Summary

Glass negative stereograph showing the Baker's Union Float and the crowd watching the Trades Procession. It is part of the G. H. Myers Collection which consists of 73 photographs taken by Godfrey Henry Myers, an electrician and amateur photographer, in Melbourne during May 1901. 72 of these photographs depict preparations for the celebrations that surrounded Federation; all but one are glass stereographs. This collection represents Myers' one venture into commercial photography. It is significant for its images of the crowds, which do not feature so prominently in commercial photographs. The remaining photograph is a family portrait.

The opening of the Australian Parliament on May 9 1901 was an occasion for great celebrations in Melbourne. Ten days of festivities (from 6-16 May) were planned to mark the Federation of the new nation and honour the Royal visitors, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The city was transformed with decorations - flags, bunting, colourful lights and festive arches - and a series of public events were held, including a military tattoo and several street parades. Unprecedented numbers of people arrived in Melbourne from the rest of Victoria and throughout Australia to take part in the celebrations.

Description of Content

Baker's Union Float, Trades Procession, Collins Street, Federation Celebrations, Melbourne, 11 May 1901.The sign on the Bakers float says 'Slaves No Longer'. Above it are three large figure 8s. Below the sign are ropes of plaited bread forming three 8s. Since 1856, when the Stonemasons at Melbourne University went on strike and achieved the 8 hour working day - the first Union in the world to achieve it - annual parades had been held to celebrate this achievement. A small working oven was carried on the float, out of which came steaming hot rolls and scones which were tossed to the crowd. To the left is the Town Hall clock, to the right is a largely empty fee-paying viewing stand.

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