Children who lived in Beechworth learned at first hand what mental illness was all about. The grounds of Mayday Hills provided ample opportunities for play, and trusted patients were allowed to walk down the hill into the town to go […]
Beechworth’s Children:
Living In Town Read More »
From its earliest days, senior staff at Mayday Hills lived in official houses within the grounds, together with their wives and children. These children had the unusual opportunity to mingle with staff and patients as they moved around the grounds.
Beechworth’s Children:
Living in the grounds Read More »
These two black and white photographs of the Beechworth Asylum are titled and dated differently. Photograph One is titled ‘Visitors’ Day’ (circa 1900), and the second is titled: ‘At Beechworth Asylum’ (1880-1900). The visitor’s outfits are identical, and although the
Beechworth Asylum: Visitors’ Day photographs (1880-1900) Read More »
James Neilson BRADLEY (1868–1943)James BRADLEY was born in Sandhurst (Bendigo), one of seven children of William BRADLEY and Jane NEILSON. In 1892 he married Ida Emily SCOPES and they had three children, all born in Beechworth. He had a short
Asylum Staff Cricket Team Read More »
Childhood memories of visits from Dr Eric Cunningham Dax. In 1956 Dr Donnan and his family moved to Beechworth to take up the position of Chief Superintendent Psychiatrist at the Beechworth Mental Hospital. Together with his wife and two daughters,
Dax was fun & bought us gifts Read More »
The former Beechworth Asylum, built in 1867, is located at Albert Rd, Beechworth, VictoriaIt has had several name changes over the years: In 1863 the Victorian government selected sites for three new lunatic asylum: Beechworth, Ararat and Kew. The 200
Thomas Alexander David Fuller 1895 – 1955 Thomas Alexander David Fuller started employment at the Beechworth Mental Hospital in June 1940 as an attendant. Beechworth on the 14th July 1955 was experiencing heavy rain with 228 points of rain being
Hospital attendant Thomas Fuller meets tragic end Read More »
As a child, I found a small, brown suitcase in my wardrobe. It had two silver latches and a squeaky wooden handle. I didn’t recognise the name inscribed on the bottom in pencil: Ada. I asked my mother, “Whose suitcase
A life in institutions Read More »
I started my nursing training in mid-1969 and have worked mostly in bed based services, I have to say I have enjoyed my time and hopefully I have made a difference to someone’s life. I have been fortunate to work
50 years in mental health Read More »
These short biographies tell the stories of five men who served on the Western Front in World War One. They suffered injuries and illness but after the War they returned to Victoria and tried to pick up the threads of
Five Diggers from Mayday Hills Read More »
