Historical information

Many sawmills operated in Gembrook in the forest to the east from early colonial settlement days. The opening of the narrow-gauge train line in 1900 assisted the expansion of this industry. This postcard is circa 1900s. This and other postcards and photos came from the estate of David Moyle (1938-2015) who was a police officer in Emerald during late 1960s-early 1970s, and subsequently at Belgrave in the early 1980s. David Moyle was closely associated with the now defunct Sherbrooke Historical Association.

Significance

This postcard is significant because of its evocation of Gembrook's early timber industry. it is also part of a collection belonging to a community member who had a close association with a local historical society.

Physical description

Sepia postcard with rounded corners featuring photograph of unmade Main Road in Gembrook. The Ranges Hotel which opened in 1902 is just visible on the left. The view is towards the west.

Inscriptions & markings

On front at bottom, printed: 'MAIN ROAD - GEMBROOK'
On back printed at the top: 'POST CARD'
Underneath that is printed: 'SPACE FOR CORRESPONDENCE' and 'SPACE FOR ADDRESS'
On back is handwritten message: 'J Brooks / 16 notts Sawmills / well fixed / Gembrook'