Present day location of Nongkhai Thai Eltham restaurant Formerly the location of: Luther Haleys Bakery and General Store (Sep 1902-1917) - Hayley built this store, which was the first store erected in the present-day Eltham shopping district Hannah Lloyd's General Store (1917-c.Feb 1920) Various owners Staff's General Store (c.1939-Feb 1965) then demolished Ray Staff Eltham Big Star Food Centre (c.1965-1967) Eltham Big Star Food Centre (Staffs new building c.1965-1967) A Country Heritage Furniture and Homewares (?-2006) Newspaper advertisement: Leader Associated Newspapers, 100 Years of News Special Edition, August 27, 1997, p6; A Country Heritage Newspaper advertisement: Diamond Valley Leader, 4 September 2006, Closing Down Sale, A Country Heritage In February 1965, Staffs Railway Store, the oldest business premises in the Eltham shopping district was demolished. Formerly a self-service grocery, restaurant and electrical repair shop, the building for many years housed Eltham’s only ‘family’ grocer and feed store. Earlier it had appeared to have been the town’s bakery. The building had been purchased in late March 1939 by Mr Eric N. Staff. At the time of E.N. Staff’s purchase there were huge bakers’ ovens located at the rear and the building also had a well and four toilets for employees. When the ‘pictures’ came to Eltham with the opening of the Eltham Public Hall across the road in 1941, Mr E.N. Staff extended the business and opened a milk bar and sweet shop. Further extensions re-established the tea rooms of days gone by. Mr E.N. Staff conducted business for about 15 years before handing over the reins to his son, Ray Staff. When his son Ray took over, the milk bar and tea rooms were closed for several years but the milk bar and was later re-opened and subsequently became a greengrocers and later again, a restaurant. The tea rooms section was converted to an electrical repair shop about 1955. Electoral Roll records for 1967 record Raymond Charles Staff at 929 Main Road, Eltham, grocer, and in 1968 at Lot 4, Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham, taxi truck operator. Staff’s store appears to have occupied 929-933 Main Road and the Eltham Big Star Food Centre was centred around 931 Main Road. It would appear that Ray continued to run the business for approximately two years after the original store was demolished and a new supermarket was built. Today, 931 Main Road is the Nongkhai Thai Restaurant and is precisely where the original Staffs store stood. Even though the facade has been modified at eye level with new larger windows, the upper facade is identical to that of the new Eltham Big Star Food Centre of 1965/66. But how did the original building, the oldest premises in the 1965 era shopping centre come about? On August 12th, 1902 at the Eltham Courthouse, appearing before T. Smallman, Esq,. Police Magistrate, and Messrs. W. Duncan and W.J. Taylor, Justices of the Peace is Luther Haley, baker. Wilfred Henry Johnston, by his agent Stanley Ernest Elder had applied for a warrant of ejectment under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1890 against Luther Haley from the bakery premises at the corner of Main Road and York Street. From the evidence presented we learn that Mrs Burgoyne of Eltham had purchased the property some months earlier from Mr Johnston, which consisted of a store and bakery establishment at Eltham occupied by Mr. Luther Haley, and whose lease expired some little time back, and up to the present time, Mr. Haley was not prepared to leave. He informed the court that he is unable to secure at Eltham a suitable house in which to carry on his business, but was building a place near the railway station which he expected to be done in about three weeks time, and he is then prepared to give up possession of the premises he now occupies. Mr Smallman informed the defendant, Luther Haley, that he will have to quit the premises in three weeks from the present date, and that a warrant of ejectment would be issued. However he also informed Mr Haley that he would order the warrant to lie in the office for three weeks from that date. The premises under construction referred to by Luther Haley in court were situated on the western side of Main Road, near the railway station slightly opposite present-day Arthur Street. It was opened around September 1902 as a General Store, Bakery and Tea Rooms. This was the original building in the present-day shopping precinct. At the time the only thing nearby was the railway station. Luther Haley’s business appeared to prosper and he would have catered to not only the locals abut also day visitors by train on Sundays coming up from Melbourne, offering fresh baked produce, tea rooms and summer drinks. The fields across Main Road running between present day Arthur Street and Luck Street were known as Haley’s Paddock and at times were used for community festivities and picnics. A newspaper report on the annual State schools picnic held at Haley’s Paddock on March 11, 1904 described it as “quite close to the railway station, and is quite capable of holding comfortably 10,000 people. With its ample shade and hilly surroundings, it is an ideal place for any gathering.” Luther Haley successfully ran his general store, bakery and tea rooms until 1917 when he and his family departed the district and moved to Westgarth Street in Northcote where he changed careers and became a publisher. It was then taken over by Hannah Lloyd and became known as Lloyd’s Railway General Store from 1917 to 1920. From then it had a succession of owners, one as short as two months until March 31, 1939 when the Grocery Business formerly carried on by Mr. T.K. White of Eltham for the previous eight years was purchased by Mr Eric N. Staff of Research and became known as E.N. Staff’s Railway Store. The ownership timeline for the store is as follows: Luther Haley Sep 1902-1917 Hannah Lloyd 1917-c.Feb 1920 Messrs J.R. & N.E. Lee 1920-Sep 1922 A. & E. Copeland Sep 1922-Sep 1925 Mr Price Sep 1925-Nov 1925 Mr Warren Nov 1925?-Nov 1926 A.W.J. Edwards Nov 1926-1931 T.K. White 1931-Mar 1939 Eric Staff Apr 1939-c.1954 Ray Staff c.1954-Feb 1965 then demolished Ray Staff Eltham Big Star Food Centre c.1965-1967 THROWBACKTHURSDAY: ELTHAM BIG STAR FOOD CENTRE, MAIN ROAD, 1966 https://elthamhistory.wordpress.com/2020/04/16/throwbackthursday-eltham-big-star-food-centre-main-road-1966/eltham, businesses, a country heritage, property, shops, main road eltham, a. copeland, a.w.j. edwards, big star food centre, e. copeland, eric staff, general store, hannah lloyd, j.r. lee, lloyd's general store, luther haley, n.e. lee, price, ray staff, staffs general store, supermarket, t.k. white

