Relates to a series of 5 photos:P000094-P000098 of the front of the Bridge Hotel on the corner of Murray esplanade and Hopwood gardens. These photos, taken about 1976, were before the Port Restoration Scheme renovated the hotel. The Bridge Hotel was built by Henry Hopwood in 1858. This and the Bond Store were Echuca's first 2 brick buildings. Named from Hopwood's nearby pontoon bridge. The building was bought be The Council in 1970. Restored and reopened in 1975.The Bridge Hotel is an important part of Echuca's settlement and development. It was originally built by Henry Hopwood, the European founder of Echuca, in 1859. Hopwood built the hotel to provide accommodation to people using his punts across the Campaspe and Murray rivers that area central to the landscape of the Port. The hotel was situated on the land between both rivers and punts and provided for a variety of levels of accommodation from grand rooms to very basic rooms. At the time of the photos the hotel was 120 years old and became an important part of the Port of Echuca tourism. Black and white photograph of the Bridge Hotel , showing western wing before restoration.Stamped on the reverse "Gazemore Studio, D. G. Gay, 18 Frances Street Echuca 3625.bridge hotel, echcua, port restoration scheme, bridge hotel restoration, echuca

The Bridge Hotel was built by Henry Hopwood to house visitors to the town crossing the Murray River on his punt , which was situated just below the Bridge Hotel on the Murray River. The accommodation was spacious and grand! In the right back corner of the photograph, the 'lantern' roof of the St George's Hall can be seen. The street is level with the front entrance to the Hotel, which is very different to what it is today.The photograph shows hotel activities and accommodation in the late 19th Century. The Bridge Hotel was a very busy place as can be seen with women on the balcony, a stage coach full of people, laden carts and buggies.The Bridge Hotel Echuca - photo taken looking south towards front of building. Four people can be seen on the balcony and several gathered under the verandah. In the foreground are several horse-drawn carriages. The road in front of the hotel is unmade and very wide, with the roof of St.George's Hall seen over the right (western) wing of the hotel. Verso: Bridge Hotel, 1860s? St. George's Hall in background.bridge hotel, henry hopwood, lantern roof, st.george's hall, 1870s

This photograph was taken in February 1984 on the occasion of Cossen's visit to Echuca. P.S Pevensey with the name Philadelphia written across the wheelhouse can be seen steaming upstream under the bridge. This is significant because the P.S Pevensey played the role of the P. S Philadelphia in the movie "All The Rivers Run" which was filmed in Echuca in late 1982 and a sequel was filmed in Echuca early in 1989. Councillor Bob Snow can also be seen on the side deck. This is significant as the Cossen's visit to Echuca may have warranted this sort of attention The photograph also shows the state of the Echuca Moama bridge in the early 1980's.This photograph is significant because it shows the P.S. Pevensey showing the name P.S Philadelphia. The P.S Pevensey was used as the P.S Philadelphia in the TV Series "All The Rivers Run" based on the novel written by Nancy Cato. The TV series was filmed in Echuca in 1982. The TV series was a huge success and still draws tourists to the Port of Echuca. The fact that the P.S Pevensey was showing the Philadelphia name in 1984 is a bit of a mystery, but it has been known that she was dressed up again as the P.S Philadelphia sometimes for special occasions. The Cossen's visit to Echuca might have been such an occasion. It is also a good picture of the pylons under the Echuca Moama bridge and the actual bridge itself. The P.S Pevensey travelling upstream under the Echuca Moama bridge. There is a group of people on the lower side deck. People can also be seen in the wheelhouse and there is a man standing on the back deck as well as one standing next to the wheelhouse. The name Philadelphia can be seen written across the front of the wheelhouse. The river is low and shows the waterline at the Moama Beach. Four bridge pylons can be seen as well as the bridge itself.greenspot photography, p.s pevensey, murray river, echuca, la grue, bill, cossen's visit to echuca., all the rivers run, p. s philadelphia, echuca moama bridge, cossen family, cato, nancy

