Historical information

Large gathering of people gathered on the Queenstown (St Andrews) Cricket Ground as part of the annual picnic and sports day.

"QUEENSTOWN PICNIC AND SPORT… The largest gathering that has taken place on the Queenstown Cricket Ground for, many years past was that of Easter Monday last, when the annual picnic and sports were, held. It had an old-time flavour about it, and reminded many present of their childhood days, more than a generation ago, when their fathers on this identical ground grew up with similar enjoyable gatherings. The committee on this occasion spared neither time or labour in making arrangements complete. A large booth was erected on the ground, a ring roped off for the wood-chopping competitions, swings provided, a varied sports programme arranged, and last, but in no way least from a juvenile point of view, "Aunt Sally" was there, and the boys had a rare good time, and Messrs Ellis and Crawford, who had the management of the game, had a busy time to keep pace with the demand. At the booth refreshments on a liberal scale were supplied gratis ; and the wants of visitors were attentively attended to by the following ladies (many of whom also in other ways assisted)…" Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record, Friday 8 April 1910, page 2

(Note: bush mia mia).

Significance

This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.

Physical description

Digital image, 9 x 12.5 cm print and 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg