This historical cottage which is probably the oldest house in Bendigo is named Specimen Cottage, as it was built as a specimen of the workmanship of a Bendigo stonemason, in 1856.
The cottages are situated in Hargreaves Street, very close to the CBD amongst much more modern buildings.
Very aptly this cottage is the new home of the Bendigo Historical Society. I’m looking forward to the day, when my working hours are considerably less, and I have time to spend on research in this beautiful old building. I couldn’t think of a better building in Bendigo to house the Society.
“Erected to acknowledge the contribution to Bendigo of the 100s of widows who lost their husbands through mining accidents and miner’s pthisis while working in an industry that changed Bendigo from a mining town to a beautiful city left without any means of support for themselves or their children. They were responsible for bringing up many first class citizens. Many of the above had a Cornish heritage and many were residents of Long Gully. Bendigo and District Cornish Association and Long Gully History Group”
I came across Hustler’s Reserve in Hustler’s Road Bendigo after reading an article in the local paper, that made me interested enough to jump in the car and find the reserve to find out more. Hustlers Reserve is the site of a mining accident which occurred on 02 May 1914, killing all seven miners who were on the thirteenth level at the time of the explosion. This is the worst mining accident to occur in Bendigo. However 880 miners have been killed in Bendigo. This figure really shocked me. I live in Bendigo but none of my family or ancestors ever lived here so my historical knowledge of the area is quite scant.
At the Hustler’s memorial site, there is a Widow’s Monument which is shown above, to remember all those men who lost their lives in mining accidents and pthisis which is an illness which took the lives of many who worked down in the mines.
I found Hustlers Reserve to be a beautiful quiet reserve, but to me it was quite confronting, even though I was pleased that this memorial site does exist. I did feel confronted that I wasn’t aware of this accident and also was unaware that so many lost their lives in Bendigo to mining. There are seven memorial stones in memory of each miner who died. The plaque in the centre lists the names of each miner. Reading the names really made me aware of the shock and sadness that the families left behind must have felt.
The site is currently being revegetated by volunteers who are planning to plant box-ironbark trees as a living memorial. Next year marks the 100 year anniversary of this mine disaster and a series of activities are currently being organised to mark the occasion and to ensure that the community is involved.
At left is Hunters Hill as it was in 1890. Today it is a sparsely vegetated almost empty reserve in a quiet housing area.
Killed in the explosion at Hustler’s Hill were:
WILLIAM CROWTHER BLAIR, married
ROBERT THOMAS, married
GEORGE FORSETER, married
WILLIAM RYAN, married
JOHN HENRY CAMPBELL , married
LESLIE MARTIN, single
FREDERICK CHINN, single
On the weekend we went for a Sunday drive to see The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross
I had never been there and was looking forward to a quiet visit. Surprisingly there were people everywhere. I had no idea this was such a popular place to visit. Even with many people around, I found it to be a beautiful, quiet, reflective place to remember those who gave their lives in war. Initially I was suprised at the size of the cross. It is much larger than I had ever imagined.
At the entrance there was information about the history of the Cross which was built in the 1930s as a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives in World War 1. It has since become a memorial to all members of The Armed Services of all wars who fought for the freedom which we enjoy today.
In recent years, due to neglect, lightning strike and bushfire, the Cross fell badly into disrepair. In 1995 work began to restore the Cross with funds generously donated by the Grollo family and community donations. The result is the beautiful Cross that stands today, and the gorgeous, peaceful, colourful gardens surrounded by magnificent stone work. The 360 degree views are breathtaking.
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Introducing my new Grandson Hudson Thomas Dempster born at 11.51pm on 02 February 2013. He really is a cutie. Big brothers Jake (5) and Lucas (3) are very impressed that they have a new brother to play with.
Jake, Lucas & Hudson are the children of my eldest son Steven Dempster and his wife Kellie.
Congratulations Steven and Kellie. You’ve made me one happy and proud Nanny Jenny
This is my gorgeous eldest Grandson, Jake Craig Dempster. Jake is 5 years old and yesterday was his first day of school. I love this photo of Jake and his school uniform makes me realise how grown up he is now. Very proud Nanny.
This is my favourite photo of my two grandchildren, Jake and Lucas Dempster. I think of them everyday of course, but they’ve especially been in my mind over the past few days, as very soon their little lives will change, for the better of course, with the arrival of a new baby brother or sister. Very exciting!
This isn’t a recent photo, but I really love it. Jake is now 5 and about to start school, and Lucas has recently turned 3. I love the joy that is obvious in Lucas, and also the care Jake is showing of his little brother. It’s a beautiful photo.
Today is my Dad’s birthday. He turns 87 today and was born on 25 January 1926 in Richmond, Victoria, the second youngest of 11 children. Unfortunately I won’t get to see him for his birthday, but will be catching up with him next week.
You can read a little more about my Dad here
THOMAS LLOYD JONES
