1860: Kew's first library was the Kew Literary and Scientific Society, which opened on 6 August 1860. 1884: Kew Town Hall was extended and the library transferred to a room on the upper floor. This was not an ideal arrangement as the room was required for Council purposes. 1904: A cottage adjoining Kew Town Hall was purchased for use as a library. 1937: The library was closed for a major overhaul of stock and renovation of the building. It reopened in December 1937 and remained there for more than 35 years. 1973: When the Civic Centre opened in Charles Street, Kew, the library moved in. 1987: Kew Library moved to its current location in the converted city hall, overlooking the beautiful Alexandra Gardens. The library was officially opened at this site on Friday 23 October 1987 by the Mayor of Kew, Cr James Tutt. (Source: Boroondara Library Services)Historically and socially significant set of regulations governing the use of the children's library in Kew in the early 1950sOriginal framed rules and regulations of the junior section of the Kew Library, dated 16.6.1953, authorised by the Mayor (W.E.R. Hope) and Town Clerk (W.D.Birrell). The document also lists opening hours of the Kew and East Kew branches.kew public library - kew (vic), kew public library - east kew (vic), city of kew - library guidelines

The North Kew Centre was the third established at North Kew. It followed a lease of a house at 50 Willsmere Road. The Peel Street building was designed by Mr Chipperfield. Messrs McIntosh and Taylor were the successful tenderers, the price being 1,240 pounds. The North Kew Baby Health Centre was finally opened on 18 June 1930 in the presence of the mayor, councillors and citizens of Kew, and representatives of the Infant Welfare Council. A report in The Age of 19 June described the opening in detail as well as the features of the new Centre. These included: "The rooms ... filled with flowers, pink and mauve hydrangeas and native heath, and the walls are adorned, with a charming frieze, representing windmills, flocks and a fairy tale goose girl. On the walls are hygiene editions of the funniest of Belloc's "Cautionary Tales" revised as posters, Outside there is promise of a gay garden, and a lovely view of green fields sloping to a shining bend of the river." Early photographic record of the opening of an early baby health centre in Kew.[Badly damaged] black and white photograph of the opening of the North Kew Baby Health Centre in Peel Street. The photo is mounted on card, and shows mothers and their children on the veranda, and officials at right. The latter includes the Mayoress and probably Vera Scantlebury. All mothers wear hats as do most of the children. [When the photograph was presented to the Society in 1979, it was described in the first Acquisitions Register as framed. Some time after that it was removed from its frame and badly broken. A separate photocopy of the original photograph is also held in the collection.]Earliest inscription: "Peel Street Health Centre / Official Opening 1930 / donated by Sr Costello and Sr Bewish [sic] 1979 / Copy purchased by ..... for Centre". Old Accession number in Texta: "KH-133 Kew Historical Society". Separate later label: "Opening North Kew Baby Health centre 1930". north kew baby health centre, peel street (kew), baby health centres - kew (vic)

At the beginning of the 1890s, the Kew businessman and Town Councillor, Henry Kellett, commissioned J.F.C. Farquhar to photograph scenes of Kew. These scenes included panoramas as well as pastoral scenes. The resulting set of twelve photographs was assembled in an album, Kew Where We Live, from which customers could select images for purchase.The preamble to the album describes that the photographs used the ‘argentic bromide’ process, now more commonly known as the gelatine silver process. This form of dry plate photography allowed for the negatives to be kept for weeks before processing, hence its value in landscape photography. The resulting images were considered to be finely grained and everlasting. Evidence of the success of Henry Kellett’s venture can be seen today, in that some of the photographs are held in national collections.It is believed that the Kew Historical Society’s copy of the Kellett album is unique and that the photographs in the book were the first copies taken from the original plates. It is the first and most important series of images produced about Kew. The individual images have proved essential in identifying buildings and places of heritage value in the district.Dight’s Falls in Studley Park is an artificial weir built on a natural rock bar across the Yarra. The weir was built in the 1840s to provide water to the ‘Ceres’ flour mill, one of the earliest industrial sites in Melbourne. The falls were later to be named after the owner of this mill. In 1888, William Guilfoyle, Director of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens had called for fresh water to be piped from above the weir to the Botanical Gardens, using a pumping station on the Kew side of the Falls, a holding reservoir in Walmer Street and a series of pipes from there to the Gardens. This system was opened in May 1891. Farquhar’s photograph of the man-made weir obscures the industrial activity on both sides of the Falls and focusses solely on the river and the surrounding natural vegetation. The photograph probably predates the disastrous flooding of the Yarra River in July 1891, the greatest to have occurred in the Colony since the foundation of Melbourne.Dight's Fallskew illustrated, kew where we live, photographic books, henry kellett, yarra river

