Historical information
The wreck site identified as the Columbine, a two masted brig built in 1839 in Aberdeen, Scotland and wrecked on the 1st April 1854 at Ocean Grove, Victoria, was formally reported to Heritage Victoria as located on the 15th January 2003 by Peter Ferrier and Don Love. As the site is over 75 years old it is automatically protected under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
Significance
This diary is important as it outlines the eye witness account of the last moments of the Barque Columbine which is primarily of historic, technical, social and archaeological significance internationally and to the State of Victoria. It is a unique original account of that episode in early migrant history of Victoria and of Australia.
Physical description
A small leather bound black diary containing entries by John Clarke from 1843 to 1883, recording aspects of his life in Australia from the wreck of the Colombine as a child [approx 13 y.o.a.] to his experiences working in the gold fields and around the Geelong area. The diary is extensively damaged.
References
- The Brig Columbine, Ocean Grove, Victoria. Conservation Management Plan March 2009 Conservation Management Plan for the Brig Columbine wreck at Ocean Grove, Victoria March 2009. Prepared by Hanna Steyne Maritime Heritage Unit Heritage Victoria
- From Queenscliff to the Goldfields. A record of life in 1800s Victoria. The personal diary of John Clark Junior. ISBN/ISSN: 978-0-9808663-3-9 Paperback
