Joseph Henry Abbott founded the business in 1853 with a store that supplied everyday essential items to those seeking their fortune on the goldfields. The timing and choice of store ensured that he would become a prominent part of the Bendigo business scene. Abbott's next venture was to establish the New Times Boot Market & Factory in Pall Mall, Sandhurst. In 1867, his wife took over running the shop which was located next to the Bendigo Arcade near Williamson Street. In 1876, the leather business of T Baulderstone was purchased, and operations were further expanded later by the acquisition of the Edinburgh Tannery at Sheepwash Creek, and The Edinburgh Leather & Grindery warehouse in Bull Street, Sandhurst. In 1889, Joseph Abbott passed all interests in the business to his son, who shared the same name, in partnership with an adopted son, Richard Hartley Smith Abbott. The business continued trading under the name J H Abbott & Co.F. Collins and Co. Wholesale Price List 1903; Sporting Equipment/Wear. 4 pageshistory, bendigo, abbott collection

Saddle, Fault, and Spur reefs are the main types, found in Ordovician slates and sandstones folded into anticlines and synclines. Major Productive Reefs: Hustlers, Garden Gully, Paddy's Gully, Sheepshead, New Chum, Nell Gwynne, and Carshalton.Mining Process: Gold is found in quartz lodes, extracted, crushed, and separated using mercury amalgamation. From 1851–1949, over 21 million ounces of gold were produced, valued at approximately £323 million (1964 prices). Located Bendigo is in central Victoria, north of the Dividing Range, between Campaspe Valley and Loddon flats; 100 miles from Melbourne. The City area is 8,030 acres; population around 40,000 (city), 47,000 (district).Climate is temperate, with average rainfall of 20 inches, and 320 sunny days per year. Gold First discovered in 1851 at Golden Square. Bendigo Became a municipal district in 1855, a town in 1861, a city in 1871, and changed its name from Sandhurst to Bendigo in 1891. Key Events: Establishment of hospital, police court, churches, schools, and infrastructure like railways and water supply.Governance and Civic Structure. Council Structure: 3 wards, each with 3 councillors serving 3-year terms; mayor elected by councillors. Main revenue from rates and property; principal duties include public works, health, parks, and enforcement of by-laws. Major Projects: Olympic swimming pool, market extensions, park improvements, road and drainage works.Economy and IndustryCommerce: 730 retail shops, 260 factories, and a major livestock market.Principal Industries: Meat processing, manufacturing (including ordnance, textiles, engineering), fruit and food processing, and egg production. Bendigo is Noted for sheep, lamb, fruit (especially tomatoes and apples), and dairy. Major rail and road hub with connections across Victoria and to New South Wales; tram and bus services.Education: Institute of Technology, Teachers College, multiple secondary and primary schools, and special education facilities. Several hospitals, aged care homes, and health services. 486 acres of parks and gardens, extensive sports facilities, and Lake Eppalock for water sports. Wide range of community, cultural, and sporting organizations. Regional library, art gallery, music and drama societies. Notable Figures and HeritageGeorge Lansell: Known as the "Gold King," a key figure in Bendigo's mining history. Transformation: From a sheep run to a major goldfield and then to a modern city with significant infrastructure and cultural assets. Motto Coat of Arms: Features symbols representing gold mining, agriculture, pioneering, and fruit growing.Motto: "Progress" in gold on a purple ribbon.Bendigo's history is marked by rapid growth from gold discovery, strong civic development, and a diverse economy, making it a significant regional center in Victoria.History Notes - Information on Mining, statistics and early development of Bendigo - author unknown This item contains the following document: 11217.65a Twelve Foolscap typed pages with information on Bendigonon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, development of bendigo