The P.S Canberra was built in 1912 at Goolwa South Australia by David Milne. It was built as a fishing vessel. It was originally a steam engine, reverted to diesel, but was returned to steam in 1995. It is currently owned by the Murray Steam Ship and Tourist Co. and has operated as a tourist vessel at Echuca Since 1967. (Ref Parsons, R "Ships of the Inland Rivers " p. 58)The P.S Canberra is significant as it has operated as a tourist vessel since 1967, and continues to do so. A black and white photograph of the P.S.Canberra coming downstream from the iron bridge at Echuca.On boat the words Canberra.p.s canberra, murray steam ship & tourist company

P.S Decoy was built in Scotland and reassembled in 1878 in Melbourne. It steamed to Goolwa, arriving in July 1878. It was used on the Darling River, and as a South Australian tug. In 1905 it sailed to Fremantle W.A for use as an excursion vessel. It was towed back to work on the inland river trade on the Darling -Murray system in 1909. It is now a house boat at Mannum. It's owner is Dick Bromhead.( Ref; Parsons, Ron. "Ships of the inland Rivers. P. 65.)The P.S Decoy is significant because it worked as a passenger vessel as well as a transport vessel. It was built in Scotland and reassembled in Melbourne. It was built to use coal, but when it started work on the inland rivers system it was converted to wood fuel.Two black and white photographs ( P000385.1 is missing) of the P.S Decoy passing under a bridge. There are high banks behind the boat and there are nine people on board.On the boat is the word 'Decoy' written on the bow and under the wheelhouse.p.s decoy, darling river, murray river, goolwa, mannum, passenger vessel, bromhead, dick

Macintosh's sawmill was on the banks of the Murray River in Echuca east where the Banyule State forest is now located. A tramway ran out to it from the main rail line near the iron bridge. Macintoshes Sawmill was one of the largest in the area. (Ref. Clare Jackson. )Macintoshes sawmill was set up by James Macintosh in 1868 in Echuca East. His sawmill prospered and in 1878 was "equal to five normal sawmills" (Ref; Coulson, Helen, "Echuca Moama On the Murray." P.158) He also owned 2 paddle steamers and 8 barges. The Macintosh Family contributed substantially to the development of Echuca East, but by 1901 the Family was in severe debt and were forced to sell the sawmill to the Nicholas Family.A black and white photograph of a large group of men outside a sawmill, reputed to be Macintoshes Sawmill in Echuca East.On the back of the photograph written in pencil are the words "Believed to be workmen at McIntosh's mill (Charlie Dowell says)macintosh's sawmill, sawmill industry, echuca east, banyule state forest, macintosh james, dowell, charlie, logging industry, jackson, clare

This is a photograph showing the P.S. Alexander Arbuthnot about to be removed from the water to be transported to Shepparton for restoration. The Alexander Arbuthnot was pulled off the bottom of the river at Yielma in July 1972 and taken to Shepparton via Barmah in January 1973.This photograph is significant as it shows the P.S Alexander Arbuthnot about to come out of the river, to be fully restored.A black and white photograph 13 cms X 9 cms of the P.S Alexander Arbuthnot under the Barmah Bridge, prior to being taken out of the river and taken to Shepparton.Written on the back of the photo are the following words. "Alexander Arbuthnot being moved into position under the Barmah Bridge prior to removal from the water and transported to Shepparton for restoration 1971 - 1973. The paddle screamer was previously sunk near the Victorian bank. At Newmans property at Yielma." paddle steamers, ralton, greg, shepparton, p.s alexander arbuthnot, international village shepparton, yielma

These coasters depict scenes from Warrnambool – the Botanic Gardens, The Hopkins River mouth and the Wollaston Bridge. All are areas of historical and tourist interest. The coaster were produced to raise funds for Peters Project in Warrnambool, a charity organization dedicated to bringing improved cancer care services to Warrnambool. The organization was founded in 2008 by Vicki Jellie in memory of her husband Peter who died of cancer. The major aim of the organization was realized in 2016 when the South West Regional Cancer Care Centre was opened in a new building in Ryot Street and services to assist cancer patients in Warrnambool continue to be extended. These coasters are of some interest as examples of fund-raising material produced by the Peters Project committee to assist with the campaign to bring improved cancer care services to Warrnambool..1 .2.3.4 A wooden drink coaster with a felt base and a colour photograph pasted on the top section.1 Warrnambool Gardens .2 Hopkins River Mouth .3 Wollaston Bridge .4 Warrnambool Gardenspeter’s project, warrnambool, vicki jellie, warrnambool souvenirs

