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Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Wattle Glen Picnic Ground, c.1955, 1955c
The Wattle Glen Picnic Ground was located in a paddock just west of the Wattle Glen railway station (between the station and the creek). It has now completely disappeared except for a dilapidated overgrown building on a rise across the track from the railway platform. This was the picnic ground's main pavilion, which for a short time (circa 1972-1974) also served as the Wattle Glen post office and general store. The picnic ground operated from circa 1925 until late 1974, its heyday being in the early 1970s. This photo shows a group of picnickers on an outing from the East Coburg Presbyterian Church in around 1955. They travelled to Wattle Glen in a furniture removal van, sitting on church pews in the back of the van. Digital copy of sepia photographwattle glen, picnic ground -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Ron Kirkbride, Wattle Glen Picnic Ground, c.1971, 1971c
The Wattle Glen Picnic Ground was located in a paddock just west of the Wattle Glen railway station (between the station and the creek). It has now completely disappeared except for a dilapidated overgrown building on a rise across the track from the railway platform. This was the picnic ground's main pavilion, which for a short time (circa 1972-1974) also served as the Wattle Glen post office and general store. The picnic ground operated from circa 1925 until late 1974, its heyday being in the early 1970s. It was then managed by Ron and Barbara Kirkbride and was a thriving operation. The pavilion housed a substantial kiosk as well as toilets and showers. There were swings and slides for children, and there was an oval for cricket and football matches. Large group bookings became so popular that often the general public were excluded. This photo is believed to have been taken in about 1971. Digital copies of four black and white photographswattle glen, picnic ground -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Richard Pinn, Wattle Glen Picnic Ground, Dilapidated Pavilion Building, 2015, 07/02/2015
The Wattle Glen Picnic Ground was located in a paddock just west of the Wattle Glen railway station (between the station and the creek). It has now completely disappeared except for a dilapidated overgrown building on a rise across the track from the railway platform. This was the picnic ground's main pavilion, which for a short time (circa 1972-1974) also served as the Wattle Glen post office and general store. The picnic ground operated from circa 1925 until late 1974, its heyday being in the early 1970s.Born digital (three images)wattle glen, picnic ground -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, George W. Bell, Excavation of site for new Eltham Shire Office building, 895 Main Road, Eltham, 1964
Black and white photograph of bulldozer excavating the former Shillinglaw Cottage site for new Shire Offices. 'Shillinglaw Trees' in background. The cottage and land were purchased by the Shire of Eltham as the site for a new shire office building. The cottage was destined for demolition but members of the community concerned at losing one of the areas earliest buildings (built c.1859) initiated a fund-raising campaign to save the cottage. In 1964 the cottage was dis-assembled, all the bricks numbered and reassembled several hundred meters to the south on a site between the Gahan house and the Eltham Railway Trestle Bridge (present-day Panther Place), which became known as the Eltham Common. The new shire offices at 895 Main Road were opened in 1965. Following the Kennett Government amalgamation of local government areas in 1994, the Shire of Eltham ceased to exist, and a new Shire of Nillumbik was created 15 December 1994 from the former Eltham shire and parts of the Diamond Valley shire. The former West Riding which included parts of Montmorency, Lower Plenty and Briar Hill were ceded to the new City of Banyule. Commissioners were appointed for several years and the new Council occupied the former offices of the Shire of Diamond Valley in Greensborough. The former Eltham Shire offices remained vacant until August 1996 the Commissioners suddenly elected to have the former Shire offices demolished immediately and the site has remained vacant ever since. It was not until 1997 before the community was allowed to democratically elect new Councillors to represent them. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negeltham, eltham shire office, excavation, george w. bell collection, main road, municipal offices, shillinglaw cottage, shillinglaw trees, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire offices, significant tree -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, George W. Bell, Shillinglaw Cottage, Main Road, Eltham, c.1964
