Photographer: Lillicrapp, W.
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/786978
Peg Tunstall Collection ;

Description:
"Darwin in all its glory". Flight of 8 Hudsons of 13th Squadron flying over East Point. Panoramic view of Darwin, the harbour and Cox Peninsula, Fannie Bay and the airstrip at Parap.

Posted 7-January-2023

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Image Source: https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/PRG+742/5/99
Approximately 1870 Photographer: Sweet, Samuel White

Palmerston beach, Darwin, looking at the established camp. Photograph is marked with the anchor symbol and numbered '123' [also at B 9748].

Posted 12-January-2023

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Image Source and Description: Robert Porter. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Another old bus, a Pioneer Clipper outside the Hotel Darwin with Ansett-ANA sign on the outside of Hotel Darwin. 1960s

Posted 15-January-2023

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Image Source: https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/PRG+280/1/2/376
Part of Searcy Collection

S.A.R. railway trucks at a standstill on a railway bridge link over water to land; Port Darwin Jetty, also known as Stokes Hill Wharf.

Posted 17-January-2023

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Photographer: Bradshaw, Walter Herbert
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/591266
Collection: Bradshaw Collection ;

Description:
Train pulls into ParaParap station, for Vestey's meat works.

Notes:
Donor's Grandfather, Walter Herbert Bradshaw, sent album back to his parents in Sydney in September 1917. He moved to NT mid 1910s and left after 1920. He was married in Darwin in 1919 and worked at Vesteys for some of the time. Letter accompanying donor form gives additional family history.

Posted 6-January-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/324106

Commercial Bank on the corner of Smith and Bennett Streets around 1910s. Vic Hotel to the right further down Smith Street.

Posted 19-January-2022

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https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+4652
Photographer Sweet, Samuel White

Stables of the Goyder Survey Expedition party Palmerston - Port Darwin. 1870

Don:
The Goyder Survey Expedition party was led by George Goyder, who was appointed as the Surveyor-General of South Australia in 1869. The expedition was sent to the Northern Territory to survey land in the region and to assess its suitability for agriculture. The party left Palmerston (now Darwin) in May 1870 and traveled to Port Darwin, where they established a base camp and began their survey work. They also built stables for their horses and other animals during their journey. The expedition was successful in identifying large areas of land that were suitable for agriculture, and their findings were used to establish the first settlements in the Northern Territory.

Jeffrey Fong 21-Jan-2023
Don, Goyder’s leather bound diary used to be in the NT Lands and Surveys plan room when I worked there in 60’s/70’s. Interesting read. I think it ended up at the NT Archives near the corner of Trower Rd/Nightcliff Rd stop lights.

Posted 21-January-2023

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Photographer: Drysdale, Fred
Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/332521
Joy Davis Collection ;

Description:
Stuart Drysdale standing next to his truck, goods are being unloaded off the train unto the truck, Railway Yards, Darwin, NT, 1940.

Don:
The Railway Yards in Darwin in 1940 was a significant transportation hub for the city and the surrounding region. The yards were used for the maintenance and repair of trains and railway equipment, and were also a major transfer point for goods and passengers.

During 1940, the city of Darwin and its surroundings were under military control due to World War II. The railway yards were used as a base of operation for the military and were heavily guarded and patrolled. The transportation of troops and supplies was a critical part of the war effort and the railway yards played a crucial role in this.

The Darwin Railway yards were also a target for bombing during the war. On February 19, 1942, the city of Darwin was attacked by Japanese forces in the largest air raid on Australia during World War II. The railway yards were among the many targets that were damaged or destroyed in the attack.

Posted 23-January-2023

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Image Source:
Citation address: Https://hdl.handle.net/10070/591281
Bradshaw Collection ;

Description:
Terminus Hotel in Cavanagh Street. Old cars parked out front. Tree of Knowledge to the right.

Donor's Grandfather, Walter Herbert Bradshaw, sent album back to his parents in Sydney in September 1917. He moved to NT mid 1910s and left after 1920. He was married in Darwin in 1919 and worked at Vesteys for some of the time. Letter accompanying donor form gives additional family history.