September Excursion - Culla Hill Walk Pioneer Eltham farmer Thomas Sweeney (1803 - 1867) named his house, “Culla Hill” after the area in Ireland that he came from. His house, now called “Sweeneys”, remains on a ridge line overlooking the Yarra River. It is recorded that Thomas Sweeney did well out of carting potatoes and other supplies to the various gold fields such as Bendigo, McIvor (Heathcote), Mount Alexander and Beechworth. Culla Hill is now the name of the road providing access to subdivided lots of the former Sweeney property. The Culla Hill walk will start at the corner of Kent Hughes and Lavender Park Roads, Eltham (Melway ref. 22 A9) at 2.00pm on Saturday 7th September. - EDHS Newsletter No. 247 August 20192019-09-07, activities, culla hill, eltham, eltham district historical society, fay bridge collection, heritage excursion, sweeneys lane

Remains of the old Warrandyte Dairy — Originally constructed to store milk for delivery from Mapleoak Dairies, delivered by the Bellinger family, up until the early 1970s. The Warrandyte Dairy closed in 1987 before the land and building was purchased by Melbourne Water in 1988 to reduce flood risk to the community and preserve riverside land from development on the site which sits on the Yarra River flood plain. In 2017, through a partnership with Manningham City Council, Warrandyte Historical Society and the Warrandyte Community Association, Melbourne Water renovated the 73-year-old site and installed interpretive signs detailing its history for the community.2019-09-09, fay bridge collection, warrandyte cool store, warrandyte dairy

This old footbidge is situated close to the shack that Gordon Ford built on the Yarra at Laughing Waters Road. Bernie Bragg also used to live there for a period of time. Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.fay bridge collection, bernie's hut, birrarung, footbridge, gordon ford, gordon's shack, laughing waters road, love shack, yarra river

Griffith Park is the former property and home of Cr Fred Griffith in the 1950sfay bridge collection, daffodils, griffith park, yarra river

Laughing Waters is the name for a stretch of the Yarra Valley Parklands consisting of river flats and hilly riparian bushland. With Birrarung (Yarra River) flowing through, Laughing Waters has been an important gathering place for thousands of years. For the Wurundjeri, ‘Garambi Baan’ (the name for Laughing Waters in Woi wurrung) is an important site for growing and harvesting food. Significantly, Wurundjeri iuk (eel) traps remain at Garambi Baan to this day. The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People take their name from the Woi wurrung language word ‘wurun’ meaning the Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) which is common along ‘Birrarung’ (Yarra River), and ‘djeri’, the grub which is found in or near the tree. Wurundjeri are the ‘Manna Gum People’ and their Ancestors have lived on this land for millennia. The site on the Yarra River near the former Morrison property Killeavey was given a language name in 2015 at the instigation of Wurundjeri Elder, Dave Wandin. Garambi Baan means “laughing waters” in the traditional language, Woi wurrung. The site at Warrandyte was rediscovered by Campbell Beardsell OAM in 2007 and is one of only a few known remaining iuk (eel) traps on Country once found the length of the Birrarung (Yarra) and the Maribyrnong. Original Indigenous aquacultural infrastructure was dismantled, taken away from sites and used to build houses, fords and roads by Europeans. The difficult and restricted access to this site is thought to be one of the reasons for its survival. The iuk trap is located within lands managed by Parks Victoria. The Narrap team in partnership with Parks Victoria and Acacia Land Management have been improving the native vegetation with a program of woody weed removal, exclusion fencing and revegetation. Importantly, the team have restored the trap’s infrastructure and have demonstrated its effectiveness.” References: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation - Laughing Waters. (2023, September 3). Retrieved from https://inplace.org.au/laughing-waters/ GARAMBI BAAN LAUGHING WATERS RESIDENCY CENTRE 2020 2024 Strategic Plan, Nillumbik Shire Council (2023, September 3). Retrieved from https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/minutes-and-agendas/2020/09-sep/15-sep-cm/ocm.177-20-attachment-1-laughing-waters-arts-program_1.pdffay bridge collection, eel trap, laughing waters, yarra river, wurundjeri woi wurrung, garambi baan, 2023-09-06

