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Mortlake and District Historical Society
Letter for payment of account Mortlake Mill, March 7 1864
This letter was sent by a customer D. Menzies at Skipton to the Mortlake Mill, detailing an unusual payment method for the processing of his wheat into flour. David Menzies was a Scots farmer who lived in Skipton c. 1860's on a bend in the Mount Emu Creek. He helped establish the local school and a lane in the township bears his name. The letter illustrates the nature of commerce and the difficulties of communication and life generally in the country at the time. The bluestone Mortlake Mill built in 1856, has been a prominent landmark in Mortlake for over 150 years. It played a significant role in the commercial life of the town and was initially a wind-mill to process district grain for sale. The goldrush at Ararat 100 km. away led to a temporarily increased population and demand for foodstuffs. In 1857 the Mill was sold to Aikman, Hamilton and Geddes who converted it to steampower and later built the prominent chimney, which is on the Heritage Register as part of the National Estate. D. Menzies at Skipton lived at least 85 km away - his wheat which urgently needed milling, faced a slow and arduous journey by bullock dray. After the demise of the Ararat goldfields and the decline in population (as well as the district soils proving unsuitable for sustained wheat cultivation), the operation of the Mill declined too and the proprietors increased their involvement in other activities - supply of building materials, timber felling and sawmills. Despite the apparent difficulties of conducting business in the 1850's, it is notable that commerce thrived at that time in country districts, as an examination of Mill accounts and records show.Handwritten letter dated 1864 (water-stained)Skipton March 7 1864 [to] Messrs. Hamilton & Co. Mortlake. Dear Gentlemen, I was in hope of hearing from you before now that you had commenced working the Mill, & that I could have sent you the enclosed money [for a] load of wheat for Gristing. Please receive the enclosed 2 halves of 2 [two] 5 [pound sign] notes forwarded to your account. the other halves will be sent on receipt of your stating you having received those notes sent. As I am out of flour be so good as say how soon I may send a load of wheat. In haste I am Gentlemen Yours truly D. Menziesmortlake mill grain wheat hamilton geddes aikman laang dixie menzies skipton -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Painting, William Alen, The Old Windmill, 1916
The Old Wind Mill in Mill Street Mortlake was constructed in 1856 by Thos. Bostock. It was erected to process locally-grown grain to supply the increased population of the Ararat goldfields with flour. It was painted in 1916 by W.Alen a local artist, who did not have first-hand knowledge of the old Mill, but would have relied on descriptions from those living in the district who did, as well as possibly recollections of windmills in Europe and Britain. The Mill has been a prominent landmark in Mortlake for over 150 years. It was converted to steam after it was sold in 1857 to Hamilton, Aikman and Geddes. Its use declined after the Ararat goldfields petered out, the diggers moved on and local soils proved unsuited to the sustained cultivation of wheat. The existing Mill Chimney is Heritage listed and is part of the National Estate.1 paintingSigned W.Alenmill windmill mortlake national estate hamilton bostock aikman geddes -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Letter
This letter describes a business transaction of an item essential to conducting a mill in the days of the pioneers. The horse was purchased from Francis Jones at Grasmere some 45 kilometres distant. Francis Jones and descendants were closely associated with the settlement of Grasmere (district) and 'The Union', a well-known pastoral property still in existence today.The conduct of business in the 19th century could be slow and arduous. Horses were an essential component of business and communication. Their labour was pivotal to success and so their physical soundness (or otherwise) was vital. The horse trade was open to manipulation by the unscrupulous, selling unfit animals. Veterinary care and treatment was primitive, so a buyer could not be confident of a positive result, despite (as in this case) Jones' assurances of the triviality of the injury and Knights' capabilities. Handwritten letter on paper folden in half - water stained.Grasmere. April 4th 1864. Messrs. Hamilton & Co. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 29th March enclosing a cheque for [pound sign] balance of the price of the bay mare for which I am much obliged to you for your punctuality in sending it. I enclose you a receipt for the the (sic) same. With reference to the swelling on the mares leg it could only have been there a very short time before you purchased her. It can easily be removed if the proper remedies are applied. M. Knights the veterinary surgeon will give you medicine that will remove it for a trifle. Hoping the mare will give you ample satisfaction. I am scy. (sic) [sincerely] yours respecfully Francis Jones. mortlake mill hamilton transport communication francis jones grasmere michael knights veterinary surgeon -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Mortlake Streetscape, Photograph, Late 19th Century