Don:
The Terminus Hotel, built in 1885 and supervised by Mr Harry Ruthven, featured amenities such as two bars, six bedrooms, parlours, baths, a large dining room, and billiard tables. It was a popular spot for tournaments and events, but by the 1920s had become dilapidated and was eventually demolished in 1931. The "Tree of Knowledge" (Galamarrma), a banyan tree believed to be a remnant of the original rainforest and culturally significant to the Larrakia people, was well-established by 1898 and served as a community gathering spot and postal address. In 1969, plans for a Civic centre were altered to preserve the tree.

Posted 25-January-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/732529
Peter Spillett Collection ;

Description:
Dr Clyde Fenton's aircraft DH60 Gipsy Moth VH-UOI in the Qantas hangar. Fenton, the Northern Territory's famed 'Flying Doctor' re-named the aircraft 'IOU' partly in recognition of the mortgage held over both this and previous aircraft. VH-UOI had been rolled into the Qantas hangar for an overhaul, originally to take 48 hours, however there was another machine, VH-UJN 'The Magic Carpet' available and accordingly the engineers suggested to Fenton that they carry out further work. VH-UOI was signed over as collateral on VH-UJN on 12 May 1935 to Jim Fawcett, agent for the mining company that had sold VH-UJN to Fenton for $450.

Don:
The aircraft was registered to Qantas in June 1930 and at that time the airline was serving as the agents for D.H. This Moth was soon sold (in September 1930) to R.H.G. Brand of 'Huxley' via Childers, Queensland. It was then bought by famed Flying Doctor Clyde Fenton at Katherine, NT in July 1934 although its CofA lapsed a year later.

Laurie Feehan
My father worked in the Hangar for many yours in the 60s and 70s... it still serves as an asset to the Darwin tourist industry as a museum run by the Motor Vehicle Enthusiast Club displaying a range of transport history...

Phil Maynard
The aircraft is on display at the Katherine Museum now located at the Old Katherine airport opposite the Katherine Hospital. Worth a visit if you haven't been there.

Posted 27-January-2023

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Image Source: N/A. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Robert Porter
Probably the next day after cyclone Tracy showing two cars that ended up in the pool of the old Travelodge Hotel.

Brett Mitchell
I saw those cars in the pool with my own eyes. Our elevated house in Mitchell St had suddenly been turned into not much more than an elevated floor. We went and stayed in the (infamous) Cherry Blossom "Motel" on the Esplanade.

Leanne Hildreth
We lived directly behind the Travelodge in Mitchell St, we ended up with a drum kit and cutlery among many other things, compliments of the restaurant, in our house after CT.

Fiona Blair Letts
I worked at the Travelodge in the early 90's as sales and marketing manager. For the 20th Anniversary of CT, the bar downstairs was renamed 'Tracy's'. I organised memorabilia to be framed on the walls, and I remember one of the photos having the back of the car hanging out the side of the building. It was for this reason, the back of an old Holden was put inside the bar, against the wall, depicting a similar scene. Think it was the wall on the left of this picture.

Posted 20-December-2022

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Image Source and Description: Jill Kinang. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Don:
The same building can be seen in the current Google Street View shots.
Many steel electricity light poles were bent over with the force of the cyclone.

Posted 21-December-2022

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Image Source: RAAF Official via Air Commodore David Hitchins Collection. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Dakota A65-104 in the garden of the residence of the Officer Commanding RAAF Darwin. Because there was no crew to fly the aircraft out, it was chained to tie-down rings set in the concrete floor of Hangar 124. So strong were the winds that the aircraft was blown out of the hangar, coming to rest 200 yards away.
 
Gouge marks left in the ground indicated that the props had been turning in the wind. Deemed a write-off, the aircraft was subsequently cut up and sections dispersed to various locations. The tail section, wing centre section and both wings are held by the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in Darwin. The nose section was last sighted at East Sale, VIC and the fuselage was last sighted at Sydenham, NSW. The AAHC are hoping to restore A65-104 to static display standard so any leads on the existence/location of the fuselage and nose section would be welcome.

