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The A2 class was an express passenger locomotive that ran on Victorian Railways from 1907 to 1963. The 996 arrived at the Port of Echuca in 1968 from Newport and was donated to the City of Echuca by the Echuca Lions Club & the Rotary Club who had purchased it for 1250 pounds. the A2 996 is displayed at the Echuca Wharf Railway Siding.

A2 996 is one of the later batch of sixty A2 class express passenger locomotives built with superheating and other design enhancements including Walschaerts valve gear. it was constructed at Newport Workshops in 1916 and was among the last few A2 class remaining in service when taken off register by the Victorian Railways in November 1963.

Steam Locomotive made of steel & wrought iron with black livery.

Front- A2 996 /. Rear - 996

a2 locomotive, echuca lions club/rotary club, wharf, echuca loco shed, shire of campaspe, newport workshop

This picture frame was hung in the Bridge Hotel in the upstairs display that was assembled in the 1970s and can be seen in some of the photographs taken upstairs over the decades in the Port Collection.

A round wooden photo frame decorated with carved circles with a sepia circular photo of young woman with voluminous hairstyle inside it. She has a triple strand of pearls around her neck. At the bottom of the photo if written Talma & Co, Swanston St, Melbourne. A brown string like a shoe lace is threaded through 2 hooks to hang it from.

'Part of her mother's effects, K Robertson, born 1886 carved this frame as a girl probably around 1903. Subject not known, a friend perhaps.' written on the back of the photo.

bridge hotel, k robertson, talma & co, picture frame

This pencilled letter from 1892, was written on the steamer 'Success' by Mr Terry Davidson's grandmother, Frances Edith Ashe was posted to her sister, Florence (Floss) when the steamer arrived at Pooncarrie en route to the Murray and Echuca. Frances Edith (who signs the letter with her nickname 'Yeeds') was finishing her employment as a governess at the Teryawynia Station in the employ of the Gilberts. Teryawynia is situated on the Talyawalka Creek some 30 kms from the Darling River. The beginning point for the river journey recorded as being Henley Outstation - this being some 50 kms upstream from Menindee. At the time of writing this letter, she was 20 years old and on her second job as a governess. Her sister Floss was three years older. The references to 'George' withint the letter relate to a 24-year old George Alecander Davisdon, w worker on Teryawynia while she was therre - she was to marry Geroge some six years later. the description of life onboard and of the river journey (more than family chit chat) make up the valuable historical elements to thi sletter. It is appropriate that this letter will reside within a collection that tells the story of the paddlesteamers and their part in our Australian history.

Steamer "Success" stamp

p.s. success, darling river, pooncarrie n.s.w

The Ada is a barge made of a composite of wood and iron. it was built at Echuca in 1899 to carry wool and cargo from station properties on the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers to the Port of Echuca . It was towed along the river by paddle steamers, mainly The PS Pevensey. The Ada could carry 350 tons of cargo and was originally owned by The Permewan and Wright, Murray Shipping Co. In the late 1930s she was bought by the Evans Brothers' Red Gum Sawmill. Two bulkheads were removed to enable the logs, to be placed inside and transported to the mills. Road transport overtook the use of the river barges, and The Ada was left abandoned on the banks of the Murray River opposite the sawmill until it was purchased by the Port of Echuca in 1974 and refloated in 1979.

A barge with a composite hull of steel and timber which was built in 1898

ADA signage on port and starboard bow

The D26 is an authentic outrigger logging barge - one of four that were towed by P.S. Adelaide for 80 years of its working life. In 1987 Council purchased the barge from Deakin Shire in South Australia for $15,000. However, its restoration was put on hold until the crew had completed work on the P.S. Enterprise, eventually beginning in 1988 using local red gum. The barge was relaunched at Echuca East on Australia Day, 1990. The D26 remains at the Port of Echuca and on special occasions can be seen being towed by the P.S. Adelaide for demonstrations.

PS Pevensey was the last vessel to be built on the Moama slipway in 1910. it was originally built as the barge Mascotte a year earlier. It is powered by a 20hp Marshall and Sons steam engine and was first used on the Murrumbidgee River where it collected wool bales and brought them back to Echuca where they were loaded onto trains and taken to Melbourne for shipping overseas. The PS Pevensey was named after the Pevensey Station on the Murrumbidgee River. In the 1950's it travelled to South Australia where it survived being burnt and sunk but continued to keep working in the agricultural industry. It was sold to the Port of Echuca in 1973 where it was restored over 3 years and is still the largest vessel operating from the Echuca Wharf. In 1982, it was temporarily renamed The Philadelphia, and starred in the TV mini series " All The River's Run" based on the books by Nancy Cato. In 1985 Prince Charles and Lady Diana visited Echuca and cruised on the PS Pevensey, although it was labelled PS Philadelphia for the occasion. It is the largest vessel operating from the Echuca wharf as it can carry 90 passengers or 120 tons of cargo.

