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25.01.2022 #OTD 28 August On this day in 1822 Graham Berry was born near London, England. He became a draper and married Harriet Ann Bencowe. In 1852, he migrated to Australia and set-up as a storekeeper and wine-spirit merchant in South Yarra, before he took an active interest in politics and made the first of several successive newspaper company purchases. Despite a promising start within the ministry of Charles Gavan Duffy, over the next two decades the political career of the radi...cal Graham Berry proved varied and colourful. Although shaken by the death of his wife in 1862, the indomitable Berry withstood a number of political setbacks and challenges. In 1869 he married his second wife, Rebecca Evans. By the 1870s his political powers finally reached their height and, in 1875, Graham Berry became both Premier and Treasurer of Victoria. His tenure proved just as challenging and complex, as his rise to power. He resigned from parliament in 1886, although he would return to serve in a number of roles including Speaker, before retiring permanently in 1897. The Kelly link ... On 31 October 1878 the Felons Apprehension Act 1878 had been passed, following the murder of the police at Stringybark Creek. The Act, which declared Edward and Daniel Kelly outlaws, came into effect on 1 November and a reward of 500 was offered for the Kelly brothers and two others (Joe Byrne and Steve Hart not yet identified). That reward would ultimately grow to a staggering 8000 during the Kelly outlawry. The Act made it possible for anyone to shoot (and kill) an outlaw, with impunity. The Act further penalised people who, sympathetic to the Kelly Gang, provided aid, shelter or sustenance to the outlaws, or those who withheld information or gave false information to the authorities. Such defiance would be punished with imprisonment with or without hard labour for such period not exceeding fifteen years. Under the new act, warrants were issued on 4 November 1878 against the members of the Kelly Gang, including an option for voluntary surrender by 12 November 1878. Fast-forward to 1880, closure of parliament affected expiration of the outlawry act. This meant that Ned Kelly previously able to be shot on sight, no questions asked could no longer automatically be hanged as an outlaw. Thus the scene was set for a criminal trial. Despite a Petition for Reprieve containing over 32,000 signatures presented on 8 November, the Executive Council of Victoria announced that the sentence to execute Edward Kelly on 11 November 1880 would proceed as scheduled. Sir Graham Berry KCMG died in 1904, at which time he received a State Funeral and eulogised by then Prime Minister Alfred Deakin. Keep safe in covid, folks. Image: Portrait of Graham Berry, November 15th, 1888 National Library of Australia #nedkellycentre #grahamberry #felonsactof1878 #outlawryactvictoria NKC

25.01.2022 John Kelly and Ellen Quinn marry at St Francis #OTD November 1850 On this day in 1850, John Kelly and Ellen Kelly were joined together in wedlock, at St Francis Church in Melbourne. They were married by the then priest, Father Gerald Ward.... Image: St Francis Cathedral, Melbourne ca 1857 SLV

25.01.2022 #OTD 21 September On this day in 1912, massive floods hit Wangaratta. The flood waters that year came mainly from the Ovens River. Then, in 1917, serious flooding came from both the King and Ovens rivers see attached article. ... It was not the first time floods hit the area, of course, nor was it the last, because we live in a land of extremes. In 1870, severe flooding was also fed by multiple sources and readers might recall news stories of the flood of 1993, when the Ovens River and King River, One Mile Creek and Three Mile Creek all flooded, leaving Wangaratta as an island with roads closed in all directions. Image: Trove #nedkellycentre #wangaratta #flood #drought #Kelly Stay strong, people! NKC

25.01.2022 In August 1880, after recovery time spent in Melbourne Gaol hospital following the siege at Glenrowan, Ned Kelly had been transferred to Beechworth Gaol, to await a Committal Hearing. During this incarceration, Ned complained: I have been kept here like a wild beast. If they were afraid to let anyone come near me they might have kept at a distance and watched, but it seems to me to be unjust, when I am on trial for my life, to refuse to allow those I put confidence in to co...me within 'cooey' of me. Why wont they so much as let me have a change of clothes brought in. When I came into the Gaol here they made me strip off all my clothes except my pants and I would not do that. The Melbourne Age wrote: Kelly was anxious to have a change of clothing, but so far anything he has asked in that direction has been denied him. The authorities told Mrs Skillion that Ned wanted a shirt. She accordingly purchased one, and took it to the gaol, when she was informed that it could not be handed to the prisoner. Mrs Skillion then offered to buy what was necessary in the presence of a warder, and let the warder take the clothes away so that she would not have a chance of touching them, but this request was also denied. While the Melbourne Argus reported: The probability that some relative or sympathiser of the gang will attempt to hand Kelly some means of evading the gallows is so great that the strictest precaution has to be exercised. Because of concerns about finding suitable jury members from among the populace of North East Victoria, Ned Kelly was transferred to Melbourne to stand trial in the capital before Justice Sir Redmond Barry. Image: Ned Kelly - sketched as he was leaving Benalla ca1880 David Syme & Co, State Library of Victoria #nedkellycentre #nedkelly #beechworthgaol #committalhearing #nedkellytrial Keep safe and well, everyone. NKC

23.01.2022 OTD# 9 September On this day in 1871 Kelly brothers Jim and Dan were arrested in Greta by Constable Ernest Flood, for riding a horse they did not own. Jim was 12 years old and Dan was aged just 10. The horse belonged to a farmer for whom Jim had been working. The boys were taken to Wangaratta and kept overnight before being charged with illegally using a horse. They fronted before a Magistrate the next morning, but the case against the youngsters was dismissed due to thei...r youth and intimacy with the owner of the horse, one of the brothers being a servant of the man who owned the horse. It was an unfortunate experience for the boys at such a young age. Be well, folks. #nedkellycentre #jimkelly #dankelly #greta #constableearnestflood #wangaratta Image (left): Dan Kelly, c1877, courtesy of Griffiths family, copyrighted Image (right): Jim Kelly, prison photo c1879 NKC

