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Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph Album, 1920s +
This album came from the estate of Dorothy Ardlie of Warrnambool. It contains photographs of her childhood with her sister Agnes and other family members and later photographs in their adulthood. Dorothy Ardlie (1910-1993) was the daughter of Ethel and Arthur Ardlie, the granddaughter of the well-known Warrnambool lawyer, William Ardlie and his wife, Mary and the great granddaughter of John and Mary Ardlie, pioneer settlers in Warrnambool. Dorothy lived for some time at Aroona, 19 Princess Street in Warrnambool. This album is of interest, firstly as a memento of Dorothy Ardlie, a member of a prominent 20th century Warrnambool family, and secondly as a good example of a photograph album showing the typical social history of an upper middle class family in the mid 20th century. The keeping of a photograph album was a hobby of many women in the 20th century.This is a hard cover photograph album of 39 pages. The cover is brown with coloured images of a bird, tree and leaves on the front cover. The album is bound with string. There are 133 black and white photographs pasted in. The album is slightly stained and some photographs are missing. Album Made in Japan This album belongs to Dorothy Alys Ardlie ardlie family,, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Badges (2), 1 Stokes, 1960s
These two badges came from the estate of Dorothy and Agnes Ardlie of Warrnambool. Dorothy Ardlie (1910-1993) and Agnes Ardlie (1915-1993) were the daughters of Arthur and Ethel Ardlie of Warrnambool, the granddaughters of the prominent Warrnambool lawyer, William Ardlie and his wife Mary and the great granddaughters of John and Mary Ardlie, pioneer settlers in Warrnambool. The badges appear to have belonged to Agnes Ardlie who was known to have been a keen sportswoman. The Warrnambool Racing Club was founded in the 1870s and annually produced badges for members, both men and women. Female membership of the Warrnambool Golf Club was well established by 1890 and the course then was in Albert Park. These two badges are of interest as having local provenance, belonging to a member or members of a prominent family in Warrnambool in the mid 20th century..1 This is a metal badge in an elliptical shape with gold edging. The image on the badge shows a horse and jockey clearing a hurdle with wording around the image. The colours used are blue, red, gold and green. The badge has a metal clip at the top with a blue cord attached. The back of the badge has wording imprinted on it. .2 This is an oval-shaped metal badge with an image of two golf clubs in blue and gold and the word ‘Associates’ in gold and green. On the back is a metal clip and some hand writing scratched on. The maker’s name cannot be deciphered. .1 Warrnambool Racing Club Not Transferable Season 1965-66 9 Stokes .2 Warrnambool G.C. Associates Ardlie A.A. ardlie family, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Typewriter & ribbon, Imperial, Mid 20th century
This typewriter belonged to Gordon William Toleman (1910-1975). The first known Toleman born in the Western District was born at Mortlake in 1845 and Gordon Toleman was also born in Mortlake. He lived with his family in Warrnambool for many years. He was an accountant the Nestles Factory at Dennington for over 25 years. He was actively involved in community affairs, including the Warrnambool Urban Fire Brigade (life member), the Florado Festival, the Warrnambool Olympic Pool committee and the Merrivale and Terang Football Clubs (player and captain). He was also a life member of the Hampden Football League as a long-term Secretary and Treasurer and a secretary of the Warrnambool Football Club.This typewriter is of interest as one belonging to Gordon Toleman, a Warrnambool 20th century resident and a person well-known for his involvement in community activities..1 This is a metal typewriter with black and grey keys and a red and black typewriting ribbon. It has three gauges or scales. .2 These are two typewriter ribbons in red and black with circular metal covers. ‘Imperial’ ‘Geo Wraitt & Co 15 McKillop Street Repairs MU 7051’ gordon toleman, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Documents, Letters to Sliding Gunter, 1902
Sliding Gunter was the nom de Plume of Thomas Hamilton Tracey Osborne. Thomas Hamilton Tracey Osborne was born at Belfast 4/9/1851, the son of Thomas Hamilton Trail Osborne and his second wife Eliza nee Treacey. The young Thomas spent many hours among seamen and ships at Port Fairy. He moved to Warrnambool and commenced work as secretary to the Western Steam Navigation Company becoming manager in 1883. After the company failed he joined with Mark Saltau and they traded as Saltau and Osborne. His writings as Sliding Gunter appeared in The Warrnambool Standard and the Belfast Gazette. He was knowlegable and maintained an interest in shipping and the sea. He died in 11th December 1902 and his body was taken on board the Julia Percy and was buried at sea out from the Breakwater. He was well liked in the district and people lined the Cannon Hill area and the foreshore to farewell him. As an avid writer he corresponded with many people and this letter is one such letter The writer J J Crawford from Koroit tells the story of some of his family and their travels to Australia and early years in South Australia. The contents of letters such as these show he drew information from various sources.These letters as they relate to one of Warrnambool's earliest writers hold historic and social significance.002192.1 Plain white paper letter handwritten in black ink on back and front of letter 002192.2 Plain white paper letter handwritten in black ink on front and section on the back written sideways. Both letters are in the same hand.002192.1 dated 27 Feb 1902, Koroit. Signed J J Crawford 002192.2 Dated 1 March 1902, Koroit.sliding gunter -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Books, A & C. Black Ltd, 1927
This book was a prize given by Warrnambool Technical School in 1934. Warrnambool Technical School was established in Timor Street in 1913. John King, whose name appears on the book plate of this book, was the first head teacher and remained in this position for 29 years. In 1972 the Technical School was moved to Caramut Road, Warrnambool and in 1989 the school was renamed Brauer College. The old Technical School site in Timor Street now houses the South West Institute of TAFE. The book was donated by William Reed who had a bookstore and newsagency in Timor Street at the time. The book was given to Winnie Ferrier. Members of the Ferrier family have been in the South Warrnambool area since the 1850s and the 19th century Ferrier families were associated with Warrnambool port activities. This book is retained as a memento of the Warrnambool Technical School in the 1930s with its references to John King, the foundation Principal, the donor of the book, William Reed, a Warrnambool businessman and the recipient of the book, Winnie Ferrier, with the name Ferrier well-known in South Warrnambool in both the 19th and the 20th centuries. This is a hard cover book of 204 pages. The front cover has a beige background with a blue and brown patterning and brown printing. The spine has similar patterning with gold printing and the back cover is beige. The book has 15 chapters, an index, some pages of advertisements for other books and several colour plates. The first page has a book plate pasted in. Warrnambool Technical School Labor to Efficiency 19th December 1934 for Lettering, Dressmaking A3 Donated by William Reed Esq. Awarded to Winnie Ferrier John King Principal warrnambool technical school, reed’s newsagency,, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bottle, Russell & Powell, Warrnambool, C 1900
This bottle came from the general store of Russell and Powell of Fairy Street Warrnambool. This store sold an extensive range of imported wines and spirits as well as tea, clothing materials and hardware. Samuel Giffen Russell, born in Belfast, Ireland, established his store in Warrnambool in 1878 and took Joseph Powell as a partner in 1881. The business premises in Fairy Street were built in 1882. Giffen Russell was Mayor of Warrnambool from 1898 to 1900. By the early 1900s the firm had a store in Bank Street, Port Fairy and was known as Giffen Russell and Company and the business continued under that name until the late 1940s, the proprietor at that time being Harry Lynch. The Lynch family carried on this business until the second decade of the 21st century. This stoneware bottle is of some importance as it is one of the few items we have that came from the long-established Warrnambool general store of S.Giffen Russell.This is a stone bottle in cream and brown tonings. It has a circular base and body with a short neck and a moulded top opening. There is a screw top. The inscription on the bottle is in black print.‘Russell & Powell Warrnambool and Port Fairy’ russell & powell, warrnambool, giffen russell & co., warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Welsh Bible, 1864
As written in the note inserted in the front of the bible ,"This Welsh Bible was brought to Australia by John Morgan and his wife Sarah in 1865. With baby daughter Mary, they settled at Allansford, where John took up land"Acme" farm. Their other children Margaret, Jane, Evan, Lewis and Elizabeth were born there." The Memorial card provides the additional information that Sarah Morgan died July 30th 1906 at the age of 68. The date of the Bible 1864 fits with their arrival in Australia in 1865. The Morgan family have been connected to Allansford from that time. This bible has significance social and historical significance as the Bible was common in many family homes. This one written in Welsh shows the connection between the origins of the Morgan family and their new country. It is well provenanced and is well connected to the district.Dark brown leather cover over card.The pages are edged in gold and the front and and back covers have a rectangular scrolled design . The pages are not numbered.There is an envelope inside the front cover with a George Hose docket for threshing wheat, barley and oats and an In Memoriam card for Sarah Morgan who dies July 30th 1906. There is also a handwritten note with the owners details and a navy ribbon which may have been attached at one time.There are no inscriptions on the bible itself but the handwritten card reads, " This Welsh Bible was brought to Australia by John Morgan and his wife Sarah in 1865. With baby daughter Mary, they settled at Allansford, where John took up land"Acme" farm. Their other children Margaret, Jane, Evan, Lewis and Elizabeth were born there. There is also an envelope dated 2004 and addressed to Mr Bill Morgan 6 Vera St Iluka NSW 2466. Watkins Binder label inside the back cover.allansford, welsh bible, morgan family, sarah and john morgan -
Port of Echuca
Black and white photograph
A copy of a black and white photograph of paddle steamer travel along the Murray river. It shows passengers (2 men, 1 girl, 1 boy) on the upper deck of the P. S. Kelvin, around the late 1890-1900. In the background is a third man, Hugh Price, at the wheel of the paddlesteamer. On the back of the photograph is documented as being on the mail run and at the Murray Bridge.Demonstrates passenger transport and travel along the river as well as the delivery of mail services between rural communities around the Murray Bridge, Blanchetown region in South Australia around 1890-1900.Copy of a Black and white photograph of 2 men, 1 girl and 1 boy on upper deck of P. S. Kelvin. In background is a 3rd man, Hugh Price, at the wheel. Documented as being on mail run and at the Murray Bridge (at Echuca)Kelvin on mail run, Murray Bridge. Hugh Price at wheel in rear.murray bridge south australia, p.s. kelvin, mail run, hugh price, cargo, price family collection -
Port of Echuca
Photograph - Coloured photograph, March 1984
This photograph was taken in February 1984 on the occasion of Cossen's visit to Echuca. It is a close up of the wheelhouse of the P.S Pevensey with the name Philadelphia written across the wheelhouse. This is significant because the P.S Pevensey played the role of the P. S Philadelphia in the movie "All The Rivers Run" which was filmed in Echuca in late 1982 and a sequel was filmed in Echuca early in 1989.This photograph is significant because it shows the P.S. Pevensey showing the name P.S Philadelphia. The P.S Pevensey was used as the P.S Philadelphia in the TV Series "All The Rivers Run" based on the novel written by Nancy Cato. The TV series was a huge success and still draws tourists to the Port of Echuca. The fact that the P.S Pevensey was showing the Philadelphia name in 1984 is a bit of a mystery, but it has been known that she was dressed up again as the P.S Philadelphia sometimes for special occasions. The Cossen's visit to Echuca might have been such an occasion. It also shows the Echuca Wharf with a train parked there, and the Customs House can be seen in the background as well.A close-up image of the P.S. Pevensey travelling upstream away from the Echuca Wharf. There are five people in the wheelhouse; a dark haired young woman and a man in a suit and tie, two crew and there are two men standing with their backs to the photographer, on the lower deck. Three people can be seen near the fire box underneath the wheelhouse. The Echuca Wharf can be seen in the background. p.s pevensey, greenspot photography, murray river, echuca, la grue, bill, cossen's visit to echuca., all the rivers run, p. s philadelphia, cossen family, echuca wharf -
Port of Echuca
Photograph - Coloured, March 1984
This photograph was taken in February 1984 on the occasion of Cossen's visit to Echuca. P.S Pevensey with the name Philadelphia written across the wheelhouse can be seen steaming upstream under the bridge. This is significant because the P.S Pevensey played the role of the P. S Philadelphia in the movie "All The Rivers Run" which was filmed in Echuca in late 1982 and a sequel was filmed in Echuca early in 1989. Councillor Bob Snow can also be seen on the side deck. This is significant as the Cossen's visit to Echuca may have warranted this sort of attention The photograph also shows the state of the Echuca Moama bridge in the early 1980's.This photograph is significant because it shows the P.S. Pevensey showing the name P.S Philadelphia. The P.S Pevensey was used as the P.S Philadelphia in the TV Series "All The Rivers Run" based on the novel written by Nancy Cato. The TV series was filmed in Echuca in 1982. The TV series was a huge success and still draws tourists to the Port of Echuca. The fact that the P.S Pevensey was showing the Philadelphia name in 1984 is a bit of a mystery, but it has been known that she was dressed up again as the P.S Philadelphia sometimes for special occasions. The Cossen's visit to Echuca might have been such an occasion. It is also a good picture of the pylons under the Echuca Moama bridge and the actual bridge itself. The P.S Pevensey travelling upstream under the Echuca Moama bridge. There is a group of people on the lower side deck. People can also be seen in the wheelhouse and there is a man standing on the back deck as well as one standing next to the wheelhouse. The name Philadelphia can be seen written across the front of the wheelhouse. The river is low and shows the waterline at the Moama Beach. Four bridge pylons can be seen as well as the bridge itself.greenspot photography, p.s pevensey, murray river, echuca, la grue, bill, cossen's visit to echuca., all the rivers run, p. s philadelphia, echuca moama bridge, cossen family, cato, nancy -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medallion, Dead Man's Penny Robert Andrew Hose, 1920s
