Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The interiors including the ballroom were created soon after the building's opening. The Victorian Heritage Register citation notes that the extravagant single storey State Ballroom occupies the entire south wing. The slide is significant as it represents the decoration and furnishings of the State Ball Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the entrance to the State Ballroom."South Yarra Government House Ballroom J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, ballrooms -- melbourne (vic.), john t collins

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The interiors including the ballroom were created soon after the building's opening. The Victorian Heritage Register citation notes that the extravagant single storey State Ballroom occupies the entire south wing. The slide is significant as it represents the decoration of the State Ball Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the coffered ceiling of the State Ballroom."South Yarra Government House Ballroom J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, ballrooms -- melbourne (vic.), john t collins

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The interiors including the ballroom were created soon after the building's opening. The Victorian Heritage Register citation notes that the extravagant single storey State Ballroom occupies the entire south wing. The slide is significant as it represents the decoration of the State Ball Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the State Ballroom."South Yarra Government House Ballroom J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, ballrooms -- melbourne (vic.), john t collins

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The State Drawing Room is part of the 'State Apartments' which also includes the State Hall, State Ballroom, State Dining Room and the Billiard Room.The slide is significant as it represents the ceiling decoration of the State Drawing Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the ceiling of the Drawing Room."South Yarra Government House Ceiling Drawing Room J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, john t collins, state drawing room (melbourne)

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The State Ballroom is part of the 'State Apartments' which also includes the State Hall, State Drawing Room, State Dining Room and the Billiard Room.The slide is significant as it represents the ceiling decoration of the State Drawing Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the throne in the State Ballroom."South Yarra Government House Throne J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, ballrooms -- melbourne (vic.), john t collins

Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The slide is significant as it represents the ceiling decoration of the State Drawing Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the exterior of the tower."South Yarra Government House Tower J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, john t collins

On the 23rd of March, 1992, the Parliamentary Bowling Club was launched simultaneously with the launch of National Arthritis Week. The event was held at Government House, Victoria. In this photo, an unidentified  man demonstrates some bowling techniques to an unidentified woman.Black and white photo of a man and a woman. He is holding a bowling ball in his hands, and they are both looking down at it.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, national arthritis week, naw, parliamentary bowling club, lawn bowls, government house victoria, 1992

On the 23rd of March, 1992, the Parliamentary Bowling Club was launched simultaneously with the launch of National Arthritis Week. The event was held at Government House, Victoria. This photo depicts Olympic swimmer, Toby Haenen, crouching down to bowl.Black and white photo of a man crouching down as he bowls. Behind him, there is a large tree, a rack of blazer jackets, and a house. In the distance, there is a multi-story building.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, national arthritis week, naw, parliamentary bowling club, lawn bowls, government house victoria, toby haenen, australian olympic swimmer, 1992

On the 23rd of March, 1992, the Parliamentary Bowling Club was launched simultaneously with the launch of National Arthritis Week. The event was held at Government House, Victoria. This photo depicts Minister for Health, Maureen Lyster MP, and an unidentified man getting ready to bowl.Black and white photo of a man and a woman standing outdoors, each holding a small bowling ball.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, national arthritis week, naw, parliamentary bowling club, lawn bowls, government house victoria, maureen lyster, mp, minister for health, 1992

On the 23rd of March, 1992, the Parliamentary Bowling Club was launched simultaneously with the launch of National Arthritis Week. The event was held at Government House, Victoria. In this photo, Maureen Lyster MP, the Minister for Health, stands on the steps of Government House during the official proceedings.Black and white photo of a woman standing on the veranda of a house. There is a hand-painted and stained glass door behind her.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, national arthritis week, naw, parliamentary bowling club, lawn bowls, government house victoria, maureen lyster, mp, minister for health, 1992

On the 23rd of March, 1992, the Parliamentary Bowling Club was launched simultaneously with the launch of National Arthritis Week. The event was held at Government House, Victoria. In this photo, Minister for Health, Maureen Lyster MP, and an unidentified woman are joining in a game of bowls. There are some other people in the background, including Olympic swimmer, Toby Haenen.Black and white photo of two women, with a small group of people behind them. One woman has her hands up around her head, appearing surprised, while the other woman is looking ahead in the distance.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, national arthritis week, naw, parliamentary bowling club, lawn bowls, government house victoria, maureen lyster, mp, minister for health, toby haenen, australian olympic swimmer, 1992

