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Falls Creek Historical Society
Letter - Information Bulletin No.4 September 1961
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it documents developments made or endorsed by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee.A 4 page bulletin released by the Management Committee explaining changes to rental charges for the future. It also makes reference to the development of a masterplan for the Falls Creek Tourist Area. Acknowledgement of the loss of Grand Coeur Chalet is made and that Mr Hymans intends to rebuild on the same site.falls creek tourist area management committee, information bulletin -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Solomon and bardwell, Holmes Family
The Coghills were early settlers in the Ballarat district, with Coghill's Creek being named after them. .1) Three men pose for a studio photograph taken in Melbourne. From left to right the men are: Willie [Lawrence's son William Henry Carter Holmes (1867 - 1928)]; Edward Carter Holmes (1822 -1886); Lawrence Carter Holmes (1829 - 1935). .2) A man sits in a studio photograph taken in Ballarat. The man is Robert Reid who married Adelaide Helen Holmes in 1857. Adelaide was the sister of Catherine Dorothy Holmes who married William Coghill and lived at Coghill's Creek near Ballarat. .1) Verso: "Willie, Uncle Teddy and Father" .2) "I think this could be the same person as the one designated "Uncle Teddy" on the other photo. What do you think?" Photographer: Solomon and Bardwell. No.4938.holmes family archive, coghill, ballarat, william carter holmes, edward carter holmes, lawrence carter holmes, robert reid -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs –Collection of 10 copies and original black and white photographs and printed articles relating to skiing on the Bogong High Plains
After World War II, the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River Valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the hydro scheme as skiing was a popular recreation. Many of the hydro employees were of European background and had grown up enjoying skiing and snow sports in their homelands and were keen to continue to pursue their winter sports interests. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 at Falls Creek and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Two T-Bars were opened in 1961. In 1964, the Victorian Municipal Directory recorded that Falls Creek had 29 ski club lodges and 16 commercial lodges. The area became a popular tourist destination for both winter and summer sports.: Employees of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in the Kiewa River Valley were the earliest skiers on the Bogong High Plains and built one of the first ski lodges at Falls Creek. They were amongst those pivotal in the development of the skiing and tourist industry at Falls Creek and on the Bogong High Plains. Collection of 10 copies and original black and white photographs and printed articles relating to skiing on the Bogong High Plains. Some pieces have been enlarged to A3 poster size copies for display purposes 1. Copy of black and white photograph of group of skiers at Falls Creek 2. Copy of photograph of early skier on Bogong High Plains with temporary buildings and tents in the background 3. Copy of photograph of 3 skiers on Mt McKay 4. Copy of SECV photograph of Rocky Valley Camp under snow 5. Early sepia photograph of Falls Creek village with skiers in the foreground 6. Copy of a page from booklet (SECV?) promoting the benefits of owning a holiday home in the Bogong Village area 7. Copy of a page from booklet (SECV?) promoting the benefits of holidaying in and around Falls Creek/Mt Beauty 8. Panoramic view of ski fields with skis in the foreground 9. Photograph of young skier (identity unknown) 10. Photograph of 2 male skiers (identity unknown) performing a small jump 1. Bogong Ski Club Members & Friends 1944 2. Jack Neve – electrician. Rocky Valley 3. 17.5.55 Skiers ascending Mt McKay 4. State Electricity Commission of Victoria. Date:17.8.55 No:K8132 Kiewa Hydro Electric Works. Rocky Valley Camp – From Engineering Office 5 & 9 No markings 6 & 7 Short article relating to photos on each page 8. Handwritten signature on rear of photo (Sandra Conea) 10 Faded unreadable photographers stamp and handwritten numbers 6875 on rear secv; bogong high plains; skiers; falls creek; tourism -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Photograph - Photograph -Bridge, n.d
Sourced from Casterton Town Hall (former Shire of Glenelg)Coloured photograph. Side view of bridge, wooden rails, three wooden supports, taken from bed of creek. Banks of grass, narrow walking track along right side of creek. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - RAYWOOD RESERVOIR RAYWOOD TO MYER'S CREEK DIGGINGS MYER'S CREEK, 1992
