We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
Untitled image
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photocopy, A4 sheet of a letter or a Council Order, from the Town Clerk of the City of Ballaarat, dated 29/9/1886, delegating authority to Edward Thomson of Adelaide to build the Ballarat Horse Tramways. Handwritten order. Cuthbert and Wynee Solicitors for the Council.
Images of document added 27-08-12.
The photo shows three Bendigo California Combination single truck cars at Charing Cross, looking east along Mitchell St with the Alexandria Fountain on the right. Has the C Plumbe (tailor?) shop and other buildings. The Bendigo electric tram system commenced operations in 1903.
Yields information about Charing Cross and Bendigo's trams.
Sepia toned postcard divided back, used, date stamped 28-8-1905 with a Bendigo cancellation stamp.
Card to a lady in Newcastle with birthday greetings.
tramways, trams, bendigo, charing cross, mitchell st, alexandra fountain
Circulated between 1966 and 1988, the two dollar note was issued following Australia's switch to decimal currency. It was later replaced by the two dollar coin.
Demonstrates the two dollar coin as it was circulated between 1966 and 1988.
Green and yellow minted note on treated white paper. Front depicts John Macarthur, a merino ram and a "2" denoting its value. The back depicts William James Farrer, alongside ears of wheat and the "2".
"2" "COMMONWELATH OF AUSTRALIA" "TWO DOLLARS" "GJJ 982843"
btm, ballarat tramway museum, coins, currency, cash
Circulated between 1966 and 1984, the one dollar note was issued following Australia's switch to decimal currency. It was later replaced by the dollar coin.
Demonstrates the one dollar note as it was circulated between 1966 and 1984.
Orange, yellow and brown minted note on white treated paper. The front depicts Queen Elizabeth the II, the Australian Coat of Arms and the "1" denoting value. The back depicts Aborginal drawings, including animals and people, as well as the "1".
"1" "COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA" "ONE DOLLAR" "AYD 66732"
btm, ballarat tramway museum], cash, coin, currency
Each crew member was issued with a series of tins, A, B and C which allowed for the various days and weekends to enable Revenue Clerks to accept returns and restock the tins with new tickets etc. Known to crews as "Two bottle boxes" - could fit two bottles of ale into them.
Has a strong association with tram crews and the ticket / revenue collection system. Tram crews used them to contain their tickets and to undertake their returns. Also used to "hide" bottles of ale.
Metal box formed from four sheets of metal, spot welded together with a formed lid, hinged to box and fitted with a hasp and staple. Stamped with red lettering reading "D81".
btm, ballarat tramway museum, conductors tin, fares, tickets
Demonstrates uniform cap manufacture.
SEC Motorman/Drivers/Conductors cap - green cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band on exterior with a plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC metal buttons on either side, black plastic beak. Sewn on the inside is a label "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories Melbourne" and stamped "6 3/8".
btm, ballarat tramway museum, conductors, conductors hat, uniforms, sec, conductors cap
Demonstrates the method in which conductors stored tickets and fares.
Leather bag with outside pocket (for ticket wallet) with metal strips on openable section, fitted with steel catch, and adjustable shoulder strap. Has been fitted with a steel divider inside. Sewn heavy brown leather. White and brown cotton thread used. Four steel studs attached to the bottom to allow bag to be freestanding.
btm, ballarat tramway museum, ballarat tramways, conductors, conductors bag, fares, cash bag, tickets
Would have been issued to crews in order to hold coins within their cash bags.
Demonstrates the method by which conductors collected fare tender.
Manufactured coin dispenser for 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent coins, made from black and white plastic with metal springs under each coin support plate. Held in position by three metal screws.
btm, ballarat tramway museum, trams, conductors, currency, coin, fares, cash, cash handling, tickets
Used by conductors or conductors to retain and sell tickets from.
Demonstrates the method of dispensing tickets by conductors, how the tickets could be arranged. Yields information about the style and printing of tickets used in Ballarat tramways and how they were presented.
Sheet of leather, approx 2mm thick, stained brown with four pockets formed on each side with another sheet of leather, stitched on all sides to form pockets to hold eight blocks of tickets. Stitching is a white colour cotton. Has four blocks of tickets. 80c - blue - A 1016901 - Ballarat Vintage Tramway 30c - purple - A 69601 - Ballarat Tourist Tramway 10c - black - A 114000 - Ballarat Tourist Tramway 5c - red - A 137000 - Ballarat Tourist Tramway
btm, ballarat tramway museum, ballarat tramways, tickets, ticket wallet, sec, conductors
Report by Alex Ford with photos by Lachlan Bence of the operation of Horse tram No. 1 on Sunday 7/4/2024. Clydesdales from Sandy Creek Clydesdales Noah and Brooke hauled the tram. Quotes Paul Mong.
Yields information about the BTM's activities in running the horse tram.
Newspaper pages 1 and 5 - full colour photos on newsprint.
horse trams, btm, clydesdales, tramcars, operations
The photo shows Geelong No. 10 at the Beach terminus. The tram has the return destination of West. A lady and a young child are walking across the road to the tram.
Yields information about Geelong No.10 and the Beach terminus.