This medallion, called a Memorial Plaque and popularly known as a Dead Man’s Penny, was one of those given to the family of an Australian soldier who died on active service in World War One. Memorial Plaques, such as this one, were given out in the early 1920s. This medallion was presented to the family of Robert Andrew Hose. Born in Warrnambool in 1892 to George and Janet Hose, Robert Hose was a regular soldier when he enlisted in World War One in August 1914. He served on Gallipoli at Cape Helles where he was wounded but returned to his post and was promoted to corporal. In Egypt he was promoted to Sergeant and then served in France where he was awarded the Military Medal for showing courage, resourcefulness and a fine example to his men in an encounter with the enemy near Beaumetz les Cambrai. In that incident he sustained severe wounds from which he died in May 1917. He is buried in France. As well as the Military Medal he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory MedalThis item is of great importance as a significant memento of World War One that was given to the family of Robert Andrew Hose following his death on active service in World War One. Robert Hose was born in Warrnambool and this medallion is a treasured object in our collection.This is a round bronze medallion with raised images of Britannia holding a laurel wreath over an inscribed name, a lion, dolphins, an oak branch, a lion cub and an eagle. The medal is inscribed around the left and top edges.He Died For Freedom and Honour Robert Andrew Hose robert andrew hose, world war one memorial plaque, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet - Poetry Booklet, Thoughts by Our Loving Father, 1930s
collection of verseThis is a booklet of 28 pages. It has a brown cover with the pages tied together with brown plaited thread. The pages contain printed material.non-fictioncollection of versejohn adams wangoom -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Patrick Carrucan, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Whilst the three original Carrucan pioneers and their spouses are all buried at Eltham, only one gravestone (that of Patrick Carrucan) exists. Like many of the poor farmers of these early times, their graves were not marked with any permanent stone monuments and have deteriorated to become unmarked graves over the years. Patrick Carrucan, born in 1831 in Ireland, was the second oldest son of Patrick and Bridget Carrucan. He married Mary O'Brien in Ireland in 1856 before migrating to Australia, accompanied by Mary’s father, to join his sister Bridget Coleman in Eltham who had migrated in 1853. Patrick and Mary purchased a farm at the corner of Dalton and Bible Streets, initially living in a hut. After a few years, a more substantial house was built with assistance from Mary's father, who then returned to Ireland. The farm gradually prospered, with cattle, poultry and an orchard. Patrick and Mary had ten children (Bridget, Michael, Susan, Patrick, Thomas, Mary Anne, Catherine, Margaret, Frances and Annie) and lived in Eltham for the rest of their lives. In later years, the Sweeney and the Carrucan families intermarried, as did most of the old Catholic farming families of the Eltham District. Patrick died 6 October 1894 aged 63, reputedly from a broken back after being run over by his own bullock cart. Mary died in 2 Nov 1927 aged 90. They, together with other family members, are buried in a family plot in Eltham Cemetery, though only Patrick is recorded on the gravestone. Patrick's gravestone was in such disrepair that Betty Erickson (nee Carrucan) paid to have a new one erected in the late 1970s. Unfortunately, this gravestone, like the original, only honours Patrick Carrucan and does not record the other family members buried in this family plot. Betty wrote in 1989 "our people were farmers; the Sweeneys well-educated and prosperous, the Carrucans on a somewhat less favoured scale, but solid workers and providers." Patrick Carrucan Who departed this life 6 Oct. 1894 Aged 63 yearsBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, patrick carrucan -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Violet Feldbauer (nee Teagle), Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
FELDBAUER / TEAGLE Theodore Albert ‘Curly’ Feldbauer was born 15 October 1909 at Melbourne, the son of Theodore Henry (a naturalised German) and Jessie Margarette Feldbauer. The family moved several times during his childhood but before he was 20 he was living and working in the Eltham district. He became a well-known local sportsman. He played cricket for the Montmorency Imperials in 1929 and 1930 in the Eltham Cricket Association and excelled as a footballer and football coach. There are press references at the time to minor misdemeanours and accidents: evidently he was up for a brawl or two, but he was also able to do a recitation at a social night to launch the Eltham Girls Club in 1932. He married a local girl, Violet Amelda Teagle, in 1933, the 12th of 13 Teagle offspring who lived in Frank Street. Curly and Violet’s first child, June, was born the following year. By 1935 Curly was honorary secretary of the Research Cricket Club. He continued playing cricket regularly, mainly for Research, through till the 1940 season, after the war had begun. The girls started at Research State School in 1939 and 1940, respectively. They lived near Violet’s parents in Frank Street. Curly and Violet’s daughter, Valerie Waller recalls: “We lived near my Teagle grandparents, who had a cow. Dad took over the milking. He would rest his head against the cow and sing to her. When he left to join the army, it took weeks before she would settle down to allow anyone else to milk her.” Curly’s service record is not yet accessible from the National Archives of Australia. Valerie Waller gives us some insight into that period between Curly joining and ultimately embarking for Singapore: “Before he sailed to Singapore, Mum would travel by train, to Seymour, to spend a few hours with him. He sent her postcards and called her his “dear love”. His idea was that the sooner everyone eligible joined up, the sooner the war would be over. He had a great love for Australia.” “While he was a prisoner, Mum received a few postcards from him, not in his neat handwriting, but in block letter printing, to tell her he had received no mail or parcels from her. He must have felt we’d forgotten him, because, of