RITZAU HOUSE SITE
498 YANDOIT-WERONA ROAD YANDOIT HILLS, MOUNT ALEXANDER SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
The combination of features preserved at this site is significant. The stone enclosure wall is of high quality construction and is an excellent example. It encloses scant remains of two structures, at least on of which was a dwelling. Preserved traces of garden beds and paths are also significant. Good example of early settlement site following the end of gold rush.
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RITZAU HOUSE SITE - History
August Ritzau House Site, Sandy Ceek Road
August Ritzau, originally from Germany arrived in Yandoit Creek in 1859. He applied for twenty acres of CA 33A in 1867, however difficulties in completing the purchase arose due to mining interests in the area (Culvenor 2003: 85). After much disappointment,the Mining Dept withdrew its objection to the sale ofCrown Allotment 33D (which was later known as CA 35R) in 1888, and in the schedulefor his purchase it is noted that he had erected a house, a stable and a kitchen, all of weatherboard.
Robert August Ritzau was granted a grazing license for the blocks adjacent too west of CA 35R in 1891.
In 1894, George Ardent and a Mr Bowles held CA 35T under a registered Miners' Right, on Yandoit Creek Road, south of 35R. Annie Ritzau applied for CA 35K in 1924, and in correspondence it was noted that the land had not been mined for 40 years (VPRS 440/281/657). Carlo Gervasoni wrote in 1876, referring to New Nuggetty Gully and American Gully that 'all mining operations had been entirely suspended in this locality for some years, and the place abandoned, being worked out" (Culvenor 2003: 61). In the 1920s and 1930's, much of the land in the old American and New Nuggetty Gullies became used for agricultural purposes, as the Mining Department withdrew its objections to its sale.
RITZAU HOUSE SITE - Interpretation of Site
Site comprises the remains of at least 2 buildings. One most likely the dwelling of the Ritzau family
Heritage Inventory Description
RITZAU HOUSE SITE - Heritage Inventory Description
House site partially surrounded by a well preserved stone wall.
House site partially surrounded by a well preserved stone wall. Remains of stone and brick footing surround a sunken area [cellar?] and there is a raised area to the south of this with brick footings visible. Between these is a square stone-lined pit. to the south, beyond a ditch, are remains of a garden [beds and pathways].
House site partially surrounded by a well preserved stone wall. Remains of stone and brick footing surround a sunken area [cellar?] and there is a raised area to the south of this with brick footings visible. Between these is a square stone-lined pit. to the south, beyond a ditch, are remains of a garden [beds and pathways].
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NEW NUGGETTY GULLY ALLUVIAL WORKINGSVictorian Heritage Inventory
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BBP 27 SHICERS GULLY ALLUVIAL WORKINGS, YANDOITVictorian Heritage Inventory
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AMERICAN GULLY GOLDWORKINGSVictorian Heritage Inventory
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