Known as ‘Yielima’ 1888-1922 and ‘St. Aubins’ 1922-1956, this ‘modernized’ mansion was built about 1887 for Edward Kellett. He was born in Chorley, Lancashire, England. Edward Kellett married Selina Wells in 1852 at St Peters, Eastern Hill. She was born in c1827 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, daughter of William Wells and Elizabeth Allan. The family arrived from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire on the 'Osprey' on 22 March 1849. The couple had 8 children - 5 girls and 3 boys; 3 died in infancy. All were born in Collingwood before the family came to Surrey Hills. Edward's funeral notice in The Argus of 11 July 1893 states that he was a corn merchant of Exhibition Street. His property was sworn at 1512 pounds, 1232 in realty and 280 pounds personally. He was buried in Melbourne General Cemetery (CofE Compartment K, No 306). Selina is listed in Erasmus Street in the 1903, 1905 and 1908 electoral rolls as a boarding house keeper. She died at Surrey Hills on 22/10/1911. In her will she left realty valued at 900 pounds and personally at 220 pounds. She was buried with her husband. 'Yielima' was sold on 19 Febraury 1919 with a sale of contents on 18 March 1919. From 1922-1947 Thomas Daniel O’Callaghan (c1871-1962), a police magistrate, made his home here. He is remembered as being of ‘soldierly demeanour, with a flowing mane of hair’. He always carried a walking stick and wore a flower in his buttonhole. His wife was Florence (nee Harling, c1873-1933) pre-deceased him. They had previously lived in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Stawell before coming to Erasmus Street. After moving out of Erasmus Street he is listed in the 1949 and 1954 electoral rolls at 90 Durham Road, Surrey Hills. In 1952 the property was purchased by Father Timothy Fitzpatrick, Parish Priest of Our Holy Redeemer Parish, Surrey Hills. It consisted of a large two storey house, a coach house and stable, and an acre and a half of land. In 1954 the coach house and stable were converted into the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and the following year Father John Kelly was appointed parish priest. and resided in the house. At this time the house was not in good repair. "The gentleman who had lived there alone since his wife died many years before, lived in the servants quarters and the rest of the house had been badly neglected. (REF: https://ourholyredeemer.cam.org.au/history) At the beginning of 1957 the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart opened a school next door. As they travelled from Balwyn on a daily basis, the property at 301 Elgar Road was purchased as a presbytery and 'Yielima' became a convent. The stables continued to be used as a church until 1964 when a new church was completed and opened by His Grace Archbishop Simmonds on the 20th of March. There were never large numbers of double-storey Victorian mansions in Surrey Hills. 'Yielma' is significant as one of the few remaining ones. It is also significant for its association with the Catholic Church.A black and white photograph of an Italianate style home with a weatherboard building with a cross on it in front of the main building and to the left of the photograph. There are some well established trees in the garden, a car parked in the parking area and a picket fence along the front.yielima, st aubins, house names, erasmus street, surrey hills, 1887, (mr) edward kellett, (mr) thomas daniel o'callaghan, corn merchant, police, italianate style, wattle park roman catholic church, (mrs) florence o'callaghan, mrs selina kellett, miss selina wells, convent, presbytery, our lady of perpetual succour

Seven copies of the Annual report of the MMTB for the years end 1970 to 1976. 3951.1 - "Report and Statement of Accounts for year ended 30 June 1970", No. 51, gloss fawn heavy paper cover with 44 pages, gloss, on inside giving details of the MMTB Board, Officers, Balance Sheet, Statement of operations, schedule of debenture, investments, Auditors reports, record of Annual traffic receipts, passengers, miles etc, tram and bus routes operated, statistical information, graphs and photographs. Photos include Doncaster depot, track reconstruction - concrete spreading equipment, Wattle Park and tram wheel grinding equipment. No printer name given. 3951.2 - "Report and Statement of Accounts for year ended 30 June 1971", No. 52, white embossed heavy paper cover with 44 pages, gloss, on inside giving details of the MMTB Board, Officers, Balance Sheet, Statement of operations, schedule of debenture, investments, Auditors reports, record of Annual traffic receipts, passengers, miles etc, tram and bus routes operated, statistical information, graphs and photographs. Photos include; prototype tram in St Kilda Rd, the New computer installation, decorated tram - Christmas 1970, Tram Advertising 1971 (briquettes), No printer name given. 3951.3 - "Annual Report 1972" - white gloss heavy paper cover with 44 pages, gloss, on inside giving details of the MMTB Board, Officers, Operations report, schedule of debenture, investments, Auditors reports, record of Annual traffic receipts, passengers, miles etc, tram and bus routes operated, statistical information, graphs and photographs. Photos include; school children boarding bus, passengers boarding bus at Shoppingtown, Concreting tracks in Keilor Road, Rail Inspection Unit and Wattle Park. No printer name given. 3951.4 - "Annual Report 1973" - light grey gloss heavy paper cover with 40 pages, gloss, on inside giving details of the MMTB Board, Officers, Operations report, schedule of debenture, investments, Auditors reports, record of Annual traffic receipts, passengers, miles etc, tram and bus routes operated, statistical information, graphs and photographs. Photos include; tram 1041, interior and driving cabin of 1041 and fire fighting demonstration at Preston Workshops. No printer name given. 3951.5 - "Annual Report 1974" - light blue gloss heavy paper cover with 40 pages, gloss, on inside giving details of the MMTB Board, Officers, Operations report, schedule of debenture, investments, Auditors reports, record of Annual traffic receipts, passengers, miles etc, tram and bus routes operated, statistical information, graphs and photographs. Photos include; Pedestrian Mall, Bourke St, New truck assembly area at Preston Workshops, electronic control equipment for new trams, English language lessons for migrant employees and 1041 turning from Bourke into Spring St. Printed by Sands & McDougall. 3951.6 - "Annual Report 1975" - fawn coloured gloss heavy paper cover with 44 pages, gloss, on inside giving details of the MMTB Board, Officers, Operations report, schedule of debenture, investments, Auditors reports, record of Annual traffic receipts, passengers, miles etc, tram and bus routes operated, statistical information, graphs and photographs. Photos include; Z class tram in Nicholson St, National Bus in Doncaster, New passenger shelter in St Kilda Road, new trams at Preston, drivers position of Z class tram, Interior of National Bus, Drivers position in National bus and first cable car in Melbourne after restoration. Printed by Magnum Press. 3951.7 - "Annual Report 1976" - light blue coloured gloss heavy paper cover with 44 pages, gloss, on inside giving details of the MMTB Board, Officers, Operations report, schedule of debenture, investments, Auditors reports, record of Annual traffic receipts, passengers, miles etc, tram and bus routes operated, statistical information, graphs and photographs. Photos include; Z2 in Bourke St, Z24 Victoria Parade, Z17 Nicholson St, overhead trucks, W2 in Mount Alexander Road Nth Essendon, Z28 Nicholson St, W2 226 loading passengers St Georges Rd and Wattle Park. Printed by Magnum Press.3951.1 - has Graeme Breydon's address stamp on front cover., 3951.2 - ditto, 3951.3 - ditto and on inside of front cover., 3951.6 - "G. Breydon" in pencil on front cover and pencil comments on balance sheet., 3951.7 - dittotrams, tramways, mmtb, melbourne, annual reports, operations, trackwork

This item is from a collection donated by descendants of John Francis Turner of Wodonga. Mr. Turner was born on 6 June 1885. He completed all of his schooling at Scotts Boarding School in Albury, New South Wales. On leaving school, he was employed at Dalgety’s, Albury as an auctioneer. In 1924 John was promoted to Manager of the Wodonga Branch of Dalgety’s. On 15/03/1900 he married Beatrice Neal (born 7/12/1887 and died 7/2/1953) from Collingwood, Victoria. They had 4 daughters – Francis (Nancy), Heather, Jessie and Mary. In 1920, the family moved From Albury to Wodonga, purchasing their family home “Locherbie” at 169 High Street, Wodonga. "Locherbie" still stands in Wodonga in 2022. The collection contains items used by the Turner family during their life in Wodonga. A wide range of small china pieces carrying scenic views of holiday destinations or key locations were a popular kind of souvenir during much of the 20th century. Several different items have been produced to commemorate Wodonga and its landmarks over time. These items document key changes in Wodonga and its heritage. This plate depicts three key landmarks in Wodonga. THE SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL in Wodonga was unveiled on Tuesday 18th November 1924. It was designed by Messrs. Hosken & Co., of Hawthorn, Victoria. The monument is all of Australian workmanship. The pedestal is made of Harcourt granite, 9ft x 9ft at the base, and rising in seven courses to a height of 10ft 2in. The emblems (rising sun and wreath) are of bronze, and the lettering of the inscription and names of fallen soldiers are in raised lead letters. Originally the Memorial was completed with a full life size, 6ft in height, sculpture of an Australian soldier in Sicilian marble. The memorial bore the inscriptions: ERECTED BY THE RESIDENTS OF WODONGA AND DISTRICT IN MEMORY of the Men of this Town and District who fell in the Great War, 1914-1919, Also in grateful recognition of the men who served and returned. “Lest We Forget.” In 1982, due to frequent vandalism and high cost of materials to repair, the soldier statue was removed and later installed at the RSL Rooms. THE WATER TOWER is a major landmark of High Street, Wodonga. It began operation from January 1924 until it ceased operation in 1959. It stood unused for a decade until the lower section was modified and put to use as “ The Tower’s Cobbler’s Inn” in 1962. In 1972 Wodonga City Council proposed to demolish the Tower. Their suggestion received an unfavorable response from the city’s citizens, so the Tower still stands today. THE BAND ROTUNDA was officially opened on Sunday 5th September 1920 at the naming of the triangular reserve at the corner of High and Hovell Streets as Woodland Grove. The Wodonga Band gave a public performance on this occasion. The tri-coloured ribbon, which stretched across the entrance to the Rotunda was cut by Mrs R.H Murphy, daughter of Mr. John Woodland, secretary of the Wodonga Shire Council for 35 years, after whom the area was named. The rotunda has since been moved to Martin Park, Wodonga. This item comes from a collection used by a prominent citizen of Wodonga. It is also representative of a domestic item common in the 1940s and features significant landmarks used in many forms to represent the city of Wodonga.This bone china cup and saucer set features an image of Woodland Grove. Wodonga, Victoria. The image incorporates landmarks in Woodland Grove, including the Soldiers' Memorial, the Rotunda and the Water Tower. There is a makers' mark imprinted on the underside of the plate."ROYAL STAFFORD/BONE CHINA/ MADE IN ENGLAND/ 423" . A crown is in the centre of the textmemorabilia, woodland grove, wodonga victoria

