Maldon Museum & Archives Association Inc in Maldon, Victoria | Museum

Maldon Museum & Archives Association Inc

Locality: Maldon, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5475 1633

Address: Shire Gardens High St 3463 Maldon, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.maldonmuseum.com.au

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25.01.2022 Maldon architecture - Wesleyan Church, Fountain St Maldon. The Wesleyan Methodists were usually the first to bring religion to any goldfields and their itinerant lay preachers would reach a new diggings almost as soon as the first miners and traders. Matthew Morgan, the first Wesleyan preacher, was at Tarrangower in the first month and his first service was held in December 1853 in a calico tent near the sight of the present church. Soon, his one tent expanded to three and t...he tents were provided with seats. In 1855 a timber building was put up and work was begun on the brick mission house. The first extension to the chapel (the later mission hall) was made in 1858 and the house for the minister was built in the same year. In 1861 two rooms were added in front of the hall. In February 1863, a design for a whole new church by leading Wesleyan architects, Crouch and Wilson was approved. This would help to alleviate the ever-increasing congregation numbers. The opening of the church in October 1863 was accompanied by a week of celebrations. It is interesting to note, even in the three phases of building on this site, the sharp swing towards the gothic. It was during this period that Joseph Reed had designed the fully gothic Wesley Church in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, which turned the Wesleyans into committed Goths. The Maldon Wesleyan Church is now home to the Cascade Art Gallery. Source: Essential Maldon, published 1983. Text Miles Lewis, Illustrations G. W. (Mick) Morton See more

23.01.2022 Congratulations to us!! The Maldon Museum and Archives Association has gained Accreditation by the Australian Museums and Galleries Association Victoria. A professional panel of museum experts has made a final assessment and compiled a very positive report on the museum’s operations. The Maldon Museum and Archives Association has met set criteria from the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries and joins the 80 Victorian museums, galleries and collecting orga...nisations Accredited in Victoria. The Accreditation panel was impressed with the organisation’s interpretation and care of the collection, including in depth knowledge and practice in environmental monitoring alongside its full suite of comprehensive and informed policies to manage the organisation. Our accreditation team spent over 3 years working through the comprehensive package of requirements and learned a great deal along the way. Well done everyone. We look forward to celebrating when the COVID crisis permits. See more

23.01.2022 Chinese in Maldon. Part II. Maldon Cemetery's Chinese funerary burning tower and Chinese burial ground remain as tangible reminders of Maldon's Chinese gold rush community. Chinese funerary burning tower c. 1865. Chinese headstone c. 1900. Visit the Maldon Cemetery to discover more.

23.01.2022 Armistice Day, November 11th 1918. Bank corner, Maldon. "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them."... Lest we forget. See more

23.01.2022 Maldon self-guided walking tours part two Discover some of Maldon's rich history as you explore our historic buildings, places and streetscapes. Today’s post will focus on tour no. 2 Main St Traders. Each location reveals its story through ‘then & now’ images and text. Maldon’s wealth of heritage buildings dates from the 1850s gold rush through to the 1920s. The early gold discoveries left the town set amid a harsh industrial landscape created by unfettered mining opera...tions. Maldon has both a Main Street and High Street at its commercial heart; an unusual situation for a small town. Your walk around the intimate Main Street precinct will introduce you to a fascinating assortment of Maldon's commercial buildings and their occupants. Start this tour at View Point on the 'Y' intersection. You can proceed stop by stop north up Main Street to Templeton Street, cross over and then come back down Main Street to McFarlane’s Drapery building or use the map to select stops of interest. There are 27 stops on this tour. Allow 1 hour. There are three walking tours listed on the website: 1. High St Traders 2. Main St Traders 3. Station to Town Each tour is simple to follow, stop by stop from its starting point, or by using the interactive map. Click on this link to see the tours in detail. http://www.tours.maldonmuseum.com.au/ See more

22.01.2022 IT’S A COLLINGWOOD CARLTON GRAND FINAL In 1910 Collingwood played Carlton in the VFL Grand Final. A large contingent of Maldonites travelled to Melbourne to watch their local hero, Tommy Baxter, rove for Collingwood. In the final quarter a brawl erupted involving the majority of players. Four were reported including Baxter for striking Jack Baquie of Carlton. Stiff penalties were handed out to all those reported with Baxter receiving a twelve month suspension. Baxter pro...tested his innocence, as did many of his Maldon supporters who had witnessed the brawl. Another Collingwood player, (who had conveniently retired after the match), admitted he had hit Baquie. The charge was reviewed and Baxter was cleared. Collingwood won the premiership in 1910, the first and only time that they have defeated Carlton in a grand final. They played each other again in 1915, 1938, 1970, 1979 and 1981, with Carlton winning each time. In 1915 the Collingwood Football Club presented Tommy Baxter with an illuminated address recognising his service to the Club. See more

