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.
John Greenfield Gill (1875 - 29/6/1927) married Alberta Jennings Marshall in 1898. He was the mining manager of the Unity Mine in Long Gully and was President of the Mine Manager Association in 1918.
Diary of a New Chum, Johnny Greenfield Gill. Contains eight photocopies (B and W) describing his journey to Australia from Wales, Aged 19 years in 1892; also a copy of his ticket on the "Orient" steam ship.
Original booklet of the twenty ninth annual report for the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum with the Financial Statement, List of Subscriptions, Statistical Table of Cases Treated and the Rules of the Institution, for the year 1887. Information includes officers for the upcoming year, dates and times of annual meeting, report from the Committee of Management, table of cases treated as in-patients, list of annual contributors, life governors, medical officers report. The printers of the original document were J. W. Pemberton, Printer, Bookbinder, Stationer, Pall Mall and Bull Street, Sandhurst.
bendigo hospital, annual report, 1860s, finance, health, illness and disease, bendigo benevolent asylum
Photocopy booklet of two annual reports for the Bendigo Gold District General Hospital with the Financial Statement, List of Contributors and the Rules of the Institution. The Eleventh Annual Report for 1867 (23 pages) and the Twelfth Annual Report for 1868 (27 pages) are included. Information includes officers for the upcoming year, dates and times of annual meeting, report to Board of Management, details of meetings held during the year, table of cases treated as in-patients, list of annual contributors, life contributors, surgeons report. The printers of the original document were J. W. Pemberton, Printer, Bookbinder, Stationer, Pall Mall and Bull Street, Sandhurst.
bendigo hospital, bendigo hospital committee of management, annual report, 1860s, finance, health, illness and disease
The Tyson Brothers, William, James, John and Peter established a prosperous business to provide meat to the miners on the Bendigo gold fields in 1852.
Nineteen-page yellow soft cover book with plastic coil binding. Includes black and white images and photos. Compiled by Murray Poustie, 2017. The publication tells the story of the Tyson Brothers in Sandhurst and follows their lives after they sold the business.
james tyson, tyson brothers, abattoirs, william tyson junior, mary ellen scanlon, topsy and theresa tyson, tyson's reef, cattle
Edwin Burston's father was B. J. Burston, conductor of the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra in 1896.
The Strand Musical Magazine, Volume III, January to June 1896. The inside front cover has a certificate outlining it was presented to Edwin Burston, at Gravel Hill State School No.1566, for School Choir: First Prize, Astral Competitions, Bendigo May 1897. The book has a grey hardcover with black, red, blue inscriptions and pictures on the cover. The spine has gold and black inscriptions and pictures, and the back cover is blank. The book includes pictures and articles on musical instruments, composers, musicians and sheet music for various pieces. This book is missing pages at the beginning and starts at page 3.
music, gravel hill school, astral competition, sheet music, burston family
The Strand Musical Magazine, Volume IV, July to December 1896. The inside front cover has a certificate outlining it was presented to Blanch Hoskins, at Gravel Hill State School No.1566, for School Choir: First Prize, Astral Competitions, Bendigo May 1897. The book has a grey hardcover with black, red, blue inscriptions and pictures on the cover. The spine has gold and black inscriptions and pictures, and the back cover is blank. There is a stamp on the title page - "E. W. Cole, Music Department & Library, Book Arcade". The book includes pictures and articles on musical instruments, composers, musicians and sheet music for various pieces.
sheet music, music, gravel hill school, books
Bendigo Tramways has been in operation since June 1890. From that time, the citizens of Bendigo have experienced battery, steam and electric traction as the principal modes of propulsion for their trams.
One Hundred and Forty Four photos taken on a field trip by the Bendigo Historical Society on the Bendigo Tourist Trams
history, bendigo, bendigo tourist tramway, trams
James Steward was born St Edmunds Suffolk England in 1830 where he had some brewing experience in his youth. He arrived in Melbourne 1853 and headed to the Bendigo gold fields. He had a claim at Sailors Gully which he worked with varying success until 1856 then purchased a property which became the Albion Brewery. He became one of the largest mining investors in the district and owned a lot of valuable properties in the area. He died on 1 Dec.1898 The executors of his estate were his sons William A Steward and Henry P Steward.