Book 5 - Site 17.1 to Raywood Reservoir, Raywood to Site 24.1, Myer's Creek Diggings, Myer's Creek. Significance reports prepared for North Central Goldfields Project: Bendigo Goldfield .David Bannearbendigo, mining, goldfields report, bendigo, gold, goldfields, history, report -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: EMU CREEK BUSH BAND
Colour photograph. Emu Creek Bush Band on stage. Woman in black hat speaking into microphone. Small poster reads Bendigo Y's Men. Back of photo reads: Emu Creekentertainment, music, bendigo y's men -
City of Kingston
Photograph - Digital image, Colour, c. 1890
Handtinted colour image looking east across Mordialloc Creek towards the Bridge Hotel. A row boat is moored in the foreground and lush gardens are visible in front of the hotel on the other side of the creek. -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Postcard - Sun Valley, Looking to Rocky Valley Dam
These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, VictoriaThis collection of postcards and image is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful business in Falls Creek, Victoria.A high definition photo of the skiers at Sun Valley with Rocky Valley Dam in the background. Rocky Valley Dam is man-made and has a capacity of 28,000 megalitres. It was created for the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme and is also utilised in snow making for Falls Creek.falls creek resort, sun valley tow, rocky valley dam, hydroelectricity -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Postcard - Deep Snow at the Gully Chair Lift Lower Station
These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, VictoriaThis collection of postcards and image is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful business in Falls Creek, Victoria.A high definition photo of the Gully Chair Lift Lower Station, Falls Creek. The area is covered in deep snow. The Gully Double Chair Lift came into operation in 1964 and operated until 1982 when it was replaced by the Gully Triple Chair.falls creek resort, tows and lifts at falls creek, the gully chairlift -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Plans To Modify & Extend Chair Lift, 07.11.1960
Bob Hymans Collection Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans and the Management Committee.A letter from the Management Committee Falls Creek in relation to his application to modify his chairlift. It states that other people went to the effort of committing proposals to paper and that Bob Hymans should have done the same. The plan submitted by Falls Creek Ski Tows Pty. Ltd. had been accepted. This precluded any of Bob's proposals. It also states that the Committee was reluctant to deal with any further applications from Mr Hymans until he dealt with other outstanding matters. These included lodging a complete proposal for his restaurant and also storage of equipment within the boundaries of his licensed area.falls creek tourist area management committee, chairlift proposals, planning, bob hymans -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Map - POMPAPIEL : COUNTY OF BENDIGO, 1-10-27
Map. Pompapiel, County of Bendigo, Calivil, Talambe, Yallook, Salisbury, Yarrayne, Janiember East, Waranga Mallee Channel, Blind Creek, Judyong Creek, Bullock Creek. Photo-Lithographed at the Dept. of Lands and Survey Melbourne by W.J. Butson 1-10-27. Price 1/-. (number 85 in map cupboard 1)W.J. Butsonmap, bendigo, pompapiel -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Map - POMPAPIEL : COUNTY OF BENDIGO, 1-10-27
Map. Pompapiel, County of Bendigo, Calivil, Talambe, Yallook, Salisbury, Yarrayne, Janiember East, Waranga Mallee Channel, Judyong Creek.Pompapiel Creek, Bullock Creek, Blind Creek. Photo-Lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey by W.J. Butson, 1-10-27. Price 1/-. (number 84 in map cupboard 1)W.J. Butson.map, bendigo, pompapiel -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Journal - Ski-Horizon Vol 3 No 5, January 1952
Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The original member clubs were Albury Ski Club, Alpine Club of Victoria, Australian Postal Institute Ski Club, Australian Women's Ski Club (Victoria), Beechworth Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Bull Lodge Ski Club, Chamois Ski Club, C.S.I.R. Ski Club, Edelweiss Ski Club, Howqua Ski Club, Lazy Eight Ski Club, Melbourne University Ski Club, Melbourne Walking Club, Monsanto Ski Club, Moose Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Rongbuk Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club, Tanjil Ski Club, Telemark Ski Club, University Ski Club, Victorian Rover Scouts (B.S.A.), Wangaratta Ski Club, Youth Hostel Association, Yurredla Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation. The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally.Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this publication include:- Page 5 A short article related to Toni St. Elmo and the success of the Nissen Tow. Page 7 Beechworth Ski Club commences construction.ski history victoria, federation of victorian ski clubs, toni st. elmo, beechworth ski club -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Journal - Ski-Horizon Vol 4 No 7, March 1953
Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 2:- Tonl St. Elmo (Nissen Alpine Club) had been appointed as a Justice of the Peace. Climatologists with the CSIRO reported that the mean daily temperature of summer in Victoria and NSW had fallen by 3°F since 1880 whilst in the Northern Hemisphere summers were becoming warmer. Page 5: There was to be no Queen's Birthday holiday this year but Tuesday 2nd June would be a public holiday for Coronation Day. Page 11: Featured "They're Busy in the North-East" - nothing has been heard of the Sydney Clubs which had proposed building at Falls Creek and Beechworth seems to be in danger of losing its site. Nissen Alpine Club has had plans for extension approved. A new rope was being installed for the Nissen tow. Falls Creek was undoubtedly the most progressive centre in the North East. For a slightly rougher experience Cleve Cole Memorial Lodge was recommended.tom mitchell m.l.a., toonallook, fred griffith -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Journal - Ski-Horizon Vol 4 No 9, May 1953
Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 1:- Dawn Ski Club is formed by families with the aim of facilitating skiing for children. After the April meeting it took Dawn Daddies some time to round up many juniors aged from 2½ to 7½ years old. Page 3 - Fred Griffith was elected President of the Albury Ski Club; Toni and Skippy St. Elmo would be running a cafe at the Nissen Club's Tow House and would also be selling some groceries. Full postal services may also be available; Falls Creek was looking to have a successful season with Bob Hymans providing first class accommodation and instruction, the Bogong Ski Club offering accommodation to other clubs and the Nissen Ski Tow considerable improved and operating again. Page 23 - Arrangements which had been made by the SEC for access to Falls Creek were also clearly outlined. bogong ski club, toni st. elmo, skippy st. elmo, fred griffith, bob hymans, nissen ski tow -
Tarnagulla History Archive
Registration of Death form, 1871
A large lot of papers, including this and many other birth and death registration forms, were apparently found in the ceiling cavity of the Sandy Creek/Tarnagulla Post and Telegraph Office in the later 20th Century, during building works. Donald Clark Collection. Registration of Death form Name of deceased: Joseph Turner Rank or Occupation: Engine Driver Age: 25 years Cause of Death: Accidental Shock to his system from injuries by sawing machinery Date of Death: 25th November, 1871 Place of Death: Murphy's Creek Place of burial: Tarnagulla Cemetery Very poor condition, extremely pest damaged. -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Journal - Ski-Horizon Vol 4 No 12, August 1953
Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 11:- Busy year for Falls Creek Instructors. Bob Hymans has been a great asset for the last three seasons. Milan Kovicic (previously instructing in Italy for 11 years) and Toni St. Elmo are instructing at the Nissen Ski School Page 13 - Toni & Skippy St. Elmo's Tow House canteen sells every provision a skier could ever want - hot meals, groceries, toilet and first-aid gear, stationery - even souvenirs. Page 20 - Falls Creek in Spring - Bogong Ski Club reports improvements in their facilities as well as around Falls Creek. Their lodge has been repainted and refurnische. The SEC has begun to allow private car convoys to travel to Howman's at set times. Regular trains are available from Melbourne connect with Hoy's Bus at Wangaratta. Overnight accommodation and parking can be arranged at Tawonga. The Tow House now provides two tows and food supplies. Snow conditions were lending themselves to a bumper year ahead. Members of other clubs could apply to stay at Bogong Ski Club at an overnight fee of 10/- for Melbourne clubs amd 8/- for N.E.D.S.A. Clubs plus 6d. per night for the Skiing Improvement Fund.tom mitchell m.l.a., bogong ski club, toni st. elmo -
Creswick Campus Historical Collection - University of Melbourne
Ephemera, 1918
This medal belonged to Matthew H Rowe who was a member of the VSF staff from late 1920's.MedalFront reads : serit arbores quae alteri seculo Prosint. Cicero / Tree and leather belt emblem /Back reads The Royal English Arboricultural Society and inscribed 'Awarded to M. H. Rowe for an essay on the Estate Nursery 1918. -