On the 23rd of March, 1992, the Parliamentary Bowling Club was launched simultaneously with the launch of National Arthritis Week. The event was held at Government House, Victoria. In this photo, Minister for Health, Maureen Lyster MP, and an unidentified woman are watching the game of lawn bowls. There are several people behind them, including Australian swimmers, Toby Haenen and Hamish Cameron.Black and white photo of two women, with a small group of people behind them. One woman has her arm around the other woman's shoulder, and is pointin to something in the distance.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, national arthritis week, naw, parliamentary bowling club, lawn bowls, government house victoria, maureen lyster, mp, minister for health, toby haenen, australian olympic swimmer, hamish cameron, australian swimmer, 1992

On the 23rd of March, 1992, the Parliamentary Bowling Club was launched simultaneously with the launch of National Arthritis Week. The event was held at Government House, Victoria. This photo depicts Minister for Health, Maureen Lyster MP, crouching down as she bowls in her stockinged feet. This photo appears on the cover (page 1) of the Vol 5 No 2, Winter 1992 issue of the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria's quarterly magazine, Arthritis Update. It also appears on page 4 of the same issue, accompanying an article titled, "Arthritis Week success". The photo is captioned: "Victorian Health Minister, Maureen Lyster, launched National Arthritis Week by sending down the first bowl on the Parliament House bowling greens. In the background are Ron Anstee from ANZ Bank, Jan Dimmick, AFV volunteer, and swimmers Toby Haenen (1973-) and Hamish Cameron."Black and white photo of a woman crouching down as she bowls in her stockinged feet. There are four people standing behind her.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, national arthritis week, naw, parliamentary bowling club, lawn bowls, government house victoria, maureen lyster, mp, minister for health, ron anstee, anz bank, jan dimmick, volunteer member, toby haenen, australian olympic swimmer, hamish cameron, australian swimmer, 1992

This program was given to John Kerr Barnes OAM whose name appears on Page 8 of the awards for "Service to Veterans". Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks awards. Cat No 8045P for photo of presentation.Program paper 18 pages, all print in blue, rear cover is blank. Front cover has Coat of Arms at the top followed by details of the Presentation of Australian Honours and Awards, pages detail the type of awards, who to and why. The last two pages are re invite to light refershments in the State Apartments and Official photographs of each person."INVESTITURE at Government House Melbourne on Thursday 4th May 1995 for the presentation of Australian Honours and Awards by H.E. the Honorable Richard. E. McGarvie, A.C. Govenor of Victoria" brsl, smirsl, oam

Victorian Mounted Rifles contingent for Queen Victoria Jubilee 1897.Victorian Mounted Rifles at Government House, Victoria

Association for the Blind President John Wicking receives his Member of the Order of Australia medal from the Governor General of Victoria, Sir Henry Winneke.B/W photograph of John Wicking receiving his award at Government House (Victoria)john wicking, sir henry winneke, association for the blind

On the 8th of March 2002, fifteen Arthritis Victoria volunteers, staff, and special guests attended Seniors Week at Government House. In this photo, a group of AV members and their families pose for a photo in front of the State Chair in the State Ballroom at Government House. A cropped version of the photo appears on page 3 of the Vol 15 Issue 02, Winter 2002 edition of the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria's quarterly magazine, Update. It is captioned: "Seniors Week at Government House Back L to R: Robert Munro, Michael Macdonald, Ed Courtenay, Sonja Krawatt, Rose Ahrens, Maisie Scott, Fiona Bainbridge Front L to R: Jacqueline De Roach, Ann Houben, Barbara Hope, Pat Courtenay, Des Custerson, Rae Johnson, Doreen McConnell, Sal Prain".Colour photo of a large group of people posing for a photo in front of a blue velvet dais with a blue and gold throne. In the background, there is a blue velvet curtain upon which hangs a plaque depicting a crown and the text "E II R".[Handwritten in black ink, in the top right corner] 3 [circled] [On a yellow sticky note, handwritten in black ink] SENIORS WEEK 2002 at Government House BACK L-R: Robert Munro, Michael MacDonald, Ed Courtenay, Sonja Krawalt, Rose Ahrens, Maisie Scott, Fiona Bainbridge FRONT L-R: Jacqueline De Roach, Ann Houben, Barbara Hope, Pat Courtenay, Des Custerson, Rae Johnson, Doreen McConnell, Sal Prain [On a MOVE-branded sticky note, handwritten in black ink] UPDATE WINTER 2002 page 3arthritis victoria, av, seniors week, government house victoria, state chair, state ballroom, robert munro, michael macdonald, ed courtenay, sonja krawatt, rose ahrens, maisie scott, fiona bainbridge, jacqueline de roach, ann houben, barbara hope, pat courtenay, des custerson, rae johnson, doreen mcconnell, sal prain, update, 2002