.A clear glass bottle with eight one centimetre wide vertical groves in most of its length. Painted on the bottle in white is, C.J.GLOVER ,TRADE MARK PROGRESS REGISTERED, which has a coat of arms over it, BENDIGO, BRITISH SYPHON CO, LTD LONDON, REGNO 762. The bottle is 10.5 centimetres diameter at its base and tapers to eight and a half diameter, in the next 20 centimetres, the next eight centimetres tapers to three and a half centimetres the last eight centimetres to two and a half centimetres, the next three centimetres it rounds off to three centimetres. There is a red metal cap on top which is three centimetres diameter for two centimetres then tapers for two centimetres to one and a half centimetres which continues for two and a half centimetres with a slight flair at the top There is a small wooden cap on the top and a four by one centimetre curved wooden handle is attached near the top. On the tapered part of the cap there is metal tube protruding down at a 45-degree angle and is four centimetres long and one centimetre diameter. The bottle has a small amount of liquid in it.
bottle, steward bros, a.j.a. steward brewery, james steward
The original Coliban Water Works were designed in 1863 by the Irish engineer Joseph Brady. The system included 70 kilometres of open water channels, aqueducts, syphons and tunnels to carry water (by gravity) from the Coliban River at Malmsbury, north to Castlemaine and Bendigo.
One hundred and nineteen photos taken on a field trip by the Bendigo Historical Society to Coliban Water Supply assets.
history, bendigo, coliban water, joseph brady, irrigation
B&W Myer staff photograph, showing 23 male staff in suit and ties Undated studio photo
social history, myer, department store
Colour photograph of the Myer Santa tram November 1991. The tram is decorated with tinsel. The male driver is standing bedside the door.
social history, myer santa tram
B&W photograph of the Myer "Great European War" (World War I) Roll of Honour for employees of Myers Bendigo. Colour photograph recording fifty three names of Myer Bendigo employees.
social history, myer store, wwi, honour roll
The Red Ribbon Agitation took place in Sandhurst in 1853 when the miners protested against the Licence fee imposed by the Government.
Replicas of various flags used during the Red Ribbon Agitation (1853) re-enactments. There are flags of Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, USA, Union Jack and two St Piran's Flag of Cornwall. The Red Ribbon replica flag has four segments: Gold Scales, Emu/Kangaroo, Pick/Shovel and Gold Cradle and a Roman bundle of sticks.
flags, red ribbon agitation
B&W photograph of the first Myer store in Pall Mall Bendigo circa 1901.
social history, myer store
In 2005 Michele Matthews interviewed current and former residents of Bendigo for her thesis on the 1930s Depression as part of her PhD Research, with the University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts, History Department. Michele interviewed fifteen members of prominent Bendigonian families. The thesis was titled: "How Depressing?: The impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925-1935". The Michele Matthews Collection contains fourteen audio cassette tape recordings and one written transcript. The tapes are each approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes duration. The questions presented to the interviewees explore everyday experiences they would have lived through at the time of the Depression. The questions covered sixteen relevant subjects: • Introduction and housing • Social activities, swimming, cinemas, school and games played with friends • Organizations such as the RSL, Relief Committees etc. and any effect they had on family life • The life of the single woman • Unemployment and Employment • Government Assistance • Charities Aid • Self-help • People Power, e.g. boycotts or protests • Politics • Trouble or crime • Family Health, Medical and Diet • Education • General memories of, and hardships encountered, during the Depression
Questions, Notes and Prompts for the interviews.
