GS-BCS-36; Jubilee Memorial Fountain, South Melbourne: unveiling, May 1905; Sears' Studio (photographer); This photograph shows the public unveiling of the Jubilee Memorial Fountain on May 24th, 1905, which is located in the forecourt of South Melbourne Town Hall, Bank Street.
The date was chosen to commemorate both the fifty-year anniversary of the proclamation of the municipality of South Melbourne, formerly Emerald Hill, and the first celebration in Australia of Empire Day. It was also erected as a memorial to local residents who fought and died in the South African (Boer) War (1899-1902).
The State Governor, Sir Reginald Talbot, unveiled the fountain from a raised dais, while patriotic songs were sung by school children. A crowd of between 5000 and 7000 was reported in the papers, including over 100 old pioneers who were seated on a temporary stand with dignitaries and council members. Prior to his departure, the Governor filled one of the cups attached to the fountain and drank a toast to South Melbourne.
The tall, temple-like fountain is set on bluestone steps with granite columns and canopy, brass font and two bronze plaques. The fountain is surmounted by ironwork supporting three gas globes. The fountain cost £400 to build, which when first proposed raised objections from some councillors saying it was a waste of ratepayers money. The newspapers reporting the event say that the fountain was designed by Mr G Dawe, a monumental sculptor from Carlton. However, the Victorian Heritage Database records that it was designed by G H Henderson.
One of the many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.
For more information about this image contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria; Photograph; Images collection