The Argus Newspaper

Janet Creed’s father, Percy Spiden was employed by “The Argus” for 50 years. He progressed from a 15 year old messenger boy to junior artist, to dark room assistant and in 1928 to photographer. His first work camera, which was a German...

Andrew MacNaughton – Geelong’s First Publican

Mack’s Hotel, on Corio Terrace ca. 1875  The first liquor to be served in a public house in Geelong, the second largest city in the state of Victoria, was on April Fool’s Day, 1839. The name of Geelong’s first publican was Andrew Macnaughton....

Magic Lanterns

Demonstration and Talk John Semmens Works Magic With His Lantern John Semmens brought along to the meeting a Magic Lantern which he personally owns. Not many of these large lanterns have survived as the brass fittings on them were removed and melted down during war...

Melbourne Traders’ Tokens

One hundred and fifty years ago, you could find advertisements on your small change. Between 1849 and 1863, 62 Victorian businesses issued ‘tokens,’ metal pieces made for businesses which were used instead of official coins. Two Melbourne grocery stores...

Backhouse and Walker – Quaker Missionaries

James Backhouse and George Washington Walker sailed from St. Katherine’s Dock in London, England on 3 September 1831 bound for Australia. Also aboard the 236 ton barque “Science”headed to Hobart, Van Diemen’s Land were a group of over...