course, Mum had sent lots of parcels and letters, and the Japanese hadn’t handed them on.” Theo was one of over 2,000 Allied prisoners of war held in the Sandakan POW camp in north Borneo, having been transferred there from Singapore as part of B Force. The 1,494 POWs that made up B Force were transported from Changi [Singapore] on 7 July 1942 on board the tramp ship Ubi Maru, arriving in Sandakan Harbour on 18 July 1942. Sergeant Feldbauer, aged 35, died as a prisoner of the Japanese on 27 March 1945 at Sandakan Number 1 Camp. The Japanese recorded his death from Malaria. He has no known grave, but it is believed to be at Sandakan Number 2 Camp. His death was not reported in Australia until some months later. Valerie noted: “I will never forget the sound my mother made when she received the telegram saying Dad had died months earlier, ostensibly from Malaria, but he died during the march. The sound still haunts me.” Violet’s husband Theo is recognised on the Eltham Roll of Honour, which was commissioned by the Eltham War Memorial Trust to be hung in the Baby Health Centre opened in 1952; the first of three buildings, the others being the Eltham Kindergarten and Children’s Library, that were established as the Eltham War Memorial a living memorial, with a specific focus for the welfare of children of the district. Violet and Theo’s son Albert, being the youngest child of the children of soldier fathers attending a school in the district, was given the honour of turning the first sod for the Eltham War Memorial Building, 15 July 1950. In Loving Memory of Violet Feldbauer Died 7. 11 .1982 aged 88 Loved wife of Theo (Curly) Died P.O.W. Borneo 1945 Re-united Alongside Violet lay her parents, John Thomas and Margaret TeagleBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, charles louis layfield, edwina may layfield (nee teagle), john thomas teagle, margaret teagle, theodore feldbauer, violet feldbauer (nee teagle), annie lillian devine, frederick raymond devine, eltham war memorial, honour board, roll of honour -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Brenda Smith, Remembering Well 2020-2021: A Daily Diary written during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2021
Brenda Smith's parents lived throuh two World Wars and the Depression. As an adult migrant arriving in Australia from England in 1970, when she looked back she realised her family spoke very little about what they had endured and she was not even aware of them going through the Spanish Flu pandemic. Smith has written a diary since 2009 and as a consquence of her family's earlier experiences with similar but lack of documentation and stories passed on, was determined to chronicle her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic covering 2020-2021. This pandemic continues unabated in its third year (2022). The journal documents the daily life of living through the COVID-19 pandemic and the influences it had uopon the local community from both locally and interantionallycovid-19, coronavirus pandemic, journal, person, personal narrative -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Jim Connor, River Bend House, 130 Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, 7 September 2013
Laughing Waters Walk, 7 Sep 2013 This Society excursion was a follow up to the Laughing Waters Story told to us by Jane Woollard at our Annual General Meeting in March 2013. It involved a walk commencing from the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads along Laughing Waters Road to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route - a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way we visited the two artist in residence properties, River Bend and Birrarung, to view the houses on them that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community. We also able to walk around the derelict ruin which was once home to Gordon and Sue Ford, Boomerang House. An unexpected afternoon tea was offered to us by the artists in residence at Birrarung House and we had a brief opportunity to view inside the house. River Bend was designed and built by Alistair Knox for Rosemary and Bill Cuming in 1968. It sits in a deep cutting on a steep slope above the Yarra River and features floor to ceiling windows and glass doors set into mission brown timber frames and walls of reclaimed bricks in pinkish hue. Rosemary laid the brick paving around the house, a copy of the shell paving found in the ancient French town of Colmar, where the family had lived for a period. The kitchen was equipped with a 1960s stove as well as a cast iron wood stove reclaimed from Rosemary's sister's home in Armadale. Max and Tini Huygens, migrants from Holland, purchased the property in 1975 and named it Tilwinda from an Aboriginal word meaning 'hole in a rock'. In late 1981 Tini died after a short illness, but Max continued to live at Tilwinda until he moved to a retirement village in 2000 and the property was sold to Parks Victoria. Renamed River Bend, the property became part of the Laughing Waters Artist in Residency Program in 2008. Nillumbik Shire Council upgraded the property in 2012 with solar panels, a heat pump for hot water and double glazing to improve the comfort of the artists in residence and make the house more energy efficient. For a more in-depth description of the property and biographies of the various artists in residence commencing from 2008 to 2015, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.2013-09-07, activities, artists in residence, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, jim connor collection, laughing waters road, river bend house -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, Clifton Pugh's Artists' Colony, Dunmoochin, Barreenong Road, Cottles Bridge, c.1995
Visit to Dunmoochin prior to Clifton Pugh's home being destroyed by fire in 2002. Following military service in the second world war, Clifton Pugh studied under artist Sir William Dargie at the National Gallery School in Melbourne as well as Justus Jorgensen, founder of Montsalvat. For a while he lived on the dole but also worked packing eggs for the Belot family saving sufficient to purchase six acres (2.4 ha) of land at Barreenong Road, Cottles Bridge. He accumulated more land and persuaded several other artists and friends to buy land nearby, resulting in a property of approximately 200 acres, stablishing it as one of the first artistic communes in Australia alongside Montsalvat in Eltham. It was around 1951 that Pugh felt he had '"done moochin' around" and so the name of the property evolved. He bought timber from Alistair Knox to build his house on the crest of a hill. Inspired by local goldminer's huts, it was a one room wattle-and-daub structure with dirt floor. Over the years it expanded with thick adobe walls made from local clay, high ceilings and stone floors. All materials other than the local earth were sourced from second hand materials, most found at wreckers' yards. Artists from across the nation were drawn to Dunmoochin, with several setting up houses and shacks on the property, maintaining their independence but sharing their artistic zeal. Artists who worked or resided at Dunmoochin included Mirka Mora, John Perceval, Albert Tucker, Fred Williams, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd and John Olsen. In 2002, Pugh's house along with its treasure trove of art and a library of some 20,000 books was destroyed by fire. Traces of Pugh's home remain with the presence of the Victorian doorframe archway with leadlight of intricate design, procured from a demolished Melbourne mansion; and two bronze life-sized female statues created by Pugh and cast by Matcham Skipper. In place of Pugh's house rose two double-storey mud-brick artists' studios topped with corrugated iron rooves curved like the wings of a bird with accommodation for seven. The original studios, gallery and other buildings survived the fire.fay bridge collection, 1995, barreenong road, cottles bridge, dunmoochin -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, Old bottles found at former Morrison property, Killeavey, Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, 2019