Shillinglaw Cottage on its original site (present day 895 Main Road) showing old picket fence c.1964. The cottage and land were purchased by the Shire of Eltham as the site for a new shire office building. The cottage was destined for demolition but members of the community concerned at losing one of the areas earlist buildings (built c.1859) initiated a fund-raising campaign to save the cottage. In 1964 the cottage was dis-assembled, all the bricks numbered and reassembled several hundred meters to the south on a site between the Gahan house and the Eltham Railway Trestle Bridge (present-day Panther Place), which bcame known as the Eltham Common.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, shillinglaw cottage, fences, george w. bell collection, houses, main road -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, George W. Bell, Shillinglaw Cottage, Main Road, Eltham, c.1964
Shillinglaw Cottage on its original site (present day 895 Main Road) showing old picket fence c.1964. The cottage and land were purchased by the Shire of Eltham as the site for a new shire office building. The cottage was destined for demolition but members of the community concerned at losing one of the areas earlist buildings (built c.1859) initiated a fund-raising campaign to save the cottage. In 1964 the cottage was dis-assembled, all the bricks numbered and reassembled several hundred meters to the south on a site between the Gahan house and the Eltham Railway Trestle Bridge (present-day Panther Place), which bcame known as the Eltham Common.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, shillinglaw cottage, fences, george w. bell collection, houses, main road -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Eltham - Old R.C. Church (building not there in 1923)
Eltham - Old R.C. Church (building not there in 1923). The original St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church (1865-1912) was built of clay brick with buttress walls and a slate roof on the corner of Fordhams Road and Maria Street (Main Road), Eltham South, opposite the present-day Wingrove Park. It was blessed on September 3, 1865. With the arrival of the railway in 1901 and the town centre moving closer to the station, the decision was made to relocate the site of the church to its present-day location on Henry Street at the corner of Main Road. A new timber weatherboard church, also called St Mary's was erected and blessed on October 13, 1912. The church and land cost £1,400 (Evelyn Observer). The original brick church It was demolished in the 1920s and the bricks and windows were recycled to build a dairy on the Brinkkotter farm at Research. The timber church was destroyed by fire in 1961 and a new modern architectural (1960s) style church was erected in its place and named Our Lady of Help Christians Church.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, roman catholic church, catholic church, church, main road, st marys catholic church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, The Bridge, Hurstbridge, Vic, c.1925
Copied from brochure "Wattle Valley Estate" 7 minutes from the bridge. The new bridge designed by Sir John Monash over the Diamond Creek near Hurst's home of 'Mia Mia' at Hurstbridge. The Wattle Valley Estate was first advertised in August 1925 as weekend building allotments by the Greater Melbourne Land and Development Company. Advertised from £28.10.0 or £60 per block. In August 1926, 30 picked allotments of 60x150 feet were put up for auction Saturday August 14, 1926 with frontages to Valley View Road and Fawkner Crescent advertised in the “Heart of the Glorious Wattle Country” and “Within 15 Minutes of the Newly Electrified Railway Station”. The Advertiser on August 13, 1926 in an article promoting the auction stated “the estate is regarded as one of the best in the district, and will be sold practically without reserve.” It is noted that an advertisement running in The Argus February 22, 1951 offered the remaining 16 blocks for sale at £12.10.0 or £200 the lot. By March 7, the remaining blocks were advertised at £17.10.0 The Wattle Valley Estate took over 20 years to sell and then people could not build on them This image was also used in a brochure advertising the "Wattle Valley Estate", which forms part of the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection (Cross Reference Photo No.(s): 1056, 1057)This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, hurstbridge, bridge, diamond creek (creek), monash bridge, wattle valley estate -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Rose Stereograph Company, The Bridge, Hurstbridge, Vic, c.1925
