History of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society from its inception in 1967 to its change of name in 1995 to Eltham District Historical Society to its 50th anniversary in 2017 as told by fonding member and society Secretary, Russell Yeoman and Doug Orford.MP4 Digital file 00:26:22; 1.2GB50th anniversary, eltham district historical society, video recording, russell yeoman, doug orford, shire of eltham historical society

Shorthened version History of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society from its inception in 1967 to its change of name in 1995 to Eltham District Historical Society to its 50th anniversary in 2017 as told by fonding member and society Secretary, Russell Yeoman and Doug Orford.MP4 Digital file 00:11:50; 542MB50th anniversary, eltham district historical society, video recording, russell yeoman, doug orford, shire of eltham historical society

L-R (facing camera): Irene Gerard, - , David Essex, Faye Shepard, Peter Bassett-Smith, Harry Gilham. Wal Delaney on far right. 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the founding of Eltham District Historical Society (formerly Shire of Eltham Historical Society) in 1967Colour photo print 100 x 150mm40th anniversary, celebrations, david essex, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, fay shepherd, harry gilham, irene gerard, peter bassett-smith, wal delaney

L-R (facing camera): Irene Gerard, - , David Essex, Faye Shepard, Peter Bassett-Smith, Harry Gilham. Wal Delaney on far right. 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the founding of Eltham District Historical Society (formerly Shire of Eltham Historical Society) in 1967Colour photo print40th anniversary, celebrations, david essex, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, fay shepherd, harry gilham, irene gerard, peter bassett-smith, wal delaney

September Meeting (Newsletter No. 224, Sep. 2015) On 4th October 2014 Nillumbik Shire Council launched a publication titled ‘Nillumbik Tales - Voices of our Elders’, which is a collection of colourful and personal snapshots of our local community. The unique Nillumbik based stories have been written by a variety of authors, including some who are members of our Society. At our meeting on Wednesday 9th September 2015 we will be having some of our members reading their own ‘Nillumbik Tale.’ In collating and publishing this historically important collection Nillumbik Shire Council has documented many aspects of our area and of the people who contributed to our community. The original print run of ‘Nillumbik Tales’ was sold out and there has been a reprint.1:22:15 duration Digital MP3 File 116 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, nillumbik shire council, nillumbik tales voices of our elders, society meeting

April Meeting (Newsletter No. 227, Apr. 2016) At this meeting we are pleased to have as our guest speaker Jane Woollard, who has just published a book titled ‘Laughing Waters Road: Art, Landscape and Memory in Eltham.’ Jane was the local history officer at the Shire of Nillumbik so has a detailed knowledge of the history of our area. She has an extensive background as a writer, theatre director and teacher. As well as directing over 50 productions Jane has been a tutor and guest director at the Victorian College of the Arts and La Trobe University and was Artistic Director of the Union House Theatre at the University of Melbourne. Since 2001 more than eighty artists have been in residence at Laughing Waters in Birrarung House and Riverbend. In her book Jane has woven together their experiences and art making, together with Wurundjeri, European and family histories to create an evocative account of a very special place in Eltham.0:47:13 duration Digital MP3 File 66 MB audio recording, birrarung house, eltham district historical society, jane woollard, laughing waters, riverbend, shire of nillumbik, society meeting, wurundjeri

June Meeting (Newsletter No. 228, Jun. 2016) Shortly after the First World War Ivan Thompson, a pharmacist in Fairfield, expanded into the Diamond Valley by opening pharmacies at Eltham, Greensborough and Watsonia. A small item in the Hurstbridge Advertiser on 20th July 1928 states that ‘Mr. Ivan J Thompson, well known chemist, has opened a branch at Eltham where all prescriptions will be dispensed.’ In the early 1950’s Norm Williams considered he was fortunate to be able to serve an apprenticeship with Ivan Thompson at his Eltham pharmacy. He was with the business when it moved in 1952 to the present site at 964 Main Road, Eltham, which was the first brick shop built in the Eltham Town Centre. In 1958 Ivan Thompson decided to sell his pharmacies. Harry Brown and Norm Williams were able to purchase the Eltham business and they continued in partnership until Mr. Brown’s death in 1971. By that time they had expanded with pharmacies in Fairfield and Lower Plenty. At our June meeting Norm Williams will speak about how Thompsons Pharmacy developed, while continuing to supply a range of services for generations of Eltham families. His stories, supported by a collection of personal photographs, will entertain as well as give an insight into how the Eltham shopping centre has changed over the years.0:46:09 duration Digital MP3 File 65 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, ivan thompson, norm williams, society meeting, thompson's pharmacy