22.01.2022 A century ago, if you were strolling down Murphy Street, Wangaratta this is what you would have seen. The main thoroughfare was a handsome landscape of elegant Victorian buildings befitting the wealth and importance of the town. Located some 250km from Melbourne, Wangarattas links with the Kelly story are many; Steve Hart's family lived here, Ellen Kelly married George King, and it was here that Ned Kellys Requiem Mass was held in 2013. #nedkellycentre #nedkelly #wangaratt...a #kellycountry #ellenkelly #stevehart Image: Murphy Street,Wangaratta - State Library FL16186964 NKC

22.01.2022 In this lovely view of Bourke Street, circa 1870s, Melbournes post Gold Rush prosperity is easy to see. Elegant Victorian buildings line wide streets, busy with the traffic of horses and carriages, pedestrians and workers. Such a scene and the major thoroughfare of Bourke Street would become familiar sights to Kelly family members when they were in town organising Neds defence counsel and awaiting his trial in 1880. #nedkellycentre #bourkestreet #melbourne #victoria #1870 ...#1880 Image: Melbourne - Bourke Street ca 1870-1880, State Library of Victoria Be safe and well, our friends. NKC

21.01.2022 #OTD 18 August On this day, in 1873, Benalla was abuzz with the grand opening of the rail line, bringing train travel to this important service town of North East Victoria. It was a day of great excitement for the town, with colourful banners and fanfare to mark the historic occasion. A band was brought from Melbourne and positioned in the Goods Shed to provide music and dancing for the festivities. ... In the previous September (1872) a quarry was established in the Warby Ranges, near the Glenrowan railway line, to supply ballast for the railway between Benalla and Wangaratta. Two months later, in October 1873, the line onwards to Wangaratta was completed. It was from Benalla Railway Station, in 1880, that the wounded Ned Kelly was transported to Melbourne after the Siege of Glenrowan. A sad farewell on the platform, between the outlaw and his young cousin Kate Lloyd, was captured in this poignant artist impression of the time. Image: The North Eastern Railway, FL15882633, SLV Image: Parting of Ned Kelly and his cousin Miss Lloyd, FL16341835, SLV #nedkellycentre #nedkelly #benalla #benallarailwaystation #katelloyd #glenrowan Take care in these covid times, folks. NKC

21.01.2022 February marks the anniversary of the hold-up of Jerilderie in 1879. If you’d like to check out the Jerilderie letter, please use the links below, which will direct you to the State Library and to the National Museums Australia. Take care and keep safe, folks ... http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/permali/f//SLV_VOYAGER1636991 or https://www.nma.gov.au//featur/ned-kelly-jerilderie-letter Image: The Jerilderie Letter, National Museum Australia

20.01.2022 #OTD 14 September On this day in 1869 the passing of Ham and Eggs was reported in Wangaratta. A local character and philosopher, his name was actually Richard Atlas, but everyone just knew him as Ham and Eggs. He had a reputation for enjoying a tipple or two, sometimes overindulging, and had received a caution before his Worship R. W. Shadsworth Esq. P. M., at the Wangaratta Police Court in 1863.... Ham and Eggs was described as a rough-voiced man, who regularly interjected at political meetings and was infamous for often making a spectacle, which tested the patience of many townsfolk. On the evening of 14 September he had been at the bar of the Railway Hotel and was resisting attempts by the licensee and the barman, Louis Mc Dermott Ward and James OGrady respectively, to remove him from the premises. Both men had a reputation of being of unstable character, and James had recently been sacked from the staff of the Beechworth Asylum. After a heavy-handed eviction, poor Ham and Eggs staggered to the nearby Horse and Jockey Hotel, where he died a few days later. McDermott Ward died in his cell the night before his trial in Beechworth, and OGrady was sentenced to six months for manslaughter. The local newspaper described Ham and Eggs as a poor harmless creature, who gained a precarious living from fishing. The story of Ham and Eggs was famous throughout the district. The site of the Horse and Jockey Hotel is now the Ryley Motor Inn in Wangaratta. #nedkellycentre #wangaratta #beechworthasylum #hamandeggs #horseandjockeyhotel #railwayhotelwangaratta Image: Wangaratta Horse and Jockey from Whittacker, cropped Stay safe and strong, folks. (c) NKC

19.01.2022 A dramatised meander through the history of the Royal Mail Hotel in Avenel - enjoy! This beautiful building and important Kelly site is now undergoing conservation by the new owners.

19.01.2022 #OTD 10 August On this day, in 1867, district farmers gathered in Oxley for a much anticipated demonstration. They were drawn by what has been described as such: Oxley stripper draws crowds (not our headline!). The grain stripper in question was the creation was of Mr Robert Firth of Oxley Plains. ... Early crops had been planted in ground broken up by a wooden plough. The crop then had to be hand-reaped and raked into bundles, or cut with a mechanical reaper and binder, ready for threshing. It was hard and long work, so farmers were keen to see a machine that could cut the crop and thresh the grain all in one operation. Robert Firth's machine, known as the Firth Stripper, was built to his design by Straughair and Duncan Foundry in Beechworth. Hundreds turned out to see the machine in action, some people travelling long distances and, impressed by what they saw, a new era of farming innovation was born. Another local - and contemporary of Robert Firth - George Phillipson Jnr, would later also see success with the development of a new type of harvester. He was an excellent ploughman of some note, and regularly won ploughing competitions in agricultural fairs far and wide. He designed a new harvester to replace the more common Lennon brand of plough widely used in the district and one of the plough brands marked within the armour, no less. George Phillipsons prize winning harvester further won an offer of partnership by an Adelaide firm to produce his design. Dare we say, Oxley and North East Victoria has certainly proven to be fertile ground in farming innovation! Images: Harvesting Victoria, State Library of Victoria Drew, Michael J., 1873-1943, photographer. H2012.171/174. #nedkellycentre #nedkelly #kellyarmour #oxleyvictoria Images: Harvesting Victoria, State Library of Victoria Drew, Michael J., 1873-1943, photographer. H2012.171/174. #nedkellycentre #nedkelly #kellyarmour #oxleyvictoria

