A colour photograph of the pumping station at Steavenson Falls in Marysville in VictoriaA colour photograph of the pumping station which is situated at Steavenson Falls in Marysville in Victoria. The pumping station provides power to the floodlights which then lillumniate the falls every night between sundown and 11.00pm. The Steavenson Falls is named after the Victoria Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, John Steavenson who arrived in Victoria in the early 1860's.pumping station, steavenson falls, marysville, victoria, flood lights, john steavenson

ORIGINAL SEPIA PHOTOGRAPH OF LARGE GROUP OF PEOPLE AT A FUNCTION IN A WOODEN HALL FLOOD LIGHTS AND DECORATED WITH LEAVES AND UNION JACK.local history, photography, photographs, events and celebrations

After the damage from the February 1971 floods at Orbost when the abutment to the Snowy River road bridge was washed away a Bailey bridge, portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge, was put into place to ensure town access, the C.R.B. rebuilt the approach to the bridge driving new piles and constructing the Bailey bridge. They worked late into the night under flood lights to ensure the link from the Orbost township to the Princes Freeway would be open to traffic as soon as possible.These photographs are pictorial records of a significant event in the history of Orbost.Three black / white photographs of a Bailey bridge being erected across a river. 3245.1 and 3245.2 are the same. bailey-bridge orbost-snowy-river-bridge bridge-orbost

The gasworks in Anstruther St, allowed the streets of Echuca to be lit at night, therefore improving the safety of the citizens of the town. The gasworks were operational for many year providing cooking and lighting facilities to houses as well as to the streets. This picture shows the height of the flood in either 1906 or 1916? The Senior Citizens Club now stands on the site. The Central Kindergarten and Echuca Primary School are also nearby.This postcard is significant because it shows the height of the floods before the town levee banks had been built. It also shows the need for flood proofing the town. It also shows the size of the gasworks in the early 20th Century. The Senior Citizens Club is currently built on this site.A rectangular black and white postcard showing the gasworks in Anstruther Street, during a high flood, in either 1906 or 1916. The gasworks site is now the site of the Senior Citizens Club. A picket fence surrounds the gasworks and there are two men rowing a row boat passed the works in the flood water.On the front of the postcard in white hand writing are written the words 'Flood Water - Echuca.' On the back of the postcard the following words are printed. "W.Grimwood. Echuca. POST CARD. Correspondence. Address Only. Kodak Australia." Handwritten in pen are the words "Old Gasworks Anstruther Street. Now site Senior Citizens Club" Handwritten in pencil are the words "1906 or 1916"echuca gasworks., anstruther street, flooding, 1916, 1906, street lights, pullicino, j

Central Deborah Gold Mine history: At its peak, Central Deborah Gold Mine reached a depth of 412 metres. It has 17 separate levels and 15 kilometres of drives and cross cuts (tunnels). The Central Deborah was very much a hands-on mine and the conditions that the miners worked in would be considered shocking by today's standards – being lowered underground in a cage with only two sides, often working ankle to knee deep in water, filling up to 32 ore trucks a shift by hand which were then pushed a mile or more along rails in the drives, working by carbide lamp, breathing in the fumes and rock dust and communication by bells. Geez, they were ironmen. However, at the time working conditions were considered to be among the best on the goldfields at Central Deborah, after all it was one of the only mines that had hot showers. Following Central Deborah Gold Mine's closure, the Bendigo skyline began to noticeably change. Obvious remnants of mining such as poppet heads, engine rooms, service quarters, battery houses and chimneys were steadily disappearing. After intense lobbying by the local community, the Bendigo City Council purchased the still very much intact Central Deborah Gold Mine in 1970 for a mere $6,000 to ensure that a vital link to Bendigo's historic golden past was maintained. The Bendigo Trust was then formed to oversee the operations of the Central Deborah Gold Mine, which led to the surface of the mine being opened to the public in 1971. Initially the surface was open for just 12 hours a week and as the demand for viewing a part of Bendigo's history increased, so did the opening hours. In 1974 the mine was gazetted as a Public Historical Purposes Reserve and attracted such visitors as H.R.H Prince Charles. By far the greatest shortcoming at this stage was that no one could view the underground workings, as these had become flooded. After what could only be described as a monumental effort by everyone involved, Level 2 of the mine was officially opened to the public by the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable John Cain, on 20 June 1986, which brought to fruition a long standing dream.Black and white photograph. Two men with hard hats and lights, inspecting quartz outcrop on wall of drive at Central Deborah Gold Mine.gold mining, central deborah gold mine, ray beer, mine manager