Kurrum Yallock - the Plenty River is Melbourne's third river. It is a defining feature of the region weaving its way through local suburbs and parklands. It is often hidden from general view, emerging at bridges and along its extensive trail network. While diminished since European settlement, the River provides an important environmental, wildlife corridor and recreational resource, along with many links to its settlement heritage. The Kurrum Yallock walks aim to guide people along the River Trail, while providing insight into key aspects of our recent history, an opportunity for reflection and an enhanced enjoyment of the River's special environment and landscape.birrarung, greensborough historical society, kurrum yallock, martins lane, plenty river, yallambie, yarra river

Newspaper articles about the As We Are Eltham Banner Project undertaken within the Shire of Eltham 1. Eltham banner to celebrate environment, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, September 16, 1986, p16 2. Group paints for peace, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, September 30, 1986, p2 3. Banners show people of Eltham as they are, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, October 14, 1986, pp12-13 4. Banners fly high at lastt, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, October 21, 1986, p17 Also various advertisements from businesses within the shire Newspaper clippingsas we are, banner project, eltham banners, meruka house, sarah houseman, advertising, eagle screens & blinds, 1986, alistair knox park, bob manuell, don brown, dooncal air coinditioning and central heating, eltham festival, eltham outdoor art show, eltham peace banner, eltham town park, grand parade, pauline therese toner, peter wilson, research shops, river of life banner, shire of eltham acquisitive award, valley carpets, 16 sherbourne road briar hill, 22 were street montmorency, 1177-1181 main road eltham, barry reading goumet butchers, eltham hardware & plumbing supplies pty ltd, hutchinsons garden supplies, 38 bridge street eltham, artists, costless clearance centre, cr bob manuell, jud duigan, margaret cherry, tracey naughton, woolworths arcade, anthea morrison, beyond the end of the line, diamond valley musical society, eltham college, eltham community festival, eltham high school, eltham service club, geraldine veerman, ian robertson, 19 were street montmorency, arnold thomas, arnolds recycling centre, kevin mcnamara, luck street eltham, mcewans, montmorency hardware, peel street eltham, tim payze, 1022 main road eltham, as we are banner exhibition, jud degan, marg cherry, the cut ahead, arthur street, eltham mall, flexiteller, national australia bank

View looking northwest along the Plenty River towards the original bluestone Greensborough Bridge (since demolished). A timber pedestrian footbridge added after construction is visible with two people crossing. In the distance is a wide flat verge, now present day Carter Reserve and on the far side seven men digging and a set of terraced steps dug out in the earth bank. Present day Pioneer Reserve is to the right of the river in foreground. This glass plate negative was used to manufacture postcards (1:1 printing) for commercial sale by the Rose Sterograph Company and its subsidiaries. George Rose founded the Rose Stereograph Company in 1880 and was joined by Herbert (Bert) Cutts in the early 20th Century. The pair formed a lifetime working partnership and strong personal friendship. Assisted by George’s two sons, Herbert George and Walter, and later by Neil Cutts, the Rose Stereograph Company continued its operations for more than 140 years. The company was initially built on stereographs, but as cinema took over and stereographs fell out of fashion, the Rose Stereograph Company developed Australia’s first commercially viable photographic postcard business. Specialising in postcards of iconic historical moments and significant landmarks, The Rose Stereograph Company became a staple of the Australian travel industry.This remarkable collection of glass plate negatives, transparencies, and postcards – arguably Australia’s most significant photography collection outside of public hands – has been passed down through the generations, surviving war, relocation, and the harsh Victorian climate. The historic Rose Stereograph collection is the culmination of George Rose’s dream of capturing and preserving precious moments in time and remains the legacy of the Rose and Cutts families. It is with great sadness that the Cutts family says goodbye to a collection that spans five generations and 140 years. The Cutts family understands that for these historically important pieces to rest with one family is to deny others the pleasure of their custodianship.Glass Plate Negative Size: 9 x 14 cmPlenty River, Greensborough, Published by W. M. Butterworh No. 2postcard, travel, rose stereograph company, glass plate negative, greensborough, carter reserve, footbridge, greensborough bridge, main road, plenty river, w. m. butterworth, pioneer reserve, construction, peter and elizabeth pidgeon collection

