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 Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Printed Cohn Bros Memorandum notepaper dated 9th June 1896 from Cohn Bros Victorian Brewery 408 Collins St Melbourne directed to Mrs Miriam Cohn. Re her enclosed dividend cheque for half-year ending 30th April 1896. Signed E V Hastings Secretary.
Newspaper article "The Circus" by Jack Perry. Published in the Bendigo Weekly. Describes visits to Bendigo by Wirth's and other circuses
circus, wirth's, professor tipper, "blondin"
Newspaper article by Jack Perry. Published in the Bendigo Weekly 6.3.1998. Includes a description of the Gardens.
white hills gardens, sunday school picnic, bendigo creek
Newspaper article by Jack Perry. Published in the Bendigo Weekly 29.10.1999.
drought, depression
Soft cover booklet of 88 pages. Coloured sketches on front and back covers. Titled 'Gables, Girders & Glorious Gold' The Illustrated Living History of Clunes, Talbot and Surrounding Districts. Illustrated with colour and B&W sketches of buildings by David Williams.
'M & J Qualtrough' sticker on front cover.
clunes, talbot, ascot
A pair of shoe stretchers made of shiny metal, both have four adjustable lengths.
shoe stretchers, shoe repairs
Hardcover book. Purple front and back covers with B&W photos. 400 pages Bendigo Its Environs The Way it Was Volume 3 by Ken Arnold A brief history of the areas around Bendigo illustrated with B&W photos and maps. Published in 2013 by Crown Castleton Publishers, Bendigo. Printed by Trojan Press, Port Melbourne, Victoria
'M & J Qualtrough' sticker on front cover. Signed in ink by Ken Arnold, June 2023 on title page.
bendigo environs, history
Booklet of 95 pages. Red and yellow front covers with colour and B&W photos. Brief descriptions of townships around and north of Bendigo illustrated with B&W photos plus a map on page 5. Insert of sketch map of Kamarooka Forest and bird guide to forest. Edited by Jean and Ken Arnold. Published by Crown Castleton Publishers, Bendigo and printed by Centre State Printing, Maryborough, Victoria.
'M & J Qualtrough' sticker on title page
bendigo, townships
Soft cover booklet of 96 pages titled 'Up the Creek and Back Again'. The remarkable story of Carisbrook's 2011 floods and recovery. Edited by Carlene Dowie. Aerial photo of flooded township on front and back covers. Illustrated with colour photos of people and events. First published by Carisbrook Disaster Recovery Committee Inc 2014. Printed by McPherson Printing Group, Maryborough, Victoria
'M&J Qualtrough' sticker on first page
carisbrook, floods
Final edition of the 'Herald' newspaper 14th August 1990
A negative of the front page of the final edition of the 'Herald' newspaper, August 14, 1990
newspaper, "herald'
Final edition of the 'Herald' newspaper 14th August 1990
A copy of the final edition of the 'Herald' newspaper, August 14, 1990
newspaper, "herald'
Final edition of the 'Herald' newspaper 14th August 1990
A metal printing plate of the front page of the final edition of the Herald August 14, 1990
newspaper, printing plate, "herald'
This weapon was used sailors and probably made by them while onboard ships.
A flexible baleen stem one centimetre diameter and 27 centimetres long, one has a bulbus lead knob three centimetres diam and four centimetres long and is covered with woven string, The other end has an uncovered lead knob that's two centimetres diameter,
weapon, baleen cosh, sailor's cosh
Coloured photos of the City of Bendigo Icons Exhibition at Dudley House, sponsored by the Bendigo Historical Society. Included in the photos is the opening by the Mayor of Bendigo Councillor David Jones.
history, bendigo, councillor david jones, icons of bendigo, dudley house
The Imperial Atlas of Modern Geography published in London by Blackie and Son, Warwick Square, E.C.; Glasgow and Edinburgh in 1860 MDCCCLX. The atlas includes an extensive series of maps embracing the most recent discoveries and the latest political divisions of territory in all parts of the world compiled and engraved from the most authentic sources.
world maps, index
Long Gully is a suburb of Bendigo, 3 km north-west of the city's centre. The Long Gully Creek signifies the physical location of the suburb, and the Long Gully reefs ran southwards from Eaglehawk. It was particularly rich, realising yields as high as five ounces of gold to the ton.
Four black and white photos of a painter's studio in Creeth Street, Long Gully, Bendigo. The photos were of very low quality and have been restored as much as possible. The photos are of: 8679a Three women in long dresses and two men sitting around a table having tea in front of a mantle-piece. Several paintings are on the wall above. 8679b Four female artists (or students) painting pictures. They are supervised by a man and a woman. Various pieces of art are on the wall and floor around them. A painter's pallet is open on the floor in the foreground. 8679c Three women and one man are viewing pictures in the studio. 8679d Paintings on display in the studio
history, bendigo, creeth street long gully, artist studio
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 Blanche 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
.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, c.j.glover, soda bottle
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
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.