19.01.2022 Over the last few days, we have been in quiet reflection, upon the events that occurred, leading up to the execution of Edward Kelly, 140 years ago. As Ned stated in the Criminal Court, "....A day will come when we shall all have to go to a bigger court than this when we shall see who is right and which is wrong. No matter how a man lives, he is bound to come to judgement somewhere." RIP, Edward Kelly.... Image: Ned Kelly in Chains ca 1880, State Library Victoria

18.01.2022 #OTD 5 September On this day in 1866 the Great Wangaratta Exhibition was held. Lasting four days, it was staged in Faithfull Street at the Royal Victoria Hotel and, across the road, at the Shakespeare Hotel (neither are still standing). The hotels were decked in fine green and gold foliage and wattle blossom to celebrate the richness of the spring bounty of the district. The grains of various local crops were on display, such as wheat, oats, barley and maize. There were also... prize winning fleeces, including those of Mr Kay from Tarrawingee, who showcased the exotic fleece of his Chinese-Merino-cross sheep. Other local produce to feature were flowers, jams, olive oil, hams and bacon, wines and vinegars, cakes and biscuits. Crafted furniture of local timber was an impressive display item. Local leathers from the Boyd and Leishmann's tannery, and locally-made hats, boots and saddles by T.G Bullivant also had a place of pride. Ned Kelly was known to favour Bullivant saddles and, on 16 September 1880 while in Melbourne Gaol awaiting his trial, Ned would request the return of two saddles - which police had earlier taken. Ned described the saddles as marked on the flaps with the name Bullivant, Saddler, Wangaratta. They are made of Bullock Hide and slits for the surcingle cut in the flaps (a surcingle is a strap made of leather that fastens around the horse's girth). It was later noted that members of the McAuliffe family collected the saddles. Image: A later view of the Royal Victoria Hotel, Wangaratta State Library of Victoria #nedkellycentre #nedkelly #wangaratta #bullivantsaddles #mcauliffe NKC

17.01.2022 #OTD September 15 On this day in 1870, General Tom Thumb and his Troupe of entertainers were touring North East Victoria. The General real name Charles Sherwood Stratton (4 January 1838 - 15 July 1883) was an American entertainer of international renown; he had hugely successful tours of Europe and Britain, and performed for Queen Victoria. ... He was long associated with legendary showman PT Barnum and, despite being multi-talented, Tom Thumbs impersonation of Napoleon Bonaparte garnered him particular fame. But the troupe of entertainers very nearly drowned while crossing a swollen creek at Baddaginnie, approximately 12 km south west of Benalla. The first coach got fairly stuck and the driver of the second went to render assistance, leaving his horses on the edge of a rotten bank. The ground soon began to slip. The horses grew restive and leaped forward as luck would have it, the king bolt was not strapped down, this was wrenched out and the horses started off with the pole and two fore-wheels; the coach falling harmlessly to the ground, so reported the Ensign in Benalla. The entertainers eventually made their way safely to Benalla, and arrived to meet a huge crowd of cheering townspeople. As described in the local newspaper the following day: The juveniles of Benalla were very excited yesterday and the previous day at the appearance of Mr Nutt and his pretty little horses and carriage, and afterwards by the appearance of General Tom Thumb and his wife (Mrs Charles Stratton), with Commodore Nutt and Miss Minnie Warren, the latter quartet arriving by two of Cobbs coaches about half-past 1pm yesterday. The party gave an afternoon performance to large audiences at the Commercial Assembly Rooms, when they delighted the patrons both young and old, in the highest degree. The principle attractions were the Commodore and Miss Minnie Warren. The exquisite grace of the latter charmed all observers, while the Commodore turned the heads of the ladies. All the party sing very nicely, and their representation of the old folks and other performances were much relished. When Tom Thumb and his Troupe arrived in Wangaratta, they once again drew a large crowd. Apparently one of the most entertaining events was when, barely seeing over the billiard table, Commodore Nutt and another one of the Troupe played a game with Dr Hutchinson at the Royal Victoria Hotel. #nedkellycentre #tomthumb #benalla #wangaratta #baddaginnie #royalvictoriahotel Image: Tom Thumb, ca 1871-1880, State Library of Victoria Image: Tom Thumb, ca 1870, State Library of Victoria Image: Tom Thumb and his wife [Lavinia Warren], ca 1864, State Library of Victoria Stay safe in covid. NKC

17.01.2022 The day before Edward Kelly’s execution, ‘At his own request his photograph was taken by a departmental operator, and copies will be given to his friends’. On that same day, his mother, sisters, brother and cousin saw him for the very last time. A cloth backdrop was used to hide the blue stone walls of the Gaol. He is pictured wearing the scarf he asked to wear at the trial. Ned’s eyes are bright and clear. He has an incredible calmness about him. It appears that his mind, ‘I...s as easy and clear as it possibly can be’ (his words). NKC Image: State Library of Victoria ca 1880 Please Note: Unfortunately, due to COVID, the Old Melbourne Gaol will be closed tomorrow. Please keep an eye on their website for updates. https://www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au/