View looking northeast across the wading pool set into the Plenty River towards the original bluestone Greensborough Bridge (since demolished). A timber pedestrian footbridge added after construction is visible on the far side of the bridge through the arch and beyond to the hillside which is now present day Pioneer Reserve. This glass plate negative was used to manufacture postcards (1:1 printing) for commercial sale by the Rose Sterograph Company and its subsidiaries. George Rose founded the Rose Stereograph Company in 1880 and was joined by Herbert (Bert) Cutts in the early 20th Century. The pair formed a lifetime working partnership and strong personal friendship. Assisted by George’s two sons, Herbert George and Walter, and later by Neil Cutts, the Rose Stereograph Company continued its operations for more than 140 years. The company was initially built on stereographs, but as cinema took over and stereographs fell out of fashion, the Rose Stereograph Company developed Australia’s first commercially viable photographic postcard business. Specialising in postcards of iconic historical moments and significant landmarks, The Rose Stereograph Company became a staple of the Australian travel industry.This remarkable collection of glass plate negatives, transparencies, and postcards – arguably Australia’s most significant photography collection outside of public hands – has been passed down through the generations, surviving war, relocation, and the harsh Victorian climate. The historic Rose Stereograph collection is the culmination of George Rose’s dream of capturing and preserving precious moments in time and remains the legacy of the Rose and Cutts families. It is with great sadness that the Cutts family says goodbye to a collection that spans five generations and 140 years. The Cutts family understands that for these historically important pieces to rest with one family is to deny others the pleasure of their custodianship.Glass Plate Negative Size: 9.1 x 14 cmThe Wading Pool, Greensborough, Published by W. M. Butterworh No. 8postcard, travel, rose stereograph company, glass plate negative, greensborough, footbridge, greensborough bridge, main road, plenty river, w. m. butterworth, pioneer reserve, wading pool, peter and elizabeth pidgeon collection

Plenty Township Estate "The rapid growth of Greensborough and the great traffic development on the main road between Heidelberg and Eltham augurs well for Plenty Township Estate. Already a Store, Post Office and State School have been started, and the activities of the Local Progress Association will help the district forward considerably. Within walking distance of the Montmorency and Greensborough stations." Bryn Teg Hill's Estate "Better known as "The Old Sand Hill, "within walking distance of the Montmorency and Greensborough railways stations." "Some few years back Mrs Thomas subdivided portion of the Sand Hill Paddocks, and the areas sold have been settled and many converted into charming outer suburban garden homes with cultivation and orchard plots. The south-eastern slope gives the land a grand outlook over the Yarra Valley on to the Dandenoings, and the are is very picturesque and homely." "A number of the blocks contain large deposits of valuable building sand, which should prove good speculation in view of the forecast for further rapid home development along the Eltham Suburban Electric Service." Sand Hills Road (Old Eltham Road) Date estimated as c.1924 - Electricification of railway line to Eltham referenced on map occured April 1923 and Mrs Mary Thomas died August 1925. Her home Bryn Teg became part of the Heidelberg Golf Club in 1927.The establishment of Lower Plenty as a suburban growth area supported by easy commuting facilitated by the elctrification of the Eltham railway linebonds road, bridge, bryn teg hill's estate, coghill & haughton, eltham road, heidelberg golf club hotel, houses, lower plenty, lower plenty bridge, lower plenty road, main road, plenty hotel, plenty river, plenty township estate, real estate agent, sales brochure, sand hills road, the old sand hill, sand hill paddocks, woodfull road, old eltham road, bryn teg, mrs m thomas

