Yarrowee Foundry

Founded in 1855 the Yarrowee Foundry (owned by Richard Trahar) was situated "south east of the Gas Works, and near to the western bank of the creek that...suggested their name." This location led to the unusual circumstance that the foundry needed to be surrounded by a stout dyke to prevent flooding if the forges.

Background

Richard Trahar (Snr) (*R#1of4) established Ballarat’s first iron foundry in 1855, with the foundry bearing three different names during its 121 years:

1. Yarrowee Foundry
2. Trahar and Sons’ Foundry / Trahar and Sons
3. Trahar Brothers’ Foundry / Trahar Bros. Foundry

(*ref. Trahar family records)

History

The Yarrowee Foundry employed only 5 or 6 men in 1861 - in which year the foundry produced trucks and truck wheels for the mining industry.

The foundry closed in 1976. At its closure auction (and amongst purchases by others), Bevan Grigsby of Grigsby’s Foundry purchased some of the core boxes. (ref. Bevan Grigsby, July 2021)

Site

THE INDUSTRIES OF BALLARAT. OUR FOUNDRIES.

The premises occupied by Mr Richard Trahar, and known as the Yarrowee Foundry, are situated to the south-east of the Gas Works, and near to the western bank of the creek that has suggested their name. Commissioners’ Flat, for this we believe is the designation of the spot in question, is liable to be overflowed, a circumstance which has compelled the proprietor not only to surround his works with a stout dyke to keep the water back, but to take additional premises on higher ground towards Sturt street, so that in case the furnaces in his main premises are swamped out, he can still carry on the lighter work in the upper shop. The latter, by the way, was originally established as a small foundry some years ago, by Messrs Newman & Co., who deemed it advisable to relinquish business in Ballarat and proceed with their plant to Smythesdale. This upper shop, which, as soon as vacated by the firm referred to, found a ready occupant in the person of Mr Trahar, contains a cupola for turning out smaller work up to two cwt, with a hand fan blast. Close by is a forge and anvil in full work, with another anvil about to be fixed. A bench with one vyce stands near the window, and near at hand are a number of iron trucks for various mining purposes, ready for transmission to the mining companies who have ordered them. At a distance of a few hundred yards we reach the main premises, which consist of a series of three roofs covering a large square space, which the proprietor has time after time taken in, as the gradual extension of his business throughout the five years he has been established justified and demanded. Even now he is anxious to make further extensions and improvements, but that his tenure may be interrupted or brought to a sudden close by the formation of new streets and communications. Proceed we to describe the interior. Entering by the south-eastern door we note the boiler and engine which by the requisite gearing sets in motion the lathes, and works the blasts for the forges and cupolas. The engine, a horizontal one, is stated to be the first made on Ballarat, and was almost entirely constructed by the proprietor himself. It is rated at three, but is capable of being worked up to four horse power if necessary. At the extremity of this portion of the building is the pattern makers’ shop, with lathes and all necessary appliances. Adjoining is a fitting shop with two vyces, and a forge close by for sharpening the tools. Next the engine are two lathes on one wooden bed, so contrived as to introduce a shaft of great length. In the foundry we noticed on the occasion of our visit, several men engaged in preparing for casting the the [sic] wheels and other portions of tram waggons, and other smaller castings. The proprietor, who is at present engaged in supplying various mining companies with truck wheels and tricks, is making arrangements for the execution of an order for stamp-heads and general machinery, for which purpose he is busy erecting outside of the main door a cupola, or smelting furnace, which, when completed, will be capable of turning out enough metal for a casting of two tons. The cupola is 3 feet 10 inches in diameter, and will consist of seven two foot sheets of iron, inclusive of the overlapping. Two other cupolas for smaller work stand close by, and are in daily use. The proprietor, who, with a handful of men, manages to turn out a considerable amount of work, was originally employed in both the Victoria and the Phoenix foundries, and is naturally proud of the result of his almost unassisted labors…

By 1861 the business had two sites - the original southeast of the Gas Works and another on the corner of Eyre Street and Doveton Street, Ballarat.

WESTERN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL. Monday, 10th March … CORRESPONDENCE.

5 Front Richard Trahar, of the Yarrowee Foundry, stating that he had been served with notice to remove a blacksmith's shop, &c, from the site of Lewis street, further remarking that the buildings in question were erected there before any survey was made for a street. He therefore "requested compensation, and a lengthened period of time." Received. On the motion of Cr Hassell, seconded by Cr Duncan, it was resolved to inform the writer that the Council had no money to give him compensation. Cr Campbell thought that a man who built on a street before it was proclaimed was entitled to compensation, but those who built subsequently were not entitled to such compensation.

Works Produced

Stove in the Hope Bakery at Sovereign Hill.

Cookery Ranges

The People

Richard Trahar, senior

L. Trahar - Richard Trahar's (jnr) nephew (<1924>)

D. Quick (<1924>)

Fred Hume (<1924>)

Arnold Trahar - Richard Trahar's (jnr) grandson (<1924>)

George Hill (<1924>)

Richard Trahar (1855-1924) (<1924>)

Will Anstis (<1924>)

G. Anstis (<1924>)

See also

Richard Trahar - also covers Yarrowee, Trahar and Sons, and Trahar Bros. Foundries

Trahar and Sons' Foundry / Trahar and Sons

Trahar Brothers' Foundry / Trahar Bros. Foundry

Foundries

External Links

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--Beth Kicinski 10:43, 2 December 2011 (EST)