William Graham, Thomas Graham & Alfred Burman (Lost Children)Print Page
The park commemorates the disappearance of three children who went missing in 1867. It was established in 1988 as a Bicentennial Project.
Three children, William Graham (6 years 6 months) Thomas Graham (4 years) and Alfred Burman (5 years) wandered away on 30 June 1867 and were not found until 14 September 1867 at Musk Creek in the Wombat Forest. Three days after the disappearance at a public meeting over 100 horseman and approximately 600 pedestrians commenced an organised search.
Aboriginal trackers and dogs were used but previous searches had destroyed any traces. Shops were closed for 7 days and large numbers of people searched before they were called off. A dog of a local resident found a boot with a child`s foot in it, and it appeared that the children had sheltered near a large tree and had died of exposure and lack of nourishment. Over 1000 people attended the funeral.
Location
Address: | Midland Highway, The Three Lost Children`s Memorial Reserve, Daylesford, 3460 |
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State: | VIC |
Area: | AUS |
GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -37.341738 Long: 144.129658 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
Monument Type: | Park |
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Monument Theme: | People |
Sub-Theme: | Tragedy |
Actual Event Start Date: | 30-June-1867 |
Actual Event End Date: | 30-June-1867 |
Dedication
Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Wednesday 22nd June, 1988 |
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Shire of Daylesford & Glenlyon
Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands
Bicentennial Project 1788 - 1988
The Three Lost Children`s Memorial Reserve and Walking Track Commemorating the disappearance on 30th June, 1867 of :-
William Graham Aged 6 years
Alfred Burman Aged 5 years
Thomas Graham Aged 4 years
Cr. J. M. Thomson, Shire President
K. H. Wilkie, Chairperson, Bicentennial Community Committee
22nd June, 1988