Yields information in movie film format of Ballarat trams and news stories in the period 1965 to 1971 - BTV6 16mm film format., Yields information in movie film format of Ballarat trams and news stories in the period 1965 to 1971 - BTV6 16mm film format.Movie film - 16mm, approx. 5:29 mins, with grey leader strip on a blue plastic Tuscan Reel, with sound track, leader and timer count down strip; c1965 to 1971. Has been transferred to DVD - see Reg item 4100 as Segment No. 7. Compiled from BTV6 film by Paul McDonald c1990. Synopsis: based on time - Black and white film. Title "Ballarat trams" 0:00 Bogie tram arriving behind another bogie tram at the City Centre, Sturt St nth side, passengers boarding tram, view of destination, Mt. Pleasant, Lydiard St Nth, view of Sturt St, north side, with motor vehicles and building in street, and No. 41 turning from Sturt St into Lydiard St. 0:42 Short sequence of a bogie tram in Sturt St, view from window and a driver working the controller. 0:58 Interview on tram with two ladies about the tram service and the staff. (Sound) 1:36 Sequence varying scenes about the 60th anniversary of trams in Ballarat, including on tram, people, No. 18 leaving the depot with the 60th anniversary dash front panel for the event. 2:16 Courier poster “SEC Says: Trams should be scrapped” 2:23 Lydiard St Nth terminus, ladies waiting at terminus shelter, and No. 43 arriving at terminus 2:36 Front of bus with bus destination roll being scrolled, Creswick, Wendouree, Mt Pleasant, view of a Davis Bus outside the Town Hall, view of people (guests) chatting on the bus, all looking very happy, and view of bus travelling along. 3:15 No. 33 and bus, showing special alongside at Victoria St terminus and back to bus interior shot. 3:25 No. 12 loaded on a truck and leaving from insider the depot and out in Wendouree Parade with jacks on rear of truck. 3:59 No. 33 loaded for Hamilton leaving Ballarat (note without the truck attached), and being backed into position for offloading. 4:42 No. 41 loaded on a truck, being backed into an position to be offloaded 4.54 No. 36 with Tourism Week Sign being prepared and lifted at the depot. 5:29 End. Placed in a blue cardboard box specially made for the item 30/08/2010.trams, tramways, ballarat, city centre, lydiard st nth, buses, davis bus lines, tram disposal, tram 33, tram 41, tram 36, tram 18

The blank autograph book was gifted to Mavis Hucker Christmas 1929 and used by her throughout 1930 to collect signatures and homilies from her fellow students at Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College. Entries feature poems, proverbs and hand-drawn artwork. Historic significance due to insight into work ethic amongst female students in the 1930's. Social significance to the school due to personal signatures of studentsTiny red-leather bound blank book titled 'My album' featuring plastic picture inset on front cover; sewn bindingInside front cover: 'Wishing Mavis / A merry Xmas / 1929'mavis-hucker, 1929, 1930, 1930's, clarendon-presbyterian-ladies-college, c-p-l-c, boarding, margaret-lester, jean-lloyd, phyllis-cutbush, winifred-davies, m-k-hope, grace-monteith, gladys-hucker, jean-irwin, margaret-baxter, j-howell, m-geddes, alice-abraham, nellie-veitch, maude-harkinson, n-crawford, d-veale, merle-tully, jean hook, kathleen-vernon, nancy-redman, i-constance-ross, b-garbutt, thelma-johnston, margaret-maconachie, e-graham, olive-ladlow, dulcie-burton, leata-burgin, verna-edson, boustead, sheila-mcdougall, e-henderson, amy-richards, lucy-shaw, gweneth-adams, e-etherton, r-ralph, jean-muir, j-stewardson, joan-chibnall, e-johnston, j-baird, dulcie-excell, dulcie-hucker, m-phillips, frankie-stevenson, phyllis-mitchell, mary-alston, beth-lelean, una-sloss, jean-mccallum, jean-tippett, lorna-mccoll, joyce-dyason, nella-robinson, j-mccartney, bessie-mclennan, merle-tolliday, g-shannon, m-garbutt,

Set of 17 transparencies taken on 20/11/1962 on Kodak mounts. 1187.1 - Bendigo No. 2 at the Quarry Hill terminus, showing destination of Quarry Hill. Has Cohns Drinks and Streets Ice Cream ads on dash panel, a SEC 'electric cooking' roof ad and another roof ad. Shows the Y terminus at this location, but tram standing just before it. Overhead in position. 1187.2 - as above, but closer up. 1187.3 - as above, but from the north side, showing cemetery in the background. 1187.4 - Bendigo No.3 at Eaglehawk terminus. Tram showing destination of Quarry Hill. Has the various buildings at Eaglehawk in the background including the Foodland store. Has Streets Ice cream and White Horse Whiskey ads on the dash panel. 1187.5 - Bendigo No. 18 at Garden Gully crossing loop, in bound, with destination of Eaglehawk. Passengers waiting for an Eaglehawk tram at the stop. Has a white horse whiskey ad on dash panel and SEC roof ads. Conductor standing in doorway looking out. 1187.6 - Bendigo No. 7 inbound in Nolan St. at cnr of McCrae St. showing destination of Golden Square. Has Streets Ice cream ad on dash panel and a Castrol Roof ad. 1187.7 - Bendigo No. 19 at the North Bendigo terminus with railway level crossing in background. Tram has a Cohns Drinks ad and an SEC 'Electric Cooking' roof ad. 1187.8 - Bendigo No. 2 at the Quarry Hill terminus, looking back into Bendigo, showing destination of Eaglehawk. 1187.9 - Bendigo No. 21 in McCrae St, near Nolan St outbound for North Bendigo. Photo taken after tram has passed photographer. 1187.10 - Bendigo Nos. 4 and 26 at Charing Cross in View St. with fountain alongside and the Beehive, Ezywalkin Buildings in the background. No. 26 has a Sandhurst Milk and SEC 'Electric Cooking' roof ad. 1187.11 - close up of 22E maximum traction truck and folded footstep. 1187.12 - Bendigo No. 19 at Charing Cross terminus, after tram has passed photographer, showing destination of North Bendigo, with the Beehive building in the background and passengers boarding tram. 1187.13 - Bendigo No. 11, turning from View St. into Pall Mall, showing Special with the conductor holding point bar. Has the Beehive and Ezywalkin Buildings in the background. 1187.14 - No. 7 at Charing Cross terminus, in Pall Mall, bound for Golden Square. Has the Beehive and Ezywalkin buildings in the background and passengers waiting at the tram stop. 1187.15 - No. 18 at the Charing Cross terminus, bound for Eaglehawk. Has the Beehive and Ezywalkin buildings in the background and passengers waiting at the tram stop. Also has the 'Safety Zone' sign in the photograph. 1187.16 - No. 2 at Quarry Hill terminus, night or dusk photo. Tram showing destination of Depot. 1187.17 - No. 26 at Charing Cross, night photo. Tram has destination of Quarry Hill, but is on the line for Eaglehawk. Photo looks along Mitchell St. Also shows Safety Zone sign. Information written on in black ink and date stamped on purple ink. 1187.1 - "No. 2 at Quarry Hill terminus Bendigo" 1187.2 - "No. 2 at Quarry Hill terminus Bendigo" 1187.3 - "No. 2 at Quarry Hill terminus Bendigo" 1187.4 - "No. 3 at Eaglehawk terminus" 1187.5 - "No. 18 in Mt Korong Road, Long Gully at cnr of Havilah Road (Eaglehawk Route)" 1187.6 - "No. 7 in Nolan St. Bendigo, at Cnr of McCrae St., near lake Weeroona, (North Bendigo Route)' 1187.7 - "No. 19 at North Bendigo terminus" 1187.8 - "No. 2 at Quarry Hill terminus" 1187.9 - "No. 21 in McCrae St. Bendigo, near Nolan St. (North Bendigo Route) 1187.10 - "4 and 26 at Alexandra Fountain, Charing Cross Bendigo" 1187.11 - "Truck of Bogie Car, Bendigo Tramways" 1187.12 - "No. 19 in Pall Mall at Charing Cross, Bendigo" 1187.13 - "Birney car No. 11 entering Pall Mall from View St. at Charing Cross Bendigo" 1187.14 - "No. 7 in Pall Mall at Charing Cross, Bendigo" 1187.15 - "No. 18 at Alexandra Fountain, Charing Cross, Bendigo" 1187.16 - "No. 2 at Quarry Hill terminus, Bendigo" 1187.17 - "No. 26 at Alexandra Fountain, Charing Cross, Bendigo" tramways, trams, bendigo, quarry hill, eaglehawk, north bendigo, maximum traction, night photo, tram 2, tram 3, tram 4, tram 7, tram 11, tram 18, tram 19, tram 21, tram 26

