Gold Diggers around a tent with soldiers weighing gold.gold, gold license, goldfield, turon, tents

Gold was discovered in Victoria c1850 and people came from all over the world to seek their fortune at Ballarat and Bendigo and surrounding gold fields. This large wooden rocking- box or cradle was used by gold prospectors. A handle on the rocker is pushed back and forth, as the miner put gravel into the top part and finer and heavier particles dropped through a screen, helped along by buckets of water. The bottom part of the device had slats, that caught the heavier metals. After many shovel loads of gravel were pushed through the rocker, the miner would then use his gold pan to sort out the heavy minerals to find gold. Most of the pioneer settlers in Moorabbin Shire left the area to try their luck at gold mining and there was a desperate shortage of workers to maintain the market gardens and supply food to the ever increasing population of Melbourne.This gold prospector's 'cradle' is hand made and typical of those used by many hopeful Moorabbin Shire pioneers as they abandoned their market gardens to try their luck at finding gold in the Ballarat and Bendigo minefields c1850This gold miner's rocker is very old, and very well-used. It is a large wooden rocking- box or cradle used by gold prospectors. A handle on the rocker is pushed back and forth, as gravel is put in the top part of the box so that finer and heavier particles drop through a screen.. The bottom part of the device had slats, that caught the heavier metals. i.e gold particles. The water passed through the shute at the base back into the creek or river.moorabbin, brighton, market gardens, pioneers, early settlers, fruit, vegetable, ballarat, bendigo, gold mining, gold prospedtors, gold rush, were j. b., irish immigrants, chinese immigrants, gold panning, gold digger

The sketch was made by A.C. MacDonald, F.R.G.S. and presented to James Oddie, who was one of the earliest gold diggers at Ballarat..1) Reproduction of a line sketch plan of the Ballarat goldfield as it was on 11 October 1851 as drawn by A.C. MacDonald, and recopied by C.M. Yelland. The dots indicate appoximate extent of the Ballarat Goldfield in 1851. The dot and dash line indicates approximate area covered with tents. .2) Includes an indication of the locality of the Township of Baallarat West in 1867. Verso of cat. No. 4296.2, and written by Keith Rash - "On 10th October 1851, 1,300 licenses had been issued. 30th October 1851 2246 licenses. Lieut. Gov. LaTobe letter to Earl Grey." james oddie, a c macdonald, gold commissioner, mcleod, alfred clark, kavanagh, willis, highett, yarrowee river, a.c. macdonald, ballarat goldfield, ballaarat goldfield, lamda, c.m. yelland

From 1851 the Victorian government required all men on Victorian Goldfields to carry a Gold License. The fee was one pound per month, and was payable in advance. There was agitation surrounding the gold license which was thought to be an excessive fee and did not give the bearer right to representation. On 03 December 1854 the gold diggers on the Eureka Lead fought a short battle against the army and police troopers. A few months later a new system of taxing gold diggers was introduced - the Miner's Right.The Victorian Gold Licence was issued from 1851 until early 1855. Every man on a Victorian goldfield had to carry a valid gold license, so few survived the harsh treatment of being carried around a working goldfield. There was much dissatisfaction about what was thought to be an unfair mining tax (or gold license). On 29 November 1854 Ballarat miners burnt their licenses on Bakery Hill. On 3 December 1854 the Eureka Stockade Battle took place, resulting in the Goldfields Commission. The first Miner's Right was issued in late June 1855, and in July the first Local Courts were elected by miner's right holders. The two Fitnall Gold Licenses are important because they were issued on either side of the Eureka Stockade, and are in very good condition. The Gold Licenses were donated to the Ballarat School of Mines by John Wilson in 1921. Two gold licenses issued by the Colony of Victoria. The licenses are printed onto blue paper with a Colony of Victoria logo at the top. The licenses were issued on either side of the historic Eureka Stockade in Ballarat East which took place on 03 December 1854. .1) No 219 - Made out to [H?] Fithall on 16 April 1854 and signed by Commissioner R.C. Mackenzie. The license was valid until 31 July 1854. .2) No. 214 - Made out to [H?] Fithall on 1 May 1854 and signed by Commissioner J. Johnston. The license was valid until 15 May 1855.On the backing card "Given to the School of Mines, October 6 1921, by John Wilson Errard Street, Ballarat."mining, gold license, gold licence, mining license, mining licence, mackenzie, johnston, fitnall, gold commissioner, eureka

