BRITTANNIA CREEK TRAMWAY WOOD DISTILLATION FACTORY
BRITANNIA CREEK ROAD AND GUIDEHOUSE ROAD WESBURN, YARRA RANGES SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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BRITTANNIA CREEK TRAMWAY WOOD DISTILLATION FACTORY - History
Heritage Inventory History of Site: Cuming, Smith & Co. established the only commercial wood distillation plant in Australia in 1956. It had a sophisticated chemical plant on site and manufactured products such as wood tar, pyroigneous acid, acetic acid, methyl alcohol, formalin, acetone and charcoal. It operated from 1907 until 1924, and was especially successful during WW1. The factory attracted international attention. From 1924 until 1936 the Yelland brothers developed the associated sawmill sites.
More detail in HV Report 194, Vol 12, Part B by Supple et al.
BRITTANNIA CREEK TRAMWAY WOOD DISTILLATION FACTORY - Interpretation of Site
Wood Distillation Plant 1907-1924; Sawmill Site 1924-1936, residential buildings for managers, gatehouse.
BRITTANNIA CREEK TRAMWAY WOOD DISTILLATION FACTORY - Archaeological Significance
Low to medium archaeological significance. Potential for archaeological remains to exist particulation in relation to collapsed house area and shed.
BRITTANNIA CREEK TRAMWAY WOOD DISTILLATION FACTORY - Historical Significance
High historical significance particulation for the chemical plant role in the first world war. It was the only such plant in Australia in 1906. Documented in Cumming, Smith & Co "A Chemical Industry in a Victorian Forest"
Heritage Inventory Description
BRITTANNIA CREEK TRAMWAY WOOD DISTILLATION FACTORY - Heritage Inventory Description
Wood distillation plant operated from 1907-1924 by Cuming Smith & Co, then developed as a sawmill site 1924-36. Remaining features include concrete foundations of the original factory, 3 houses used by managers (2 now recreational and one derelict) scattered artefacts, terraced hillside and a small gatehouse.
Heritage Inventory Significance: State - only commercial wood distillation plant in Australia.
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BRITTANNIA CREEK TRAMWAY WOOD DISTILLATION FACTORYVictorian Heritage Inventory
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Camp EurekaNational Trust H1981
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Cuming-Smith & Co Wood Distillation WorksYarra Ranges Shire
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