This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Twenty Years After Author: Alexandre Dumas Illustrated by F.C.Tilney Publisher: Collins Clear Type Press Date: 1845Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 843 DUM Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, twenty years after, alexandre dumas, f.c.tilney

Originally designed in 1857 and extended to the further designs by Bendigo Architects Vahland and Getzschmann, Emil Mauermann and William Beebe the original two story house expanded over time as Lansell's fortune increased and the subsequent mansion was built adjacent to the New Chum Reef and mine from which most of his wealth was yielded. Fortuna remained in the Lansell family for twenty nine years after George died and was sold by auction for demolition in 1934 only to be saved to become a reception house. In 1942 the Army acquired a lease for wartime mapping and occupied the site until 2008. It is now in private hands with the surrounding land being divided for housing. George Lansell was commonly known as 'Australia's Quartz-King' and director of thirty-eight mines with some link with almost every mine in Bendigo.A4 size tour booklet outlining the history, use and architectural features of Fortuna Villa which was purchased by George Lansell in 1860. mayor william beebe, george lansell

Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. The aim of The Bendigo Easter Festival is to increase awareness of, and attendance at the Bendigo Easter Festival amongst regional, intrastate, and interstate audiences by 2006. Bendigo Easter Festival - Australia's oldest festival ... .... .. Gold, gold, gold. The year of 1871 was a great year for Bendigo. Parks were laid out, trees lined the streets. Although acknowledged as starting in 1869 the Easter Festival was considered an annual event by 1871. Under brilliant illumination the whole of the Camp Reserve (now Rosalind Park) was filled with a bewildering variety of groups, exhibits and individuals all eager to be involved in such a worthwhile cause. There were sports meetings, theatricals, bazaars and instrumental items as well as dancing and carnival rides. On Easter Monday, as it is today, there was a grand procession that included a variety of bands. 1871 also marked the first year that the Chinese joined in the festivities. Originally the Chinese participated in the procession by dressing in richly embroidered costumes, and carrying colourful banners in all shapes and sizes, which were specially made for them in China. In 1889, the Chinese were given their traditional place in the Parade, the end. They created a wonderful spectacle with their colourful costumes, banners and flags, and in 1892, Loong, the dragon appeared. The Bendigo Easter Festival had been fortunate in that it bad such a lively Chinese community in its midst. At the time of course, Bendigo was known as Sandhurst, and it was not until twenty years after the first Easter Festival that the town was known as Bendigo. These days with sponsorship from the Sandburst Trustees, the Festival is known as the Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. 132 years later, the Sandburst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival has had many changes. But loyal followers have never been disappointed. This year people saw the traditions upheld with family entertainments and not Loong, but Sun Loong, meaning new dragon, a 100m long Imperial Dragon who was created to take the place of the aging Loong. Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival Administration Documents - Legal and Insurance This Item includes the following Documents: 11213.7a Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Logo 2003 11213.7b Sub Lease Agreement between the Bendigo Easter Fair Inc and The Rotary club of Bendigo - Town Hall 2005-2006 - Contact the BHS for Details 11213.7c Certificate of Currency Jan 2003 - McCormick Harris and Associates PTY LTD - Contact the BHS for Details 11213.7d Schedule of Insurances Feb 2003 - McCormick Harris and Associates PTY LTD - Contact the BHS for Details 11213.7e This document from Russell Kennedy Solicitors addresses the legal liability, insurance, and risk management considerations for the Bendigo Easter Fair Committee (BEF) and its members. Contact the BHS for details. 11213.7f This letter from McCormick Harris Associates to Bendigo Easter Fair Inc. outlines several key points regarding the organization's insurance arrangements. Recommendation to Transition Insurance coverage to the City of Greater Bendigo March 2003 - Contact the BHS for details 11213.7g This document is a confirmation of insurance coverage provided by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) for the Crown in right of the State of Victoria and associated entities; 30 June 2002 - Contact the BHS for Details 11213.7h Assorted tax invoices and statements - Contact the BHS for Details 11213.7i Insurance Documents May and June 2003 - Contact the BHS for Detailsbendigo easter festival, bendigo easter fair

Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. The aim of The Bendigo Easter Festival is to increase awareness of, and attendance at the Bendigo Easter Festival amongst regional, intrastate, and interstate audiences by 2006. Bendigo Easter Festival - Australia's oldest festival ... .... .. Gold, gold, gold. The year of 1871 was a great year for Bendigo. Parks were laid out, trees lined the streets. Although acknowledged as starting in 1869 the Easter Festival was considered an annual event by 1871. Under brilliant illumination the whole of the Camp Reserve (now Rosalind Park) was filled with a bewildering variety of groups, exhibits and individuals all eager to be involved in such a worthwhile cause. There were sports meetings, theatricals, bazaars and instrumental items as well as dancing and carnival rides. On Easter Monday, as it is today, there was a grand procession that included a variety of bands. 1871 also marked the first year that the Chinese joined in the festivities. Originally the Chinese participated in the procession by dressing in richly embroidered costumes, and carrying colourful banners in all shapes and sizes, which were specially made for them in China. In 1889, the Chinese were given their traditional place in the Parade, the end. They created a wonderful spectacle with their colourful costumes, banners and flags, and in 1892, Loong, the dragon appeared. The Bendigo Easter Festival had been fortunate in that it bad such a lively Chinese community in its midst. At the time of course, Bendigo was known as Sandhurst, and it was not until twenty years after the first Easter Festival that the town was known as Bendigo. These days with sponsorship from the Sandburst Trustees, the Festival is known as the Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. 132 years later, the Sandburst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival has had many changes. But loyal followers have never been disappointed. This year people saw the traditions upheld with family entertainments and not Loong, but Sun Loong, meaning new dragon, a 100m long Imperial Dragon who was created to take the place of the aging Loong. Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival Administration Documents - Annual Reports This Item includes the following Documents: 11213.5a1 2001-2003 Booklet Cover 11213.5a2 Annual Report Booklet 2001-2002 - 12 pages 11213.5b Annual Report 2003 - 16 pages 11213.5c Annual Report 2003-2004 - 16 pages 11213.5d Financial Management Report 2003-2004 - 8 pages 11213.5e Event Review 2003 11213.5f Parmalat Gala Parade Entrants and Commentary 15 pages 2003 11213.5g About the Bendigo Easter Fair Festival and Membership Drive for 2004-2005 11213.5h Marketing Plan November 2003 11213.5i The document outlines the planning for a Chinese Autumn Festival event at the Chinese Museum in Bendigo, designed to precede the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony during the Bendigo Easter Fair. Sunday 20th April 2003 11213.5j A summary of the relocation process, access logistics, and contact protocols for using the Bendigo Easter Festival storage at the Bendigo Advertiser Building in 2004 11213.5k Reports, feedback and requests for Sponsorships 2005 11213.5l This four page document outlines sponsorship opportunities for the Coliban Water Day at Lake during the Bendigo Easter Festival for 2005-2006. 11213.5m Bendigo Easter Fair 2003 Professional MC Plan - April bendigo easter festival, bendigo easter fair

Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. The aim of The Bendigo Easter Festival is to increase awareness of, and attendance at the Bendigo Easter Festival amongst regional, intrastate, and interstate audiences by 2006. Bendigo Easter Festival - Australia's oldest festival ... .... .. Gold, gold, gold. The year of 1871 was a great year for Bendigo. Parks were laid out, trees lined the streets. Although acknowledged as starting in 1869 the Easter Festival was considered an annual event by 1871. Under brilliant illumination the whole of the Camp Reserve (now Rosalind Park) was filled with a bewildering variety of groups, exhibits and individuals all eager to be involved in such a worthwhile cause. There were sports meetings, theatricals, bazaars and instrumental items as well as dancing and carnival rides. On Easter Monday, as it is today, there was a grand procession that included a variety of bands. 1871 also marked the first year that the Chinese joined in the festivities. Originally the Chinese participated in the procession by dressing in richly embroidered costumes, and carrying colourful banners in all shapes and sizes, which were specially made for them in China. In 1889, the Chinese were given their traditional place in the Parade, the end. They created a wonderful spectacle with their colourful costumes, banners and flags, and in 1892, Loong, the dragon appeared. The Bendigo Easter Festival had been fortunate in that it bad such a lively Chinese community in its midst. At the time of course, Bendigo was known as Sandhurst, and it was not until twenty years after the first Easter Festival that the town was known as Bendigo. These days with sponsorship from the Sandburst Trustees, the Festival is known as the Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. 132 years later, the Sandburst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival has had many changes. But loyal followers have never been disappointed. This year people saw the traditions upheld with family entertainments and not Loong, but Sun Loong, meaning new dragon, a 100m long Imperial Dragon who was created to take the place of the aging Loong. Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival Administration Documents - Membership 2003 This Item includes the following Documents: 11213.6a1 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Membership Form Front 11213.6a2 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Membership Form Rear 11213.6b Bendigo Easter Festival Membership Application Form Layout and Membership Categories 11213.6c Bendigo Easter Festival Letters to members - Templates 11213.6d Bendigo Easter Festival Changes to Memberships and Guidleines for 2004 11213.6e Bendigo Easter Festival for 2004 - Two A3 Sheets showing events, and locations Feb 2005 11213.6f Bendigo Easter Festival New Members letters and contact details Aug 2003 - Contact BHS for Details 11213.6g Bendigo Easter Festival Member Tax Invoices and Remittances - Contact BHS for Details 11213.6h Bendigo Easter Festival Membership Expiry Flow Diagram 11213.6i Bendigo Easter Festival Newsletter Jan 2003 11213.6j Bendigo Easter Festival Membership Applications - Contact BHS for Details 11213.6k Handwritten letter from Diolee Myers Davey OAM nomination of Simon Mulqueen for life membership Jan 2003bendigo easter festival, bendigo easter fair

Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. The aim of The Bendigo Easter Festival is to increase awareness of, and attendance at the Bendigo Easter Festival amongst regional, intrastate, and interstate audiences by 2006. Bendigo Easter Festival - Australia's oldest festival ... .... .. Gold, gold, gold. The year of 1871 was a great year for Bendigo. Parks were laid out, trees lined the streets. Although acknowledged as starting in 1869 the Easter Festival was considered an annual event by 1871. Under brilliant illumination the whole of the Camp Reserve (now Rosalind Park) was filled with a bewildering variety of groups, exhibits and individuals all eager to be involved in such a worthwhile cause. There were sports meetings, theatricals, bazaars and instrumental items as well as dancing and carnival rides. On Easter Monday, as it is today, there was a grand procession that included a variety of bands. 1871 also marked the first year that the Chinese joined in the festivities. Originally the Chinese participated in the procession by dressing in richly embroidered costumes, and carrying colourful banners in all shapes and sizes, which were specially made for them in China. In 1889, the Chinese were given their traditional place in the Parade, the end. They created a wonderful spectacle with their colourful costumes, banners and flags, and in 1892, Loong, the dragon appeared. The Bendigo Easter Festival had been fortunate in that it bad such a lively Chinese community in its midst. At the time of course, Bendigo was known as Sandhurst, and it was not until twenty years after the first Easter Festival that the town was known as Bendigo. These days with sponsorship from the Sandburst Trustees, the Festival is known as the Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. 132 years later, the Sandburst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival has had many changes. But loyal followers have never been disappointed. This year people saw the traditions upheld with family entertainments and not Loong, but Sun Loong, meaning new dragon, a 100m long Imperial Dragon who was created to take the place of the aging Loong. Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival Administrative Documents, Logo, Constitution and Rules This Item includes the following Documents: 11213.1a1 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Part of Logo 11213.1a2 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Pamphlet Design 11213.1b This document outlines the constitution and rules of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society as adopted on November 4th, 1926. 11213.1c This document outlines the Current Focus as of 2003, and Target Market Festival Goals. The main aim is to increase awareness and attendance among regional, intrastate, and interstate audiences.Market InsightsRecent surveys provide a breakdown of the current audience and highlight the importance of the local market, as well as areas for further development. 11213.1d This document outlines the management agreement between the Greater Bendigo City Council and the Bendigo Easter Festival Committee of Management. It Establishes the roles and responsibilities of the Bendigo Easter Festival Committee under the authority of the Greater Bendigo City Council. It Operates pursuant to Section 86 of the Local Government Act 1989, which allows councils to delegate certain functions to committees. The Committee is formally recognized as responsible for managing the Bendigo Easter Festival, ensuring compliance with council policies and relevant legislation. It Sets out the structure for oversight, accountability, and reporting between the Committee and the Council.This agreement provides the foundation for the Committee’s authority and operational guidelines in managing the festival. 11213.1e1 CD Contains three banner files - this one is 900 x 900 eps 11213.1e2 CD Contains three banner files - this one is 1800 x 1800 eps 11213.1e3 CD Contains three banner files - this one is 1500 x 1000 epsbendigo easter festival, bendigo easter fair

Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. The aim of The Bendigo Easter Festival is to increase awareness of, and attendance at the Bendigo Easter Festival amongst regional, intrastate, and interstate audiences by 2006. Bendigo Easter Festival - Australia's oldest festival ... .... .. Gold, gold, gold. The year of 1871 was a great year for Bendigo. Parks were laid out, trees lined the streets. Although acknowledged as starting in 1869 the Easter Festival was considered an annual event by 1871. Under brilliant illumination the whole of the Camp Reserve (now Rosalind Park) was filled with a bewildering variety of groups, exhibits and individuals all eager to be involved in such a worthwhile cause. There were sports meetings, theatricals, bazaars and instrumental items as well as dancing and carnival rides. On Easter Monday, as it is today, there was a grand procession that included a variety of bands. 1871 also marked the first year that the Chinese joined in the festivities. Originally the Chinese participated in the procession by dressing in richly embroidered costumes, and carrying colourful banners in all shapes and sizes, which were specially made for them in China. In 1889, the Chinese were given their traditional place in the Parade, the end. They created a wonderful spectacle with their colourful costumes, banners and flags, and in 1892, Loong, the dragon appeared. The Bendigo Easter Festival had been fortunate in that it bad such a lively Chinese community in its midst. At the time of course, Bendigo was known as Sandhurst, and it was not until twenty years after the first Easter Festival that the town was known as Bendigo. These days with sponsorship from the Sandburst Trustees, the Festival is known as the Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. 132 years later, the Sandburst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival has had many changes. But loyal followers have never been disappointed. This year people saw the traditions upheld with family entertainments and not Loong, but Sun Loong, meaning new dragon, a 100m long Imperial Dragon who was created to take the place of the aging Loong. Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival Administration Documents - Minutes of Meetings 2003 This Item includes the following Documents: 11213.3a1 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Fireworks 11213.3a2 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Pamphlet Design 11213.3b Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 16 Jan 2003 11213.3c Minutes of Committee of Management 30 Jan 2003 11213.3d Minutes of Committee of Management 13 Feb 2003 11213.3d1 Launch of the Bendigo Easter Festival Presentation 26 Feb 2003 11213.3e Minutes of Committee of Management 27 Feb 2003 11213.3f Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 13 March 2003 11213.3g Minutes of Committee of Management 15 March 2003 11213.3h Minutes of Committee of Management 20 March 2003 11213.3i Minutes of Committee of Management 27 March 2003 11213.3j Minutes Special Meeting of Committee of Management 27 March 2003 11213.3k Minutes of Committee of Management 01 April 2003 11213.3l Minutes of Committee of Management 03 April 2003 11213.3m Minutes of Committee of Management 10 April 2003 11213.3n Minutes of Committee of Management 29 April 2003 11213.3o Minutes of Committee of Management 29 April 2003 11213.3p Minutes of Committee of Management 15 May 2003 11213.3q Minutes of Committee of Management 19 June 2003 11213.3r Minutes of Committee of Management 17 July 2003 11213.3s Minutes of Committee of Management 14 July 2003 - Contact BHS for details 11213.3s1 Special General Meeting Thurs 24 July 2003 11213.3t Minutes of Committee of Management 04 August 2003 11213.3u Minutes of Committee of Management 14 August 2003 11213.3v Minutes of Committee of Management 21 August 2003 11213.3v1 AGM 28 Aug 2003 11213.3w Minutes of Committee of Management 18 Sept 2003bendigo easter festival, bendigo easter fair

Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. The aim of The Bendigo Easter Festival is to increase awareness of, and attendance at the Bendigo Easter Festival amongst regional, intrastate, and interstate audiences by 2006. Bendigo Easter Festival - Australia's oldest festival ... .... .. Gold, gold, gold. The year of 1871 was a great year for Bendigo. Parks were laid out, trees lined the streets. Although acknowledged as starting in 1869 the Easter Festival was considered an annual event by 1871. Under brilliant illumination the whole of the Camp Reserve (now Rosalind Park) was filled with a bewildering variety of groups, exhibits and individuals all eager to be involved in such a worthwhile cause. There were sports meetings, theatricals, bazaars and instrumental items as well as dancing and carnival rides. On Easter Monday, as it is today, there was a grand procession that included a variety of bands. 1871 also marked the first year that the Chinese joined in the festivities. Originally the Chinese participated in the procession by dressing in richly embroidered costumes, and carrying colourful banners in all shapes and sizes, which were specially made for them in China. In 1889, the Chinese were given their traditional place in the Parade, the end. They created a wonderful spectacle with their colourful costumes, banners and flags, and in 1892, Loong, the dragon appeared. The Bendigo Easter Festival had been fortunate in that it bad such a lively Chinese community in its midst. At the time of course, Bendigo was known as Sandhurst, and it was not until twenty years after the first Easter Festival that the town was known as Bendigo. These days with sponsorship from the Sandburst Trustees, the Festival is known as the Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival. 132 years later, the Sandburst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival has had many changes. But loyal followers have never been disappointed. This year people saw the traditions upheld with family entertainments and not Loong, but Sun Loong, meaning new dragon, a 100m long Imperial Dragon who was created to take the place of the aging Loong. Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival Administration Documents - Minutes of Meetings This Item includes the following Documents: 11213.2a1 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Dragon Sun Loong 11213.2a2 Sandhurst Trustees Bendigo Easter Festival - Pamphlet Design 11213.2a3 Minutes of Meeting 28 Aug 1985 11213.2b Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 18 July 2002 - Contact BHS for Details 11213.2c Minutes of Committee of Management Weds 31 July 2002 11213.2d Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 15 August 2002 - Contact BHS for Details 11213.2e Minutes of Committee of Management Weds 28 August 2002 11213.2f Minutes of AGM Weds 4th Sept 2002 11213.2g Minutes of Committee of Management Tues 10th Sept 2002 11213.2h Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 26th Sept 2002 11213.2i Minutes of Committee of Management Tues 10th Oct 2002 11213.2j Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 7th Nov 2002 11213.2k Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 12th Nov 2002 11213.2l Minutes of Committee of Management Thurs 28th Nov 2002 bendigo easter festival, bendigo easter fair

