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Cooler at Young Brother's sugar plantation, Bundaberg
Cooler at Young Brother's sugar plantation, Bundaberg

Cooler at Young Brother's sugar plantation, Bundaberg

Datec 1890
Object numberANMS0227[075]
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 93 x 152 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam
DescriptionA black and white image of a large open structure of about seven stories above broader floor with substantial piers below. Each floor is stacked with cut sugar cane. The image is titled 'Cooler at Young Bro's sugar plantation Bundaberg'. HistoryArthur, Horace and Ernest Young bought the property in known as 'Fairymead' at Bundaberg in 1878 and began to work at transforming it "into a profitable, state of the art, sugar plantation". Despite their initial lack of knowledge of sugar production, the Young brothers soon became known for their innovations to the sugar industry. These innovations included larger crushing rollers, improved furnace facilities, the tramway cane transport system, irrigation and great strides into the mechanisation of cane harvesting. SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.