17.01.2022 The sun was shining in Victoria today, so we thought you'd enjoy a Kelly Country view to celebrate this beautiful part of the world. This is a lovely spot in the Warby Ranges, looking towards Wangaratta. The photograph was captured by Joanne Griffiths, great-grandniece of Ned Kelly. Nice job! Gotta love Kelly Country. ... As always, please stay safe out there, folks. #warbyranges #kellycountry #wangaratta NKC

16.01.2022 This woodcut engraving appeared in the July 1880 issue of the Australasian Sketcher. Whilst in Beechworth Gaol in August 1880, Ned was questioned by a reporter about this picture. Ned asked to see a copy of it. The reporter wrote of the experience: He studied the picture, and said, It is a mere fancy sketch of a bushman, and in no way like me. ... We tend to agree with Ned on this point, when comparing the sketch and an actual photograph. Images: (Left) Woodcut known as Ned Kelly The Bushranger (Right) Ned Kelly at Melbourne Gaol the day before execution, photographed by Charles Nettleton, 10 Nov 1880 State Library of Victoria (both images) #nedkellycentre #nedkelly #beechworthgoal #melbournegaol #charlesnettleton Be well, folks. NKC

14.01.2022 Road Hog! It was in the town of Chiltern that, on 12 August 1914, the first person in the North East was prosecuted under the new Motor Car Act of 1909. The Act set the rules for speed limits. A man - possibly over-exited by his new form of transport - had decided to race down Conness Street, the premier street in town. He was doing 25 miles per hour (40km/h) and endangering the public. Refusing to stop, he continued on to nearby Barnawartha township, where he was finally... apprehended. Mr J W W Beaven PM presided over the case, and the man was charged2 for his reckless spree. A report in The Chiltern Standard described the motorist as a motor hog. #OTD It was actually on this day 24 August in 1859 that The Chiltern Standard opened, soon after gold was discovered in the district. The name later changed to The Federal Standard. Many buildings in Chiltern are National Trust classified. The Federal Standard Printing Works still stands in Main Street in the town, and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register. It is also one of Victorias earliest surviving newspaper works, complete with an array of printing machinery from the 1870s through to the 1920s, which are now on display. One of the newspapers first proprietors was George H Mott, who published a stable of newspapers, including the Murray Gazette, Border Post and The Ovens Constitution. Stay safe and well. Image: Chiltern, Conness Street, ca 1908, State Library of Victoria Image: Chiltern Conness Street ca 1908, State Library of Victoria #nedkellycentre #chiltern #roadhog NKC

14.01.2022 This is St Francis' Church, today. St Francis' Church is on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. It is the oldest Catholic Church in Victoria. The foundation stone was laid in October 1841. The following year, 1842, Mary MacKillop (18421909) was baptised there. The church was completed and blessed on 23 October, 1845. Take care, folks... Image: Private Collection #nedkellycentre #nkc #stfrancischurch #history

14.01.2022 We hope you had a good weekend! We were having fun again with another virtual trip, this time to the aptly named and award-winning EPIC Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. The Irish famine of the 1840s caused large numbers of people to migrate due to poverty and difficult living conditions. While between 1850 and 1890 most Irish arrivals to Victoria came as assisted immigrants, many escaping cultural repression in Ireland. Museums Victoria From the 1830s to 1914 over 300,00...0 Irish people immigrated to Australia. Some were free immigrants (that is, they paid their own way), and some were assisted immigrants (that is, one of the Australian colonial governments or an organisation paid some or all of the costs of emigrating). National Museum of Australia The parents of the Kelly Gang members were Irish born. Today ... According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in the 2011 Census 2,087,800 Australians (10.4% of the total population) declared they had Irish ancestry either alone or in combination with another ancestry; only Australian and English ancestries were more frequently nominated. While 2016 ABS Census statistics reported that 74,895 Irish-born people and 23,025 born in Northern Ireland were living in Australia. If you're in lock-down, EPIC is a great virtual tour. Stay safe and keep well, folks. https://matterport.com//epic-irish-emigration-museum-dublin #nedkellycentre #irishaustralian #irishimmigration #irishemigration NKC

13.01.2022 Following our recent advice regarding restoration work at the Kelly house in Beveridge, attached are some photographs of the current works, as provided by Heritage Victoria. Melbourne is now in Stage 4 Lockdown and rural Victoria has stepped-up to Stage 3. Work continues under current COVID requirements. Its a changing situation state-wide and, as and if necessary, work schedules will adjust accordingly. We will keep you posted. Stay safe and keep well, folks.

