train. The majority of the class lasted into the 60's. K 184 and K186 were built by the Victorian Railways' Newport Workshops in 1945 to the successful K-class 2-8-0 locomotive design for branch-line work. K184 entered service on 9 January 1946. K186 entered service on 19 March 1946. K184 was used on heritage services with Steamrail Victoria through the 1970s. It was withdrawn from service in 1980 and is stored at Newport Workshops. and is now used as a source of spare parts; other Steamrail K Class locomotives occasionally wear its number plates and headlight number boards. K186 was scrapped on 25 October 1967.railways wodonga, fred rochow, cudgewa station, high country railway line, k class locomotives -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Folder, Percy Leason, 1930s
Folder of information on Percy Leason, Artist, Cartoonist, Historian, Anthropologist, Eltham, 1930s. 1. Photo: ANOTHER WIREGRASS PROBLEM: A well known artist who has gone to the bush to be alone with Nature, is discovered, By Percy Leason 2. Photo: SCENE DURING THE EIGHT HOURSS' DAY SPORTS AT WIREGRASS, By Percy Leason 3. Photo: "FIRE!": "An unfortunate occurrence. When the members of the Wiregrass Fire Brigade assembled at the Fire Station last evening for their weekly practice, they were horrified to discover that the building was on fire." - WIREGRASS WEEKLY CLARION, By Percy Leason 4. Photocopy: "Goliath and the Prodigal David" by Percy Leason 1931 5. Photocopy: "Yes you are improving the place. I'll have to increase your rent." by Percy Leason 1933 6. Photocopy: Cartoon by Percy Leason 1931 7. Photocopy: Cartoon by Percy Leason 8. LEASON, Percy Alexander, Painter and Illustrator; Who's Who in Australia, XIVth Edition 1950 9. LEASON, Percy Alexander, Painter and Illustrator; Who's Who in Australia, date unknown 10. Percy Leason 1889-1959 11. LEASON, Percy Alexander, 1889-1959, Painter and Illustrator 12. Percy Leason: Artist, cartoonist and Historian, by L.J. Blake, B.A., B.Ed., M.A.C.E. (President of the R.H.S.V.); An Address to the Society on Tuesday evening 27 August 1968; The Victorian Historical Magazine, pp 158-180 13. Catalogue: The Percy Leason Collection on view in The la Trobe Library 20 September - 29 October 1971 14. Invitation: Christmas Exhibition, The Wiregrass Gallery, 4 December 1977 15. Newspaper clipping: Artist's retreat, 1980 16. Newspaper clipping: Sharper than snapshots by Giles Auty; Arts, Review, The Weekend Australian, November 13-14, 1999 17. Works by Percy leason held by Castlemaine Art Museum, October 2018alan whitmore estate agents, biography, eltham*, exhibition catalogue, la trobe library, landscape, percy leason, rhsv, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, wiregrass gallery -
The Beechworth Burke Museum Research Collection
Card (Series) - Index Card, George Tibbits, Ford Street, Beechworth, 1976
George Tibbits, University of Melbourne. Faculty of Architecture, Building and Town & Regional PlanningIndex system that support the research for Beechworth : historical reconstruction / [by] George Tibbits ... [et al]Arranged by street names of BeechworthEach index card includes: street name and number of property, image of property, allotment and section number, property owners and dates of ownership, description of the property according to rate records, property floor plan with dimensions.beechworth, george tibbitsbeechworth, george tibbits -
The Beechworth Burke Museum Research Collection
Card (Series) - Index Card, George Tibbits, Ford Street, Beechworth, 1976
George Tibbits, University of Melbourne. Faculty of Architecture, Building and Town & Regional PlanningIndex system that support the research for Beechworth : historical reconstruction / [by] George Tibbits ... [et al]Arranged by street names of BeechworthEach index card includes: street name and number of property, image of property, allotment and section number, property owners and dates of ownership, description of the property according to rate records, property floor plan with dimensions.beechworth, george tibbitsbeechworth, george tibbits -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Old England Vol 1
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 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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860s the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much-loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in the book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to the library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. 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. Old England Vol 1 Edited by Charles Knight Publisher: James Sangster & Co Date: 1864 Further Information: The label on the spine cover with typed text The front pastedown paper has a Presentation sticker that read "State School No. 502 Stawell, Special Examination, Christmas 1889. Upper 6th Class 1st Prize. Awarded by The Board of Advice to Annie E Bones. General proficiency. Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library The lower area of the front loose endpaper has handwriting in blue ink that reads "Presented by Mrs.E.P. Phillips March 3' 25 (1925) flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, old england vol 1 -