Ruby Lonie was Senior Clerk of the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Administrative Staff. Always known as Miss Lonie, her sole position was at SMB where she worked between May 1914 and May 1960. When the SMB Registrar, John Robinson, died in 1935 the question of who would fill the position became a matter of urgency. The temporary answer was Miss Lonie, who was the senior clerk on the Registrar's staff. The permanent position was looked upon as an exclusively male preserve. Twenty Four years after having acted as Registrar the current SMB Registrar, F.F.Ferguson recognised Miss Lonie's assistance and her extensive knowledge of the history and the administrative procedures of the School. At Miss Lonie's retirement function SMB President, M.B. John, noted that Miss Lonie had joined the staff in 1914 and had 'done a tremendous job since that time, and for many years had been the Registrar's "Right Hand Man"women of note, ruby helen lonie, ballarat school of mines, senior clerk, administrative staff, acting registrar, recognition at retirement, f ferguson, smb president, m b john, 1914-1960

Ruby Lonie was Senior Clerk of the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Administrative Staff. Always known as Miss Lonie, her sole position was at SMB where she worked between May 1914 and May 1960. When the SMB Registrar, John Robinson, died in 1935 the question of who would fill the position became a matter of urgency. The temporary answer was Miss Lonie, who was the senior clerk on the Registrar's staff. The permanent position was looked upon as an exclusively male preserve. At Miss Lonie's retirement function SMB President, M.B. John, noted that Miss Lonie had joined the staff in 1914 and had 'done a tremendous job since that time, and for many years had been the Registrar's "Right Hand Man". Twenty Four years after having acted as Registrar the current SMB Registrar, F.F.Ferguson recognised Miss Lonie's assistance and her extensive knowledge of the history and the administrative procedures of the School. He added 'I have noted on many occasions Miss Lonie's kindly interest in people in times of sickness or difficulty and her willingness to help.' Current and former staff members were keen to acknowledge Miss Lonie. Former Principal Dick Richards said 'That Miss Lonie had been in this one job all her life is a great tribute to the school, and the Council is conscious of her devoted service.' The Principal, Mr Arblaster, on behalf of himself and the staff presented Miss Lonie with a gold watch and wished her well in her retirement. The next day Miss Lonie, along with Hestor Darby, the SMB Typewriting teacher who was on long service leave, sailed from Melbourne for London, mainly to visit Scotland.A black and white photo of a woman, Ruby Lonieruby lonie, ballarat school of mines, women, university women

Ruby Lonie was Senior Clerk of the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Administrative Staff. Always known as Miss Lonie, her sole position was at SMB where she worked between May 1914 and May 1960. When the SMB Registrar, John Robinson, died in 1935 the question of who would fill the position became a matter of urgency. The temporary answer was Miss Lonie, who was the senior clerk on the Registrar's staff. The permanent position was looked upon as an exclusively male preserve. At Miss Lonie's retirement function SMB President, M.B. John, noted that Miss Lonie had joined the staff in 1914 and had 'done a tremendous job since that time, and for many years had been the Registrar's "Right Hand Man". Twenty Four years after having acted as Registrar the current SMB Registrar, F.F.Ferguson recognised Miss Lonie's assistance and her extensive knowledge of the history and the administrative procedures of the School. He added 'I have noted on many occasions Miss Lonie's kindly interest in people in times of sickness or difficulty and her willingness to help.' Current and former staff members were keen to acknowledge Miss Lonie. Former Principal Dick Richards said 'That Miss Lonie had been in this one job all her life is a great tribute to the school, and the Council is conscious of her devoted service.' The Principal, Mr Arblaster, on behalf of himself and the staff presented Miss Lonie with a gold watch and wished her well in her retirement. The next day Miss Lonie, along with Hestor Darby, the SMB Typewriting teacher who was on long service leave, sailed from Melbourne for London, mainly to visit Scotland.A black and white photo of a woman, Ruby Lonieruby lonie, ballarat school of mines, women, university women

