Historical information

Tramcar Destination Sign used by the Electric Supply Company of Victoria on the Ballarat Electric Trams. The ESCo operated the Ballarat electric trams from 1905 to 1934. Tramcar destination symbols originated in a time when a large part of the population was illiterate. The symbols were displayed on the front of the tram enabling the public to easily identify a tram's destination. The destination signs had a painted circle in the middle, the colour indicated the tram's destination. This particular sign has a yellow circle indicating the destination was Lydiard Street North. See Reg No. 5488.

Significance

Yields information about how the public related to the trams and their destinations.

Physical description

Square sheet of steel, painted dark green and with a painted yellow circle 125mm in diameter in the middle. Has two circular holes near one side with an extended slot for fastening over hooks or screw heads. Has at least two layers paint with slightly different shades; all layers of paint are flaking. One edge is partially rusted away.