outbacktowns

Notice the miner on the right has an acetylene lamp. No battery lamps used at this time.

An extract from The Northern Miner (Charters Towers) Wednesday 17th April 1929. On the arrival of the train Mr. Mullan boarded the engine, and taking the controls, piloted the train past the cheering crowd and broke the ribbon which was stretched across the line. This was held by Mrs. Holley and Mrs. Glendenning. Mount Isa's first lady residents. There seemed to be a tremendous crowd present. The whole of the district must have been out, and some were present from Camooweal and beyond, having motored in for the occasion. The opening of the railway coincidentally occurred on the same date of the turning of the first sod three years previously in Duchess. /however the railway line was not operation for public use until the 15th May 1929. At this time the population of Mount Isa was around 600 people. By August 1929 it had exploded to well over 2,000.

Townside. Street facing the Bank of NSW is Marian Street, changed to Rodeo Drive in early 2000's, the cross street is the main CBD street, Miles Street. The 3rd building down Miles Street is Comet Studios which is responsible for many excellent photographs of Mount Isa's early history in many collections and in varying degrees of condition.