The Beechworth Burke Museum Research Collection
Card (Series) - Index Card, George Tibbits, 39 Ford Street, Beechworth, 1976
George Tibbits, University of Melbourne. Faculty of Architecture, Building and Town & Regional PlanningIndex system that support the research for Beechworth : historical reconstruction / [by] George Tibbits ... [et al]Arranged by street names of BeechworthEach index card includes: street name and number of property, image of property, allotment and section number, property owners and dates of ownership, description of the property according to rate records, property floor plan with dimensions.beechworth, george tibbitsbeechworth, george tibbits -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Numismatic, Token coin of WW Jamieson. Issued in W'bool 1862, 1862
This is a token made for William Jamieson of Warrnambool in 1862. Tokens were coins made in the mid 1850s to alleviate the shortage of currency coins in Australia. They usually had the value of one penny and could only be used in the store or business designated on the coin. Two Warrnambool businesses had tokens made – those of William Jamieson and William Bateman, Junior. Born in Scotland, William Wilson Jamieson completed an apprenticeship in the ironmongery trade in that country. He worked in the ironmongery business in Melbourne before establishing ironmongery stores in Koroit and Warrnambool (Liebig Street). He was a Warrnambool Councillor (1862 to1874 & 1877 to1880) and Mayor (1866 to 1868 & 1872 to 1873). He was active in many local organizations including the Warrnambool Hospital, the Fire Brigade, the Mechanics Institute, the Villiers Building Society, the Bowling Club and the Caledonian Society. He died in 1882. This token is of great importance as it is an Australian token issued by William Jamieson and Co. of Warrnambool and so is part of the fiscal history of Australia. It is also important as it comes from one of only two businesses in Warrnambool to issue tokens. It is today a rare token. This is a round metal coin (token) with, on one side, an image of a woman holding the scales of justice in one hand and a cornucopia in the other. The other side has lettering. There is a small dent on one side of the token. Side One: ‘Australia 1862’ Side Two: ‘Liebeg Street W.W. Jamieson & Co. Storekeepers Warrnambool’ (N.B. Note the Warrnambool 1860s spelling of ‘Liebig Street’) william jamieson, australian tokens, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Warrnambool Cordial, 1935
This is a docket issued by the Warrnambool Cordials Pty Ltd in 1935 to the Warrnambool Club. Warrnambool Cordials was originally established in Fairy Street in the early 1920s by the Lescai Brothers. A company of local businessmen took over the cordial factory when the Lescais left the city, then it was purchased by a garage proprietor, Thomas Hill, and in the early 1930s Charles and Frederick Flett purchased the business and carried it on for a few years. It was later operated by Thomas McKenzie before it was closed. It was still operating in 1975 when it was manufacturing both Loys and McKenzie’s soft drinks. It is noted that this docket contains the information that the Warrnambool Cordials business was a winner of a bronze medal for lemonade at the Royal Show in 1931. The Warrnambool Club, established in 1874 when the Warrnambool Club Hotel in Kepler Street was opened, was a gentlemen’s club. A new Warrnambool Club building was erected in Kepler Street in 1877 and is still in use today. This original docket is of interest as it is an example of the type of purchase made by the Warrnambool Club in 1935 and the type of docket issued by the firm of Warrnanmbool Cordials.This is docket printed on cream-coloured paper with blue print and lines. The details of the sale are written in pencil.Written material: ‘Feb.15, 1935, W’bool Club, W’bool, 3 doz. 7/6’warrnambool cordials, warrnambool club, lescai brothers, loys and mckenzie’s soft drinks, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Token, W Jamieson, 1862