Alfred Patrick Armstrong was born in England in 1825 and was employed under the renowned Isambard Kingdom Brunel as a civil engineer during the construction of the Great Western Railway and the South Wales Railway. He came to Melbourne in 1852 and purchased property in Eltham. He became a mining surveyor and was Inspector of Mines and the Mining Registrar for the St Andrews Division of the Castlemaine Mining District. In 1855, he chaired a meeting calling for a bridge to be erected across the Yarra River between Eltham and Temple Stow. He was registered as an innkeeper in 1858, was a recognised collector of the £110 raised for the building of the first building of State School No. 209 (Eltham Primary) and was a Trustee for the Church of England site on the Eltham Cemetery Trust in 1860. He was elected to the Eltham District Road Board (forerunner of Eltham Shire Council) from 1867 to 1871 and then served as an Eltham Shire Councillor from 1871 to 1878 (including Shire President in 1873). Margaret Armstrong to whom he was married in 1854 at St Pauls Church, Melbourne, died on the 27th March 1887. Alfred died in 1893, having been in ill health for some time, and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Margaret. The monument features a tall pillar capped with a draped urn: a symbol of death. In Loving Memory of Alfred Armstrong Died May 27tth 1893 Aged 68 years Also of his wife Margaret Died March 27th 1887 Aged 63 years This burial site is of special interest as the monument has the tallest pillar-a vase-a draped cloth top (unfulfilled life) and additional panels of names around the sides and the base, which include: Ada Gertrude Armstrong, beloved daughter of Alfred & Margaret Armstrong, died May 30th 1878, aged 21 years Mary Armstrong, beloved mother to Alfred Armstrong, died April 10th, 1886 aged 82 years Arthur Vivian Harrison, died 4th Nov. 1899, aged 8 years Arthur Reynolds Stockwood Armstrong, son of Alfred Armstrong, died 4th Nov. 1908, aged 43 years Laura Augusta Harrison nee Armstrong, died 26th July 1921, aged 64 yearsRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 stripsKodak GC 400-9eltham cemetery, gravestones, alfred armstrong, margaret armstrong, ada gertrude armstrong, arthur reynolds stockwood armstrong, arthur vivian harrison, laura augusta harrison (nee armstrong), mary armstrong

Irish-born Thomas Sweeney is regarded as the first settler in Eltham. He was transported to Sydney in 1823 after being convicted of arson. He was granted his freedom in 1838 and married Margaret Meehan in the same year. They moved to Melbourne and in 1842 Thomas purchased 110 acres beside the Yarra River in the vicinity of present-day Sweeneys Lane. He called the property ‘Culla Hill’ and built a small slab hut (reputedly with Wurundjeri help; Margaret is said to have run an informal hospital for them in return). This was followed in 1846 by more substantial buildings consisting of a three-roomed Irish-style ‘longhouse’ and a barn made of stone and handmade bricks, with doors large enough to accommodate a fully loaded wagon. When the gold rush came, Thomas prospered by selling meat and potatoes to the prospectors, enabling him to purchase a further 308 acres in 1856. He promoted the construction of a bridge over the Plenty River and the establishment of a school at Eltham. Roman Catholic Church services were held at Culla Hill in the early years. When he died in 1867, he was regarded as a respected member of the community. Thomas and Margaret are buried in Eltham Cemetery with many of their descendants. Their first son John continued to farm Culla Hill until his death in 1909. Culla Hill passed out of the Sweeneys' possession in 1939. The house and barn remain today, though lesser outbuildings have gone. The facade of the house is much the same as it was in the 1840s. Sacred To the memory of Thomas Sweeney Who died Sep 6th 1867 Aged 65 years May his soul res in peace Also his wife Margaret Died Oct 3rd 1884 aged 73 years And their daughters Annie Died Aug 22nd 1860 aged 21 years Johanna Died Aug 19th 1872 aged 22 years Margaret Died 7th Sep 1913 aged 72 years R.I.P. Also In Memory Of John Sweeney Died 24th May 1909 Aged 65 years Also of his wife Ellen Died 8th March 1910 Aged 64 years R.I.P Also In Memory Of Caroline Infant daughter of John & Ellen SweeneyBorn Digitalannie sweeney, eltham cemetery, gravestones, johanna sweeney, john murray, margaret sweeney, mary ellen drain, mary murray, thomas drain, thomas sweeney