Copied from brochure "Wattle Valley Estate". The new bridge designed by Sir John Monash over the Diamond Creek near Hurst's original home "Mia Mia" seen in the distance. Reprinted from brochure advertising "Wattle Valley Estate" 7 minutes from bridge. The Wattle Valley Estate was first advertised in August 1925 as weekend building allotments by the Greater Melbourne Land and Development Company. Advertised from £28.10.0 or £60 per block. In August 1926, 30 picked allotments of 60x150 feet were put up for auction Saturday August 14, 1926 with frontages to Valley View Road and Fawkner Crescent advertised in the “Heart of the Glorious Wattle Country” and “Within 15 Minutes of the Newly Electrified Railway Station”. The Advertiser on August 13, 1926 in an article promoting the auction stated “the estate is regarded as one of the best in the district, and will be sold practically without reserve.” It is noted that an advertisement running in The Argus February 22, 1951 offered the remaining 16 blocks for sale at £12.10.0 or £200 the lot. By March 7, the remaining blocks were advertised at £17.10.0 The Wattle Valley Estate took over 20 years to sell and then people could not build on them This image was also used in a brochure advertising the "Wattle Valley Estate", which forms part of the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection (Cross Reference Photo No.(s): 1056, 1057). Also cross reference SEPP_1028 / 29 for other views of Mia Mia. Part of a slide show presentation "Bridges & Waterways of the Shire" by Russell Yeoman to the 13 September 1989 Society meeting. The presentation included slides of historic photos from the Shire of Eltham Pioneers collections as well as several recent views. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, hurstbridge, mia mia, bridge, diamond creek (creek), monash bridge, wattle valley estate -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Popular Picnicing at Hurstbridge, c.1925
Picnickers enjoying a Sunday outing near the Wattle Valley Estate at Hurstbridge. Copied from brochure "Wattle Valley Estate". It is believed the picture is taken at the northwest corner of the intersection of Wattletree Road and Hurstbridge-Arthurs Creek Road looking southeast towards the township (most likely where the house is located on the property of what is today No. 2 Wattletree Road)- https://goo.gl/maps/VDorwCe1rJJUapjE6 According to a comment by Jean Verso (via @nillumbikcouncil FB page 3 Jan 2020) - "This view is from Wattle Tree Road with Haleys Gully Road to the right and across the creek to William Gray's nursery at Allwood. The building to the far left looks like Dorset House. The building on the left in the middle distance is still there today and has been used for storage and as a stable/tack room for a number of years." The Wattle Valley Estate was first advertised in August 1925 as weekend building allotments by the Greater Melbourne Land and Development Company. Advertised from £28.10.0 or £60 per block. In August 1926, 30 picked allotments of 60x150 feet were put up for auction Saturday August 14, 1926 with frontages to Valley View Road and Fawkner Crescent advertised in the “Heart of the Glorious Wattle Country” and “Within 15 Minutes of the Newly Electrified Railway Station”. The Advertiser on August 13, 1926 in an article promoting the auction stated “the estate is regarded as one of the best in the district, and will be sold practically without reserve.” It is noted that an advertisement running in The Argus February 22, 1951 offered the remaining 16 blocks for sale at £12.10.0 or £200 the lot. By March 7, the remaining blocks were advertised at £17.10.0 The Wattle Valley Estate took over 20 years to sell and then people could not build on them Cross Ref EDHS_02665 Rose Series Postcard P. 4341, "View at Hurstbridge, Vic." Also, other images from sales brochure SEPP_1055 / 1056This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg1925, dorset house, fawkner crescent, haleys gully road, hurstbridge, hurstbridge-arthurs creek road, picnic, postcards, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, valley view road, wattle valley estate, wattletree road, exhibition yprl 2019-12 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Rose Stereograph Company, The Main Strteet, Eltham, Vic, c.1923