This is a token made for William Jamieson of Warrnambool in 1862. Tokens were coins made in the 19th century to alleviate the shortage of currency coins in Australia. They usually had a value of one penny and could only be used in the store or business designated on the coin. Two Warrnambool businesses had tokens made – those of William Jamieson and William Bateman Junior. Born in Scotland, William Wilson Jamieson completed an apprenticeship in the ironmongery trade in that country. He worked in the ironmongery business in Melbourne before establishing ironmongery stores in Koroit and Warrnambool (Liebig Street) in the late 1850s. He was a Warrnambool Councillor (1862 to 1874 & 1877 to 1880 and was Mayor (1866 to 1868 & 1872 to 1873). He was active in many local organizations, including the Warrnambool Hospital, the Fire Brigade, the Mechanics’ Institute, the Villiers Building Society the Caledonian Society and the Bowling Club. He died in 1882. This token is of great importance as it is an Australian token issued by W.W. Jamieson of Warrnambool in 1862 and so it is part of the fiscal history of Australia. It is also of great local significance as it comes from one of only two businesses in Warrnambool to issue tokens in the 19th century. It is today a rare token. This is a round metal coin (token) with, on one side, an image of a woman holding the scales of justice in one hand and a cornucopia in the other hand. This side of the coin has considerable staining. The other side has printing. Side One: ‘Australia 1862’ Side Two: ‘Liebeg Street W.W. Jamieson & Co. Storekeepers Warrnambool’ (N.B. Note the Warrnambool 1862 spelling of ‘Liebig Street’) william jamieson, australian tokens, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Silver Card Case (Holmes), Mid 20th century
The owner of this card case was Dr Horace Holmes who was a doctor in Warrnambool for over 40 years. Dr Holmes (1877-1959) was born in Tasmania and completed a medical course at Melbourne University. He came to Warrnambool in 1905, taking over the practice of Dr Fleetwood at ‘Ierne’, at the corner of Spence and Kepler Streets. In 1906 he built a new home at the corner of Liebig Street and Raglan Parade and moved his practice there in 1912 (today this building is the Warrnambool Medical Clinic). Dr Holmes was an honorary Medical Officer at the Warrnambool Hospital. He retired in 1939 selling his practice to Dr Berryman but came out of retirement and practised as a locum until 1944. His interests included rowing golf, bowls and fishing. In the 1950s he lived at ‘Leprena’ in Canterbury Road. He was a foundation member of the Warrnambool Rotary Club. This is a most significant item as it belonged to a prominent local doctor, Dr Horace Holmes. It also has considerable social significance as it is an example of the practice of past times of carrying calling cards and the silver case is a sign of the affluence of the owner. This is a silver card case, heavily embossed, with a slightly curved shape and a hinged lid. It has the initials ‘HIH’ engraved in a shield on the front of the case. It contains nine calling cards (Dr Horace Holmes, Warrnambool). These are made of light card with printing in black on a white background. The cards are somewhat marked and discoloured. Case: ‘HIH’ Cards: ‘Dr. Horace I. Holmes, Leprena, Warrnambool’card case, dr horace holmes, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Coin - Token, W.W. Jamieson Store token
William Wilson Jamieson came to Warrnambool around 1857 after running a Ironmongers business in Hawthorne died . He opened his store in Liebig St which he operated until his death in 1882. He was quite active in the community serving on the town council for a number of years and also the Oddfellows Lodge and the Mechanics Institute. He came to Warrnambool in 1857, after running an Ironmonger's business in Hawthorn and having worked for the hardware company McEwan & Co. in Melbourne. He bought a weatherboard building that had previously been a 'bowling saloon' in Liebig Street and opened a business that Gardner describes as a general store and Turnbull describes as a drapery store. He was a member of the town council from 1862 to 1874 and from 1877 to 1880 and also served as mayor for two terms. He was also active in community organisations including the Mechanics institute and the Oddfellows This token is of great importance. It is significant for three reasons: 1. It is an example of an 1850s Australian token, demonstrating an early business practice in our history. 2. It is an example of a Warrnambool token produced by an important Warrnambool business (only two firms in Warrnambool produced tokens)A round copper token. The token was issued by: W.W. Jamieson & Co.. Liebeg St. Warrnambool, Storekeepers 1862 which is in raised lettering on the obverse of the token. The reverse features a blindfolded woman with the scales of Justice in her raised right hand. She is standing beside the seashore with a sailing ship in the background AUSTRALIA is stampedabove the figure anf the date 1862 is stamped below.W.W. JAMIESON & CO STOREKEEPERS LIEBEG STREET WARRNAMBOOL. AUSTRALIA1862jamieson token, warrnambool, william wilson jamieson, warrnambool ironmonger -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, W. Bear, Possibly Catherine Shillinglaw, c.1880