Creswick Campus Historical Collection - University of Melbourne
Ephemera, 1918
This medal belonged to Matthew H Rowe who was a member of the VSF staff from late 1920's.MedalFront reads : serit arbores quae alteri seculo Prosint. Cicero / Tree and leather belt emblem /Back reads The Royal English Arboricultural Society and inscribed 'Awarded to M. H. Rowe for an essay on the Intermediate Estate 1918 -
Mt Dandenong & District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Harry Child's Hut, early 1900s
Home of Harry Child in foreground built on the southern boundary of his father's (Francis Matthew Child) allotment. Black and white photograph showing the home of Harry Child. This photograph has a detailed inscription on the back handwritten by John Lundy-Clarke.The eastern face of Mt Dandenong from F.M. Childs selection Cnr allotment D.francis matthew child, mt dandenong, harry child -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - TERRY DAVIDSON COLLECTION: THE BEEHIVE CASH COUPON, 23.6.1954
Terry Davidson collection -'Matthew Bros -'The Beehive' 23.6.1954 -cash coupon envelope containing 23 small red Matthews Bros Bendigo one shilling cash coupons taped to a piece of paper stamped 13.6.1953.document -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - GOLDEN SQUARE P.S. LAUREL ST.1189 COLLECTION: NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS
Newspaper photo of Nell Turner, widow of Dick Turner and students Matthew Williams and Joseph Singe wirh a canvas of Dick Turner by students of the Golden square Primary School in an exhibition involving communities across Australia.education, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square primary school 1189 collection - newspaper cuttings, nell turner, dick turner, matthew williams, joseph singe, andrew perryman, julie gibbs, golden square fire brigade, bianca connor -
Wangaratta High School
WHS Framed Certificate, 2007
White congratulatory certificate with a blue National Youth Science forum logo at the top of the page, mounted on navy paper and framed with a simple black frame, the certificate has black text reading:The Rotary Club of Appin Park wishes to congratulate Wangaratta High School on the selection of Matthew Gary Elliot to the National Youth Science Forum in January 2007 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: EMU CREEK BUSH BAND
Black and white photo of the Emu Creek Bush band outside a small weatherboard building with Emu Creek sign over the door. To the left of the door is a sign with large black printing. It reads: In Memory of the Pioneers of Emu Creek. The band members are sitting or standing with their musical instruments. A heeler dog is sitting on the ground in front of them.photo, group, emu creek bush band, peter ellis collection, emu creek bush band -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - BARKERS CREEK BIRTHPLACE OF THE MOUNT ALEXANDER GOLDFIELDS, c1999
Barkers Creek Birthplace of the Mount Alexander Goldfields. Publisher: Howard Carr, Barkers Creek. ISBN: 0-646-37984-4. 168 pages. Photographs, illustrations & maps. Signed by Howard CarrHoward A Carrgoldfields, barkers creek -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Land under threat, 1981
'Land under threat: the future use of public open space adjoining Blackburn Creek' by Blackburn Creek Conservation Group, November 1981.'Land under threat: the future use of public open space adjoining Blackburn Creek' by Blackburn Creek Conservation Group, November 1981. Includes detailed descriptions, plans, bird lists, correspondence.'Land under threat: the future use of public open space adjoining Blackburn Creek' by Blackburn Creek Conservation Group, November 1981.blackburn creek, parks and reserves, kalang park, furness park, environment, blackburn creek conservation group, blacks walk, blackburn creeklands, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, city of nunawading, burgess, graham -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, Fish Marie, 1997
Date made 18 January 1997Colour photograph of a remnant of the tramway which ran from the Mississippi Creek quarry to the head of the North Arm. It shows two lengths of discarded iron rail on the bank of the creek. Lakes Entrance Victoriawaterways, public works, machinery -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, 1950
From 1910c to 1940c stone was bought from quarry by tramline to the entrance and other sites around the lakes for stabilisation works.Black and white photograph of a derelict landing at Mississippi Creek, North Arm, showing remains of piles without decking on bank, unattached jetty in water. Creek surrounded by trees. East Gippsland Victoriacemeteries -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph, C. 1891