Humour In Adversity.
This "Parking Ticket" appeared on the fuselage of Dakota A65-104 after it came to rest in the garden of the Officer Commanding RAAF Darwin. It reads: "This vehicle is illegally parked - the owner is to remove it from the Base immediately and report to the SP's at 0800".

Don:
When I look at this image, the map of Cyclone Tracy's path through Darwin always comes to mind. Even with this aircraft being anchored in a hanger on chains embedded into concrete, it was ripped out, and landed 200 yards away, as it was right in the eye of Tracy.

I have been challenged about the Dakota and the RAAF naming convention. Sorry, not my description. Yes it would be an RAAF C47, which I remember as being my second flight ever. My first flight was in an RAAF Lincoln Bomber (not a Lancaster) about 1956 at the Sale Airforce base.

Tony Simons: Just an update …
 The AAHC is now called the Darwin Aviation Museum and I think the wings are with the chap at Coomalie Creek

Posted 22-December-2022

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Image Source: Northern Territory Library (PH0244/0016)
This image or other work is of Australian origin and is now in the public domain
because its term of copyright has expired. According to the Australian Copyright
Council. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Posted 23-December-2022

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Image Source: Darwin's Town Hall was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. (Supplied: NT Library). Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Don.
I wanted to see what the Darwin Town Hall looked like after Cyclone Tracy, but there is very little in the way of good photos to be found. As it turns out, all of the rubble was sent to a government depot for storage. Nearly 40 years later, the Town Hall was partially restored and secured as best it could be by a team of eager workers, and has become a major tourist attraction for the city.

The Story:
On Christmas Eve 1974, after almost a century enduring tropical conditions and 64 air raids during World War II, Darwin's Town Hall literally started crumbling during Cyclone Tracy.

The heritage building erected 14 years after European settlers arrived in the region in 1869, was damaged beyond repair by the natural disaster along with much of the city.

Yet some hoped to rebuild the Town Hall and the building's rubble was fortuitously sent to a government depot for storage. An old colour photo of a destroyed town hall Darwin's Town Hall was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy in 1974.(Supplied: NT Library)

More than 40 years later:
That salvaged rubble is finally making its way back home for conservation works on Darwin's old Town Hall ruins, which are today a popular tourist attraction. The three-month conservation project is being led by Central Australia's Paul Nitschke, a gap-grinned tradesman from a long line of stonemasons.

Posted 26-December-2022

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser Call Number: PIC/9981/32 LOC Cold store PIC BLE Created/Published: 1897

Description:
View from the corner of Knuckey and Cavanagh Street looking toward the North
Australian Hotel (now the Vic Hotel). The Commercial Bank can be seen in the
middle and the Town hall on the left.

Source Images: NAA
Title Natural disasters - Cyclones - Boy flying kite, following Cyclone Tracy, Darwin, 1975
Item IDs: 11854728, 11494279, 11854868. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

27-Mar-2024
My wife Cheryl has been reading "Tracy - 50 Years- 50 Stories" by Richard Creswick and Derek Pugh.
She discovered that the little boy was 3-year-old Paul Wauchope. His mother is listed under Jan Fanning in the book.

This post is presented as three images.

The B&W image was initially provided by Steve Johns, and as it was all I had, I upscaled and colourised it with the assistance of my friend Mick Gulovsen.

Then Steve Andrews came up with two additional NAA colour images, so I decided to do them all as a group in one post, with A, B, and C IDs.

All of them started at 420 to 480 pixels wide, and I have enlarged them to 4000 pixels wide.

Jan Fanning 21-Jun-2024
This is so exciting to see the other photos of my son Paul Wauchope. Brings tears to my eyes.
I have written the story of how he came to be flying that kite in the CT book by Richard Creswick and Derek Pugh.
The black and white photo is also included in the book by General Stretton, captioned “Childhood innocence “.
I’m so happy to read about the history of the photo. Was Steve the photographer?

