Snapshot of the past

A steam engine outside Miller Bros Contractors and Monumental Agents building in Smith Street, Warragul c.1902.

The steam engine is being handed over to Warragul Shire councillors and officials, likely for road making works.

The top of the Warragul Fire Station building can be seen on the right as well as the poplar street trees.

The old Warragul Fire Station site is where sports shop Intersport Nichos operates today.

This photograph was taken before the theatre building was built in the 1920s.

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul Historical Society.

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@warragulgazette.com.au.

A snapshot photograph of The Blue Orchid in Victoria Street, Warragul c.1954 in the Gazette on September 5 attracted further information.

Dot Backman contacted the Gazette after seeing herself in the photograph.

Mrs Backman worked at The Blue Orchid café for about five years.

She said market day on Thursdays was the café’s busiest day of the week when staff would make between 50 to 100 loaves of sandwiches.

Mrs Backman said the owner also extended the back area of the café to cook pies. Dozens and dozens of meat pies were made and sold at the popular café, she said.

The café also was the only café open during night cinema sessions.

Mrs Backman said two or three staff were rostered on so that cinema patrons could cross the road during interval to buy their sweet treats and snacks to take back to the cinema.

“We were absolutely full on those nights,” she said.