Catherine Shillinglaw was born November 13, 1852 at Coburg, Victoria. In 1897 she married Edward Henry Bottle (1854-1900). Catherine died April 7, 1934 at Northcote, Victoria. According to Sands & McDougall Melbourne Directory, W. Bear was active at 145 Smith Street, Fitzroy from 1877 to 1882 CARTE-DE-VISITE (cdv) 1857-1890 Cartes-de-visite (cdv's) are the most common form of photograph from the nineteenth century, generally measuring two and a half inches by four and an eighth inches (6.3 x 10.5 cm) when mounted, sepia toned, mounted on a card which was generally printed with the photographer's name and address on the back or beneath the portrait. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 1, 1877-1882, 1880, catherine bottle (nee shillinglaw 1852-1934), unknown, w. bear photographer 145 smith st fitzroy -
Ballarat Clarendon College
Book, C L Brightwell, Heroes of the laboratory and the workshop, Preface dated 1859
Prize awarded to James Cleeland Shaw (BD 15/10/1862) for excellence in conduct and general proficiency. James entered Ballarat College 1870. Son of Mr. W.H.Shaw the Managing Director of the celebrated Phoenix Foundry which played such an important part in the early industrial history of Ballarat and who lived all his Ballarat life in a house in Armstrong Street South not far from Dana Street. Born in Ballarat on 15th October 1862 and attended Ballarat College 1870-1877. Was articled to Hardy and Madden of Ballarat Solicitors. Practised as a Solicitor in Ballarat for some years. Went to Western Australia in 1897 and acted for a time as Deputy Master of Western Australia Supreme Court. Was for some time partner with Drake Brockman now a judge but latterly practised as Shaw and Shaw in partnership with his brother Frank as Solicitors at 81 St. Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia. Example of prize ordered from London where they were specially bound and embossed with the College crest. Awarded by F J Thomas B A, principal under unusual circumstances 1874 - 1876.Preface dated 1859. A clean crisp book of 222 clean unmarked pages . 22 chapters, each dealing with a separate subject including; Berthollet - chemist; James Brindley - originator of canal navigation; Graham & Breguet - watch & clock makers; & Vaucanson - automata. Firmly bound in light brown calf with six compartments between raised bands and gilt title & decorations on the spine ; gilt school crest on the front; marbled end pages and edges.Book plate inside front cover: Ballarat College crest / PRIZE / FOR / Good Conduct and General Proficiency / Awarded to / Master J Shaw / Fifith Class / Christmas 1975 / F J Thomas B A Principalf-j-thomas, ballarat-college, james-shaw, 1875, book-prize -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, The King's Messenger: or Lawrence Temple's Probation. A story of Canadian Life by W.H. Withrow, D.D, 1883
2nd Edition. Preface: "The following story is an attempt to depict, from personal observation, phases of Canadian life with which the writer is somewhat familiar - with what success others must decide. If it shall inspire in our readers a stronger love of that noble country, and a desire to live for its moral and religious progress, it will not have been written in vain. It is especially hoped that the religious lessons which it is designed to teach may lead its readers to a fuller consecration of all their powers and faculties to the glory of God and the welfare of their fellow-men". The book was presented in 1887 to William Shillinglaw, by Phillip Shillinglaw. This family were pioneer settlers in the Eltham area. William was born 4 October 1877 at Bundoora and died 3 July 1891 in Eltham from rheumatic fever aged 13 years. One of five items relating to the Shillinglaw Family collectionThe book was presented in 1887 to William Shillinglaw, by Phillip Shillinglaw. This family were pioneer settlers in the Eltham area.Hardcover[written on loose flyleaf] Eltham Primitive Methodist Sabbath School - Presented to William Shillinglaw Sept 26th / 87 Philip Shillinglaw Supt.shillinglaw family collection, religious stories -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Brass Plate, Dr H I Holmes, Circa 1905
Doctor Horace Iles Holmes was born at Launceston Tasmania 09/08/1877. He was educated at Launceston High School and Tasmanian University and later at Melbourne University. After graduation he came to Warrnambool in 1905 and worked in the practice of Dr T F Fleetwood and took over the practice shortly afterwards along with the position of Honorary medical officer at Warrnambool Hospital and also health officer until 1944 and as an Honorary consulting medical officer from then until 1958. His practice which was located at " Ierne" opposite the Presbyterian Church in Spence St Warrnambool. He later moved to a new home and surgery at the corner of Spence Liebig st and Raglan parade which was later sold to Dr C B Berryman. A large medical clinic still operates from this site. Dr Holmes was a keen fisherman and a member of Rotary serving as district governor.This plate is a connection to a long standing doctor in the Warrnambool district. In his practice he would have treated many district people and as such this item has strong social and historical connections to the district. Rectangular brass plate engraved with name which has been coloured in black. There are six screw holes around the outer edge of the plaque. The back is plain .H.I. Holmes M.D. Surgeon & Physician. A stamped name at middle bottom edge is unreadablewarrnambool, warrnambool doctors, dr h i holmes, warrnambool history -