Central Deborah Gold Mine history: At its peak, Central Deborah Gold Mine reached a depth of 412 metres. It has 17 separate levels and 15 kilometres of drives and cross cuts (tunnels). The Central Deborah was very much a hands-on mine and the conditions that the miners worked in would be considered shocking by today's standards – being lowered underground in a cage with only two sides, often working ankle to knee deep in water, filling up to 32 ore trucks a shift by hand which were then pushed a mile or more along rails in the drives, working by carbide lamp, breathing in the fumes and rock dust and communication by bells. Geez, they were ironmen. However, at the time working conditions were considered to be among the best on the goldfields at Central Deborah, after all it was one of the only mines that had hot showers. Following Central Deborah Gold Mine's closure, the Bendigo skyline began to noticeably change. Obvious remnants of mining such as poppet heads, engine rooms, service quarters, battery houses and chimneys were steadily disappearing. After intense lobbying by the local community, the Bendigo City Council purchased the still very much intact Central Deborah Gold Mine in 1970 for a mere $6,000 to ensure that a vital link to Bendigo's historic golden past was maintained. The Bendigo Trust was then formed to oversee the operations of the Central Deborah Gold Mine, which led to the surface of the mine being opened to the public in 1971. Initially the surface was open for just 12 hours a week and as the demand for viewing a part of Bendigo's history increased, so did the opening hours. In 1974 the mine was gazetted as a Public Historical Purposes Reserve and attracted such visitors as H.R.H Prince Charles. By far the greatest shortcoming at this stage was that no one could view the underground workings, as these had become flooded. After what could only be described as a monumental effort by everyone involved, Level 2 of the mine was officially opened to the public by the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable John Cain, on 20 June 1986, which brought to fruition a long standing dream.Black and white photograph. Two men with hard hats and lights standing in front of underground rock surface at Central Deborah Gold Mine. Paul Maker on left hand side of image is operating a small rock drill. John Jeffrey on right hand side is observing the procedure. gold mining, central deborah gold mine, rock drill, underground

Photograph: Fitting lights at the Tom Flood Sports Centre Bendigo On Rear: 21/6/93 PH/TC Lights at sports centre, Steve DeAraugo and Shane Rutledge remove the old lights from the tower frames.recreations, sports, cycling, bendigo advertiser

The Ellenborough mine was located on Snob's Hill in Eaglehawk, near Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. It was a notable mine operating on the New Chum line of reef in the Eaglehawk District. The Ellenborough Mine was the first mine in the world to use electricity to light above and underground. On 12th October 1882, the installation of the lighting system was completed by the Australian Electric Light Company. 'The whole of the levels and back have been lighted so that candles have been dispensed with ....the engine house, blacksmith''s shop and brace are also lighted at night' (Bendigo Advertiser, 13th October, 1882). 'The electricity is generated in an ordinary electric battery placed in the engine-house, and driven by a three horse power " Soho" engine. This engine is supplied with steam by a pipe leading from the steam pipe used to supply the air-compressor. It can be driven at full power with a pressure of 351bs of steam, with the engine wheel moving at the rate of 220 revolutions per minute; the battery wheel makes 850 revolutions. The plant occupies very little space. The battery is a to-light machine; that is, it can supply sufficient electricity for 35 lights. Whether there is only one light burning or 35, there is no necessity to alter the machine or the speed, and there is no danger of one light becoming too powerful because all the rest are put out. There is no danger, as many people suppose, in taking hold of the wires, even if uncovered, for the engineer last evening plainly demonstrated that where the shock was greatest it was very mild, and could hardly be felt'.Handwritten copy of a report in the Bendigo Advertiser 24/5/1907. ''Serious break in Water Main which is situated about 100 yards south of the mine. Main service pipe which supplies Harvey town has been leaking for some time past. Water soaking through old surface workings into the Belmont and Saxby shaft where it rose 60 feet and filled two x-cuts, one out west 208 ft, and the other out east about 45 ft. Ellenborough began baling on Sunday 26th May, and it will take many days before work can be resumed. The mine was only working one shift and no men were underground at time of in rush''. Document from Albert Richardson Collection of mining history.document, gold, drainage problems, ellenborough flooded, bendigo advertiser, 27/5/1907, harveytown, belmont & saxby, ellenborough, albert richardson, electricity