13.01.2022 #OTD 16 August On this day in 1880, a small notice on page 3 of the Gippsland Times referenced a BIG story: We note that the Sale subscription list to the Irish Relief Fund has closed, the total amount being 1211 19s 4d. The Mayor estimates that any further donations may be sent to the treasurer of the fund in Melbourne. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/61914783/6153856 ... The Irish Relief Fund was established to offer help in the wake of the catastrophic event commonly known as the Irish Famine (1845-1852). In Ireland it is known as 'an Gorta Mór', or the Great Hunger, a disaster that claimed more than one million lives while over two million more people were forced to flee starvation, disease or eviction in so-called coffin ships, most to find refuge in the USA, Canada, Britain, NZ and Australia. Relief efforts were seen in many parts of Australia, and countries around the world rallied their support. At the height of the Great Hunger, the Earl Grey Scheme proposed that girls aged 14-19 from workhouses (poorhouses) across Ireland could be brought to Australia as servants and to help populate the new colony. Participation was voluntary and the scheme brought approximately 4000 girls to Australia; most landing in Sydney and Melbourne, with smaller numbers to Adelaide and Brisbane. Three orphan girls who went to Sydney were Margaret White aged 16 from County Clare, Bridget Young also 16 years old from Co Galway, and her 21 year old sister Mary Young. They arrived in Sydney on 6 February 1850 aboard the ship Thomas Arbuthnot. Bridget and Marys home county Galway and Margarets county of Clare had been among the hardest hit during the Great Hunger, the mortality rate for each averaging up to 50,000 deaths annually during the Famine years. Margaret White would marry Patrick Byrne, and their first child was Joe Byrne. Bridget Young married Richard Hart, and they were the parents of Steve Hart. Image: The Irish Relief Fund, 14 February 1880 State Library of Victoria #nedkellycentre #joebyrne #stevehart #irishorphangirls #irishrelieffund NKC

13.01.2022 Hume and Hovell in the Strathbogies #OTD November 29 On this day, in 1824, Hamilton Hume and William Hovell, reached the Strathbogie Ranges in Victoria. ... Near Euroa, while travelling by train to Beechworth Police Court on July 31, 1880, Ned Kelly, reportedly said, There they are; shall I ever be there again? .... The Hume and Hovell party, travelled south from Appin to Lake George, then arrived at the Ovens River. In his journal, Hume wrote: On the 25th, and we travelled over good land to the SW, until the 26th, when the Country became poor and mountainous, which compelled us to make about a WSW course, across collated ranges, until the 29th, when we ascended the main range, which formed another table land, and was well clothed with grass; the timber was of several kinds, immensely high and large, the soil generally a red loam. This mountain, and also some others we had passed, were inhabited with the animal called Wombat. Please take good care, NKC Image: Australian Sketcher Image: Hamilton Hume, State Library NSW #nedkellycentre #nkc #humeandhovell #strathbogieranges #kellycountry

13.01.2022 Happy Fathers Day! In the year when John Kelly first became a father, with the birth of Mary Jane in 1851, Fathers Day fell on Sunday 15 June. That same year, the Port Phillip District officially became the Colony of Victoria, Charles La Trobe was the new Lieutenant-Governor, and gold was discovered in central Victoria, prompting a gold rush with huge population growth and prosperity. John would become the father of eight children with Ellen Quinn. Did you know the Irish l...anguage was still known to the parents of all the Kelly Gang members? In memory of John Kelly, Lá na nAithreacha Sona (lah nah an-a-her shona). NKC wishes Happy Fathers Day to dads everywhere. Take care. Stay safe. Be well. Image: Many stories were told around this old hearth in the Kelly House, Beveridge #nedkellycentre #johnkelly #ellenquinn #beveridge #victoria #1851 #fathersday NKC

12.01.2022 And now for something completely different! OTD# - 1 August 1896 - Sergeant Arthur Loftus Maule Steele, a central figure in the Kelly story, retired and became a prize-winning horticulturist. Taking a considerable interest in gardening, particularly the culture of newer varieties of flowers, he became a regular prize winner at the Wangaratta and district shows, particularly for his roses, chrysanthemums and geraniums. ... On Sergeant Steeles retirement, charge of the Wangaratta Station went to Sergeant Simcocks, who had been transferred from the Chiltern Police Station. QUICK FACTS: Name: Arthur Loftus Maule Steele (1839-1914) Occupation: Police Officer Rank: Sergeant, Victoria Police Back story: He spent most of his life in Wangaratta. According to Obituaries Australia, he was a dead shot and a fine bushman. While he had a long and distinguished career, like many in this important historical story, he is most remembered for bringing down Ned Kelly. Arthur Loftus Maule Steele died in 1914. He is buried in the CoE section in Wangaratta Cemetery. Image (Sergeant Steele): State Library

10.01.2022 We have been having fun with a virtual tour of Old Melbourne Gaol. Get behind the wheel or perhaps you prefer cruise control. Either way, it's a good tour option for this important Kelly story site during covid lock-down. https://matterport.com/industries/gallery/old-melbourne-gaol Stay safe and be well, folks.

10.01.2022 In mid-August 1880 Ned Kellys Committal Hearing was held in Beechworth. It had lasted many days, and featured a procession of key witnesses. In the end, the case was moved to Melbourne amid a threat posed by widespread support among Kelly sympathisers throughout North East Victoria. The attached snippet from the Corrowa Free Press, dated Friday 13 August 1880, describes the transfer of the prisoner as he boarded the train at Wangaratta. This was Neds third train ride in a...s many months; first taken to Melbourne after the Siege of Glenrowan, then brought to Beechworth for the Committal Hearing and now it was back to Melbourne to be tried, as charged, for the 1878 murder of Constable Thomas Lonigan at Stringybark Creek. Stay safe this weekend. #nedkellycentre #nedkellytrial #wangaratta (c) NKC

