Dated 1919, the Eltham Obelisk is decorated with wreaths, most likely for what was originally known as Armistice Day though now known as Remembrance Day, 11 November. The location of the Obelisk at the corner of Bridge Street and Main Road became known as Obelisk Corner and the Bridge Street bridge was also referred to as Obelisk Bridge. The Eltham Obelisk was originally located at the corner of Bridge and Main Roads in 1919. In 1943 (WW2) the local community commenced plans to establish the Eltham War Memorial, a living memorial to benefit the children as opposed to a one in stone as per the obelisk. The Eltham War Memorial Trust was established in 1945. In 1947 the Trust intended for the Obelisk to be relocated from Bridge Street and Main Road to the Garden of Remembrance which was planned as part of the Baby Health Centre which was to be the first of three buildings of the Eltham War Memorial to be built in 1951. In 1951 the Eltham RSL was invited to be represented on the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Around this time, with pending roadworks, the obelisk was relocated to the front garden of the Eltham RSL sub branch on Main Road for safe keeping. In 2007, a suggestion was proposed by Harry Gilham (President, EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) to claim a special site along with the historic Shillinglaw trees on the now vacant former Eltham Shire Office site adjacent to the Eltham War Memorial precinct for relocation of the obelisk. In 2010 following the financial collapse and sale of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch property and amalgamation with the Montmorency Eltham RSL sub-branch, the location of the obelisk was again in immediate jepoardy and in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council, the obelisk was relocated in front of the Eltham War Memorial buildings in preparation for the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2012.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, main road, bridge street, eltham war memorial, obelisk, obelisk corner, wreath

Located on the corner of Main Road and John Street, the church first served the community as the Eltham Wesleyan Church since 1881. It became the Eltham Methodist Church in 1902, the year it united with the Primitive Methodists. Eltham Wesleyans first worshipped together in the home of William and Mary Crozier, on 24 acres bounded by Mount Pleasant Road and Pitt Street. From there they moved to a slab and bark hut in 1855 (this later served as the first school run by David Clark prior to the building of a new school in Dalton Street) and the members then built a chapel in 1858 on Lot 20, Henry Street (later to become the Rechabite Hall and Eltham Public Hall). The present church on John Street was designed by architects Crouch and Wilson in the Early English Gothic style with biochrome brick window frames, buttress heads and pinnacle. Church member George Stebbing built the church, the foundations were constructed with stone from the walls of the first Eltham State Primary School (No. 209) building which collapsed in 1874 and were purchased by Robert David Taylor. Stebbing was also responsible for building St Margaret’s Church and Shillinglaw Cottage. The Roll of Honour, which presently hangs in the church hall (which also doubles as the Opportunity Shop) lists 27 members of the congregation who served in the First World War, 11 of whom never returned. The red-brick Church Hall was opened in 1931 and in 1971 further additions linked the hall and church, including a foyer, vestry, meeting room and toilets reflecting the Eltham style of that time with its simplicity, extensive clear glass, reused baked clay-bricks from the 1881 church, heavy ceiling beams and compressed straw ceiling. On June 26, 1977, the church became part of the new Uniting Church in Australia consisting of the former Methodist and Congregational and most of the Presbyterian Churches. Following of declining numbers of worshippers, the church merged with the Montmorency Uniting Church on June 23, 1996. In 2023 the Uniting church approved a plan to renovate the church. It is understood that the historic church and the hall will be retained, and the building added in 1971 is to be demolished, to make way for a new purpose-built Opportunity shop. The proposed areas to be demolished include the current foyer, toilets, crèche, etc, including the area between the hall and the former RSL. Works are expected to commence mid to late July 2023. The Society was invited by a church member to take photographs of these areas to document them prior to demolition works commencing. Ref: “Nillumbik Now and Then” by Marguerite Marshall (2008)jim connor collection, 2023-07-10, eltham-montmorency uniting church, john street, methodist church, opportunity shop, uniting church, uniting church hall