The Rose Series P. 4344 postcard. Similar view to SEPP_0609 taken from near Dudley Street looking north but significantly later in time with numerous stores now constructed on the eastern side south of Pryor Street in what was once Haley's Paddock. Luther Haley sold his bakery store in 1917 and the roof now sports advertising signage for Electrine Candles, presumably coincident with the period of ownership by Hannah Lloyd from 1917 to about February 1920 or Lee’s Railway Store (Messrs J.R. & N.E. Lee 1920-Sep 1922). A boy and a man are standing in the road and the ghost image of three people walking towards them on the footpath just past the store. Ernie Andrew’s combined newsagency and haberdashery/clothing shop with advertising for "The Age" is present at the corner of Arthur Street, on the opposite corner would be the Bootmaker's shop (F. Butterworth, succeeded in 1922 by G.H. McDonald) and William J. Capewell's Butcher shop, second building from right (relocated from in front of the railway station in 1910). North of the News Agency is believed to be Horace H. Clark’s Land and Estate Agency which had also relocated across the road.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 120 format B&W negative (copy of original postcard)shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, main road, bootmakers, butcher, dudley street, electrine candles, eltham town centre, hannah lloyd, lloyd's general store, newsagency, pryor street, rose series postcard, shops, william james capewell, ernie andrew, f. butterworth, g.h. mcdonald, haley's paddock, j.r. lee, lee's railway store, n.e. lee, rose stereograph company -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Property Binder, 810 Main Road, Eltham
Photocopy publication: Eltham Methodist Church One Hundred and Twenty-Five Years 1850-1975, Chris Allan editor. History of early Eltham, railway, schools, churches by A Bird. Map of Eltham with sites of significant buildings. Maps church site. Plan of church. Reminiscences by Edna Bill, Val Gangell, Don Brown. Notes by Ken Eckersall, Peter Gray, Ron Hubery. Newspaper article: Lessons in history, Diamond Valley News, 2 August 2000. Newspaper article: Parents stop teachers, Diamond Valley News, 2 August 2000, State-wide preschool teachers strike and Hurstbridge pre-school.main road, eltham, eltham methodist church, eltham uniting church, josiah holloway, hurstbridge pre-school, kinglake national park, churches -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard - Photograph postcard, Panorama at Eltham, Vic, c.1923
The Rose Series P. 4284 post card Taken from near what would be present day CLC car park looking southwest across Diamond Street, present-day Andrew Park to the railway station and developing Eltham shopping precinct. Arthur Street visible, Pryor and Luck Street not evident. Sunnybrook, the Taylor home is visible at the top of the hill in Bible Street. Only three residences visible in Arthur Street on the southern side, two of these are the David Harbison Rest Home at 10 and 12 Arthur Street (built and opened in November 1919), present day site of Eltham Mall. There are none on the north side of the street. Based on 1945 aerial view there are 8 buildings on the northern side between Main Road and Bible Street which and given the extent of commercial development on Main Road, it is estimated this image is circa 1925. Luther Haley was the first to build an open a baker and General Store in this location next to the railway station in 1902. However, it took nearly twenty years until the early to mid-1920s when a period of significant growth in the Eltham shopping centre happened with many businesses relocating their operations from the original town centre of Maria Street in Little Eltham as well as new businesses opening. Other stores/buildings noted (L-R) are: Stationmaster's House built circa 1910 Eltham Hardware Store opposite the railway station first opened on Main Road opposite the Railway Station around late 1922. An advertisement placed in the Hurstbridge Advertiser advised that the Hardware Store had just opened with a varied stock of Saws, Hammers, Nails, Shovels, Screw Drivers, and every article required in a house or on a farm. People were also encouraged to try their Jams, Pickles, Sauces, Cups and Saucers, etc. Newsagency with 'Leader' advertising on awning - E. J. Andrew opened his newsagency shop opposite the station in March 1923, advertising for sale stationery, school requisites and periodicals. Bird Brothers Cash Grocer & Fruiterer opposite the railway station offering summer drinks and confectionery a specialty with a full Stock of groceries of the best quality always on hand at city prices opened December 1921 William Capewell's Butcher shop at the corner of Dudley Street. Capewell previously had a small shop in front of the station opposite Luck Street. He enlisted in the AIF during WW1 and returned home in 1919. He re-applied for a slaughtering license in February 1920 and was