eHive Object Details

Name/TitleGeneral Post Office, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 1901

About this objectThis photograph of the General Post Office, which is located on north-east corner of Elizabeth and Bourke streets, has been taken looking north from the south side of Bourke Street.

This is an unusual photograph of the General Post Office, captured at night during a fireworks display celebrating Federation. The building's architectural features are decorated with lights, and illuminated signs reading, ADVANCE FEDERATED AUSTRALIA on the Elizabeth Street facade, and PROSPERITY BE WITH OUR COMMONWEALTH on the Bourke Street facade.

In the foreground a large, mainly male, crowd is gathered in the street, looking towards the building and the fireworks in the night sky.

This image was probably taken during the evening of January 1st, 1901, the day the Commonwealth Constitution Act was proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney.

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

MakerCooper, William H. (photographer)

Maker RoleSlide Maker

Date Made1901

Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm

Period1900-1910

Object TypePhotograph

Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956

Subject and Association KeywordsFederation (1901)

Subject and Association KeywordsGeneral Post Office (Melbourne, Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsHistoric buildings and sites

Subject and Association KeywordsFestivals and celebrations

Subject and Association KeywordsElizabeth Street (Melbourne, Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsMelbourne (Victoria.)

Subject and Association KeywordsHoddle Grid

Named CollectionImages collection

Object numberGS-BCS-26

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved