Historical information

This stereoscopic photograph depicts the grounds and mature trees of the Former Ovens District Hospital. Started in 1857, it was Beechworth's first hospital and the only hospital between Melbourne and New South Wales. It was a philanthropic institution catering to the poor. In 1874, the sweeping gardens were laid out by Dr. Jenkyns and featured over 200 species of trees including fruit trees, shrubs and vegetable and flower gardens. Patients could enjoy the view from a rotunda. The section photographed was known as 'Little Canada', and an isolation ward was added there in 1890. Since the hospital's closure in 1940, only the front facade and gardens remain. The gardens are now known as Centennial Park and retain many of the original mature trees.

Significance

This stereoscopic photograph has aesthetic significance as it beautifully captures the sanitorium-like restorative atmosphere of the hospital gardens. It also has historical significance as it depicts the grounds of the Ovens District Hospital and the nature of hospital gardens in the nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Physical description

Sepia square stereoscopic photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.

Inscriptions & markings

Reverse:
1997.2687/A02687/Trees in Hospital Grounds/(Little Canada)/Beechworth
Note:
Trees in the O+D hospital grounds/(Little Canada)/A02687/1997.2687