The Eltham Roll of Honour Board was originally commissioned and paid for by the Eltham War Memorial Trust from funds raised by public donation. It was originally hung in the Infant Welfare Centre. In 1999 the Honour Roll Board was removed from the Eltham War Memorial by members of the RSL and relocated to the Eltham RSL sub-branch on Main Road. Following financial collapse of the Eltham RSL sub-branch and merger of the Eltham and Montmorency sub-branches and subsequent sale of the Eltham property, the WW1 obelisk was relocated to a location in front of the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll Board was retrieved by former Eltham District Historical Society President, Harry Gilham in September 2004 who arranged for it to be re-hung in the Eltham War Memorial Hall (former Children's Library) where it was attached to the brick wall face of the west (rear) wall of the Hall (as seen in this photograph). Sometime around late 2018 when Council was investigating the potential sale and development of the Eltham War Memorial, the Eltham Honour Roll Board was once again removed from the Eltham War Memorial by persons unknown, under the pretext of ‘safekeeping,’ to a location outside of the Shire of Nillumbik, in the City of Banyule. In early 2021 Eltham District Historical Society was made aware of the removal of the Honour Roll Board. A formal request was made by EDHS to return this community asset to its rightful place as intended when it was commissioned and paid for by the Eltham War Memorial Trust. This request was rebutted. Nillumbik Shire Council has also since been made aware of the removal of this community asset and formally requested its return prior to Anzac Day, 2021 where it can once again be made accessible to members of the community to pay their respects as originally intended. As of July 2022, the Honour Board remains missing from its rightful place at the Eltham War Memorial. eltham war memorial hall, honour board, honour roll, roll of honour

Newspaper article: Auction part of Eltham History, Diamond Valley News, 11 March 1980, auction on 15 March of The Hawthorns and other properties by the Burgoyne family. On same page another article :"The unusual on a hill" about Robert Marshall, Shire Councillor and architect's own home. On reverse side real estate advertising including several Woodridge Estate properties. Newspaper article: Centre becomes a second home, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, September 23, 1986, p3 about new child minding centre. On same page "residents carry on fight for road works" about planned road works in Kirwana Grove, Montmorency and "Advice bureau needs volunteers" about Eltham Citizens Advice Bureau. On reverse side (page 4) advertising for Kentons Shoes closing down sale at Shop 3 Eltham Mall, Arthur Street and article "Nursing mums donate books" featuring Eltham Branch of Nursing Mothers Association (with photo).main road, eltham, property, the hawthorns house, burgoyne family, harry burgoyne, hawthorn hedges, 816 main road eltham, advertising, avril benson, child minding centre, eltham citizens advice bureau, eltham high school, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham shire council, john stevens, kaye mount, kirwana grove, main road child minding centre, montmorency, montmorency primary school, roadworks, rob stanley, ruth kirkpatrick, angela hennel, arthur street mall, banner project, diamond valley childbirth education association, kentons shoes, nursing mothers association, sue gavan, woodridge estate, mudbrick, robert marshall, st andrews

In November 1914, an advertisement was placed in the British national press inviting monetary contributions to a 'Sailors and Soldiers Christmas Fund' which had been created by Princess Mary, the 17 year old daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. The purpose was to provide everyone wearing the King's uniform and serving overseas on Christmas Day with a 'gift from the nation'. The response was overwhelming, and it was decided to spend the money on an embossed brass box, based on a design by Messrs Adshead and Ramsay. The contents varied considerably; officers and men on active service afloat or at the front received a box containing a combinationof pipe, lighter, tobacco and 20 cigarettes and wrappers. Non smokers received a bullet pencil and a packet of sweets instead. Indian troops often got sweets and spices, and nurses were given chocolate.This box is on loan from the grandson of the soldier who it was given to.This box is on loan from Terry Phillips. It belonged to his Grandfather who served at Gallipoli.Princess Mary 1914 Christmas Gift tin. Decorative brass with Princess Mary's profile surrounded by a laurel wreath engraved in the the centre of the lid, with the letter 'M' on both sides. The names of the allied nations are engraved in the corners and on the sides. A sword and scabbard decorate the top side. The lower side is decorated with battleships..At the top a decorative cartouche contains the words "Imperium Britannicum" and one on the lower edge contains the words "Christmas 1914". In small roundels on the corners appear the names "Belgium", "Japan", "Montenegro" and "Servia". "France and "Russia" are written on the short sides.world war one, box, brass box, princess mary 1914 christmas gift, decorative box, anzac, 1914, christmas, gift, princess, mary, russia, belgium, japan, montenegro, servia, france