Commercial Stores was owned and run by Peter Eadie from Perthshire in Scotland, whose brothers were John and Robert. Peter and Robert arrived in Sunbury in 1864 to help their brother John with his milling enterprise. In 1866, Peter purchased the blue stone general store in Macedon Street near the bridge. He later built the Commercial Hotel also in Macedon Street and near the Ballcourt Hotel.Before the railway arrived in Sunbury, Macedon Street was Sunbury's main commercial centre. After the establishment of the railway, the commercial centre shifted close to the railway station. The Eadie family's stately home, 'Dunblane', was on the corner of Brook and Jackson Street.A Lutheran Church now occupies the lower section of the land fronting Brook Street, but the home has a local heritage listing. Peter Eadie became a Shire of Bulla councillor and President in 1880. Dunblane is from the Scots Gaelic -'dun' is a fortified hill and 'Blane' a missionary.The Eadie Family established one of Sunbury's general stores in the town and were involved in many other commercial activities.A print of a non-digital black and white photograph of a country general store. A medium sized vintage open tray truck is parked in front of the shop on the LHSand a horse-drawn open cart is on the RHS of the image.eadie family, peter eadie, commercial stores, macedon street, businesses

non-fictionNOT ONLY IN STONE is the story of Polly Thomas, a woman of strength, courage and compassion, whose life is intimately tied to the pioneering era of South Australia. Polly arrives in Adelaide from Cornwall in 1865 with her husband Nathan, a miner, Richard, her baby son, and Ellen, her young sister. The baby had been born on the long and arduous voyage to Australia. Polly and Nathan move to the copper mining towns on the Yorke Penjnsula. Tragedy and death haunt Polly's life. Her sister dies in childbirth; Polly has four children but only two survive; a son is drowned; her beloved daughter dies of croup; Nathan is crippled; and a crooked lawyer swindles Polly of her life savings. Although tragedy robs Polly's life of joy, her independent spirit is never quelled. After Nathan's death, she moves to Adelaide and for many years lives in North Adelaide close to her son, who succeeds in business, and his family. The sorrow in the life of Polly Thomas is overwhelming, but never is it mawkish. This is history with a human face. A family life chronicle full of the stuff of the pioneers... a closely woven tapestry of the humour and pathos of life. Shirley Stott Despoja, Adelaide Advertiser (book jacket notes)polly thomas, nathan thomas

24 pagesnon-fictionA wide variety of hand embroidery stiches were used, as well as machine embroidery on hand-painted fabric.Tree trunks were mainly appliqued but some some were cross-stiched; distant foliage is free machine embroidery on water-soluble fabric and closer foliage consists of individually embroidered leaves.All 55 embroideries of birds, animals, fish, insects, plants, fence posts, logs, rocks, etc. were worked by 15 people.312 residents, families and friends added their stiches to the canvaswork label panel. embroidery, cardinia flora, cardinia fauna

