Originally designed in 1857 and extended to the further designs by Bendigo Architects Vahland and Getzschmann, Emil Mauermann and William Beebe the original two story house expanded over time as Lansell's fortune increased and the subsequent mansion was built adjacent to the New Chum Reef and mine from which most of his wealth was yielded. Fortuna remained in the Lansell family for twenty nine years after George died and was sold by auction for demolition in 1934 only to be saved to become a reception house. In 1942 the Army acquired a lease for wartime mapping and occupied the site until 2008. It is now in private hands with the surrounding land being divided for housing. George Lansell was commonly known as 'Australia's Quartz-King' and director of thirty-eight mines with some link with almost every mine in Bendigo.

A4 size tour booklet outlining the history, use and architectural features of Fortuna Villa which was purchased by George Lansell in 1860.

mayor william beebe, george lansell

Alec Craig was elected to the Barkly Ward seat on the Bendigo City Council in March 1954 after the resignation of Cr J A Michelsen. He became Mayor in 1956 and served from 1956 -57, 1963 - 64 and 1973 -74. Councillor Craig first posited the idea of Hargreaves Street becoming a shopping mall but retired from council in 1976 before the idea was executed. Alec Craig was the foundation President of the Provincial cities and Town Association of Victoria and President of the Bendigo Base Hospital in 1973. He was awarded an O.B.E. in 1973 for outstanding public service. Grace Adeline Craig was a respected teacher at Bendigo Girl's School and Bendigo High School.

0383.1 Three fold voting pamphlet with photo of Councillor Craig on front cover. Inside is a printed letter to Mr and Mrs Ratepayer promoting Councillor Craig's past achievements. 0383.2 How to vote flyer for Councillor Craig. Printed on pink paper. 0383.3 Vote 1 Craig poster. Two colour print on cream paper. Edges missing.

mayor craig, mayoress craig, councillor alec craig, grace adeline craig

Black, white and blue printed fold out brochure reporting to the community on council spending.

city of bendigo, mayor jeffrey

This gavel (or mallet) and stand was gifted from the Provincial Cities and Towns Association of Victoria to mark the centenary of the City of Bendigo.

Wooden gavel with carved handle and stand. Front of stand has engraved plaque

Presented to / The City of Bendigo / to mark the / Centenary of the Municipality / as a City / By the Provincial Cities and Towns / Association of Victoria / 21st July 1971

city of bendigo

Robert Clark was a self educated man who had arrived in Australia with his step father to take up mining in 1854. He worked in several local mines and being familiar with the hardships associated with mining life, helping to establish the eight hour day for miners. Robert married Sarah Jane Kernaghan in 1862 and together they had nine children. Robert Clark was first elected in 1872 and remained a councillor until his death in 1883. He died aged 41 years. This elaborate Letter of Appreciation was hand drawn and painted by artist and photographer Frederick de Kock who was associated with Mr N Caire's photographic Studio, View Place and by 1882 was producing and teaching hand painting on ceramics. In 1883 he advertised as a photographer with his own studio on the corner of Mitchell and King Street, which was later named the Bendigo Portrait Rooms.

180.1 Donated by Jenny Taylor; 180.2 Organisational created.

Illuminated Letter of Appreciation in shape of arched window. From Sandhurst Pioneer Co-Operative Co Limited to Robert Clark. Hand drawn and painted on card. Signed by eight directors.

mayor city of sandhurst, councillor robert clark, mayor clark, mayor of the city of sandhurst

The first local government authority for Marong was the Marong Road District (an early form of single-purpose local government), which was proclaimed on 19 August 1860. Its boundary was altered twice in 1862 and on 12 December 1864 it was re designated as a shire. It absorbed Raywood Borough in 1915, and was proclaimed a Rural City in 1990. On 2 December 1994, with the creation of Greater Bendigo City Council, it was abolished by being amalgamated with Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough, Huntly Shire, part of McIvor Shire, part of Metcalfe Shire and Strathfieldsaye Shire to form the City of Greater Bendigo. This metal box contained a roll of admission tickets and was possibly used for holding cash at the swimming pool or other municipal facility.

Lockable painted metal box.

Shire of Marong

shire of marong

The first local government authority for Marong was the Marong Road District (an early form of single-purpose local government), which was proclaimed on 19 August 1860. Its boundary was altered twice in 1862 and on 12 December 1864 it was re designated as a shire. It absorbed Raywood Borough in 1915, and was proclaimed a Rural City in 1990. On 2 December 1994, with the creation of Greater Bendigo City Council, it was abolished by being amalgamated with Bendigo City, Eaglehawk Borough, Huntly Shire, part of McIvor Shire, part of Metcalfe Shire and Strathfieldsaye Shire to form Greater Bendigo City.