Leaflet dropped from German/Italian aircraft on to Australian troops defending El Alamein during 1942. These propagander leaflets were designed to lower moral of defending troops, but were generally unsuccessful. This item relates to the history of the defence of El Alamein by Australian Forces in the Middle East 1942, and the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese in 1942.Printed paper, colour black white. top of pamphlet depicts a stylized platypus and boomerang - the 9th Division's Formation Sign, with text below. Printed on pamphlet "Diggers! / you are defending / Alamein Box! / What about / Port Darwin?" world war two, el alamein, propaganda, leaflet, plane drop, port darwin, diggers, platypus, boomerang

Framed World War One embroidered banner. Multicoloured flags of the Allies and the words 'Victory for the Allies' are embroidered on a blue background, with a crown at the top, a lifebuoy in the centre and a floral sheaf at the bottom.Victory for the Alliesembroidery, world war one, 1918, 1919, world, war, one, banner, allies

Framed embroidered banner – a souvenir of World War Two. A multi-coloured map of Australia, a bird carrying a letter, an Australian military badge, camels and a mosque are depicted on a dark blue background. At the bottom there is a photo, a 1939 associate badge, a dog tag and a brass plaque. 'In Honour of Corp Benjamin Ackroyd VX 5001. Souvenir of Palestine, The Mosque of Omar 1941.'world war two, embroidery, 1941, souvenir, palestine, mosque, omar

Framed World War Two souvenir embroidered silk handkerchief. A soldier aiming his rifle, done in black, is in the bottom left hand corner and an inscription with the Australian flag in the top right hand corner is done in black and red. The background is yellow.Souvenir to Australia. Army in Syria and Lebanon. AIF 1941.world war two, australia, army, aif, 1941, souvenir, silk, handkerchief, embriodery, syria, lebanon

World War Two souvenir.This framed World War Two souvenir is an embroidered silk centrepiece. On a pink background, fringed in yellow, appear two red hearts in the top left and right corners. Inside the hearts, in yellow, are the words - 'To My' - 'Sister'. Underneath, the words 'Souvenir of Palestine' are embroidered in a yellow arc, a rising sun in orange, a red, green and blue crown, and - 'Australian' - 'Commonwealth' - 'Military Forces' - in yellow and blue. At the botton there are two trees either side of two domed buildings, all in red, green and blue. 'Australian Commonwealth Military Forces'. '1941'. 'To my Sister'. 'Souvenir of Palestine'.embroidery, middle east, australia, military, commonwealth, 1941, souvenir, second world war, palestine

Framed Japanese flag. Black Japanese writing and a red disc on a white background.Japanese writing. Translates to 'Long Live our Victories".world war two, japan, battalion, 1942, new, guinea, flag, japanese, wewak, 2 4th

Returned to Australia, from America, where it had been brought back from Japan.Framed map of Darwin with Japanese overprint.'This map is a proof copy of a Japanese Reprint of an Australian map of Darwin.'darwin, world war two, japan, australia, 1942, 1941, maps

During World War II, over 22,000 Australian became prisoners of war to the Japanese. Most of them were captured at the fall of Singapore in February 1942 and were forced to march to Changi (the major Prisoner of War camp). Later on, the soldiers would be dispersed throughout South East Asia. Upon their return to Australia, very few of them told talked about their experience as prisoners (they often felt ashamed). It took almost 30 years before testimonies, books and documentaries would be published. This ship model was built by Australian prisoners of wars.Model of a Spanish or Portugese 18th Century sailing ship, manufactured from timber, fabric and string. Natural timber colours as well as white, blue, red, green and gold.'To Auntie Helen, many thanks for everything from P.O.W.s Singaporesingapore, war, ships, second world war, model, 1945, models, p o w s, prisoners