PS Pevensey is a Murray River paddle steamer from 1910 and was built at Moama in NSW opposite the Port of Echuca. It was one of the largest towing and cargo paddle steamers on the river and was known as "the great Clydesdale" of the river. PS Pevensey remained operating on the river until 1958 after a number of years lying dormant it was purchased in 1973 and restored at Echuca. It began operating again in 1976 and it is still taking trips. it is one of a small number that still operates in its cargo carrying layout and with its original reconditioned engine. Coming back to Echuca PS Pevensey brought Kevin Hutchinson OAM to work at the Port of Echuca for the rest of his life.

A side wheeled paddle steamer. Originally built as a barge the barge Mascot in 1909. Rebuilt as the PS Pevensey a year later in 1910.

Pevensey labelled on the wheelhouse..

wool bales, murrumbidgee river, all the rivers run, pevensey station, port of echuca wharf, prince charles and lady diana, the barge mascotte, kevin hutchinson.

Built in 1866 in Echuca, the PS Adelaide is the oldest wooden hulled paddle steamer still operating as a passenger vessel in the world. Engines made in Melbourne by Fulton and Shaw. JG Grassie was the original owner who was looking for a wool carrying boat as a commercial venture with the arrival of the rail at the Port of Echuca making the future look bright. Seutonius and Charles Officer of Murray Downs Station joined Grassie in financing the venture and they used the boat for 6 years before David Blair and partners (Echuca sawmillers) bought the Adelaide in July of 1872 and she began her long working life as a logging boat providing a shuttle service between the forests around Barmah and the mill, usually towing up to 3 or 4 barges. The paddle boxes were rebuilt from round to a square configuration in approximately 1924 by Charles Felshaw, local Echuca shipwright. The Adelaide had unusual strength for her size. Her career ended in the mid 1950s where she lay idle tied up near the mill at Echuca wharf. For a short time she was sold to Mildura but fortunately the Apex Club raised funds to buy her back to be a reminder of the riverboat days at the Port. She was lifted out for safekeeping into Hopwood Gardens where she remained on show for nearly 25 years. After restoration by Port shipwright Keven Hutchinson OAM, she returned to the waters of the Murray River on Sunday March 4th 1984 at 5.20pm. After further restoration, in 1985 the Prince and Princess of Wales re-commissioned PS ADELAIDE in a ceremony on their tour of the region.

The world's oldest wooden hulled paddle steamer still operating as a passenger vessel today built in Echuca in 1866. It is often considered the flagship of the operational fleet of the Port of Echuca given its age and known provenance to Echuca. The Adelaide is an iconic symbol of the riverboat timber and cargo trade that worked on the Murray River from the mid 1800s. Remarkably, PS ADELAIDE still operates with its original Fulton and Shaw engines.

Composite hull, side wheeler with two single cylinder steam engines, producing a total of 36hp. Currently cream and burgundy moored at the Echuca Wharf. 49 passenger capacity.

P.S. Adelaide signage on wheelhouse and port and starboard bow.

p.s. adelaide, paddle steamers, echuca boat builders, charles felshaw

Permewan Wright & Co Ltd were one of the biggest shipping agents on the Murray in the 2nd half of the 19th century. They were a cartage company established in 1856 in Geelong, who opened one of its twenty Victorian branches at Echuca in 1875. The company dominated the river trade in Echuca during the 1880s and 1890s, operating a fleet of steamers on the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Edwards Rivers.

Off White Vase with blue decorative Permewan Wright Co Flag. Thin blue lines encircled at top and middle. Slightly scalloped opening.

Decorative Scrolls embossed on one side.

permewan wright, river transport, permewan wright building, permewan wright flag

The P.S. Alexander Arbuthnot was the last of the paddle steamers built at Koondrook, for the river trade in 1923. Owned by the Arbuthnot Sawmills. She was used to bring timber in from the forest to the sawmills to be processed from logs to timber. She was later owned by Evans Bros and then Barmah Charcoal Ltd. She sank at Yeilima, re-floated in 1973, placed on a low loader and taken to Shepparton for preservation. Echuca city council bought her for the Port of Echuca in April 1989. She was bought to Echuca in December 1991 to complete her restoration by shipwright Kevin Hutchinson. She is now used as a passenger vessel and is licensed to carry 47 passengers. The P.S. Alexander Arbuthnot is a reminder of the past life on the river.