On the 8th of March 2002, fifteen Arthritis Victoria volunteers, staff, and special guests attended Seniors Week at Government House. In this photo, three Arthritis Victoria members pose for a photo outside Government House. A cropped version of the photo appears on page 2 of the Vol 15 Issue 02, Winter 2002 edition of the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria's quarterly magazine, Update. It is captioned: "L to R: Sonja Krawatt, Sal Prain and Doreen McConnell at Government House in Seniors Week".Colour photo of three women standing outside a large building. They are holding cups and saucers or a glass. In the background, there is a crowd of people mingling amongst themselves and two musicians are playing their instruments.[Handwritten in black ink, in the top right corner] 1 [circled] [On a yellow sticky note, handwritten in black ink] Photos used in UPDATE (p3) WINTER 2002 L-R: Sonja Krawalt, Sal Prain & Doreen McConnell at GOVNT HOUSE SENIORS WEEKarthritis victoria, av, seniors week, government house victoria, sonja krawatt, sal prain, doreen mcconnell, musicians, musical entertainment, update, 2002

On the 8th of March 2002, fifteen Arthritis Victoria members and volunteers, staff, and special guests attended Seniors Week at Government House. In this photo, two attendees from Arthritis Victoria pose for a photo outside Government House with the Minister for Senior Victorians and Consumer Affairs, Christine Campbell MP. A cropped version of the photo appears on page 3 of the Vol 15 Issue 02, Winter 2002 edition of the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria's quarterly magazine, Update. It is captioned: L to R: Michael Macdonald, Grandparent of the Year Barbara Hope and Christine Campbell MP, Minister for Senior Victorians and Consumer Affairs".COL photo of three people posing for a photo outside a large building. A few other people are standing in the background.[Handwritten in black ink, in the top right corner] 1 [circled] [On a yellow sticky note, handwritten in black ink] UPDATE WINTER 2002 (p3) L-R: Michael MacDonald, GPOTY Barbara Hope & Christine Campbell MP Minister for Senior Victorians & Consumer Affairsarthritis victoria, av, seniors week, government house victoria, michael macdonald, barbara hope, grandparent of the year, christine campbell mp, minister for senior victorians and consumer affairs, update, 2002

John Wicking and Arthur Wilkins smile at each other in the grounds of Government House (Victoria) after receiving their medals. This image looks to be taken from either information material produced by AFB or media reporting of the event.B/W photograph of John Wicking and Arthur Wilkins smiling after receiving their Australia Day medals.Mr John Wicking and Mr Arthur Wilkins at Government House after receiving their Australia Day Awards. Mr Wicking was made a Member of the Order of Australia and Mr Wilkins was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.john wicking, arthur wilkins, association for the blind

John Wicking and Arthur Wilkins smile for the camera outside Government House (Victoria), after receiving their awards. Mr Wicking was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the welfare of handicapped persons, whilst Mr Wilkins was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the welfare of visually handicapped persons. B/W photograph of President John Wicking and Arthur Wilkins with their medals.john wicking, arthur wilkins, association for the blind

The Kew Historical Society collection includes almost 100 subdivision plans pertaining to suburbs of the City of Melbourne. Most of these are of Kew, Kew East or Studley Park, although a smaller number are plans of Camberwell, Deepdene, Balwyn and Hawthorn. It is believed that the majority of the plans were gifted to the Society by persons connected with the real estate firm - J. R. Mathers and McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, Kew. The Plans in the collection are rarely in pristine form, being working plans on which the agent would write notes and record lots sold and the prices of these. The subdivision plans are historically significant examples of the growth of urban Melbourne from the beginning of the 20th Century up until the 1980s. A number of the plans are double-sided and often include a photograph on the reverse. A number of the latter are by noted photographers such as J.E. Barnes.The Doona Estate subdivision of 1929 created 11 new allotments bordered by Glenferrie Road, Stonnington Place, Cross and Church Streets. On the right of the plan, the location of ‘State Govt. House’ is noted. Stonnington was to be maintained as Victoria’s Government House until 1931, two years after the Doona Estate subdivision was released.subdivision plans - toorak, doona estate