Lemonade, Non-alcoholic Hop Beer and milk bottlkes recovered from Killeavey give an insight into the types of drinks consumed by the Morrison family. Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, bennett lemonade, bottles, milk bottle, o'neill bros north fitzroy, r. harrison, r. harrisons hop beer -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, Clifton Pugh's Artists' Colony, Dunmoochin, Barreenong Road, Cottles Bridge, 14 May 2016
Following military service in the second world war, Clifton Pugh studied under artist Sir William Dargie at the National Gallery School in Melbourne as well as Justus Jorgensen, founder of Montsalvat. For a while he lived on the dole but also worked packing eggs for the Belot family saving sufficient to purchase six acres (2.4 ha) of land at Barreenong Road, Cottles Bridge. He accumulated more land and persuaded several other artists and friends to buy land nearby, resulting in a property of approximately 200 acres, stablishing it as one of the first artistic communes in Australia alongside Montsalvat in Eltham. It was around 1951 that Pugh felt he had '"done moochin' around" and so the name of the property evolved. He bought timber from Alistair Knox to build his house on the crest of a hill. Inspired by local goldminer's huts, it was a one room wattle-and-daub structure with dirt floor. Over the years it expanded with thick adobe walls made from local clay, high ceilings and stone floors. All materials other than the local earth were sourced from second hand materials, most found at wreckers' yards. Artists from across the nation were drawn to Dunmoochin, with several setting up houses and shacks on the property, maintaining their independence but sharing their artistic zeal. Artists who worked or resided at Dunmoochin included Mirka Mora, John Perceval, Albert Tucker, Fred Williams, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd and John Olsen. In 2002, Pugh's house along with its treasure trove of art and a library of some 20,000 books was destroyed by fire. Traces of Pugh's home remain with the presence of the Victorian doorframe archway with leadlight of intricate design, procured from a demolished Melbourne mansion; and two bronze life-sized female statues created by Pugh and cast by Matcham Skipper. In place of Pugh's house rose two double-storey mud-brick artists' studios topped with corrugated iron rooves curved like the wings of a bird with accommodation for seven. The original studios, gallery and other buildings survived the fire.fay bridge collection, 2016-05-14, art gallery, barreenong road, clifton pugh, cottles bridge, dunmoochin, maurice hurry -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Phillip Shillinglaw's neice, May, c.1910
Believed to be addressed to her cousin, Mary Ann Shillinglaw, from May ? - This could be Ethel May Bottle b. 1883, daughter of Edward Henry Bottle and step-daughter of Catherine Shillinglaw but this type of post-card photo only commenced in 1905 when she would have been 22. The girl looks more like 15. It is not known if Elizabeth Docherty (nee Shillinglaw) had any children. Born 1861 and married 1894 at 33 years of age, it is possible that she could have had a daughter who would have been 15 in 1910. "Dear Mary I hope this will find you all well. I hope Uncle Phillip is better. This is for the home it is among the lot. You must excuse me for sending one among the lot I haven’t enough to go all round. I will get more copied and send one to Carrie and Florrie. Well I think I have told you all this time I haven’t much room. So good bye from your loving cousin Mary 100 xxxxxxxxxxxxxx" Possibilities to investigate are the Kidd side families: Wilson Stewart Renolds Mills Mason Williams Post Card printed on back with photographer's details: W. Mason & Co., 144 Bridge Road, Richmond. W. Mason & Co. operated from this adress from 1903-c.1932 POSTCARD 1905-1940s Like the carte-de-visite, postcards enjoyed a collecting craze by large numbers of people, and were often kept in albums through which the interested visitor could browse. Postcards were posted or exchanged in huge numbers. Postal authorities in Australia only allowed the private printing of postcards from 1898. At this time the back of the card was reserved for the address and postage stamp, and the front was used for the message and a picture. In 1902 British authorities allowed a "divided back", so that the left side could be used for the message, the right side for the address and stamp, and the whole of the front was devoted to the picture. France followed suit in 1904, Germany and Australia in 1905, and the United States in 1907. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 3, postcard, 1903-1932, 1910, agnes mary shillinglaw 1881-1968, ethel may bottle, mary ann shillinglaw (1880-1963), w. mason & co. photographer 144 bridge rd melbourne -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Document - A'Beckett Family
4 documents which have references to the a’Beckett family. Photocopied extract from Burke’s Colonial Gentry Vol 1 1891 on the name a’Beckett, William Arthur Callander Handwritten research on various a’Beckett family tree members taken from Burke’s Colonial Gentry etc, includes rate details of home in Alma Street Leaflet on The Briars Mornington giving history on family and the Napoleonic collection of furniture Photocopied article on a’Beckett name taken from ‘Sand, Swamp and Heath by Peter R Murray and John C Wells 1980. This paragraph gives the connection to Emma Minna a’Beckett who married Arthur Boyd. Boyd’s father owner Glenfern on the corner of Hotham and Inkerman Street. This is the beginning of the artistic Boyd family in Murrumbeenaa’beckett william arthur callander, mills emma, boyd arthur merric, a’beckett thomas turner, alma street, a’beckett emma minnie, glenfern, house names, hotham street, inkerman street, alma road -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Article - Glen Eira
