eHive Object Details

Name/TitleTownship of Walhalla destroyed by fire, November 1888.

About this objectThe photograph shows the burned down remains of a structure -- possibly a family dwelling -- with exposed stone chimney stacks still standing. Two people, a young boy in hat and suit and woman in hat and dark dress, are standing beside a burnt out building. In the background are undamaged buildings.

Walhalla was almost totally destroyed by fire on the night of the 24th November 1888. The fire is believed to have originated in one of the back rooms of the Crawford's drapery establishment.

Buildings and businesses destroyed included Messes. Harris and Buchanan's general store, Cowl's chemist's shop, Fielchenfield's drapery establishment, Middleton's tailor's shop, the Long Tunnel Hotel, the Walhalla Chronicle newspaper and printing office, Jolly's tobacconist's and stationery premises, Mainland's jeweller's shop, the Mechanic's Institute,'the Bank of Victoria and the Bank of Australasia, Dunn's grocery store, Trick's mining office, the Empire Hotel, the Catholic chapel, Jolly's butcher's shop, Fleming's hair dressing premises and some private houses. The shire hall and the post office were damaged, but saved.
[source : The Moe Register and Narracan Shire Advocate, Sat 1 Dec 1888, p.4]

This image is provided for research purposes and must not be reproduced without prior permission.For a high resolution copy of this image, contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria

MakerThe Walhalla Chronicle

Maker RoleCreator Studio

Date Made1888

Inscription and MarksInscribed in blue ink bottom left corner : "Walhalla 1888"

Measurements10 x 14.4 cm (image)
25.5 x 33 cm (sheet)

Period1880-1890

Object TypePhotograph

Subject and Association KeywordsWalhalla (Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsFires

Subject and Association KeywordsStreetscapes

Named CollectionImages collection

Object numberS-76.003

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved