Census figures supplied by us this week will give a view of Armidale in 2011, but a completely different kind of view was available in 1884. This week we’ll look at it.
Banks don’t charge for all their services. It’s true! For instance, there is no fee payable for going into the ANZ Bank in Beardy Street to look at the huge sketch of Armidale in 1884, which adorns the bank’s western wall. Over the years I have gone there many times to consult the sketch to find out something about some of Armidale’s old buildings. The sketch is taken from a magazine called The Sydney Illustrated News.
Following the opening of the railway to Armidale in 1883, there was a building boom in Armidale in 1884. All manner of building materials came by train. The developments were reported in illustrated magazines such as The Sydney Illustrated News.
The story was researched in Armidale by a team which included an artist, who sketched all the principal buildings and many of the leading citizens. The sketches of the buildings were then used to compose what is known as a balloon view of the town. Sketches of the businessmen were included in the long, illustrated report about Armidale’s origins and growth, in the edition which was published in July 1884.
Printed copies of the article have been available for many years at the New England Historical Resources Centre (which was once housed in the old Teachers’ College but is now in the old Newling Library building, which now serves as the Heritage Centre and UNE Archives). The magazine can also be viewed on microfilm. Over the years the reading facilities improved and readers could get photocopies of relevant pages.
New equipment at the Heritage Centre allows readers to obtain electronic images via the computer. Such images can be enlarged and enhanced, with stunning results.
But personally, I prefer to go to the ANZ Bank and look at the huge sketch on the wall. Not only does it show what was where in 1884, but the borders are adorned with excellent sketches of many of the business houses.
The late Dr John Ferry and I had often talked of starting a project to ensure each of the buildings in the 1884 balloon view of Armidale were numbered and written about. He had undertaken extensive research of land ownership in Armidale and had traced the history of many lots and their buildings. He generously made the fruits of his extensive labours available in the Historical Resources Centre. Dr Ferry’s material is just part of the wide range of tools available for modern researchers to use.
The facilities at the Heritage Centre have been invaluable for obtaining relevant information for my weekly historical column. I am most grateful to Mr Bill Oates and his staff for their innovative, competent and friendly service. Staff at the Heritage Centre welcome the opportunity for researchers to use the facilities for finding fascinating historical material.
Special thanks are due this week to Lorraine Kelleher of the ANZ Bank who very kindly photographed the 1884 sketch for inclusion in my column. A modern version would be a great asset for future historians, who could look back to see what Armidale was like in 2011.
