Historical information

This photo of the first train from Ararat to the Portland Freezing Works in 1895 is a visual record of transport and industry in the early industrialisation of the region.

Physical description

Black and white photograph mounted on cardboard, featuring a steam engine with nine carriages and five men. The train has stopped in a siding surrounded by forest. The photo has text written along the right side of the image and repeated across the face of the photograph. Further information is written on the rear.

Inscriptions & markings

Front: "First Train / Portland Freezing Works / from Ararat." "FIRST / TRAIN / OF / FROZEN / MEAT / RUN BY / ARARAT / LOCO / MEN / SIDING / AT / PORTLAND / FACTORY / 1895"

Rear: "1st train ["loading" is struck out] / 1st train of frozen meat / run by Ararat Loco men / Siding at Portland Factory / 1895".