I'm so thrilled to see all these extra photos of my little man. I’ve only ever seen the black and white one which was in General Stretton’s book and one of the coloured ones which was on the cover of the children’s book on Disasters. (See below in photo) My other son Danny also went through CT as a baby in my arms. Very frightening night!!

Don:
So nice to hear from you Jan. The source was Steve Johns. I don't know if he was the original photographer. So much information is lost to Tracy and the 50 years.

Posted 24-December-2022

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Image Source and Description: Steve Andrews. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

What I wouldn't give to find the original source of this photo and obtain a copy in high res! Probably my favourite pre-cyclone photo. RAAF Base Darwin c1971.

Kirrily Welsh
Is that on RAAF base?

Steve Andrews
Kirrily Welsh yep. Taken from a pedestrian overpass looking northeast across RAAF Base Darwin

Don:
In 1938, the construction of RAAF Station Darwin began, leading to its official establishment in June 1940. Charles Eaton was the first Commanding Officer of the base, and soon after, both No. 12 and No. 13 Squadron RAAF relocated to the airfield. World War II saw the base host a large number of RAAF and USAAF units, and it was the subject of multiple Japanese air raids beginning in February
1942. Recognizing its historical significance, parts of the 45-hectare (110-acre) site were added to the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004, as it demonstrated Australia's commitment to an independent strategic policy, accelerated Darwin's development as a major northern centre, and evidenced the perceived threat at the time.

Posted 29-January-2023

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Image Source : Jill Jinang. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Jill Jinang:
Police Station on the right in Bennett Street

Don:
In 1946, the NT Police required a new Headquarters, and the government responded by leasing, and then purchasing, the pre-war Mendes Building in Bennett Street. This structure served as the Headquarters and Police Station, as well as housing other government units. During the early 1960s, Darwin residents would remember the Bennett Street Police Station as a bustling hub. Unfortunately, the building was damaged beyond repair during Cyclone Tracy, and was eventually demolished in
1975.

Posted 1-February-2023

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Image Source: https://rocksitters.com/gallery/archive-photos/. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Milestones
May 1974 where it all started
October 1977 the first challenge to the world is thrown down with a 5 day marathon sit
November 1977 Parua Bay Sitters answer the challenge with a new 6 day world record sit
October 1978 Darwin smashes the world rocksit record with an 8 day sit

Don:
The Darwin Rocksitters Club is a community of people who gather every Saturday to appreciate the sunset and tell stories at East Point Reserve in Darwin, Australia. The club was founded in 1974, and it has since grown in popularity and become a beloved cultural tradition. The club is known for its commitment to community, relaxation, and friendship.

Posted 2-February-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Description:
The English Scottish and Australian Bank (tin bank) on Smith Street just south of where Browns Mart is now. Became the NT News office and then was demolished.

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Posted 3-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Bennett Street looking East towards Smith Street after the 1897 Cyclone. Palmerston - Port Darwin

Description:
Bennett Street looking East towards Smith Street intersection. Roof of Commercial Bank (Stone bank) can be seen lifted on the left. Two goats and chickens can be seen to the left of the man in the middle of the street.

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Posted 5-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Remains of the Catholic Church on Smith Street where St Mary's Cathedral is today.
Photo is after the 1897 Cyclone. Palmerston - Port Darwin

Description:
Title: Bell tower of church left standing after cyclone, Palmerston, former name of Darwin, 1897

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Greg Coonan
I believe the exact position of the destroyed church was on the site of the
second St Mary's, which was not on the corner of Smith & McLachlan Streets but
on the allotment further to the right of the photo.

Andrew King
The were close, but not on the same site, as this aerial photo from 1969 shows.

Posted 8-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Description:
Chinatown looking South from the intersection of Bennett and Cavenagh Street at the West side of the Street.

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Bob Woodward 14-Jan-2023
I believe this actually looking towards that intersection, not from that intersection. As in the one third left of the photo, I believe one can sight the original three gable roof of the Chin building.