Black and white photograph with some details on the rear
In pencil "1947, 26/2/48" and in the bottom left hand corner on rear, the camera settings.
tramways, trams, geelong, tram 10, beach, passengers
The photo shows Geelong No. 2 in Moorabool St at the intersection with Ryrie St. The tram has the destination of North. The tram is in its modified form that provides for one-man operation. In the photo are Edments, Savoia Cafe, Commercial Bank of Australia, and the T&G building. The photo has been dated between 1935 when the tram was converted and 1939 when the bar neon traffic lights were installed at the intersection. The photograph was taken from a Victorian Railways glass negative held at the State Library of Victoria. See item 8360 for a digital copy of the SLV scan - http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/97173
Yields information about Geelong No.2 and the intersection of Ryrie and Moorabool Streets Geelong.
Black and white photograph with a number of rear.
In pencil "2171" on rear.
tramways, trams, geelong, ryrie st, moorabool st, temperance & general, tram 2
The photograph shows Geelong tram No. 22 in Moorabool St with the destination of North. A number of ladies carrying shopping baskets are in the view. Photo by an unknown photographer on 14-1-1954.
Yields information Geelong tram services in Brougham St.
Black and white photograph with details on rear.
In ink "22 at City Corner Geelong, ex Belmon bound for North 14-1-54" and number '1034" in ink.
tramways, trams, geelong, brougham st, tram 40
The photograph shows Geelong tram No. 40 inbound in Brougham St with the SEC-operated power station and tram depot behind. Another tram can be seen in the distance. Photo by an unknown photographer on 14-1-1954.
Yields information Geelong tram services in Brougham St.
Black and white photograph with details on rear.
In ink "40 on Beach line Geelong 14-1-54" and number '1042" in ink.
tramways, trams, geelong, brougham st, tram 40
The photograph shows Geelong tram No. 2 at the Newtown tram terminus with the conductor or motorman with a conductor's bag standing by the rear of the tram and two ladies carrying bags approaching the tram. The tram has the return destination of Eastern Park. Photo by an unknown photographer on 14-1-1954.
Yields information about tram 2
Black and white photograph with details on rear.
In pencil "#2 at Newtown Geelong 14-1-54" and number '1106" in ink.
tramways, trams, geelong, newtown, tram 2
The photograph shows Geelong tram No. 22 at the Geelong Railway station . Photo by Roy Field 6/49. Roy provides notes on the rear of the photo about the tram's two trolley poles, radial truck and that it was built by Pengelley.
Yields information about tram 22 and the railway station terminus.
Black and white photograph with details on rear.
See rear image a C Roy Field stamp
tramways, trams, geelong, geelong railway station, tram 22
The photograph shows Geelong tram No. 4 southbound in Moorabool St at Malop St. Has the Solomons store in the background. In the view is one motor vehicle and some horse-drawn cars. On the corner can be seen a fire alarm and a letterbox. Photo 1910s to 1920s.
Yields information about Moorabool St Geelong.
Black and white photograph with some details on rear.
In ink "No 4 in Moorabool St looking towards Ryrie St from Malop St. Photo before 1930 as No. 4 is shown in its original condition and was altered in early 1931."
tramways, trams, geelong, moorabool st, malop st, tram 4
The photograph shows two tramcars and two trailers on a school excursion for Bird Day, October 1913 in what is now Brougham St Geelong, led by tram No 4 with the MESCo Power station behind. Many students can be seen in the first trailer.
Yields information about the use of trams for a school excursion.
Black and white photograph with some details on rear.
In ink "State school excursion bird day Oct 1913" and "Tramcars in services in 1947 but not trailers"
tramways, trams, geelong, brougham st, tram 4, mesco, power station
The photograph shows at least 6 six trams at Eastern Park after a football match and the Garden St junction for the East line. Tram No. 5 with a destination of West Geelong is leaving the junction. Another tram is arriving with at least four parked on the Eastern Park line.
Yields information about the use of trams after a football match in Geelong.
Black and white photograph with some details on rear.
In ink "Cr Ryrie & Garden Sts, this type of tramcar also in service 1947" and hand date stamp of "15 Sep 1923"
tramways, trams, geelong, ryrie st, garden st, eastern park, football, tram 5
Photograph or illustration from a magazine or book with a photograph of a cross bench tram - tram 12 in Moorabool St. Photo taken from an elevated position and looking towards Corio Bay. Has some horse-drawn carts in the view. The chimney of the MESCo power station can be seen. On the reverse is a photo of the Geelong wharves, with some ships docked on the wharf.
Yields information about the view of Moorabool St c1915.
Black and white photographs from an illustration.
tramways, trams, geelong, moorabool st, cross bench tram, geelong wharf, tram 12
Postcard produced by Murray View of Gympie, of Ryrie St looking east from the west side of Yarra Street. A tram can be seen turning at Moorabool St. In the view are the Geelong Theatre, Cox, the T&G building, Preston Hotel and H F Richardson live stock sale and a taxis sign. Also shows the wood centre of the road poles.
Yields information about the view of Moorabool St at Ryrie St early 1950s.