advertising by October 1922 supplying all districts. Not visible (or not yet identified) but in business by October 1922 were: J.H. Fraser, Carpenter and Builder at Luck Street opposite the station George A. Danslow, Hairdresser and Tobacconist opposite the railway station Miss Barber's 'Blue Gum' Soda Fountain opened October 1922 opposite the railway station (hidden behind Stationmaster's House). It was so named due to its proximity to a tall Blue Gum tree G.H. McDonald Boot Repairer opposite the railway station In December 1923 the first portion of the main street to be formed from Dudley to Arthur streets was almost completed. This is the section in front of Capewell's Butcher shop though it is difficult to fully make out from the photoDigital file only Postcards scanned from the collection of Michael Aitken on loan to EDHS, 2 Sep. 2022michael aitken collection, eltham, postcards, arthur street, david harbison rest home, electrine candles, eltham railway station, eltham shopping centre, lloyd's general store, red rattler, rose series postcard, rose stereograph company, tait train, velvet soap, andrew park, bible street, bird brothers cash grocer & fruiterer, bird brothers cash grocer and fruiterer, butcher, diamond street, dudley street, eltham hardware and timber, eltham hardware store, eltham mall, main road, station masters house, stationmaster's house, sunnybrook, w.j. capewell, w.j. capewell butcher shop -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Main Road, Eltham, 2 Aug. 2022
Comparison photo: SEPP_0610 - Main Road near Railway Station, c.1911 Shows Luther and Ada Haley’s General Store, Bakery and Tea Rooms opened September 1902 directly opposite present day Arthur Street. This was the first building in what is now Eltham’s present shopping town centre. Haley previously ran the General Store and Bakery on the corner of Main Road and York Street until his lease expired and the premises were bought by Mrs Sarah Burgoyne in 1902. Haley sold the store to Hannah Lloyd in 1917 who operated it until 1920. It then went through a succession of owners until Eric Staff purchased it in 1939. Ray Staff succeeded his father in 1954 and eventually demolished the store in 1965 opening up a new supermarket, the Eltham Big Star Food Centre. That building still stands at 929 Main Road and is the Nongkhai Thai Restaurant. On the eastern (right) side of Main Street is Haley’s Paddock, which was used on occasions for community picnics. Capable of holding 10,000 people, with ample shade and hilly surroundings it was an ideal place for any community gathering such as the State Schools’ Picnic in 1904. It was not until the early 1920s that stores started to appear between Luck and Dudley Streets. Part of a presentation by Peter Pidgeon to the Society, 13 August 2022 showcasing a series of photographs taken by John Henry Clark over the period 1895 to 1930. John Henry Clark was the youngest of three boys born to William Henry Clark (1823-1877) and Maria White (1843-1914). He and his brothers, William Charles Clark (1872-1945), Clement Kent Clark (1874-1912) operated a photography business (Clark Bros.) from 25 Thomas Street, Windsor near Prahran during the period c.1894 to 1914. Following death of Clement in September 1912 and their mother in 1914, the Clark Bros business appears to have dissolved, the premises demolished, and a new house was under construction in 1915. John set up business independently in 1914 operating out of 29 Moor Street, Fitzroy where he is registered in the 1914 and 1915 Electoral Rolls. By 1916 John had relocated to Eltham where he continued his practice as a photographer and took many of the early images around the district of Little Eltham. Around 1930 John changed professions and opened a small cobbler's shop in 1931 near the pond opposite Dalton Street adjacent to the Jarrold family cottage. He never married and continued his profession as a bootmaker from this little shop, maintaining a close relationship with Mrs Jarrold for the rest of their lives. His bootmaker shop remains today beside the Whitecloud cottage and is one of only three remaining shops in the area from the early 20th century.Comparative photo taken 2022 with one taken from same location over 100 years earlier by noted local photographer J.H. ClarkBorn Digitaleltham, j.h. clark photo (2022), main road -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Former Police Residence, 728 Main Road, Eltham, 28 December 2007