Posted 13-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Posted 16-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Don:
Brown's Mart is a historic building located in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It was built in 1885 as a department store and has since been used for a variety of purposes, including as a performance venue. The building is an important example of Darwin's architectural heritage and is listed on the Northern Territory Heritage Register.

Posted 18-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942.
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Description:
The Mining Exchange Building (became Browns Mart) on Smith Street with two goats near the fence.

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Don:
As Brown's Mart and the Old Town Hall are very similar buildings and construction, I needed a way to easily identify one from the other.Of course, in many photos, the side walls are not visible or missing, but when they are intact, this is how it works:

Brown's Mart (the Old Mining Exchange) has six windows along the side walls. and the Town Hall has seven.

Posted 11-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942.
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Description:
View from Mitchell Street of Bennett Street with the roof of the North Australian Hotel on the left and the Commercial Bank (stone bank) on the right.

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Don:
The 1897 Cyclone in Darwin, Australia, was a powerful tropical cyclone that struck the city on January 25th, 1897. It caused significant damage to the city, with strong winds and heavy rainfall causing widespread flooding. Many homes and buildings were destroyed, and several ships were sunk in the harbor. The storm also caused several deaths, with the exact number of fatalities unclear. The storm is considered one of the worst natural disasters in the history of Darwin.

Posted 20-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942.
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Don:
The 1897 Cyclone that hit Darwin, Australia on January 25th was a devastating natural disaster. The powerful tropical cyclone brought strong winds and heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding and destruction throughout the city. Many homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed, and ships were sunk in the harbor. The exact number of deaths caused by the storm is not clear, but it is known that there were several fatalities. This event is remembered as one of the worst natural disasters in the history of Darwin.

Posted 22-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942.
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Description:
View from one of the buildings looking South down Cavenagh Street. All the shops goods are being put out to dry in the street.

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Don:
I believe that on the left is the Terminus Hotel, with the tree of knowledge a little further down looking very poorly indeed. I have images from 1915 and 1917, however the hotel looks a little different to this image, possibly because it was rebuilt.

Posted 24-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942.
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Don:
Hughes Avenue to the left, and Smith Street upon the right.

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Posted 26-January-2023

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KC Martin-Stone
Very cool and interesting details:

Firstly, the Overland Telegraph poles. The line travelled along the Esplanade and around to the post office and telegraph station building, which was where Parliament House is now.

 Secondly, the gas lamp post. This is my favourite detail in this pic! It is at the top of the stairs next to Government House. There were gas lanterns like this all along Lovers Walk, which went down the stairs to roughly where Goyder Park is today, out around Fort Hill (past the baths that per-dated Lameroo Beach baths), and back up to the Esplanade past where the Deckchair is today. Lovers Walk was quite beautiful. The stairs’ risers were made of the porcellanite stone that buildings like Browns Mart are made of. The treads of the stairs were made of concrete that had bits of coloured glass and shells mixed in, to make them more attractive. Couples used to ‘promenade’ along Lovers Walk in the evenings.

The baths had gender-segregated opening times - women and children during the afternoons (I think, but would need to check), and men at other times. This was brought in because John George Knight (Government Architect, and later Government Resident) liked to walk down in his Darwin pyjamas and go for a swim. I’m sure he wasn’t the only one. Nudity okay for the men, apparently, but not the women!

Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942.
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Description:
North Australian Hotel after cyclone, Palmerston, former name of Darwin, 1897

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Don:
On 6 January 1897, the Victoria Hotel Palmerston - Port Darwin was struck by a devastating cyclone, referred to as the "Great Hurricane". This storm left the hotel with part of its roof destroyed and considerable internal damage. Despite the destruction it wreaked throughout the town, the hotel was one of the few buildings that managed to remain structurally intact. The storm was responsible for the loss of 28 lives and the sinking of 19 vessels in the harbour, including the entire pearling fleet. The cyclone caused an estimated £150,000 worth of damage across the town, however, the Victoria Hotel has swiftly repaired soon afterwards.