Orbost & District Historical Society
cheque, 1880's
Snowy River Shipping Company formed in 1880. They were soon shipping produce (mainly vegetables) from the area to Melbourne. The Snowy River Shipping Company was formed by Mr Henry James during the 1880s, with Captain McNeil as master. Captain Hegarty was the shipping agent at Marlo. Towing a line of small barges these paddle steamers plied their trade between the port of Marlo, and the farms along the river banks, churning their way almost twenty miles upstream to a landing beside what is now Frank Richardson’s property. On these trips, the barges carried mail and supplies to the townspeople and farmers, loading their produce, mostly maize, on the return trip to the coast. The coming of the railway in 1915 spelt the end for the little river boats. ( ref. F. W. RODWELL in the “Snowy Review”) Frank Richardson 1877-1950 was a sawmiller at Tabbara and helped build and run paddle steamer "Curlip"as engineer.This item is associated with an early transport business of the local district. The Snowy River once had its own paddle steamers. This item is reminiscent of that time.A light blue and white blank cheque for the Snowy River Shipping Company. The cheque is for The National Bank of Australasia and is numbered 01,491 in bold black print. It has a one penny stamp duty imprint.snowy-river-shipping-company james-harry -
The Beechworth Burke Museum Research Collection
Card (Series) - Index Card, George Tibbits, 9 Bridge Street, Beechworth, 1976
George Tibbits, University of Melbourne. Faculty of Architecture, Building and Town & Regional PlanningIndex system that support the research for Beechworth : historical reconstruction / [by] George Tibbits ... [et al]Arranged by street names of BeechworthEach index card includes: street name and number of property, image of property, allotment and section number, property owners and dates of ownership, description of the property according to rate records, property floor plan with dimensions.beechworth, george tibbitsbeechworth, george tibbits -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Turtons, Wodonga, c1920
Abel Hoyle Turton was born in 1877 and married Hannah Richardson of Barnawartha, Victoria in 1902. He established a wheelwright and coach making business. Mr. Turton also operated a blacksmith business as a side trade. In his earlier years he was actively involved in the fire brigade, including as Secretary, and on the committee of the Wodonga Brass Band. Mr. Turton also served as secretary of the local branch of the Australian Natives Association. In 1912, despite having received a long service medal for the Wodonga Fire Brigade, Turton resigned for the brigade under a cloud after having been accused of insubordination at a fire. The brigade captain Mr. Twomey also resigned. They were both later reinstated. He died in Wodonga on 24 December 1932. After his death, the premises were taken over by George McFarlane who commenced business as a shoeing smith and general blacksmith.This image records the premises of an early 20th century Wodonga business.A black and white photograph of the premises of A. H. Turton, Coach builder of Wodonga as well as 2 newspaper advertisements for this business.Above the store: A. H. TURTON / COACH BUILDER On windows: PAINTING/ TRIMMING/ RUBBER TYRES A SPECIALITYwodonga businesses, a. h. turton, turton wheelwright wodonga -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Postcard, c1900
The construction on Lake Kerferd began in 1862 however it wasn't completed until 1874 due to engineering and funding issues. The lake was named after George Briscoe Kerferd (1831–1889) who was responsible for Beechworth's water scheme. George Briscoe Kerferd was born on 21 January 1831 in Liverpool, England and arrived in Melbourne April 1853. He spent his first years in Australia in Bendigo before settling down in Beechworth as a wine and spirits merchant. He married Ann Martindale on 17th December 1853 at St James Cathedral, Melbourne and between them they had three sons and five daughters. Kerferd began his political and legal career in Beechworth when he was first elected to the Municipal Council in May 1857. Later he would be elected to the Legislative Assembly for the Ovens District in November 1864, and continued to represent the area until February 1886. This photograph is historically significant as it provides insight into the water reserves of Victoria. It also demonstrates the political identity of George Briscoe Kerferd and the Beechworth Municipal Council.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paperObverse: Reverse: 83-131-1/ Post Card/ Correspondence / Address Only / BMM2997 / 53 / [Kodak Australia Stamp] lake kerferd, beechworth, water scheme, water reserve, reservoir, legislative assembly, hon. george briscoe kerferd, catchments, beechworth water reserve, beechworth catchments, municipal council, st. james cathedral, lakes, reserve, water supply, political projects -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Post Card, Rose Series Stereograph Co. Postcard
