Tramway Treasures

A new treasure has just come to light in our Archives - some wonderful early contract plans for the Brisbane Tramways Company dating back to 1888 when the first extensions were applied for to the initial horse drawn tram service which was started in 1885. These plans, which appear to be an updated version of the initial plans, include detail drawings of what the actual track looked like. We have many other wonderful tram records in our holdings.

our audiovisual heritage

http://australianscreen.com.au/
The Australian Sound and Film archives now actively acquires clips from you tube and other web sources it believes are of value to our culture heritage - visit their web site at the attached link and view some of their historical footage online - enjoy!

Bridges

Cross River bridges are a integral part of the history of Brisbane. Our earliest item in the Archives collection is a plan of a bridge over breakfast creek It replaced an earlier convict built Log Bridge. The bridge was known as "Bowen Bridge". Construction of the Bridge started in June 1850. Almost half the 150 pound cost of the bridge was raised through public subscription. The bridge was demolished around 1889. In May 1925 Council created the Cross River Bridge Commission to report on "'what further facilities for crossing the Brisbane River are necessary for the future development of the greater City of Brisbane." The Commission chaired by Professor Hawken from the University of Queensland accepted public submission and much-heated debate took place in the papers. Suggestions included tunnels, a tube for a high-speed railway and transporter bridges, which would carry both vehicles and passengers in "transporter cars". Sites considered for new bridges included Merthyr Road New Farm to Bulimba, Balmoral to Bulimba and a duplicate bridge adjacent to Victoria Bridge.

View the First minutes!

The first minute book of Council 1859 - 1863 has been digitalised. Click on the link at the left - First Minute book of Council and the select the catalogue tab from the record on screen. Then scroll down the record until you find the following field and then click on it:
Electronic access: View digital copy of First Minutes Book 1859 - 1863.

In the Service of the City..........

Welcome - next year marks 150 years since Brisbane was formally recognised as a local government authority. Since John Petrie was elected first Mayor in October 1859, Henry Marshall as first Town Clerk starting handling correspondence and prisoners from the Brisbane jail worked on day release to improve the roads and drainage, successive generations of Councillors and staff have been working in the service of Brisbane to create the City we know today. Tasks, goals and visions have changed and the legacy of records left by these actions offer a fascinating insight into our past. Through this blog I would like to highlight some interesting stories from our past, link to some of our online archive resources and seek input about what others would like to see more of - share your thoughts - history is a story best shared...........