Posted 28-January-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942.
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Description:
The Police Station on the corner of Mitchell Street and the Esplanade with sections of roof missing.

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Mark McAdie
By 1897, this building was no longer the police station, the Police station was a couple of doors down the Esplanade.

Don:
On the evening of 6 January 1897, a fierce cyclone swept through Darwin, then known as Palmerston. It caused immense destruction, uprooting trees and telegraph poles and tearing roofs off buildings. The storm reached its peak between 3.30 am and 4.30 am on 7 January, dumping a staggering 292mm of rainfall. Almost all of the buildings in Palmerston were destroyed, with only a
few structures surviving, including the historic Victoria Hotel, doctor's residence, BAT House, the Commercial and E. S. & A. Banks, and the Court House. These buildings provided shelter for the scores of homeless people after the cyclone had passed.

Posted 30-January-2023

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Image Source:
https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+61441

Destroyed by Cyclone Tracy 1974.
Smith Street opposite Brown's Mart.

Don:
The Town Hall Ruins are a powerful reminder of Darwin's development as a city and the catastrophic destruction of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. From its opening in 1883, the Town Hall held an important role in the local community, acting as a courthouse, library, church, museum and navy workshop. Following the devastation of the cyclone, the ruins were stabilised and preserved in memory of the event and its impact. The ruins are a much-valued symbol of the city's past, growth and resilience in the face of tragedy.
 
Posted 3-February-2023

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Image Source:
Creator: Bleeser, Florenz A. K., 1871-1942.
Title: Township showing cyclone damage, Palmerston [i.e. Darwin], 1897 [picture] / Florenz Bleeser

Description:
The North Australian Hotel (now Vic Hotel) on Smith Street the Commercial Bank (stone bank)
can be seen on the left.

1897 Cyclone and Florenz Bleeser Photographs. Info provided by Andrew King

Don:
The Victoria Hotel lost part of its roof and was damaged internally during a cyclone on 6 January 1897. Known as the "Great Hurricane", the cyclone caused considerable damage to the hotel and other buildings in the Territory. Despite the damage, the hotel was repaired and continued to operate, serving as a prominent hotel in the Territory throughout the twentieth century. By the late 1930s, when the hotel was owned by the local company, Northern Hotels Ltd, it had become a popular haunt for local and visiting dignitaries, including the Administrator of the Northern Territory, the explorer, Cecil Madigan, and local politicians.

Ellen Ryan's impressive vision of grandeur was realized in 1888 when she successfully applied for a license to construct the prestigious Victoria Hotel in the heart of Darwin. Constructed with local, multi-coloured porcellanite stone, the two-story hotel featured a parapetted gable and verandahs that dominated Smith Street for over half a century. The hotel opened in 1890 and soon became a popular gathering place for local and visiting dignitaries, such as the Administrator of the Northern Territory, the explorer Cecil Madigan, and local politicians. In 1897, the Victoria Hotel suffered substantial damage from the Great Hurricane cyclone, but was quickly repaired and continued to operate as a bustling social hub.

Posted 31-January-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/734085
Ronald Lister Collection

Description:
Men outside the workshop of the Public Works Department.

Don:
The railway yards in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia have a long and significant history. The first railway line in Darwin was built in 1889, connecting the city with the port of Pine Creek. The railway yards were initially used to service and repair trains, but they also played an important role during World War II. In 1942, the Japanese bombed Darwin, causing significant damage to the railway yards. Following the war, the yards were rebuilt and expanded.

Posted 4-February-2023

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Image Source and Description: Phil Maynard. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Photos taken in front of our NT Government House at 5 Brogan St, Fannie Bay. It was built on part of the taxiway of the original Darwin Airstrip (now Ross Smith Avenue) hence the bitumen yard, hence not much of a garden. Keith and Ivy Maynard and children by age Phil, Debbie, Stephen and Frances. Would be 1957 approx.