Photograph shows the ship FIJI where she met her demise, in Wreck Bay, on the shipwreck coast of South West Victoria. The three-masted iron barque Fiji had been built in Belfast, Ireland, in 1875 by Harland and Wolfe for a Liverpool based shipping company. The ship departed Hamburg on 22nd May 1891 bound for Melbourne, under the command of Captain William Vickers with a crew of 25. The ship’s manifest shows that she was loaded with a cargo of 260 cases of dynamite, pig iron, steel goods, spirits (whisky, schnapps, gin, brandy), sailcloth, tobacco, coiled fencing wire, concrete, 400 German pianos (Sweet Hapsburg), concertinas and other musical instruments, artists supplies including brushes, porcelain, furniture, china, and general cargo including candles. There were also toys in anticipation for Christmas, including wooden rocking horses, miniature ships, dolls with china limbs and rubber balls. On September 5th, one hundred days out from Hamburg in squally and boisterous south west winds the Cape Otway light was sighted on a bearing differing from Captain Vickers’ calculation of his position. At about 2:30am, Sunday 6th September 1891 land was reported 4-5 miles off the port bow. The captain tried to put the ship on the other tack, but she would not respond. He then tried to turn her the other way but just as the manoeuvre was being completed the Fiji struck rock only 300 yards (274 metres) from shore. The place is known as Wreck Bay, Moonlight Head. Blue lights were burned and rockets fired whilst an effort was made to lower boats but all capsized or swamped and smashed to pieces. Two of the younger crewmen volunteered to swim for the shore, taking a line. One, a Russian named Daniel Carkland, drowned after he was swept away when the line broke. The other, 17 year old able seaman Julius Gebauhr, a German, reached shore safely on his second attempt but without the line, which he had cut lose with his sheath-knife when it become tangled in kelp. He rested on the beach a while then climbed the steep cliffs in search of help. At about 10am on the Sunday morning a party of land selectors - including F. J. Stansmore, Leslie Dickson (or Dixon) and Mott - found Gebauhr. They were near Ryans Den, on their travels on horseback from Princetown towards Moonlight Head, and about 5km from the wreck. Gebauhr was lying in the scrub in a poor state, bleeding and dressed only in singlet, socks and a belt with his sheath-knife, ready for all emergencies. At first they were concerned about his wild and shaggy looking state and what seemed to be gibberish speech, taking him to be an escaped lunatic. They were reassured after he threw his knife away and realised that he was speaking half-English, half-German. They gave him food and brandy and some clothing and were then able to gain information about the wreck. Some of the men took him to Rivernook, a nearby guest house owned by John Evans, where he was cared for. Stansmore and Dickson rode off to try and summon help. Others went down to the site of the wreck. Messages for rescuing the rest of the crew were sent both to Port Campbell for the rocket rescue crew and to Warrnambool for the lifeboat. The S.S. Casino sailed from Portland towards the scene. After travelling the 25 miles to the scene, half of the Port Campbell rocket crew and equipment arrived and set up the rocket tripod on the beach below the cliffs. By this time the crew of the Fiji had been clinging to the jib-boom for almost 15 hours, calling frantically for help. Mr Tregear from the Rocket Crew fired the line. The light line broke and the rocket was carried away. A second line was successfully fired across the ship and made fast. The anxious sailors then attempted to come ashore along the line but, with as many as five at a time, the line sagged considerably and some were washed off. Others, nearly exhausted, had to then make their way through masses of seaweed and were often smothered by waves. Only 14 of the 24 who had remained on the ship made it to shore. Many onlookers on the beach took it in turns to go into the surf and drag half-drowned seamen to safety. These rescuers included Bill (William James) Robe, Edwin Vinge, Hugh Cameron, Fenelon Mott, Arthur Wilkinson and Peter Carmody. (Peter Carmody was also involved in the rescue of men from the Newfield.) Arthur Wilkinson, a 29 year old land selector, swam out to the aid of one of the ship’s crewmen, a carpenter named John Plunken. Plunken was attempting to swim from the Fiji to the shore. Two or three times both men almost reached the shore but were washed back to the wreck. A line was thrown to them and they were both hauled aboard. It was thought that Wilkinson struck his head on the anchor before s they were brought up. He remained unconscious. The carpenter survived this ordeal but Wilkinson later died and his body was washed up the next day. It was 26 year old Bill Robe who hauled out the