20.01.2022 After eight years in the role of President of the Maldon Museum and Archives Association, Jan Warracke has decided to hand over the reins. At the AGM on November 22, Jan’s service to the MMAA was celebrated by the committee and members. Under Jan’s leadership, the MMAA has flourished as an organisation, culminating in being accredited this year by AMaGA. Thank you, Jan, for your years of hard work and dedication. Derek Reid (pictured here with Jan) will be taking over the role as President. We wish him all the best in his new role.

20.01.2022 Maldon self-guided walking tours Did you know that the Maldon Museum and Archives Association has created walking tours around town? Keeping active during these lovely Spring days could be the best time to brush up on your local history with one of these tours! Discover some of Maldon's rich history as you explore our historic buildings, places and streetscapes. Each location reveals its story through ‘then & now’ images and text. Each tour is simple to follow, stop by sto...p from its starting point, or by using the interactive map. Select a tour to discover more... There are three tours listed: 1. High St Traders 2. Main St Traders 3. Station to Town Today’s post will focus on tour no. 1 High St Traders Celebrating 50 years as Australia’s first Notable Town 1966 to 2016. Maldon’s wealth of historic buildings dates from the 1850s gold rush through to the 1920s. The early gold discoveries left the town with an elongated and irregular layout set between vast mining operations. High Street passed by many houses, mines, commercial activities, the Gold Commissioner’s Camp and civic centre. The wide tree-lined thoroughfare you see now belies Maldon’s gritty past. Your walk around the historic High Street business precinct will introduce you to a cross section of Maldon's traders and their premises. Start this tour at the Kangaroo Hotel, cnr. High & Fountain Streets. You can proceed stop by stop south down High Street to Spring Street, cross over and then come back up High Street to the Grand Hotel or use the map to select stops of interest. There are 13 stops on this tour: 1. Kangaroo Hotel 2. Lost Streetscape 3. Commercial Hotel 4. Argyle Hotel 5. Hornsby’s Buildings 6. Carriers Arms Hotel 7. Freemasons’ Hall 8. Warnock’s Flour Mill 9. Langslow’s Building 10. Royal Hotel and Theatre 11. Grand Hotel and Shops 12. Bank of New South Wales 13. Warnock’s Beehive Store Allow 45 mins. Click on this link to see the tour in detail. http://www.tours.maldonmuseum.com.au/ See more

20.01.2022 Here’s a new Blast from the Past! Need a Christmas present for a history-loving friend or family member? The Maldon Museum has a gift shop full of great gift ideas. Maldon. Our stories the early years, by our very own Tony Kane is a great read, containing short articles and photos on a range of topics that have been selected from the articles that first appeared in Maldon’s long running newspaper, The Tarrangower Times, under the title, Blast from the past. This collection is intended to be a series of glimpses into the lives and times of the people who made Maldon, concentrating on the years up to about 1900. Maldon. Our stories the early years, is available for purchase from the Maldon Museum (contact the secretary at [email protected]), the Maldon Newsagents and the Book Wolf, Maldon.

20.01.2022 MT TARRENGOWER HISTORIC HILLCLIMB est. 1928 Around this time every year, Maldon starts preparing for the arrival of vintage and classic cars and motorcycles that are registered for the Tarrengower Hillclimb in late October. Sadly, not this year, however. This hillclimb is one of the oldest surviving hillclimbs in Australia and the longest, being 1.5 km long. 2020 is the 91st year since the Hillclimb first started. The fascination for hillclimbing possibly stemmed from ...the universal admiration of the horseless carriage and its capacity to pull heavy loads up steep inclines at speed. The competitive nature of the human spirit meant that it wasn’t long before contests (no doubt unofficial as well as official) were soon organised amongst motor vehicle owners and so hillclimbing evolved. In 1928, the first Hillclimb was held at Mt Tarrengower, Maldon. The original bone-shaking track for that event can still be seen today from the sealed road to the summit of Mount Tarrengower. They must have been wild old days, due to the rough course and the added hazards of dust, trees and spectators near the edge of the road straining to get a closer glimpse at their heroes as they thundered past. (Amended from the Mt Tarrengower Hillclimb program, 1997). See more

18.01.2022 Reaching out to the couple who emailed us recently re becoming members of the museum and volunteering. Please email us again. Thanks in advance.