Letter written to Peter Ellis from Charles Curwen, CVO, OBE. Office of the Governor Victoria. Dated 8 March 2012. Mr Peter Nicolaus Ellis, OAM 3 Flora Lane Bendigo Vic 3550. Dear Mr Ellis I write to invite you to attend an Investiture at Government House on the morning of Friday 20 April, 2012 when the Governor, the Honourable Alex Chernov, AC, QC, will be very pleased to present you with your award. Notes for your guidance concerning time of arrival, the attendance of relatives and friends, and dress, are enclosed, together with four Entrée cards for yourself and three guests. Would you kindly reply on the enclosed form by Thursday 5 April, 2012. If you are unable to be present on this occasion, the Governor will be glad to invite you to attend the next Investiture which will be held later this year. Yours sincerely Charles Curwen Official Secretary Encl.6 Enquiries: Anna Rischitelli or Wendy Heintz Tel. (+61 3) 9655 4211 Office of the Governor Government House Melbourne Victoria 3004 Australia T +61 3 9655 4211 F +61 3 9650 9050 www.governor.vic.gov.auperson, individual, peter ellis oam

Page of a photo album (Cat.No. 01588) about the life of Legatee Donovan Joynt. This page featured two photos and a caption. 01592.1 is of Donovan Joynt and Captain Mick Moon, whilst 01592.2 is photograph taken in the 1940s when they were considerably younger. The note identifies the men in 01592.2 as follows: "Lord Somers, Governor of Victoria (17.7.1939/20.2.1945) at State Government House: Lord Somers with Victoria Cross Winners. Rear row: Joynt, Dunstan, Rodgers, Ingram, Peeler, McNamara, Moon. Front Row: Jacka, Smyth, Somers, Lord Stonehaven (host), Ruthven, Smith."Part of the collection of material held by Melbourne Legacy on Legatee Joynt, a prominent Australian.Black and white photo x 2 featuring L/ Joynt and a typed note originally stuck in a photo album together.Extensive notes on the back of the photograph of Lord Somers with VC winners in blue and black biro identifying the men. Rear Row: Joynt, Dunstan, Rodgers, Ingram, Peeler, McNamara, Moon. Front row: Jacka, Smyth, Somers, Lord Stonehaven (host), Ruthven, Smith.donovan joynt, governor of victoria

This publication covers the mid 1900s and relates to a period where the majority of the Australian population was engrossed with the Queen of Australia, even though her Highness did not reside on this continent. The period covered was before the great immigration insurgence from Europe.The Labour Party's "White Australian" policy was a hinderance and a barrier towards the Asian and African prospective immigrants. The motto Queen and Country was still very ingrained in the rural population. This period in Australian domestic self reliance, brought about the growing strength and very active trade union movement and their staunch support for the Tariff protection against a growing swell of imported goods. This self reliance psyche was essentially a by product of World War II, and the isolation felt by the Australian People. The Queen (royalty) was the binding force holding the British Empire together which was emphasised with her popularity when touring Australia Queen Elizabeth's visited the MCG twice in 1954 1. to attend an assembly of ex-servicemen and women's organisations 2. to attend a Children's Display. She also visited Government House and visited Country Victoria on the Royal train from 24th Feb - 9th March.The Kiewa Valley and all the rural areas in the region were still very much tied to the "mother land" and trade between Britain and Australia was very strong. Trade with Asian manufacturers was minimal and needed the late 1900s to see both the trade and immigration barriers fall. This book was produced during a time when the majority of Australians looked more to England for trade and companionship. The agricultural trade with England and Europe was very high and the motto of the time was "Australia grows on the sheep's back". Late 1900's saw the motto "Australia grows on the miner's back" The Queen was still very popular then which was emphasised by the large crowds which greeted her on tour. Residents of Mt Beauty including Cubs, Brownies, Scouts and Guides travelled to Benalla to see the Queen. Clare Roper was a founding member of the KVHS and attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace representing the local CWA. She has purchased this book and therefore giving this a close historical significance connection, it has good provenance and interpretive capacity. This hard(blue coloured) covered book contains thirty six double sided pages. Both the first and last pages (inside cover included) has the royal crest of Australia (kangaroo and emu) balancing the individual six states crests ,united under the royal crown. The first six double pages, each portraying a coloured free hand sketches of various Australian scenery enclosing the Queen's day by day and State by State itinerary. There are 115 black and white photographs and 25 coloured photographs contained in this book.Third page has free hand penned signature "Clare Roper"1954 royal tour, queen elizabeth ii monarchy, british empire in the 1900s, god save the queen.

