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