17.01.2022 Maldon Museum and Archives Association has at last been officially presented with its Museum Accreditation Program certificate. Simone Ewenson from the Australian Museum and Galleries Association Victoria (AMaGA Vic.) presented the certificate to Museum committee member, Peter Cuffley on November 5th. Simone, along with Morgan, spent a couple of hours taking photos and video footage of our Museum, with assistance from Peter and other committee members, Marie Bell and Karen... Milner. The photos and footage will be included in an online media presentation of all museums who were accredited this year. The ceremony that would have taken place in Melbourne was not able to occur due to Covid-19 restrictions. We look forward to proudly displaying our MAP certificate for all to see when we reopen in the not so distant future! (And yes, the MAP cupcakes were enjoyed as well!) See more

16.01.2022 A peek inside the house after completion of the Living Heritage Grant Program repair works. It's so pleasing to have the house interior back in place now that t...he conservation repairs are done. The curatorial team have been putting in a big effort to deep-clean rooms and carry out preventative conservation on collection objects ready for display. We want to share this short video with you to celebrate the occasion . . . in anticipation of visitors being able to return again one day soon. Enjoy! See more

15.01.2022 Some interesting additional information about Main St. Thanks to a descendent of Christian Phillip Frederick Lahn, who was a saddler in Maldon during the mid-late 1880s, we have these wonderful photos and information to share with you and add to our Main St Traders walking tour. Lahn’s saddle and harness shop was situated on the right-hand side of the original timber Shakespeare Hotel in Main St. C.P.F. Lahn was the original owner of the business c.1865-1880, but it was possi...bly taken over by his son, William Frederick Lahn, after a failed attempt to sell the shop. It seems that W.F. Lahn moved his business twice. The first time was when the new Shakespeare Hotel was built, sometime before 1907 and the second time was in 1918, after around nine years’ break recovering from financial difficulties. A photo of the Upton and Son butcher shop (as shown in the Main St Traders tour) shows part of a sign on the Dabb building (Ray’s livery and letting stables) which looks similar to the signage on the original building - W.F. Lahn saddler and harness maker. Courtesy: W. P. Lahn Source: National Archives, Trove. See more

14.01.2022 Chinese in Maldon. Part I. The first Chinese diggers arrived in Tarrangower in April 1854. Over 500 moved from Castlemaine when storms flooded the Forest and Campbell’s Creek diggings. Porcupine Flat, (near the Chinese camp in the north of Maldon), was the scene of a major Chinese-led rush in October 1857. Despite friction with the European community, the Chinese established a number of successful businesses. Ben Quon Young (pictured) was a storekeeper, Sun Kum Yet was a hotelkeeper, Ah Loi opened a coach service and others were merchants and market gardeners. Most of the Chinese men, however, were miners, with many hoping to return home as wealthy men. Maldon’s Chinese population declined rapidly from the 1870s. Those who remained were active and valued members of the community. Visit the Maldon Museum to learn more.

13.01.2022 Congratulations to Brian Rhule for winning the 2020 Victorian Community History Award (History Publication Award category) for his book, Maldon: a new history 1853-1928. The award recognises excellence and originality in historical storytelling. Brian spent 23 years conducting research for his book. He is a member of the Maldon Museum and Archives Association and worked closely with research volunteers during that time. This award was presented by the Public Record Offic...e Victoria and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria and the winners were announced at an online ceremony on Wednesday, October 28th. Judges said that Brian’s book made a valuable contribution to the ever-expanding body of work on the Victorian goldfields. Skilfully contextualised, it provides insight into the rich fabric of social life, the political sphere and labour issues. The township has proud traditions relating to its goldmining past and classification by the National Trust as Australia’s first notable town. Brian reflects perceptively on this legacy when considering the future of heritage in Maldon. Maldon: a new history 1853-1928 is a history of key social, economic and cultural developments in the former gold mining town and its community during the period 1853 to 1928. It examines the discovery of the goldfield, the formation of a township and settled community at Maldon, the emergence of early gold mining companies, the emergence of social organisations, and the politics of ‘labour and capital’ during the period. It further examines efforts made by leaders within the small mining community during the first decades of the twentieth century to develop alternative industries, in response to the decline of the town’s quartz gold mining industry. Maldon: a new history 1853 to 1928, is available for purchase from the Maldon Museum (contact the secretary at [email protected]), the Maldon Newsagents and the Book Wolf, Maldon. Source: Public Record Office Victoria Royal Historical Society of Victoria See more