Painted metal tin with handle on top. Currently locked closed.

Shire of Marong

shire of marong

On the 14th of October 2023, Australians were asked to vote on a proposal to change the wording in the constitution 'To recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.’ Only 39.9 per cent of legal votes were in favour of this change, and there was not a majority in any of the six Australian States (there was a majority, however, in the Australian Capital Territory). On the 26th June, 2023 Councillors with the The City of Greater Bendigo discussed their position on The Voice to Parliament and decided to support the Yes campaign while pledging to provide information on both sides of the debate to residents. Cr Margaret O’Rourke introduced the motion and spoke at length about the importance for Council to adopt the recommendation. “Recognising the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in the constitution ensures that Indigenous Australians have a direct and meaningful role in shaping policies and laws that impact them'. Several Councillors voiced their concern over whether the City could formally support one side of the debate, while seeking to provide neutral information saying that it did not pass the commonsense test. These badges were collected at an event at Rosalind Park on the 27th of September, 2023 attended by Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians who addressed the crowd.

Large badges with YES printed in centre.

city of greater bendigo reconcilliation, dja dja wurrung

Medal commemorating the centenary of the establishment of a settlement on Bendigo Creek.

Stokes & Sons pressed medal with gold finish to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Bendigo.

obverse; 1851 / City of Bendigo Centenary / 1951. Reverse: In centre: Coat of arms (Bendigo), Below Progress

city of greater bendigo medals

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. These cuff links would have been worn during official events, such as council meetings.

Matching set of two cuff links worn by Alec Sandner while serving on the Shire of Strathfieldsaye Council. Cuff links are metallic (gold) with the circular Shire coat of arms. The coat of arms are represented in full colour.

sandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor

Alec Sandner was a Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillor from 1982 -1987, Strathfieldsaye Shire President from 1985 – 86 and Mayor of COG Bendigo 2011 - 2012. These name badges would have been worn during official events, such as council meetings.

Three name badges worn by Alec Sandner while serving on the Shire of Strathfieldsaye Council. All three badges are metallic with the circular Shire coat of arms above a rectangle name plate. The coat of arms are represented in full colour, name and titles are printed in black. 0146.1 Mr. Alec Sandner 0146.2 Cr. Alec Sandner 0146.3 Cr. Alec Sandner / Shire President

sandner collection, mayor alec sandner, helen sandner, shire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, city of greater bendigo mayor

Carrie Moore (31 July 1882 – 5 September 1956) was an Australian actress who achieved fame on the Australian and British stage. She was born Caroline Ellen Moore in Geelong, Victoria, on 31 July 1882. Moore performed for J.C. Williamson's "Royal Comic Opera Company" in a number of leading roles and in 1903 left for England, spending five years on the London stage, returning in 1908. She performed at the Royal Princess Theatre in Bendigo on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th September 1913. Assisted by Mr Reginald Kenneth she presented several long songs and duets. The event was presented by Tivoli Pictures.

Two, double sided, printed advertising ephemera for Carrie Moore's appearance in Bendigo.

bendigo tivoli pictures, bendigo royal princess theatre

The first Bendigo Easter Fair was held on 10th and 11th April, 1871 and remains one of Australia’s longest running annual community events taking place over the Easter long weekend. Its purpose was to raise funds in aid of two local charities; The Bendigo Hospital, and The Bendigo Benevolent Asylum. The fair features events throughout the City with celebrations culminating in a parade on Easter Sunday. The parade features a variety of commercial and community groups including a large processional dragon which has been an integral part of the annual parade since 1892. The three principal golden dragons featured over the past 130 years are Loong (1892–1970), Sun Loong (1970–2019) and Dai Gum Loong (2019–present) which are housed at the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo. Fundraising for charities remains a large part of this event and this raffle is an example of the types of prizes you could expect to win in 1915 with 1st prize being a Horse, Gig and Harness.

Printed ticket on card. Double sided. Includes advertising for local businesses. Front covered in text describing the twenty one prizes to be won. Reverse; advertisement for Cohn Bros Beer.

bendigo easter fair, bendigo hospital

A4 size, twelve pages printed on cream coloured paper stock. Front cover illustration of Law Courts. Page 2, full page photograph of Mayor and Mayoress Sandner. Report includes photographs throughout. Includes financial reporting.

non-fiction

alec and helen sander, mayor sandner, mayoress sandner, city of bendigo mayor, city of bendigo

Handbook for residents with information about rates, garbage collection, numbering houses, building, dog registration etc.