10.01.2022 This week, 140 years ago (22 Sep 1880), an application was made for a change of venue for the trial of Ned Kelly from the Assize Court at Beechworth to the Central Criminal Court in Melbourne. The Crown Solicitor was Mr Gurner. Appearing for Edward Kelly was Mr Gaunson. Referring to the Affidavit in which the Crown proposed a change of venue, Mr Gaunson noted that allegations it cited of lawless conduct by some sympathisers of the prisoner were very vague and provided no actu...al names. Mr Gaunson, hoping to avoid a change of venue, argued that the prisoner had a clear right to be tried where he was known for a number of years, and where jurors would be able to give proper weight to any statements which he might make. It was Mr Gaunsons considered opinion that the Affidavit of the Crown Solicitor did not justify a departure from the ordinary rule in such cases. Associate to Mr Gurner, Mr Symth, who was Crown Prosecutor rather than remaining focused on a perceived threat from sympathisers towards potential jurists countered possible bias based on the fact that a large sum of money was offered as a reward for the apprehension of the band but, for two years, they could not be captured. Mr Justice Barry believed there was sufficient disclosure on the face of the Affidavit of the Crown Solicitor to not only justify a change of trial venue, but demand that it be so. The trial venue was duly changed to Melbourne. Image: Kelly in the Dock A Sketch from Life, State Library of Victoria #nedkellycentre #nedkellytrial #beechworth #melbourne #redmondbarry Stay safe and strong. NKC

09.01.2022 #OTD November 15 Governor General Visits Dookie On this day, in 1906, Henry Stafford Northcote, 3rd Governor General of Australia (1904-1908) Governor General of Australia, Baron Northcote, visited Dookie, North East Victoria. The Argus reported the next day, that ‘The Governor General (Lord Northcote) and party arrived at Dookie last evening, at 10 o’clock, and were met this morning at the station by Mr Pye (principle of the Agriculture College). At the college, Lord Northc...ote was received and welcomed by Mr. T. Langdon, MLA. (chairman of the Council of Agricultural Education), and the staff. After being introduced to members of the staff, His Excellency, under the guidance of the principal, inspected with keen pleasure the many phases of agricultural work carried on at the college. The fine draught horses, Herefords, sheep, pigs, and poultry were looking their best’. After some lunch and music, ‘Lord Northcote said he felt gratitude at the reception given to him. He would not wait till he got to the old world to inform His Majesty the King of the deep loyalty to the Sovereign he met with everywhere in Australia. He had great pleasure in what he had seen during his visit, and thoroughly appreciated the extent and variety of the facilities afforded to the students in gaining the foundation of agricultural education. He impressed seriously on the students their duty and pointed out that in years to come the land would be the main foundation of Australia’s progress and prosperity.’ After a toast, the party headed off to St James and Yarrawonga. NKC Keep well, folks Image: Portrait of Henry Stafford Northcote, 3rd Governor General of Australia 1904-1908, National Library Australia. #nedkellycentre #nkc #northeastvictoria #henrynorthcote #dookieagriculturecollege

09.01.2022 Happy Valentines Day to all!

08.01.2022 The Funeral of Sir Redmond Barry #OTD November 26 On this day, in 1880, the remains of the late Sir Redmond Barry, K.C.M.G., the senior judge of the Supreme Court, was interred in the Melbourne General Cemetery.... Mr Sleight, the undertaker, made special arrangements with the Mayor of Melbourne, to allow for the funeral procession to travel through the streets, with the assistance of the mounted and foot police. The procession started from Clarendon Street, from the home of the deceased. The hearse and mourning carriages had arrived early. At 2pm, crowds had began to gather to watch the procession. At 3pm, the coffin was placed in the hearse and proceeded up Clarendon Street, followed by the other carriages. They turned into Victoria Parade, then Victoria Street, up Madelaine street and onwards to the cemetery. The procession was about a mile and a half in length, with spectators lining the streets, arriving at the cemetery at 4.30pm, where several hundred people had already assembled. The coffin was placed in a small bricked vault, three or four feet high, the roof of which was made of slabs of slate. Sir Redmond’s body was encased in lead, within a coffin made of blackwood, with silver and gilt mountings, which bore a brass plate with the inscription: Sir Redmond Barry K.C.M.G. Died November 23, 1880, aged 67. NKC Image: State Library of Victoria Keep well folks, #nedkellycentre #nkc #redmondbarry #melbourne

07.01.2022 Welcome to Spring! Here is a welcome splash of colour to mark the change of season. The bloom of the cherry plumb tree and the wattle tree are common sights across the Kelly Country and many parts of Australia. Enjoy!

07.01.2022 #OTD 8 September On this day in 1838 one of Wangarattas first prominent families arrived in the Ovens River district. Despite a severe drought across the area, the Docker family took-up the Bontharambo run. Their new holding was extensive; bounded eastward by the Ovens River for about 15 miles (24 km) and running northerly from the Melbourne road for about 10 miles (16 km) to the Murray River, which was then known as the Hume River. The property initially covered up to 250,0...00 acres (about 101,000 ha). But it was later reduced to 100,000 acres (40,468 ha). Prior to 1840, squatters paid an annual licence fee of 10 to occupy land. The Dockers were not the first squatters on this run. It had previously been taken-up by George Faithful and his brother, but they would eventually abandon it due to ongoing issues with the local indigenous tribe. The Faithfuls had built a small slab hut covered in bark, and this is where the Dockers lived until 1843, when they started to make changes to the original structure. Then in 1858, the Docker family were in a position to build the Bontharambo mansion, a grand Italianate style home featuring an impressive tower. The stunning building still stands today and the Dockers, as one of Wangarattas first families, are honoured in the naming of Docker Street in the township. #nedkellycentre #wangaratta #Docker #squatters #Bontharambo Image: Bontharambo wood etching, c1875, State Library of Victoria Image: Bontharmabo, c1884-89, by W.E. Barnes, State Library of Victoria Stay strong and be safe in lockdown. NKC

06.01.2022 Happy Australia Day! Here's a great song, and, of coarse, Ned Kelly gets a mention:) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL_JvhfQjms

