Historical information
Silver Springs Lodge was owned and managed by prominent Emerald residents, William and Olive Hamilton, during the 1940s and 1950s. The guest dwelling occupied stunning real estate along Emerald Lakeside. Guests were offered a variety of entertainment and access to activities including pianola, radio, swimming, tennis, riding, golf, car trips and home cooking. Weekly tariffs ranged from ₤4-10 and ₤4-15.
It is believed the postcard was produced by the Valentine Publishing Co., inferred by the company's unique identifier — the letter 'V' followed by numbers — which appear on the obverse, as well as the word "Valentine's" which is printed on the reverse. This inscription is akin to examples of Valentine Publishing Co. postcards in other collections, such as the Kew Historical Society Inc. and Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Significance
The record holds very strong historic significance as it speaks to the transformation of the Dandenong foothills into a popular tourist destination in Victoria. Particularly, the Silver Springs Lodge was an early tourist enterprise in region which had previously been dominated by industries of timber, gold and horticulture. The record is particularly significant for how it documents this important metamorphosis of Emerald into a key location for tourism. Furthermore, the postcard offers some research potential into the commercialisation of housing and its wider socioeconomic impacts on the local community, particularly in our current climate of short-term holiday rentals like AirBnB and Stayz.
Physical description
Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card. The postcard depicts the Silver Springs Lodge in Emerald, Victoria. The foreground of the photograph shows a small, open pedestrian gate framed by two brick columns with signage, and leads down a narrow footpath to the front door to the lodge. Two female adults, one who is named Gwen, and three children, one of whom is named Tom, are pictured standing near the front door to the guest lodge. The dwelling is constructed from a mix of bricks and weatherboard panels and is surrounded by trees, plants and shrubs. At the rear of the dwelling appears to be a smaller, detached building; possibly a type of granny flat or second guest house. Also visible is a parked caravan in the left hand side of the photograph.
Inscriptions & markings
Obverse:
Silver Springs Lodge /
GUEST /
HOUSE /
SILVER SPRINGS LODGE, EMERALD /
V6 /
Reverse:
POST Valentine's CARD /
SENDING YOU GREETINGS FOR ADDRESS ONLY /
Gwen + Son Tom /
spent a few days /
in early 1960 /
(Gwen having a /
break from teaching /
- THIS IS A REAL PHOTOGRAPH - /
VEMUP0964 /