Intersection of Officer and Townsend Streets, Mortlake. Early street lamps and the telegraph line from Hexham to Mortlake Post & Telegraph Office in Shaw Street erected in 1862 are visible. Mount Shadwell Store purchased by A. S. Stewart in the mid 1880's from Clarke & Co. of Geelong. In this photograph one can see the previous two stores - the building in the centre would have been the original Store owned and built by the Rae & Robertson circa 1860 and sold to Grieve & Benn in 1862 - the bulding on the right hand side was the business premises of the Mount Shadwell Store owned by Grieve & Benn later used as a storeroom when the building on the right was erected by them to become the main business premises which John Grieve sold to Clarke & Co. of Geelong in 1882 and they to A. S. Stewart It still operates as a supermarket in 2011.Even though in 2011 a facade now covers the entire front of these three building, the original buildings are still within the fabric of the store and includes a cellar in front of the oldest building. Black and white photographmount shadwell store, bluestone buildings -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Photograph, The Mill
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Mortlake and District Historical Society
Mortlake Butter Factory Co. Ltd, Photograph
This local factory was typical of small butter factories in the 1890's in Western Victoria. It was established in 1894 when farmers brought their milk to the factory on horse drawn drays and carts and waited for their cream to be separated. The skimmed milk was mostly used by farmers to feed calves and pigs and the separated cream was manufactured into butter, some of which was exported to England. By 1910 this butter factory had an electricity generating plant called Mortlake Electricity which supplied both the factory and the township with power and this took precedence over the butter production which continued until 1926 when it was sold to the Electricity Commission. By 1930 the Butter Factory had a yearly turnover of 24,000 pounds sterling and in1935 it was producing 6 tons of butter weekly. But in 1936 the factory was sold to Glenormiston Cheese & Butter Factory who ceased operations. The manager's residence still remains in 2011 as does the remnants of the small timber butter factory (charcoal lined) and the double brick cheese room but the bluestone chimney has long gone. This complex is listed by Heritage Victoria Black and White Photograph Nonecheese factory, mortlake, butter factory -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Photograph, Mortlake War Memorial
This memorial was built in 1922 by the Mortlake Shire Memorial Committee (Chairman Cr W. T. Allen) in memory of the forty two district men who died from injuries received during WW1. Financed by public subscriptions, it was designed and built by Messrs Wooles & Carpenter of Warrnambool at a cost of four hundred and fifty pounds sterling and unveiled in the same year by the Shire President Cr G. L. Dennis who presided at the ceremonyt and invited the Premier of Victoria the Honourable H. S. Lawson to unveil the memorial in the presence of a very large crowd which consisted of the Mortlake Brass Band and local schoolchildren. Photograph black and whitemortlake, war memorial dunlop street -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Bank of Victoria, Photograph
A branch of the Bank of Victoria was erected from bluestone in Mortlake in 1866. In 1860 improvements were made to the branch in in 1927 the Bank of Victoria mered with the Commercial Banking Co. of Sydney Ltd which later became the National Bank of Australia. This bluestone building was demolished in 1956 to make way for a new brick National Bank of Australia banking chamber and residence. The bluestone was taken to a local property called "Cattle Runs" -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Montgomery Memorial Fountain, Photograph
A memorial fountain was original originally sited at close to the gates of the Mortake State School and was unveiled by the citizens of Mortlake to perpetuate the memory of the late Cr Thomas Montgomery. The fountain was to be erected before the death of Cr Montgomery but as he died before this happened it became a memorial. Made of bluestone and Apollo Bay and Ceres stone it was designed by Messrs Wilcox Bros of Geelong. Cr Dennis as President of the Mortlake Shire Council was the first to turn on the water and take a drink from the fountain which was later removed to the front wall of the Mortlake Swimming Baths and then just recently to the east wall of the newly constructed bluestone toilets in Market Square.Thomas Montgomery served on the Mortlake Shire Council for thirty eight years, and was a local businessman who owned the general store known as Thos Montgomery as well as being a partner in a similar store in Terang known as Montgomery and Bradshaw.AD 1922 ERECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF MORTLAKE TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF THOMAS MONTGOMERYthomas montgomery memorial fountains -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Photograph - Montgomery Pavillion, Montgomery Pagoda or Pavillion, 1924
In July 1922 Rev. W. McBride of the St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Mortlake had a meeting with the Garden sub-committee to discuss how the 500 pounds sterling bequest from the Late Thomas Montgomery could best be spent. His suggestion was that the money should be spent on either a kiosk, pavillion or recreation hall and pavillion combines with kitchen and fireplace was agreed to with exact site to decided at a public meeting. Cr Montgomery, a local businessman and a councillor, had loved the gardens and had assisted to transform the area from a swamp into a thing of beauty. The design was chosed by his widow who had seen a smilar design in King's Park whilst in Perth so the plans were obtained from that City. The work was carried out by Archibald Cluny McDonald and completed in September 1924. In December 1924 the Montgomery Pagado was unveiled to the public by Cr Wells Brumley after which the Red Cross ladies served tea.THIS TABLET IS DESIGNED TO COMMEMORATE THE GENEROSITY OF THE LATE COUNCILLOR THOMAS MONTGOMERY BY WHOM THIS PAVILLION WAS GRACIOUSLY BEQUEATHED TO THE TOWN OF MORTLAKE AND TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF HIS NOBILITY OF CHARACTER AND EXTREME WORTH AS A CITIZENpagoda -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
The Peace Tree
This Norfolk Island pine tree was planted in 1919 as 'The Peace Tree'. A community gesture signifying the embrace of 'peace' as a valuable concept symbolised by the planting of a tree. [from Mortlake Dispatch] PEACE DAY 1919. Throughout the Empire three days were marked as Public Holidays including Peace Day in July 1919. Mortlake observed Peace Day by Peace Medals being distributed at the State School, Union Jacks being flown from many buildings and houses and the Peace Tree being planted at the intersection of Officer Street, Jamieson Avenue and Shaw Street. Then followed a procession [of local people]. It is assumed the Progress Association, which undertook the Avenue of Honour, also was responsible for planting the Peace Tree. Norfolk Pine tree located on eastern corner of Officer Street, Shaw Street and Jamieson Avenue intersection.1919, peace, norfolk island pine -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Queen Victoria's Oak Tree
This magnificent English oak tree is located at Tea Tree Lake park in Mortlake. This park was formerly the Botanic Gardens which were developed on what had been swamp land. An artificial lake was created there in 1988 as a Bi-Centenary project.The tree is located adjacent to the historic Montgomery Pavillion and was planted on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Victoria's birthday on 24th May 1883. An outstanding tree, planted to commemorate a much-revered Queen in an historically-significant Botanic Gardens (now much altered). A very old oak tree planted 1883. queen victoria, mortlake, mortlake botanic gardens, tea tree lake, montgomery pavillion -
Mortlake and District Historical Society
Lone Pine
This pine tree (Allepo Pine, Pinus halepensis) a native of the Gallipoli Peninisula (Gelibolu, Turkey), was grown from a cutting obtained from the War Memorial Canberra and planted in the Mortlake Botanic Gardens in 2002. It replaces the original which grew outside the Mortlake RSL Hall which blew down in a storm c.2000. That tree (Allepo brutius)came from 'the original on Gallipoli' and was planted to commemorate 'fallen comrades' in 'the Jubilee year 1965.' However, two soldiers first brought home pine cones direct from that fateful battlefield. . One was Sgt. Keith McDowell of the 24th Btn. His aunt, Mrs. Emma Gray of Grassmere (Vic.) planted the seeds c. 1928 and four seedlings resulted. One was planted in Wattle Park, Melbourne, one at the Shrine of Remembrance, one at the Soldier's Memorial Hall at The Sisters (c.15 km. south of Mortlake) and one at the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens. The First World War (or 'Great War') and in particular