13.01.2022 Maldon’s richest gold discovery. Maldon ranked close to Bendigo as one of Victoria’s richest quartz mining centres. Its mining life too, ran much longer than that of most gold towns a full 70 years. In November 1855, Maldon’s most sensational discovery was made on the northern slopes of the Nuggetty Ranges, just north of the township. A lad, Alexander Pettit, who was searching for stray horses, discovered glittering ore on the surface of a steep hill. He and two other you...ths worked quietly for two months before the secret of the mine was blown. The reef was rushed in January 1856. Twenty claims were pegged. Within five years over nine tons of gold, valued at approximately 1,000,000 were crushed from the reef at no greater depth than 250 feet, mostly with the use of primitive appliances. From the fact that the stone glittered as brightly as any jewellery shop, its reef derived the name, Nuggetty, likewise the lovely wooded range of hills in which it lay. Text - A. J. Williams ‘Maldon and the Tarrangower Diggings’. Photo - Maldon Museum and Archives collection. See more

12.01.2022 Enjoy this flashback to the 70s to relive the historic Tarrengower hillclimb event.

12.01.2022 As we are back to Stage Three restrictions, we are following the advice given by the Victorian Government and have closed the museum to volunteers, members and the public. This does not mean that behind the scenes activity will not continue. During the past five months, we have continued to work through many on-line enquiries regarding family history and we have been kept very busy conducting the research and getting the results out in a timely manner. Our volunteer workday...s (Tuesday and Wednesday mornings) did resume in early July but after three weeks and the deterioration of the situation they were discontinued. However, we were fortunate in those three weeks to have some volunteers who put the exhibition hall display back together after the replastering and painting works had been finished. And the hall looks terrific! The space has been cleaned and everything that was packed in boxes has been unpacked and replaced in the appropriate display cabinets. Thank you everyone, it was a huge effort. Stay safe, everyone. See more

12.01.2022 In recognition of the 75th anniversary of VP day (Victoria in the Pacific day) on August 15th and the end of WWII, we acknowledge those men who served from Baringhup West. This Roll of Honour hangs proudly in the Maldon Museum next to a number of other World War honour rolls. There have been a number of Maldon and district residents who have had connections to the various conflicts that the armed services have been involved with. The museum has some records available for r...esearch for those interested in following up any family members who may have seen active service. Men from Baringhup West who served: Addlem F.E. Addlem N.G. Allan R.G. Allan K.R. Allan R.J. *Baker W.J. *Baker J. Holland A.O. Pickering L.W. *Fallen [Source Maldon Museum] See more

09.01.2022 Maldon self-guided walking tours part three Discover some of Maldon's rich history as you explore our historic buildings, places and streetscapes. This post will focus on tour no. 3 Station to Town. Each location reveals its story through ‘then & now’ images and text. - Moving goods and people on the goldfields. This tour will take you to 8 stops from the Railway Station precinct to the edge of the historic central business area - if you are walking from town to the sta...tion run through the tour stops in reverse order. As you walk along these charming country pathways you will be following in the footsteps of many past travellers. Allow 20-30 minutes. Add 15 minutes if you wish to also tour the Beehive mine site. There are three walking tours listed on the website: 1. High St Traders 2. Main St Traders 3. Station to Town Each tour is simple to follow, stop by stop from its starting point, or by using the interactive map. Click on this link to see the tours in detail. http://www.tours.maldonmuseum.com.au/ See more

08.01.2022 Do you have special memories about Maldon and the heritage aspects of the town centre? Do you love the verandas, the historic buildings, a particular site or a ...certain tree? Do you have memories of Maldon from when you were a child favourite shops or shop keepers, or something that remains with you? Do you have ideas to improve Old Bank Corner? We invite you to share your stories, memories and knowledge about this historic town either online or by completing a reply-paid postcard, available from businesses in Maldon. Your stories will help to inform a heritage assessment of the public spaces in Maldon, as part of the Maldon Streetscape Rejuvenation Project that we’re running in partnership with the Maldon community. Find out more at bit.ly/MtAlexHaveYourSay. Submit your memories and feedback by Monday 16 November. Thank you to the Maldon Streetscape Heritage Sub Committee and Working Group for their effort in progressing this project.