TOM COLLINS–from the reel to reel tape recording at Melton 1969 In the years between 1890 and to about 1913 Melton was a quiet little hamlet alongside the Toolern Creek, once called the Pennyroyal Creek, 24 miles from Melbourne on the Ballarat Road. There was a fair amount of woodland left around it, mostly grey and yellow box with sheoak, and golden wattle, which in spring time made a rather attractive setting. Most of the premises were in the main or High Street, with its line of elm and pepper trees on each side. Unitt, McKenzie and Henry streets each contained only a few dwellings. Hotels were four in number, Minns’s, Mrs Hay licencee, now Mac’s, Golden Fleece – Sheblers. The Royal or Ryan’s as it was then called, later Graham had the licence, and the Raglan - Kilpatricks had the licence and afterwards Tom Manning. This was situated about where Mr K. Young had his residence. There was a store attached to the hotel until about 1900. Both the Royal and the Raglan were delicensed, later on the Royal being converted to a green grocery and a boarding house, the Raglan was demolished. The Royal green grocery and boarding house was kept by E Carew and after he retired, E Radford. The Post and Telegraph Office was on the opposite side of the street to the Raglan Hotel about two doors west of the Shire Hall and was kept by Mrs Ferris and Lady Farmer until her retirement, when it was carried on by Miss Lottie Ross. A store was attached to the Post Office and was sometimes used as a store and at one time housed the National Bank. There were two full time banks at Melton, the other being the Commercial which built premises about 1904 and on the corner of High and Smith Streets, which it still occupies. Mr G Egan was the manager of the Commercial and Mr Stradling and later Mr Lee of the National. However as business was not thought good enough they reverted to a part time branch operated from Bacchus Marsh. Grocer shops were Chalmers, with a news agency and drapery now Arnolds, Jongebloeds had the bakery. Mr Fox also a produce merchant, was where Melton Real Estate is now, it was later occupied by Buchanans, Atleys, and Mrs Ross. Not long after the War Mrs Ross built the Post Office, since demolished where Miss Lottie Ross was the Post Mistress and later built the store which she conducted. It was later turned into a factory and in now the barbers shop. McNichols was just west of the Minns Hotel. He travelled as far a Ballan weekly, buying calves and dairy produce for sale in Melbourne. Afterwards he sold the business and bought Minns Hotel and changing the name to Macs. Blacksmiths were three in number. Blackwoods – later James Byrnes next door to Jongebloeds. Alex Cameron who learnt his trade with Blackwoods had his shop about the rear of where Ken Youngs Garage is now he later moved to the north west corner of High and Alexander Street. He was also the Registrar of Birth and Deaths and Electoral Registrar. After his retirement he was weighbridge keeper at Melton South. Two of his sons were engaged in the carpentry trade, but both died at an early age. Whittingtons shop was a few doors east of the Mechanics Hall and it was later occupied by Gordon Macdonald who did business there until about eight years ago. The butchers of the period were George Graham, that is where Mandy Lees hairdressing establishment is now. Euan MacDonald had premises later occupied by Whittingtons blacksmith shop. Later shifting next door. He left here about 1901, he slaughtererd animals at a slaughter house right where Chas Jones now resides, it had previously been a slaughter house and butcher shop of that site. George Spring also operated as a butcher for two or three years about the 1900 or so. Ted Simpsons shop was where John Kontek now has his Estate Agency, he used it as an branch shop from Bacchus Marsh bringing meat from there by a two horse lorry. Jimmy Butler the manager was well known and loved, his son was later a steeplechase jockey. The Court House and Police Station would be built sometime before 1900. The Constables at the time were McGuire, later Wade, Riely and McKenzie after that Robert Wilson and Seinfort were here, they were a bit later on. The Mechanics Hall was first opened by Ryan of the Royal Hotel who sold it to the Hall Committee. It was on Unitt Street and it was moved by McLellans the house shifters from Unitt Street to its present site. Bluestone premises formerly occupied by the bootmaker Carew, were later demolished and replaced by the brick frontage to the Hall. Keith Orensini [?] the local bricklayer built brick portion to the Hall. In the cottage adjoining the Hall a Frenchman named Baudin, had a boot repairing business.This cottage was the later residence of J Hill, a local carpenter and builder from whom I learnt my trade. Granny Watts was the well known local nurse and operated the Mid-Wifery Hospital in Yuille Street on the Sherwin Street corner. Mrs Nissen was on the opposite side of Yuille Street a short distance nearer the township. She conducted the laundry. Carew had a greengrocers shop next door to the Post Office in the High Street for some time before transferring to the Royal Hotel site. He also bought [?] calves for killing. W Cecil was a tank maker and also had a produce round, he lived on Pyke and Sherwin Street. Later Gus Shebler, builder and carpenter engaged in tank making being well known for good workmanship. Shebler was very energetic in forming the Gun Club which met for a good number of years where the golf course now has its headquarters. Of the four churches only three are in use, Christ Church, Scots and St Dominics. The Methodist closed down but later transferred to Melton South. Monthly stock sales were held at the yards in Unitt Street at Minns Hotel by McPhail Auctioneers, later held by McCarthur and McLeod. After the Council built the pound and sale yards they transferred sales to these premises, but lack of patronage caused them to be abandoned. A familiar sight in the district was blind Bob Nixon, who lived in a tumbled down cottage in Centenary Road near W Coburns, being led by his dog down the road to Melton, that is Palmerston street, to the Post Office, butcher and baker for his supplies and then back home. He was able to do his own cooking and other chores. Sundays he would come down Raleighs Road to the back of the church and tie his dog to a tree. Someone, mostly one of the boys would guide him into the church and out again after the service, when the dog would lead him home again. State School 430, a two roomed bluestone building it was the only school in the district, none at Melton South. The nearest would be Rockbank and Toolern Vale. Scholars had a fair distance to walk in most cases. The teachers were Mr T Lang Headmaster. I put a query here, Miss Winters, I’m not certain of the name, Mrs Skinner and Miss Silke as Assistant Teachers. Miss Augusta Cecil and Miss Maud Lang were Junior teachers. One boy who attended the school about the turn of the century was Hector Fraser who resided with his parents in Keilor Road, where Jim Gillespie now lives. He was an excellent gun shot and at the age of about 17 years his father took him to France or Monaco where he won the Gran Prix for pigeon shooting and became the champion boy shot of the world. However he died there from pneumonia. He shot under the name of “Parvo”. The Melbourne Hunt Club used to meet in Keilor Road north side just east of the Toolern Creek on what was originally Pykes Run. This was also the place where the races were held and the Sports Meetings. Dave Murphy, employed at Clarke’s Rockbank Station usually provided the fox which he liberated for the Club. Greyhound coursing was usually held on Moylans property Mt Kororoit, or Mt Misery as it was known then. Later it was held at Melton Park, Mr Matt Carberry was the judge and Percy Cook the slipper. Early in the 1900’s the Recreation Park was created and the Caledonian and the ANA sports meetings were held there, they were annual events. L Paterson from Melton South was a successful competitor in all the cycling events as a young man. He later in life became the Deputy Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The present Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade is John Paterson, nephew of his, and spent his early life in Exford where his father was manager of the Exford Estate. Notes Tom Collins was born c 1895. He lived on the south side of the Ballarat Road near the intersection of Keilor Road.Historical image of Palmerston Street in Meltonlocal architecture, landscapes of significance

The largest gold mine in the area originated from a find in 1862. The mine was closed January 20, 1915 when a fire destroyed nearly all the above ground plant. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p75 Beneath Mine Hill, as locals call it, runs a network of tunnels once of central importance to the fledgling township of Diamond Creek. These are relics of gold mines, which transformed early Diamond Creek.1 The tiny settlement of about 20 families soared to more than 200 because of gold. For around 50 years, from 1862, gold mining was Diamond Creek’s major source of employment. On September 7, 1854 The Argus newspaper reported a find of a four pound (1.8kg) gold nugget in Nillumbik (an early name for Diamond Creek). Exactly where, is not known.2 The largest mine in the district, the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, apparently originated from a find in 1862. It is said Joe and Dave Wilson were visiting former tailor then cook, Charles Orme, at the southern end of Fraser Street. Sitting on a stump outside the front gate on land belonging to Dr A. E. Phipps the Wilsons found a vein of gold-bearing quartz, which led to the discovery of four quartz reefs varying in width to eight inches (20cm), running north and south. A reef found at the foot of the hill opposite Challenger Street became the Union Mine. This reef was traced south to Allendale Road where a small mine began operations.3 Other smaller mines later operated as well. Dr Phipps immediately began to mine and also built the Diamond Reef Hotel as a boarding house for miners. But Charles Orme, who owned the land alongside, leased his mine to Dr Phipps probably because of insufficient funds and business skills. By mid 1865 the mine had produced 2530 ounces of gold – a 100% profit on the original outlay. Of course there were problems. When the local dam dried up a Blake pump was installed to draw water from the creek. The Union Mine operated under the Diamond Creek Gold Mine management except when disputes sometimes resulted in separate management. However disagreements had to be resolved as the Union Mine depended on Diamond Creek Gold Mine pumps to remove underground water from common reefs. In 1912 the main shaft of about 380 yards (350m) employed 200 men recovering an average of 5000 ounces (141.7kg) of gold a year. But not everyone did well out of gold. Records of failed mining companies in the Victorian Public Record Office, reveal that owner Dr Phipps leased his Right to others. Companies came and went over the next 40 years, most sponsored by Melbourne businessmen who sold shares to gullible locals and then became insolvent. Although there were some good profits, financial returns were haphazard until 1905. Some local residents, who were share holders in short- term companies, became well-known names in modern Diamond Creek such as Scott, Haley, Butler, Alder, Ryan, Wadeson, Reeves, Alston, Paul and Edwards. Gold mining was brought to a disastrous end on January 20, 1915 at 3 pm, when fire destroyed nearly all the above-ground plant. Fortunately no lives were lost. But reopening the mine was almost impossible because of the increasing depth of water in the main shaft. The closed mine destroyed the livelihood of 200 families and the debris took many years to clear.4 In 1946 the Diamond Creek Gold Mine was reopened by the Golden Hind Mining Company, but money ran out before the 600 feet (182.8m) or so of water could be removed. Gold remains in the mine but enormous capital would be needed to buy the land, equipment and to remove the water. Today 12 known sealed shafts along the ridge of the hills on private property extend west for around one kilometre from the corner of Fraser and Haley Streets, crossing Norma and Fyffe to Dering Streets. As recently as 1987, heavy rains revealed a former Union Mine shaft in the Georgiadis family Fyffe Street back yard.5 Allendale Mine, south of Allendale Road, is still open and one of the Union Mine’s main drives (horizontal excavation) remains unsealed, on the Creek Reserve.This 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, diamond creek, diamond creek mine, fraser street, gold mining, james cook drive, mine hill

