This monument and information sign stands just behind the
Clunes Skate Park on Bailey Street, with a view over the town.
An information sign stands alongside the monument, which has graffiti sprayed across it. The writing is still clear enough to make out, and a historical photograph shows a 19th century view of Lower Fraser Street.
A covered picnic table lies between the monument and the
skate park, and bench seating and rubbish bins are located up alongside the road.
The information sign displays the following text:
The lower end of Fraser Street was the main business area of Clunes from the establishment of the Town in 1857, until the late 1880's. As the more substantial buildings were erected higher up the street, so the business centre moved too. In 1872, there were 64 businesses, including 12 hotels, between Templeton Street, and Camp Hill. At that time, there were 23 hotels in the length of Fraser Street.
Lower Fraser Street can now be considered the 'Ghost" part of Clunes. Only two of the original buildings remain: the old shop on the corner built in the 1850's, and the old hotel, the former Duke of Edinburgh, built in 1869.
In the background the
Port Phillip Mine, owned by the Port Phillip and Colonial Mining Company, the first large company formed to mine the massive quartz reefs.