Taken in 1920, depicted are four people in a rowing boat on Lake Sambell, Beechworth. From left to right, it is believed that the names of the people are Eric Beard, Mrs Doris Beard, and S/L to Bert Beard. The last two figures are unknown. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape.This photograph represents the community's social use of the lake in 1920.Black and white rectangular photograph print on paper.Reverse: LAKE SAMBELL/ c 1920/ from LTOR/ 1 ERIC? - BERT'S SON/ 2 MRS DORIS BEARD/ 3 S/L TO BERT BEARD/ 4 #beechworth, lake sambell, lake sambell boating, beechworth lake, social, 1920, victoria

This photograph was taken in the 1960s at Lake Sambell Caravan Park, visible in the photograph are individual caravan sites with electricity outlets, a large single-story building, a parked car, and two caravans partially obstructed by trees. Lake Sambell Caravan Park opened in 1959 owing to the work of R.E. Carter, Beechworth Shire engineer from 1954-63. Carter advocated for improvements to the lake and surrounding area in order to encourage tourism in Beechworth. The opening of the caravan park was part of many improvements to Lake Sambell made in this period by Carter including: the swimming pool in 1961, water skiing and boating facilities, and increased lake surface in 1964. These improvements were financed mainly by grants from the Tourist Development Authority. The popularity of caravanning in Australia exploded during this post-war period of the late 1950s and 1960s. This popularity was driven by multiple factors, including: the stopping of fuel rations, the accessibility of car ownership through the manufacturing of affordable cars, technological developments in caravan design, and the increase in prosperity and leisure time for many Australians. Facilities such as electrical outlets to power caravans are present in this photograph of Lake Sambell Caravan Park. Lake Sambell is an artificial lake that was developed on the previous site of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company workings and was officially opened by Minister for Lands, Mr Baily, on October 5, 1928. The disused and unattractive remains of the mine were converted into a recreational area intended for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is named after Mr L.H. Sambell, shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee, who advocated for the enhancement of Beechworth into a tourist destination and was central to the planning and establishment of the lake. This photograph is of historic and social significance in documenting the enhancement of the Lake Sambell area overseen by R.E. Carter and providing insight into caravanning during the 1960s in Australia. Caravanning was extremely popular in Australia during the late 1950s and 60s due to multiple social and economic factors including the stopping of fuel rations, the accessibility of car ownership through the manufacturing of affordable cars, technological developments in caravan design, and the increase in prosperity and leisure time for many Australians. Black and white rectangle photograph printed on photographic paper and unmounted.Reverse: 3538/ [logo back printing KODAK/ VELOX/ PAPER] / C798lake sambell caravan park, lake sambell, lake sambell 1960s, lake sambell fishing, lake sambell boating, lake sambell swimming pool, r.e. carter, l.h. sambell, tourist development authority, caravanning 1960s, caravan electricity outlets, caravan park, forward beechworth committee, rocky mountain mining company, lake caravan park, caravan mid 20th century, beechworth tourism, travel in the 1960s, holiday 1960s

This photograph was taken in the 1960s at Lake Sambell Caravan Park and visible in the photograph are individual caravan sites with electricity outlets, a large single-story building with a caravan park banner, dirt roads, a freestanding message board, and a parked car. Lake Sambell Caravan Park opened in 1959 owing to the work of R.E. Carter, Beechworth Shire engineer from 1954-63. Carter advocated for improvements to the lake and surrounding area in order to encourage tourism in Beechworth. The opening of the caravan park was part of many improvements to Lake Sambell made in this period by Carter including: the swimming pool in 1961, water skiing and boating facilities, and increased lake surface in 1964. These improvements were financed mainly by grants from the Tourist Development Authority. The popularity of caravanning in Australia exploded during this post-war period of the late 1950s and 1960s. This popularity was driven by multiple factors, including: the stopping of fuel rations, the accessibility of car ownership through the manufacturing of affordable cars, technological developments in caravan design, and the increase in prosperity and leisure time for many Australians. Facilities such as electrical outlets to power caravans are present in this photograph of Lake Sambell Caravan Park. Lake Sambell is an artificial lake that was developed on the previous site of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company workings and was officially opened by Minister for Lands, Mr Baily, on October 5, 1928. The disused and unattractive remains of the mine were converted into a recreational area intended for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is named after Mr L.H. Sambell, shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee, who advocated for the enhancement of Beechworth into a tourist destination and was central to the planning and establishment of the lake. This photograph is of historical and social significance in providing insight into caravanning during the 1960s in Australia. Caravanning was extremely popular during the 1960s in Australia due to multiple social and economic factors including the stopping of fuel rations, the accessibility of car ownership through the manufacturing of affordable cars, technological developments in caravan design, and the increase in prosperity and leisure time for many Australians.Black and white rectangle photograph printed on photographic paper and unmounted.Reverse: 3536/ [logo back printing: KODAK/ VELOX/ PAPER] / C798 lake sambell caravan park, lake sambell, caravanning 1960s, caravan park, rocky mountain mining company, kodak velox paper, r.e. carter, l.h. sambell, caravan electricity outlets, tourist development authority, post-war prosperity, forward beechworth committee, lake sambell boating, lake sambell swimming pool, lake sambell fishing, artificial lake, travel 1960s, recreation 1960s

