An age-old archway nestled between two Bendigo performance venues is being remembered for the role it played in the city’s firefighting history.
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Emergency management commissioner Craig Lapsley joined local CFA personnel at the unveiling of a plaque at the View Street archway, located between the Capital theatre and the Engine Room.
The plaque explains the archway was designed by celebrated Bendigo architect WC Vahland, part of an extension to the Masonic Hall in 1890, and allowed the Sandhurst Temperance Fire Brigade – once located behind the arch – easy access to View Street.
The archway remained in use by firefighters until the 1970s.
CFA member and local historian George Ellis Senior said the Sandhurst Temperance brigade formed in 1871 after a number of destructive fires in the city and quickly became renowned for their discipline.
“Their very existence offered friendly rivalry to the other brigades, which was good for the city,” Mr Ellis said.
Mark Kearney
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