The fire screen was part of the original furnishings of the Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters in Merri Street, Warrnambool. It was made by Lighthouse Keeper, Thomas Hope. Thomas served two terms as an assistant lighthouse keeper in Warrnambool. His first term was from 1905 to 1907. He later returned from 1910 to 1913, when he was appointed as Keeper five months after the untimely death of his predecessor Peter Quinn. Woodworking was one of Thomas Hope’s hobbies, and the three-panel fire screen he made as a lighthouse keeper is now in the Flagstaff collection and is displayed in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. Thomas Hope 1857 - 1928 Thomas James Hope was born in Camden, Surrey, England in 1857. His father, also called Thomas, was reputed to be a member of the Royal Family, and Thomas Hope Junior his illegitimate son. Thomas was subsequently brought up on the estate of the Earl of Hopetoun in Somerset and it was thought that Thomas was the Earl’s grandson. Against the wishes of those in charge of Thomas, he joined the navy at an early age, seeing much of the world until he settled in New Zealand at the age of twenty-four. After some years in New Zealand, he came to Australia to live. One of the jobs Thomas Hope had prior to becoming an assistant lighthouse keeper in 1896 was as a cook in the Lunatic Asylum at Sunbury, Victoria. He served as an assistant keeper at Shortlands Bluff, Gabo Island, Split Point and Warrnambool, retiring in 1918. He bought a house in Nicholson St, Warrnambool and died in March 1928. He is buried in the Warrnambool cemetery. Thomas Hope is recorded in family history as being of short stature and, not surprisingly given his alleged aristocratic connections, possessed a beautiful speaking voice. He and his wife Elizabeth nee Waters, whom he married in New Zealand, had six children (Thomas, killed in World War One), Ellen (Nell), Nora (who was married at the Warrnambool lighthouse keepers cottage), William (who died in Warrnambool), Marion and Alan. Joseph Hoover (Dec 29, 1830, to Aug 7, 1913) Joseph Hoover, the printer of the pictures on the screen, was born in Baltimore, of Swiss-German heritage. He was trained as an architectural woodturner. In 1856 Hoover moved to Philadelphia and began producing elaborate wooden frames in his wood-turning and framing business. By 1865 Hoover had started to produce popular prints for publishers and artists, which included noted Philadelphia artist James F. Queen. In the 1880s Hoover set up a complete plant specialising in chromatography, the process of producing colour prints from lithographic plates. The coloured prints he produced were affordable to business and private customers. In 1893 his son Henry L., a trained lithographer, joined the company as overseer and it was called J. Hoover & Son. It became one of the largest in America by the turn of the century. Hoover won a medal for Excellence for his Chromolithographs of James Queen’s works. In 1904 Joseph’s other son, Joseph W, joined the business as a partner and the company was called Jos. Hoover & Sons. Hoover died of a heart attack in 1913. He was survived by his wife and six children: two sons who were also his business partners, and four daughters. The firm continued in production until around 1985. Hoover’s prints included scenes, still life and landscapes of America and other locations. They were sold in America and overseas to countries including Canada, Germany, Mexico and England. The three-panelled screen in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage was made by the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper, Thomas Hope during one of his two terms at the Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters. It is the only object in the collection known to be connected to Hope. The Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage is part of the Lady Bay Lighthouse Complex, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for being of historical, scientific (technological) and architectural significance to the State of Victoria.Fire screen comprising three black wood framed panels hinged together. Each panel contains a glass-encased print depicting a rural landscape. Ornate stencil cut wood edging and quilt-inspired parquetry sits above each panel. The central panel is taller than those either side. Screen is lined in black-painted cardboard.Printed at the base of each of the three prints “COPYRIGHT 1896 BY J. HOOVER & SON, PHILAD’’A.”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, firescreen, thomas hope junior, ellen (nell) hope, nora hope, william hope, marion hope, alan hope, jos. hoover & sons of philadelphia, lighthouse keeper, assistant lighthouse keeper, carved screen, merri street, lighthouse keeper's cottage, lighthouse residence, lighthouse, wood carving, lighthouse complex, lady bay lighthouse, fire screen

This book has been given to John Ardlie by Lewis Gilles in 1866. John Martin Ardlie came to Warrnambool in 1852 as the Clerk of Courts and remained in this position until 1868. He died in 1872. He was a leading figure in community affairs for twenty years and Ardlie Street in Warrnambool is named after him. His family home was Wyton, site of the old convent at Emmanuel College today. Lewis Gilles, important in the early history of Tasmania as a bank owner and breeder of cattle, came to Warrnambool in 1854 as the first resident Police Magistrate. He remained until 1866 when he went to England (the occasion of his presentation of this book to John Ardlie). He died in 1884 in South Australia. Gilles Street in Warrnambool is named after him.This book is of high significance because of its connection to two very important early residents of Warrnambool – John Ardlie and Lewis Gilles. This is a hard cover book of 336 pages. The cover is brown with gold ornamentation and lettering on the front cover and spine. The pages are gilt-edged. The first letter of each hymn is ornamented and there is an illustration covered with tissue paper on the first page. One page shows silverfish damage and the cover is partly detached from the binding. The cover is frayed in places and a little stained. The inscription is handwritten in black ink. ‘Presented to J. M. Ardlie by his friend and comrade L.W. Gilles 1864 Worthing Sussex on departing from Warrnambool 4 May 1866’. john ardlie, lewis gilles, history of warrambool

This is number 16 of 27 items in the Daisy Vickers collection of World War One memorabilia. These items were sent or given to Daisy Ogier (nee Vickers) during World War One by Corporal Arthur Anderson who enlisted from Warrnambool in 1915 at the age of 21. He served in Egypt and France and returned to Australia in 1919. Daisy Ogier (1907-1987) was a student and then a teacher at Warrnambool Technical School with her early teaching years there from 1925 to 1936 and in 1949. She became the head mistress from 1950 to 1963 and in 1968. She officially retired in 1976. Daisy Vickers was one of the best loved and dedicated teachers that the school ever had. She married the Reverend Fred Ogier and continued her association with the school after her husband's death.This card is interesting because of its association with World War One and two local people Daisy Vickers and Arthur AndersonThis postcard shows a photograph of a soldier carrying another soldier under fire. A Gallant Rescue Under Fire. This man saved twenty lives like this. Office photograph Crown Copyright Reserved "Daily Mail" Miss Daisy Vickers Bushfield Post Office Victoria Aus.daisy vickers, arthur anderson, warrnambool technical school, world war 1 postcard

Photograph contained within album Walter Ainsle STEVENSON. NX85457 & 21171. Enlisted 23 January 1942 aged 19 years. Discharged 4 October 1948 RANK PTE. (BCOF) ( no other info available) Kelvin Robert CORDELL. VX 146338 Enlisted 25 November 1943 aged 18 years Discharged 10 December 1946 with RANK PTE in Australian Training Centre ( no other info available)Photograph album Photographs- two colour photographs of Mt Fuji. Twenty tow sepia and black and white reproduction photographs of Japan, after 6th and 9th August 1945. Hiroshima by BCOF Soldiers Album - cardboard, pink colour vinyl padded cover, with plastic photograph sleeves with backing light cardboard. .2) Programme- white paper, black, blue and red print on folded A4 sheet, one illustration.Handwritten in blue pen beside half portrait of two soldiers “L.W. STEVENSON / R.K. CORDELL / 67 BATT / 1946” .2) Programme- “British Commonwealth Occupation Force Memorial Service June N.S.W. Cenotaph Thursday, 25th October,2108 / 11 amalbums, military history, ww2, japan