Sculture in bronze of Alan Marshall by Marcus Skipper, 1995 Alan Marshall, AM., O.B.E., Hon.LL,D. (1902-1984) was born at Noorat, Victoria and became one of Australia's most famous authors. His association with the Eltham area began in 1920 when he started his first job as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices, Kangaroo Ground. In the 1940's he spent some time living at Research. From 1955 he lived in Eltham for nearly 20 years. Disabilities resulting from polio as a young child did not prevent a wide range of experiences. Alan's occupations have been listed as clerk, night watchman, fortune teller, freelance journalist and author. He has been patron of many disadvantaged Children's Societies. Alan's books are numerous and include novels, short stories, children's books, history and travel. Among the best known are his autobiographies "I Can Jump Puddles" and "This is the Grass". Others include "These are My People", "Ourselves Writ Strange", "People of the Dreamtime"; "The Gay Provider" and "Wild Red Horses". In 1971 he wrote the Centenary History of the Shire of Eltham, "Pioneers and Painters". Covered under National Trust of Australia (Victoria), State significance. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p159 Outside the Eltham Library a bronze figure of a short one-legged man with a crutch invites people to the world of literature. The bronze statue, by Marcus Skipper, is of author Alan Marshall, who is famed for his autobiography I Can Jump Puddles, about growing up and overcoming the effects of polio. That plucky little boy later lived in the Nillumbik district for more than 50 years, and on his death in 1984, was buried in the Nillumbik Cemetery at Diamond Creek. Although a hugely successful author, his grave is modest with only a tiny boulder and simple bronze plaque on a grassed plot. From 1955 to 1972 Marshall lived in a tiny fibro-cement bungalow at the rear of a house at Park West Road, Eltham, owned by his older sister, Elsie McConnell. It was there that he wrote most of his autobiographical trilogy and his history of the former Eltham Shire, Pioneers and Painters. His long association with Eltham Shire began in 1918 when his family moved to Diamond Creek. Then in 1920 he began work as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices on Main Road, Kangaroo Ground near the Yarra Glen Road, while boarding at the hotel next door. Marshall later bought a block of land in Research, which had three bark huts. In one of these he wrote his first book These Are My People. He later sold the land but lived in a caravan there and in 1955 wrote I Can Jump Puddles.1 Proud of its citizen, the Eltham Shire named a park after Marshall at the corner of Main Road and Leanne Drive, Eltham. In 1985 the Shire initiated the Alan Marshall Short Story Award. It was Marshall’s early life in the country that taught him to live courageously in spite of his crippling polio, and he inspired many. This informed his writing – full of courage, championing the battler and love of the bush. Alan Marshall was born in 1902 at Noorat in Western Victoria, as the only son of Billy a drover, horse breaker, hawker and then general store owner. At the age of six, Marshall contracted infantile paralysis and was later hospitalised in Colac for 18 months. With his father’s encouragement, Marshall learnt to swim, wrestle and box, ride a bicycle (downhill), ride a horse and drive a car. Marshall won a scholarship to Stott’s Correspondence College to study accountancy. To help him continue his studies and find employment, his family bought 12 acres (4.8ha), in Ryans Road, Diamond Creek, opposite Windmill Court. There they ran cows, some poultry and an orchard. But life with a disability and during the Depression was hard for Marshall, who for 20 years, endured long periods of unemployment and loneliness and was often exploited at work.2 However, life improved in the 1930s, when he published short stories and articles in newspapers and magazines, including a column of advice to the lovelorn, which he wrote for nearly 20 years. At age 42 Marshall published his first book and in the next 30 years he published more than 20. His most successful book was I Can Jump Puddles, which sold more than three million copies internationally. It was made into a film, released in 1971, by Czechoslovakian director Karel Kachyna. Marshall was one of the first Australians to write about Aborigines who called him Gurrawilla - teller of tales - when he lived with them in Arnhem Land for eight months.3 In 1941 Marshall married Olive Dixon, with whom he had two daughters, Catherine and Jennifer. Marshall and Olive divorced in 1957. In 1972 Marshall was awarded an OBE for his work with the handicapped. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Melbourne University, an Order of Australia for services to literature and the Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples.This 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, alan marshall, art in public places, eltham, eltham library, marcus skipper, panther place, public art, sculpture

Set of 24 transparencies taken on 20/5/1971 on Kodak mounts. 1195.1 - Bendigo 19 arriving at Charing Cross en route to North Bendigo with Fountain Plaza and the City Family Hotel in the background. No. 19 has two roof ads for the SEC. -'Electricity better for cooking' and 'Everything's under control in my all electric kitchen' 1195.2 - as above, but standing at the Charing cross stop, with the Beehive Stores and other buildings along the east side of Pall Mall in the background. 1195.3 - No 21 ex Golden Square crossing View St. trackwork in front of No. 25 waiting to depart for Quarry Hill. No.21 has two roof ads (as for No.19 in 1195.1) and No.25 has one SEC roof ad and another. Ezywalkin sign in the background, and Fountain Plaza. 1195.4 - as for 1195.3, but after 21 has arrived and 25 left for Quarry Hill. Has Ezywalkin store and the Beehive store in the background. 1195.5 - No. 5 at the Eaglehawk terminus. Photo taken with a cannon in foreground looking along High St. Eaglehawk. Has shops on the west side of High St. in the background. 1195.6 - No. 5 at the Eaglehawk terminus, close up of the rear of the tram - note tow bar arrangement. Has destination of Quarry Hill. 1195.7-Nos.25 and 5 crossing at the Thorpe St. Loop, California Gully. No. 25 bound for Eaglehawk (has SEC Briquette and electric cooking roof ads) and 5 en route for Quarry Hill with a SEC and Cinzano roof ad. 1195.8 - as for 1195.7, but after trams have passed each other. Has Borough Auto Service building in the background. 1195.9 - No. 5 in Mt Korong Road, towards Bamard Street, photo taken after tram has passed photographer. 1195.10 - No. 30 at the Golden Square terminus with the Milk Bar on the right hand side of the photograph. 1195.11 - No. 30 inbound at Fire Station Loop, High St. Golden Square. Has old fire station in the background. Passengers are boarding the tramcar. 1195.12 - No. 30 in High St, bound for North Bendigo between Vine and Wattle Streets. 1195.13 - No. 5 bound for Eaglehawk waits at Iron Bark Gully Loop, at Hayes St. 1195.14 - No. 5 and No. 2 crossing at Iron Bark Gully Loop. 1195.15 - No. 5 bound for Eaglehawk leaving the Manchester Loop, Long gully. 1195.16 - No. 5 passing William Street, Long Gully en route to Eaglehawk. 1195.17 - No. 5 just before the California Gully Crossing Loop. 1195.18 - Nos. 5 and 26 crossing at California Gully crossing Loop. No. 5 heading to Eaglehawk, 26, Quarry Hill. 1195.19 - No. 5 in High St. Eaglehawk with Bob Moyle's Victoria Hotel and the TAB in the background. 1195.20 - No. 5 in High St. Eaglehawk approaching the terminus. Photo taken after the tram has passed the photographer. Has Foodland store and J. Best Fruit supply in the background, along with Eaglehawk Town Hall. 1195.21 - No. 5 at the Eaglehawk terminus, photo taken along seldom used track along High St. 1195.22 - as for 1195.22 - but at the very end of the track. 1195.23 - No. 5 en route for Quarry Hill climbs High St. Eaglehawk with the Victoria Hotel and Eaglehawk Town Hall in the background. 1195.24 - No. 5 and 25 crossing at Jobs Gully Loop. Note 25 has a black on white destination roll, while No. 5 has a white on black destination roll. Information written on in black ink and date stamped on purple ink. 1195.1 - "No. 19 arrives at Charing Cross Bendigo from Golden Square" 1195.2 - "No. 19 about to leave Charing Cross for North Bendigo" 1195.3 - "No. 25 awaiting departure for Quarry Hill, watches No. 21 arrive at Charring Cross from Golden Square" 1195.4 - "No. 21 on North Bendigo service and No. 25 on Quarry Hill run await departure at Charing Cross" 1195.5 - "No. 5 at Eaglehawk terminus" 1195.6 - "No. 5 at Eaglehawk terminus" 1195.7 - "Nos. 5 and 25 crossing at Thorpe St. Loop, California". 1195.8 - "Nos. 25 and 5 crossing Thorpe St. Loop, California Gully". 1195.9 - "No. 5 descending Mt Korong Rd. towards Bamard St." 1195.10 - "Birney car No. 30 at Golden Square terminus" 1195.11 - "Birney car No. 30 in High Street near Thistle Street (Fire Station Loop)" 1195.12 - "No. 30 in High St. between vine and Wattle Streets" 1195.13 - "No. 25 at Hayes Street Loop Iron Bark". 1195.14 - "Nos. 2 and 5 crossing at Hayes Street Loop Iron Bark" 1195.15 - "No. 5 at Manchester Loop opposite Havilah Road, Long Gully" 1195.16 - "No. 5 passing William Street, Long Gully". 1195.17 - "No. 5 at California Gully" 1195,18 - "Nos. 26 and 5 at Thorpe St. Loop, California Gully". 1195.19 - "No. 5 in High St. Eaglehawk". 1195.20 - "No. 5 approaching Eaglehawk terminus" 1195.21 - "No. 5 at Eaglehawk terminus" 1195.22 - "No. 5 at Eaglehawk terminus" 1195.23 - "No. 5 in High St. Eaglehawk" tramways, trams, bendigo, charing cross, eaglehawk, california gully, golden square, iron bark gully, jobs gully, tram 2, tram 5, tram 19, tram 21, tram 25, tram 26, tram 30