08.01.2022 Anzac Hill Memorial Tree Planting In May 1916, the Maldon Progress Association was re-formed to improve the surroundings of the town as well as to plant trees to the memory of Pioneers, Maldon residents and some of the Maldon soldiers killed in WW1. They decided to rename Garfield’s Hill Anzac Hill and to set about 21 acres aside as a reserve. Families paid for a wooden tree guard, which enabled a tree to be planted in memory of the person or family they nominated. In Jun...e 1916, a plan was drawn up which had 3 sections of planted trees: 1. Anzac Avenue a zig-zag pedestrian track from Spring Street upwards. This was to be in honour of residents, families and Pioneers of Maldon and district. 2. Anzac Drive a carriage or motor track upwards from Parkin’s Reef Rd, also for residents and Pioneers. 3. Anzac Circle a circle of 32 trees linking the two tracks. Later this was doubled and the two circles commemorated WW1 soldiers who had died or been killed in action. The rest of 1916 and much of 1917 was spent by volunteers digging holes and making tree guards. Also smoothing tracks and filling in small mine shafts. Some of the first trees were planted, mainly by Rev. Rule Jones, the Maldon Methodist minister. He eventually planted most of the 150 trees on Anzac Hill. Note the recently planted trees on Anzac Avenue and Anzac Drive in the photo. For more information go to www.maldonmuseum.com.au or visit Anzac Hill. Lest we forget. See more

07.01.2022 For all history buffs, check this out.

07.01.2022 Shire of Maldon commemorative medallions for sale. On January 12th, 1864, as a result of the merger between the Baringhup District Road Board and the Borough of Maldon, the Shire of Maldon was formed. In 1995 the Mount Alexander Shire was formed from the amalgamation of the City of Castlemaine, Shire of Newstead, and most of the Shire of Maldon and Shire of Metcalfe. In 1994 the Shire of Maldon Council had a commemorative medallion struck to mark 130 years of the Shire of Ma...ldon’s existence 1864-1994. The Museum has two in its collection. Late last year we were fortunate to have a supply of the medallions that were surplus at the time of issue, passed on to us to use as a possible fundraising venture. We are pleased to be able to offer these medallions for sale to the public. Each medallion is numbered and comes in a blue velvet presentation box. The cost per medallion is $30.00 plus $9.60 postage. If you would like to make a purchase, please contact the Maldon Museum secretary via email: [email protected] See more

05.01.2022 - Museum Glory Box display Earlier this year, volunteers prepared a display of Museum artefacts that included items from the glory box of Baringhup local, Jessie McKenzie Watson. The hand embroidered nightgown, corset cover and open pantaloons (locally referred to as picnic pants) are part of the Fullerton collection. Jessie married James Fullerton in 1908. - A Country Wedding (The Weekly Times December 12, 1908)... Fullerton Watson At the residence of the bride’s parents Fairfields, Baringhup, on October 29 Mr James Fullerton was married to Miss Jessie Watson. The ceremony was performed in the drawing room by the Rev. H. Swan of Maldon. The decorations were carried out in white and pale green. The bride, who was given away by her stepfather (Mr W. Shields) wore a dress of chiffon taffeta and a wreath and veil and carried a bouquet. The bridesmaids were Miss Linda Bishop and Miss Maggie Fullerton, the former wearing white Indian lawn and the bridegroom’s gift a pearl and emerald brooch, the latter, blue Sicilian. Breakfast was afterwards served to 100 guests. Mr and Mrs Fullerton drove to Moolort en route for Melbourne. - What is a Glory Box? A glory box (also known by the French term, trousseau) refers to a bride’s bundle of personal possessions collected prior to the wedding. Late in the 19th and early 20th century a collection of household wares (tablecloths, towels, linens, etc) were also included. A typical glory box from the mid-1880s could include: 12 chemises trimmed with embroidery or insertions 12 nightdresses plus a satin nightdress six well-trimmed combinations (drawers and chemise combined) 12 drawers nine trimmed petticoats, one French petticoat and five flannelette petticoats nine camisoles and six vests two dressing gowns and three bed jackets 12 pairs of fine-quality patterned Lisle stockings and three pairs of silk stockings 24 handkerchiefs and a trimmed sachet a pair of French corsets a bustle - Victorian era undergarments During Victorian times, a lady not only wore several layers of outer clothing, but quite a few layers of lingerie or underwear as well. From the skin on up, was a pair of stockings. Always put on stockings and boots before undergarments! The first layer of clothing were bloomers, pantaloons or drawers that acted as underwear. Split drawers (locally referred to as picnic pants) made them functional when using the facilities. Then came a chemise for the top half. It looked like a loose cotton tank top or summer nightgown. Next was the corset or the bust supporter (before the brassiere was invented). Then there was an optional corset cover. It protected both the corset and the dress from friction. The next set involved a petticoat slip and petticoat skirt or crinoline over a hoop skirt or bustle pad. Sometimes another petticoat slip was worn over that! Then it was finally time to wear the dress.