Summary

Australia Daylesford
Medal - C.U.V.F.B. Award 1886 (AD)
Other Details: Bushfires have been a part of the Daylesford area's history. When Daylesford lost its Freemasons Hotel to fire on 23 January 1861 the community was roused into action. An American, J. H. Lerich, wrote to the newspaper suggesting a fire brigade be formed. His call was taken up by the Police Magistrate and Gold Warden, Daly, and on 19 February 1861 the Daylesford Fire Brigade was formed. It initially had 29 volunteers. The townspeople rallied and an engine house was built, with materials supplied by local businesspeople. The Brigades' first bell came from St Peters Church. In 1963 this was replaced by a bell from Castlemaine, purchased with funds from the Council. The first fire engine arrived in 1864, a second-hand unit from Williamstown costing 100 pounds; a hook and ladder carriage was also purchased. Water was carted in barrels by private contractors who chaged two pounds per barrel.

Physical Description

A hand made cross set in a ring engraved with details of the award.

Obverse Description

Hand made cross with wreath within circular rim

Reverse Description

Back of cross engraved, Presented by / C.U.V.F.B. / TO / P. O'CONNELL / for Valuable / Services rendered / 1 Nov. 1886

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Bushfires have been a part of the Daylesford area's history. When Daylesford lost its Freemasons Hotel to fire on 23 January 1861 the community was roused into action. An American, J. H. Lerich, wrote to the newspaper suggesting a fire brigade be formed. His call was taken up by the Police Magistrate and Gold Warden, Daly, and on 19 February 1861 the Daylesford Fire Brigade was formed. It initially had 29 volunteers. The townspeople rallied and an engine house was built, with materials supplied by local businesspeople. The Brigades' first bell came from St Peters Church. In 1963 this was replaced by a bell from Castlemaine, purchased with funds from the Council. The first fire engine arrived in 1864, a second-hand unit from Williamstown costing 100 pounds; a hook and ladder carriage was also purchased. Water was carted in barrels by private contractors who chaged two pounds per barrel. -Sebastopol College web site http://www.sebas.vic.edu.au/staff/ndarwin/daylesford.htm. -D. Tout-Smith 28/11/2003.

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