Historical information

The original diaries, (1859-1866,1895-1900) of Thomas Young discovered by a Young descendant have been transcribed with the author adding his own research and historical photographs. The diary sheds light on the lives of prospectors who worked the Caledonian goldfields in the 1860s, including St Andrews and Smiths Gully.
Thomas Young, migrated from Scotland and moved to the goldfields in 1858. He carted ore by horse and dray from mines around St Andrews to crushers in Panton Hill and Smiths Gully. He later became a baker. He and his wife Bridget had eleven children. He later settled at Christmas Hills establishing the local store and school.

See also: "Old Diary Strikes Old" by Natalie Birch, Diamond Valley Leader August 17 2005

Significance

The diary provides a rare first-hand account of life on the Caledonian goldfields.

Physical description

v. : ill. 69 p 30 cm

Inscriptions & markings

[written inside front cover] To my very good friend Harry Gilham - Mick Woiwod 25th August 2005