The Victorian-era mansion Madford in Wellington Street had several incarnations before it was finally demolished. While the precise details of its original construction have not been discovered, we know that it was originally named Elm Lodge, and that the property was offered for sale in 1863 by Thomas Mitchell, of the firm Mitchell & Bonneau, wholesale ironmongers and merchants. The house was sold in about 1873 to William Siddeley (1827-1905), who was described on the occasion of his death as ‘the father of Australian shipping’. The next owner was Arthur Septimus King (1827- 99), who renamed the house Madford after his purchase of the property in 1875. It was A.S. King for whom this artwork was completed. Following King’s death in 1899, portions of the property were sold, including to the Borough of Kew in 1905, to form the Alexandra Gardens. Then, in 1920, the house and its remaining lands were sold to the Catholic Church who opened St Anthony’s Home for Children on the site in 1922. That building was promptly demolished, and the site redeveloped circa 1976.Gift of James Pearson, 2022This fine perspective drawing of the architectural elements of Madford [formerly Elm Lodge, later St Anthony's Home for Babies] is contrasted with the freer addition in watercolour of the layout and plants of the garden facing Wellington Street. The view selected is the south-facing main facade and the west facing side. After A.S. King purchased the house in 1875, it was extended with new wings at the rear to accommodate his large family. There is no indication of these extensions in the painting so its creation must predate the renovations, and probably depicts the original building on the site."MADFORD / The Property of A. S. KING Esq"elm lodge, madford, st anthony's home for babies, houses -- wellington street -- kew (vic.), thomas mitchell, william siddeley, arthur septimus king

Nicholas Caire was born on Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1837. He arrived in Adelaide with his parents in about 1860. In 1867, following photographic journeys in Gippsland, he opened a studio in Adelaide. From 1870 to 1876 he lived and worked in Talbot in Central Victoria. In 1876 he purchased T. F. Chuck's studios in the Royal Arcade Melbourne. In 1885, following the introduction of dry plate photography, he began a series of landscape series, which were commercially successful. As a photographer, he travelled extensively through Victoria, photographing places few of his contemporaries had previously seen. He died in 1918. Reference: Jack Cato, 'Caire, Nicholas John (1837–1918)', Australian Dictionary of Biography.An original, rare photograph from the series 'Views of Victoria: General Series' by the photographer, Nicholas Caire (1837-1918). The series of 60 photographs that comprise the series was issued c. 1876 and reinforced a neo-Romantic view of the Australian landscape to which a growing nationalist movement would respond. Nicholas Caire was active as a photographer in Australia from 1858 until his death in 1918. His vision of the Australian bush and pioneer life had a counterpart in the works of Henry Lawson and other nationalist poets, authors and painters.‘Scene in the Carlton Gardens’ : Views of Victoria (General Series) No.40 : Albumen silver photograph | Photo on card with Title and Description on reverse | Mounted 24 x 30 cm; Photo 12 x 17 cm.On Reverse: ‘The Carlton Gardens are not so extensive as most of the other public gardens around Melbourne, and, being laid out on a flat piece of ground, have not the advantage of possessing much that is romantic in its scenery. The subject of this issue is the only interesting spot within the enclosure, which is the Rustic Fountain, surrounded by a small lake of water, on the banks of which grow some very beautiful specimens of the hanging willow. These Gardens are open to the public at all times.’nicholas caire (1837-1918), carton gardens, exhibition building, landscape photography - victoria