The photograph depicts a view across the water at Lake Sambell. The image dates from approximately 1960. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-Nineteenth Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. Residents of Beechworth have worked to raise funds to improve the Lake Sambell reserve several times, such as efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to raise the banks several feet to deepen the water for swimming purposes. Fundraising campaigns include the ‘Ugly Man’ competition conducted on behalf of the Wallace Park-Lake Sambell Development Scheme. The latter competition was run by the Fire Brigade Bend’s team as part of a larger competition called the ‘Mile of Pennies’; it was won by Mr Len Knight of Beechworth’s Commercial Hotel. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ was conducted at a Carnival held on New Year’s Eve, 1947. It was proposed by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. As well as improving swimming facilities, funds were raised to install a caravan park facility near the lake. Funds were also donated by commercial entities, such as £250 received from Zwar Bros. Pty Ltd. The photograph is significant as it shows the level of development of Beechworth in the early to mid-Twentieth Century. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperObverse: nil. Reverse: 3470 / Velox (paper mark)beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, lake, beechworth and district progress association, forward beechworth committee, ugly man, mile of pennies, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, zwar bros, zwar, l.h. sambell, j. mcconvill, minister of lands, commercial hotel, len knight, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, gold rush, redevelopment, transformation, community fundraising

The photographs in this set depict views across the water at Lake Sambell. The images date from approximately 1960. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-19th Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. Residents of Beechworth have worked to raise funds to improve the Lake Sambell reserve several times, such as efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to raise the banks several feet to deepen the water for swimming purposes. Fundraising campaigns include the ‘Ugly Man’ competition conducted on behalf of the Wallace Park-Lake Sambell Development Scheme. The latter competition was run by the Fire Brigade Bend’s team as part of a larger competition called the ‘Mile of Pennies’; it was won by Mr Len Knight of Beechworth’s Commercial Hotel. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ was conducted at a Carnival held on New Year’s Eve, 1947. It was proposed by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. As well as improving swimming facilities, funds were raised to install a caravan park facility near the lake. Funds were also donated by commercial entities, such as £250 received from Zwar Bros. Pty Ltd.The photographs are significant as they show the level of development in Beechworth in the middle of the Twentieth Century. Four sepia and black and white rectangular photographs printed on matte photographic paper. 3469.1: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-1 3469.2: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-2 3469.3: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-3 3469.4: Obverse: nil Reverse: 3469-4beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, lake, beechworth and district progress association, forward beechworth committee, ugly man, mile of pennies, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, zwar bros, zwar, l.h. sambell, j. mcconvill, minister of lands, commercial hotel, len knight, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, gold rush, redevelopment, transformation, community fundraising

This photograph was taken in the 1960s at Lake Sambell and is a view across the lake from the east side, the photo was taken during a period of improvements to the lake and surrounding area. Lake Sambell is an artificial lake that was created on the site of the old Rocky Mountain Mining Company workings and was officially opened by Minister for Lands, Mr Baily, on October 5, 1928. The disused and unattractive remains of the mine were converted into a recreational area intended for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is named after Mr L.H. Sambell, shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee, who advocated for the enhancement of Beechworth into a tourist destination and was central to the planning and establishment of the lake. Funding for the project was raised through both competition funds and donations. Since the construction in 1928 several engineering issues have arisen. In 1939 the water levels were low, and the lake was considered both an eyesore and ‘mudhole’, Beechworth Shire Council sort funding to raise the height of the lake six feet to improve the quality of water. Throughout the 1940s the Beechworth Swimming Club sort to address the structural engineering issues and improve swimming facilities at the lake. R.E. Carter, similar to L.H. Sambell, was a shire engineer who advocated the importance of positioning Beechworth as a tourist destination. Carter held the position of shire engineer from 1954-63 and organised many improvements to the Lake Sambell area including the caravan park in 1959, the lake swimming pool in 1961, water skiing and boating facilities, and increased the lake surface area in 1964. These improvements to the lake also reflect an increase in leisure time and access to travel during a period of post-war prosperity in Australia during the 1950s and 60s. This photograph is of historical significance as it documents Lake Sambell in the 1960s after a series of enhancements to the lake area to improve its appearance and usability for both the people of Beechworth and tourists. It is also of social significance in providing an insight into the increase in leisure time and access to travel during a period of post-war prosperity. Black and white rectangle photograph printed on photographic paper and unmounted.Reverse: 3534 C798lake sambell, l.h. sambell, r.e. carter, rocky mountain mining company, forward beechworth committee, beechworth swimming club, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, lake sambell caravan park, beechworth 1960s, lake sambell swimming pool, lake sambell boating, lake sambell fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, post-war prosperity, minister of lands, artificial lake, open cut sluice mine, lake