October Meeting (Newsletter No. 230, Jun. 2016) Community groups are the backbone of any community and the former Shires of Eltham and now Nillumbik are no exception. In our area there are some groups with a long history of consistently contributing to the development, enrichment and benefit of our local communities. Some we are well aware of, others not so much. At our next meeting we are pleased to have representatives from three long established community groups to talk to us about their histories, how they have been a part of the Eltham scene for many years and how their contributions have supported many other local organisations and initiatives.1:03:34 duration Digital MP3 File 75 MB audio recording, community groups, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting

April Meeting (Newsletter No. 233, Apr. 2017) Our meeting at 8.00pm on Wednesday 12th April 2017 is our Annual General Meeting, which includes the presentation of annual reports and the election of office bearers for the coming year. The official notification of the Annual General Meeting and Agenda are on page 8 in this Newsletter. At this meeting we are pleased to have as our guest speaker Dr. Andrew Lemon, a great friend of EDHS and a Fellow and the immediate Past President of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. Andrew is an independent Melbourne historian, author of numerous books on local history, shipwrecks, biography, schools and sport and winner of national literary awards. He has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters by the University of Melbourne for his published works. Andrew edited the Victorian Historical Journal throughout the 1990s and served on the Library Board of Victoria and the Heritage Council. Andrew is a very entertaining presenter and in our 50th Anniversary year he has chosen to speak about ‘Fifty years of the EDHS - and why it matters.’1:03:34 duration Digital MP3 File 75 MB andrew lemon, audio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting

August Meeting (Newsletter No. 235, Aug. 2017) Blanche and Jack Shallard were involved in many activities in the Montmorency community throughout their lives. They observed Were Street grow from a one shop street to a bustling shopping village. Jack was a local solicitor and on the Board of the Diamond Valley Community Hospital, while Blanche was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary and both were involved with our Society. They were also connected with Montmorency State School and St Faith’s Church in Montmorency. At this meeting we are pleased to have their daughter, Professor Margaret Deighton, speak about her family and her recollections of growing up in Montmorency.0:47:43 duration Digital MP3 File 67 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, margaret deighton, meeting, montmorency, shallard, society meeting

Audio Recording of 11 October 2017 Society meeting. Description from Newsletter No. 236, Oct. 2017 : A 50th Anniversary Panel of EDHS Members As this meeting is close to the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, on 24th October 1967, we will appropriately look back on our own history. This will include a panel of members who will highlight some of our experiences and achievements along the way. As a special 50th anniversary treat we will have the opportunity to view, for the first time, a video reflecting on the first 50 years of our Society. This video, produced by Gerald Ashcroft from www.storiestobetold.com.au, is based around interviews with Russell Yeoman and Doug Orford about their recollections. The first speaker is meeting MC Jim Connor, EDHS President who gives a report on current EDHS bussiness and past and upcoming events of interest. The second speaker is Secretary Russell Yeoman. Topics include new panel artworks "Our Eltham Artisitic Recollections" at Eltham Cemetery and Shillinglaw farm walk and other business. The history presentation starts about 15 minutes into the recording. 1:24:45 duration Digital MP3 File 30 MB society meeting, 50th anniversary, audio recording, meeting, eltham district historical society, jim connor, russell yeoman, our eltham artistic recollections, doug orford

1:04:31 duration Digital MP3 File 76 MB 50th anniversary, audio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting

April Meeting (Newsletter No. 239, Apr. 2018) Our Annual General Meeting includes the presentation of annual reports and the election of office bearers for the coming year. At this meeting we are pleased to be able to show a film of the early activities of the Briar Hill Timber and Trading Company, in Sherbourne Road, Briar Hill. This film details the various operations involved in this business during the 1950s/60s, from sourcing trees from the forest, to machining the timber and then manufacturing various building materials and components. A copy of this film has been generously donated to our Society by Bob Manuell, who was an active part of this family owned business, established by his mother-in-law Mrs Hazel Squire. We are fortunate that Bob has agreed to attend our meeting to add his comments and insights about some of the scenes shown. Bob Manuell was a former Shire President and Councillor at the Shire of Eltham, from 1980 until 1994, when following municipal restructure the Shire ceased upon the establishment of the Shire of Nillumbik. Bob’s father-in law Fred Squire was also a former Eltham Shire President and Councillor, having served between 1945 and 1953.1:26:38 duration Digital MP3 File 30 MB audio recording, bob manuell, briar hill timber & trading, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting

June Meeting (Newsletter No. 240, Jun. 2018) Prior to Shillinglaw Cottage (c1878-80) being relocated to where it is now operated as a popular cafe near the Eltham Library, it was within Josiah Holloway’s 1850s subdivision known as Little Eltham, which later became the centre of the first Eltham township. Originally a farmer’s cottage it is historically significant because it is one of the Shire’s oldest dwellings and a fine example of the work of the well-known pioneer builder George Stebbing. In 1964 the then Shire of Eltham purchased the Shillinglaw property with the intention of demolishing the cottage and constructing new Shire offices on the site. However extensive community action resulted in funds being raised to have the building saved and relocated further south to the Eltham Common, where it was joined by the Eltham Library 1994. New Shire offices opened in 1965, but following municipal restructure in 1994 these were demolished and the land sold to a developer, which precipitated a dramatic trail of community angst, threats of legal action, the sacking of a newly elected council and several unsuccessful development proposals, by subsequent councils. After all these years the vacant site there is still guarded by the three trees that were outside the front of the Shillinglaw Cottage. At our Society meeting on Wednesday 13th June 2018 Jim Connor will speak about the dramatic tale encompassing the history of the former Eltham Shire office site and the adjoining War Memorial Buildings complex, which are now being considered for sale or redevelopment by the current Nillumbik Shire Council.1:17:57 duration Digital MP3 File 27 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, jim connor, meeting, shire of eltham office site, society meeting

August Meeting (Newsletter No. 241, Aug. 2018) How do you consider designing an extension to a church that was built in 1861, just where do you start, especially when it is a church of local significance and listed by Heritage Victoria? The church in question was designed by architect Nathaniel Billings, built by well-known pioneer builder George Stebbing on land donated by Henry Dendy and is St Margaret’s Church in Pitt Street, Eltham. Adjoining this church is a large mud brick hall known to many of our Society members. It was also the venue for our 50th anniversary celebration dinner on 21st November 2017. At our Society meeting at 8.00pm on Wednesday 8th August 2018 architect David Wagner from Atelier Wagner will speak about the opportunities and challenges experienced in designing and constructing a contemporary style extension to this revered historical building, valued by the local congregation. Prior to becoming involved with St Margaret’s the Atelier Wagner architectural practice has, among an extensive range of projects, renovated and extended several churches. With this project there was also the challenge of incorporating, modifying and connecting the adjacent buildings that shared an entrance foyer.0:57:51 duration Digital MP3 File 20 MB audio recording, david wagner, eltham district historical society, jacqui wagner, meeting, society meeting, st margaret's church

October Meeting (Newsletter No. 242, Oct. 2018) At our Society meeting at 8.00pm on Wednesday 10th October 2018 we will explore ideas about what is considered to be the ‘Spirit of Eltham’. We will view a video produced for the Shire of Eltham in response to the 1985 Victorian Local Government Commission Report titled ‘The Restructure of Local Government in Victoria – Principles and Program’ (the Morris review). The recommendation was to amalgamate the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley, something that Eltham Council did not support as being appropriate for the shire or compatible with the ‘Spirit of Eltham’. We will also be fortunate to have a presentation on this theme by Lynnsay Prunotto, a local architect, who is also involved in community planning activities, as well as some insights from Hamish Knox on his experience of growing up and working for many years in the region.1:29:41 duration Digital MP3 File 32 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, hamish knox, lynnsay prunotto, meeting, society meeting, spirit of eltham