By the close of the 19th century, colonial children in Australia (especially poorer ones) were expected to work by age 10 or 11. Boys could become apprentices or assistants to trades such as butchers, printers, carpenters, bakers, smiths or services such as delivering newspapers. Girls could work as domestic servants, seamstresses, or in large clothing factories or weaving mills. Girls as young as 6 could work in cities selling stationary or matches to passers-by. In the 1880s workers in matchstick factories, predominantly women and young girls (4-16 years old) from working-class families could work up to 14 hours a day and were exposed to deadly phosphorous vapours on a daily basis. This led to the devastating disease known as “phossy jaw” or “phosphorous necrosis of the jaw” which caused the jawbone to rot. This small rectangular tin matchbox with raised writing on top would once have been gold and brightly coloured. It has a metal striker on the inside as this type of match contains phosphorous which is volatile and can be lit by friction. Duncan's Waterproof Wax vestas

This 1999 photograph of staff at Jacana Primary School captures a significant moment in the history of a community-oriented institution that served Melbourne’s northern suburbs from 1959 until the early 2000s. More than just a staff portrait, the image reflects the enduring spirit of a school deeply embedded in its local context—one that championed educational access, fostered a strong sense of belonging, and played a vital role in shaping community identity. As a visual record, it offers valuable insight into the educational culture, staff dynamics, and broader social values of suburban Melbourne at the close of the 20th century. This 1999 photograph of Jacana Primary School staff holds considerable historical and cultural value as a visual record of a school that played a pivotal role in the educational and social fabric of Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Operating from 1959 until the early 2000s, Jacana Primary was more than an educational institution—it was a cornerstone of community life, fostering inclusion, resilience, and opportunity for generations of students and families. The image is significant for its ability to convey the ethos of the school at the close of the 20th century, reflecting broader trends in public education, suburban development, and community identity in Victoria. It offers insight into the people who shaped the school’s legacy and serves as a tangible link to the shared experiences and values of the Jacana community.A colour photograph depicting teachers at Jacana Primary School, taken in 1999. The image is bordered by a black frame and features a white strip along the bottom edge with names of individuals neatly printed. The Jacana Primary School logo is located in the bottom right-hand corner. Photograph is laminated. jacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, ms. carol taylor, 1999, merna gamble, luba bojczuk, mrs. linda mostyn, mrs. kaye smith, david mccall, marie killender, kathryn mananis, vicki dokas, mrs. vivien mcnish, ms. milly dobricic, effie kyrpigikidis

This 1997 photograph of staff at Jacana Primary School represents a poignant chapter in the history of a community-focused educational institution that served Melbourne’s northern suburbs from 1959 until the early 2000s. Far more than a conventional staff portrait, the image stands as a historical artifact—capturing the ethos of a school that was deeply interwoven with its local community. Jacana Primary was a place where educational equity, inclusivity, and a strong sense of belonging were not just ideals but everyday practices. The photograph offers a window into the educational values, staff culture, and broader social dynamics of suburban Melbourne at the close of the 20th century, reflecting the school’s enduring impact on generations of students and families. This 1997 staff photograph from Jacana Primary School holds enduring historical and cultural value as a visual record of a community-centred institution that served Melbourne’s northern suburbs from 1959 until the early 2000s. The image encapsulates the school’s pivotal role in promoting inclusive education, fostering social cohesion, and shaping local identity during a period of significant demographic and educational change. As a representation of the school’s staff culture and values at the close of the 20th century, the photograph offers insight into broader trends in suburban public education, including the emphasis on equity, community engagement, and the professional dedication of educators. It stands as a testament to the legacy of Jacana Primary School and its lasting impact on generations of students, families, and the wider community.A colour photograph depicting teachers at Jacana Primary School, taken in 1997. The image is bordered by a black frame and features a white strip along the bottom edge with names of individuals neatly printed. The Jacana Primary School logo is located in the bottom right-hand corner. Photograph is laminated. jacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, mrs. heather faulkes, mrs. dora aylward, mr. rob merlino, mrs. linda mostyn, mrs. vivien mcnish, mr. graham archer, ms. mary stapleton, mrs. doreen brown, mrs. pam streete, mrs. kaye smith, 1997

