Such was life

News by telegraph; the 19th century internet

News by telegraph; the 19th century internet

March 18, 2014

Social life & customs, Such was life:

On 21 October 1872 readers of Melbourne newspapers scanned the latest news from Europe. The reports included news that the Emperors of Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary had met to discuss… Read More ›

Rob Roy hill climb

Rob Roy hill climb

March 12, 2014

Sport, Such was life:

The Rob Roy hill climb is a car time trial in Smiths Gully, Victoria. It was initially established by the Light Car Club of Australia and began in 1937 and ran… Read More ›

The cooking class at the Melbourne home

Food in early Victoria

February 27, 2014

Social life & customs, Such was life:

Eating in Victoria was a different proposition for the Aborigines than for early Europeans.

Picture this: Maryborough, Victoria

Picture this: Maryborough, Victoria

February 14, 2014

Cities & towns, Such was life:

Did you know you can view over 200,000 digitised images on the State Library’s online catalogue? To find pictures of your favourite Victorian town, simply head to the catalogue, and type… Read More ›

History fellowships at the Library

History fellowships at the Library

February 3, 2014

Local history funding sources, Such was life:

This year the State Library of Victoria is offering several fantastic research opportunities for people who propose thoughtful and innovative ways of using our collections.

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 ›