This photograph was taken in the 1960s of the Lake Sambell Swimming Pool with the lake itself in the background. The swimming pool area has multiple features including park benches, a water slide, and a fenced area with a diving pontoon for lap swimming and racing. Lake Sambell Swimming Pool was completed in 1961, driven largely by R.E. Carter, Beechworth shire engineer from 1954-63. Carter advocated for improvements to the lake and surrounding area in order to encourage tourism in Beechworth. The opening of the swimming pool was part of many improvements to Lake Sambell made during this period by Carter including establishing the caravan park in 1959, water skiing and boating facilities, and increasing the lake surface in 1964. These improvements were financed mainly by grants from the Tourist Development Authority. For many decades, members of the local Beechworth community had advocated for the development of swimming pool at the lake that would include a safe wadding area and Olympic standard lanes for laps and races. Throughout the 1940s the Beechworth Swimming Club tried to raise awareness and funds to address the structural engineering issues, raise the water levels, and improve swimming facilities at the lake. Beechworth Swimming Club hosted a swimming carnival at the lake in 1948, but it was decided due to several issues at the event, that no further carnivals would be hosted until necessary improvements were made to the area. Swimming pools, both artificial and built into natural environments, were an extremely popular public space throughout the 20th century in Australia. Increasing in accessibility and popularity through such developments as less restrictive swimming outfits during 1920s, public building works during the 1920s and 30s, and an increase in leisure time during a period of post-war prosperity. This photograph is of historical significance as it documents the newly established Lake Sambell Swimming Pool in the 1960s after many decades of discussion and proposals around creating a safe swimming area at the lake. Further, this photograph provides important social insights into the facilities and uses of this pool in the 1960s, and underlines the significant role public swimming pools have played in Australian social and recreational experiences. Black and white rectangle photograph printed on photographic paper and unmounted.Reverse: 3537 / C798lake sambell swimming pool, lake sambell water slide, water slide 1960s, lake sambell pontoon, lake sambell 1960s, lake swimming pool, lake swimming, beechworth swimming club, swimming pools in the 20th century, r.e. carter, tourist development authority, beechworth 1960s, lake water slide, lake sambell, wadding pool, swimming, swimming pool 1960s, leisure, recreation 1960s

The photograph depicts a view across the water at Lake Sambell. The image is thought to date from the 1960s so may show the lake during a period of drought, such as that experienced across South-Eastern Australia in 1967. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-Nineteenth Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. Residents of Beechworth have worked to raise funds to improve the Lake Sambell reserve several times, such as efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to raise the banks several feet to deepen the water for swimming purposes. Fundraising campaigns include the ‘Ugly Man’ competition conducted on behalf of the Wallace Park-Lake Sambell Development Scheme. The latter competition was run by the Fire Brigade Bend’s team as part of a larger competition called the ‘Mile of Pennies’; it was won by Mr Len Knight of Beechworth’s Commercial Hotel. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ was conducted at a Carnival held on New Year’s Eve, 1947. It was proposed by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. As well as improving swimming facilities, funds were raised to install a caravan park facility near the lake. Funds were also donated by commercial entities, such as £250 received from Zwar Bros. Pty Ltd.The photograph is significant as it shows Lake Sambell at lower water levels, such as may have been experienced during period of drought.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperObverse: nil Reverse: 3470beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, lake, beechworth and district progress association, forward beechworth committee, ugly man, mile of pennies, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, zwar bros, zwar, l.h. sambell, j. mcconvill, minister of lands, commercial hotel, len knight, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, gold rush, redevelopment, transformation, community fundraising, drought, 1967, 1960s