Princes Bridge Centenary pylons under construction Possibly taken from Young and Jacksons Hotel (formerly Princes Bridge Hotel) on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets, Flinders Street Station’s clocks and main entrance dominate, along with its distinctive copper dome and decorative façade. The time on the main clock is 1.40pm, and the sign underneath, reflecting Melbourne’s upcoming Centenary reads, “We must accommodate our Centenary visitors! Citizens! Do your share by taking paying guests.” At left is the original Princes Bridge Station, today the site of Federation Square. The riverside tram terminus advertises a Café/Tobacconist/Refreshment Room selling cigars & cigarettes, fountain drinks & confectionery, and in smaller text: “Leave your boot repairs here”. Nearly everyone is dressed in dark suits, coats and hats. The footpaths are wide and there are no traffic lights. The roadway stretches towards the Shrine of Remembrance, not yet dedicated but very dominant on the skyline. Government House is clearly visible across the wide parkland that would come to be known as Kings Domain and that is an area of deep importance to the people of the Eastern Kulin. Originally, Birrarung was part of a network of swamps and lagoons linked to the course of the river. From 1896, Public Works Department engineer Carlo Catani, oversaw a new channel to straighten the river and the swamps and lagoons were filled with spoil from the channel works. From the same vantage point today, only the top of the tower of Government House would be visible. The photo captures the pylons along Princes Bridge, mid-construction and being installed to mark Melbourne’s Centenary. The pylons were not without controversy. Both The Argus and The Age bemoaned them for being “made almost entirely of imported softwood timber”, denying work to native hardwood timber workers and sawmillers, and leading visitors to think Australia did not have its own exceptional native hardwoods. The pylons were also variously described in their incomplete state, as unimaginative and resembling an oilfield. Published: The Age 5 September 1934 Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Louise McKenzie Photographer notations on slide: "Pylons + St Kilda Rd C57" Published: Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), Wednesday 5 September 1934, page 11 Published title: DECORATIONS -- THEN AND NOW. Published caption: "Although not completed yet, some impression of the effect of the decorations on Princes-bridge may be obtained from the first picture which shows the majestic sweep of St Kilda road with the Shrine of Remembrance and Government House dominating the horizon. The area to the left of St. Kilda-road and in front of Government House is portion of the area which it is proposed to call the King's Domain, which extends to Domain-road and Anderson-street..." Description: East-facing, elevated view of Flinders Street Station and Princes Bridge, featuring partially completed pylons erected for Melbourne's Centenary celebrations. The Shrine of Remembrance and Government House can be seen in the distance. In the foreground are trams, cars and trucks, pedestrians, Batman Avenue tram terminus and refreshment rooms. Signage on Flinders Street Station encourages citizens to accommodate Centenary visitors. The Melbourne Centenary was held 1934-35 in celebration John Batman's proclamation that Melbourne "the place for a village". Centenary events included a visit by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. A Centenary Cake measuring 50 feet in height and ten tons in weight was cut into 250,000 pieces and sold at 1 shilling per piece for charity. Spectacular floodlighting of city landmarks, the creation of the Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden, and the MacRobertson Air Race from London, were other notable activities. Research by project volunteer, Louise McKenzie: The photo in The Age collage of 5 September 1934 has a slightly cropped foreground. The original photo has been taken from an elevated vantage point, most probably the roof of the Nicholas Building on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets. The right foreground is dominated by the main “clocks” entrance to Flinders Street Station, showing its distinctive copper dome and decorative façade. The time on the main clock is 1.40 pm. The main sign on the front of the Station reads, "We Must Accommodate our Centenary Visitors! Citizens! Do your share by taking paying guests. Write to The Official Centenary Accommodation Bureau, 436 Collins St. City. Tel M 4671”. Another sign at eye level at the main entrance says: “Cheap Trips on Sundays”. The sign on the end of the roof along the eastern side of the station reads, “The Babies Need Your Help! Support Broadmeadows Foundling Hospital Appeal. July and August”. Run by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, St