Do you hear that? That is the echo of pickaxes striking rock here at the Old Eltham Goldmine. This ground beneath our feet was once a hive of activity. Imagine the hopes and dreams that were invested in this very spot.
Today, we’ll journey back in time. We will explore the story of the Old Eltham Goldmine. It’s a tale of ambition, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of fortune.
Gold was first discovered in Diamond Creek, near Eltham, in 1862. Joseph and David Wilson found it on land bordering Dr. Phipps’ and Charles Orme’s properties. This discovery ignited a mining industry. It brought many new families to the township. The population swelled with hopeful prospectors.
One of the major mines in this area was known as the Union goldmine. It was located on the south side of Mine Hill. By 1870, it was a major operation with a shaft and steam powered winder. A rustic wooden building housed the engine with its shingle roof. The head frame was also made of wood. A bush ladder climbed one leg to reach the deck.
Early mining relied on rope cables to haul up skips of ore. These ropes were dangerous and prone to accidents. Wire cables eventually replaced them, improving safety. However, the Union gold mine ran out of ore by 1875.
In 1904, exploration revealed more ore. A new shaft was sunk further east. It used a winder with safer wire cables. The Union mine finally closed in 1908 after reaching eight levels. All machinery was removed.
The boiler from the Union mine was moved to the Diamond Creek Goldmine. This mine was located on top of Mine Hill. By 1915, the Diamond Creek Goldmine had grown significantly. Its engine house contained five boilers. These powered the winder, battery, generator, air compressors, and a massive beam water pump. The pump worked constantly to keep the mine dry.
Disaster struck in early 1915. A fire broke out at the Diamond Creek Goldmine. Some miners escaped through connecting tunnels to the old Union mine workings. They then walked around to the Diamond Creek mine ruins. No lives were lost, but the mine shut down.
The Diamond Creek Gold Mining Company held a meeting on January 16th. They reported a return of 199 ounces of gold. Four days later, a spark from the boiler room ignited a wood heap. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the engine house and poppet head. It traveled down the shaft.
Miners working at the 900-foot level were warned by telephone. The poppet head burned, blocking access to the shaft. One hero of the fire was engine-driver George Stephens. He saved the life of blacksmith Frank Armstrong. Despite smoke and flames, Stephens clung to the engine. He raised the cage to the top.
The fire destroyed the above-ground plant. Only the change room and manager’s office survived. The damage was estimated at £3,000. The miners, working as a co-operative, had just congratulated themselves on finding good stone. They believed good times were ahead.
News of the fire spread quickly. Anxious wives rushed to the mine. They waited near the escape shaft until the miners emerged safely. The community felt the loss deeply. The Evelyn Observer reported that the closure cast a gloom over the district. About 200 families lost their livelihoods.
In the early 1950s, the mine re-opened briefly. An electrical winder and head frame were installed. The flooded shaft was pumped dry for inspection. However, progress stalled and the mine was abandoned again. Shareholders were left with worthless certificates.
Today, the Old Eltham Goldmine stands as a reminder of the gold rush era. It tells a story of dreams pursued and challenges overcome. The landscape may look peaceful now. But imagine the echoes of those who sought their fortune beneath our feet.