This 1998 staff photograph from Jacana Primary School provides valuable insight into the history of public education in Melbourne’s northern suburbs during the late 20th century. Operating from 1959 until the early 2000s, Jacana Primary was more than a place of learning—it was a cornerstone of the local community. The image captures a moment in time that reflects the school’s commitment to educational access, inclusivity, and community engagement. It illustrates the professional culture of the staff and the broader social values that shaped suburban schooling during this period. As such, the photograph serves as a meaningful record of the school’s role in fostering a sense of identity and belonging among generations of students and families. This 1998 staff photograph of Jacana Primary School is significant as a visual record of a community-based educational institution that operated in Melbourne’s northern suburbs from 1959 to the early 2000s. The image captures the professional and social fabric of the school at a time when public education was undergoing substantial change. It reflects the school’s enduring commitment to inclusive education, community involvement, and social cohesion. As a historical artifact, the photograph provides insight into the values, demographics, and educational culture of suburban Melbourne at the close of the 20th century. It holds cultural and social value for former students, staff, and the broader community, representing a shared legacy of learning, belonging, and local identity.A colour photograph depicting teachers at Jacana Primary School, taken in 1998. The image is bordered by a black frame and features a white strip along the bottom edge with names of individuals neatly printed. The Jacana Primary School logo is located in the bottom right-hand corner. Photograph is laminated. jacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, mrs. heather faulkes, mrs. linda mostyn, mrs. vivien mcnish, ms. mary stapleton, mrs. pam streete, mrs. kaye smith, ms. carol taylor, janelle koistinen, yvonne micallef, vicki dokas, 1998

non-fictionIn about 1878 a letter appeared in a Hobart newspaper from a gentleman who had lately travelled along the East Coast of Tasmania. He complained about the lack of places of refreshment - of inns there were plenty but these were not to his taste and he was disappointed not to find even a cottage where he could rest and purchase a cup of tea. This was read by Edward Cotton, eighth son of Francis and Anna Maria Cotton of Kelvedon and now manager of their property. Stirred by this lack of hospitality, he wrote in response words to the effect that at his home, 'Kelvedon', close by the main road, the 'kettle on the hob' had seldom gone off the boil since 1830, and weary travellers would be welcome to a cup of tea at any time, without charge. Travellers were comparatively few in those days, but Edward's welcome led to many happy encounters. (Back cover)tasmania, edward cotton