This photo was taken in the 1960s from a northeast position looking down towards Lake Sambell, the caravan park, and the surrounding area. This photo was taken during a period of rejuvenation for the lake area including the opening of the caravan park in 1959 and the swimming pool area in 1961 (this pool is just visible in the centre of the photo). The popularity of caravanning in Australia exploded during this post-war period of the late 1950s and 1960’s. This popularity was driven by multiple factors, including: the stopping of fuel rations, the accessibility of car ownership through the manufacturing of affordable cars, technological developments in caravan design, and the increase in prosperity and leisure time for many Australians. Lake Sambell is an artificial lake that was developed on the previous site of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company workings and was officially opened by Minister for Lands, Mr Baily, on October 5, 1928. The disused and unattractive remains of the mine were converted into a recreational area intended for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is named after Mr L.H. Sambell, shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee, who advocated for the enhancement of Beechworth into a tourist destination and was central to the planning and establishment of the lake. Funding for the project was raised by both competition funds and donations. Since the construction in 1928 several engineering issues have arisen. In 1939 the water levels were low, and the lake was considered both an eyesore and ‘mudhole’, Beechworth Shire Council sort funding to raise the height of the lake six feet to improve the quality of water. Throughout the 1940s the Beechworth Swimming Club tried to raise awareness and funds to address the structural engineering issues and improve swimming facilities at the lake. R.E. Carter, similar to L.H. Sambell, was a shire engineer who advocated the importance of positioning Beechworth as a tourist destination. Carter held the position from 1954-63 and organised many improvements to the Lake Sambell area including the caravan park in 1959, the lake swimming pool in 1961, water skiing and boating facilities, and increased the lake surface are in 1964. These improvements were financed mainly by grants from the Tourist Development Authority. This photograph is of historical significance as it documents Lake Sambell and the surrounding area in the 1960s after a phase of enhancements to improve the appearance and usability for both the people of Beechworth and tourists. It is also of social significance in providing an insight into the increase in leisure time and access to travel during a period of post-war prosperity.Black and white rectangle photograph printed on matte photographic paper and unmounted.Reverse: 1 / [logo KODAK/ VELOX/ PAPER] / C798 / 3535lake sambell, lake sambell caravan park, lake sambell swimming pool, caravan park, caravanning 1960s, rocky mountain mining company, l.h. sambell, r.e. carter, beechworth swimming club, forward beechworth committee, minister of lands, tourist development authority, lake swimming, swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, beechworth 1960s, lake sambell fishing, lake sambell boating

Aerial view of Lake Sambell, Beechworth with town views. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape.This photograph represents Lake Sambell with town views.Black and white reproduced rectangular photograph print on paper.Reverse: Stampbeechworth lake, lake sambell, aerial photo, construction, australian landscape, #beechworth, victoria

Taken in 1960, depicted is an aerial view of Lake Sambell and the surrounding township. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape.This photograph represents what Lake Sambell looked like in 1960.Black and white reproduced rectangular photograph print on paper.lake sambell, #beechworth, beechworth 1960s, lake, victoria, australian landscape, mining, rocky mountain mining company

Taken in 1960, depicted is the construction of Lake Sambell, looking west across the lake. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape.This photograph represents additional construction to Lake Sambell as a recreational reserve.Black and white reproduced rectangular photograph print on paper.beechworth lake, lake, lake sambell, construction, #beechworth, australian landscape, beechworth 1960s, victoria