The institutions of law and order in Colonial Victoria included the police, courts and prisons. The 1852 report of the Snodgrass Select Committee appointed to "identify the policing needs of the colony” noted there existed seven independent police forces that did not co-operate or regularly communicate. Following the committee's report all these police entities were merged into the Victoria Police, founded on 8 January 1853, to implement law and order responsibilities throughout the Colony of Victoria. The Eltham Courthouse (1860) and adjacent Police Residence (1859) formed a justice precinct established in the immediate aftermath of the 1852 police inquiry and the effects of the gold rush. The physical presence of these buildings, in the centre of the early Eltham township, defined centralised control over law and order. In the early days the Police Constable in charge would conduct his duties travelling around the district by horse; a stable was located at the rear of the residence. At times the horse would be grazed on the paddocks across the road. Horseshoes were forged by the blacksmith beside the Courthouse on the high side of “Policeman’s Hill”. Along with the stable, there was a two-cell bluestone lockup where prisoners were held awaiting trial in the adjacent Courthouse. Their meals were usually provided by the policeman’s wife or from the hotel just up the road. With the arrival of the railway in 1902 the town centre gradually shifted towards the railway station. The Police Station and operations were moved into the town centre in 1961 to a renovated house in Pryor Street, which was later replaced by the current Police Station. From 1961-1981 the residence was occupied by the Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Section of the Department of Crown Lands and Survey. Prior to August 1967 the former Police Station was dragged to the rear of Police Residence to make way for the construction of a driveway and access from Main Road. The building was placed on the site of a former Scullery and modified for Lands Department use. In 1981 the Shire of Eltham took over management of the former Police Residence in Eltham. It remained unoccupied for a period whilst its future was discussed in Council. It was then used for a community job creation scheme until 1985. In 1985 the Shire of Eltham Parks and Environment occupied the residence. Council improved the driveway but later added a second rear access from Brougham Street due to the dangerous nature of the Main Road entrance. Additionally, a rear toilet facility between the Police Residence and the relocated former Police Station, which was doubling up as a lunchroom. Council also commenced discussions to re-establish a replica Police Station. Around November 1986 the former Police Station was demolished; believed to have been suffering termite damage. About 1989, after some years of discussion, a replica Police Station was built, based on photographs, to act as a lunchroom and meeting room for the Parks and Environment staff and volunteers doing community service. In 1996 Eltham District Historical Society held discussions with Nillumbik Shire Council commissioners throughout the year regarding a home for the Society. A proposal was put forward by the Society in October to occupy the former Police Residence. In March 1997 Eltham District Historical Society gained access to former Police Residence and on July 12, 1998, moved into its Local History Centre. In July 2018, Eltham District Historical Society gained access to the replica Police Station (which had been used as a music library and storage for the Eltham Concert Band) for use as part of regular heritage tours for schools and community-based groups. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p65This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, main road, eltham district historical society, eltham justice precinct, little eltham, local history centre, police residence, police station -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Survey Plan, Country Roads Board, SP 6313, Eltham-Yarra Glen Road; Luck St to Henry St, 1956
1956 C.R.B. Plan of Survey of Part of Crown Portion 13 Section 4 Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Shire of Eltham Shows Surveyor field notes, property ownership and building type and construction.eltham-yarra glen road, country roads board, eltham, main road, survey plan, 1956, a.l. lyon, a.w. brinkkotter, arthur street, c.r. burkett, dudley street, e.n. staff, eltham war memorial trust, henry street, luck street, pryor street, the board of land & works, the equity trustees executors and agency coy ltd, the roman catholic trusts corporation, victorian railways commision, neil webster collection -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Survey Plan, Country Roads Board, SP 6561, Eltham-Yarra Glen Road; Park Rd to Bellevue Rd, 1957
