In these days of internet streaming, block-buster football games, international holidays and arena music shows, the range of choices available to us for our entertainment are infinite.  Life was simpler and entertainment was more limited in the early days of Daylesford settlement.

From  The Daylesford Advocate, Saturday April 30 1859.

Pic Nic at Mount Franklin

On Monday last, a Pic Nic to the Mount was organized under the auspices of Mr Parker.  Numerous invitations were issued, but from various causes, comparatively few, only about twenty ladies and gentlemen were present.  Had the day been “bespoke from the clerk of the weather”, a sun more bright and cheering could not have welcomed the arrival of the party on the mount, the ascent of which was achieved about mid-day.

Some of the more vigorous, determined to have a view of the crater before refreshments, and after considerable puffing and toiling, contrived to mount the summit, where after “sharing a bottle” between them, they amused themselves with viewing the country around, after which the gentlemen set to work vigorously, in hurling boulders  down the crater, the effects of which created no little astonishment.

Then came the descent, which being safely effected, the party arrived with appetites sharpened, to find spread on the grass a bountiful luncheon, to which all did ample justice.

Sports that youth indulges in succeeded, but we were sorry that no good romping games had been prepared, in which ladies could engage, as in Pic Nics we wot of in days of yore.

Waning day gave warning to depart from this scene of pleasure, and all wended their way to Mr Parker’s house, but we must not omit to mention, that on the way there, a halt took place, when some of the party made the “woods with music merry”, by singing some favourite pieces in a very artistic manner.

At Mr Parker’s the evening was spent in various amusements that brought to mind our “younger days”, and the party did not part till the “wee sma’ hours”.

The party would be astounded at the sight of the campers habitually present at Mount Franklin nowadays!

From the Daylesford and District Historical Society.  https://daylesfordmuseum.net/