history, bendigo, michele matthews collection, the 1930s depression tapes
In 2005 Michele Matthews interviewed current and former residents of Bendigo for her thesis on the 1930s Depression as part of her PhD Research, with the University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts, History Department. Michele interviewed fifteen members of prominent Bendigonian families. The thesis was titled: "How Depressing?: The impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925-1935". The Michele Matthews Collection contains fourteen audio cassette tape recordings and one written transcript. The tapes are each approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes duration. The questions presented to the interviewees explore everyday experiences they would have lived through at the time of the Depression. The questions covered sixteen relevant subjects: • Introduction and housing • Social activities, swimming, cinemas, school and games played with friends • Organizations such as the RSL, Relief Committees etc. and any effect they had on family life • The life of the single woman • Unemployment and Employment • Government Assistance • Charities Aid • Self-help • People Power, e.g. boycotts or protests • Politics • Trouble or crime • Family Health, Medical and Diet • Education • General memories of, and hardships encountered, during the Depression
Two pages of Interviewee List.
history, bendigo, michele matthews collection, the 1930s depression tapes
B&W photograph of the Myer Bendigo "Bendigo showroom" staff. Undated the photograph shows six female employees.
social history, myer store
In 2005 Michele Matthews interviewed current and former residents of Bendigo for her thesis on the 1930s Depression as part of her PhD Research, with the University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts, History Department. Michele interviewed fifteen members of prominent Bendigonian families. The thesis was titled: "How Depressing?: The impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925-1935". The Michele Matthews Collection contains fourteen audio cassette tape recordings and one written transcript. The tapes are each approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes duration. The questions presented to the interviewees explore everyday experiences they would have lived through at the time of the Depression. The questions covered sixteen relevant subjects: • Introduction and housing • Social activities, swimming, cinemas, school and games played with friends • Organizations such as the RSL, Relief Committees etc. and any effect they had on family life • The life of the single woman • Unemployment and Employment • Government Assistance • Charities Aid • Self-help • People Power, e.g. boycotts or protests • Politics • Trouble or crime • Family Health, Medical and Diet • Education • General memories of, and hardships encountered, during the Depression
Notes of Chat with Shirley Mainstone - There was no taped interview.
history, bendigo, michele matthews collection, the 1930s depression tapes, shirley mainstone
B&W photograph of the Myer Bendigo staff of the company's "Country Order Department". Undated the photograph shoes two males and seven female employees.
social history, myer store
B&W photograph of the Myer Bendigo staff and float for the Easter Parade 1920. Photo shows seven female staff. The float is decorated with lattice and balloons. Several staff in costume.
social history, myer store
B&W photograph of the attire of a Myer Bendigo cashier. Undated. A studio photo.
"Yours truly Win" signed on the photograph
social history, myer store
A clear glass bottle with an oval label embossed on it which states, J.R. OSWALD, EAGLE BRAND, a picture of an eagle, EAGLEHAWK. Around the base of the of the bottle states, THIS BOTTLE IS PROPERTY OF J R OSWALD EAGLEHAWK AND CANNOT LEGALLY BE USED BY OTHERS. The bottle is seven and a half centimetres diameter at its base and stays at that diameter for 15 centimetres, the next twelve centimetres tapers to two and a half centimetres with a pictorial crown seal.
bottle, j. r.oswald, eaglehawk brewery
Ladies' Jantzen one piece woollen knit swimming costume with double panel below waist. Jantzen Regd. label stitched to inside left shoulder strap, Size 40. Made in Australia and features an embroidered logo of woman diving in red cap and costume. This logo also appears on front panel at left base. Straps cross over at the back.
swimming costume, knitware, jantzen, ladies' wear
Development and expansion of the Myer Company
Ten pages of single-sided typed notes detailing the development of the Myer Emporium and Associated Enterprises, dated 1962. The history details the development of the Myer empire from the first store in Bendigo and the expansion of the company. Notes are in portrait format single sided typing on foolscap pages and are stapled on upper left-hand corner.
