Historical information

This glass slide captures the crowd at the unveiling of the two cannons at Queen Victoria Park which were secured by Sir Isaac Isaacs and presented to Beechworth in 1901. In the forefront of the slide, elegantly dress ladies, some pushing strollers or holding onto children, and dapper gentlemen can be seen gathering around and on top of the park’s iconic rock. The unveiling of these two cannons would have been a celebratory affair for those in attendance, marking a momentous occasion for Beechworth residents which was captured in this lantern slide.

The two cannons were secured by Sir Isaac Isaacs who was an influential figure in Beechworth. Sir Isaac Isaacs was born and raised in Beechworth, beginning his education at the Common school and eventually graduated as dux of the Beechworth Grammar School. His commitment to public service was evident early on and he was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1892, representing Bogong, a district which included Yackandandah and Beechworth. During his time in office, Sir Isaac Isaacs pushed for better education, healthcare, employment opportunities and housing for the people of Beechworth.

Significance

This glass slide is socially and historically significant as it captures a moment of celebration and advancement for the Beechworth residents while also symbolising an important milestone in the towns history. The slide also, perhaps indirectly, memorialises an important figure in Beechworth history, Sir Isaac Isaacs

Physical description

A thin translucent sheet of glass with a curved rectangular image printed on the front and framed in a black backing. It is held together by metal strips to secure the edges of the slide