Taken in the 1990's, this photograph depicts a row of shop fronts in the 'Street of Shops' exhibition in the Burke Museum in Beechworth. This exhibition was created and opened in 1979 and was intended to reflect and imitate a historic peirod in the town's past. The time period decpicted is that of the Gold Rush which swept through many Victorian towns from the 1850's onwards. For the town of Beechworth, the gold rush began in 1852, when gold was discovered in Spring Creek, drawing in many new residents seeking to make a fortune and transforming a once remote town into a bustling centre brimming with hope and opportunity. By 1857, the town contained over 200,000 residents and with this, the need for more amenities and intsitutions arose. Multiple churches, banks, schools, shops, hospitals and other essential buildings appearing over the years. The wealth acquired through the gold rush is largely responsible for the vast development of the town and many of its significant buildings which still remain to this day. This photograph also highlights the significance of this type of exhibition, providing a new mode of experiencing and learning about the past. The street depicts the many supporting trades and industries that arose from the mass migration during the gold rush. The creation of the Street of Shops in 1979 was envisioned by Roy Harvey who was the curator at the time, with the intention of recreating an authentic feel to the environment while collecting from the community to accurately portray the multiculturalism that is ingrainded in many towns and communities of Victoria. This photograph contains historical significance as it relates to and portrays an especially important period of time within Beechworth and Victoria's history. The gold rush phenomena ushered in a wave of hope and prosperity for citizens and immigrants alike. It provided many with the opportunity to strike it rich, while the town prospered and grew in many ways. This widespread development that accompanied the gold rush occured throughout Victoria and holds great historical importance when recording the social, economic and communal developments that occured throughout the time period which gave way to the beloved towns and communities we know today. Beechworth itself is acknowledged as Victoria's best-preserved gold mining town and deserves recognition of its significance. it also showcases the great significance of social develpment and globalization that occured throughout the state during this period. Coloured rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper and unmounted. Obverse: Dancing every night 8pm-6am [mirror] / Gold Diggers Arms Hotel façade / Star / Beechworth Gold / J. Davidson / Saloon Reverse: 3306 beechworth, burke museum, street of shops, gold rush, indigo shire gold rush, 1850s beechworth, burke museum exhibitions, saloon, gold buyer, hotel, historical streetscape, gold rush immigration

One of the first large goldfield meetings was at Castlemaine in 1851. After the extraordinary success of the Mt Alexander Diggings the Government issued a proclamation, raising the licence fee from thirty shillings to three pounds. As soon as these intentions became known a public meeting of miners was held. For miles around work ceased, with diggers travelling as far as Bendigo to attend the meeting. It is estimated that around 18,000 people attended the meeting. The notes with the engraving state The trees in this locality are chiefly Stringybark; some of them are peeled of their covering, as many persons prefer erecting bark huts to living in a comfortless tent. The various groups, and costumes of the men, are characteristic of our gold digging community. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Colour lithograph of a meeting of diggers at a meeting in Mt Alexander. The meeting was the result of goldfields agitations against the license fee. lower centre "Great Meeting of Gold Diggers Dec 15th 1851" lower left side "Drawn By D. Tulloch" lower right side "Engraved by Thomas Ham"art, artwork, ham, thomas ham, tulloch, castlemaine, goldfields agitation, printmaking, edition, coloured lithograph, david tulloch, gold pan, shovel, wheelbarrow, waggon, bark hut, ring barked tree, gold mining

The 1853 Bendigo Goldfields Petition, containing names of Gold Diggers and other residents, to his Excellency Charles Joseph La Trobe Esq Lieutenant Governor of the Colony of Victoria with their grievances regarding license fees & other matters.gold, goldfields, mining licences, history-australia-victoria-bendigo-gold miners.

From 1851 the Victorian government required all men on Victorian Goldfields to carry a Gold License. The fee was one pound per month, and was payable in advance. There was agitation surrounding the gold license which was thought to be an excessive fee and did not give the bearer right to representation. On 03 December 1854 the gold diggers on the Eureka Lead fought a short battle against the army and police troopers. A few months later a new system of taxing gold diggers was introduced - the Miner's Right. The Gold License c allowed the bearer to 'dig, search for, and remove gold on and from any Crown Lands' within the district specified on the license. The license was not transferable, and had to be produced on demand. This has resulted in most surviving licenses showing evidence of having been folded and kept in a pocket.The Victorian Gold Licence was issued from 1851 until early 1855. Every man on a Victorian goldfield had to carry a valid gold license, so few survived the harsh treatment of being carried around a working goldfield. There was much dissatisfaction about what was thought to be an unfair mining tax (or gold license). On 29 November 1854 Ballarat miners burnt their licenses on Bakery Hill. On 3 December 1854 the Eureka Stockade Battle took place, resulting in the Goldfields Commission. The first Miner's Right was issued in late June 1855, and in July the first Local Courts were elected by miner's right holders. This gold license was issued around one year after the issue of the first Victorian gold license in August 1851, making it a rare early survivor. This fold lines on this Gold License are evidence of being carried around by the bearer. A original Victorian paper gold license glued onto on old card poster. The original colour of the paper was pale blue. The license has undergone conservation treatment and has been removed from the card.'231', '9 Nov 1852', [name illegible], 'Lod dist [Loddon District?], [Commissioner illegible - probably M. Cohn]gold license, gold licence, mining, cohn, eureka

Man, probably a gold-miner, boiling a billy at a camp fire in front of a log and slab hut in the bush. Unknown dateThis photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg Print 9 x 12.5 cmshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, christmas hills, cottage, hut, billy, campfire, log hut, slab hut, bush, digger, gold miner

Diggers & Mining: The gold licence. The Government Camp. Slide: or gold. Diggers Licensing, Ballarat. Shows many tents in background, in front are diggers and police, some men in top hats. Markings: 11 994.LIF. 4 Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

Large white poster with blue image depicting a gold digger burning a gold license and a member of the military in from of the Eureka Flag and a painting of the Eureka battle. The poster is an advertisement for the Victorian Goldfield towns such as Ballarat , Bendigo, St Arnaud, Ararat, Stawell, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. eureka stockade, poster, digger, redcoat

The photograph printed on this postcard comes from the collection of the Mitchell Library in Sydney. It is sepia in tone and depicts seven men standing and sitting around a mine shaft in the Beechworth region. The photograph has been dated to approximately 1872. This period in history post-dates the Victorian gold rushes which occurred 1852-1853 in Ballarat, Bendigo and Beechworth. During this period, in the 1870s, the surface alluvial gold had been discovered and removed from location. Therefore, in order to reach the deeper and less accessible alluvial gold, diggers began to dig shafts into the earth. These shafts sunk below the ground level by 20 to 30 feet and required timber structures around the entrance and winches to bring the paydirt to the top. The top of this wooden structure is visible behind the man standing in the upper right of the image. This type of mining was highly dangerous as mines often caved in which injured the minors and often resulted in death. Thus, following this period, in the early 1900s, miners opted instead for hydrolic slucing which cut away the earth without the devastating consequences of a mine cave in. This particular group of miners appear to have been unable to afford a horse (then worth around 50 pounds) which were generally used at mines like this to help pull buckets attached to ropes up and down the mine. Instead, this group brought the buckets up and down by windlass. The windlass was a wooden structure mounted over the mining shaft and fitted with a hand-cranked winch which enabled the bucket attached to the rope to be brought up and down.Gold was first discovered in Beechworth in Spring and Reid's Creek in the summer of 1852-1853. At its popularity, this region had approximately 8000 people on the gold fields searching for gold on the banks of these creeks. These periods did not require the use of heavy machinery or the digging of deep mining shafts like the one depicted in this image. Therefore, this image has important connotations for the technologies associated with mining during the approximated 1870s when gold was harder to access. This is a later period in gold history which does not fit into the "gold rush" period. Instead, it occurred after the surface gold had disappeared and therefore, is essential for researchers who are investigating the mining techniques and structures used to reach the alluvial gold which was located deeper under ground in the 1870s. This period predates the use of big heavy machinery used to mine in the 1900s which include dredges. Images such as this one can also impart essential information as to the wardrobe and fashion of men during this period. It also imparts knowledge about the landscape of Beechworth which is useful for people researching the environment and impact of gold mining in the north-east region of Victoria. In addition, since this image is a postcard reproduction of an early Australian image which may date to approximately 1990 it can impart knowledge as to the interests of people during this time period when there may have been an increase into Australian history.A sepia tone facsimile of an early Australian photograph (circa 1872) printed as a postcard.Obverse: BEECHWORTH / Victoria, Australia / Reverse: GM 2 3275 / CORRESPONDENCE / AUSTRALIAN / YESTERYEAR / CARDS / ADDRESS / Published by George Symons (057) 65 3240 / THE MINEHEAD C. 1872 / The easily gleaned gold of the early fields did / not last very long. In order to reach less / accessible alluvial gold diggers began sinking shafts as much as twenty to thirty feet down / and the mines required timbering and winches / to bring the paydirt to the top. / This syndicate has been unable to afford the / luxury of a horse (about 50 pounds) and so everything / must go up and down by windlass and rawhide / bucket. / Photo: Mitchell Library, Sydney / A sepia tone facsimile of / an early Australian photographmining album, gold mine, beechworth, burke museum, mine shaft, postcard, australian yesteryear cards, george symons, the minehead, gold fields, alluvial gold, early australia, c.1872, 1872, gold diggers, north east victoria

Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2000. Ravenswood: the Ravenswood homestead, Calder Highway Ravenswood was built in the 1850s for Frederick Fenton. Gold was first found on the pastoral lease known as the Ravenswood Run in 1851. This quiet valley inhabited by the Jajaworung tribe overnight was invaded by an army of gold diggers. The gold they found not only built Bendigo, but contributed greatly to the prosperity of Victoria. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Taken in the 1990’s, the photograph depicts an exhibition in Beechworth featuring a series of shop fronts or a streetscape inspired by the 1850s gold rush to Beechworth. Gold was discovered in the Beechworth area in 1852, leading to a significant rush to the area as diggers and hopeful migrants alike hoped to strike it rich. This gold rush to Beechworth, which was part of a larger and prolonged gold rush to the Victorian colony in the 1850’s, led to significant communal, social, and economic shifts in the area and the colony.This photograph contains historical and social significance, connecting with several themes such as gold mining, making regional centres, and marking significant phases of development for Victoria’s towns. The gold rush of the 1850’s was a significant historical phase for the Victorian colony that led to widespread social, economic, and communal changes as the population of the colony nearly tripled in size. The rush to Beechworth after the discovery of gold in 1852 was one of the earliest gold finds. The photograph depicts an interpretation of store fronts in Beechworth during the 1850’s following the gold rush, providing an example of the historical interpretation of the Beechworth gold rush in the 1990’s. The photograph also demonstrates the enduring importance of Beechworth’s gold rush history to the local community, who continued to demonstrate an interest in the Beechworth gold rush. Colour rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper.Obverse: DANCING EVERY NIGHT 8 P.M-6 A.M/ GOLD DIGGERS ARMS HOTEL/ STAR (illegible)/ SALOON/ EST. 1853/ BEECHWORTH GOLD (illegible)/ J. DAVIDSON/ LICENSE/ BANK OF VICTORIA/ GOLD BUYING OFFICE/ EST. 1856 (illegible) Reverse: 3306 gold rush, beechworth, exhibition, victorian colony, shops, store fronts, streetscape, saloon, gold buyer, hotel, store, bank of victoria, j. davidson

Bridgewater is a situated 39km northwest of Bendigo and 170 km from Melbourne. It was established as a crossing point over the Loddon River for gold diggers en route to the Inglewood gold diggings. As gold began to dry up in the district the town of Bridgewater developed due to its proximity to the river which it relied on for industries such as brewing, farming and market gardens. As demand on the water supply grew, the Water Works were established to ensure supply and manage the quality of the water for drinking. Decorated hand operated cast iron embosser with 40mm seal head attached. Gold and orange painted decorations extend from top edge of handle to sides of base. Original knob has been replace with a newer wooden knob. Well used showing all over signs of wear. Seal is for the Bridgewater Waterworks Trust 1927.Bridgewater Waterworks Trust 1927.loddon shire

The Old Colonists Association Minute Book records: 'James Smart presented the Association with a Gold Diggers License dated 28th January 1853, it being resolved a vote of thanks be recorded.' The headwaters of the Loddon River rise on the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range east of Daylesford. The river rises below Musk near Trentham and Lyonville from where it heads northward to Glenlyon and on to Loddon Falls. It then flows generally northward through Guildford and Newstead, 40 kilometres (25 mi) west of Bendigo, then towards the Murray River. The Upper Loddon Plains is within the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people.Gold License issued to Edwin Smart on 28 January 1853 at the Upper Loddon.gold license, edwin smart, gold mining, james smart, upper loddon

