Historical information

The local photograph shows the original footbridge across the Merri River near its mouth, the Viaduct road and the Warrnambool Breakwater with the Titan crane on it. The breakwater's construction was completed in 1890, the year this photograph was taken. The Viaduct has since been filled in to prevent water from passing through the pylons, and the footbridge has been replaced.

The postcard has a personal message written on the back to a Dr Scott from May.

Significance

The photograph is locally significant for recording the completion of the Warrnambool Breakwater, for showing the original design of the Viaduct and for a clear view of the original footbridge across the Merri River.
It is also of significance for being used by a female to send a greeting from Warrnambool to a doctor.

Physical description

Postcard, coloured, of the Warrnambool Breakwater, with the Merri River footbridge and the Viaduct in the foreground. Pedestrians and a horse-drawn cart are on the Viaduct, The lifeboat house and other buildings are near the beginning of the Breakwater. A three-masted sailing ship is in port. The photograph was taken from Middle Island. A personal message is written on the back, and a title is printed on the front. Produced in Germany in the 1890s.

Inscriptions & markings

On the front: "Breakwater, Warrnambool"
Written on the reverse: "Warrnambool Wishing Dear Dr Scott the Compliments of the Season With love and best wishes, From May"