April Meeting (Newsletter No. 245, Apr. 2019) At this meeting we are pleased to have as our guest speaker a representative from the Eltham Cemetery Trust, who will talk about their connections to our local history and how current practices and projects continue to support the artistic connections in the Eltham region.1:11:42 duration Digital MP3 File 24.6 MB audio recording, eltham cemetery trust, eltham district historical society, julia drew, meeting, society meeting

April Meeting (Newsletter No. 245, Apr. 2019) At this meeting we are pleased to have as our guest speaker a representative from the Eltham Cemetery Trust, who will talk about their connections to our local history and how current practices and projects continue to support the artistic connections in the Eltham region.1:11:42 duration Digital MP3 File 24.6 MB audio recording, eltham, eltham district historical society, jim connor, meeting, society meeting, street names

October Meeting (Newsletter No. 248, Oct. 2019) It was intended that Dr. Andrew Lemon AM would be our guest speaker at our last meeting on Wednesday 14th August 2019, to talk about Heritage Advocacy - the role of historical research and historical societies. Unfortunately, due to a clash of commitments Andrew apologised for not being able to attend and we are delighted he will now be our speaker at our next meeting on Wednesday 9th October. As mentioned in our last newsletter, this presentation was very well received when Andrew was the keynote speaker at the recent Regional Conference of the Association of Eastern Historical Societies. Andrew is an independent professional historian who has published many commissioned local and institutional histories since his first book, Box Hill, forty years ago. He has now written sixteen books, four of which have won prizes, on subjects ranging from local history, sport, education and biography. Andrew received his doctorate of letters from the University of Melbourne in 2004 because of the excellence of a body of work, not one single piece, as in a thesis. He has been a consistent supporter of our Society and a long term member, who has spoken at a number of our meetings, over many years.1:20:57 duration Digital MP3 File 27.7 MB andrew lemon, audio recording, eltham, eltham district historical society, heritage advocacy, meeting, society meeting

L-R: - , David Essex, Faye Shepard, Sue Law, Peter Bassett-Smith, Irene Gerard, Harry Gilham, Margaret Ball, Alison Delaney, Jim Connor (back to camera), Wal Delaney, - ,. Two members centre front (back to camera) unidentified. 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the founding of Eltham District Historical Society (formerly Shire of Eltham Historical Society) in 1967 Colour photo print 100 x 150mm40th anniversary, alison delaney, celebrations, david essex, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, faye shepard, harry gilham, irene gerard, jim connor, margaret ball, peter bassett-smith, sue law, wal delaney

L-R: - , David Essex, Faye Shepard, Sue Law, Peter Bassett-Smith, Irene Gerard, Harry Gilham, Margaret Ball, Alison Delaney, Jim Connor (back to camera), Wal Delaney, - ,. Two members centre front (back to camera) unidentified. 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the founding of Eltham District Historical Society (formerly Shire of Eltham Historical Society) in 1967Colour photo print40th anniversary, alison delaney, celebrations, david essex, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, faye shepard, harry gilham, irene gerard, jim connor, margaret ball, peter bassett-smith, sue law, wal delaney

2nd edition. "The design of this document is to provide information to access known publications and resource collections that are publicly available for study... this collection of 974 historical events is not complete". The publication is arranged by year order with a brief statement of historical event with source abbreviation. Source list provided. Includes index. Produced by the Eltham District Historical Society Inc.This edition, one of several, is a significant reference document for the history of the Shire of Nillumbik and former Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley bringing together a timeline of key events in the history of this local community. Softcover; 1 v. (unpaged) ; 30 cm.ISBN 0957719817shire of eltham, shire of diamond valley, chronology, eltham district historical society

Contents: • Interesting Times by Jim Connor • Our Town – Part 4 by Sue Bennett • To the Blacks’ Spur • Making History by Jim Connor • Signs of Our Times • Recollections and Reflections of a Garbo by Frank Taylor • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Richard Pinn o John Jarrold o Justus Jörgensen • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to members (Digital and A4 photocopy)newsletter, eltham district historical society, covid-19, coronavirus pandemic