Joseph’s Foundling Hospital was a purpose built infants’ home for up to 300 babies, plus accommodation for expectant mothers, mainly single women. In the early 1930s, the department (Victorian Children’s Welfare Department) contracted St Joseph’s Foundling Hospital to care for an additional 60 infant state wards, and up to 175 non wards at any given time. In 1931 it also operated a mothercraft training school. The centre foreground shows the commencement of Princes Bridge. Beneath the left side of the bridge was the site of the original Princes Bridge Station, by this time incorporated into Flinders Street Station, and today the area is the site of Federation Square. It was linked to Flinders Street station by the railway tracks that ran underneath the northern approach to the bridge. This photo shows a tram terminus which has a Café/Tobacconist/Refreshment Room, selling cigars & cigarettes, fountain drinks & confectionary, and a sign: Leave your boot repairs here. In the foreground is a wide roadway running south/north, comprising two vehicle lanes each heading north/south, and a central section containing two sets of tram tracks. There are cars, buses and delivery vans on the roadway. The trams visible are Glen Iris (Route No. 6; tram no. 448), Toorak (Route No. 8, tram no. 333), ? (No. 7), ? (No. 1), and ? (No. 2A). The footpaths are extremely wide. There is a square newspaper/magazine stand on the eastern side footpath. And also a “Ferry” sign. There are no traffic lights, but a policeman is visible on the roadway. There are pedestrians – men, women, children, a porter with trolley, women with prams. Clothing comprises dark suits, coats and hats for nearly everyone. There are double headed “Collins Street” lights along the side of the roadway, and along the northern riverbank. The roadway in the foreground is an extension of Swanston Street, which becomes Princes Bridge, then St Kilda Road, stretching towards the Shrine of Remembrance, and diverting past it. The Shrine had not yet been officially dedicated, and looks very white and dominant on the skyline. On the LHS of St Kilda Road, Government House is clearly visible across the wide parkland to be known as Kings Domain. The Kings Domain area is important to the people of the Eastern Kulin nation, and also has historical importance for its association with the early settlement of Melbourne and the foundation of British colonial administration in Victoria. On the southern side of the Yarra River (Birrarung) an historic rowing boathouse is visible, located adjacent to the Alexandra Gardens. Originally Birrarung was part of a network of swamps and lagoons linked to the course of the river. From 1896, under the guidance of engineer Carlo Catani* a new channel to straighten the river was created and the swamps and lagoons were filled with spoil from the channel works. The gardens were then created and completed in time for a Royal visit by the Duke of York in May 1901. The gardens are named after Alexandra of Denmark, the wife of King Edward VII. Both these areas, plus the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Shrine of Remembrance Reserve, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Government House, and the Queen Victoria Gardens together form the Domain Parklands. The extent of the subsequent plantings is evident today, where from the same vantage point only the top of the tower of Government House would be visible. *Catani was born in Florence in 1852, but after arriving in Melbourne worked as a civil engineer for the Victorian Government. His last major project was the reclamation of the foreshore of St Kilda, envisaged in the style of a European resort, complete with a split level esplanade, bathing pavilions, dance halls, amusements and a French-Italian style of landscape complete with palms. The gardens at the end of Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, now bear his name. The historic boathouse visible across the Yarra is another glimpse into Melbourne’s past. “Boathouse Row” comprises 7 amateur rowing clubs, the first established in 1859 (Melbourne University Boat Club). Other Clubs were Richmond, Melbourne, Banks, Melbourne Grammar School, Yarra Yarra and Mercantile. South of the river and west of the bridge is an area today developed into the Melbourne arts precinct of Hamer Hall and the Arts Centre. But at this time it was the home of Wirths Olympia Circus, which comprised Wirths Pleasure Park (an amusement park), a 5,000 seat auditorium – Hippodrome, a roller skating rink, a glaciarium, a cinema, and the Green Mill Dance Hall. Dog shows were also held at Olympia. The Green Mill Dance Hall closed in 1950, and the remainder of the Wirth buildings on site were destroyed by fire in December 1953. The feature of the photo is the pylons erected along Princes Bridge to mark Melbourne’s Centenary in 1934. The sixteen plastered pylons were designed by Roy