Black and white printed, seven page handbook for residents. Centre page illustrated map. Front cover; photo of Sacred Heart Cathedral. Handbook is folded in centre. Stapled on fold.

councillor r turner, mayor turner, city of bendigo

Bendigo United Brewery Ltd traded until 1947. Michael Giudice (Mayor of Bendigo 1922 - 24) was Managing Director in 1926.

Oval label. Multicoloured.

city of bendigo commerce, mayor giudice, bendigo united breweries, councillor michael giudice

Held in Melbourne from the 22nd November to 8th December, the 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad or the Melbourne Olympics were the first held outside of Europe or the USA. This programme was originally enclosed with book 'Australia, Land of the Southern Cross' as is a visitors guide to Australian states and cities.

Colour printed programme. 15, [1] pages. Illustrated. Colour printed front and back cover based on the Olympic ring colours. Inside pages printed in red and black. Contents include an official programme listing all the events, venues and dates; photograph and map of Olympic grounds and Village; a guide to facilities and services available to visitors during the Olympic Games and lists of Australian cities and towns with brief statistics and description for each listing. Includes an introduction by Frank Selleck, Lord Mayor of Melbourne ; Maurice A. Nathan, Chairman, Olympic Civic Committee.

melbourne olympic games, olympic games 1956, city of bendigo tourism

Danish brothers, Moritz, Julius and Jacob Cohn arrived in Bendigo in 1853 and by 1856 started making cider and soft drinks, building a brewery 1880 to further extend their commercial enterprises and stock their hotels with their own brand of beer. Having sent Moritz's son, (also Julius) to Germany to learn to brew, the Cohn Brothers began to produce Excelsior Lager in 1882, which was traditionally served cold, the first time this had been done in Australia. Overtime the Cohn brothers expanded their operations adding cordials and in 1916 produced a non-alcoholic beer to satisfy the temperance activists. Cohn Brothers built an empire of breweries, cordial factories, hotels and liquor stores and ice works. In 1925 they sold the hotels and breweries to Carlton & United but continued to make their other products until the 1970s when the company became part of the Coca Cola Amatil Group. These Cohn's Cobber Member pins relate to the Cohn's Cobbers TV Club which was sponsored by Cohn's Soft drinks. The Cobbers TV Club was an afternoon children's variety program modelled on the Tarax Show. When local TV station BCV8 opened in Bendigo they broadcast Cobber’s teleclub in their afternoon timeslot for young viewers. Jacob Isaac Cohn was born in 1830 (died 1911) in Horsens Denmark and entered the Sandhurst Borough Council in 1863 where he served as a member for three years, returning again in 1887 to serve as Mayor of the City of Bendigo from 1888-1889. Jacob Cohn was a great supporter of the Mechanics Institute, the Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum. It is believed that through his connection with the Mechanics Institute he exhibited some loaned engravings from the Dresden Art Gallery which were then donated to the City of Bendigo, forming the nuclei of the Art Gallery's collection. Jacob Cohn held the position of President of the Art Gallery for 18 years.

Two small multi coloured member pins. Gold coloured metal and fastening pin on back. Brown, white and green inner sections with gold text on front.

Cohns / Cobber / Member

mayor jacob cohn, city of bendigo commerce, cohn brothers, cohns

Danish brothers, Moritz, Julius and Jacob Cohn arrived in Bendigo in 1853 and by 1856 started making cider and soft drinks, building a brewery 1880 to further extend their commercial enterprises and stock their hotels with their own brand of beer. Having sent Moritz's son, (also Julius) to Germany to learn to brew, the Cohn Brothers began to produce Excelsior Lager in 1882, which was traditionally served cold, the first time this had been done in Australia. Overtime the Cohn brothers expanded their operations adding cordials and in 1916 produced a non-alcoholic beer to satisfy the temperance activists. Originally named Tonic Ale but re-named 6 o’clock Lager after the temperance advocates succeeded in having pubs close at six o’clock. This badge is just one example of branded items which would have been used to further promote the company. Cohn Brothers built an empire of breweries, cordial factories, hotels and liquor stores and ice works. In 1925 they sold the hotels and breweries to Carlton & United but continued to make their other products until the 1970s when the company became part of the Coca Cola Amatil Group. Jacob Isaac Cohn was born in 1830 (died 1911) in Horsens Denmark and entered the Sandhurst Borough Council in 1863 where he served as a member for three years, returning again in 1887 to serve as Mayor of the City of Bendigo from 1888-1889. Jacob Cohn was a great supporter of the Mechanics Institute, the Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum. It is believed that through his connection with the Mechanics Institute he exhibited some loaned engravings from the Dresden Art Gallery which were then donated to the City of Bendigo, forming the nuclei of the Art Gallery's collection. Jacob Cohn held the position of President of the Art Gallery for 18 years.