Alfred Patrick Armstrong was born in England in 1825 and was employed under the renowned Isambard Kingdom Brunel as a civil engineer during the construction of the Great Western Railway and the South Wales Railway. He came to Melbourne in 1852 and purchased property in Eltham. He became a mining surveyor and was Inspector of Mines and the Mining Registrar for the St Andrews Division of the Castlemaine Mining District. In 1855, he chaired a meeting calling for a bridge to be erected across the Yarra River between Eltham and Temple Stow. He was registered as an innkeeper in 1858, was a recognised collector of the £110 raised for the building of the first building of State School No. 209 (Eltham Primary) and was a Trustee for the Church of England site on the Eltham Cemetery Trust in 1860. He was elected to the Eltham District Road Board (forerunner of Eltham Shire Council) from 1867 to 1871 and then served as an Eltham Shire Councillor from 1871 to 1878 (including Shire President in 1873). Margaret Armstrong to whom he was married in 1854 at St Pauls Church, Melbourne, died on the 27th March 1887. Alfred died in 1893, having been in ill health for some time, and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Margaret. The monument features a tall pillar capped with a draped urn: a symbol of death. In Loving Memory of Alfred Armstrong Died May 27tth 1893 Aged 68 years Also of his wife Margaret Died March 27th 1887 Aged 63 years This burial site is of special interest as the monument has the tallest pillar-a vase-a draped cloth top (unfulfilled life) and additional panels of names around the sides and the base, which include: Ada Gertrude Armstrong, beloved daughter of Alfred & Margaret Armstrong, died May 30th 1878, aged 21 years Mary Armstrong, beloved mother to Alfred Armstrong, died April 10th, 1886 aged 82 years Arthur Vivian Harrison, died 4th Nov. 1899, aged 8 years Arthur Reynolds Stockwood Armstrong, son of Alfred Armstrong, died 4th Nov. 1908, aged 43 years Laura Augusta Harrison nee Armstrong, died 26th July 1921, aged 64 yearsBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, ada gertrude armstrong, alfred armstrong, arthur reynolds stockwood armstrong, arthur vivian harrison, laura augusta harrison (nee armstrong), margaret armstrong, mary armstrong

Laughing Waters Walk, 7 Sep 2013 This Society excursion was a follow up to the Laughing Waters Story told to us by Jane Woollard at our Annual General Meeting in March 2013. It involved a walk commencing from the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads along Laughing Waters Road to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route - a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way we visited the two artist in residence properties, River Bend and Birrarung, to view the houses on them that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community. We also able to walk around the derelict ruin which was once home to Gordon and Sue Ford, Boomerang House. An unexpected afternoon tea was offered to us by the artists in residence at Birrarung House and we had a brief opportunity to view inside the house. Birrarung is situated near the end of Laughing Waters Road. It was built in 1974 by Graeme Rose for Gordon Ford who he had asked to build him a small ‘bach’. Builder Peter Jarvis who did his apprenticeship with Alistair Knox for a couple of years recalled there were no drawings. It evolved as more funds became available. Graeme would source second-hand building materials around which he would shape the house. The fireplace was built with chicken wire over which it was rendered with faro cement. A brick floored glass studio, added later, faces a wall of boulders pressed into a manmade cliff, a large pond the link between the rock wall and glass studio. A waterfall, fed by river water, no longer functions. The property became part of the Laughing Waters Artist in Residency Program with the first artist taking up residency in 2001. For a more in-depth description of the property and biographies of the various artists in residence commencing from 2001 through to 2015, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.2013-09-07, activities, artists in residence, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, laughing waters road, birrarung house, fay bridge collection

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, 2004-06-28, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, 2019-08-30

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, 2019-10-27

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, new zealand oak

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, new zealand oak, fay bridge

Lemonade, Non-alcoholic Hop Beer and milk bottlkes recovered from Killeavey give an insight into the types of drinks consumed by the Morrison family. Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, bennett lemonade, bottles, milk bottle, o'neill bros north fitzroy, r. harrison, r. harrisons hop beer

