Yesterday we spent five memorable hours in the historic town of
Echuca. For a very small price you can explore the history of the transport system that our pioneers developed. The paddlesteamers are still running and it certainly amazes me how successful they were. We didn't do the boat ride but we certainly filled in our time. Interestingly it was one of the convicts deported from the UK (for stealing silk), that actually founded Echuca in 1850 You can read more
here. .......
I know we learnt all this history at school but it is not really until now that I really appreciate it all. This period of time was while William Morris was alive and I wonder if he used any wool shipped from Australia for his tapestries or textiles. What a tough journey it would have been but certainly made easier when the Suez canal opened in 1869 - William was just 35 at the time.
I am sure
Robert and Joanna Barr Smith, (who were responsible for most of our William Morris collection at the Art Gallery of South Australia), would have used these shipping containers in large quantities to bring back all the Morris textiles, carpets and furniture!......
Of course there had to be one of these -
I suppose!!!.....
Each door led to one "lady"....not sure how long they have been boarded up!......
And in true Aussie style there has to be a bit of humour! This excerpt is from the
Star Hotel's website and tells all......
The Star hotel was one of 78 hotels in Echuca. The hotel was know as a rough and drunken establishment and was eventually de licensed in 1897. The Hotel owner how ever continued to trade illegally and was raided by police, the Hoteliers answer to this was to construct a escape tunnel out of the shades bar out into the alley behind. The cellar and escape tunnel can still be visited today.
The underground bar had some wonderful Arts and Crafts style furniture.........
Larry entering the escape tunnel.......
What a creative use of old drum barrels........
So we are back enjoying the peace of the river views (apart from the screeching galahs!)........
Sunrise this morning..........
And this is our little cabin for another six nights.
Till next time - take care and thanks for visiting x
The boat trips are great ... the Emmy Lou in particular! And check out the bookshops, and the Christmas shop ...
ReplyDeleteIn contrast we spent the day yesterday on the City Cat ... on the Brisbane river!
And what a lovely time of the year to be visiting. Weather usually lovely now, and the autumn colours. You've certainly seen a lot of this trip.
ReplyDeleteAfter viewing your trip around Victoria I am a bit homesick! Been a long time since I have visited some of these lovely towns, thanks for the update and for sharing your skills to those who live so far from Melbourne and dont always get the opportunity to do workshops.
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