1823-1923.MR. JAMES VENN MORGAN. "FATHER OF" KEW."In a Village in Somersetshire in England on February 21, 1823, a son was born to George and Sarah Morgan. The child was so delicate that his parents feared that he would not live. How little ground the parents parents had for their fears may be judged from the fact that the boy, christened James Venn Morgan is still alive and hale. He is able to exhibit with pride the paper with its faded ink on which a clergyman wrote the certificate of his baptism almost 100 years ago. But for some slight infirmities of sight and hearing, Mr. Morgan, who is within six weeks of completing the 100th year of his life, is in good health, and is well able to attend to his business affairs. His immediate cause for regret is that he is not now able to do a day's work in his garden, as he was 12 months ago. After spending his early life in England, where he learned his trade as shoemaker, Mr Morgan came to Australia in April, 1851. He carried letters of introduction to Mr. Tripp, a solicitor, of Melbourne, who strongly recommended him to begin business as a shoemaker, and accordingly he opened a shop at the corner of Swanston and Bourke streets, where the Leviathan Stores now stand, and was not long in working up a good connection. Among his customers at that time Mr. Morgan recalls Mr. Justice A'Beckett and many leading men in law and medicine of the day. Then the news was flashed through Melbourne of the discovery of gold at Ballarat. Nothing can give a clearer idea of the excitement this news caused in Melbourne than that Mr. Morgan, who was a member of one of the first parties to leave for the diggings, left uncompleted in his workshop one of a pair of riding boots he was making for Mr. J. B. Weir. As the purchase of suitable clothing would have taken time, he set out to make his fortune wearing a top hat. At Ballarat he stayed for five or six weeks, and returned to Melbourne with 10oz. of gold. He remained in the city long enough to finish the second of the two riding boots, and then, with three companions, set out for Chewton, near Castlemaine. Here fortune smiled. The party tried their luck in an abandoned shaft, and in two weeks returned to Melbourne again after having won 35lb. weight of gold. How Kew Was Born. Mr Morgan was content with his success, and induced his partners to invest their money with him in land. After obtaining the advice of a friend, the party negotiated with Mr Samuel Watts, of Collngwood, who had recently purchased land from the Crown, and from him they took over at £15 an acre about 32 acres of land in the district that is now known as Kew. This land extended from where the Kew Post-office now stands to the locality of the Boroondara Cemetery. At that time there was not a house in the district, and there was a fairly large population of aborigines, but no white men. Here it was that Mr Morgan decided to settle, and, after having had the land surveyed, the partners apportioned it by drawing straws for the four sections into which it had been divided. One of them sold his holding later in the year for £100 an acre, and was sorry for it afterwards. In 1853 Mr. Morgan built the first house in Kew, and this house is the one in which he still resides. Here with his wife, he settled down to market gardening and dairying. He tells with a laugh how he was paid 1/ a lb for the first potatoes he grew, and 1/ a quart for milk. So successful was the new venture that he induced his father and other members of the family to come out to Australia to assist him. How different Kew of those days was from the Kew of to-day will be understood from Mr. Morgan's statement that for weeks at a time they never saw a a white face other than those of the family. The blacks, he says, although very noisy, were entirely friendly. Gradually the district became settled, Mr. Morgan parted with a portion of his holding, and subdivided and built on the remainder which he still retains. In 1884 he found himself in a position to retire from active business. Youth in Old Age. In Mr Morgan's garden, which is a large, one trees which he and his father planted more than 60 years ago are still bearing heavy crops of apples. Mr. Morgan has been a widower since 1915. He has three daughters all of whom are married, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of the great-grand children reccntly informed Mr. Morgan that he was about to be married. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of Mr. Morgan to-day is his activity. Not only does he move about with surprising alacrity, but is able to go into the streets and attend to his business affairs with but little fatigue The Argus, 17 January 1923, p.12.This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.A group portrait on the occasion of the 100th birthday of James Venn Morgan in 1923. Dorothy Rogers used this photograph in 'A History of Kew' (1973). It faces page 17. In the book, the caption reads "JAMES VENN MORGAN'S 100TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY. The party was held at 'Morganville'. Mr Morgan is shown with a group of descendants."James Morgans 100th Birthday Party. james venn morgan, kew, model dairy, dorothy rogers

