Historical information

The new State Electricity Commission construction camp at the head of the Kiewa Valley was for workmen on the second power station in the project expected to be the most modern and best equipped in Australia… In contrast to the early Kiewa days of horses and canvas tents, the new camp, with its modern amenities, compared favourably with any country town. Administration of the Kiewa Scheme was moved from Tawonga to Mount Beauty in 1946. The first house in Mount Beauty, in Hollonds Street, was occupied by the co-op store manager from November 1946. The new Mess Hall at Mt Beauty was opened with much ceremony in early November 1946. The houses up to Nelse street were erected from 1946 onward and then the township was extended beyond Nelse Street in 1950. The workmen's camp was enlarged in 1950 to the extent of providing accommodation for a total of 1,200.

Significance

Shows early construction of the town of Mt. Beauty surrounded by farmland taken in 1950 during the early stages of construction of the Kiewa Hydro electric System

Physical description

Black and white photograph - View from second gate down Kiewa Valley showing early buildings. Photograph framed by 6mm white boarder

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten in back of photo in blue ink - View from second gate down Kiewa Valley 1950