Large metal badge

Call for / Cohn / Cohnstantly

mayor jacob cohn, making a nation, city of bendigo commerce, cohn brothers, cohns

Medal commemorating the centenary of the establishment of a settlement on Bendigo Creek.

(.1) Small, circular, gold pin with blue and green enamel. below. (.2) Seventeen numbered paper envelopes containing single pin.

Face of pin has the City of Bendigo Coat of Arms in relief with 'City of Bendigo' above and 'Centenary 1851 - 1961'

city of greater bendigo medals

The Bendigo School of Mines was opened in 1873 following the first report of the Technological Commission in 1869 which recommended the establishment of schools of design and science to meet the scientific and technical needs of the mining industry on the local gold fields. Initially mining, chemistry, geology, metallurgy and art were taught while a separate school of design was established in c. 1870 but incorporated into the School of Mines around 1883 when it was renamed as the School of Mines and Industry. In 1904 The Mechanics Institute was liquidated and its assets and buildings acquired by the School of Mines. Around 1907 a Junior Technical School commenced to operate at the School of Mines and Industry but ceased operating in 1961 with that function being transferred to the White Hills and Kangaroo Flat Technical Schools.

Obverse; Ornate relief design made up of a coat of arms with mining icons in each quarter flanked by flags on either side. Per varios usus artem experientia fecit written in scroll underneath. Translation: Practice has brought skill through different exercises. (Manilius) Reverse; Outer wheel Bendigo School of Mines and Industries. Inner; 1873 /Jubilee /1923

Obverse; Per varios usus artem experientia fecit Reverse; Outer wheel Bendigo School of Mines and Industries. Inner; 1873 /Jubilee /1923

city of greater bendigo education, bendigo school of mines

The Boer War took place from 11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902. Also known as the Anglo–Boer War, or the South African War, the conflict was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics (the South African Republic and the Orange Free State) over the Empire's influence in Southern Africa. As part of the British Empire, the Australian colonies offered troops for the war. Samuel McGowan was born in North Ireland in 1845, immigrating to Australia in 1870. He arrived in Bendigo 1871 and having worked in a large engineering works at home was quickly able to find management work in foundries, later opening a legal manager's office growing this into one of the largest of its type in Bendigo. Samuel McGowan was elected a member of the City Council in 1883 and was elected Mayor in 1885 and again in 1899, resigning as a councillor in 1901. He was the treasurer of the Bendigo Hospital, a senior member of the Zenith Lodge and president of the Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Samuel McGowan and Kate Goyne from Epsom married on 29th August 1874. Samuel died in 1921 aged 76 and Kate in 1930 aged 78. This plaque was probably attached to a commemorative board such as an honour board, however its whereabout are unknown.

Engraved plaque in the shape of a flag and flag pole. Four small holes indicate that it was previously attached to a larger commemorative board.

Flag; Special functions by / Mayor & Mrs McGowan / entertainment and distribution of Comforts to the / Bendigo Soldiers Contingent prior to their / departure for the Boer War. / Reception at the Town Hall / Ball to the Citizens. / Entertainment of distinguished visitors, etc.etc.etc / Flag pole; F. Prescott

mayor mcgowan, councillor s h mc gowan, mayoress mcgowan

The Sandhurst Industrial Exhibition was held in Sandhurst at the Market Building and Corn Exchange and was opened by the Marquis of Normandy on the 17th March 1879. Modelled on a similar event held in Ballarat the previous year which was largely aimed at displaying the work of juvenile artisans, the Sandhurst Exhibition was more general in its purpose and provided more space for the general exhibition of products, natural and manufactured from the broader surrounding district. The opening event included a procession of all the friendly societies, fire brigades and other local institutions.