One of a series of videos "Stories from the Nillumbik Shire with Geoff Paine" Features the Justice Precinct located at 728-730 Main Road Eltham made up of the former Police Residence (1859), replica Police Station (c.1989) and the former Eltham Courthouse (1860); home of the Eltham District Historical Society. President Jim Connor gives an overview of the history behind the establishment of the Courthouse and Police Residence, the beginnings of Little Eltham and the impact of the railway arriving in 1902. Also a potted history on the establishment of the historical society.MP4 Digital file 00:04:35; 260MBeltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, eltham justice precinct, geoff paine, jim connor, lock-up, police residence, police station, shillinglaw cottage, shillinglaw cottage preservation committee, shire of eltham historical society, video recording

Contents: • Vale Mick Woiwod by Jim Connor • Walking in Eltham with History and COVID by Russell Yeoman • Eltham Pool by Sue Bennett • Little Wall – Big Story by Richard Pinn • Sunnybrook – romantic, charming • Recollections and Reflections of a Garbo (cont.) by Frank Taylor • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Richard Pinn o Richard George Kaylock o George Knapman • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical SocietyThe Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to members (Digital and A4 photocopy)newsletter, eltham district historical society, covid-19, coronavirus pandemic

Contents: • Historical Societies are Significant by Jim Connor • Our Christmas Function – Wednesday 12th December 2018 • The Man History Forgot by Vivienne Worthington reviewed by Russell Yeoman • The Ringing of the Bell by Jim Connor • Sunday School 1950s by Ann Constable • Kooringorama Guest House by Richard Pinn • Life in Eltham - Part 2 by Shirley Corneille • It is with Deep Regret by Peter Pidgeon • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society

Contents: • An Historical Experience by Jim Connor • Our Town – Part 3 by Sue Bennett • Eltham Shire Memorial Park • Lots of Rubbish by Jim Connor • Matcham Skipper’s Proposal by Michael Wilson • The 2nd Eltham Sea Scout Group • Evelyn Colin Falkiner by Richard Pinn • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Richard Pinn o Anne Jane Hunniford o William Hill Irvine • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to members (Digital and A4 photocopy)newsletter, eltham district historical society, covid-19, coronavirus pandemic

Contents: • 250 and still going strong ! • Our Next Meeting - Wednesday 12th February 2020 • March Excursion - Eltham’s Hidden Creek • Memories and anecdotes of Mario (Maurie/Maurice) Fabbro by Hans Gregory • Early Settlers House, Ely Street, Eltham by Russell Yeoman • Our Town – Part 1 by Sue Bennett • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Richard Pinn o Guido Quarto Fabbro o Gordon Craig Ford • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, reminiscences, zull family, mario fabbro, ely street, guido fabbro, gordon ford, eltham cemetery stories

Contents: • 150 Years Ago by Jim Connor • Eltham in Modern Times • Heritage Excursion – Eltham Cemetery – now Saturday 10th April • Temporary Dwelling in Emergency • ISO Chooks by Liz Pidgeon • 24 Kerrie Crescent, Eltham by Frank Taylor • The Colonisation of Australia by Liz Pidgeon • Farewell to the Eltham Community Craft and Produce Market by Jim Connor • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Richard Pinn o Phillip Shillinglaw o Thomas Sweeney • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical SocietyThe Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to members (Digital and A4 photocopy)newsletter, eltham district historical society, covid-19, coronavirus pandemic

Presentations by Harry Gilham and Jim Connor of Eltham District Historical Society and Noel Withers and Sue Ballantyne of Greensborogh Historical Society. EDHS Newsletter No. 207 November 2012 Following on from a suggestion by Harry Gilham, our Society will host a joint meeting with members of the Greensborough Historical Society at the Eltham Courthouse on Saturday 8 December, between 2.00pm and 4.30pm. We are pleased to have developed a good working relationship with the recently established Greensborough Historical Society and look forward to welcoming their members to Eltham. This meeting will focus on the Eltham Courthouse and its former use. We encourage all EDHS members to attend and share time with our visitors. Afternoon tea will be provided.15 Born Digital images (on CD-R)adrian jones, alan butler, alison delaney, doug orford, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, greensborough historical society, harry gilham, jim allen, jim connor, joan castledine, maureen jones, noel withers, richard pinn, society meeting, sue ballantyne, sue law