06.01.2022 #OTD 16 August On this day in 1880 the Gippsland Times, mentioned in previous post, ran the following story, again on page 3. The half-page article references, in particularly colourful terms, the Australasian Sketchers article about Ned Kellys transportation from the [Old] Melbourne Gaol, where he had been in the prison hospital since the Siege of Glenrowan the previous June. He was now being taken to Beechworth for a Committal Hearing. The Sketcher contains a half-page ...engraving of Kelly in the guards van enroute to Beechworth pathetically exclaiming, as he sees the Strathbogie Ranges, There they are; shall I ever seen them again? The gentle murderer is depicted in a sentimental attitude, the attendant policeman in charge getting up a sympathetic snivel for the occasion. It is a pity that high-class art should be so prostituted. "If the Sketcher is in want of another Kelly incident for illustration, we suggest the following, as deposed to by the witness Gloster at Beechworth: The prisoner told me that he had a long talk with Kennedy whilst the latter lay wounded; that the gang wanted to leave the ground, but he did not like to leave Kennedy in a dying state, so to end his misery he (prisoner) shot him. "In other respects, this number of the Sketcher is deserving of praise. Image: Kelly in the guards van, Melbourne: Alfred May and Alfred Martin Ebsworth 1880, SLV #nedkellycentre #australasiansketcher #strathbogieranges #committalhearing

05.01.2022 #OTD 13 August On this day in 1892, a foundation stone was laid by then Mayor, Cr Alfred Pinkerton, for a major upgrade to the former Court House in Wangaratta. From its prominent site on the corner of Murphy and Faithfull streets, the handsome building dominated the northern entrance to the town. ... The contract for the building addition and alterations was awarded to John W. Walter. The princely sum of 1478.00 was budgeted for the works. One of the major architectural features of the building work was the addition of a beautiful round tower, literally crowned at its conical top. Unfortunately, the old Court House was demolished in 1938 and a new, Art-deco style Court house site was established around the corner in Faithful Street. The cost of the new Court House and public buildings was 14,000. Image: Wangaratta Court House 1912, State Library of Victoria Photographer: John Henry Harvey (1855-1938). FL15728163 #nedkellycentre #nedkelly #wangaratta #historyofwangaratta NKC

05.01.2022 #OTD 18 September On this day in 1877 Ned Kelly was brought to Benalla Court House on charge of being drunk and disorderly. When police tried to manacle the quiet prisoner, a fight ensued which ended in King the Bootmakers Shop opposite the Court House in Arundle Street, with Ned Kelly single-handedly fighting four police (Sergeant Whelan and constables Fitzpatrick, ODea and Lonigan), plus King the bootmaker. A local JP named William Magennis intervened and asked Ned Kelly... if he would allow him (Magennis) to apply the manacles, to which Ned dutifully agreed. Ned Kelly was fined 1/- on the drunk and disorderly charge, and 2 10/- for assaulting police, plus 2 for resisting arrest, and 5/- for damaging police uniforms. Stay safe and keep well. #nedkellycentre #benalla #thebootmakersshop #king @constablefitzpatrick #constablelonigan Image: The Bootmakers Shop, now a café (2020) Image: Plaque outside The Bootmakers Shop NKC

05.01.2022 The arrival of the railway line in October 1873 ensured that Wangaratta would become a major community meeting place in the North East. In a spot known as Wangaratta Junction, two famous rivers meet in the town, the Ovens and the King. It had long been favoured by locals as a gathering place and, ever since, the picturesque river bank location has proven equally popular with visitors to the town for its restful, natural beauty. Image: Wangaratta Junction, Ovens and King 1908,... WH Ferguson, State Library of Victoria Image: Wangaratta Junction, Ovens and King rivers, c 1904, State Library of Victoria Stay safe and well everybody. #nedkellycentre #wangaratta NKC

04.01.2022 Rest in Peace, Edward Kelly. NKC Image: NKC, Private Collection

04.01.2022 John Kelly and Ellen Quinn marry at St Francis #OTD November 1850 On this day in 1850, John Kelly and Ellen Kelly were joined together in wedlock, at St Francis Church in Melbourne. They were married by the then priest, Father Gerald Ward.... Image: St Francis Cathedral, Melbourne ca 1857 SLV

04.01.2022 In August 1914, a crowd of some 12,000 people gathered in Wangaratta, including 4000 arriving by train. They had come to attend a fun event that would raise much needed funds for a new nurses home at the Wangaratta District Hospital. The main event, dubbed the Great Goat Race, featured a race with goats and chariot riders. This was serious business, and many of the competitors had been secretly in training. Now, amid bands playing and crowds milling, the goats and riders ass...embled at the Wangaratta Council Chambers. At the mark, 36 goats with small sulkies and riders at the stead, all adorned in fine racing silks, charged down Ford Street. Now goats can be ornery creatures, and some refused to move, while others headed off in different directions sending their riders flying. But the crowd cheered regardless, and many goats and riders soon got into their stride. Among the goats to make the finish line were those who carried the colourful names of Odorless, Sweet William and Hum Sum, but it was one aptly named Firestick who took the honours at 2-1 odds! Goat Cart Racing was a popular pass time in country areas, and marked the beginning of the famously Aussie tradition of so-called Billy Cart racing. Be well, folks. Image: Early Billy Cart, circa 1890-1900, State Library of Victoria Image: Glass negative, Two Boys with Goat Cart, Australia circa 1900, Museums Victoria #nedkellycentre #wangaratta #billycart #wangarattcouncil #wangarattadistricthospital NKC