Black and white Postcard divided back, unused. Card No. 27
tramways, trams, geelong, ryrie st
Postcard produced by Murray View of Gympie, of the corner of Malop and Moorabool Streets Geelong, looking south along Moorabool St. In the distance can be seen two trams. In the view at Solomans, the T&G building, Hookers, Coles, and a set of neon bar traffic lights.
Yields information about the view of Moorabool St at Malop St early 1950s.
Black and white Postcard divided back, unused. Card No. 3
tramways, trams, geelong, moorabool st, malop st
Postcard produced by the Valentine publishing company of Moorabool St looking north at the corner of Ryrie St. Tram No. 33 is picking up passengers at the safety zone at the intersection with Ryrie St where the front of another bogie tram can be seen. In the view are the T&G building, the Bank of NSW which has a chemist shop, and the Savoia cafe. The rear of the card notes it is a genuine photograph. The card number V24 is the same number used in item 9064, but a later version, the early 1950s. The note on the rear of the card gives details of Ken's Victorian trip during Jan 1954.
Yields information about the view of Moorabool St at Ryrie St early 1950s.
Black and white Postcard undivided back, unused. Card No. V24.
Has a note written to Ken Magor from Ken Winney? dated 14-1-1954 - see image 2
tramways, trams, geelong, moorabool st, tram 33
Postcard produced by the Valentine publishing company of Moorabool St looking north and the corner of Ryrie St. In the view is tram No. 17 and another tram further north. Note the safety zone sign. In the view is the T&G building, the Bank of NSW, with a sign "Service for the Sick". The rear of the card notes it is a genuine photograph. Photo c1950.
Yields information about the view of Moorabool St at Ryrie St c1950.
Black and white Postcard undivided back, unused. Card No. V24.
tramways, trams, geelong, moorabool st, tram 17
Postcard produced by the Valentine publishing company of Moorabool St looking north. In the view is tram No. 10 and another tram picking up passengers at a safety zone at the corner of Malop St. In the view are Solomons, Bon Accord cafe, and Hoopers stores. The rear of the card notes it is a genuine photograph. Photo c1950.
Yields information about the view of Moorabool St at Malop St c1950.
Black and white Postcard undivided back, unused. Card No. V23.
tramways, trams, geelong, moorabool st, malop st, tram 10
Postcard produced by the Valentine publishing company of Ryrie St Geelong. A tram is westbound. In the view are the Town Hall, the T&G building, M J Hede & Sons store, and Cox Bros. The rear of the card notes it is a genuine photograph. Photo c1950.
Yields information about the view of Ryrie St c1950.
Black and white Postcard undivided back, unused. Card No. V22.
On rear in ink "A couple more for your collection" and an unreadable name.
tramways, trams, geelong, ryrie st
Postcard produced by the Valentine publishing company of Moorabool St Geelong looking south. Tram 17 is visible along with the part of another tram in the bottom left-hand corner. In the photo are Bright & Hitchcock, the T&G building, Gray & Murray, the Bank of NSW, Savoia Cafe, and Rockman's stores along with an advertisement for Berger paints. The rear of the card notes it is a genuine photograph.
Yields information about the view of Moorabool St c1949
Black and white Postcard undivided back, unused.
On top right hand rear is "1949" in pencil.
tramways, trams, geelong, moorabool st, tram 17
Cast brass, fitted with a cylindrical bush in the centre. Fitted to the end of a trolley pole with another cast item known as a hasp.
Cast brass wheel, with three spokes and hole in the centre for fitting to trolley pole.
btm, ballarat tramway museum, trolley wheel
Used to suspend a tramway contact wire from catenary wires, or directly from a span pole. The contact wire is placed between the two halves and clamped in place by fastening the screws.
Shows how tramway contact wire is suspended.
A brass casting with various attachment points. The lower part is cast in two halves, with one side attached to the other with eight brass screws.
ballarat, tramways, overhead, wiring, ear
Type of coat worn by SEC tram crews in Ballarat from the mid 1930s through to 1971.
Demonstrates the SEC Uniform in 1921. It is significant for its good condition, which is rare for an item of its age.
Green woolen coat with brown leather detailing on sleeves and pockets, and three brass buttons.
Buttons - "State Electricity Commission of Victoria 1921" Tag - "David Klein PTY LTD" "22 Patrick Street, Melb. 32 3771" "Name J. Mason SEC Ballarat" "Date D.I 258716" "Pure Wool"
btm, uniforms, conductors, ballarat tramway museum, coat, jacket
Postcard produced by the Rose Stereograph Co. No P 3747, showing the scene at the corner of Moorabool and Ryrie Sts Geelong. Has a tram in the far distance turning out of Malop Street along with many motor cars of the late 1940s. In the view are Bright and Hitchcocks, the T&G building, Bank of NSW, Coles, and the Amalgamated store. Also in the view is one of the Bar neon-type traffic lights that Geelong installed. The rear of the postcard notes that it is a real photograph.
Yields information about the view of Moorabool St at Ryrie St.
Black and white Postcard divided back, unused.
On top right hand rear is "1949"
tramways, trams, geelong, moorabool st, ryrie st
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
