Snapshot of the past

This photograph is of the intersection of Victoria and Smith Streets in 1884 looking to the north.

In the foreground can be seen the corduroy road leading up Victoria Street to the left of the photo.

This was made of saplings that were laid to form the road and covered with sawdust to make it easier for the horse drawn vehicles to travel on.

There was no metal available and carriages would become bogged in the middle of the main street.

In the centre of the picture behind where the memorial is today, is Biram’s timber yard.

James Biram was the first storekeeper and had the general store in Queen Street and his brother Ben managed the timber yard and plumbing business.

Ben Biram’s descendants lived in Warragul up to a few years ago and are still members of the Warragul Historical Society.

On the top left can be seen the original timber school building and to the centre is the old Methodist Church. At this time, the main business activities were centred on Queen Street.

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society.

The society’s museum at the Old Shire Hall in Warragul displays a range of historical photographs. It is open every Thursday between 10am and 2pm and the second and fourth Sunday of each month between 2pm and 4pm.

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