The construction on Lake Kerferd began in 1862 however it wasn't completed until 1874 due to engineering and funding issues. The lake was named after George Briscoe Kerferd (1831–1889) who was responsible for Beechworth's water scheme. George Briscoe Kerferd was born on 21 January 1831 in Liverpool, England and arrived in Melbourne April 1853. He spent his first years in Australia in Bendigo before settling down in Beechworth as a wine and spirits merchant. He married Ann Martindale on 17th December 1853 at St James Cathedral, Melbourne and between them they had three sons and five daughters. Kerferd began his political and legal career in Beechworth when he was first elected to the Municipal Council in May 1857. Later he would be elected to the Legislative Assembly for the Ovens District in November 1864, and continued to represent the area until February 1886. The postcard holds Historic significance due to its connection to Beechworth and its Lake Kerford. It demonstrates the interactions between nature and colonialists, especially how the lake has somewhat been 'protected' with the man made fencing. It also presents information on the environmental development or degradation for the area, with possible changes to the environment that may have been caused by human physical forces, natural decay or Global Warming.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: The Rose Series P. 10542 / Copyright / Evening lights, Lake Kerferd, Beechworth, VIC Reverse: Farley / Published by the Rose Stereograph Co., / Armadale Victoria. / 84-132-1 / Post card / The "Rose" Series De Luxe / A Real Photograph Produced in Australia / BMM299 lake kerferd, beechworth, water scheme, water reserve, reservoir, legislative assembly, hon. george briscoe kerferd, catchments, beechworth water reserve, beechworth catchments, municipal council, st. james cathedral, lakes, reserve, water supply, political projects, rose series, postcard, rose series stereograph -
Orbost & District Historical Society
framed coloured photograph, December 1978
Mr E. Knight was the president of the Orbost Municipal Band from 1972 - 1978. The photographer, Peter Fagg, worked as a scientist with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (now DELWP) to study dieback in eucalypts. He specialised in the silviculture of the eucalypt forest types of South-East Australia for most of his 40-year career, which started with the Forests Commission Victoria. He was in Orbost from 1968 - 1973. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.A coloured photograph of a man in a band uniform holding a brass instrument ( a french horn?). It is under glass framed in a white and gold wooden frame.on back - ".....E. Knight.......Dec 1978"music recreation orbost-municipal-band knight-g. -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bottles (2), Bottle, c. 1900
These two bottles were found by workmen building a new retaining wall on the north side of the Les O’Callaghan History House building in Gilles Street Warrnambool. The wall replaced one damaged beyond repair following a car accident in 2019. The building was erected in 1889 as the caretaker’s cottage in the Warrnambool Sea Baths complex (for most of its existence it had two swimming pools, a hot sea water baths building and a caretaker’s cottage). The water in the baths were pumped up from the ocean and, for the hot baths, heated on site. These baths were the municipal baths until the mid 1950s. The bottles may have originated from the one of the families residing in the cottage or from passers-by in the adjoining Merri Street or from patrons of the baths. They appear to be over 100 years old but there is no way the ownership of the bottles can be established.These bottles are of interest as archeological finds after repair works to the Les O’Callaghan History House. .1 A dark green (or black?) glass bottle with a hollowed out concave base, no stopper and a slightly chipped rim on the top. The bottle is stained inside. .2 A green glass bottle with a hollowed out concave base, a moulded top with no stopper and an elongated neck. The bottle is stained inside. warrnambool & district historical society, heritageworks warrnambool, les o’callaghan history house, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, D. Carrighan, The Lightning Photographers, 3rd and 4th Class, Eltham State School No. 209, 1888