This framed lithograph print in watercolour and gouache was produced on November 19th, 1924, by 20th-century marine artist, Mr R.N. Duffield. It depicts the event of a sea rescue that took place two years earlier. The framer was A.L. Frith of Footscray, Melbourne, who actively advertised from 1933 to 1935. The now disbanded Shiplovers' Society of Victoria (1930-2018) donated the print, and it seems likely that this print was framed for that organisation. This graphic image shows the conditions in which the rescue from the wrecked Helen B. Sterling happened. Captain George Harris was master of the American-owned, four-masted windjammer. His wife Edith and their ten-year-old son Leslie were on board, along with a crew of fifteen seamen. The ship set off from Newcastle, NSW, on January 5th, 1922, loaded with a cargo of coal to deliver to the Society Islands and on to San Francisco. Young Leslie later wrote a lively school composition for his teacher about his experiences on board the Helen B Sterling. He tells of a fire that broke out the day after they departed and burned a hole in a beam. Then another troublesome time on the 9th, when a strong gale blew a sail off the ship. Finally, he tells of the highlight of his voyage when, on the 18th January, the ship was right in the path of a strong cyclone, which broke the mainmast. Huge waves crashed over both sides of the deck, meeting in the middle, and the ship began to sink. The rescue from the wreck was an exciting time for the young boy, and even more so when one of his cats survived after being carefully wrapped in a pillowcase and thrown down from the ship for the boy. Reporters later wrote about Leslie’s comments, “... what had grieved him most was the thought that he might never see his two little sisters again”. Captain Harris said in a published statement, “… the gale was the worst he had met in his 12 years’ experience at sea. All went well for the first week. We then encountered a strong blow from the south-east. We tried the gasoline pump, but the engine broke down, and we had to do the pumping by hand. We at once shortened sail, but the sea increased in fury to such an extent that men were washed from the pumps. I was below at 5:30 on Sunday morning [January 22nd, 1922] when the main mast went over the side, … I at once sent out SOS signals, and got word that HMAS Melbourne was coming to our assistance. I had made a mistake with regard to our position, but did not know it until 11:30 o’clock, when I sent out the correct location. This was picked up by the Melbourne and I received the following reply: “We will reach you about 2 am. Keep a good heart. The Melbourne will do all she can.” Our ship was practically awash when we were taken off.” (Ref: the ‘Helen B. Sterling Disaster’, Maitland Weekly Mercury, NSW, 4-2-1922.) Officers from the Royal Australian Navy, Captain Henry J Feakes (later Rear-Admiral) and Commander Wilfrid Ward Hunt, were on board the light cruiser, HMAS Melbourne (1913-1928), when it left Sydney for New Zealand. After the SOS was received, the ship sped at full steam towards the sinking Helen B. Sterling. They found the vessel at about midnight and shone bright search lights on the distressed ship to illuminate the desperate scene. The Melbourne was unable to move close to the schooner, so sixteen seamen, including Commander Hunt, volunteered to man the Melbourne’s lifesaving 12-oared cutter. They rowed the sea boat with great urgency towards the victims of the sinking ship, keen to save lives no matter what the conditions. When the cutter was close to the Sterling, a line was secured between the Sterling and the cutter. The weary, waterlogged and anxious men on board could be rescued, one at a time, in the breeches buoy equipment, which looked like canvas shorts with a lifesaving ring in the waistband. The victims were hauled along the line and pulled aboard by many willing hands. All eighteen crew and passengers were saved, including Captain Harris and his family. The seamen of the Melbourne received a heroes’ welcome when they arrived in New Zealand. The grateful survivors were taken to Auckland, where they received the care and comfort they needed. Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Cr. Swanston, on behalf of the citizens of Melbourne, formally recognised the heroic rescue efforts of the seamen of the HMAS Melbourne on March 2nd, 1922, at a special presentation. Two large flags, a White Ensign and an Australian “Jack" Flag, were presented to the Captain of HMAS Melbourne, and souvenirs were awarded to the sea boat’s crew and its Commander, Wilfred Ward Hunt. Commander Hunt was also presented with an original watercolour depicting the heroic rescue from the wreck of the Helen B. Sterling, painted just after the event by renowned marine artist Arthur V Gregory (1867-1957), and he received a silver cigarette case bearing the City’s coat of arms and the inscription, "To Commander Ward Hunt from the Citizens of Melbourne as a memento of the rescue of the crew of Helen B. Stirling by H.M.A.S. Melbourne, on 23.1.22". Both the painting and the cigarette case are now treasured items inherited by his grandson; a reminder of “… a very fine naval gentleman who believed in leading by example." R.N. DUFFIELD: - The Lithograph print in our collection by 20th-century English artist R.N. Duffield is dated Nov. 19, 1924. It is very similar to, and possibly created from, the original A V Gregory watercolour presented to Commander Hunt and dated 1922. Mr R.N. Duffield has art works in the Yarmouth Museums, Norfolk Museums Collection; “Orient Liner Otranto …,” and "Convoy of six ships at sea", both painted in watercolour and gouache during the 1940s. Some of his other works, also painted in watercolour and gouache, have been advertised for sale on Internet sites. Some details differ between the original A.V. Gregory and this Lithograph Print: - -the words on the bow on the original watercolour are “Helen B. Sterling, Blain”, which is in Washington, USA, where the Sterling Shipping Company was registered from around 1919; the words on the print are “Helen B. Sterling, Halifax, N S”, for Nova Scotia, Canada, which is the hometown of Sterling Shipping Company founder’s wife, Helen B Sterling. -The watercolour is coloured and has fine details; the print is monochrome - The A V Gregory signed the watercolour in 1922, on the lower left; the print is signed with the Lithographer’s name on the lower right; “R N Duffield, Nov. 19. 