Six items about the Glen Eira Mansion. Letter dated 2/06/2012 from the St Kilda Historical Society to Glen Eira Historical Society asking for further information as well as providing some items on Glen Eira’s history Attachment to above letter of information about Glen Eira printed from Melbourne Mansions Database on 30/05/2012 about Glen Eira House referencing the Argus newspaper for 10/03/1865 and 25/07/1881, ‘Sand, Swamp and Heath’, ‘Caulfield’s Building Heritage and Pioneer Families’. Entry is dated 27/06/1997. Second attachment to above letter of a memo detailing information about Glen Eira mansion form History and Heritage Officer at City of Glen Eira together with an image extract of birth notices from the Argus 22/5/1863 re the birth of a daughter to W.Lamborn Esq on 20/05/1863 at Glenalry house Caulfield Third attachment to above letter of questions and parish plan image re properties including area occupied by Glen Eira from Heritage Officer St Kilda Historical Society Southern Scenarion quarterly newsletter of the Royal Southern Memorial Hospital Issue No. 7 Winter 1988. It contains a black and white photograph of Glen Eira with a brief history of the residence and owner on P 2 plus an article on P 3 about the bequest from the late Rudolph Ashley Ricketson for the Ashley Ricketson Centre in the hospital. Demolition of the mansion occurred in 1965. Newspaper article (source & date unknown) about the bequest from Ashley Ricketson of $10.5 million to the Southern Memorial Hospital in Caulfield. It is on the site of Glen Eira, demolished 4 years prior. A sketch and photo of the hospital.glen eira, glen eira house, ricketson henry, lamborn william, kooyong road, caulfield, alison road, seymour road, beemery park, elsternwick, watts thomas, mansions, sargood frederick, rippon lea, australian general military hospital no. 11, southern memorial hospital, architects, staniforth georgina, were edith alice mary, were jonathon binns, fulton thomas, caulfield district crown land, glen huntly road, glen eira road, hawthorn road, military hospitals, ricketson rudolph ashley, towers, jacka albert captain vc, the white house, soldiers, hospitals, caulfield geriatric hospital, glenalry, caulfield roads board, foot henry boorn, surveyors, southern scenario, ashley ricketson centre, royal southern memorial hospital, best joan mrs, caulfield grammar school, the white house, barrata, house names -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Ness family
James Johnston settled at Kangaroo Ground in 1849. His nephew James Mess joined him and a descendant Robert James Mess changed his surname to Ness. The family became active in all aspects of Kangaroo Ground life. Contents Text (handwritten and transcribed): "The Ness Family, Kangaroo Ground", Joy Ness, 1989. Newspaper article: "True pioneer stock", Diamond Valley News, 2 March 1982. History of the Mess/Ness family Newspaper article: "Ness family are keepers of 140 years of historical knowledge", Diamond Valley News, 4 February 1986. History of Joseph Stephenson and descendants. Newspaper article: "Joy Ness paints native flowers for posterity". Diamond Valley News, 21 October 1986. Life and career of Joy Ness as painter. Newspaper article: "His Cup runneth of with Joy", ?Diamond Valley Leader, 6 December 2000. Bruce and Joy Ness celebrate 60th wedding anniversary. Pencil sketch by Joh Ebeli no date but pre 2004: Portrait of Joy Ness dressed for the Historical Society Parade. Order of Service: Thanksgiving service for the life of Robert Bruce Ness 22 January 1917 / 28 June 2004. Eltham District Historical Society newsletter no date: "Robert Bruce Ness 1917-2004", obituary and extract from Joy Ness's history of the family. Copy of letter from Joh Ebeli to Gwen Orford, no date but ~2004: Describes drawings he made of Robert Bruce Ness when taking part in Diamond Valley Arts Society float and enclosed 3 drawings and a photograph of drawing of the bakers (corner Main Road and York Street Eltham). Eltham District Historical Society newsletter September 2013: "Vale Joy Ness", obituary and extract from Diamond Valley News article of 6 December 2000.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcness family kangaroo ground, james johnston, kangaroo ground, pretty hill farm, wellers hotel, betsy sadler, ingleside kangaroo ground, james mess, jane stevenson, ness lane kangaroo ground, view hill kangaroo ground, stte savings bank agency, ruth lettice gosling nee mess, kangaroo ground state school, garden hills kangaroo ground, william mess, joseph mess, isabella mess, james johnson mess, ruth ettie mess, george mess, alexander mess, janes mess, robert david mess, heidelberg agricultural show, diamond creek agricultural show, rober james ness, pearl ness nee mills, william mills, sabina mills, robert bruce ness, beryl ness, vera ness, donald ness, kangaroo ground presbyterian church, kangaroo ground cemetery trust, kangaroo ground tennis club, professor osborne, doctor osborne, joseph stevenson, joy ness, kangaroo ground fire brigade, bruce ness, country fire authority, ship wellington 1837, diamond creek, david christmas, christmas hills, andres harkness, samuel furphy, andrew ross, caledonian gold fields, queenstown now st andrews, mother coleman of kangaroo ground, diamond valley arts society, winifred joy ness, andrew ross museum, eltham art show -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, North, Edley
Joseph Benjamin North was a well-known professional musician in Melbourne in late 1800 to mid 1900s, teaching music and playing in what became the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He married Lucinda Matilda and their children were Tralford E and Camille D. With friend Leon Lambert, North purchased 60 acres of land around Karingal Drive and Sherbourne Road and built two houses; they paid for a wooden bridge for access. North eventually sold his house to a family named Green but later the land was sold to the Shire of Eltham, and it is now known as Meruka Park, and the house, Meruka House; Alan Gardner named the park. After Lambert's death, his property was bought by Fred Warne. Edley North was born in 1835, and died 26 March 1923; he married Caroline North, born 1835, died 23 July 1922. Edley's family migrated from England in 1859, settling in Adelaide. He was granted an allotment of 221 acres on Phillip Island 1868-1870. on 7 April 1874 he travelled to Pine Lodge and later moved his wife and five children. He and Caroline later moved to a small farm, Willow Grove in Eltham, purchased between 1905 and 1910 (first mentioned in the rate book in 1908 as being a house and 10 acres on Susan Street, and would also have had frontage on Brougham Street); Their daughter Violet Alice inherited it; she married Walter J Dobson around 1921; he died on 25 March 1948 aged 77 and Violet on 4 January 1947. Willow Grove was later purchased by A George and P Audrey Hester April/May 1947. Edley, Caroline and Violet are all buried in Eltham Cemetery. Marjorie Mary North was born in 1909 ; the family travelled in a horse-drawn waggon from Fitzroy to spend weekends in their little holiday house in Sherbourne Road on 10 acres of land. In 1933, she married Tralford Norman whose parents owned 62 acres of land including Meruka Park. Marjorie and Tralford lived in Looker Road, Montmorency; she died 7 February 2003. Contents Newspaper article: "When life centred on a weekender", Diamond Valley News, 25 September 1984, memories of Montmorency of Marjorie North. Newspaper article: "Worse floods seem likely", Diamond Valley News, 25 September 1984, floods in Eltham Handwritten notes: Information by Marjorie North's about her grandmother, September 1989. Handwritten and typed transcript: "J. B. North", by Marjorie North, history of Joseph Benjamin North. Letter: From Monash University to Marjorie North, 15 November 1989, being unable to assist with her enquiry about the meaning of name [unspecified in the letter but possibly Meruka] Letter: June Stanton (nee Hester) to Eltham District Historical Society, 17 February 1993, seeking information on her great grandfather Edley North and wife Caroline. Christmas card [attached to letter from June Stanton]: Line drawing Eltham Primary School 1856, text history of school Letter: Eltham Historical Society to June Hester, 11 June 1993, providing information held by the Society. Letter: Nancy Chandler (nee Williamson) to Jo McCormick 18 March 2001, providing information about Edley and Carline North, her great grandparents. Email: Patsy Moppett to Eltham District Historical Society October 2010: A photograph of Edley and Caroline North found, wish to return it to family. Family tree: North/Dobson family. Death notice: Marjorie May North, died 7 February 2003.