Obverse Description; Bendigo Coat of Arms Reverse Description; (Text only) Edge Description; Plain

Obverse Description: Progress Ernst A Altmann Reverse Description: Sandhurst Industrial Exhibition / 1879 / Awarded to / George R Bennett / South Yarra / Inlaid Marble / Chess Table

city of greater bendigo medals, sandhurst industrial exhibition 1879

In an era when drinking beer was considered safer than drinking water, pubs were prolific and the centre of social and commercial life in Bendigo. (Bridgfoot,J. Taverns to Temperance: Pubs in Bendigo). While the Cohn Brothers and their 'tied hotels' and were one of the most successful brewers in the district, many smaller brewers also existed and the industry was a major source of employment. C.J. Glover or Charles Runting appear to have been in one of those.

Oval beer bottle label. Multi coloured print featuring images of hops, a glass of ail, the Bendigo Coat of Arms and various font styles.

Glover & Runting / Tonic Ale / Manufacturers / Chapel St / Bendigo / Vic Australia

making a nation, city of bendigo commerce

Danish brothers, Moritz, Julius and Jacob Cohn arrived in Bendigo in 1853 and by 1856 started making cider and soft drinks, building a brewery 1880 to further extend their commercial enterprises and stock their hotels with their own brand of beer. Having sent Moritz's son, (also Julius) to Germany to learn to brew, the Cohn Brothers began to produce Excelsior Lager in 1882, which was traditionally served cold, the first time this had been done in Australia. Overtime the Cohn brothers expanded their operations adding cordials and in 1916 produced a non-alcoholic beer to satisfy the temperance activists. This label is associated with a non alcoholic larger originally named Tonic Ale but re-named 6 o’clock Lager after the temperance advocates succeeded in having pubs close at six o’clock. Cohn Brothers built an empire of breweries, cordial factories, hotels and liquor stores and ice works. In 1925 they sold the hotels and breweries to Carlton & United but continued to make their other products until the 1970s when the company became part of the Coca Cola Amatil Group. Jacob Isaac Cohn was born in 1830 (died 1911) in Horsens Denmark and entered the Sandhurst Borough Council in 1863 where he served as a member for three years, returning again in 1887 to serve as Mayor of the City of Bendigo from 1888-1889. Jacob Cohn was a great supporter of the Mechanics Institute, the Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum. It is believed that through his connection with the Mechanics Institute he exhibited some loaned engravings from the Dresden Art Gallery which were then donated to the City of Bendigo, forming the nuclei of the Art Gallery's collection. Jacob Cohn held the position of President of the Art Gallery for 18 years.

Oval larger label. Multicoloured.

6 o'clock / Lager / non- intoxicating / Brewed & Bottled by / Cohn Bros. / Victoria Brewery Co Ltd / Bendigo / Vict. Aust

mayor jacob cohn, bendigo art gallery, bendigo masonic lodge, making a nation, city of bendigo commerce, cohns, cohn brothers

Commemorative object produced by Simplot Food Service and presented to the City of Greater Bendigo on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Chicko Roll by Bendigo born boiler maker, Frank McEncroe. The Chicko Roll has been an Australian icon since the 1960's and 70's. Inspired by the Chinese spring roll and first sold in 1951 as the "Chicken Roll" despite not actually containing chicken. The snack was designed to be easily eaten on the move without a plate or cutlery and is typically deep-fried in vegetable oil. By 1965 the ubiquitous Chicko Roll was sold in every fish and chip shop throughout the country and at the height of their popularity in the 1970s, 40 million Chiko Rolls were being sold Australia-wide each year and more than one million were exported to Japan.(Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiko_Roll). Advertised with the slogan 'Grab a Chiko', 'Hit the Hot Spot' and 'You Can't Knock the Roll' the marketing around the Chicko Roll was aimed towards the male population with women perched on Harley Davidson's prevocatively preparing to bite into a Chicko Roll. In 2008 with a push towards healthier eating, Chicko Roll reviewed its advertising and although it continues to target young men, it switched to using a 'fun, active' young women, riding a retro pushbike near the beach to improve its image. In 1995 J.R. Simplot, an American company who also own Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell and John Wes,t acquired Chicko Roll to sure up their foothold in the Australian market.

Life size gold plated chicko roll in a hinged wooden presentation box with red lining. Double sided, printed letter accompanying the object explains its creation and significance.

0365.1; CHICKO

city of greater bendigo commerce, mayor acherman

This type of album was created by agents auctioning and selling land.

Large portfolio style album with black cloth cover bound with three large metal pins. Blue marbled pastedown endpapers. Seventy nine pages, seventy five with Department of Lands and Survey maps attached. No index page. Maps have handwritten notes and markings throughout in pencil and pen. Covers the Counties of Bendigo, Rodney, Gladstone and Talbot and Parishes of Kerang, Salisbury, Mandurang and Tarnagulla. Includes a hand written note on William Wallace & Co letterhead.

city of bendigo commerce

This type of album was created by agents auctioning and selling land.