The Committee of Management held monthly meetings and "the members were conscientious in their attendance". 1938/1939 were busy years for the Orbost Hospital as there was a serious outbreak of poliomyelitis and some cases had to be sent on to Sale. There was also pressure from Dr Nettleton to begin a garbage collection in the town to clean up the town As the polio epidemic abated, diptheria took over and Dr Nettleton urged the shire to fund a further free immunisation campaign. In February, 1939t here were major bush fires in the district and the fire came within 300 yards of the Orbost Hospital. (info. from Orbost Hospital History, Personalities and Stories by Margaret Hollands)The Orbost Hospital was completed by the end of October 1929 after more than twenty years of agitation and preparation. Orbost is an isolated town and the importance of the medical service in the community is immense. This report is a reminder of its early history.A small book - 9th annual report of the Management Committee of Orbost & District Hospital, incorporated 1930. In black print inside rectangular border is title plus "For the Year Ended 30th June, 1939."orbost-hospital report-orbost-hospital-committee-of-management

The Department of Crown Lands and Survey was originally established in 1857 as part of the Board of Land and Works. In 1964 it ceased to be controlled by the Board. The Department functioned for almost twenty more years before being combined with other Ministries to form the Department of Conservation, Forests and Land. It was responsible for the management of the State's Crown land and pastoral estates. This map was used by Don Mehlert after 1928. The VERMIN AND NOXIOUS WEEDS ACT 1928 was an Act to consolidate the Law relating relating to Vermin and Noxious Weeds. E. J. E. G. Pemberton who published this poster was Superintendent of Field Staff, Dept. of Lands and Survey. This map and posters are significant records of early settlement history in Murrangower, between Cabbage Tree and Orbost,A paper map of Murrangower showing settlement subdivisions. This is glued onto the back of four overlapping cloth poster of "Notices of Vermin Destruction". All print is black."DON MEHLERT" in black pen. Pike's block shaded in blue. School site marked in blue pencil. on poster "MURRANGOWAR" along side.map-murrangower poster-vermin-and-noxious-weeds murrangower-settlement

This bassinet was used for new born babies at the first Orbost Hospital. It would have been used before 1961 as in August 1961, the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Orbost Hospital bought ten new chrome plated cribs for the hospital nursery. These new cribs were on wheels and could easily be taken to the wards. (ref. Orbost Hospital History, Personalities and Stories by Margaret Hollands)The Orbost Hospital was completed by the end of October 1929 after more than twenty years of agitation and preparation. Orbost is an isolated town and the importance of the medical service in the community is immense. This crib is a reminder of its early history.A very rusty wire baby's bassinet. it is oval shaped and has four connected legs. It could be hand made.bassinet health orbost-hospital medical, bassinet health orbost-hospital medical

The first Presbyterian gathering was held in Wycheproof in 1876, this led to the organization of a congregation and the building of a church. The first church was in Charles Street on the north side of the Mount. It served the congregation for twenty years. The new church in Mount Street opened 06-09-1896 and after 115 years the doors closed for worship in 2011.A building of spiritual and social significance to the Presbyterian congregation and wider community of Wycheproof and District for 115 years.Small format sepia print taken between 1912-1937of the Wycheproof Presbyterian Church Complex. Designed on early English lines, the church dated 1896 was built of red-brick with buttresses and decorated cream-brick trimmings. The arched windows are glazed in diamond shaped leadlight. The high pitched roof is of galvanized corrugated iron. The Sunday School Hall 1912, of timber construction with feature trim of arched windows and doors and a galvanized corrugated iron roof. The Manse 1909, of timber construction with galvanized corrugated iron roof and fret-work on the space above the verandah. Iron lace decorates the wooden verandah posts. Fencing: Post and Rail. Kodak print /501presbyterian, church, sunday school, manse, building, 1896, post and rail fence, red-brick, timber

Laughing Waters Walk, 7 Sep 2013 This Society excursion was a follow up to the Laughing Waters Story told to us by Jane Woollard at our Annual General Meeting in March 2013. It involved a walk commencing from the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads along Laughing Waters Road to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route - a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way we visited the two artist in residence properties, River Bend and Birrarung, to view the houses on them that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community. We also able to walk around the derelict ruin which was once home to Gordon and Sue Ford, Boomerang House. An unexpected afternoon tea was offered to us by the artists in residence at Birrarung House and we had a brief opportunity to view inside the house. Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.2013-09-07, activities, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, jim connor collection, laughing waters road, boomerang house, gordon ford

Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.jim connor collection, laughing waters road, boomerang house, gordon ford

Laughing Waters Walk, 7 Sep 2013 This Society excursion was a follow up to the Laughing Waters Story told to us by Jane Woollard at our Annual General Meeting in March 2013. It involved a walk commencing from the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads along Laughing Waters Road to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route - a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way we visited the two artist in residence properties, River Bend and Birrarung, to view the houses on them that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community. We also able to walk around the derelict ruin which was once home to Gordon and Sue Ford, Boomerang House. An unexpected afternoon tea was offered to us by the artists in residence at Birrarung House and we had a brief opportunity to view inside the house. Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.2013-09-07, activities, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, jim connor collection, laughing waters road, boomerang house, gordon ford, gordon's shack, love shack

Gordon Ford built this shack on the Yarra at Laughing Waters Road. Bernie Bragg used to live there for a period of time. Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.fay bridge collection, 2016-04, bernie's hut, birrarung, gordon ford, gordon's shack, laughing waters road, love shack, yarra river

Gordon Ford built this shack on the Yarra at Laughing Waters Road. Bernie Bragg used to live there for a period of time. Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.fay bridge collection, 2016-07-22, bernie's hut, birrarung, gordon ford, gordon's shack, laughing waters, laughing waters road, love shack, yarra river

This old footbidge is situated close to the shack that Gordon Ford built on the Yarra at Laughing Waters Road. Bernie Bragg also used to live there for a period of time. Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.fay bridge collection, bernie's hut, birrarung, footbridge, gordon ford, gordon's shack, laughing waters road, love shack, yarra river

