Historical information

This was the first police station built in Watgania, and it was probably built during the goldrush era of late19C to early 20C.

Significance

The photo is of local significance to Watgania and the Ararat district because of its rarity and because of its subject. There is now (in the year 2023) little or nothing left of the township of Watgania, north of Willaura, though there are still several inhabited properties in this area, which shelters close under the eastern face of the Grampians mountains. The figures in the photo add to its significance, since a good deal of information about the goldfields can be gleaned from their manner and their dress.

Physical description

Black and white photograph mounted on cardboard. Photo shows two men standing outside a building. The man on the right is dressed in a suit and is wearing a hat. The other man is dressed in suits pants and a vest. The window to the right of the front door of the building is boarded up.

Inscriptions & markings

Inscription: on front: "4216 / MH". Stamped on back: "F.W HARGREAVES". Inscription: on back: 592P (this is its Osborne nbr, and corresponds to a photo-negative taken of the original photo).