IF you know everything there is to know about Bendigo’s rich history, you won’t want to come to the Bendigo Historical Society’s March meeting on Friday, March 6, in the Bendigo TAFE Theatrette, starting at 2pm.
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If you do come to the air-conditioned theatrette in McCrae Street, you should, after a series of three short talks, learn much about some of the mysteries of the city’s history. Entry is by a gold coin donation.
So, what do you know about George Lansell? Terry Davidson will provide some answers in his presentation entitled "The Lost Legacy of George Lansell".
Terry has been a very keen researcher of Fortuna and he is happy to share his detailed knowledge with the people of Bendigo. He is particularly keen on solving certain mysteries concerning Fortuna.
George Lansell is quite a controversial character and now that the property Fortuna is again in private hands, there is renewed interest in the Lansell story.
The new owner, Paul Banks, is eager to glean as much information as possible as he continues the restoration of the famous site.
The stories from the time of the German Ballerstedt family, the work of noted architects Vahland and Getzschmann and William Beebe, George Lansell’s additions, the work of Edith Lansell and her family and the extended stay of the Mapmakers from 1942 all make for fascinating reading.
The cartographers’ stay was for a far longer period than any of the previous occupiers of the site.
The new owner is very keen to again open Fortuna to the public.
How many of Bendigo’s famous buildings and other landmarks have used bluestone in their construction?
Carol Holsworth has researched this question to find the quarries that supplied the basalt rock used in such builds as the former Post Office and Law Courts in Pall Mall and on the pitcher paving of the Bendigo Creek. Why wasn’t local sandstone used more in Bendigo’s buildings?
Bendigo has a great number of statues, especially in the city centre. These include statuary located in the Conservatory Gardens, Howard Place and in the Sculpture Gallery of the Bendigo Art Gallery.
Noted Italian sculptor Count Cadorin married the daughter of Bendigo mining magnate Ernst Mueller. Known as "Lovie" Mueller, she was famous as a singer in her own right.
A common source of inspiration for sculptors such as Cadorin was the Greek goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite (Venus to the Romans).
David Cotton will investigate the mystery of a replica Venus statue and touch on other puzzles at the March meeting of the Bendigo Historical Society.
Notices
Shamrock Hotel tours are conducted on Sundays at 2pm. Cost of $10 includes cake and coffee. Phone 5443 0333 to book.
Specimen Cottage (178 Hargreaves Street) is open on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm.
Visit the Bendigo Historical Society website at www.bendigohistory.com