Gwendoline (Gwenda) Grace Watson Davies, only daughter of Mr. William Watson Davies and Mrs. Grace Davies (nee Hayes) of Arthur Street, Eltham was born in Newport, 18 February 1908. Gwenda grew up in Arthur Street and when she left school she was employed as an officer at the State Bank of Victoria, Chief Accountants Department, Head Office, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. During 1933-1934 in her early to mid-twenties, Gwenda wrote a series of poems which were captured in three books: one a leather bound three-ring binder with personalised gold embossing on the cover and two paper booklets held together by pink ribbon. These poems are a reflection of her childhood days, home, her mother, her environment, pioneering days and other miscellaneous subjects including one example titled “EIGHTEEN YEARS TO-DAY”, an homage to the brave men of Gallipoli. On October 20, 1937 after ten years of service, Gwenda submitted her letter of resignation effective November 26th as she was to be married in the near future to Fred Jones. Frederick Geoffrey Jones, born 7 January 1911, third son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Jones of Napoleon Street, Eltham, married Gwenda at the Eltham Methodist Church on 27 November 1937. They made their home at ‘Llangollen’, Arthur Street, Eltham, a new house Fred had constructed earlier that year opposite the Shire Offices. Their residence was recorded in the Electoral Rolls from 1963-1980 as 6 Arthur Street, Eltham which was situated on the corner of Arthur Street and present-day Commercial Place. In the 1970s their home was sold and demolished to make way for the new shops. They built a new home at the top of the hill in Bible Street. In the Electoral Rolls for 1943-1980, Frederick’s occupation was recorded as a Plumber’s Assistant. Fred was also a long-standing member of the Eltham Cemetery Trust. He was first appointed 26 April 1944 and resigned 17 July 1957 to be appointed to the Warringal and Eltham Joint Trust where he served till February 1980. He then re-joined the Eltham Cemetery Trust and served a further 14 years till his resignation on 24 August 1994. In total, Fred represented the interests of Eltham Cemetery for 50 years (1944-1994). Gwenda and Fred were blessed with a son, Frederick William Jones in March 1942. Sadly, Frederick only lived two days and was buried at Eltham Cemetery on March 11. It is not known whether his grave is marked. A second son, Geoffrey Morris Jones arrived 25 November 1944 but he sadly contracted polio as a child. A fall down the front steps of Fred and Gwenda’s new home in Bible Street culminated in Geoff’s death from a heart attack whilst in transit to the Austin Hospital on February 6, 1979, at age 34. He was also interred in the Eltham Cemetery. Geoff was posthumously awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to fire safety at the CFA. A small man, handicapped from his childhood polio, he had figured prominently in the area as an active Apex member and as group officer for the 13 local brigades in the CFA Lower Yarra Group. His work for the CFA, all voluntary, included writing a fire-fighting manual and the innovation of aerial fire spotting and weekly fire reports. Gwendoline and Fred were presented with Geoff’s B.EM. award at Government House. Four years later on the anniversary of Geoff’s death, Gwenda could not sleep and collapsed in the hallway at home from a heart attack, 6 February 1983 at age 74. She was interred with her son Geoff, at Eltham Cemetery on February 9th. Fred died 31 July 1997 at age 86 and was also interred at Eltham Cemetery. A memorial plaque to Gwenda, Fred and Geoff lies within the lawn cemetery at Eltham Cemetery. In February 2022 Gwenda’s book of Poems along with a copy of her letter of resignation from the State Bank of Victoria and a news clipping about the Autumn Show held in the Public Hall at Eltham (opposite her home with Fred) in which Gwenda is listed as having entered Cream Puffs and a Swiss Roll into the Cooking section, were donated to the St Vincent’s de Paul Society in Bega, N.S.W.. A dedicated volunteer there researched their origins and desirous for these items to return ‘home’, posted them to the Eltham District Historical Society for which we are most appreciative. EIGHTEEN YEARS TO-DAY “Tell me why you’re dreaming, Daddy” Said my little son to me, So, I told him all about it, As he sat upon my knee. I told him of that Sunday morn, ‘Twas eighteen years to-day, When the men of Australasia, Joined the mighty fray. How they landed on that foreign shore, And fought the gallant fight, Of how they nobly won the day, And put the Turks to flight. We saw the cliffs before us, To be scaled ‘mid shot and shell, And our comrades fell around us - - - - I remember it - - - so well. There are some who’ll sleep forever, On a hill that’s called Lone Pine, And the twenty-fifth of April, Is famous for all time. And so to keep their memory green, We march each Anzac Day, To pay tribute to those Heroes, Who gave their lives that day. - Anzac Day 1933 And in reflections to Gwenda’s childhood home in Arthur Street: HOME Where do my thoughts ever wander? Where do my thoughts always roam? To a little old house, on the top of a hill, To the place, that I call “Home Sweet Home.” No matter where-ever I travel, On land, or away on the foam. My thoughts will return, and my heart ever yearn, To the place, that I call “Home Sweet Home”. - 2/7/1933 Sources: Book of Poems, G. Davies Letter of Resignation, 1937, Oct. 20, G.G.W. Davies Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria New House at Eltham (1937, September 10). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 – 1939), p. 6. Retrieved May 12, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56845735 Family Notices (1937, December 17). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 – 1939), p. 3. Retrieved May 12, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56846386 Geoff Jones, Proud Memory, unknown newspaper clipping, 1979 1979 Birthday Honours, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1979_Birthday_Honours Australian Electoral Rolls, Ancestry.com Family Trees, Ancestry.com Eltham Cemetery, Deceased Search findagrave.com Personal recollections, Joan Castledine The poetry by Gwendoline Davies provides an insight into life growing up in Eltham and the early 1930s. A long time resident, Gwendoline, her husband Fred Jones and son Geoff Jones were fully dedicated to the Eltham community for over 50 years.1. Brown leather bound three-ring binder with personalised gold embossing on the cover 20.5 x 14.5 cm, Walkers Loose Leaf Book, pages typed with some pasted in colour illustrations, alphabeticised dividers (some tabs missing), 21 leafs (some blank) 2. Two paper booklets held together by pink ribbon 15.5 x 12 cm, typed, some with colour illustrations, pages numbered (rh only) 12 pages and 25 pages and paper cover 3. Newspaper clipping 4. Letter sized hand written page in ink folded in three and damaged by foxing and insectsanzac day, arthur street, napoleon street, cfa, eltham cemetery, eltham cemetery trust, frederick geoffrey jones, geoffrey morris jones b.e.m., grace davies (nee hayes), gwendoline grace watson jones (nee davies), llangollen, lower yarra group, poems, william watson davies