Laughing Waters is the name for a stretch of the Yarra Valley Parklands consisting of river flats and hilly riparian bushland. With Birrarung (Yarra River) flowing through, Laughing Waters has been an important gathering place for thousands of years. For the Wurundjeri, ‘Garambi Baan’ (the name for Laughing Waters in Woi wurrung) is an important site for growing and harvesting food. Significantly, Wurundjeri iuk (eel) traps remain at Garambi Baan to this day. The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People take their name from the Woi wurrung language word ‘wurun’ meaning the Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) which is common along ‘Birrarung’ (Yarra River), and ‘djeri’, the grub which is found in or near the tree. Wurundjeri are the ‘Manna Gum People’ and their Ancestors have lived on this land for millennia. The site on the Yarra River near the former Morrison property Killeavey was given a language name in 2015 at the instigation of Wurundjeri Elder, Dave Wandin. Garambi Baan means “laughing waters” in the traditional language, Woi wurrung. The site at Warrandyte was rediscovered by Campbell Beardsell OAM in 2007 and is one of only a few known remaining iuk (eel) traps on Country once found the length of the Birrarung (Yarra) and the Maribyrnong. Original Indigenous aquacultural infrastructure was dismantled, taken away from sites and used to build houses, fords and roads by Europeans. The difficult and restricted access to this site is thought to be one of the reasons for its survival. The iuk trap is located within lands managed by Parks Victoria. The Narrap team in partnership with Parks Victoria and Acacia Land Management have been improving the native vegetation with a program of woody weed removal, exclusion fencing and revegetation. Importantly, the team have restored the trap’s infrastructure and have demonstrated its effectiveness.” References: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation - Laughing Waters. (2023, September 3). Retrieved from https://inplace.org.au/laughing-waters/ GARAMBI BAAN LAUGHING WATERS RESIDENCY CENTRE 2020 2024 Strategic Plan, Nillumbik Shire Council (2023, September 3). Retrieved from https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/minutes-and-agendas/2020/09-sep/15-sep-cm/ocm.177-20-attachment-1-laughing-waters-arts-program_1.pdffay bridge collection, 2015-05-16, eel trap, laughing waters, yarra river, wurundjeri woi wurrung, garambi baan

Laughing Waters Road , the book was launched at Montsalvat in Eltham. On Saturday, January 30, 2016, Nillumbik Council launched this book. The weather was cool; just as well, considering over 500 people attended this very pleasant event where food and drink were plentiful. The Australian Government and Nillumbik Shire Council funded the book and it was designed by Wayne Rankin of North Warrandyte. The dedication page is to our very own Ranger Campbell Beardsell OAM of Parks Vic who taught Jane to be “passionate about the environment of this special place” (p260). FOWSP members Val Polley, Linda Rogan and Ken Crook contributed to the content and photos. David Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder, gave a Welcome to Country and officially launched the book after the Mayor of Nillumbik, Cr Hattam, made introductions. Jane Woollard followed with a brief outline of how she came to write the book (her very first) and read out loud the last paragraph which focuses on reconciliation and shared culture. Jane declared in her preface that the book “has been formed by attending to the connection between rivulets of memories, creeks of hearsay, rivers of tales, the meanders of local legend and the deep, still pools of the archive.” Very poetic! - Lynda Gilbert Newsletter; Friends of Warrandyte State Park March 2016, Volume 34 Number 2 Laughing Waters Road , the book was launched at Montsalvat in Eltham ON SATURDAY 30 JANUARY Nillumbik Council launched this book. The weather was cool; just as well, considering over 500 people attended this very pleasant event where food and drink were plentiful. The Australian Government and Nillumbik Shire Council funded the book and it was designed by Wayne Rankin of North Warrandyte. The dedication page is to our very own Ranger Campbell Beardsell OAM of Parks Vic who taught Jane to be “passionate about the environment of this special place” (p260). FOWSP members Val Polley, Linda Rogan and Ken Crook contributed to the content and photos. David Wandin, Wurundjeri Elder, gave a Welcome to Country and officially launched the book after the Mayor of Nillumbik, Cr Hattam, made introductions. Jane Woollard followed with a brief outline of how she came to write the book (her very first) and read out loud the last paragraph which focuses on reconciliation and shared culture. Jane declared in her preface that the book “has been formed by attending to the connection between rivulets of memories, creeks of hearsay, rivers of tales, the meanders of local legend and the deep, still pools of the archive.” Very poetic! - Lynda Gilbert Newsletter; Friends of Warrandyte State Park March 2016, Volume 34 Number 2 https://fowsp.org.au/docs/News_2016/34_02_March.pdffay bridge collection, 2016-01-30, book launch, bronnie hattam, jane woollard, laughing waters road, montsalvat, sigmund jorgensen, harry gilham, maurice hurry