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcmarjorie north, tralford norman, sherbourne road montmorency, looker road montmorency, briar hill, montmorency, catholic ladies college, merton hall, melbourne girls grammar school, ivanhoe girls grammar school, wesley college, meruka park, st helena road, st faith's anglican church montmorency, william sapsford, floods in eltham, joseph benjamin north, leon lambert, melbourne symphony orchestra, karingal drive, meruka house, alan gardner, lucinda matilda north, tralford e north, camille d north, montmorency cricket club, diamond creek, eltham railway station, judge book village, fred warne, edley north, caroline north, eltham cemetery., violet alice dobson (nee north), willow farm eltham, edley north family tree, walter john dobson family tree, nancy chandler (nee williamson), pine lodge, elijah north -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Michael Wilson, Michael Wilson: Eltham Goldsmith +Sculptor; My Journey, 2023
Michael and Wendy Wilson have been living in Eltham for fifty years. Recently Michael decided to write what is an engaging and entertaining journey through Michael and Wendy’s life. He recounts his love of Wendy, his family, friends, and his many acquaintances, as well as his love of Eltham and district. Kate Palmer AM, wrote the forward for this book saying, “…it is a window into the world of a true craftsman, an award winning master goldsmith - an artisan who can transform precious metals, wood and gold into exquisite sculptures, jewellery and works of art”. Kate also says “This book is a tribute to Michael Wilson. A man who is fascinated by the world around him and who is inspired by his experiences in that world. Every piece tells a story – about emotion, about a man and his dreams and his fascination for all things engineering.” Michael also recounts his extensive love affair with things with four wheels, from billy carts as a boy, to the various cars he has enjoyed, particularly his favourite Lotus 7, which he states is “a sophisticated billy cart”. He also shares many memorable experiences with others pursuing automotive escapades. It is well written, informative, and just an amazing life story, a very personal record of a life well explored and well lived. - EDHS Newsletter Feb 2024."For the Eltham District Historical Society, Best Wishes, Michael"autobiography, eltham, goldsmith, jeweller, michael wilson. biography, artists, memoir -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Document - Seymour Road, 47, Elsternwick
Two documents (with working notes) about the history of this property: 1/Typed document dated 03/06/1989 from Brighton Historical Society covering history of owners/residents from 1891 to 1974 with particular history of the Siddall family. Handwritten undated working notes accompany the document. 2/Typed document dated 22/07/1989 from Brighton Historical Society covering history of owners/residents for a shorter period 1891 to 1957. This one inclueds more detail about the other longterm occupants as well. Handwritten undated working notes accompany the document.marcola, seymour road, elsternwick, beemery park, land subdivisions, bullock hillary, landells rosalind, hubbard edward w, lazarus mark, mccrea d g rev, mackay angas, patterson john r, robertson john r, de hugard alex, siddall jas w, siddall norman, caulfield grammar school, siddall phyllis, brock ella, siddall mrs, whitehead alfred e, brock john, jackson pp, murphy te, house names -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - Crotonhurst
A letter from Mrs M Ring to the Caulfield Historical Society, dated 14/03/1986, conveying gratitude for the information provided about the house Crotonhurst located at the corner of Hawthorn Road and Glen Eira Road, Caulfield North, and requesting information about the Langdon and Webb families and the property Lirrewa. Enclosed with the letter is a copy of a two page report on the Life of George Frederick Webb. The file also includes a seven page report conducted by Irene Victoria Anderson in 1982 on the history of the Langdon and Webb families and the house Crotonhurst. Two earlier drafts of the same report are included and one of these has further handwritten notes.crotonhurst, rosecraddock, lirrewa, caulfield north, hawthorn road, langdon road, glen eira road, mitchell road, crotonhurst avenue, caulfield city hall, city of caulfield, polo ground, polo parade, neerim road, powderham road, walworth avenue, langdon family, webb family, rosecraddock family, webb george henry frederick, webb george henry webb justice, field matilda, agg sophia sarah, agg sophia sarah annie, webb sophie sarah annie, agg dottie, webb dottie, langdon william farrar, langdon willie, langdon bill, langdon h j mrs, langdon mrs, webb george edward, webb matilda elizabeth, webb isabella elizabeth, webb james hemming, murray peter r, wells john c, langdon marie, langdon clive, murdoch keith, egerton-warburton mr, yorston mr, yorston rita, langdon violet, langdon. philip, gillespie ray, lindsay joan, ring m, paterson mrs, coffey eileen, fitzsimmons eileen, ronald heather, william gluyas, maidment isobel, langdon rr, langdon charles, langdon r b, knox david, langdon dick, hart trevor, mclaughlin j, ballantyne r, webb matilda sarah, somers charles, mckenzie barbara, mcleod lexie, richards barbara, richards lexie, sims betty, anderson irene victoria, short hand writer, lawyers, phthisis, queen’s counsel, judge of the supreme court, court reporter, architectural features, world war 1914-1918, soldiers, point to point steeplechase, master of the hounds, organs, sculptor, statues, stained glass, crests and emblems, elsternwick congregational church, government shorthand writers’ department, eureka treason trials, swamp sand and heath, dickson and yorston, caulfield council, caulfield historical society, harrison ramsay, time without clocks, the hounds are running, melbourne hunt club, st mary’s church, geo. fincham and sons, city hall gallery, mansions -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Document - Frogmore
Eight pages of photocopied extracts from a family history of the Lyalls who owned the property Frogmore in Murrumbeena. The history was written by Mary G Lyall Davis and published in 1993. One page includes a hand drawn illustration (60mm x 110mm) of the exterior of Frogmore.frogmore, lyall william, lyall davis mary g, cahill p, murrumbeena road, warrien road, wahgoo road, koornang road, north road, murrumbeena, carnegie, cattle, livestock, horses, farmhouses, graziers, farming, stock breeding centres, murray peter r, mickle john, wells john c, mickle alexander, mickle agnes, lyall andrew, brown helen, patterson mr, maxwell thomas, leman swamp, lyall annabella -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, The Stokes family home and orchard blanketed with snow, corner Nyora and Eucalyptus roads, Eltham, Winter 1951, 1951
