‘Iceberg’ Irvine and the Kyabram Movement
Our stories, Victorian history:
In late 1901, locals in Kyabram found a common cause in government extravagance. Politician William ‘Iceberg’ Irvine saw an opportunity in aligning with the Kyabram Movement.
Articles by: Andrew McConville
Online Collection Spotlight: Gale Literature
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
The Gale Literature database draws together full text reviews and analysis of literature from around the world. It is exceptionally useful for students, bibliophiles, book clubbers or the casual reader.
Melbourne’s first Exhibition Building
Melbourne’s grand glass Exhibition Hall, built for a 1854 Exhibition and inspired by London’s famous Crystal Palace, reflected the ambition and confidence of the fledgling new colony of Victoria.
When Spanish Flu came to Victoria
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:
Spanish flu arrived in Australia in January 1919. With masks, closures, quarantine, inter-governmental squabbles and death, the events of a century ago resonate very keenly today.
Voices from the Great War
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:
Our Library has a vast collection of material relating to World War 1 including many original diaries and photographs. Two notable diaries were written by (Victor) Rupert Laidlaw and Alice Kitchin. Both were eyewitnesses to history and their diaries speak eloquently of their experiences, and reflect the horrors of the conflict.
The All England 11 and the birth of Australian cricket
In 1861 the great tradition of England and Australian cricket contests commenced when the first English team arrived in Australia.
The scientists and the cricket match
Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories, Victorian history:
In March 1874, Melbourne played host to an unusual cricket match, featuring some of the most pre-eminent marine biologists in the world.
The triumphant and tragic life of George Coulthard
Family matters, Victorian history:
Australian Rules Football’s first superstar George Coulthard dominated the early days of the Victorian Football Association. A supreme athlete he was also a fine cricketer, both playing and umpiring Test cricket. Sometimes, though sport’s great triumphs collide with life, and life is not always fair.
Player payments and the great bribery scandal
In 1900, the VFL prohibited player payments. The upshot? Shady dealings with players, investigations, suspensions- and a pay rise.
Blondin and his imitators
People & professions, Such was life:
In the 1870s, a visiting French tightrope walker inspired others to try the same- often with disastrous results.