These photographs were sent by Mr Frank Heys to his family while he was a German prisoner of war during the Second World War.Framed collection of German prisoner of war photorgraphs. Seven black and white photographs and one colour photograph. Five show the reverse side with addresses and post marks.'Mr Frank Heys. Life Member, Past President,(1984-1986), Committee Man. Franked served with the British forces in the Loyals Regiment, in France in 1939. Was captured at Dunkirk and spent the remaining war years a prisoner of war. These photos were sent by Frank to his family during those years. Donated by Alan and Sylvia Frank.' 'Stalag 23'photographs, 23, stalag, germany, second world war, german, camps, p o w s, prison

The British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Park ran for two years from 1924 to 1925. It was designed to strengthen the bonds of Empire, stimulate trade and demonstrate British achievements in industry and commerce. The exhibition made Wembley a household name and the 1923 FA cup was held at the newly completed Wembley Stadium. 56 of the 58 'territories' that comprised the Commonwealth attended the exhibition which attracted 27 million visitors and was the largest ever staged.British white ensign with the Union Flag in the top 1st quarter; South African coat of arms in the 2nd quarter; Royal Coat of Arms in bottom 3rd quarter and Australian Coat of Arms (very early) in bottom 4th quarter. In the centre of the flag is the 'Star Of India'.australia, flag, british ensign, south africa, royal coat of arms, australian coat of arms, british empire exhibition, star of india

A folder of hand painted reliefs of Victoria Cross winners from the Crimean War, made in commemoration of Queen Victorias' Jubilee. Multicoloured prints on a white background.Twelve reliefs portraying the various deeds of valour performed by Britains soldiers from the Crimean War to the present day. (1887)soldiers, queen victoria, reliefs, crimean war, commemoration, victoria cross, deeds of valour, britain, 1880s

A framed map depicting trench lines and the battlefields of the Gallipoli Campaign, 1915, made by the Survey Department Egypt. Depth soundings of landing areas off Anzac Cove.Gallipoli - Anzac Cove World War One Map - 1915world war one, anzac, gallipoli, 1915, anzac cove, map, dardenelles, trench lines, depth soundings, landing areas

A framed topographical map of The Dardenelles produced from captured Turkish maps by the Egyptian Survey Department. The main feature is the Krithia battlefield area in 1915.Krithia Peninsula (The Dardenelles) World War One - 1915 Mapworld war one, 1915, egypt, map, dardenelles, krithia, survey department, turkey, battlefields

This map was used in the Dardenelles Campaign 1915-1916.Framed map showing the Sulva Bay area of the Gallipoli battlefield in 1915.world war one, middle east, gallipoli, 1915, map, dardenelles, sulva bay, survey department, battlefields, egypt cairo

Sir Ian Hamilton's report and dispatches to the nation on the Gallipoli Campaign, published in 'The Times' English newspaper on 7 January 1916.anzac, gallipoli, england, newspapers, hamilton, the times, reports, dispatches, dardenelles, dardenelles campaign, sir ian hamilton, sulva bay

A display of five hand embroidered World War One postcards mounted on a board and protected by glass. Multi-coloured lettering on a white background. From One in Camp, Harrah for England, 1917 Souvenir de France - I'm Thinking of You Until the End.embroidery, 1917, postcards, souvenirs, first world war

French Model 1874 Gras Sword Bayonet, less scabbard, made for the French Bolt Action Rifle Fusil Gras M80 1874.france, 1874, bayonet, french gras bayonet, gras bayonet, gras sword, bolt action rifle

The cover of the manual has black lettering on an orange backgroundAir Publication 1565B Pilots Notes Spitfire 11A and 11B Aeroplanes MerlinXII Engine Prepared by Direction of the Minister of Aircraft Production.manual, pilots instruction manual, aeroplanes, spitfire 11a, spitfire 11b, merlin, merlin xii engine, training manual, minister of aircraft

In 1951 - in the context of the Cold War - the Menzies government established the 'National Service Act 1951', which called-up men for compulsory military training for a period of 176 days. The 14th Battallion was located in Victoria. The coat has historic significance in the wider context of Australia’s involvement in the Cold War (particularly in Vietnam) and in the establishment of a National Service Scheme. Olive green army man coat with four outside pockets - two on the chest, two at the bottom; each pocket has one metallic button attached. Coat has a metallic zip as well as metallic buttons; two velcro scratches at the wrist level. Extra removable padding inside, which is attached with plastic buttons. Two identical inscriptions on right and left shoulder reading '14 National Service Battalion'. Two identical inscriptions on right and left shoulder - reading '14 National Service Battalion' Manufacturing details on the inside reading: Coat, Cold weather, Man's, Field M-65. Olive green colour. Style 8120/8542 DSA 102-81-C1204. 1. Wear as outer garment or as under-layer in cold-dry climate. 2. Wear button-in liner for added insulation. 3. Adjust closures and drawcords to ventilate; avoid over-heating of body. 4. When hood is used, lower extension shall be worn over neck opening, preventing water. 5. Brush snow or frost from garments before entering opening. 6. For fast drying, remove liner from coat. 7. Do not expose to high temperature of a stove. 8. Lubricate slide fasteners with wax. 9. For cleaning and restoring of water repellency return to laundry for machine washing in accordance with established procedures for quarpel garments. 10. Do not starch. Do not remove this label. Black ink pen inscription on manufacturing label reading '3/715875' and 'N.Wain'war, army, coat, man's coat, australian army, military uniform, national service scheme, cold war, vietnam war

Green field shirt with two chest pockets. It has three cloth badges of rank. Two badges sewn on the right sleeve and one badge on the left sleeve. The Australian Military Badge is at the top of the L sleeve. Warrant Officer Class II badges (L/R sleeves). Each shoulder has a strap.Manufacturers Badge sewn inside shirt. Australian Government Clothing Factory, Victoria, 1980 SIZE 38/81 B405.66.093.2430 SERVICE NO. NAMEgreen shirt,, 1980,, australian armed forces

Unlike most regimental bugles made in England, this bugle does not bear a crest or evidence of manufacturer. This bugle is therefore believed to be manufactured in India.This bugle has representational significance as a standard issue item of the British Commonwealth Forces.Brass bugle, damaged/buckled bell, two pipes, chrome mouth piece. Missing original mouthpiece and chain.empire made, bugle, instrument, musical instrument, india

Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings of Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant, which is consistent with the rank on this jacket). Name not written on item but known to be part of set which includes slouch hat, which does contain the name, and other related items which include Service Number, verifying identity. See further service details in "Links" above. Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Khaki jacket; long sleeve 4 front buttons (attached with continuous leather strip) 4 pockets (buttons sewn on) Shoulder straps (buttons sewn on) Cuff buttons (sewn on) Badges on lapels & on shoulder straps Unit Patches on upper sleeves (Part of set with Slouch Hat, 0030.2)Inside label: V300; 1942; Size (2 - 'faint', may be other numbers indicating size details) Brass badges: Australian Commonwealth Military Forces (both lapels); Australia (both shoulder straps) Badge of rank (Sergeant) - 3 chevrons (R upper sleeve) Colour patches on both sleeves for 2/5 Battalion, 6th Division Second AIF Years of Service insignia - 3 chevrons, indicating 3 years O/S service (R lower sleeve) Unit patches - rectangle black over red (2/5 Battalion, WW2)

Possibly Vietnam issueLong woollen coat, khaki in colour, buttons in front loose, size 5, internal collar labelInternal collar label says 8405-66 012-0493 DUNLOP N.S.W. 1966 Size 5trench, vietnam, great coat, khaki

Military uniform of an R.A.Regiment Captain, post Vietnam. The uniform is missing two ‘pips’ from both epaulettes, the date bar from the Vietnam Star, and the belt. Ribbon bar - Australian Vietnam Medal, Defence Force Service Medal with Clasp, National Medal, Republic of Vietnam Star. Donor served in 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in VietnamOfficers Khaki Serge Jacket with brass buttons & rank insignia, and 4-medal riband barLabel inside - Cardone Apparel Victoria with care instruction and broad arrow. Hand written ‘14-4-80’ and ‘J A VANSWOL’ uniform, military, officers, vanzwol, vanswol

Cloth insignia left sleeve soldiers name sown on right breastVANZWOL (right breast) Manufactured Victoria 1991auscam cammo shirt