Architect Mr William Charles Vahland is in for a big year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of his passing (July 22, 1915).

Young William was born in the town of Nienburg an der Weser in Hanover, Germany on October 2 1828.

His father was a master builder, joiner and cabinet-maker, so it is not surprising that he would be interested in his father's line of work. 

After finishing his general schooling, he went to work for his father for several years, before entering the Baugewerkschule (School of Building).

The students only attended their courses in winter, spending the summer months working in the trade. They attended 75 classes a week, six days a week, from 6am until 9.30pm, though they did finish early on Saturdays, at 7pm! 

Vahland's report card from the time lists a pretty broad education with categories such as spelling, mathematics, physics, geometry, drawing plans, design, structure of buildings, law, surveying and book-keeping as well as conduct and effort. In all of them, he was ranked good or very good.

His training favoured classical styles of architecture and this preference can be seen in Vahland's work - simple Greek-style lines of roof, columns, and other features creating a whole impression. 

He was also taught the importance for harmony between domestic and rustic buildings, and between commercial and public buildings. 

After completing his studies Vahland travelled for a while (a recommended practice for architects to then as now), but the lure of the Australian goldfields was too much.

He arrived in Melbourne on board the sailing ship "San Francisco" in September 1854. 

Within a few days, he was on his way to the Bendigo diggings with three companions from the ship, among them Jacob Cohn, who was to be a lifelong friend.

The lads had been fed gruesome stories about the ferocity of the natives and the wild bushrangers and outlaws they could expect to meet on their trip to Bendigo, so they left Melbourne armed to the teeth with pistols and cutlasses. 

They mounted guard every night and kept a tense and earnest watch all the way.  After a completely uneventful journey, they arrived in Bendigo, creating an hilarious impression amongst the locals. Seeing the joke, they threw their weapons into a disused mineshaft and settled down to prospecting. 

As the year progresses, the Bendigo Advertiser will have more snippets on WC Vahland, one of Bendigo’s most industrious pioneers.

Frequent flying

The number of people calling LJ Hooker for appraisals to sell their homes has risen. Their campaign where five people will win one million frequent flyer points just by having an appraisal has been a big hit.

Good news

The real estate market has hit a sweet spot with a combination of ‘steady as she goes’ agent Doug Lougoon reports.

Interest rates are steady, enquiries are steady and activity for the agents has been steady over the holiday period.