Alexander Wright was born on 25 August, 1898 in Smeaton He was the brother of musician Frank Wright. Alex Wright was killed whilst performing at the Birmingham Empire as the result of a German air Attack in October 1940. The theatre had a direct hit. According to Frank Wright Alex was a great impersonator with a unique range Bass - tenor with many accents (not unlike Peter Dawson) "AUSTRALIAN CARUSO Smeaton Boy's Fame Andre Navarre, who left Australia about three years ago to study opera in Europe, bids fair to take a place among the world's great tenors. A few months ago Navarre sang for Melba for the first time, and she immediately acclaimed him to be a finished artist, describing his voice as the nearest approach to the immortal Caruso she had ever heard, writes the Ballarat "Courier." Andre Navarre is, however, only a stage name adopted by Alexander Wright, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William. Wright, of Armstrong street North, Ballarat, and brother of Mr. Frank Wright and Mrs. William Ritchie, of that city. Born at smeaton 31 years ago, in what may be termed a musical atmosphere; Alex. Wright showed a definite desire to sing at a very early age, and in his boyhood figured as soloist at school concerts, etc. His youth was spent around Smeaton, working at home and at various farms in the district until he was about 19 years of age, when he secured a position at the Dunlop rubber works, Melbourne. Up to this period Wright had no vocal training whatever, but being the possessor of a good resonant baritone voice, was persuaded by some of his friends to "have a go at the stage.'' Securing a position in the chorus of "Maid of the Mountains," which was at that time showing at the Theatre Royal, he soon made his voice heard to advantage, and also commenced to take lessons from Signor Robottaro. It was about this time that Wright was invited by a fellow musician to a musical evening at which a member of Rigo's grand opera company, then performing at " The Playhouse," was also present. Hearing Wright sing, the musician immediately said : ' You're a fool to waste your time in a chorus with that voice. Rigo is looking for a singer like you for the role of 'Figaro' in 'Barber of Seville'." Alex, however, did not take the remark seriously, and it was only after the numerous persuasions of friends who obviously knew the real value of his voice that the modest young man was eventually induced to meet Rigo. The Italian maestro was so delighted with the voice that without hesitation he was given the principle role of "The Barber" to study. Many singers having previously been tried and rejected for the part, Wright was astonished at his success in being chosen, and awakened suddenly to the fact by the maestro that a world voice, if properly trained, would surely develop in the young artist, Alex at once settled down to study, and all day long in his boarding house at St. Kilda could be heard rehearsing his new role. In less than a month he had completely mastered the part, and on the opening night, in the exacting role of "The Barber," he was an outstanding success. Later, he toured Australia with many leading artists, including Elsa Stralia and Harry Lauder, and spent his last two years in Sydney, where he was engaged as soloist in the biggest picture house. Realising that a training in Italy and on the Continent was essential for a successful operatic singer, the young artist decided to go overseas to continue his studies. He did not leave Australia, however, before he gratuitously gave a concert in his little home town to the obvious delight of all his old friends, who flocked from all parts of the district to hear him. The hall was packed to overflowing , and so pleased was Alex with the tumultuous reception he received that he sang fewer than 20 songs. Once in Italy, he lost no time in placing himself under the tuition of Cottone, and it was at the studio of this maestro that he met Toti dal Monte, a former protege of the same master. Two years were spent in Italy, when "Navarre" learned to speak the Italian language fluently, and acquired a wide knowledge of the operas. He sang in Milan about a year ago, and was paid some glowing tributes by the Italian Press critics, who likened his voice to that of Caruso. From Italy he went to Paris, where he met John Brownlee and many other famous singers. The critics on the Continent are unanimous that Andre Navarre-the unassuming Smeaton boy, whom his schoolmates still affectionately call "Hock"--is destined to become one of the luminaries in music history. It is interesting to recall some facts concerning the remarkable family from which this artist springs. Four other members have won championship honors in the musical world. Mr. Frank Wright has the Australasian cornet championship to his credit ; Mr. Norman Wright, of Sydney, has won a tenor championship of New Zealand, and has recorded for the Columbia Gramophone Company ; Mrs. Wm. Ritchie ( formerly Miss Laura Wright) won the A.N.A. contralto championship in Melbourne; whilst the oldest member, Lydia (Mrs. C. Cane, now in N.Z.) won the violin championship at South Street when 17 years of age. Last year Mrs. and Mr. Wright celebrated their golden wedding. Both of the old folk are intensely musical, and it has been said that the voice of the mother, although entirely untrained, showed in her earlier days glimpses of the beautiful quality which made Melba famous. Andre Navarre does not propose leaving the Continent for some time. Recently he was offered a 12 months' contract to sing in London for £2500 but on the advice of Melba and his coach, it was refused on the grounds that yet another 12 months' French study was necessary to ensure absolute perfection. That "Alex " has lost none of his school-boy wit is evinced by his own jocular remark that he has "a top C sharp that will crack every window in the Sydney Town Hall!" (Horsham Times, 20 February 1931) "AUSTRALIAN KILLED An Australian, Alexander Wright, radio variety star, who toured Europe and Australia under the pseudonym of Navarre, was killed during a recent air raid in a Midland . town. His broth-er, Frank Wright, is musical director for the London County council."(Border Morning Mail, 22 Oct 1940) Black and white image of Smeaton born Alexander Wright whose professional name was Navarre "Prince of Mimics". alexander wright, alec wright, navarre