Being the last paddle steamer built for the river trade in 1923, the Alexander Arbuthnot is a reminder of the past life on the river. Licensed to now carry 47 passengers, she was used by the saw mills to bring timber in from the forests to the sawmills.

A timber planked, monohull, side wheeled paddlesteamer with a 8hp horizontal Ruston Hornby steam engine. It has a flat bottom and mutiple decks. Currently painted cream with burgandy trim.

Alexander Arbuthnot signage on wheelhouse and port and starboard bow

p.s. alexander arbuthnot

black and white photo with color border

on back views of Wharf at Echuca River Murray

Small wooden frame of a Lithograph showing a river scene with 2 paddle steamers, a sailing boat and an Indigenous bark canoe on a river, with a town and a wharf in the background. The sky is cloudy.

LADY AUGUSTA & MARY ANN at Swan Hill, September 1853. (By courtesy of South Australian Archives)

Wooden mantel clock mounted on a piece of timber which appears to have been screwed down onto another piece of furniture.. The timber is red coloured. The clock has brass handles on both sides, one of which is missing. The clock is very rectangular in shape.

Eight hour, half hour turn E.N Welch Mfg. Co. 37/6 Fosterville. are the only discernable words written on the remains of a red label stuck on the back of the clock. WELCH is written on the clock face.

Wooden Blasbulk Mantel clock, with gold clock face.

Watchmakers & Jewellers. M.Blasbulk; Dean St, Albury . Written on the inside of the back door of the clock; MB Rep 7/4/05 RB, M.B Representative 16/6/08. R.E, MB Rep. 4/1/11 NXS Rep.12/2/19 J.McK '85 29/10/98

This large wooden sign was originally attached to the barge D28. The D indicated that it was the fourth barge to be built in 1928. The number represented the year it was built.

Large red gum timber sign

D 28

The hat box relates to the theme of travel and transport, centred around the arrival of European migrants and subsequent settlement of the Port of Echuca in the late 1800s.

Round leather hat box with a metal carrying handle and a lock with a clip and a key hole. There is a metal clip on either side of the box .

hat box, travel, settlement, 1800s

Metal tool with two scissor handles, with a long metal strap which is connected to one handle, and is screwed into the other handle

Engraved on handles are the words Litchfield E89. Written in white paint on the handles are the numbers 54 and 1428

port of echuca, tool, farming tool

Metal stencils were predominately used in the late 1800s to mark wool bales with sheep station identifiers. This stencil is a good example of the types of hand-marking that took place in the industrial landscape of Echuca, where bales were transported from nearby stations to places around Australia using the barge system that the Port has captured in its exhibition precinct to date.

This item is in excellent condition and adds to the interpretative capacity of the Port Echuca collection.

Small rectangular flat metal stencil with letters XBRED cut out.

XBRED

port of echuca, stencil

Hand-held kerosene lamps were introduced in the late 1800s for lighting homes prior to the introduction of electricity. This lamp was used in the Bridge Hotel during early European settlement and migration to the area.

This lamp is the only example of domestic lighting within the collection. It belongs to the objects relating to the interpretation of Echuca's Bridge Hotel, built by European founder Henry Hopwood.

Ornate pressed metal base (4 sided) with floral design. Featuring a ribbed blue glass fuel fount, a four-pronged metal carrier (that would hold a flat cotton wick) with small circular knob (a mechanism for adjusting the wick) and a bulbous clear glass chimney with decorative scalloped edge.

lamp, glass, blue glass, kerosene, flat wick, 1800s

This is a photograph showing the P.S. Alexander Arbuthnot about to be removed from the water to be transported to Shepparton for restoration. The Alexander Arbuthnot was pulled off the bottom of the river at Yielma in July 1972 and taken to Shepparton via Barmah in January 1973.

This photograph is significant as it shows the P.S Alexander Arbuthnot about to come out of the river, to be fully restored.

A black and white photograph 13 cms X 9 cms of the P.S Alexander Arbuthnot under the Barmah Bridge, prior to being taken out of the river and taken to Shepparton.