1924” ARTHUR VICTOR GREGORY (1867-1957): - A.V. Gregory is a renowned marine artist who worked in watercolour and gouache. He painted actively between 1899 and 1932, creating over 3o0 works. South Melbourne, Victoria, was where he lived and worked. This Lithograph print is significant in that it depicts the rescuing of the passengers and crew of the schooner “Helen B Stirling”. At the time this was a significant event that made most Australian and New Zealand papers because of the involvement of the Australian cruiser “Melbourne”. The image demonstrates the perilous conditions experienced by seafarers. It includes an example of the line and breeches buoy method used to save lives at sea from the 1860s and into the 20th century. It reflects a time in our history when sail and steam ships cruised the world’s seas together, the former trading with a cargo of coal from Newcastle, the latter defending our country in World War I. The print is part of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum’s Collection of maritime artworks that depict famous events, vessels and locations, showing the evolution of sea craft, and aiding the interpretation of our maritime history. The Lithograph print is behind glass in a black painted timber frame and mounted under a cream matte. The vivid image depicts a sea rescue in progress. The night scene is illuminated by a light beaming from a steamship, the Cruiser HMAS Melbourne. It reveals figures on the deck of a sinking sailing ship, the schooner Helen B. Sterling, as foaming waves roll across it. The stricken ship has a broken main mast, and a sail has been detached. A small figure is floating in the choppy sea, secured in a breeches buoy that is attached to a rescue line between a lifesaving cutter and the sailing ship. The crewmen in the cutter are ready to haul the shipwrecked victim aboard, while the figures on the foundering ‘Sterling’ watch them. The print’s paper-covered wooden backboard is attached to the frame with small tacks. A metal hanging wire is secured to two dissimilar eyelet screws. Inscriptions include text on the bow of the sinking vessel, a handwritten title below the picture, and a handwritten name in the print’s lower right corner. On the reverse are two oval, black ink stamps and a round cream label with printed text. The hand-painted print was reproduced from a lithograph, signed in the lower right, by R.N. Duffield of England, on November 19th, 1924. A Frith of Footscray, Melbourne framed it. Painted on the ship’s bow: “HELEN B. STERLING / HALIFAX N S” [Nova Scotia, Canada] Handwritten below the print: “AUSTRALIAN CRUISER “MEMBOURNE” (Tons 5600) rescuing crew of sinking four-masted schooner “HELEN B. STERLING” of Halifax NS Canada, Tons 1343 in a gale in the Pacific Ocean.” Handwritten on lower right: “R.N. DUFFIELD / Nov. 19. 1924” (underlined) On paper label: “Phone: / Footscray 398 [some of the text has torn off] / “A. FRITH / PICTURE FRAMER / Manufacturer / 17 Paisley Street / Footscray.“ On both oval stamps: “SHIPLOVERS SOCIETY OF VICTORIA / LIBRARY” flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, lithograph, lithograph print, reproduction print, helen b. sterling, the sterling, american owned schooner, halifax, halifax n s, halifax nova scotia, nova scotia, halifax n s canada, schooner, windjammer, sailing ship, four-masted ship, captain george harris, george harris, edith harris, leslie harris, sterling shipping line, hmas melbourne, hmas melbourne (1), cruiser hmas melbourne, the melbourne, australian cruiser, captain henry j feakes, commander wilfred ward hunt, sinking ship, shipwreck, sea rescue, gale, cyclone, 1922 rescue, shipwreck rescue, breeches buoy, line rescue, rescue line, lifesaving, cutter, cutter melbourne, sea boat, lifesaving crew, 12-oar cutter, shipwreck victim, r.n. duffield, marine artist, nov. 19. 1924, 20th century artist, a frith, footscray picture framer, shiplovers’ society of victoria, shiplovers’ society library, watercolour, a v gregory, arthur victor gregory, melbourne artist, newcastle coal, newcastle nsw, society islands, san fracisco, aukland new zealand, school composition, ship’s cat, sos signal, lord mayor cr. swanston, heroes, cigarette case

Mr Wehner's family was a prominent family in Orbost from the late 19th C. Hermann Wehner founded Wehner's blacksmiths at Orbost in 1889. Oswald began working with his father in 1910. In 1947, Ossie's son Tom started blacksmithing, retiring in 1991 and closing the business. The building remains in Nicholson Street, Orbost. A photograph is significant because it is of one of Orbost's blacksmiths. The Wehner family of blacksmiths (1889-1991) worked in Orbost and were the last blacksmiths operating until 1991. B/White photograph of a man wearing a leather apron and glasses and standing in front of an anvil. Holding blacksmiths tools. The photo is a copy, not an original.

Produced as a family memorial card at Julia's death in 1927 and retained in the family ever since in her beloved home 'Hymettus'.Julia Taffe was born Julia Berkery at Bungaree in 1868 of pioneering Irish couple Patrick and Mary Berkery who arrived and settled in the district in1853. Proud of her pioneering family and close to her uncle, Daniel Brophy, Shire President of Bungaree, MLA and Mayor of Ballarat she requested the family home remain as such. Hymettus has been kept in accordance to her wishes.ballarat, bungaree, pioneer