Photo: D. Carrighan, The Lightning Photographers, Image No. 8 Bottom seated row, right side end, Alex and Alfbert (Tommy) Smart. Photo used on the cover of "We did open a school in Little Eltham", Eltham Primary School (2006) David Clark Head Teacher 1855-1889 and Assistant, Catherine Clark, his sister (believed to be on his left). He was replaced by John Brown. Note: Photo is a Class not Grade (examination level). PANEL 1875-1920 Panels began to be produced around 1875, and were particularly suited, because of their larger size, for capturing family, or even larger, groups. They measured 8.5 by 6.5 inches (22 cm x 16.5 cm). - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 3, 1888, albert (tommy) smart, alex smart, catherine clark, class photo, d. carrighan the lightning photographers, dalton street, david clark, david george clark, edwin alexander (alex) smart, eltham, eltham primary school, eltham state school, eltham state school no. 209, may smart, state school no. 209, victoria may kamm (nee smart), william albert (tommy) smart -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Thomas Tennent, Class Photo, Eltham State School No. 209, Dalton Street, Eltham. Teacher Miss Ellen Sweeney, c.1894
Teacher Ellen Sweeney at rear. A former student of the school from 1879 (age 4) to 1889, Ellen was a teacher at Eltham State School from 1891-1898. She returned in 1915 until her marriage to William Hooley of Casterton at St Marys, Eltham, Tuesday, April 24, 1923. Based on Ellen Sweeney's hairstyle, the date is more likely to be in the earlier 1890s Thomas Tennant, photgrapher operated from 116 Johnston Street, Collingwood from c.1891 through to 1900. PANEL 1875-1920 Panels began to be produced around 1875, and were particularly suited, because of their larger size, for capturing family, or even larger, groups. They measured 8.5 by 6.5 inches (22 cm x 16.5 cm). - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 3, 1891-1898, 1894, class photo, ellen hooley (nee sweeney), ellen sweeney, eltham primary school, eltham state school no. 209, thomas tennent photographer 116 johnston st collingwood -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Pamphlet - Melbourne Aerodrome, Grange Road, Glen Huntly
Three documents about the history of Harry G. Hawker who flew from this and other places: 1/A Pamphlet On Harry George Hawker 1889 – 1921 Published on 12 February 1989 For The Unveiling By Weston Bate of St Kilda Commemorative Plaque At 31 Gourlay Street East St Kilda, The Hawker Family Home. The Pamphlet Gives Biographical Information Based on Hawker’s Entry In The Australian Dictionary of Biography. Double- (CMHS) Newsletter of March 2015 on brothers Harry and Herbert Hawker. 3/Pamphlett "Harry Hawkder In Austrlaia 1914" announcing 2014 as the year to commemorate the centenary of his return to Austrlai in 1914. This includes a short history of Harry Hawker, records he set and 3 black and white photographs plus 1 sepia. Contact details included for Chris Hawker plus a Facebook page still current at 13/11/2017. Double-sided.hawker harry george, aviators, aviation, pilots, aircraft, sopwith aviation company, hawker stanley herbert, hawker george, hawker mary, hawker maude, hawker ruby, st john's caulfield north, engineer, caulfield army and navy club (rsl), caulfield repatriation hospital, duke street, caulfield south, new street, elsternwick, caulfield racecourse, millen senator minister for defence, world war 1914-1918, "death spin", sopwith aircraft co. -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Percy Leason, Cartoon by Eltham resident, Percy Leason, 1928
"Jones purchased a quiet little weekend retreat in the hill', published in 1928. Black and white drawing from a Bird’s eye perspective showing a house with veranda surrounded by shrubbery and a large gum tree. It features numerous people in the garden with a road full of various automobiles at the top of the picture. The image is reminiscent of the artists “Wiregrass” series of a mythical country town which were published in the Weekly “Table Talk” magazine from 1926 to 1937. Percy Leason (1889 - 1959) was a painter and cartoonist renowned for his depictions of Australian society in the 1920s and 1930s. He lived in Eltham from about 1924 to 1938 when he moved to the USA. Published by Thomas Nelson, Carlton date unknown. Published in "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall" (1971) Chapter 16 Eltham in Modern Times, page 97.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, percy leason, drawing, illustration -
Orbost & District Historical Society
certificate, 24.10.1904