social history, myer store
Sir Norman Myer lifetime achievements
Three pages of single-sided typed notes detailing the interests of Sir Norman Myer in the Myer Store, dated 17 December 1956. Includes copy of an address by Mr. B. Glowray to the A.C.A.M. convention on 22 August 1978 in Melbourne Notes are in portrait format single sided typing on foolscap pages and are stapled on upper left-hand corner.
social history, sir norman myer, myer emporium
Seven page of single-sided typed notes detailing the chronology of the development of the Myer Store, over the period 1901 to 1970. Notes are in portrait format single sided typing on foolscap pages and are stapled on upper left-hand corner.
chronology of myer store, social history, myer emporium
Eleven page of double-sided typed notes detailing the chronology of the development of the Myer Store, starting with the first store on Pall Mall Bendigo. Notes are in portrait format double side typed A4 pages and are stapled on upper left-hand corner.
chronology of myer store, social history, myer emporium
James Steward was born St Edmunds Suffolk England in 1830 where he had some brewing experience in his youth. He arrived in Melbourne 1853 and headed to the Bendigo gold fields. He had a claim at Sailors Gully which he worked with varying success until 1856 then purchased a property which became the Albion Brewery. He became one of the largest mining investors in the district and owned a lot of valuable properties in the area. He died on 1 Dec.1898 The excitors of his estate were his sons William A Steward and Henry P Steward.
A green bottle with white painted markings STEWARD BROS, a sketch of a person wearing a hat, SAILORS GULLY, THIS BOTTLE IS NOT SOLD. The bottle is eight and a half centimetres diameter at its base and stays at that diameter for 14 centimetres, the next eight centimetres tapers to three and a half centimetres the last eight centimetres to two and a half centimetres with a ring seal. The base has a five centimetre deep frog.
bottle, steward bros, a.j.a. steward brewery, james steward
The item is a soft cover book recording factory orders of T.J. Connolly, Ironmongers, Sandhurst. Each handwritten page records the customer orders by date, name and goods supplied. The soft cardboard cover is navy blue with considerable wearing to the bottom right hand side corner, water damage to the top left hand corner and stains on the front and back. A paper rectangle is stuck to the front cover on which was stamped "Factory Order Book" but much of it is missing. The pages are bound together with string. The book includes the date range of October 1896 to December 1897. All pages have been used. This item is part of the Margaret Roberts Collection.
A paper rectangle is stuck to the front cover on which is stamped "Factory Order Book". The left hand side and some of the top and bottom has been torn away.
margaret roberts collection, ironmongers, forest street, bendigo businesses
The item is a soft cover book recording daily work of T.J. Connolly, Ironmongers, Sandhurst. Each handwritten page is dated at the top and records the customer surname, goods supplied, price of items and total price. In most entries, a town or area is included after the customer's name. Each page has been wavy lines added over each customer entry. The navy blue soft cover has a decorative inlay both front and back with some wearing at the corners. The number "229" is stamped on a brown paper rectangle which has been stuck to the front cover. The pages are bound together with string. The book includes the date range of 28 September 1896 to 26 November 1896. All pages have been used. This item is part of the Margaret Roberts Collection.
A blue "X" and three fine black squares surround the stamped "229", on the top left-hand corner of the paper rectangle..
margaret roberts collection, ironmongers, forest street, bendigo businesses
The item is a soft cover book recording work of T.J. Connolly, Ironmongers, Sandhurst. Each handwritten page records the month and year at the top of the page and then lists dates, quantities, customer name and item details. Some customers names include location of customer. The soft cardboard cover is green with red and brown marbling on both front and back with some wearing at the corners and fading at the spine. "Factory Order Book" and decorative swirls are hand drawn in black on the front cover. The dates are stamped on the cover also. The pages are bound together with string. The book includes the date range of November 1895 to October 1896. All pages have been used. This item is part of the Margaret Roberts Collection.
"Factory Order Book" and decorative swirls are hand drawn in black on the front cover. "From Nov 95 to Oct 96" is stamped in black on the front cover. The back cover has some black ink spots.
margaret roberts collection, ironmongers, forest street, bendigo businesses
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.