Posted 9-January-2023

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Image Source and Description: Jeffrey Fong,

Would of been around 1950. Taken at my parent's family soft drink factory, Darwin Aerated Waters which was situated where the Mantra Apartments are on the corner of Litchfield/Knuckey Sts. It was reclaimed from the army after they "acquired" it during WW2 to supply the defence forces with soft drinks. The ironic thing is that dad was based in Melbourne after he signed up with the army during WW2. The Triumph was I think owned by my older cousin Ron Yee.

Posted 10-January-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/749699
Howard Truran Collection. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Description:
Aerial view of Darwin Harbour and Darwin City.

Don:
The naturalist Charles Darwin, who sailed with Captain Robert Fitzroy on the second expedition of the Beagle from December 1831 to October 1836, was honored with the naming of Darwin Harbour. On the Beagle's third voyage, Commander John Clements Wickham and Lieutenant John Lort Stokes, both of whom had been promoted for this trip, arrived at the harbour on September 9, 1839. Reminded of Darwin's "geologising" upon the discovery of a new, fine-grained sandstone, Wickham named the port after him.

Posted 5-February-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/372654
Single commercial photo album with label on inside back cover "THE / NEWLYN / ALBUM. / No. S1104. / Johnsons, London."

Description:
MS in white at lower right "Fort Hill / Darwin, N.T. / 1915."

Don:
You can see Government House and the flag pole out the front. And if you zoom in,you can see buildings at the top of Fort Hill.

Fort Hill was once a prominent feature on Darwin Harbour in Australia's Northern Territory. It was the site of a survey camp led by George Goyder in 1869 and also served as the first European burial ground in Darwin. John William Ogilvie Bennett, a member of Goyder's expedition, was tragically killed by Indigenous people and buried at the top of Fort Hill. Another early settler, Richard Hazard, was also buried there. During World War II, the hill had tunnels bored into it for oil storage. Unfortunately, the hill was ultimately removed in 1965 to construct an iron-ore loading wharf. Despite its history, Fort Hill is now remembered only through its historical records and photographs.

Posted 6-February-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/822916
Denise Garside Collection. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Description: is wrong!
An aerial view of Darwin. Smith Street to the right and Cavenagh Street to the left. Bennett Street is in the foreground and Knuckey Street is at the next intersection. Taken late 50's or early 60's.

Don:
Left to right: Smith, Cavenagh, and Wood Street. Bennett Street is in the foreground and Knuckey Street is at the next intersection.

Posted 7-February-2023

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Image Source: N/A. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Description: Andrew King
Here is a photo of the intersection of Bagot and McMillians Road, before Coconut Grove was commercialised. You can see the Drive in cinema and the Bagot speedway with Nightcliff at the top. Not sure who took the photo.

Don:
The Nightcliff Drive-In was a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It had a large screen with a capacity of up to 400 cars, and was known for its great popcorn, snacks and refreshments. The drive-in was a great place to take a date or just hang out with friends. The drive-in had a wide range of movies playing, ranging from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to classic cult
favourites.

The drive-in was also home to a number of special events, such as movie marathons, outdoor concerts and other community activities. The drive-in was a vibrant and exciting place that was always bustling with activity.

The Nightcliff Drive-In was a beloved part of the Darwin community, but sadly, it closed its doors in 1985. The drive-in may be gone, but its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced it.

Posted 8-February-2023

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Image Source and Description: April Tomlin. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Don:
The Bagot Community is located on 23 hectares of land in the suburb of Ludmilla, and was established in 1938 as an Aboriginal Reserve to control and train Indigenous people moving to Darwin from remote settlements. However, in the 1970s, government policy shifted and the reserve lost its purpose, remaining as a segregated community dependent on government funding and facing tension with neighboring suburbs.

Posted 9-February-2023

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Image Source and Description John Garner

Alijah Hussien & John Garner taken in Sydney in 1967 & then married in Darwin 2016.

John was the owner of the "TRACEY YOU BITCH" Red Torana in the Cyclone Tracy image.

Ably assisted by Mick Gulovsen with this colourisation.