This miner's right certificate was issued in Orbost to Donald Munro of Orbost. It was valid from 24.10.1904 until 23.10.1905 and cost two shillings and sixpence. Donald Munro, with his brother, Archie carried on a boot-making business in one of the rooms of a three-storeyed barn at Lochiel. The Munros were musically inclined and through them a band was formed in 1889. Donald Munro was involved in many of the town's activities. (More in Mary Gilbert's Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District). The Miner's Right was introduced in 1855 in the colony of Victoria, replacing the Miner's Licence. Protests in 1853 at Bendigo with the formation of the Anti-Gold Licence Association and the rebellion of Eureka Stockade in December 1854 at Ballarat led to reform giving the right to mine gold, the right to vote, and the right to own land. This new system proved economical and sustainable, operating substantially unchanged up until 1975. This item is of historical significance as it is associated with positive outcomes for gold miners brought about by the Eureka Stockade rebellion and its subsequent democrat changes. It is also associated with the Munro family who were early settlers in Orbost.A white paper miner's right certificate. It has black print with hand-written details. It is an elaborate document with the Victorian coat-of-arms at the top.on back- date, hand-written notescertificate-miner's-right munro-donald -
The Cyril Kett Optometry Museum
Ophthalmotrope, unknown, (estimated); mid 20th century
This model was used in lectures in the College from the mid 20th century. An ophthalmotrope is a mechanical model constructed to demonstrate the movements of the eyes and the actions of the various muscles which produce them. The first ophthalmotrope was made by Theodore Reute in 1845 and it was he who gave it the name 'ophthalmotrope'. Frans Donders (1818-1889) became interested in eye movements on reading Reute's work, and his subsequent studies were of physiological interest and also provided the basis for principles underlying the correction of squint. Because of the complexity of the actions and counter actions of the eye muscles, ophthalmologists of the 19th century sought a practical solution with the construction of mechanical models. Reute's second model of 1857 was more sophisticated. Its eyeballs contained lenses and the optical system could be moved backwards and forwards to simulate accommodation. Later ophthalmotropes are known by Landolt, Knapp and Snellen.This ophthalmotrope is the one that was used as a teaching aid in the College from the mid 20th century.Brass framed model to illustrate actions of extra-ocular muscles. Two painted wooden globes mounted in brass frame with coloured strings attached to brass weights positioned to show actions of various extra-ocular muscles. Also wooden storage box. Materials: brass, metal, wood, string.optometry, ophthalmology, ophthalmotrope, eye, eye movements, extra ocular muscles, eye muscles, eye teaching -
Federation University Historical Collection
Tool - Brushes, Keith Rash's Sign writing Brushes
Commercial artist, Keith Edwin Rash (1910-1985), studied at the Ballarat Technical Art School between 1923 and 1929. These artefacts are from his professional practice. Sign writing and ticket-writing bridged art and trade, with hand lettering applied to long-term signage and short-term promotional materials. At the Ballarat Technical Art School, sign writing, ticket writing, and house decoration were overseen by Thomas Raisbeck (1884-1970) from 1915. Classes were then successively taught by former students William Kenneth (Ken) Moss (1889-1921) from 1920 until his untimely death, Albert E. Williams (1899-1986) until 1928, followed by experienced, practising sign writer, Charles Emrys (Angus) Henderson (1899-1976), who had trained under Raisbeck. A number of brushes and sponges used by Ballarat sign writer, Keith Rash, who studied sign writing at the Ballarat School of Mines. signwriting, keith rash, ballarat school of mines, brushes, ballarat technical art school, sign writing, ticket writing -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Knox Collection, Survey camp for Colac-Beech Forest railway, 1901
Plans for a rail connection between Colac and Beech Forest had been drawn up in 1884 and 1889 but proofed inconclusive because of the enormous cost involved in building a railway in such difficult terrain. Because of the financial depression in the early 1890s such expenditure went of hold. Towards the end of the decade planners recognised that a narrow gauge could be a viable alternative and it was taken up by the community, Parliamentary representatives and the government, although Victorian Railways administration was against the idea. This was overridden. The 1898 Parliament approved a 2 foot 6 inch gauge from Colac to Beech Forest although strict financial limits were set. The route was to be the most direct and the infrastructure the most basic. Construction began in 1900 entailing very steep grades and myriad curves until it finished in 1902. Surveyors and their assistants came before and during the track laying for the whole distance.B/W. Survey camp for the Colac-Beech Forest railway in 1901, showing nine tents, ten men including a cook, survey instruments, and three bicycles. Note the cooking fire on the right.colac: beech forest; railways; survey;