This photograph was taken during the late 1800s at the Chinese camp at Beechworth, Victoria. It was in camps such as these that many would-be gold miners made their home after arriving in Australia from across Asia. After arriving in South Australia where there was no poll-tax required of migrants as was the norm in Victoria and New South Wales, those looking to settle on the gold fields walked en mass overland for hundreds of kilometres before arriving in destinations such as Beechworth. Due to widespread prejudice against Chinese gold diggers they were forced to live separate from the town and developed enclaves much like the one depicted in the photograph. As the years progressed the Chinese camp began to construct more permanent structures and included temples of worship, shops and separate burial grounds. This photograph demonstrates the early multi-cultural aspects of Australia and Victoria during the late 1800s. It also showcases pressures and prejudices specific to the Chinese migrant community and the measures taken to separate them from the rest of the predominantly white community. It also reflects the gold-rush period and one of the first draws to Australia due to its mineral wealth. Black and white rectangular photograph developed on paperObverse: None Reverse: From the/Chinese Camp/84-80-1/1997-3221chinese camp, beechworth, houses, immigrants, gold mining, gold rush, late 1800s, chinese, asia

Diggers & Mining. Stores at the diggings. MEMS FROM THE MOUNT . . . Among the numerous novelties at the diggings are Messers. Dunolly and Fitzpatrick's machine manufacturing of aerated lemonade, gingerade, soda and carrara waters; the superior excellence of their beverages is now well established by the daily crowds of thirsty gold diggers that visit their establishment adjoining the Herald office and opposite the point office (M.M.H., February 28, 1852) Slide reads: Some enterprising men provided ''luxury'' lines for the diggers. Markings: 15 994.LIF. 5. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

Three copies of Joseph Brady's Coliban System of Water Works - A Historical Guide to Celebrate 125 Years of Water Delivery to Bendigo & Castlemaine by Coliban Water. Mentioned in the brochure is Gold & Water, The Original Coliban System of Water Works, The Coliban System Today, The Coliban Engineer - Joseph Martin Brady (1828 - 1908), Coliban System of Water Works Key Facts & Figures, The Aqua Project, Historical Guide, Coliban System of Water Works Map, photo of Joseph Brady, Photo of gold diggers and channel works.Coliban Watercivil engineering, water supply, coliban, joseph brady's coliban system of water works, coliban water, the original coliban system of water works, the coliban system today, joseph martin brady 1828 - 1908, gavan prendergast, coliban system of water works key facts & figures, the aqua project, historical guide to 125 years of water delivery to bendigo & castlemaine, map of system

This certificate has been designed and drawn by James McKain Meek, one of several produced by him to sell to local families in Warrnambool and district as a means of raising money to support his family. James Meek (1815-1899) was a fish canner, fisherman, fishmonger, storekeeper, café proprietor, explorer, gold digger, accountant, writer, librarian and above all an outstanding calligrapher. After being a pioneer settler in the Ballarat area and residing also in Port Melbourne he came to Warrnambool and lived in the area in the 1850s and 60s. He explored much of the Terang area and the Otway Ranges, speaking and writing of the great potential of the latter area. One of Meek’s calligraphy works won an award in the International Exhibition of Melbourne in 1861 and some of his works are in various art galleries and museums today. Thomas Fidler was a Warrnambool butcher who married Fanny Cockman in 1849 in London.This certificate is of great significance as one of the calligraphy works of James Meek, a 19th century resident of Warrnambool, celebrated today as a talented calligrapher. The certificate was displayed in 2015 in a James Meek exhibition at Ballarat Art Gallery. The item is also of social significance showing how the more affluent 19th century families recorded and preserved their family history. This is a certificate hand drawn by James Meek. It is a template that enables the owner to insert the details of a family tree, in this case the 19th century family of Thomas Fidler and Fanny Cockman. The certificate is in grey and black shadings with highly ornamental scrolls and patterns. The document has been produced in black ink. It has a central column with spaces for names and side tablets to include more information. The side tablets are star-shaped and the central column has attachments of various shapes – circles, rectangles etc. The base of the column has further ornamental scrolls, swirls and lacework and features sketches of three emus on one side and three kangaroos on the other side. The certificate is mounted on white cardboard. Some of the Fidler family names have been produced in printed letters and some names have been added later by a family member. ‘Th. os Fidler’s Family Register 1865’ ‘The Family Keepsake’ ‘A Present For Home’thomas fidler and fanny cockman, james meek, history of warrnambool

Diggers & Mining. The Digging - The Diggers. Slide:I can safely say, in justice to the miners, that the whole time I was a Commissioner at the goldfields, I always received the greatest civility from the men I should call gold diggers; there were plenity of ruffians loitering about the place, who gave a little slang sometimes, but there were many more disposed to respect and support authority. . . (From the book, 'What I Heard, Saw, and Did at the Australian Goldfields' by C Rudston Read. Mr Read was an Assistant Commissioner at Bendigo in 1852.) Markings: 64 994.LIF:6. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

