East Street Rockhampton – c1933
Electoral District of Rockhampton – 1865
Electoral Districts map of Rockhampton, 1865. 2 miles to an inch. Engraved for the Queensland Government by T. Ham & Co., Brisbane.
Father’s Day Flashback to 1954
As we gear up for Father’s Day tomorrow, take a look at this nostalgic ad from a 1954 issue of The Morning Bulletin. It’s a charming glimpse into how people celebrated dads 70 years ago!
Criterion Hotel Rockhampton, c. 1940
Harris Building Fire
On the morning of July 6, 1951, a devastating fire broke out at the Harris Rockhampton Limited building on East Street. The blaze, fuelled by an electrical fault, spread rapidly, illuminating the city and consuming everything in its path.
Among the many tenants who suffered losses was the Rockhampton & District Historical Society. Tragically, our entire collection—much of it irreplaceable—was lost in the flames. The fire brigade fought valiantly, using 2,500 feet of hose and three pumps working continuously to bring the fire under control.
The damage to the adjoining buildings was estimated at £5,000. Below is a list of the tenants impacted by the fire, along with the losses they endured as reported by The Morning Bulletin in the days following the blaze:
- Rockhampton & District Historical Society
- Red cedar bookcase
- Photographs
- Books
- Historic documents
- Several volumes of Land Office Gazettes (1860-70)
- Large oil painting of North Rockhampton
- Photographs of historic sites on Cooper’s Creek associated with the Burke and Wills expedition
- Photograph of the record Rockhampton flood in 1918
- Several photographs of notable personalities, including State Governor Lord Lamington
- Photographs of Mt. Morgan and Rockhampton
- The Jubilee prize-winning map by Margaret Mitrow
- Two volumes of Logan Jack’s “Northmost Australia”
- Numerous newspaper clippings of historic value
- George Craig’s Photography Studio
- Several cameras
- Large quantity of photographic material
- £6 in the till (equivalent to approximately $309 today)
- Mr. W. J. Lennon (Music Teacher)
- Years of work on handwritten music
- Piano
- Piano accordion
- Metronome
- Textbooks
- A considerable amount of music
- Shaw’s Agencies’ Workshop
- Four pianos
- Four pianos
- Dr. R. M. Gold
- Considerable damage to his surgery
- Considerable damage to his surgery
- Mr. N. Browning (Manufacturer’s Agent)
- Stock in two rooms destroyed
- Stock in two rooms destroyed
- Mr. A. J. Millroy – Heiser’s Jewellery
- Damage to fittings and fixtures
- Damage to fittings and fixtures
- A Fruit and Vegetable Store
- Quantity of fruit and potatoes slightly damaged by water
- Quantity of fruit and potatoes slightly damaged by water
- Mr. W. J. Mercer – Trading as Studios Pty Ltd
- Storeroom of furniture
- Studio fittings and stock
- Darkroom of the studio
Portrait of William Archer, c. 1860
William Archer, one of nine brothers, played a prominent role in Queensland’s early pastoral history.
Rockhampton’s First Aerial Ambulance
On November 16, 1957, Rockhampton proudly received its first aerial ambulance, a Cessna 182, during an official handover ceremony at Connor Park Airport.
Tragically, on June 7, 1958, the aircraft crashed in thick scrub near Edungalba during bad weather, resulting in the loss of all four occupants on board. The aircraft was insured for £8,000.
Rowing regatta on the Fitzroy River at Rockhampton, ca. 1930
Hand coloured photograph showing boats on the river being observed by crowds on the riverbank. Buildings in Quay Street can be seen in the background. Sheds and jetties are pictured on the riverbank in the right foreground.
1956 Olympic Torch in Rockhampton
Reflecting on 1956 when the Melbourne Olympics torch passed through Rockhampton and surrounding towns. It was a significant moment for our city, as we proudly participated in this global event. The torch relay showcased our community’s connection to the worldwide Olympic movement.
Rockhampton Railway Station
Rockhampton Railway Station, circa 1955