last man, the captain, who had become tangled in the kelp. The wreck of the Fiji was smashed apart within 20 minutes of the captain being brought ashore, and it settled in about 6m of water. Of the 26 men on the Fiji, 11 in total lost their lives. The remains of 7 bodies were washed onto the beach and their coffins were made from timbers from the wrecked Fiji. They were buried on the cliff top above the wreck. The survivors were warmed by fires on the beach then taken to Rivernook and cared for over the next few days. Funds were raised by local communities soon after the wreck in aid of the sufferers of the Fiji disaster. Captain Vickers was severely reprimanded for his mishandling of the ship. His Masters Certificate was suspended for 12 months. At the time there was also a great deal of public criticism at the slow and disorganised rescue attempt to save those on board. The important canvas ‘breech buoy’ or ‘bucket chair’ and the heavy line from the Rocket Rescue was in the half of the rocket outfit that didn’t make it in time for the rescue: they had been delayed at the Gellibrand River ferry. Communications to Warrnambool were down so the call for help didn’t get through on time and the two or three boats that had been notified of the wreck failed to reach it in time. Much looting occurred of the cargo that washed up on the shore, with nearly every visitor leaving the beach with bulky pockets. One looter was caught with a small load of red and white rubber balls, which were duly confiscated and he was ‘detained’ for 14 days. Essence of peppermint mysteriously turned up in many settlers homes. Sailcloth was salvaged and used for horse rugs and tent flies. Soon after the wreck “Fiji tobacco” was being advertised around Victoria. A Customs officer, trying to prevent some of the looting, was assaulted by looters and thrown over a steep cliff. He managed to cling to a bush lower down until rescued. In 1894 some coiled fencing wire was salvaged from the wreck. Hundreds of coils are still strewn over the site of the wreck, encrusted and solidified. The hull is broken but the vessel’s iron ribs can be seen along with some of the cargo of concrete and pig iron. Captain Vickers presented Bill Robe with his silver-cased pocket watch, the only possession that he still had, as a token for having saved his life and the lives of some of the crew. (The pocket watch came with 2 winding keys, one to wind it and one to change the hands.) Years later Bill passed the watch to his brother-in-law Gib (Gilbert) Hulands as payment of a debt and it has been passed down the family to Gilbert Hulands’ grandson, John Hulands. Seaman Julius Gebauhr later gave his knife, in its hand crafted leather sheath, to F. J. Stansmore for caring for him when he came ashore. The knife handle had a personal inscription on it. A marble headstone on the 200m high cliffs overlooking Wreck Beach, west of Moonlight Head, paying tribute to the men who lost their lives when Fiji ran aground. The scene of the wreck is marked by the anchor from the Fiji, erected by Warrnambool skin divers in 1967. Amongst the artefacts salvaged from the Fiji are china miniature animals, limbs from small china dolls, rubber balls, a slate pencil, a glass bottle, sample of rope from the distress rocket and a candlestick holder. These items are now part of the Fiji collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, along with Captain Vickers’ pocket watch and Julius Gebauhr’s sheath knife. Flagstaff Hill’s Fiji collection is of historical significance at a State level because of its association with the wreck Fiji, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S259. The Fiji is archaeologically significant as the wreck of a typical 19th century international sailing ship with cargo. It is educationally and recreationally significant as one of Victoria's most spectacular historic shipwreck dive sites with structural features and remains of the cargo evident. It also represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The Fiji collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history. Black and White Photograph of the ship "Fiji" taken from Wreck Creek. warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, shipwrecked artefact, pocket watch, fob watch fiji, william vickers, william robe, bill robe, gebauhr, stansmore, carmody, wreck bay, moonlight head, fiji shipwreck 1891, port campbell rocket crew, wreck bay victoria -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph
Part of collection donated to the Museum by Mr. Bernard Grayden. 1975Postcard showing bridge across creek leading to The Shell Tea Rooms.The Shell Tea rooms, Cowes, Phillip Island. Valentine Series M4845local history, documents, postcards, tea rooms, cowes, phillip island, sepia postcard, the shell tea rooms, bernard grayden