1957 C.R.B. Plan of Survey of Parts of Crown Allotment 1 & Crown Allotment F, Section II Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Shire of Eltham Shows Surveyor field notes, property ownership and building type and construction.eltham-yarra glen road, country roads board, eltham, main road, survey plan, 1957, a.r. thomas, b. & b.d. hearn, b.g. anderson, bellevue road, e.m. pitts, f.a. m. macrae, g.e. & b. moulder, j. bromley, j.m. & s.g. johnstone, k.f. pitts, l.c. docksey, m. & e.c.w. baart, m.p. bromley, n.r. ord, p.j. & g.e. murphy, park road, r.a. bruce, r.a. macbeth, r.w. shearing, railway road, s.e. & y.p. houghton, w.k. bell, w.s.r. & f.n. toley, neil webster collection -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Beechy: At 10 mile creek, 1900
At 10 mile creek (Water Tanks) during the building of the Colac-Beech Forest railway in 1900.colac; beech forest; railway; 10 mile creek; water tanks; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Crowes Station, 1912
Locomotive 8A, two freight cars, a passenger car and a guard's van leave Crowes Station for Beech Forest. Crowes Station consists of a two-layered station building, a goods shed and a toilet at a three-line terminus.Crowes Station soon after opening in 1912 with Locomotive 8A about to depart for Beech Forest and Colac.crowes; station; railway; locomotive; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Beech Forest railway yard, 1908
Carriage and half-loaded goods wagon behind a flat railway wagon, all in front of the station building, Beech Forest, 1908.beech forest; passenger car; goods wagon; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, R.L. Forster, G41 at Beech Forest, 1950
G41 engine and mixed goods carriages on the southern track nearest the Goods Shed, NQ trucks laden with timber next, an empty line, and further carriages next to the station building at Beech Forest in 1950. B/w.beech forest; colac; railways; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, R.L. Forster, G41, Beech Forest, 1950
From 1945 a sawmill, the Calco Mill, was formed to cart sawn timber initially from the Zappelli's property on Denherts Track. The plant was later shifted to Pul's property and, in 1951, finally moved to a new mill in the Beech Forest railway yard. Potato output also rose, around 280 hectares and was shipped exclusively by rail until 1955. The railway was very busy, in fact so busy that potato farmers and especially saw millers started agitating for road transport.G41 locomotive, four NQR loaded wagons, and a louvred van near the Goods Shed. Next line, three loaded and three empty NQR wagons. In the foreground near the station building, a louvred van. A water tank and timber mill in the background. B/Wbeech forest; railways; loco g41; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Beech Forest Railway Station: Laurie McCabe in charge, 1920s
Laurie McCabe was in charge of Beech Forest Station until October 1929. When the timber industry went into decline because of poor markets and the crippling effects of the 1929 strike, and when road haulage signalled the beginning of a new transport era it was the beginning of the end. As a result staffing levels were severely cut over the period 1927/29 with the two station masters at Beech Forest and Gellibrand replaced by caretakers in October 1929. The line was then supervised by travelling station masters of whom Laurie McCabe was one of two.B/W. Laurie McCabe in charge of Beech Forest Railway Station in the 1920s, pictured on track one just down from the station buildings. Note the slight snow covering on the tracks.beech forest; railways; laurie mccabe; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Langford, Weston, Gellibrand after closure, 1964, 26 April 1964
Colour. After closure of the railway line, Gellibrand looking towards Beech Forest on 26 April 1964. The station buildings and water tank are still standing as well as clear impressions left by the tracks. Telephone lines are marked. A person is near the water tank.gellibrand; railways; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Beech Forest Railway Station, 1910