Melton South "The establishment of a settlement of Melton South was induced by the opening of the railway in 1884. This subsequently prompted a number of industries, initially sawmills, and in the early twentieth century, chaff mills. This development coincided with the Exford ‘Closer Settlement’ estate at the beginning of the new century, boosting local population and produce, and the development of the chaff industry which employed many people in the Melton area. (Around 1912 the government had brought out English migrants to settle the Exford estate.) By c.1912 the small Melton Railway Station settlement had a boarding house (probably for chaff or sawmill employees), store, a small church and a hall. The Melton Valley Golf Club originated near the railway station in 1927 (in 1931 it moved to the present Melton links). In 1910 the community had built the large timber ‘Victoria Hall’, which became the focus of community life for several generations. In August of that same year AR Robertson MP and D McDonald applied for the establishment of a school on land set aside for that purpose by the Closer Settlement Board, near the Melton Railway Station settlement. District Inspector McRae recommended that a school for classes up to Grade 3 be established as an adjunct to the Melton State School. And so SS3717, ‘Melton Railway School’, was established in the leased Victoria Hall on 1st December 1911. Thomas Lang, head master at Melton since 1896, was in charge of both schools. As a ‘prep’ school only, it was necessary that the older Melton Railway Station settlement students travel to Melton SS430 at Unitt Street. Since 1912 local residents had been petitioning for the establishment of a separate school at Melton Railway Station on the grounds that it would be better if all children from the one home could attend the same school, and that the Victoria Hall was unsuitable as a school building. As a result an area of 2 acres - Allotment 8, Parish of Djerriwarrh, Exford Estate - was reserved for a State School on 4th March 1914. However the Department wrote that a school would not be established there in the near future, as ‘there is no likelihood in sight that the Railway Station settlement will increase in importance’. Parents persisted with their petitions to the Education Department, claiming that the Victoria Hall was too large, had no fireplace, that teachers were unable to use the wall for teaching aids, and that, being less than 20 metres away from a chaff mill employing 30 men, was too noisy. The turning point came when in 1920 the Hall Committee decided to increase its rent for the hall. In 1920 Head Teacher Lang advised the Education Department to discontinue SS3717 as an adjunct. The District Inspector supported this recommendation, and the schools separated in 1923. In April of that year 41 children, comprising Grades 1-8, moved into an almost completed brick building on the present site. On the 6th July 1923 the official opening of the school took place; after a ceremonial journey from the Hall to the school, speeches were given by the Hon AR Robertson and the Chief Inspector of Education. Everyone then journeyed back to Victoria Hall for a ‘bountiful repast’. (These dates are at odds with the date of 5th March 1925 given in Blake as the date the children occupied the new SS3717 brick school building. ) A teacher’s residence had been purchased for ₤500 in 1923, and the school’s name was changed to ‘Melton South’ in the same year. Even though the older Melton South pupils would no longer have to travel to the Unitt Street school, an additional brick room was still required at the Melton SS430 in that same year. In 1961 a new room was added to the school. In 1972, at the beginning of Melton’s boom as a satellite town, the number of enrolments was 224. The school has since shared in the exponential growth of the town of Melton, and at the time of its jubilee celebration (1983), 524 pupils were enrolled. Victoria Hall, neglected and vandalised, was demolished in 1992. It had been handed back to the Council on condition that it be replaced by a new hall, with the same name, and was commemorated by a plaque. Apart from the 1923 brick school building, and the railway station, none of the principal early Melton South public sites survive. Few early residential sites remain. (Further research will establish whether the house on the corner of Station Street and the railway line was the original teacher’s residence.)" Melton State School "On 17th May 1858 a State subsidised, combined Denominational School was opened by HT Stokes, with an attendance of about 30 children. This school was conducted in the wooden Melton Combined Protestant Church, situated on ‘a creek flat’ thought to be on the north side of Sherwin Street between Pyke and Byran Streets. It is likely that the Church had been established by 1855 and that the first minister was the Rev. Hampshire, who lived in Cambridge House on the Exford Estate. Ministers of the Protestant denominations were invited to hold services there. As there was only one resident Minister in the town (Presbyterian Mr J Lambie), laymen of the various denominations often spoke on Sundays. In 1863 this building was declared a Common School with the number 430. One of its first and most prominent headmasters was John Corr, who served from 1860 to 1864. Most of Mr Corr’s children also became teachers, including Joseph Corr, at the Rockbank school, and J Reford Corr and WS Corr, headmasters and teachers at numerous prestigious private secondary schools around Australia. John Corr purchased land alongside the school and elsewhere in and near Melton, became secretary and treasurer of the new Cemetery Trust, and by July 1861 was deputy registrar of births, deaths and marriages. He walked three miles every Sunday to teach at the Weslyan Sunday School he had established. Despite good reports from the Education Department Inspector, and burgeoning enrolments, the local school committee recommended the dismissal of, firstly, his wife (from the work mistress position), and then him from the headmaster position. Corr saw his dismissal as an attempt to redirect state aid for education from the Combined Protestant school to the support of the Free Presbyterian Minister Rev James Lambie (by one account the owner of the land on which the Common School was erected), whose son-in-law James Scott subsequently assumed responsibility for the school. Rev Lambie failed in his efforts to keep the existing school, which the Education Department Inspector and the majority of Melton citizens regarded as badly situated and badly built. Following a conditional promise of state aid, local contributors in 1868-69 raised ₤72.10.6 towards the cost of an iron-roofed bluestone rubble building 43 ft x 12 ft. This was erected on a new site of 1.5 acres (the present site). The State contributed ₤120 to the new school, which opened in 1870. A very early (c.1874) photograph of the school shows its headmaster and work mistress / assistant teacher (probably James Scott and his wife Jessie) and its (very young) scholars. Similar photos show pupils in front of the school in c.1903, and 1933. In 1877 a second bluestone room costing ₤297 was added and further land acquired from the Agricultural Society (who only needed it two days a year) to enlarge the schoolground to 3 acres. In the early 1880s an underground tank augmented the school water supply and in 1919 a five-roomed wooden residence was added. During this period the school correspondents often compained that the walls of the bluestone buildings were damp, affecting the plaster. In 1923 a brick room 26 ft 6 in by 24 ft with a fireplace and four rooms facing south, was added, and a corridor built to link the three buildings. This served adequately for the next 40 years. The school bell probably dates to 1883. The school also has a memorial gate (1951) to World War One ex-students, and an honour board to the 64 ex-students who served in the First World War. The school roll fell to 42 in the early post war-years, but was boosted by an influx of migrants, mainly from the UK, from the late 1960s. This presaged the boom in Melton’s development, and the corresponding growth of the school, with timber and temporary classrooms added to the previous masonry ones. An endowment pine plantation established in 1930 augmented the school’s fundraising activities when it was harvested in 1968. Part of the site was planted with eucalyptus trees in 1959. Famous ex-students of the early twentieth century included Hector Fraser (internationally successful shooter) and cyclist Sir Hubert Opperman". The Express Telegraph articles about the history of Melton South and Melton State Schoolseducation

ID 5225 note: Further information relating to allotments marked on the hand-drawn plan are included in ID 5224 - Ringwood Station Estate.Typewritten letter from A.V. Greenwood with hand drawn plan of Ringwood Shop and Dwelling Estate, detailed description of property for sale, and top and side elevation views of house. (7 pages)(Transcript of first page - to unknown recipient) Phone 988 Central, 331 Canty Greenwood Pty. Ltd. 5 Flinders Street Melbourne. Dear Sir, 1. Attached please find drawings of my house at Ringwood. 2. It is for sale at £4,865 or to let at £5 per week to an approved tenant. 3. I sold it to Mr. De Garis and vacated it, but it is now back on my hands. 4. I leased another place instead of living in my own. I may be able to cancel same; in the meantime, however, I propose to sell or let my own. The painters are now going through the place; re-varnishing, re-oiling and re-polishing so that in about five days it will look "spick and span". 5. The house was specially built under my own supervision. 6. It is very suitable for a high class Guest House, Doctor's residence, Hospital or Convalescent Home. If you know of anyone whom it might suit, please communicate with them. DESCRIPTION 7. It stands on 305 feet of land facing Greenwood Avenue. It is cement, roughcast and hardwood, well oiled, and is now being redone so that the house is as good as new; red tile roof; verandahs three sides; two sleep-outs; five bedrooms; large dining room; very large music room with nooks, upstairs lounge, study; sewing room; built-in wardrobes and cupboards throughout; handsome kitchen with handsome pantry cupboard with drawers and glass front; one bath room; one shower room; wash house with patent copper and laundry. Every modern convenience, hot water system (through copper pipes with large copper cylinder) electric lights everywhere, outside and in, Yan Yean water laid on everwhere throughout house and gardens. Floors throughout are the very best, close set, stained and polished; dainty lead light windows etc. 8. There is a big garage, with tiled roof and two rooms with all conveniences for a married couple. Property is well drained with a system of its own. The house stands upon the top of a hill close to Railway Station, say 500 feet from the Footbridge. 9. The garden has expansive shrubs; sheds; fernery; tennis court. 10. A handsome piece of furniture goes with the house; a combination pantry and storeroom for groceries, milk, bread etc., consisting of drawers, glass and wire doors, as mentioned above. 11. It is within easy distance of Melbourne as it is only two minutes from Ringwood Station, which is a frequent electric train service bringing it within 39 minutes of the City. It is thought better by some to go further out into the country atmosphere and walk a short distance at the end than to go by train 20 minutes then walk 15 to 20 minutes. 12. The price quoted of £4,865 is made up as follows - 305 feet of land @ £5 ... £1,515 Garage and dwelling ... £300 House hot water system, American cupboard ... £2,600 Water, fencing, sheds & drain ... £250 For the lot ... £4,865 Should you require copies of the enclosed drawings I shall be pleased to supply same. 13. Mr. J.B. McAlpin is the local agent, Phone Ring. 7 (after hours Ring. 44) or you may phone me Central 988. 14. The house is south of the line, facing Greenwood Avenue and immediately at the back of Ringwood House, which is also my property. Yours sincerely, A.V. Greenwood (illegible) ..... (Transcript of second page) RINGWOOD SHOP AND DWELLING ESTATE See these letters on plan attached (H.) Ringwood House and Shops on 100 by 150 feet of land fronting Bedford Road 100 feet @ £10 per foot - £1,000 House and shops - £2,400 ... £3,400 Ringwood House consists of Boarding House, (Phone 101) and two shops, mainly brick; 9 inch walls. Will carry another story. Has music room, dining room, entrance halls, 10 bedrooms, large verandahs, all conveniences, hot and cold water, and stands on what will become a most valuable business corner. (F.)(G.) Mr. Greenwood's house, garage and sheds, stands on 307 feet of land fronting Greenwood Avenue. See detailed description attached ... £4,865 (J.) Cottage on Block 81 in William Street ... £750 (K.) Cottage in Pitt Street ... £650 (Total) £9,665 ..... (Description of third page - Subdivision Plan) Drawn by Edyth Greenwood, phone 988 Central. Subdivision includes Station Street, Pitt Street, Bedford Road, Wantirna Road, James Street, William Street (later Kendall Street), Greenwood Avenue, Ellison Street, and Haig Street. Circles denote blocks for sale. Squares denote house properties for sale. Other features marked include location of businesses along Main Street (Maroondah Highway), cool store, railway station, shop and police station on Bedford Road, church on Station Street, site of schoolmaster's residence and State School, and location of proposed public baths

