Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished.Black and white print positive. 1934 floods of the Yarra Valley. Location Fairfield looking towards wooded hillside. Houses floating in river.Reverse: "From Fairfield Park (11936?) back towards hill (Wurundjeri Spur?)"floods -- 1934, yarra valley, yarra river, fairfield park

Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished.Print copy of an original photo of the River Yarra in Flood, taken from Kilby Road.VIEW ACROSS YARRA IN FLOOD / FROM KILBY RD KEWkilby road, floods -- kew (vic.), kilby farm

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Small sepia snapshot taken from the river ramp of a house at 8 Kellett Grove, in what was then known as North Kew. The point of view is from a backyard looking towards Fairfield. Beyond the fence line are two almost submerged houses. A number of people are in a motor driven boat midstream. Fairfield at this period, (ie 1934) was noted for its limited river side development. Verso: 2/12/34 / TAKEN FROM OUR RAMPyarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1929, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Small sepia snapshot taken of the front of 8 Kellett Grove, in what was then known as North Kew. Verso: 8 KELLETT GROVE / NORTH KEW / 1929 / 418 kellett gove -- north kew, californian bungalows, houses -- kellett grove -- kew (vic.)

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Small sepia snapshot taken from the back yard of a house at 8 Kellett Grove, in what was then known as North Kew. The point of view is from a backyard looking towards Fairfield. Floodwaters have submerged the fence and a clothes line. Verso: BACKYARD NTH. KEWyarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Small sepia snapshot taken from the back yard of a house at 8 Kellett Grove, in what was then known as North Kew. The point of view is from a backyard looking towards Fairfield. Verso: 8 KELLETT GROVEyarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Small sepia snapshot taken from the back yard of a house at 8 Kellett Grove, in what was then known as North Kew. The point of view is from a backyard looking towards Fairfield. Verso: OUR BACKYARD 8 KELLETT GROVEyarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. The view from the rear of 8 Kellett Grove predates the construction of the Eastern Freeway so provides a rare view of the area before it was built.Small sepia snapshot taken from the back yard of a house at 8 Kellett Grove, in what was then known as North Kew. A tower of the Kew Asylum on the top left of the horizon assist the viewer to recognise that the land to the left of the river is in Kew and Studley Park.Verso: NORTH KEW 1948 / Stamped 51019yarra river -- north kew, kellett grove -- north kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Small sepia snapshot of floodwaters taken from near Kellett Grove, in what was then known as North Kew. The point of view is from a backyard looking towards Fairfield. In the foreground ar two men in a rowboat.Verso: OUR BACKYARD / Stamped 3 163yarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Small sepia snapshot of floodwaters taken from near Willsmere Road, in what was then known as North Kew. The point of view is looking towards Fairfield. In the foreground are two figures viewing a group in a rowboat in the middle of the flooded river. Semi-submerged street lighting indicates that entire streets had been. overwhelmed by the flood waters. Verso: WILLSMERE ROAD NORTH KEW / Stamped 3 163yarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew, willsmere road

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Small sepia snapshot of floodwaters in North Kew. The point of view is of two houses belonging to local families that were surrounded by floodwater. Verso: HYATTS HOUSE / WILLSMERE ROAD / Stamped 3 163yarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew, willsmere road

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Small sepia snapshot of floodwaters in North Kew, from the rear of 8 Kellett Grove. Verso: OUR BACKYARD / Stamped 52yarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew, willsmere road

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Vivid photograph contrasting domestic life and relationships with natural disasters such as the flood of 1934.Small sepia snapshot of a grandfather and granddaughter sitting in the backyard of 8 Kellett Grove, North Kew, with the floodwaters stretching behind them.Verso: GRANDDAD AND I IN BACKYARDyarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew, willsmere road