Published: The Age 10 December 1934 Published title: RELIGIOUS PAGEANTRY AND FERVOR MARKED CLOSE OF EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS. Published caption: Thousands of men and women marched in the Eucharistic procession yesterday which brought the Congress to a close. The picture above shows the procession headed by the Children of Mary in Bourke-street and turning into Spring-street, in front of Parlia ment House. Right (top) — The procession leaving the starting point at St. Patrick's Cathedral and below, the Papal Legate carrying the Host under a canopy borne by a guard of laymen and preceded by white-clad girls scattering rose leaves, incense bearers and the Papal Chamberlains in their Spanish uniforms. The end of the procession in front of Mount St. Evin’s Hospital from which the final benediction was given by Cardi nal MacRory from an altar on the bal cony. The Papal Legate carrying the Host is passing through the assemblage of surpliced priests. On the left is an aerial picture taken just as the Children of Mary at the head of the procession are taking up their places for the final assembling. In the left top corner of the picture is St Patrick's Cathedral, from which the procession started, and in the right lower corner is Mount St. Evin’s Hospital. The space immediately in front of the hospital was reserved for the processionists while on either side is the crowd that assembled to take part in the final service. Trove article identifier: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205067634 Religious pageantry and fervour The National Eucharistic Congress took place from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 December 1934. An initiative of the Roman Catholic Church, it was their contribution to Melbourne’s Centenary Celebrations. 200,000 Catholics resided in Melbourne at this time – one quarter of the city’s population. While the Congress was aimed at Catholics, and acted as an opportunity to reinforce their living faith and homage, it contained a variety of events of splendour, solemnity and significance designed to appeal to Melbournians, and would additionally provide incentive for people to travel to Victoria, thereby creating an economic benefit to the state. The Procession of the Blessed Sacrament concluded the week-long Congress. Commencing at St Patrick’s Cathedral, it covered a two-mile route via Gisborne, Collins, Elizabeth and Bourke streets, then to Victoria Parade, where a final benediction was pronounced by Cardinal MacRory from the balcony of Mount St. Evin’s Hospital (today the site of St Vincent’s Private Hospital). An estimated 100,000 took part. Onlookers line Swanston Street, some standing at the entrance to Tate’s Tea House – a well-known Melbourne landmark located in the basement of the Manchester Unity Building. The white-veiled Children of Mary Sodalists strew rose petals in the path of the canopy, covering the jewelled Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament of consecrated Host (bread) and carried by the Cardinal. Church hierarchy in scarlet robes walk alongside, followed by incense bearers, the Papal Chamberlains in their Spanish uniforms, and a guard of honour of laymen of the city and country parishes. In the foreground is a tiered pole. This is one of 800 “Venetian Lights” specifically installed for the Centenary along all principal thoroughfares. “The poles are painted white, the superstructure resembling three trumpet lilies are made of durable fibro-cement, and their colour scheme deepens from clear yellow on the top cone to orange on the lowest, with slender rims of vermilion and white. Each cone is flooded with light externally from three lamps concealed in the one below it. There is also a painted coat of arms from which spring a trophy of flags.” – Australian Home Beautiful Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Louise McKenzie. Research by project volunteer, Louise McKenzie: This photo was taken on Sunday 9 December 1934, looking from the Melbourne Town Hall (corner of Swanston and Collins streets) across the road to the Manchester Unity Building. This is the afternoon procession concluding the Catholic Church’s National Eucharistic Congress in Melbourne - a procession of the Blessed Eucharist through the Melbourne city. It commenced at St Patrick’s Cathedral, and covered a two mile route via Gisborne, Collins, Elizabeth and Bourke streets, then to Victoria Parade where a final benediction was pronounced by the Cardinal from the balcony of Mount St. Evin’s Hospital (present day St Vincent’s Private Hospital). An estimated 100,000 took part in the march. The people lining the streets a men in suits and hats, women in coats and hats, and children in their “Sunday best”, kneeling beside the road, many with their hands clasped in front of them. The small girls ahead of the canopy covering the Host are pale-blue clad, white veiled Children of Mary Sodalists, who strew rose petals to pave the way of the Cardinal carrying the jewelled Monstrance (Blessed Sacrament of consecrated Host (bread)), together with church heirarchy wearing scarlet robes. Behind came incense bearers and the Papal Chamberlains in their Spanish uniforms, followed by a guard of honour of laymen of the city and country parishes. The Children of Mary Sodalities was a religious body which aimed at fostering in its members an ardent devotion, reverence, and filial love towards the Blessed Virgin Mary, initially embracing the pupils and orphans of the schools and institutions of the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul. In 1847, Blessed Pius IX affiliated them to the Jesuit Roman Sodality. They were distinguished by a medal suspended from a blue ribbon, and once a fully-fledged a Child of Mary wore a distinctive blue cape. On the extreme right foreground of the photo can be seen an intriguing piece of artistic design – a tiered pole. This is one of the 800 “Venetian Lights” specifically installed for Melbourne’s Centenary along all principal thoroughfares. “The poles are painted white, the superstructure resembling three trumpet lilies are made of durable fibro-cement, and their colour scheme deepens from clear yellow on the top cone to orange on the lowest, with slender rims of vermilion and white. Each cone is flooded with light externally from three lamps concealed in the one below it. There is also a painted coat of arms from which spring a trophy of flags.” Note the sign for Tates Tea House - a well-known Melbourne landmark, located in the basement of the Manchester Unity Building. References: RELIGIOUS PAGEANTRY AND FERVOR MARKED CLOSE OF EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS. (1934, December 10). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205067634 Eucharistic Congress (1934, December 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 11. Retrieved January 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10997817 National Eucharistic Congress, Melbourne. (1934, December 6). The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942), p. 28. Retrieved January 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104371824 'The year of the Melbourne Eucharistic Congress: 1934.' The Campion Society, https://campion.australiancardijninstitute.org/ch-7-the-year-of-the-melbourne-eucharistic-congress-1934/ 'Melbourne Eucharistic Congress 1934.' Panoramic photograph, https://emhs.org.au/catalogue/emdf0123 The National Eucharistic Congress, Melbourne, Australia December 2nd-9th, 1934. Edited by Rev. J.M. Murphy and Rev. F. Moynihan, The Advocate Press, Melbourne. 'Children of Mary Sodalists', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodality_of_Our_Lady 'Dressing Melbourne for the Duke' (1934, October 1). The Australian home beautiful : a journal for the home builder, p. 21, 58. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2950922209 Photographer notations on slide: "Eucharistic Congress Procession on Swanston St B61" [sic - actually Collins Street].events, religion, parades, catholic church