Eldest daughter of Edna and Bon Barrie, born on 03 November 1943 in Melbourne, Victoria, Memoirs of Wendy Barrie, recalling the early formative years of life in Melton: In 1949 I started school at Melton State School no 430 and was driven the 2½ miles to there by my parents at first. Later we walked home in the afternoons or were picked up by car as we made our way home along the Western Highway. In 1956 I went to Bacchus Marsh High School. There were 4 students in grade 6 and 3 of us went to the High School. The students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School as far a fifth form. My parents drove me to the pick up point and during the five years of travel to High School. The bus travelled via Toolern Vale and later went through Exford and through Parwan. On the return journey in the afternoon the bus went in the reverse direction. The bridge at Exford was an old narrow wooden one, and the students had to get off the bus and walk across, with the driver crossing in the empty bus for safety reasons. There was a travelling allowance paid to parents and it was estimated from the distance the crow flies, a straight line. We lived a Ferris Lane, just where the Harness Racing entrance is now situated about 2 ½ miles by road to school too close to qualify for the subsidy. While at State School Melton we would walk home in a group with the Nixon and Gillespie children, along the main road over the bridge near the Shire Offices and down a hill. I was being dinked on Joyce Gillespie’s bike while holding onto the seat, toppled off the bike striking my chin and teeth on the bitumen and cracking my jaw. I was about 9 years old and stayed a couple of days in the Quamby Hospital in Bacchus Marsh, it seemed like and eternity at the time and quite traumatic being separated from my family. I can remember contemplating how I could get out of the window and run away but realised it was too far to walk home. Often we would cut across the Common on our way home from school picking up stray golf balls and collecting them from the creek when it dried out. We were warned about not accepting lifts from strangers passing along the Melbourne/ Ballarat Road. The only danger we faced was being swooped by the magpies particularly on the open ground on the Common. We were also fairly cautious when the Gypsies camped on the Common in the area just about opposite the small reservoir. “Mum” grandma Myers loved to have us call in on our way home, and usually would cut a slice of Jongebloed’s bread and spread it with home made butter. Sometimes we waited there until we were collected by car, usually driven by our mother. Margaret Nixon and Joyce Gillespie were a few grades ahead of me and Barbara Nixon was born just two months earlier than me. Our mothers were great friends for over 6o years, born in the same month three years apart. They lived within a few days of the same age as each other at the time their deaths. Dad and George Nixon attended Melton school at the same time. Sarah nee Hornbuckle Nixon and my grandfather Frederick Myers Snr were at school together at the same in the 1880s. The Nixon family lived in Keilor Road just past the Toolern Creek near the turnoff. Tom and Ann Collins lived on the southern side of the Western highway and Keilor road intersection. Jim and Ruby Gillespie’s house was further long Keilor road on the right. They backed onto the Myers who lived on the north side of Western Highway east of Myers Gully (Ryans Creek). The Bridge over the Toolern Creek as very narrow and as truck traffic increased there were accidents. One truck took out the side railing and plunged upside down into the bank and into the shallow water. Another fatal accident happened between a car and a truck right in front of the Myers house. Grandfather Fred had been a bike rider all his life, as far as the Riverina in his younger years, wryly made the comment about the drivers the speeding along the Ballarat Road were setting out to kill themselves. The road was busy particularly after the Races at Ballarat when the crowds were hurrying home to Melbourne. Train travel had changed very little from the time my mothers generation to mine. The timetable meant the usual rush to Melton South by bike in her case and if she was running late the train pulled up on the crossing. I was driven to the Station from home past Keith and Mary Gillespie’s house near the Ferris Road rail crossing to Bridge road to Melton South for the 7.32 train. While attending Sunshine High School in 1961 I would meet up with three other students, two of whom I knew from Bacchus Marsh High School days. We usually got into the same compartment on the train, it was a typical country train with a corridor along the side and compartments with a door, roof racks and sometimes heated metal containers for the feet in the winter. Some of the trains came through from Horsham and Ballarat, and the Overland from Adelaide passed through in the evening, we could hear it in the distance from the Ferris Lane home. The carriages had 1st and economy class compartments showing photographs of county scenes and holiday destinations. The engine was the large A class diesel. They are still running to Bacchus Marsh 50 years later, due to the need for the greatly increased number of commuters travelling to work in the city. Sometimes the carriages were pull by a Steam engine, these were a problem in the summer time because the sparks caused fires along the train lines and then quickly spread into the dry grass, crops and stubble. The Motor Train left Spencer Street at 4.23 pm and was the best train for me to catch. Ferris Road was a designated stop and train pulled up on the road crossing. It had steps at the door and rungs to hold while alighting to the ground. The ballast along the tracks was rough and uneven and awkward to land on. The train was painted blue and yellow with the letters VR pained on the front. This saved may parents the afternoon trip to collect me from the Station. On the walk home on the gravel road I would pass Uncle Tom and Aunty May’s house before reaching home. Melva Gillespie was studying at Sunshine Technical School and we sometimes both got off the train at the same time. On other occasions the Motor Train was replaced with a diesel engine with carriages, it was also required to stop and the driver had to be notified in advance. This meant getting into the guards van a Rockbank. It was more difficult alighting from the carriage as the gap was greater and more precarious to swing out and land on the ground. A few times in my last year of study at Melbourne Teachers College in Grattan Street Carlton. I managed to catch the 2.30 pm train to Serviceton, it was express to Melton and was very quick trip. The last train, was the 5.25 pm diesel to Ballarat and I usually caught this train to Melton South Station. On one occasion after being held up on the tram in Bourke street I had to make a mad dash to the platform chasing the train as it was just moving off and yelling to the guard, fortunately I was noticed and the train ground to halt. I scrambled into the end door and took most of the journey home to recover. After the last year at High School I continued to travel on the train, 2 years to Prahran Technical School changing at North Melbourne. There were a lot school children travelling to private schools and some at the primary level and mainly from Bacchus Marsh. Rockbank children also travelled by train from the beginning of their high school years, quite a few went to Sunshine High School. During my third year of teacher training I travelled to Flinders Street to RMIT for ceramics classes and Grattan St Teachers College located in the grounds of Melbourne University. There were many teachers being trained at the Secondary Teachers College due to the baby bulge creating a great shortage of teachers. Sunshine High School was very well represented amongst the different courses in Primary, Secondary and Art and Crafts. I attended Melbourne University lectures, studying a Fine Art subject. Bernard Smith was the most notable of the lecturers. he replaced Professor Joseph Bourke who had taken leave for the years. In 1962 he published the art book “Australian Painting”. The secondary art and craft student teachers from the College were in the majority, taking this subject and were well regarded due to their practical art and craft methods and their teaching round experience. In December 1964 I graduated as a Trained Secondary Teacher – Art and Crafts. The graduating ceremony was held at Wilson Hall. I received my appointment to work at Maryborough High School. Uncle Max and Aunty Rosemary Myers arranged my accommodation. Uncle Max was a teacher at the Maryborough Technical School fat the time. The appointment was suddenly changed when just before the school year was about to start when I received notification that I was now required to move to Warracknabeal High School. I was subject to a bond for the three years of training and three years of teaching and was under an obligation to comply with the directive of the Education Department. My father stood as guarantor when I was accepted as student at the Melbourne Teachers’ College, thus enabling me to receive my teacher training, and a 5 pounds a week allowance for expenses. After teaching for two years at Warracknabeal High School I was fortunate enough the gain a transfer to Sunshine West High School, returning to live at home in Melton and travelling by car to work with a fellow colleague, Jock Smith who lived at Station road Melton. I completed bond obligation and resigned at the end of the year. The employment regulations at that time did not allow the option of leave of absence for, indefinite overseas travel. I returned to Australia in October 1969. Visiting Arthur Hart the Principal of Sunshine High School he arranged with the Education Department for my re-employment at Sunshine High School until the end of the year. In 1970 I was transferred, and returned to Sunshine West High School where I worked for the next three years. In January 1968 I sailed on the “Oriana” to South Hampton with two teaching friends from Warracknabeal High School on a travelling and working holiday. Doreen Kiely, a former Bacchus Marsh High student and fellow train traveller from Bacchus Marsh, was already working in London, had arranged our accommodation at the London Travellers Club Hotel, Braham Gardens, Earls Court SW5. We based our stay at this address in London and travelled around Scotland, Ireland and England. In the summer we took a four month trip around the Continent and the Mediterranean. I registered with The Royal Borough Of Kingston Upon Thames as a Supply teacher, and worked at Chessington School form autumn to spring the following year and living with Mrs Rose Gillies at Kinross Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey. In the spring of 1969 visiting Norway, Sweden and Finland joining an organised camping group to the Artic Circle, entered Russia at Leningrad (St Petersburg) Moscow, Minsk, to Poland and Czechoslovakia. In August returning to Worcester Park for the flight to Montreal to stay with cousin Lynette and husband Jurgen. A side trip was taken to Toronto, Niagara Falls and New York. The flight home from Montreal to Melbourne took 52 hours. A ½ day break in Vancouver before boarding the Qantas boeing 707 via San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, Sydney to Melbourne. Around the world in 21 months. Photographs of Wendy local identities

1. Plan: Henry Dendy's Eltham Land 1857-1867: showing Diamond Creek, Bridge Street, Maria Street now Main Road, John Street, Pitt Street, St Margaret's Church 1861, and Eltham Community Centre 1987. 2. Photocopy extract from "Henry Dendy and his emigrants" by L A Schumer, re Portions 12 and 13, Parish of Nillumbik. 3. The President and Councillors of the Shire of Eltham request the pleasure of ____ at the Official Opening of the Eltham Community Centre, Cnr Main Road and Pitt Street, Eltham by the Honorable R.J. Hamer E.D., M.P., Premier of Victoria on Saturday, 22nd April, 1978 at 3.30pm 4. Souvenir Program, Opening of Eltham Community Centre 22 April 1975. 5. Invitation to attend Official Opening of Eltham Community Centre by R J Hamer, Premier of Victoria, 22 April 1975. 6. Flier for Eltham Reception and Conference Centre, photographs of interiors during events. 7. Newspaper article: Eltham buries present for the future, Diamond Valley News 19 November 1985 Eltham, photograph of burying time capsule outside Eltham Community Centre, photograph of Bill Baker and Sid Brown outside old blacksmith shop the original site of Eltham town centre. 8. Letter Peter Butler Shire of Eltham to Eltham District Historical Society, 6 July 1987, detailing process for naming of the halls at the Eltham Community Centre.6 July 1987. 9. Plan of Main Road Eltham - it depicts buildings and occupiers from Pitt Street to Luck Street in the first half of the 20th century. This plan was compiled as a joint efforts by members of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society at a general meeting in Eltham during the 1980s. Newspaper article: Swimming pool and community centre receive major revamps, Diamond Valley Leader, 21 October 2015.main road, eltham, eltham community centre, henry dendy, eltham reception and conference centre, bill baker, sidney brown blacksmith, tme capsule, arthur street, babe taylor house, bakery, boarding house, bradley house, bridge street, brown blacksmith, burgoyne's shop, cockcrofts store, commercial bank of australasia, david lyon house, davis, dr cordner, dr hall, dudley street, eltham hotel, eltham obelisk, eltham war memorial, garnet burges, graham, hawker, henry street, john lyon, len perron, luck street, lyons garage, map, mechanics insitute, monteith house, mrs morris shop, our lady help of christian’s primary school, panther place, pitt street, prior street, shillinglaw cottage, shops, stones mixed shop, websters house, wesleyan methodist church, york street

