Such was life

New Gold Mountain

New Gold Mountain

January 29, 2019

Our stories, People & professions:

For the Chinese immigrants who flocked to Victorian goldfields in the 1850s, the journey began in Canton or Hong Kong and included several months at sea before arriving in Victoria, or ‘New Gold Mountain’.

What about the women? – Part 2

What about the women? – Part 2

January 22, 2019

Our stories, People & professions, Social life & customs:

Piece together the stories of Mary Ann and Eliza Henty and their role in Victoria’s first European settlement.

Mrs Stephen Henty, c 1870-80

What about the women? – Part 1

January 10, 2019

Our stories, People & professions, Social life & customs:

Uprooted to join your husband of no more than a couple of years to settle in an unknown place. This is the story of the wives of the Henty brothers, early settlers credited with establishing Victoria’s first European settlement.

Fighting Jack: Melbourne’s first boxing kangaroo

Fighting Jack: Melbourne’s first boxing kangaroo

December 31, 2018

Social life & customs, Such was life:

What are the origins of our national sporting symbol, the boxing kangaroo?

The Myer Christmas windows

The Myer Christmas windows

December 19, 2018

Social life & customs, Such was life:

The Myer Christmas windows hold a special place in the heart of most Melburnians. The brainchild of Fred Asmussen (1913-1974), who began his career at the Myer emporium in 1928 as a ‘wheeler’ boy, moving products from one place to another in wicker cart, the much-loved tradition is now in its 67th year.

Five splendid workers of No 8 General, c 1917,  Traill is second from the right, MS 7975

Jessie Traill: An artist at war

November 29, 2018

Our stories, War:

During World War I Jessie Traill spent five years serving as a British Voluntary Aid Detachment. Her war experience is recorded through photographs, sketches, written accounts and letters to friends.

[Victoria Hotel, Colac] H96.200/1498

Attention all descendants of country publicans

November 28, 2018

Family matters, People & professions:

Great news for family historians with publican ancestors – the index to the Robert K Cole Victorian hotels collection (1841-1949) has been expanded, with a total of over 37,000 entries now searchable online!

H.G. Wells in Australia

H.G. Wells in Australia

November 20, 2018

Arts & literature, Such was life:

In January 1939, HG Wells visited Australia and raised the ire of the Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons. His visit was brief, controversial and created international news.

Remembering the Armistice, 100 years on

Remembering the Armistice, 100 years on

November 9, 2018

Our stories, War:

Guns on the Western Front fell silent one hundred years ago, at 11am on 11 November 1918, bringing to an end what we remember as the First World War. 

The ancient art of bellringing

The ancient art of bellringing

October 1, 2018

Social life & customs, Such was life:

The ancient art of bellringing is harder than it looks. Bellringers require confidence and stamina, not to mention an excellent memory.