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

Princes Bridge Centenary pylons complete Even though this is a street scene, it feels very intimate; we are instantly immersed in the activity of a Melbourne afternoon, looking down St Kilda Road from a viewpoint near today’s Federation Square. The focus is on the Centenary Pylons, erected on 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 in 1933, and aged just 27. The State Electricity Commission sponsored the work and The Argus reported that the pylons were “illuminated from within to give the effect of soft radiance”. Australia Home Beautiful reported that the taller pylons were 48 feet high. Timber-framed and faced with fibrous plaster and galvanised sheet iron, each structure was bolted to a concrete foundation three feet in depth. Panels of glass were indirectly lit by forty 100 watt lamps, and the upper bank of lamps were dyed so as to flood them with a deep red light. The shields and flagpoles were illuminated by three 200 watt concealed projectors, part of an electric night light decoration scheme involving 28 miles of wire to supply more than 20,000 lights. Melbourne was converted into “a coloured fairyland by night”. 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: "View looking along St Kilda Road C57" Published: (1934, September 5). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 11. Published title: DECORATIONS -- THEN AND NOW. Published caption: "The second picture shows one of the Princes-bridge pylons completed..." Trove article identifier: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205880269 Research by project volunteer, Louise McKenzie: Even though this is a street scene, it feels very intimate; we are instantly immersed in the activity of a Melbourne afternoon, looking down St Kilda Road from a viewpoint near today’s Federation Square. The focus is on the Centenary Pylons, erected on 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 in 1933, and aged just 27. The State Electricity Commission sponsored the work and The Argus reported that the pylons were “illuminated from within to give the effect of soft radiance”. Australia Home Beautiful reported that the taller pylons were 48 feet high. Timber-framed and faced with fibrous plaster and galvanised sheet iron, each structure was bolted to a concrete foundation three feet in depth. Panels of glass were indirectly lit by forty 100 watt lamps, and the upper bank of lamps were dyed so as to flood them with a deep red light. The shields and flagpoles were illuminated by three 200 watt concealed projectors, part of an electric night light decoration scheme involving 28 miles of wire to supply more than 20,000 lights. Melbourne was converted into “a coloured fairyland by night”. 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 '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-2950922209 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-article10977836Photographer notations on slide: "View looking along St Kilda Road C57".centenaries, 1930-1939, bridges