Written on the back of the photo are the following words. "Alexander Arbuthnot being moved into position under the Barmah Bridge prior to removal from the water and transported to Shepparton for restoration 1971 - 1973. The paddle screamer was previously sunk near the Victorian bank. At Newmans property at Yielma."

paddle steamers, ralton, greg, shepparton, p.s alexander arbuthnot, international village shepparton, yielma

The P.S Pevensey was built in 1910 in Moama by the Permewan Wright Co. Initially she was a barge, called the Mascotte, but by May 1911 she had been converted into the P.S.Pevensey. Initially the P.S.Pevensey was used as for transporting wool from the Murrumbidgee River Stations. In 1932 the P.S Pevensey carried the largest load of wool ever from the Murrumbidgee River. This record was 2600 bales of wool. She was destroyed by fire at Koraleigh Landing later in 1932, but was soon rebuilt.By 1939 she was running a regular service between Morgan and Mildura. By 1958 it was reported that she was moored above Renmark and not working. In 1967 she was sunk by vandals. In 1968 she was bought by Bill and Norm Collins. They refloated her, restored her and moored her at Mildura. The City of Echuca bought the P.S. Pevensey from the Collins Family in 1973, for $20,000. The P.S. Pevensey came to Echuca Wharf in July 1973 along with Kevin Hutchinson OA., a shipwright who stayed with the P.S. Pevensey for the rest of his life. The P.S Pevensey currently works as a Tourist paddle steamer taking cruises from the Echuca Wharf every day. (Ref. Parsons, R. "Ships of the Inland Rivers. P. 116.)

This photograph is significant because it shows the wharf in 1973, being converted into a Tourist precinct. The roof of the cargo shed is being repaired. The P.S Pevensey is tied up to the wharf and looks as if it needs more repairs. The buildings in the background are still used as business venues. The Shamrock Hotel can be seen in High Street. A train can also be seen parked on the wharf.

A black and white rectangular photograph of the P.S Pevensey tied up at Echuca Wharf during a high river probably taken in 1973 or 1974.

On the Bond Store in Murray Esplanade can be seen the words SHACKELL. On the front of the building can be seen the words "Panel & Paint."

p.s pevensey, echuca wharf, hutchinson, kevin, collins, norm, collins, bill, city of echuca

Macintosh's sawmill was on the banks of the Murray River in Echuca east where the Banyule State forest is now located. A tramway ran out to it from the main rail line near the iron bridge. Macintoshes Sawmill was one of the largest in the area. (Ref. Clare Jackson. )

Macintoshes sawmill was set up by James Macintosh in 1868 in Echuca East. His sawmill prospered and in 1878 was "equal to five normal sawmills" (Ref; Coulson, Helen, "Echuca Moama On the Murray." P.158) He also owned 2 paddle steamers and 8 barges. The Macintosh Family contributed substantially to the development of Echuca East, but by 1901 the Family was in severe debt and were forced to sell the sawmill to the Nicholas Family.

A black and white photograph of a large group of men outside a sawmill, reputed to be Macintoshes Sawmill in Echuca East.

On the back of the photograph written in pencil are the words "Believed to be workmen at McIntosh's mill (Charlie Dowell says)

macintosh's sawmill, sawmill industry, echuca east, banyule state forest, macintosh james, dowell, charlie, logging industry, jackson, clare

P.S Decoy was built in Scotland and reassembled in 1878 in Melbourne. It steamed to Goolwa, arriving in July 1878. It was used on the Darling River, and as a South Australian tug. In 1905 it sailed to Fremantle W.A for use as an excursion vessel. It was towed back to work on the inland river trade on the Darling -Murray system in 1909. It is now a house boat at Mannum. It's owner is Dick Bromhead.( Ref; Parsons, Ron. "Ships of the inland Rivers. P. 65.)

The P.S Decoy is significant because it worked as a passenger vessel as well as a transport vessel. It was built in Scotland and reassembled in Melbourne. It was built to use coal, but when it started work on the inland rivers system it was converted to wood fuel.

A black and white copy of a photograph of the P.S Decoy tied up to a riverbank with a barge alongside . The banks are high and there are buildings on the top of the banks.

On the boat is the word 'Decoy' written on the bow .

p.s decoy, darling river, murray river, goolwa, mannum, passenger vessel, bromhead, dick

P.S Decoy was built in Scotland and reassembled in 1878 in Melbourne. It steamed to Goolwa, arriving in July 1878. It was used on the Darling River, and as a South Australian tug. In 1905 it sailed to Fremantle W.A for use as an excursion vessel. It was towed back to work on the inland river trade on the Darling -Murray system in 1909. It is now a house boat at Mannum. It's owner is Dick Bromhead.( Ref; Parsons, Ron. "Ships of the inland Rivers. P. 65.)

The P.S Decoy is significant because it worked as a passenger vessel as well as a transport vessel. It was built in Scotland and reassembled in Melbourne. It was built to use coal, but when it started work on the inland rivers system it was converted to wood fuel.

Two black and white photographs ( P000385.1 is missing) of the P.S Decoy passing under a bridge. There are high banks behind the boat and there are nine people on board.

