Historical information

Taken in 1877, this photograph features nine members of the Beechworth Volunteer Fire Brigade holding a cup that was awarded to the group for winning the double hose competition. The cup is currently on display in the Burke Museum's 'Street of Shops' display

Report of the event in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 3/4/1877 -
The Fire Brigade Competition was held in Beechworth at Easter 1877. The double-hose competition carried a prize of ten pounds with an entry fee of ten shillings. The task was for eight men to run with reel 200 yards. fix hydrant, run out not less than 100ft of hose, fix branch, and throw water over rope 10ft high. Run out a second line of hose, not less than 100ft, fix branch, and throw water as before. Beechwoeth first team competed against Wangaratta and Chiltern, coming first in a time of 70 seconds. Wangaratta were disqualified.

Physical description

Sepia rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper and mounted on board

Inscriptions & markings

Reverse:
Member of B.V.Brigade, 1877. The Trophy Cup showing in the Photo is the small cup on display in the adjacent display case./
BMM 3936