Prentice, the second person to qualify as an architect at The University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Architecture degree, in 1933, aged 27. Simon Reeves in his article marking the 100th birthday of Roy Prentice on 20 June 2006 reports that the State Electricity Commission sponsored this work, and the Argus reported that “… the pylons were “illuminated from within to give the effect of soft radiance”. Australia Home Beautiful 1 Oct 1934 reports in a very detailed and comprehensive article: The 10 taller pylons, including flagpole, were 48 ft, with a base of 8 ft. Timber-framed and faced with fibrous plaster and galvanised sheet iron, each structure was securely bolted to a concrete foundation three feet in depth. Panels of glass let into the shaft of each pylon were indirectly lit by 40, 100 watt lamps, and the upper bank of internal lamps were dyed so as to flood the panels with a deep red light. The decorative painted shields and flagpoles/pennants were illuminated by three 200 watt projectors concealed in the roof of each pylon, and were part of an electric night light decoration scheme involving 28 miles of wire to supply more than 20,000 lights. An article in the Argus on 18 October 1934 provided minute detail of the lighting erected in Melbourne for the Centenary, converting it “… into a coloured fairyland by night.” The estimated cost of 10 pounds per hour the lights were on. The display included 800 standard light poles 30 feet high which were tiered with electric bulbs concealed in inverted cones, 138 specially designed “Venetian poles” draped in flags trophies and streamers. The streets included in the electric night light decoration scheme were Bourke Street from Spring to William, the entire length of Collins Street, Flinders Street from Elizabeth to Spring, Lonsdale Street from Elizabeth to Swanston, Swanston and Elizabeth Streets from Flinders to Lonsdale, and parts of Springs and Spencer Streets. Together with the Princes Bridge pylons, approximately 28 miles of wire was required to supply power to the more than 20,000 lights. And that is just in the city of Melbourne. It was estimated the same amount of lighting was duplicated among other local councils. The pylons were not without controversy. The Argus on 28 August 1934 in an article headed “Imported Timber in Pylons” reported that the Princes Bridge pylons are “made almost entirely of imported softwood timber”, and have therefore denied work to native hardwood timber workers and sawmillers. The same day the Melbourne Age ran a similar story, bemoaning the fact that foreign oregon had been used which may lead tourists to think Australia did not have its own exceptional native hardwoods. A Camberwell City Councillor described the pylons as unimaginative, and the Herald reported that skeletons of pylons for the Centenary decorations in their present form led the area to resemble an oilfield! The Yarra River and Princes Bridge have long been a focal point of Melbourne life. In the early days of European settlement in Melbourne a rope-hauled punt carried people across the Yarra River. A surge in population and increased shipping traffic created a need for a bridge. There was difficulty in agreeing on a suitable site for the bridge (options were crossing at Elizabeth, Swanston, Queen or Market Streets), but the NSW Government favoured Swanston Street and the Melbourne Town Council decided on a temporary bridge across the Yarra spanning from the foot of Swanston Street. This first bridge was a single span timber toll bridge designed by Scottish born bridge designer David Lennox, and completed in 1845. It was 120 feet long, had a roadway of 17 feet wide, and a footpath on one side of 4 feet. It was leased to the Melbourne Bridge Company in the name of Robert A Balbirnie. The tollhouse was on the north side of the river and the toll keeper, Patrick Doherty, was credited with saving nine lives during the four years he was in charge of the toll station. The second bridge was stone (completed 1850), and named Prince’s Bridge after the HRH Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. It was designed with an elliptical single arc and an exceedingly small rise in proportion to the span. However, this design created an obstacle for flood waters, and together with Melbourne’s increasing population it was quickly apparent that a new bridge was required. At its opening on 15 November 1850 coincided with the imminent declaration of Victoria as a separate colony, it provided a moment of great celebration for Melbournians and “The opening ceremony was described as the grandest processional display witnessed in the colony.” (ToMelbourne.com.au) Princes Bridge in its present form, as depicted in this photograph, was designed by Jenkins, D’Ebro and Grainger, and constructed in 1886-88 by David Munro. John Grainger (father of Australian composer Percy Grainger) did the