The photograph depicts two young men standing atop a prominent outcrop at Lake Sambell, with buildings visible on the further shore. The present day park and reserve occupies the site of the former Rocky Mountain Mining Company, an open-cut sluice mine that began operations in the mid-Nineteenth Century and operated until the early 1900s, through the peak of Victoria’s Gold Rush. It was converted into a park and leisure area in the 1920s. Lake Sambell was formally opened to the public on Friday 5th October 1928 and was opened by the Victorian Government’s Minister of Lands, Mr Bailey, as part of initiatives to boost the economies and development of country towns. The lake was named after Mr L.H. Sambell, a shire engineer and secretary of the Forward Beechworth Committee who was involved in promoting the transformation of the mining site and promoting plantation forestry and tourism as alternative industries. £300 to begin the process was provided by Mr J. McConvill, a former resident of Beechworth, who is remembered in a street name adjacent to the lake. An article in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser on Saturday, 5th May, 1917, gives some insight into issues in the Rocky Mountain Mining Company’s final years. The writer details the 1917 annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Mining Company, stating that locals present appeared ‘well pleased this important local industry is in such a prosperous condition and that future prospects are so encouraging’. The author describes plans to give workers a bonus as evidence of profit-sharing that would ‘bridge the gulf between capital and labour’. The article concludes, however, with the statement that ‘there is a little arithmetical puzzle in the report in connection with the dredging operations I have been unable to solve.' The photograph is significant as it contributes to knowledge about how Beechworth reinvented itself after the Gold rush period, and more broadly how country towns repurpose and redevelop infrastructure and facilities to meet the present needs of their population. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper. Obverse: nil. Reverse: 3471 / Velox (paper mark)beechworth, beechworth lake, lake sambell, l.h. sambell, mcconvill, rocky mountain mining company, rocky mountain mining co, minister of lands, forward beechworth committee, wallace park-lake sambell development scheme, wallace park lake sambell development scheme, lake, sambell, j. mcconvill, recreation, reserve, park, transformation, repurposed, redeveloped

Roy Phillips was born in 1907 in Yackandandah and moved with his family to Beechworth when he was five years old. His father was involved in dredging operations at Lake Sambell but his parents also had other family living in Beechworth, with whom they lived. Dr Phillips tells vivid stories about life in Beechworth in the first half of the Twentieth Century, from the daily lives of young children of the time to the town's relationship to the local Chinese community. He discusses features of the landscape such as 'The Rock' at which community concerts were held and 'The Echo' (an echo-sounding point over a nearby gully) which he states are no longer used in the same way. He also discusses changing community attitudes to various issues, for example, 'not being coddled' as a child but living in a town with very strict rules about people of different religions mingling. This oral history recording was part of a project conducted by Jennifer Williams in the year 2000 to capture the everyday life and struggles in Beechworth during the twentieth century. This project involved recording seventy oral histories on cassette tapes of local Beechworth residents which were then published in a book titled: Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth century Beechworth. These cassette tapes were digitised in July 2021 with funds made available by the Friends of the Burke.Dr Roy Phillips' account of his life in Beechworth in the early part of the 20th Century is historically and socially significant to the cultural heritage of the region. He describes town life from a child's point of view during a time of transition to life after the Gold Rush era, including social tensions existing between cultural groups such as the Chinese community and European-heritage townspeople and between people of different religious groups in Beechworth. This oral history account is socially and historically significant as it is a part of a broader collection of interviews conducted by Jennifer Williams which were published in the book 'Listen to what they say: voices of twentieth-century Beechworth.' While the township of Beechworth is known for its history as a gold rush town, these accounts provide a unique insight into the day-to-day life of the town's residents during the 20th century, many of which will have now been lost if they had not been preserved.This is a digital copy of a recording that was originally captured on a cassette tape. The cassette tape is black with a horizontal white strip and is currently stored in a clear flat plastic rectangular container. It holds up 40 minutes of recordings on each side.Dr Roy Phillips /beechworth, yackandandah, wangaratta, mining, dredging, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, chinese community, typhoid, lake kerferd, reminiscences, memories, childhood, lake sambell, alcoholism, new year celebrations, transport, horses, foresters lodge, oddfellows lodge, funeral practices, child-rearing practices, star hotel, the rock, racism, chinese dragon, benevolent society, star lane coach building factory, outdoor concerts, gold, jimmy ingram, kelly gang, kelly family, churches, catholic, methodist, protestant, anglican, confuscionist, buddhism, women's christian temperance association, hotels, twentieth century, coronation of king george iv, echo point, the echo, tippany cat, marbles, children's games, cornish, cornwall, listen to what they say, oral history

Taken around 1960s, this photograph shows the banks of Lake Sambell. Lake Sambell is named after Mr. L. H. Sambell who was instrumental in the lake's formation. Lake Sambell is the original site of the open sluice operation of Rocky Mountain Mining Company in the 1800s and the early 1900s. In the early 1920s, it was reconstructed as a recreational lake and was formally opened to public on 6 October 1928. The opening event was attended by townspeople and Beechworth's Minister of Lands Mr. Bailey. In the late 1930s to early 1940s, Lake Sambell redeveloped. The first development aimed to raise the banks by six feet to double its present area and to make the water cleaner. Another redevelopment in the 1940s was made possible by the Beechworth and District Progress Association. It involved raising the banks to five feet to provide swimming facilities, paddling pool and caravan park. This photograph holds Historic significance because of its connection to the development of Beechworth district.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperObverse: Reverse: 3533 /beechworth, water scheme, water reserve, catchments, beechworth water reserve, beechworth catchments, municipal council, lakes, reserve, water supply, political projects, environmental changes, mr. l. h. sambell, sambell, rocky mountain mining company, recreational lake, minister of lands, mr. bailey, swimming pool, paddling pool, caravan park, swimming facilities, lake redevelopment, funding

