Such was life

History and people of early Ballarat

History and people of early Ballarat

January 28, 2014

Cities & towns, Such was life:

If you’re interested in the history and people of early Ballarat, then we’d like to introduce you to a classic research resource, written by journalist WB Withers.

Gippsland watercolours

Gippsland watercolours

January 20, 2014

Arts & literature, Such was life:

Daniel Long’s sketchbook dates from 1856 and contains charming watercolours and pencil drawings depicting various locations in Gippsland.

Captain Cook’s cottage

Captain Cook’s cottage

January 15, 2014

Buildings & streets, Such was life:

Captain Cooks’ cottage, located in Fitzroy Gardens, was initially built by Captain Cook’s family in the town of Great Ayton in Yorkshire, England.

Continental Cafe, Greville St, Prahran

Continental Cafe, Greville St, Prahran

January 8, 2014

Buildings & streets, Such was life:

The area on the eastern side of Prahran Station has a long history as a performance venue. In 1920 the famous Leggett’s Ballroom was built and became a dancing institution for decades to come. On the same site, The Continental Cafe at 134 Greville Street became a lynch pin in the Melbourne live music scene from 1993-2001.

Prince down a mine shaft!

Prince down a mine shaft!

January 2, 2014

People & professions, Such was life:

The most conservative of commentators would describe the 1867-8 Australian visit of the Duke of Edinburgh as ‘eventful’. Even before the Duke survived an assassination attempt, he raised eyebrows by voyaging… Read More ›

Are you making a list and checking it twice?

Are you making a list and checking it twice?

December 19, 2013

Such was life:

Ready for Christmas? Have you done everything that needs doing? Are you sure?

Rare Australian poetry acquired by the Library

Rare Australian poetry acquired by the Library

December 13, 2013

Arts & literature, Such was life:

The Library has recently acquired a small and very rare volume of Australian poetry. John Manifold’s Verses 1930–1933 was written while Manifold was a high school student and published when he… Read More ›

Commemorating your Anzacs

Commemorating your Anzacs

December 10, 2013

Local history funding sources, Such was life:

Would your community like to commemorate Australian servicemen and women who served during the First World War? The Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program offers funding of up to… Read More ›

Bird’s-eye views of Melbourne

Bird’s-eye views of Melbourne

November 26, 2013

Cities & towns, Such was life:

The bird’s-eye view is a representation of a city from above and was popular during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It can be an aerial photograph or a… Read More ›

Baths, and how to take them.

Baths, and how to take them.

November 18, 2013

Social life & customs, Such was life:

Need advice on washing up? Want to compute the area of an irregular sized paddock? Or maybe you require some hints when ordering windmills? Then check out our 1930s housewifery pamphlets.