Map of Main Road with listings of all properties (shops/homes) from Mount Pleasant Road through to Pryor Street from the 1930s on to about the 1970sandrew store, andrews newsagency, arthur street, babe taylor house, bakery, barbers blue gum store, blue gum, boarding house, bootmakers cottage, bottle shop, bradford butcher shop, bradford house, bradley house, brdbury house, bridge street, brooker, brougham steet, brown blacksmith, browne's grocer, bryant, burgoyne post office, burgoyne's shop, capewell butcher shop, catholic church, catholic school, chandlers lolly shop, cheddar black, chiropractor, cockcroft, commercial bank of australia, copelands chemist, copelands dairy, d. hall house, dave lyon house, david lyon house, dr cordner, dr loosli, dr r. bradbury, dudley street, eltham, eltham bakehouse, eltham courthouse, eltham fire brigade, eltham living and learning centre, eltham pre-school, eltham railway station, eltham shire office, eltham station masters house, eltham war memorial, f. collis store, feed store, fountain hotel, franklin street, gadd's blacksmith, gahan house, garnet burges, george bird grocer, gollings, grant house, harry hawker, headmaster's resience, henry street, hepburn house, hills house, isherwood house and shop, jack ryan, jack shallard, james house, jarrold cottage, jim ryan, john lyon house, kilpatrick, le brocq, leather and harness, len parsons, lock-up, lyon bros garage, main road, map, mathews house, mclean's produce store, mechanics institute, methodist church, methodist hall, milkbar, mills bootmaker, miss george, monteith house, mount pleasant road, mrs bradbury, mrs davis house, mrs jewell, mrs mbremner store, mrs morris shop, napoleon street, obelisk, panther place, peter gahan, pitt street, plumber, police residence, poultry and market garden, pryor street, railway house, rains newsagency, real estate agent, reeves general store, s. bradbury, shillinglaw cottage, staffs general store, stones mixed shop, tennis court, timber yard, w. walker, w.b. andrew corn store, warren's general store, water trough, watsons hotel, websters house, whitecloud cottage, whites general store, williams bootmaker, wingrove cottage, wingrove park, woodyard, york street, franco and co

Mt Beauty township, at the head of the Kiewa Valley, is situated at the foot of Mt Bogong. The town was established by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme on the High Plains.Mt Beauty is a popular tourist resort. The main highway from Mt Beauty to the Bogong High Plains is most picturesque throughout the year. During the winter months, Falls Creek provides access to Falls Creek Ski Village for snow sports. Tawonga, 6.5 km north of Mt Beauty, is famed for its trout fishing and camping on the Kiewa River. Deciduous trees make a show of colour during Autumn. The postcards are of historical value showing photos taken at an earlier time.The postcards can be compared to the attractions of the time as they do not include cycling (mountain bikes and road bikes), snow boarding, gliding and paragliding. Advertising for tourism has also changed as attractions are now available on-line. 1. 9 Coloured Photos of Bogong (5) and Visitors Information Centre display (4) 2. Two fold out coloured sets of postcards "Mt Beauty and the Kiewa Scheme", "Mt. Beauty Victoria" 3. x10 Coloured postcards Mt Beauty, Kiewa Valley, Bogong 4. x6 Coloured postcards High Country and Bogong Villagepostcards kiewa valley

Cover is blue with the title and author written in black on the front cover and spine. There is also a drawing of a laurel wreath with an arrow in the middle pointing down. This may be the symbol of the publisher.fictionA novel that is about city and school life by the English author Talbot Baines Reed.school life, city life, boarding school, fiction, talbot baines reed

Views of places before and after bombardment during World War One.Small cream covered postcard booklet containing 12 postcards. The cover has red printing on the front. Tissue separates each individual postcard. The views shows scenes after the Bombardment of august 1916Front cover: In red print with border down LHS - Souvenir de NEUVE-ENGLISE 12 vues du bombardement "1917" in red print on top right hand corner Verso individual postcards: "Carte Postale" at top Correspondence (LHS top) and Adresse (RHS top) separated by a line in the middle of page LHS bottom corner "Vise Paris 850. Names of scenes on each postcard.postcard, 1917, views, wwi, world war one, first world war, 1st ww, 1916, bombarded church, steenwerck street, ypres, old council house, estaminet de la tete d'argent, "welcome" public house, boarding school for girls, la chapelle, rue de bailleul, bailleul, moulin, windmill, route de dranoutre, mill, brasserie "glorie" au borg, "glorie", brewery, carte postale, postcard, 1917, views, wwi, world war one, first world war, 1st ww, 1916, bombarded church, steenwerck street, ypres, old council house, estaminet de la tete d'argent, "welcome" public house, boarding school for girls, la chapelle, rue de bailleul, bailleul, moulin, windmill, route de dranoutre, mill, brasserie "glorie" au borg, "glorie", brewery, carte postale

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large collection of photographs. Photograph of a group of children, and two women in Guides uniforms approaching a white minibus[catalogue number written on reverse in pencil]churchill island, photograph

p.255.non-fictionIn World War II James Leasor was commissioned into the Royal Berkshire Regiment and posted to the 1st Lincolns in Burma and India, where he served for three and a half years. His experiences inspired him to write such books as Boarding Party (filmed as The Sea Wolves). He later became a feature writer and foreign correspondent at the Daily Express. Here he wrote The One that Got Away. franz von werra, prisoners of war - germany - escapes

Fanny Swan (formerly Wood, nee Poole) came to Gippsland in the 1840s with her first husband, William Wood, where they became proprietors of the Shakespeare Hotel at Stratford. William Wood died in 1855, and in 1856 she married Samuel Swan. Together they acquired considerable property in and around Stratford. Samuel Swan died in 1880 at Stratford, and Fanny Swan died at Stratford in 1895.This illuminated address which documents the final payment for the Wesleyan Church building in 1892 has historic significance for Stratford Historical Society as it is located in the actual building. It also has social significance for the township as Mrs Fanny Swan was one of the earliest and best known business leaders in the area running the iconic Shakespeare hotel/boarding house for many years. It has aesthetic significance as an example of a illuminated address produced on a printing press with gold ink, rather than the usual handwritten form. White wooden frame containing an illuminated address to Mrs S. Swan from the Wesleyan Church at Stratford 2 January 1892. It is press-printed in gold ink on what appears to be a blank, pre-printed poster. It reads: Stratford, 2 January 1892 Mrs S. Swan, Stratford Dear Madam, We, the Minister and Trustees of the Stratford Wesleyan Methodist Church desire to tender you our most sincere thanks for your very generous donation of Fifty Pounds handed to us to-day by Mr George Poole in aid of clearing off the debt on our church. Thanks to your kindness the Ladies of our congregation have been induced to help, and they have raised a considerable sum by means of a Cake and Apron Sale, so that after our Annual Tea meeting to be held at Easter next at our Church. Debt will then be a "Thing of the Past". We trust God will keep you in health and strength, long to live amongst us. We are Yours Very Tuly Rev. H.E. MERRIMAN, Minister Trustees S.CAVANAGH W.LITTLE S.CHINN G.LITTLE Fred J. LITTLE, Secretaryswan, women, methodist church

The letters address three parents of daughters who attended Ruyton Girls' School at the time — Mrs Friedman, Mrs Horan and Mrs McDonald. The letters invite the three mothers to make a contribution to the School's war scholarship fund by making homemade sandwiches or cakes to help cater the annual School dance, or providing a small financial donation towards it. Although the letters are signed by Hilda Daniell, given that the handwriting differs across all three examples, it is possible the content of the letters were scribed by a student or assistant to the Principal. The war scholarship fund (also referred to as the Scholarship Fund) was managed by the treasurer of the Old Ruytonian's Association (ORA); Ruyton's alumnae community. The earliest mention of Ruyton's war scholarship fund is in the Ruytonian December 1918, which recalls how the Senior Dramatic Club performed Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" in the Kew Recreation Hall and raised over £100 to "provide a Ruyton scholarship for the daughter of a soldier who has given his life for his country." In the Ruytonian December 1955, the criteria for the war scholarship fund was revised to prioritise students in the following order: the child of a deceased serviceman, an ex-serviceman, and an Old Ruytonian. Other editions of the Ruytonian from this period recount how students also participated in fundraising activities to support the scholarship. It is unclear when the war scholarship fund ceased.The letters are historically significant as they were written by Miss Hilda Daniell, the longest serving Principal of Ruyton Girls' School from 1913-1952. She had enrolled as a student at Ruyton in 1893, and then appeared in a list of teaching staff dated 1898. When Hilda became Principal in 1913, Ruyton was still located on A'Beckett Street in Kew, Victoria. Hilda had purchased "Tarring" (now Henty House) from the old Henty family estate in 1919 to accommodate the growing School. In 1920, Hilda, teachers and the students moved to Ruyton's new location at "Tarring", 12 Selbourne Rd, Kew. The building became home for Ruyton’s boarding students and included a flat for Hilda to live onsite. Hilda passed away in March 1970. The record's significance is also supported by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by the daughter of a former student.Three individual loose sheets of cream coloured paper, each printed with Ruyton Girls' School's name and emblem. All sheets are handwritten with black/charcoal ink and signed by H. (Hilda) Daniell.Reverse: RGS008/2024/0007.1 / Reverse: RGS008/2024/0007.2 / Reverse: RGS008/2024/0007.3 /ruyton girls' school, students, scholarship, school, ruyton, principal, victoria, high school, senior school, day school, letter, miss hilda daniell, hilda daniell, henty, tarring, old ruytonians association, kew recreation hall, kew