On the boat is the word 'Decoy' written on the bow and under the wheelhouse.

p.s decoy, darling river, murray river, goolwa, mannum, passenger vessel, bromhead, dick

The P.S Clyde was built in 1884 by W.Wilson, in Echuca and was owned by the Evans Bros. It sunk in the Murrumbidgee river in 1920 and was raised and converted into a barge in 1922. The barge Excel was built as the Barge Adam in 1897. It was owned by the Permewan Wright Co. and renamed barge 'Excel' in 1909. (Ref ; Parsons, Ronald, "Ships of the Inland Rivers" This photograph must have been taken before 1920 when the P?S Clyde was still a paddle steamer.

One of two black and white photographs of the P.S Clyde and the barge Excel moored to a wharf, possibly at Swan Hill. People are on the wharf and both vessels. There is a crane fitted on the Clyde loading, bags of wheat. A woman is standing in front of the wheel house. There is a man inside the wheel house. Steering mechanism appears to be attached at the back of the barge, and there also appears to be a flag flying on the back of the barge. Three men are on the barge supervising the loading process.

Written on the back of the smallest photograph are the words "2nd copy in Clyde file." On the barge in the photograph is the word 'EXCEL' 'and the word 'Clyde' can be seen on the bow of the paddle steamer .

p.s.clyde, excel, adam, evans bros, murrumbidgee river

The P.S Canberra was built in 1912 at Goolwa South Australia by David Milne. It was built as a fishing vessel. It was originally a steam engine, reverted to diesel, but was returned to steam in 1995. It is currently owned by the Murray Steam Ship and Tourist Co. and has operated as a tourist vessel at Echuca Since 1967. (Ref Parsons, R "Ships of the Inland Rivers " p. 58)

The P.S Canberra is significant as it has operated as a tourist vessel since 1967, and continues to do so.

A black and white photograph of the P.S.Canberra coming downstream from the iron bridge at Echuca.

On boat the words Canberra.

p.s canberra, murray steam ship & tourist company

The P.S Canally was built in 1907 by R.W. Beer. Known as the "Greyhound of the River" after her original engine was substituted with a Railway locomotive, minus the wheels.The speed of the Canally set up tremendous wash, which sank any small craft. In 1929 it was sold to N. Collins who converted it to a barge. The Chislett Brothers were the owners when the P.S Canally sank at Boundary Bend in 1962. (Ref . Parsons R. "Ships of the Inland Rivers." P.58.)

The P.S.Canally is significant because it was fitted with a locomotive, minus the wheels. This is significant because it shows the need for the paddle steamers to travel fast. This could show the competitiveness of the paddle steamer trade on the river in the early 20th Century.

A small black and white photograph of an old photograph of the P.S Canally in the middle of the river. The paddle steamer is travelling towards the camera.

p.s canally, beer, r.w., chislett brothers, collins, n.

P. S. Adelaide was a logging steamer operating between Echuca and Barmah forest. It was built in 1866 by G. Linklater, Echuca. Original owner J. G. Grassie, Poon Boon Station & S. H. Officer, Murray Downs Station. In June 1891 she was purchased by Murray River Sawmills and spent most of her working life on the Barmah Forest run. In 1960 she was purchased by Echuca Apex Club and steamed to Echuca. Installed on a bed of cement in Hopwood Gardens, Echuca before being restored to be refloated as a significant addition to the Port of Echuca maritime fleet (Parsons, R. Ships of the Inland Rivers. 2005. p.46)

The P.S Adelaide is extremely significant as it it the oldest known wooden hulled paddle steamer in the world. She was built in Echuca in 1866 and still operates on the Murray River today. She has worked in the Wool Industry, the Timber Industry and the Tourist Industry.

Colour (hand painted?) postcard and colour negative f P. S. Adelaide towing an outrigger barge. Three men can be seen on the lower deck and one on the top deck.

on the front of the postcard:". Log barge & steamer Echuca" On the bow of the steamer: "Adelaide". On reverse of postcard, in blue pen:" PORT 16.3.82 COL NEG 13x18x1." In black pen encased in a square:"396.1" In blue fountain pen. Letter addressed to "Mrs. J. Robertson 37 Roxburgh St. Ascot Vale." " Your letter to hand(?) Sat. I am much better since my trip away. Was sorry to hear Jess(?) was not well. Hope she is better again. Hoping all are well. Love to all H." Postcard stamped: "Echuca Victoria Ap 6 08" Printed in green "Post W.T.P. Card". In has a red one penny postage stamp in top right hand corner.

p. s. adelaide, echuca, port of (riverboats), echuca - history, post cards, echuca, paddle steamers, timber barges