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Vivid photograph contrasting domestic life and relationships with natural disasters such as the flood of 1934.Small sepia snapshot of two submerged houses belonging to local families in River Avenue, North Kew, during the 1934 floods. The view is presumably from near Kellett Grove looking north towards Fairfield.Verso: COES & HYATTS ROOF / RIVER AVENUE / Stamped: 6414yarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. Vivid photograph contrasting domestic life and relationships with natural disasters such as the flood of 1934.Small sepia snapshot of the donors grandfather rescuing the family dog's kennel from rising floodwaters at the rear of 8 Kellett Grove, North Kew, .Verso: DAD SECURING NIPPY'S DOG KENNEL / Stamped 6414yarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. .Small sepia snapshot of a local family's house in what was then River Avenue, North Kew being surrounded by floodwaters.Verso: THE SIDE OF RYANSyarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. .Small sepia snapshot of what was then River Avenue, North Kew submerged by floodwaters.The photo was taken in the vicinity of 8 Kellett Grove, North Kew. Verso: TAKEN FROM OUR STREET JUST SEE A BIT OF RYAN'S FENCE / 1934yarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew

North Kew, now divided between Kew and Kew East, bordered the Yarra River. As such, it was a region subject to flooding in the Yarra Valley. Development beyond this point (ie Kellett Grove) was limited by the City of Kew's planning regulations. Prior to urban development, the area since European settlement and the first land sales in the district in the 1840s, had been used for dairy farming. .Small sepia snapshot of the devastation caused by the 1934 flood.The photo was taken in the vicinity of Kellett Grove, North Kew and includes the roof of Chipperfield's Boathouse as well as other local houses.Verso: THIS IS CHIPPERFIELD'S BOAT SHEDS & COES & WILLIAMS TAKEN FROM OUR STREET / 1934yarra river -- north kew, floods -- yarra valley, floods -- north kew, floods -- 1934, natural disasters -- kew, chipperfields boathouse

Henry Beater Christian (1886-1962) , was a descendant of one of the earliest settler families in Kew. Employed at the Kew Asylum as a 'public servant', he was a skilled amateur photographer, photographing numerous scenes in Kew and on his travels around Victoria. The majority of his photographs date from 1916 to 1929. His finest photographs are housed in two photograph albums. Digital copy of a photograph from page 13 of the 47-page photograph album containing 261 gelatinous silver images, loaned by Diane Washfold with permission given to digitise and hold a copy in our collection. The first and last pages in the album document the Yarra River at Studley Park and at Kew. The remainder of the album includes photographs of walking and car tours in rural Victoria including 'wilderness' areas in the Grampians, Gippsland and the High Country. Six album pages document a camping trip by Henry Christian to the Grampians in September 1924. The photos include pictures of lookouts, and natural features including rock faces and waterfalls, as well as his camp site. This photo is of a distant valley.. Unitled [Grampians]henry beater christian (1886-1962), landscape photography, christian-washfold collection, photograph albums, grampians, gariwerd