the battle for the Gallipoli Peninsula is of immense national significance. Lone Pine or Plateau 400 was the scene of a major offensive on August 6th 1915. All the trees on the ridge at this point were cut down but one, which was dominated by the 'Lone Pine'. In three days of fighting more than 2,000 Australians lost their lives and seven Victoria Crosses were won. Two Australian soldiers souvenired pine cones - one was brought back to Victoria (see above). Many young men from Mortlake and district volunteered to fight in the Great War and the presence of this tree in our Gardens reminds us all of the local as well as the national sacrifice.l pine tree Small plaque on railing western side. gallipoli, lone pine first world war great war mcdowell, keith -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Greensborough RSL, Memorabilia: Did You Know [Article on water powered flour mills], 1842o
Contains a brief history of the various flour mills that existed on the Plenty River upstream from Greensborough and some others in the district.Contains some hard to find information on district flour mills and their fate.A one page article on Plenty River flour mills written by Jim Allen.Niljanefield mill, george coulstock, john brock, peter hurlestone, carome mill, thomas mill, plenty river, yan yean reservoir, boadles mill, marsh farm, diamond creek -
Greensborough Historical Society
Genealogical chart, Chapman family [James Chapman/Susan Palmer], 1744o
A detailed list of members of the family of James Chapman and Susan Palmer. James Chapman was a pioneer of the Greensborough District.A 6 page group of family history charts. Complete text available at GHS.Niljames chapman, greensborough, cowlinge, lidgate, susan palmer -
Greensborough Historical Society
Pamphlet, Hurstbridge and District Local History Group, 2006c
This brochure details the purpose and activities of the Hurstbridge and District Local History Group. Operating out of Allwood Neighbourhood House, the Group offers a range of local history activities and access to the Hurstbridge collection.Tri-fold A4 sheet of buff paper, printed in brown with sepia illustrations.hurstbridge, allwood neighbourhood house, hurstbridge and district local history group -
Greensborough Historical Society
Genealogical Document, Poulter Family Tree, 1656o
A handwritten account of the Poulter family tree from 1656. Includes descendants of Samuel Poulter and Susan Haylock.A record of the Poulter family tree. The Poulter family were pioneers in the Greensborough district.Photocopy of 22 handwritten pages. Note attached: "Handwritten by Nellie Poulter. Don't know where she got info from. Someone has done a bit of research!"poulter, greensborough -
Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper clipping, Diamond Valley Leader, Icon Now Forgotten, 10/11/2004
The article was written because of the non observance of the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Walter Withers.Walter Withers was a prominent artist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He lived in Eaglemont and painted in the Eltham district for many years and was a member of the "Heidelberg School". He is buried in St Helena cemetery.A 2 page article which has 2 black and white and 2 colour photographs.Some writing in red biro around the margins and an asterix in pencil.walter withers, heidelberg school, artists, st helena cemetery -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph (copy), David Medhurst and Martha Medhurst (nee Ruston), 1880c
The photographs are of David Medhurst (1855-1939) and Martha (Ruston) Medhurst (1860-1943).The Medhurst and Ruston families were pioneers of the Greensborough district and were related to the Partington family.An A5 black and white copy of 2 Medhurst family photographs.Names of people are hand written on the rear.medhurst, rustin, greensborough, partington, photographs, ruston -
Greensborough Historical Society
Invitation, The B.P. Award to Greig Wanless, 29/10/1982
Issued by the 1st/2nd Greensborough Group as an invitation to an award ceremony. Greig Andrew Wanless was to receive the BP Award on 29/10/1982.The Greensborough Scout Group have had a long history with the youth of the area. The Wanless family held a large area of land to the immediate north of the township.An invitation on white card with green printing.Nilwanless, greig wanless, scouting, diamond valley district, greensborough group, the bp award -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, A Chapter of Baxter's History, 1837o
The article was originally printed in the Hastings Sun on 05/06/1985. Downloaded from www.bratpac.org/about-bratpac/baxters-history This document outlines some of the history of the Baxter family and the area known as Baxter on the Mornington PeninsulaA seven page computer printed document Nilbaxter, mornington peninsula, port phillip district, carrup carrup, baxters flat, captain benjamin baxter -