This carte de visite was taken of Hiram Crawford in fire brigade uniform taken by Stewart & CO., Melbourne. Hiram Crawford was Captain of the Beechworth Volunteer Fire Brigade for twenty-five years. Hiram arrived in Australia at the age of 21 in August 1853. He mined for short time at Back Creek Bendigo, then went to the Ovens where he sought gold in Spring Creek, Buckland and 3 Mile. After moving to Albury for 18 months he married Anna, moved to Woolshed and was there for two years mining gold. After discovering his fortune he formed Crawford and Co. Coaching Lines in Beechworth in late 1856. It was this company which became the longest surviving coaching business in the State of Victoria. Hiram and Anna had two daughters. Anna died in March 1862 and in May Hiram left from Melbourne to return to the United States on a visit. Hiram married Martha Foster during this visit and returned to Australia in March 1863. With his coach line established, and leaving it under management, he moved around the north east of Victoria establishing and building shops and the Star Hotel and Theatre in Chiltern in 1866. In 1869 he moved to Melbourne for a few years in which time he built the Eastern Arcade in Bourke Street. In 1876 the family returned to Beechworth for a few years eventually moving to Everton where Hiram grew hops, tobacco, fruit trees and established the largest lemon orchard at that time in Australia. Hiram spent a considerable amount of his time helping to develop the North East of the State not only in his private endeavours but as a public figure. Among his many achievements a few are listed - Councillor, Mayor of Chiltern and Beechworth, President of the Shire on two occasions, Director of many mining companies, Inaugural Chairman and Director of the Beechworth Gas Company roles he held for over 20 years, Foundation member of Beechworth Pottery, Committee member of the Beechworth Hospital, Captain/Superintendent of the Vol. Fire Brigade for over 20 years, Foundation, Life member of and on the State Fire Brigade Board for many years, President of the North Eastern Railway League in Chiltern On a personal level Hiram was involved in lodges including St. Johns #14, Beechworth. and had several grazing properties in the Ovens area. He had the Forest Park Hotel at Carboor, the Creamery at Carboor, and grazing land on which the Milawa Creamery was built during his ownership. He was a committee member for 3 committees duirng the 1888 International Exhibition in Melbourne. Hiram had many voyages around the world studying irrigation, hop growing, tobacco growing and drying. During his retirement in Melbourne Hiram purchased many properties in the Elsternwick area and acted as an Estate Agent. After the death of his second wife Martha, Hiram married for the third time in 1912 to Sophia Maude Heatley. Crawford and Co continued until 1921. [Taken from HighCountryHeritage.com.au]Black and white reproduction of a studio portrait of Hiram Crawford in fire brigade uniform, printed on gloss photographic paper and bordered with a white frame.Badge on uniform sleeve reads: CAPTAIN / BVFB Obverse: AB/ Stewart & CO./ Melbourne Reverse: Hiram Collection/ BMM2435burke museum, emergency services, beechworth, carte de visite, black and white, fire brigade, hiram crawford, stewart & co., melbourne.

This photograph depicts Cock's Pioneer G & T Sluicing site No. 4 in El Dorado. Looking eastwards, the photo captures a wooden and tin building with various mining equipment strewn in the foreground. Underneath the verandah, figures can be seen. These are believed to be a Mr. Hollister (left), Mrs. Breustedt (4th from left), children Min and Chris Breustedt, and Kate Timmons holding a girl's hand. The Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines N.L was one of El Dorado's two largest open-cut sluicing mines of the 20th Century. The other was named the Cocks El Dorado Gold Dredging Company. The Cocks Pioneer Mines operated from 1901 until 1941 and found a total of 117,378 ounces of Gold and 1,673 tones of tin concentrates over these years. The Cocks company was formed in 1898 and operated until 1941. Open cut sluicing involved the use of high-powered hoses which used the centrifugal sand pump system (known as hydraulic sluicing) which broke down the soil which was then processed for gold and other precious metals. From 1914, four years after this image was captured, the company reformed to Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines NL (previously it was known as Cocks Pioneer Sluicing Co) and undertook large-scale sluicing operations until 1929 and then 1934-1941. The Cocks Pioneer was an extremely successful mining company during the 20th century. In the Annual Report of the Secretary for Mines for the year 1915, the Cocks Pioneer was the largest producer of gold and tin collecting 5,535 ozs. of gold and £7,500 of tin. Twenty years later in 1935, Cocks Pioneer was still one of the most profitable mines in Victoria, ranking as the second-highest dividend paying mine. The company produced a total of 3,650 kg of gold. El Dorado is located on Reedy Creek and is surrounded by forested country to the north and east. It is 20 km east of Wangaratta in Victoria's regional northeast. John Cock was the son of a Cornish miner who arrived in El Dorado in 1858. Cock founded his gold and tin mining company which ran successfully for many years in the El Dorado region. It was an open-cut sluicing company because of the abandonment of underground mining after this was deemed too dangerous. In 1935 Cock's El Dorado Company commissioned the floating dredge which is still visible in El Dorado today. The dredge was built by the Thompson engineering works, Castlemaine, and weighed over 2,000 tones and today has a place on the Victorian Registers of historic buildings. Interestingly, the name El Dorado does not derive from the gold in the region, but from the Barambogie pastoral run completed by William Baker in 1840-1841. Gold was discovered in El Dorado in 1854 but the gold was too deep for individual prospectors to find, it required the use of heavy machinery.The search for gold is ingrained into the history of Victoria and therefore, images like this one which portray 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 undertook which provides insight into the impact of sluicing on the environment at a time when it was done. This image is important for current research into the history of El Dorado, a small regional location near Wangaratta in Victoria's North East. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold sluicing and El Dorado which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.A black and white copy of a sepia coloured rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on boardObverse: COCKS PIONEER G + T SL CO, N.L. / 1910 - 11 / NO 4 SITE LOOKING EAST / 4 Reverse: 1997.2508 / AUG 29 1909cocks pioneer gold and tin sluicing company, el dorado, mining, sluicing, hydraulic mining, hollister, breustedt, timmons, gold, tin, gold rush, victoria