By 1910 revenue from the Beech Forest railway was $15,500, working expenditure $12,000, with a net loss (including interest charges) of about $4,000. This and the following year were the lowest net losses ever experienced. Passenger journeys rose steadily, outwards goods traffic rose to a record 12,959 tons (in 1911), and inwards goods traffic was a record 3,359 tons.. The railway station possessed a goods shed, stock race and yards, engine shed, coal stage, crew cabins, a refreshment room, and a four-roomed station building, with the station staff to match. Beech Forest was the principal despatch centre at this stage for split timber. Bill Devitt laid a timber tramway to the Beech Forest railway station to cart the palings for on-shipment..B/W. 177mm x 271mm. A general view from the eastern end of Beech Forest station in 1910. Note the Goods Shed, three tracks with No.3 Road having a NU louvre van and loaded NQR wagons, timber stacks to the left, and Devitt's Tramway with unloaded trolleys at the lower left. To the right, crew cabins with shops and houses in the background.beech forest; railways; timber; tramway; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Victorian Railways, Between Devitt Bros. Siding & Ditchley, 1901
Construction of the Colac-Beech Forest railway line began in 1900 with about 100 men engaged in laying and ballasting the track, as well as others forming the earthworks and building culverts and bridges. The result of this labour saw the railway advance from Colac until it climbed a spur hugging the side of a forty degree slope emerging on top of the ridge at Beech Forest. This photograph was taken 28 miles (45 kilometres) from Colac between Devitt Bros. Siding and Ditchley, just out of Beech Forest. Two 2-6-2 Tank engines of the narrow-gauge A class built by Victorian Railway's Newport workshop, were commonly dubbed 'Coffee Pots'. As well as pulling a load of NQR wagons a NBB saloon car ended the train. The devastation to the standing timber was deliberate: the Engineer-in-Chief of VR ruled that all trees within a certain distance of the railway line were to be cut down. This certainly saved the line from destruction several times in the future.B/W. An NA class locomotive, NQR wagons and an NBB saloon car, all with workmen, going around a bend between Devitt Brother's Siding and Ditchley on the Beech Forest line in 1901.beech forest; ditchley; devitt bros siding, railways; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Narrow gauge construction camp near Colac, c.1900
Construction of the Colac-Beech Forest railway line commenced in 1900 and the first activities were the work gangs and their camps. About 100 men were engaged in laying and ballasting the track while others formed the earthworks and the building of culverts and bridges. The first camp was established eight kilometres from Colac, the second 12 km south, and the remainder spaced at similar distances as the work progressed. The camps were served by butchers and bakers from Colac that visited them as many times each week to satisfy the mens' requirements. Many of the men had their families with them. They all lived in tents that consisted of a wooden floor around which the canvas cover was built. A calico partition divided the eating and sleeping quarters, and all cooking was done in camp ovens or at open fires.B/W. 158mm x 203mm. Near Colac, a narrow gauge construction camp comprising 21 workmen, a horse, and two tipping trays.construction camp; railways; colac; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, Knox Collection, Surveying construction near Barongarook, 1900
In 1898 a recommendation for a railway of 2 ft 6 in gauge was handed down by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, to cost $138,000. Construction of the Colac-Beech Forest railway line began in 1900. About 100 men were employed in laying and ballasting the track while others formed the earthworks and the building of culverts and bridges. The earthworks of gravel ballast 150 mm deep were formed by horse and scoop or by shovel. Once the bed had been laid surveyors went along to check the layout, particularly all check rail curves and all 100 metre curves which the surveyors in the picture are doing.B/W. Three men surveying the construction of a curved bed on which track will be laid, near Barongarook, Victoria.colac; beech forest; barongarook; railways; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, R. Preston, Aerial view of Beech Forest railway station and yards, 1965, 13 February 1965
B/W. An aerial view of Beech Forest showing the balloon loop at the end of the station yard (enclosing the two tennis courts), two ex-departmental residences, the station buildings, and other aspects of the township.beech forest: railways; township; aerial; -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Photograph, R. Preston, Aerial view: Beech Forest, 1965, 13 February 1965
B/W. Aerial view of Beech Forest showing the complete station yard including the balloon loop (incorporating the two tennis courts), two ex-departmental residences, the station building and where the Colac and Crowes lines diverged. As well Beech Forest Hall, council offices and Shire Secretary's house, Denherts Track, and Main Road are shown.beech forest; railways; township; aerial;