SHARP DOWNPOUR. ONE INCH IN 45 MINUTES. SOUTHERN SUBURBS DELUGED. TRAIN STOPPED AT SOUTH YARRA. One of the sudden downpours of rain which occasionally fall in Melbourne occurred yesterday afternoon, when nearly an inch of rain fell in the course of three quarters of an hour, and caused a flood for an hour or two in certain localities. During the early part of the day, the sky had been clouded over, but there was nothing to indicate a storm of such intensity as that which followed. At about half-past 1 o'clock residents of South Yarra, South Melbourne, Prahran, and St. Kilda noticed a few drops of rain. Still, it appeared unlikely that there would be anything exceptional, until with startling suddenness at about 10 minutes to 1 o'clock, one of the heaviest downpours within the memory of residents burst upon those suburbs. A strange feature of the storm was that it was practically confined to an area of about three miles square. The city was but little affected, though at a spot as close as the Observatory 86 points of rain were recorded in three-quarters of an hour. Thunder and lightning accompanied the downpour, which was cyclonic in character, the rain driving heavily from all points of the compass as the cyclone passed. It was in South Yarra and Prahran that the rain fell heaviest. Within a few minutes after it commenced, the low-lying portions of Toorak-road and practically the whole length of Chapel-street were under water. The depression at the intersection of Toorak-road and Darling-street speedily filled to the dimensions of a small lake. Several shops were inundated, while the water from the higher levels rushed down like a mountain torrent, and in several in-stances swept through the rear of houses and shops, carrying furniture in a floating mass against the further walls. In one case a footbridge was carried bodily away and dashed to pieces. Darling-street itself Great Davis-street, and other low-lying and flat thoroughfares in the vicinity became flooded from kerb to kerb, while on the other side of the railway-bridge the valley between Kensington-road and River-street became filled for some minutes to a depth of several feet. Meanwhile the waters from South Yarra hill, seeking a lower level, found it in the railway cutting, and the excavations from South Yarra station to Prahran on the one line, and to the Chapel-street bridge on the other, were converted into a couple of canals. At the platforms at South Yarra the water was two feet deep on the permanent way, and towards Hawksburn, at the sudden depression under Chapel-street bridge, it was at one time deep enough to cover a tall man's head. Into this swirling mass of water the 1:50 p.m. train from Oakleigh plunged on its way to Melbourne. The impact caused a mighty fountain of water to rise to a height of about 20 feet above the level of Chapel-street and send clouds of spray in all directions. Under the belief that a terrible explosion had occurred residents braved the rain and rushed to the spot, only to find that the train had been brought to a stand-still in the middle of what seemed to be a river. The water was so high that it had entered the fire-box from below, extinguishing the fires and cutting off the steam supply. In the meantime the officials at the South Yarra station had been preparing for emergencies. Inspectors were on duty at intervals along the line, and the moment the alarm was given an extra engine was backed carefully down and continued on to connect with the stranded train without losing its own power. There was a delay of about ten minutes in the service for an hour or two, but by 5 o'clock all the trains were running on time again, and the water had run off all but the spot beneath the Chapel-street bridge. Here the water remained about four feet deep until nightfall, and throughout the afternoon several hundreds of people including biograph operators and photographers, were gathered around watching each train pass through. Even with the water two feet lower, this was a work attended with considerable difficulty. Each train had to absolutely force its way through the weight of water, almost enveloped by the spray thrown up, and it was only just able to negotiate the "ford" by using every ounce of steam. ... The Argus, 26 January 1907, p19.The item forms part of the Laurie Bennett collection of thirty-six postcards and photographs of Kew and early Melbourne, donated to the Kew Historical Society in 1980. The postcards in the Bennett collection, like other images in the Society's holdings date from the 1890s to the present and comprehensively indicate points-of-view or scenes considered historically, aesthetically or socially significant in the period in which they were produced.Postcard depicting a flood at South Yarra Station in 1907. The title and photographer's name are identified on the front of the postcard. Donated by L. Bennett, 1980flood - south yarra, trains - melbourne, postcards, r mcgeehan - prahran

Gwen McWilliam is well known as an authority on the history of Boroondara and the author of a large number of books and pamphlets about the City. She was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia in 2001 ‘for service to the community of Hawthorn and district, particularly through the research, documentation and publication of its history.’ This map from her collection was donated to the Kew Historical SocietyPlan of Heidelberg, annotated with details about the occupancy pre and post European settlement. The plan also contains geological references. The plan is included and analysed in volume 2 of the Heidelberg Conservation Study (1985). The original plan was published created in 1982. Printed annotationscity of heidelberg, yarra valley, historic plans -- heidelberg

The Yarra Valley in what was previously called North Kew, but is now East Kew, was frequently subjected to flooding. Apart from some development on higher ground, the City of Kew regularly introduced restrictions on development and the building of housing in the area because of flood levels. Panoramic photographic positive of North Kew where the Belford and Kilby Farms were located on the south side of the Yarra River. This photo is a copy of the original photo in the collection.floods -- yarra -- 1903, kew golf course, greenacres golf course