Historical information

Taken in 1910, this photograph depicts a scene of Bridge road in Newtown, Beechworth. Walking on the road are two men on horseback, one of which is pulling a carriage with a small dog standing beside it. Behind them are a line of small buildings and shops. Small industries began to expand dramatically in Beechworth, particularly during the 1860s, leading to a strengthening of the towns economy. As early as 1853, areas surrounding the waterway known as Spring Creek were surveyed with the intent of mapping out plans for new roads and building allotments. Land was sold and new buildings were erected, creating an expansion of the Beechworth township and retail services.

One building shown in this photograph is Straughair and Duncan's Beechworth Foundry. This business was established in 1858 through the partnership of Mark Straughair and John Duncan. It dealt mostly in the manufacturing of castings and mining machinery, receiving orders from all over the Ovens district. The Business eventually collapsed after the deaths of Straughair in 1882 and Duncan in 1896 but was reopened by W.H. Phillips in 1905.

The two other buildings are both associated with the name McKenzie. Evidence suggests that the McKenzie family has a long association with the town of Beechworth.

Significance

This photograph is historically significant as it provides insight into the nineteenth and twentieth century industrial expansions that happened in the area of Newtown, leading to the urbanisation of Beechworth.

Physical description

Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.

Inscriptions & markings

Reverse:
Newton / 1997.2648 / 33
Newton Beechworth /
84-219-1 / McKenzies /
BMM3055 /