Taken from outside the family home on the southest corner of the intersection of Nyora Road and Pitt Street with Eucalyptus Road. Frank Stokes first traveled to the district by train in 1944 to find land with the intention to establish an orchard. By chance he met Arthur Bird of Bird Orchard (bounded by Pitt Street, Eucalyptus Road and Wattle Grove) and they got talking over their common interest. Arthur put Frank up for the night and pointed out the land, part of Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (CA15) somewhat diagonally opposite Bird Orchard. Frank bought the land and for the next two years would travel by train from Melbourne to Eltham every weekend establishing Stokes Orchard and building a home for his family, which they eventually moved into in 1946. Marjorie North remembered well the winter of 1951, when she took children, including son John together with the Shallard and Squire children “in the Austin A40 up the Main Rd., Eltham to farmer Bell’s property alongside the Eltham College. They were able to make a snow man and throw snowballs. (Diamond Valley News, August 5, 1986.p.42) In the mid 1970s the Shire of Eltham divided the orchard up into numerous rate-able parcel lots, which became affordable for Frank. As a consequence Stokes Orchard was turned into a housing development by Macquarie Builders and marketed as the Stokes Orchard Estate in two stages; Stage 1 encompassing Scarlet Ash Court, Ironbark Close and Peppermint Grove bounded by Nyora and Eucalyptus roads c.1976 and Stage 2 encompassing Stokes Place, Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout bound by Nyora and Diosma roads c.1979. The development of Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout did not proceed as planned due to the lack of the sewer along Diosma Road and so many of the proposed lots were incorporated into five-acre parcels instead.Representative of the orchard growing areas of Eltham. One of the rare times it has snowed in Eltham.Digital file only - Digitised by EDHS from a scrapbook (containing commercially printed photos of digital scans) on loan from Beryl Bradbury (nee Stokes), daughter of Frank Stokes.1951, beryl bradbury (nee stokes) collection, eltham, nyora road, eucalyptus road, snow, stokes family home -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Film - Video (DVD), Frank Stokes, Stokes Family, 1950-1977
Various family scenes taken from outside the family home on the southeast corner of the intersection of Nyora Road and Pitt Street with Eucalyptus Road. Also, scenes of the Stokes Orchard and equipment used, construction of water reservoir at the end of Nyora Road near Reynolds Road and Diosma Road as well as early stages of the Stokes Orchard housing development. Frank Stokes worked as a qualified accountant at Kennons leather factory in Burnley, while living at 1 Thomas Street, Mitcham. He suffered from migraines and wanted to go back to the land (he had previously worked on farms and orchards since coming to Australia in 1926 both in WA and Vic.). He first travelled to the district by train in July 1942 to find land with the intention to establish an orchard. By chance he met Arthur Bird of Bird Orchard (bounded by Pitt Street, Eucalyptus Road and Wattle Grove) and they got talking over their common interest. Arthur put Frank up for the night and pointed out the land, 158 acres- Taylor Estate- £900, part of Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (CA15) somewhat diagonally opposite Bird Orchard. He applied through the Riverina Agency to purchase the land who in turn had to get permission from Canberra to sell as there was a new government regulation banning land sales except for immediate production. He obtained a loan on his Mitcham house of £600 @ 5% and paid £450 deposit with quarterly payments of £15 over 5 years. The title to the property was issued May 15, 1946. He was helped and advised by Arthur Bird who farmed the neighbouring orchard. Early 1943 he took possession and would catch the train out to Eltham on Fridays after work and began building a hut for shelter and to lock up tools. He was able to pay a neighbour (Hawkins) to help with clearing and fencing 25 acres and with a horse and single furrowed plow, planted approximately 2,500 fruit trees - cherries, peaches, plums, almonds, pears, apricots and lemons as well as a few apples and oranges; a massive job. A huge problem was hares and rabbits eating all the new buds off the tiny trees. As well as laying poison he painted the trees with a mixture of cow manure and lime. Often working by moonlight. It was extremely difficult to get wire and wire netting because of the war but after much effort he obtained a permit from the Agricultural Department for supplies in March 1944. In February 1945 he applied for a permit to build a “packing shed” as no house building allowed. It was to be 33 feet x 21 feet and cost £312. Constructed mostly from second-hand materials, which was hard to obtain, especially iron for roofing. Frank finished work at Kennons October 31, 1945, and in March 1946 he sold the Mitcham house for £1230 plus £170 for furniture. The family of five then moved into a very unfinished at Eltham, which was a struggle to weatherproof. Eventually rooms were divided off and lined with hessian bags and whitewashed. Their income was firewood (cut and sold), selling rockery stones and cut sweet bursaria. (It was discovered during the 1940s that Bursaria contained the sunscreen compound Aesculin. The RAAF utilised this compound from Bursaria during WW2 for pilots and gunners.) The orchard’s first fruit sale was a 1/2 case of Le Vanq peaches in December 1947 - 8 shillings. In 1956 plans for house were drawn and Glen Iris bricks purchased (1956 Olympic Rings variant). The building of the house commenced in 1957 - 12 feet of original packing shed removed – and was completed in 1959. Water was connected from newly built pressure storage on the property at the end of 1959 and the electricity connection for the first time at 3pm on April 29, 1960. In the mid-1970s the Shire of Eltham divided the orchard up into numerous rate-able parcel lots, which became unaffordable for Frank. Consequently, Stokes Orchard was turned into a housing development by Macquarie Builders and marketed as the Stokes Orchard Estate in two stages; Stage 1 encompassing Scarlet Ash Court, Ironbark Close and Peppermint Grove bounded by Nyora and Eucalyptus roads c.1976 and Stage 2 encompassing Stokes Place, Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout bound by Nyora and Diosma roads c.1979. The development of Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout did not proceed as planned due to the lack of the sewer along Diosma Road and so many of the proposed lots were incorporated into five-acre parcels instead. With the arrival of the sewer along Diosma Road many years later, most of these five-acre parcels have since been subdivided many times.Representative of the orchard growing areas of ElthamMP4 00:24:39; 426MB Digital file only - Digitised by EDHS from a DVD copy on loan from Beryl Bradbury (nee Stokes), daughter of Frank Stokes. 24 min duration compilation of home movie Super 8mm film shot by Frank Stokes brother-in-law.beryl bradbury (nee stokes) collection, frank stokes, nyora road, stokes orchard, stokes orchard estate, stokes place, video recording