Negative - Constructing a Dam, F.C. Williames' Farm, Hill End, Gippsland, circa 1930

Summary

Photograph of the construction of a farm dam using a horsedrawn tumble scoop on the property of Frederick Charles Williames (1893-1985), at Hill End (Gippsland), Victoria, about 1930. The scoop is being worked by Mr Williames.

Frederick Charles Williames was born at Brighton, Victoria, in 1893, being third of five children for parents Walter Frederick Williames (1862-1911) and Mary Ellen Williames (neé Tharratt) (1870-1944). By the time his father died in 1911, aged just 49, the family had relocated to Hill End, in West Gippsland, where they were engaged in dairy farming. Frederick Charles Williames enlisted in the AIF in July 1915, at the age of 21, describing himself as a farmer, with his mother given as next of kin. He was placed in the 12th Reinforcements of the 2nd Field Company, Engineers, service no. 2526, becoming a driver and served in France. He suffered several bouts of illness, but returned safely to Australia in May 1919, to resume his farming career. He developed the Hill End property into a flourishing dairy farm and later owned others properties near Moe. During the 1960s he joined his nephew Mr G.A. Williames in a Warragul based venture producing the 'Williames Wildcat' all-terrain light tractor. He died at Prahran, Victoria, in 1985.

Description of Content

Man steering a walk-behind earth scoop pulled by two horses to excavate a farm dam. In this photo the scoop has been filled with dirt and is being dragged to the earth wall of the dam, where the scoop will be tumbled and emptied.