Kew became a separate municipality in 1860.The plaque commemorates that event. It was once located on the rotunda in the Alexandra Gardens in Kew.Important commemorative plaque signifying an important event in Kew's history.Brass plaque, originally attached to the first rotunda in the Alexandra Gardens in Kew, commemorating the Jubilee of Kew in 1910.Erected by / Public Subscription to Mark / The Jubilee of the Municipality of Kew / Opened by Sir Thos. Gibson Carmichael / Bart. K.C.M.G / Governor of Victoria / 8th Decr. 1910. / H.H. Harrison, Town Clerk / J.F. McCrae, Mayorjubilee of kew, rotunda, alexandra gardens, kew

Mr. and Mrs. Tabulo, who owned the house between 1945 and 1965, created Fairyland in the 1940s. Fairyland was open to the public, especially children, who were invited to write their names in visitors’ books. These are now in the possession of the Kew Historical Society. Following the sale of the house after Mrs. Tabulo’s death, the garden and content of the house was cleared of its previous adornments. Grace Tabulo died in 1965. "CHILDREN LIVING IN THE ONE STREET soon find out which house will welcome them and which house to avoid. Few children in few streets have ever had such a find as those who live in Malmsbury st, Kew. At 56 Malmsbury st they all belong. It is their house. There are no young children who are actual residents, but they are to be found there all day long. Mrs J. Tabulo is chatelaine of 56, but few children know her by this name. To them she she is the Fairyland Lady. In her pocket handkerchief front garden there are few flowers; there isn't room, for it has been turned into a children's dream. Cement, tiles, old broken pieces of priceless china, miniature bottles, leadlights, and strange and beautiful little statues have been welded into a grotto which Mrs Tabulo says is only appreciated and understandable to children. It started off in a small way three years ago with a few odd statuettes, but with a street full of children ready and eager to build, it now has hardly room for even a miniature. Like the children, the Fairyland Lady knows and values each mosaic-like piece. Many a wedding present, succumbed at last to the ravages of time, holds a vantage spot in the grotto. The children bring along their broken bits and each is found a spot and cemented into the fairy story picture. In the cottage itself the children are also welcome. There is no spot, from skirting board to ceiling, that is not crowned with some gem or another. Fans, plaques, and china, some of it more than 300 years old, is handled daily by tiny but careful hands. "Children," said Mrs Tabulo, "should be allowed to love and handle beautiful things. They are much more careful than adults. Bless them!" -H.S (The Argus, 22 January 1949)A photograph of Mrs. Grace Tabulo in the garden of ‘Fairyland’ in 57 Malmsbury Street, Kew. fairyland, malmsbury street, kew, tabulo, grace tabulo

