Dana Street Primary School first opened as a National School in 1857, with a modest 50 pupils. The “neat and commodious” bluestone school house was a far cry from the tent schools serving the children of the goldfields. The first teachers were Charles Martin and his wife, and the school came to be known as […]
From the Curator | Dana Street Primary School Read More »
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Rex’s Snippits | BMI Image Collection Read More »
In 1977, a suite of Victorian-era shops in Bakery Hill were slated for demolition to make way for a purpose-built McDonald’s restaurant. While the buildings were not heritage listed, concerned residents formed the Save Bakery Hill Action Group to agitate against the destruction. The area is also believed to be the site where the Eureka
From the Curator | Bakery Hill Read More »
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow oldAge shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. MH 60-20 | Arch of Victory & Sea Scouts, Ballarat This news item was a social media post, below are
From the Curator | Lest we forget | Post 11 Nov 2023 Read More »
Travel back in time to Conder’s Milk Bar for a delicious banana split topped with ice cream, wafers, nuts and chocolate syrup! Jack Conder opened his eponymous milk bar on Sturt Street in 1941 at the tender age of 25. As well as ice cream, Conder’s sold pastries, cigarettes, candy and newspapers. Conder’s fast became a popular
From the Curator | Condor’s Milk Bar Read More »
The art deco beauty of Walter Davis & Co. Walter Davis & Co first opened on Bridge Street in 1920, selling men’s, ladies and children’s clothing, as well as household furnishings and manchester. By 1930, the shop was solely focused on ladies fashion, with Walter’s brother Joseph opening a men’s clothing store nearby. Walter and
From the Curator | Shopping at Walter Davis & Co Read More »
Yesterday the BMI was a-buzz with people streaming in for a book signing with Max Harris who was selling his new book Ballarat The Swinging 60s by Max Harris & Peter Butters. The book was luanched at the Mecure Ballarat on 24 November. The book is jam packed with more than 400 images of this difinative
Max Harris book signing | The Swinging Sixties Read More »
Built in 1866, the former London Chartered Bank Building was one of the four handsome buildings that graced “the corner” of Lydiard and Sturt Streets for much of the 20th century. The building was designed by the celebrated architect Leonard Terry, known for his designs of banks and churches, including the former Bank of Australasia
From the Curator | London Chartered Bank Building Read More »
If you’re planning on spending some leisure time at Lake Wendouree this weekend, you might spot the recreated Golden City Paddlesteamer! The original Golden City Paddlesteamer was launched on the 16th June 1885, carrying thousands of pleasure seekers for leisure rides on the lake. In 1966 the paddlesteamer was sold and relocated to Melbourne, where
From the Curator | The Golden City Steamer Read More »
As the summer of cricket is in full swing, we are featuring a photograph of the English cricket team outside of the iconic Craigs Royal Hotel in 1929. The English cricket team had travelled to Australia to play the Ashes series in 1928, ultimately retaining the honour across tests played in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. In
From the Curator | Summer of Cricket Read More »
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