Diggers & Mining. The Digging - The Diggers. Slide: Talks about the change of life from restraints to civilised life. Being surrounded by degrading and deteriorating influenzas. Constantly excited by aspects of their occupation, much that is repulsive and demandable. . . Commonly called open crime does not exist there to a greater extent than in towns. . . . . In all my wanderings there I never experienced conduct but courtesy and kindness.. . (From the Book, 'Notes of a Digger and Gold Digger's Guide', by James Bonwick. Published in Melbourne in 1852, this was the first printed book on the Victorian diggings.) Markings: 63 994.LIF:6. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

Diggers & Mining. Stores at the diggings. GLORIOUS NEWS!! THE LITTLE WONDER has OPENED a BRANCH STORE near the CONCERT HALL, EUREKA, with an IMMENSE STOCK of - Boots, shoes and clothes. A splendid assortment of Jewellery, watches and Clocks. A superb collection of Musical Instruments and Elegant Musical Clocks with Mechanical Figures. NOTE the ADDRESS!:- LITTLE WONDER, Poverty Point, Balaarat, near the concert Hall Eureka and at Queen's Arcade, Melbourne. Bank price given for gold. Slide reads: An advertisement from the Gold Diggers' Advocate, May 20, 1854. Markings: 17 994.LIF. 5. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

The Eltham Hotel is the oldest continually operating hotel in the Eltham district. Initially referred to as the Little Eltham Hotel, it has been known as the Eltham Hotel since the mid-1850s through to the present except for a brief period as the Eltham Tavern in the late 1980s. The original hotel opened in 1854 by Richard Warren was built by Benjamin Oliver Wallis. The Fountain of Friendship Hotel on the opposite side of Maria Street (Main Road) opened shortly after. The hotel was a well-known resting place for gold diggers during the gold rush at Woods’ Point and Warren would buy the gold from the diggers. Warren ran into financial difficulties and determined to return to England. Wallis bought the hotel in 1861 and ran it till 1886 when he sold it to Christopher Watson Snr. When Christopher Watson Snr died a year after purchase, his son Christopher took over until his death in 1909 when it passed to wife Emily and then their youngest son, Herbert James (Jim) Watson in 1915. In July 1925, Jim Watson demolished the original building and, in its place, erected a modern hotel which remains the foundation of the present-day Eltham Hotel. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p41This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, eltham hotel, main road, pitt street

In 1875, the Rocky Mountain Extended Gold Sluicing Company Ltd was created, utilising the previous Rocky Mountain claim for the area near Lake Sambell. The company employed A.L Martin to survey an area for a tunnel underneath Beechworth and Johnson Stephens to dig it. The tunnel was built at a rate of 40 feet a month and eventually measured 800 metres. The tunnel was a true accomplishment both in the present and during the 19th century. It was considered to be a marvelous engineering feat. Beechworth is renowned for its hydraulic sluice method of mining. This involved soil being exposed to torrents of water from high-pressure hoses. From 1876 until its closure in 1921, the mine produced an astounding 47,926 ozs of gold. Companies like this were the source of income for many Chinese gold-diggers who sought to make their fortune on the goldfields of Beechworth. During the height of the rush, the town had around 7,000 Chinese inhabitants living on the outskirts of town as they were not permitted to live within Beechworth itself.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portrays an open-cut sluicing site can reveal important information for society and technology for the date when the photograph was taken. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in 1910. It also shows a location where sluicing was undertaken which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This image of the Rocky Mountain mine is historically significant as the mining complex is now non-existent, with the only remains being the tunnel built in 1880 by the company, which was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the time. The image also provides a first-hand look into the social and cultural networks at play during the 19th century with racial segregation of the Chinese at the 'Chinese Camp', as well as an insight into Beechworth's origins during the Gold Rush.A sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper as a postcardReverse: Historic Beechworth / 7792.1 / ROCKY MOUNTAIN MINE / Viewed from the “Chinese Camp”, shown partly in the foreground, we see the central plant of the famous Rocky Mountain Mining Company. This extensive complex, of which nothing remains, was situated between Silver Creek and the present Lake Sambell area. The company was responsible for a tunnel cut through solid bedrock underneath the town of Beechworth and surfacing near the keystone bridge on the Wangaratta side. Completed in 1880 it was declared to be one of the greatest engineering feats in Australia. The tunnel is still basically intact today. / Series by Wooragee Graphics: Historic Beechworth. / COPYRIGHT BURKE MUSEUM / No.72 beechworth, rocky mountain mine, sluicing, gold rush, mining, gold