Eureka Stockade Memorial Park

From eurekapedia
Revision as of 16:34, 3 September 2013 by Cgervaso (talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search
Caption, Reference.

Background

In the late 1860s, and following requests from some old residents, the mayor of Ballarat East, Emanuel Steinfeld, sought the proclamation by government of a reserve on the site of the Eureka Stockade. In a formal request to the District Surveyor in November 1869, the Town Clerk identified a piece of land (the current site of the reserve). this was received favourably by the government and the land was formally gazetted in April 1870. Prior to 1885 the site was known as the "Eureka Street Stockade Reserve". It was officially gazetted in 1885 as the "Eureka Park and garden" and placed under the control of the Ballarat East Council. [1]

On 7 February 1912 forty seven people attended a meeting at the Ballarat East Town Hall convened by Frank Penhalluriack who was very concerned about the unkempt state of the Eureka Stockade Reserve. [2]

In 1913 a statement of 'Objects' was adopted:

a. To create a national spirit and patriotism by enlisting the sympathy of the Government and Citizens of the Commonwealth;
b. The annual celebration of the fight for liberty which took place at eureka on 03 December 1854;
c. the beautification and maintenance of the Eureka Stockade Reserve.[3]

Name Changes

Ballarat Reform League Inc. Monuments Project, Eureka Park, 2013. Photography: Clare Gervasoni.


The Eureka Stockade Reserve Committee went through a number of name changes, such as Eureka Stockade Committee Ballarat (1913), Eureka Stockade Progress Association (1917), Eureka Stockade Improvement and Progress Association (1922), and the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park Committee (1972) - to match the change of name of the Eureka Stockade Reserve to the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park. [4]

Eureka Caravan Park

The caravan park was set up in 1950 when land at the north-east of the reserve became available due to the closure of the railway branch to the Eureka Tiles factory.[5]

Eureka Swimming Pool

In the summer of 1932 the Reserve gained popularity when permission was granted for swimming in Lake Elsworth.[6] In 1935 the lake was converted into a swimming pool [7] was completed at a coast of 20,000 pounds, which was expended in sustenance money in grading the reserve and digging out the pool, the Eureka Reserve Committee paying for all materials used. It was officially opened on 21 January 1935.

A footbridge to an island in the middle of the lake was erected in 1953.[8]

The swimming pool was used by the public until 1964 when it was closed by the Council and health officer. This was due to the discovery of considerable faecal pollution in the unchlorintated water, and deemed potentially dangerous if allowed to continue to operate. [9]

During the 1970s the Park Committee raised $80,000 for the cost of a 50 meter concrete swimming pool and a learner's poll. This pool replaced the Lake Elsworth recreational pool.

Playground in the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, 2008, Photography: Clare Gervasoni

The Kiosk

The brick kiosk was erected in the reserve at a cost of 400 pounds, totally paid for by the Eureka Stockade Association.

Also See

Ballarat Reform League Inc. Monuments Project

Eureka Memorial Park Association

Lake Penhalluriack

Lake Penhalluriack 2013, Photography: Clare Gervasoni

Eureka Centre

In 1992 the Victorian State Government assisted the City of Ballarat to raise $3.1 to erect an interpretation centre. The Eureka Stockade Centre opened in 1994.[10]


Eureka Hall and Helen McKay Memorial Gates and Fence.

The Eureka Hall was erected by the Eureka Stockade Committee in 1927. The Helen McKay Memorial Gates and Fence were erected in 1953.

References

  1. Concept Study for the Further Development of the Eureka Stockade Reserve Conservation Plan, Vol. 2, p15-16.
  2. Research by Ken Clements, 2012.
  3. Research by Ken Clements, 2012.
  4. Research by Ken Clements, 2012.
  5. Research by Ken Clements, 2012.
  6. City of Ballarat, Mayor's Annual Report, 1924, p26.
  7. City of Ballarat, Mayor's Annual Report, 1924, p26.
  8. City of Ballarat, Mayor's Annual Report, 1924, p26.
  9. Department of Health to Ballarat City Council, 23 March 1964. PROV VPRS 2500/279.
  10. Research by Ken Clements, 2012.

--Clare K. Gervasoni (talk) 17:01, 27 March 2013 (EST)