Posted 14-January-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/741623
Percy Brown Collection ;

Description:
Captain Wrigley's plane, the first to fly across Australia, taking three weeks from Melbourne to Darwin. Fannie Bay

Don:
Captain Henry Wrigley was a pioneer of aviation in Australia and made history with his flight across the country in 1919. His plane, a Bristol Tourer biplane, was the first to successfully fly from Melbourne to Darwin, a journey that took three weeks to complete. The flight was considered a major feat at the time, as the infrastructure for aviation was still in its infancy and the conditions for flying were challenging, with limited navigation aids and rugged terrain.

Wrigley's flight across Australia helped to demonstrate the viability of air travel and paved the way for the development of a more extensive air network in the country. The flight also helped to establish Wrigley as a pioneering figure in the history of aviation in Australia, and he went on to make many more flights across the country, including several record-breaking flights.

Today, Captain Wrigley's flight is remembered as an important moment in the history of aviation in Australia and is celebrated as a testament to the courage, skill, and determination of early aviators. The Bristol Tourer biplane that Wrigley flew has been preserved and is on display at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, serving as a reminder of the early days of aviation and the pioneers who paved the way for the development of modern air travel.

Posted 10-February-2023

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Image Source: N/A. Colour Corrected by Don McKenzie.

Description:

Hotel Darwin was a hotel located on the Esplanade in central Darwin in the
Northern Territory of Australia. It was commonly known as the "Grand Old
Duchess".[1] Despite surviving the Bombing of Darwin and Cyclone Tracy, the
hotel was demolished in 1999.

Posted 11-February-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/745455
Rodgers Collection Date Created: 17/12/1918

Description:
Darwin. Demonstrators led by a car containing an effigy of Dr. Gilruth which was later burnt, possibly on 17 December 1918 in protest against the administration of Dr. Gilruth.

Don:
Dr. J. Gilruth was the Administrator of Darwin, Australia, during World War I and the early 1920s. He was known for implementing strict regulations and censorship of the press in Darwin during his tenure. It is possible that the demonstration mentioned was a protest against these policies or against his administration more generally.

Posted 12-February-2023

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Image Source:
https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-144689365/view

On the 18 October 1930 De Havilland DH 80 Puss Moth, G-ABDW, flown by Captain F.J. Mathews arrives in Darwin. Matthews had done the England - Australia trip in 10 days, two hours and 10 minutes.

Don:
The De Havilland DH 80 Puss Moth is a British single-engine, four-seat, high-wing monoplane that was first flown in 1929. It was a popular aircraft for personal and business use in the 1930s. On October 18, 1930, a DH 80 Puss Moth, registered as G-ABDW, piloted by Captain F.J. Mathews, completed a flight from Croydon, England, to Darwin, Australia, becoming the first aircraft to fly from England to Australia in under 30 days. The flight covered a distance of 11,000 miles. The Puss Moth was flown by a number of notable pilots during the 1930s, including Amelia Earhart
and Lady Heath.

Posted 13-February-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/413577
Chris Meldrum Collection ;

Description:
MS in pencil on verso ES&A Bank Smith St .
Notes: Photographs taken by Chris Meldrum to send to his brother and family to show what life in Darwin was like at the beginning of the war.

Don:
The English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank, founded in 1852 by Royal Charter in London, became the English, Scottish, and Australian Bank Limited after a financial reconstruction in 1893. It merged with ANZ on 1 October 1970 and is now known as Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ).

Posted 14-February-2023

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Citation address: https://hdl.handle.net/10070/749250
Darwin 1914-1916 Collection ;

Description:
Grandstand at racecourse filled with people. Note the fashions of the day.

Don...
Fannie Bay Racecourse is a horse racing track located in Fannie Bay, in the Northern Territory, Australia. It was established in 1875. The racecourse was named after Fannie Bay, a nearby suburb of Darwin, and is known for its picturesque setting.

The racecourse is home to the Darwin Cup, which was first run in 1876 and is the most prestigious horse race in the Northern Territory. The Darwin Cup is traditionally held on the first Monday in August and is a major event in the Darwin social calendar.

Posted 15-February-2023

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