04.01.2022 Were still having fun here with virtual tours try this one from the State Library of Victoria. https://www.google.com//data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scCDvy07-GW3XI4 A little more involved to 'drive', but interesting and a good view of the Kelly armour display. ... Stay safe. Keep well. Image: State Library of Victoria

03.01.2022 Still in the hills surrounding Glenrowan, we found this wonderful picture of the town (c1890) and just had to share. Stay safe and strong in these challenging times. Image: View towards township of Glenrowan, ca1890, State Library of Victoria... #nedkellycentre #glenrowan NKC

02.01.2022 #OTD 1 September On this day in 1880, page two of the Devon Herald, Tasmania carried the following reports: Dean Gibney, who was at the Kelly fight at Glenrowan, is to be entertained at a banquet shortly by the Roman Catholics in Sydney.... Edward Kelly, who is awaiting trial in the Melbourne gaol, writes the Argus of the 25th ult, is rapidly regaining his health. He has now so far recovered that he has been removed from the hospital ward and placed in an ordinary cell. The bravado which he exhibited at the outset has almost entirely deserted him, and he has now become morose and dispirited. He appears at last to realise his position. A constant watch is kept upon him, and during the night a lamp is kept burning in his cell, so that any attempt at suicide may be frustrated. He is carefully attended by Dr. Shields, the Government medical officer. Mr. David Gaunson, solicitor for Edward Kelly, writes the Age of the 27th, has been notified by the Crown Law department that it is intended to hold the prisoner for trial at the October sittings of the Central Criminal Court, to commence on the 15th of the at month. Image: Edward Kelly in the hospital at the Melbourne Gaol, State Library of Victoria #nedkellycentre #nedkelly #edwardkelly #deangibney #davidgaunson NKC

02.01.2022 #OTD 24 September Did you know, it was on this day in 1880 that Constable Hugh Bracken, policeman in charge of Glenrowan at the time of the Last Stand siege, made the following statement to authorities about Ann Jones: "She was well aware of the Proclamation of Outlawry on the notice of reward for the capture of the gang, in consequence of the murders. ... "I said to her on one occasion that she should let the police know where the Kelly Gang were, and gain the 8000 reward. In reply she said that she would not have blood money and that poor Mrs Hart knew her too well to mistrust her, meaning the mother of the outlaw Hart. Image: Bracken Constable July 6 1880 by William Edward Barnes, State Library of Victoria Image: Ann Jones, Public Records Office of Victoria #nedkellycentre #constablebracken #hughbracken #annjones #laststand #glenrowan #kellygang Be well, folks. NKC

01.01.2022 #OTD 19 September On this day in 1871, Ellen Kelly bravely risked public humiliation when she brought a claim of maintenance against Bill Frost for support of their infant daughter, Ellen Frost. When the case was heard the following month, judgment was found in favour of the plaintiff a rare win for Ellen in court. ... Be well, folks. #nedkellycentre #ellenkelly #benalla Image: Carrier Street, Benalla, c1907, State Library of Victoria NKC

01.01.2022 A lovely lady who lived at the Kelly House Beveridge as a child shared these amazing photos with NKC. We are privileged to be able to see into past years inside the house, and grateful to the person who so kindly shared these glimpses of yesteryear. Recent heavy rain has interrupted conservation work at the property. But easing weather conditions will see the work recommence. We will continue to bring you regular monthly updates on progress at the house, as provided by Herit...age Victoria. Images: - Main room, original house - Main room and hearth, original house - Fireplace and cooker, building addition - Fireplace, building addition - Disused well beneath floorboards, original house Stay safe and keep well in lockdown. #nedkellycentre #kellyhousebeveridge NKC

01.01.2022 #OTD January 2013 On this day at noon, in 2013, the Kelly family arranged for a Requiem Mass which was held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Wangaratta, for Edward ‘Ned’ Kelly, prior to his burial at Greta Cemetery. Officiating at the ceremony, parish priest Monsignor White noted, It’s been 132 years coming. His initial burial was a very hasty, messy and unhappy affair.... Ned Kelly requested, in a letter to the Governor of Victoria on 10 November 1880, just the day before his execution: There is one wish in conclusion I would like you to grant me, that is the release of my mother before my execution as detaining her in prison could not make any difference to the Government now, for the day will come when all men will be judged by their mercy or deeds and also if you would grant permission for my friends to have my body that they may bury it in consecrated ground. At the time Ned was still suffering from a gunshot wound to his right hand, which prevented him from writing, so he dictated his letter to Warden Buck. He signed the letter with an ‘x’ mark beside his name. Edward Kelly. NKC Image: St. Patrick's Church, Wangaratta ca 1906 SLV Image: St. Patrick's Church, Wangaratta ca 2021, Private Collection

01.01.2022 #OTD November 23 On this day, in 1880, Sir Redmond Barry, the judge who sentenced Edward Kelly at the Melbourne Criminal Court in October of the same year, passed away. In sentencing Ned, Barry had finished with:... Prisoner at the Bar, the sentence of the Court is that you be taken from the place where you now stand to the place whence you came and that you be taken thence at such time and to such place as His Excellency the Governor shall direct and that you then and there be hanged by the neck until you are dead and your body be buried in the precincts of the gaol in which you shall have been last confined after conviction, and may God have mercy on your soul, Ned added, I will go further than that, and say, I will see you there where I go. Just twelve days after Ned’s execution, Sir Redmond Barry had died at his home. NKC Take care, folks. Image: Sir Redmond Barry ca 1872, State Library of Victoria Image: Photo of Sir Redmond Barry's grave, Private Collection #nedkellycentre #nkc #sirredmondbarry #edwardkelly #nedkelly