Greensborough Historical Society
Genealogical document, Jim Conn, Looking Back, 1985_
Jim Conn compiled this document from his family history research. The Bonsak family has many descendants in the Greensborough district.A 42 page black and white document outling the family history of the Bonsak family.The original owner's name is written in black biro on the inside front cover.bonsak, bonsack, schuster, conn, greensborough, orbost -
Greensborough Historical Society
Folder, Greensborough Cemetery: list of burials, 1863o
Greensborough cemetery was established in 1863 and burials continued into the 20th century. Many Greensborough pioneer families are buried here.A list of early residents of the Greensborough district.Black folder with clear plastic cover. Contains a list of burials at Greensborough Cemetery with brief information on each one.greensborough cemetery, cemeteries, pioneers -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Memoirs History 1808 -1883 [extract], 1808-1883
These pages are an extract from "Memoirs History 1808-1883" pages 345-350. This is John Lindsay Beale's account of the formation of the Greensborough Roads Board and Robert William Whatmough's participation on that Board.The Whatmough and Beale families were pioneers in the Greensborough district. This primary source discusses the difficulties of finding a compromise between those living adjacent to the Plenty River and building and maintaining a roadway between Greensborough and Melbourne.4 pages of typed text. An extract from "Memoirs History 1808 -1883" pages 345 - 350.greensborough roads board, beale, whatmough -
Greensborough Historical Society
Correspondence, Shire of Diamond Valley, Greensborough District Centre [Letter], 06/01/1989
The letter was sent to the Fraser Family in response to a query on the future of the Greensborough District Centre.At the time of its creation Greensborough was undergoing a lot of change and there was a fear among older residents that the character of the town would be lost.A 5 page letter on the letterhead of the former Shire of Diamond Valley. Nilgreensborough district centre, shire of diamond valley, fraser family, development, 1989 -
Greensborough Historical Society
Pamphlet, Shire of Diamond Valley, Greensborough District Centre, Structure Plan, 1988_
This was issued in 1988 calling for comments regarding the proposed development of the Greensborough Centre in 1988.This pamphlet has pictures of Greensborough as it was in 1988 and 4 concept plans for the proposed development.A 6 page folded pamphlet with green print on a glossy yellow paper.Nilgreensborough centre, 1988, diamond valley shire, lend lease -
Greensborough Historical Society
Memoirs, Rosalie Bray, A Second Chance at Learning, 1988-1991
The document details the experiences of Rosie Bray as an adult student at Watsonia High School.Rosie Bray is a member of Greensborough Historical Society. Watsonia High School is a former school in the district, now amalgamated to form Greensborough College.A 5 page document with a number of coloured photographs.Nilwatsonia high school, rosie bray, aduilt learning, greensborough college -
Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper clipping, Diamond Valley News, 125th Birthday At St Katherine's, 1983_11
St Katherine's church was established in 1858 and named Rose Chapel after the wife of Major Beale.The Beale family were amongst the earliest pioneers of the Greensborough district.A brief article on the 125th anniversary of St Katherine's church at St Helena.St Katherine's church was established by Major Beale in 1858.rose chapel, st katherines church, st helena, 125th anniversaries -
Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper clipping, Diamond Valley Leader, Centre calls for cost relief, 05/12/2012
The article is about the Kalparrin Early Childhood Intervention program which provides therapy sessions, support and carer information for children and families in Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Banyule.Kalparrin is a major provider of care for disabled children in the local district.A 2 page newspaper clipping with 3 coloured photographs showing a mother swimming with her child. Nilkalparrin, disabled childrens care, hydrotherapy -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, History of Plenty River Children's Cemetery; by Anne Paul, 1848-1860
The unmarked graves of the children of two Greensborough pioneer families lie in a private cemetery on the Plenty River. Burials occurred between 1848 and 1860.The significance lies in the association with two of the pioneer families of the Greensborough district. Descendants of both families still live in the area.2 printed pages of text, one page map (item 848).pioneer childrens cemetery, plenty river, partington, whatmough