Large portfolio style album with green cloth cover bound with three large metal pins. One hundred and then pages with thirty three Department of Lands and Survey maps pasted in. Index page. Maps have handwritten notes and markings throughout in pencil and pen. Covers the Counties of Bendigo, Rodney, Talbot, Gunbower, Gladstone, Tatchera and Karkarooc, Shires of East Loddon and Huntly and Swan Hill District.

Danish brothers, Moritz, Julius and Jacob Cohn arrived in Bendigo in 1853 and by 1856 started making cider and soft drinks, building a brewery 1880 to further extend their commercial enterprises and stock their hotels with their own brand of beer. Having sent Moritz's son, (also Julius) to Germany to learn to brew, the Cohn Brothers began to produce Excelsior Lager in 1882, which was traditionally served cold, the first time this had been done in Australia. Overtime the Cohn brothers expanded their operations adding cordials and in 1916 produced a non-alcoholic beer to satisfy the temperance activists. Originally named Tonic Ale but re-named 6 o’clock Lager after the temperance advocates succeeded in having pubs close at six o’clock. This ashtray is just one example of branded bar items which would have been supplied to hotels who served Cohns beverage to further promote the company. Cohn Brothers built an empire of breweries, cordial factories, hotels and liquor stores and ice works. In 1925 they sold the hotels and breweries to Carlton & United but continued to make their other products until the 1970s when the company became part of the Coca Cola Amatil Group. Jacob Isaac Cohn was born in 1830 (died 1911) in Horsens Denmark and entered the Sandhurst Borough Council in 1863 where he served as a member for three years, returning again in 1887 to serve as Mayor of the City of Bendigo from 1888-1889. Jacob Cohn was a great supporter of the Mechanics Institute, the Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum. It is believed that through his connection with the Mechanics Institute he exhibited some loaned engravings from the Dresden Art Gallery which were then donated to the City of Bendigo, forming the nuclei of the Art Gallery's collection. Jacob Cohn held the position of President of the Art Gallery for 18 years.

Glass rectangle ashtray with shaped corners for resting cigarettes. Text printed in reverse in red ink on bottom of ashtray.

Cohn Bros / C.B. / Soda Water

mayor jacob cohn, bendigo art gallery, bendigo masonic lodge, making a nation, city of bendigo commerce, cohn brothers, cohns

Danish brothers, Moritz, Julius and Jacob Cohn arrived in Bendigo in 1853 and by 1856 started making cider and soft drinks, building a brewery 1880 to further extend their commercial enterprises and stock their hotels with their own brand of beer. Having sent Moritz's son, (also Julius) to Germany to learn to brew, the Cohn Brothers began to produce Excelsior Lager in 1882, which was traditionally served cold, the first time this had been done in Australia. Overtime the Cohn brothers expanded their operations adding cordials and in 1916 produced a non-alcoholic beer to satisfy the temperance activists. Originally named Tonic Ale but re-named 6 o’clock Lager after the temperance advocates succeeded in having pubs close at six o’clock. This drinks tray is just one example of branded bar items which would have been supplied to hotels who served Cohns beverage to further promote the company. Cohn Brothers built an empire of breweries, cordial factories, hotels and liquor stores and ice works. In 1925 they sold the hotels and breweries to Carlton & United but continued to make their other products until the 1970s when the company became part of the Coca Cola Amatil Group. Jacob Isaac Cohn was born in 1830 (died 1911) in Horsens Denmark and entered the Sandhurst Borough Council in 1863 where he served as a member for three years, returning again in 1887 to serve as Mayor of the City of Bendigo from 1888-1889. Jacob Cohn was a great supporter of the Mechanics Institute, the Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum. It is believed that through his connection with the Mechanics Institute he exhibited some loaned engravings from the Dresden Art Gallery which were then donated to the City of Bendigo, forming the nuclei of the Art Gallery's collection. Jacob Cohn held the position of President of the Art Gallery for 18 years.

Circular metal drinks tray. White tray with red rim and red 'Cohns Since 1857' logo and 'Quick to Quench' slogan printed in centre.

'Quick to Quench' / Cohns / Since 1857

mayor jacob cohn, bendigo art gallery, bendigo masonic lodge, making a nation, city of bendigo commerce, cohns, cohn brothers