majority of the design work for the bridge. The structure was to have three arches each 96 feet wide measured across the river, and the banks on both sides were raised to allow more space for floodwater to flow. St Kilda Road was originally many feet below the current level. The bridge is of architectural significance for its substantial size, giant half columns, extensive use of wrought and cast iron, decorative elements (cast-iron lamps) and the skilled stonemasonry in the construction of the abutments and piers. Its main design features are similar to those of Blackfriars Bridge in London (1870). The bluestones were quarried from Footscray, the Malmsbury stones were from quarries at Kyneton, and the granite from Harcourt. The cost was met by the State of Victoria, City of Melbourne, and six out of seven of its municipalities, and their coats of arms feature on the bridge. The building of the bridge reflected the boom period of Melbourne, including the Victorian gold rush 1851- late 1860s, and its contractor, David Munro, was also responsible for the construction of Queens Bridge and Sandridge Railway Bridge. The Centenary pylons are no longer in place, but today this intersection still plays a major part in Melbourne’s daily life: people still meet “under the clocks” at Flinders Street station, and the route in and out of the city along St Kilda Road is often a feature of parades such as Moomba, the Grand Final Parade, and of course the Anzac Day Parade which commences at the Princes Bridge intersection and finishes at the Shrine of Remembrance. There are many tram routes, which cross the Bridge, and it directs pedestrians towards the Arts Precinct, the various components of Domain Park, plus the Southbank restaurant and rowing precincts. Even though this is a street scene, it feels very intimate; the viewer is instantly immersed in the activity of a Melbourne afternoon, looking down St Kilda Road from a viewpoint near today’s Federation Square. References: DECORATIONS -- THEN AND NOW. (1934, September 5). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205880269 'Flinders Street railway station', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flinders_Street_railway_station 'St Joseph’s Foundling Hospital (1901-75)', Finding Records, Department of Health and Human Services, State of Victoria, https://www.findingrecords.dhhs.vic.gov.au/collectionresultspage/St-JosephsFoundling-Hospital-Babies-Home#departmental-administration 'Alexandra Gardens', City of Melbourne, https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/parks-open-spaces/major-parks-gardens/Pages/alexandra-gardens.aspx 'Wirths Circus', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wirth's_Circus 'Roy Prentice: Centenary Architect', Built Heritage Pty Ltd, Simon Reeves, https://www.builtheritage.com.au/downloads/prentice.pdf 'Princes Bridge', Heritage Council Victoria, https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/817 PORT PHILLIP. (1846, April 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12886251 'Edward VII', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VII 'Princes Bridge', ToMelbourne.com, https://tomelbourne.com.au/princes-bridge/ 'Princes Bridge', eMelbourne, https://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM01189b.htm 'Princes Bridge', Australia for everyone, http://australiaforeveryone.com.au/files/melbourne/princes-bridge.html 'Victorian gold rush', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_gold_rush IMPORTED TIMBER IN PYLONS (1934, August 28). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 9. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10952507 Princes-Bridge Pylons. (1934, August 28). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205532235 Pylons Appear Near Princes Bridge (1934, August 18). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243104375 PRINCES-BRIDGE PYLONS. (1934, September 20). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205873535 28 Miles of Wire (1934, October 18). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 1 (The Junior Argus). Retrieved September 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10977836 'Historical references for Boathouse Row, Melbourne', http://boathouserowmelbourne.com.au/history/ 'ITALIAN DELEGATION TO HONOUR CARLO CATANI, DESIGNER OF THE ST KILDA FORESHORE, St Kilda Historical Society, 2001, https://web.archive.org/web/20070928061938/http://www.skhs.org.au/~SKHSarticles/articles/Carlo_Catani.html# HISTORY IN LIGHTS (1934, July 12). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243172436 'Dressing Melbourne for the Duke', The Australian home beautiful: a journal for the home builder. Vol 12 No. 10 (1 October 1934), page 21, 58. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2950922209Photographer notations on slide: "Pylons + St Kilda Rd C57".centenaries, bridges, lighting, flinders street railway station