Historical information

Town Hall Gardens in Beechworth were laid out by R H Jenkyn in 1875, however the gardens as a public open space dates back to 1857. The row of Sierra Redwood trees along the historic gardens' Williams Street frontage are presumed to be a gift from Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Many trees from the original plantings are on the National Trust Significant Tree Register. The gardens also feature a rotuda, fountain and two urns which are dated to 1876 and remain in their original positions. Today, Town Hall Gardens are adjacent to prominent buildings including Indigo Shire Council, Burke Museum, Beechworth Library, and Beechworth Visitor Information Centre.

The church steeple visible in the background belongs to St Andrew's Presbyterian Church which was erected in 1857 by Smith, Bank and Cranston. It is an architectural example of gothic revival churches in Victoria.

Significance

This photograph documents a snowfall event in August 1899 which covered Beechworth's Town Hall Gardens in a blanket of snow. It also provides a historical view of key landmarks in the gardens and surrounding area, which is adjacent to the Burke Museum.

Physical description

Black and white stereoscopic photograph mounted on pasteboard.

Inscriptions & markings

Reverse:
97-2282 /
84-159-1 /
Town Hall Gardens /
BMMA03167 /

Note:
A03167 /
Town Hall Gardens, Beechworth /