Historical information

This wood fragment comes from a red gum tree which was planted in the Bacchus Marsh Primary School grounds in the 1860s. It was one of the first trees planted in the school ground in Lerderderg Street. For many years the school bell was hung from this tree. This practiced ceased about 1969 and some years later the tree had to be removed as it had become damaged. This wood fragment was saved from the 'bell tree' when this was done.

Significance

The wood fragment is an indicator of a once common, but now generally non-existent school practice of the ringing of a bell to communicate school commencement and finishing times during the school day. It has particular significance because Bacchus Marsh Primary School was the first government funded public primary school in Victoria.

Physical description

Red Gum tree wood fragment