Taken in the 1960s, depicted are approximately twenty-nine male and female spectators at a school swimming carnival on Lake Sambell near the caravan park. Lake Sambell is a beautiful Victorian recreation lake and urban park with a unique history. It was created in the mid-1800s by the Rocky Mountain Mining company during the gold rush era and used as a mining site until the early 1900s, which brought Europeans into the area. It was turned into a reserve for residents in 1920 and is considered an icon of Beechworth as it represents the development of the community, human endeavour, and the spirit of the landscape. This photograph represents the post-gold rush era use of Lake Sambell as a recreational reserve. Swimming carnivals were held at the lake and considered a social event for the Beechworth community.Black and white reproduced rectangular photograph print on paper.Reverse: Community/ Swimming pool 1960s/ near the caravan park/ Lakes?lake swimming pool, lake swimming, beechworth carnival processions, carnival, #beechworth, beechworth 1960s, victoria

Taken in 1944, depicted are members of the Army Signal Detachment Unit with local residents at at Lake Kerferd. David Pittard (back row, right) is standing beside Dorrie Elliot. The other people are unidentified. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.5 / Relaxing with some of / the Stanley locals / David Pittard (back row Rt.) / next to Dorrie Elliot / I can't recall the others / Lake Sambell, I think / Kerferd /military album, army album, lake kerford, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, military, war, wwii, world war ii, beechworth, victoria, sydney, melbourne

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

The photograph is a reproduction of a postcard from the Rocky Mountain Mining Company. 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.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.Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on paperbeechworth, rocky mountain mine, sluicing, gold rush, mining, gold

This photograph shows a piece of gold mining equipment identified as a mine winch, possibly an air winch cylinder of 1870s RG Ford's Patent design. Throughout the history of mining for gold and other precious materials, the windlass or winch (pictured) was used to bring up buckets full of soil from the bottom of a mine. This soil was then searched for gold/metals before being relocated to a different area. Due to the size and complexity of this particular piece of equipment, this winch may have been used to raise and lower mine carts to the entrance of the mine (often used in coal mining) and could have been used in raising cages up and down (acting as elevators) containing miners if the mine was particularly deep. The actual use of this particular item in the Beechworth locality is undocumented but these are some possibilities based on the use of these pieces of equipment in other mining locations. Mining can have a largely detrimental impact to the environment and therefore, the study of machinery like the one depicted in this photograph can help researches to reconstruct the methods and technologies used in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This particular item appears to have been removed from it's original site where it would have been used to assist with mining. It is possible that this photograph has been taken for recording purposes or as part of a machinery exhibition. Prior documentation records that this piece of equipment had connections to the Rocky Mountains Mining Company. Today, the Rocky Mountains Gold Mining company is famous in Beechworth for having been instrumental in the creation of the Rocky Mountain tunnel. Construction for this tunnel began in 1859 when a group of 12 men blasted a 400ft long tailrace though the rock beneath the town of Beechworth. Today, the 800ft tunnel, completed in 1871, is a popular tourist attraction but during the decades of gold mining, the purpose of this tunnel was to divert water away from the main sluicing operations so miners could better access gold and precious materials. The tunnel was used for this purpose for many years, later becoming useful for the Zwar Brother's tannery and currently as an outfall drain for Lake Sambell. This area continued to be mined until the early 1900s. The period when this item was in use is unclear but it is estimated to have been in the 1870s based on the design and appearance of the image. The gold works at the Rocky Mountain Tunnel closed in the early 1920s but the impact of mining remains in Beechworth today and therefore the study of photographs like this one which contain mining equipment can further understanding of mining in this region.This photograph has historic and research potential for study on the gold mining of the Beechworth region and types of equipment used to locate gold after the initial gold rush of 1853-1854 which resulted in the discovery of the surface gold and required miners to dig deeper to access precious metals. The clarity of the photo, and its good preserved condition, means it can continue to be used for research. This photo is part of a collection of six photos all within the Burke Museum Collection which depict mining equipment.Square black and white photograph on card.7793.1beechworth, mining, goldmining, goldmining equipment, beechworth burke museum