The ‘Alexandra Gardens’ in Cotham Road were designed and laid out by George and Thomas Pockett. The Governor of Victoria officially opened them in 1908. A report of the opening stated that “…the gardens have been laid out in large sloping lawns, divided by wide graveled paths, and dotted with tastefully arranged flower beds, which are now bright with autumn bloom”. The massed beds of shrubs and flowers included beds of chrysanthemums, a specialty of George Pockett, the Garden’s first curator. A large rotunda was constructed in 1910 to mark the Jubilee of Kew. A plaque memorialising the contribution of George Pockett, was attached to the original rotunda after his death in 1922. By 1911, electric lighting was installed to allow the public to access the Gardens, and the concerts that were held within them on summer nights. The Gardens were later to include the Jubilee Fountain, moved from the front of the Kew Post Office in 1925. The Kew Council commissioned the substantial bluestone entrance gates in 1933.The Kew Historical Society is fortunate that the City Engineer, Mr Poulter, donated a number of items held by the City of Kew to the Society for safekeeping, rather than identifying them for destruction. The most significant items donated included old maps, including those issued by the Board of Works. Other items included photographs of public works undertaken by the Department. The By-laws are part of that donation and tell us lots about the social values of the period.The Mayor, Councillors and Burgesses of the Borough of Kew published By-Law No.45 in 1908 to regulate the “Conduct of Persons whilst at or Within the Gardens known as the Alexandra Gardens”. The By-Law also set a charge for “Persons Using or Entering in or upon the said Gardens”. The 17 by-laws included predictable prohibitions on expectorating, using indecent language, interfering with the floral displays, or indeed with the caretaker gardeners. Other acts prohibited included a warning that “Children under the age of ten years not being under the control of some competent person may be removed from said gardens”. The Alexandra Gardens were at one stage surrounded by a picket fence. This might explain the prohibition on climbing upon or getting through over or under any fence at or within the gardens. The financial penalty for breaching the By-Law was determined as “…not exceeding Ten pounds and not less than Five shillings”. This original copy of the By-Law was donated to the Kew Historical Society by the City of Kew.alexandra gardens (cotham road, kew), city of kew

Kew Library history: 1860: Kew's first library was the Kew Literary and Scientific Society, which opened on 6 August 1860. 1884: Kew Town Hall was extended and the library transferred to a room on the upper floor. This was not an ideal arrangement as the room was required for Council purposes. 1904: A cottage adjoining Kew Town Hall was purchased for use as a library. 1937: The library was closed for a major overhaul of stock and renovation of the building. It reopened in December 1937 and remained there for more than 35 years. 1973: When the Civic Centre opened in Charles Street, Kew, the library moved in. 1987: Kew Library moved to its current location in the converted city hall, overlooking the beautiful Alexandra Gardens. The library was officially opened at this site on Friday 23 October 1987 by the Mayor of Kew, Cr James Tutt.An historically interesting photographic record of investment in public infrastructure and services by municipal councils during the 1950s. Framed photographic collage showing the opening of Extensions to the Kew Municipal Library by The Hon. L.W. Balvin M.L.A. Chief Secretary on 19 August 1954. The photos are in their original mount and frame.[Inscription] "Kew Municipal Library: Opening of Extentions by The Hon. L.W. Balvin M.L.A. Chief Secretary 19.8.1954, with Cr. A.S.C. Stevens J.P. Mayor and Cr. W.D. Vaughan J.P. Chairman Library Council". [Photographer] "Stuart Tompkins Studios."kew library, cr a.s.c. stevens, cr w.d. vaughan, australian photographers - stuart tompkins studio

The Kew Historical Society's postcard collection includes views of Kew, Melbourne and Greater Melbourne as well as those including overseas scenes sent or received from Europe or the Middle East. They date from the 1890s to the 2000s. These postcards may or may not include the name of the publisher or printer. A number of the cards were published as parts of popular series. A way of dating early postcards is to identify whether the reverse was divided by a central line which became the norm after 1902 in the United Kingdom. However, other postcards produced after this date do not always conform to this print layout.Historic postcard of local significance showing the layout of the Alexandra Gardens in Kew. The gardens were opened in 1908 and designed/planted by the Pockett Brothers, so the planting reflects their horticultural style as well as that of the period. The postcard also depicts the Kew Jubilee Rotunda (later demolished and replaced by a second structure in 1988).Monochrome postcard showing the original 'Jubilee Rotunda' in the Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road.Alexandra Gardens, Kew Oastler Leading Stationer, Kew / Printed in Saxonypostcards -- kew (vic.), alexandra gardens -- kew (vic), rotunda -- alexandra gardens -- kew (vic.), oastler -- stationers -- kew (vic.)

The original Kew Town Hall offices were located in Walpole Street, Kew. Before 1960, even though it had been much discussed over a number of decades, Kew did not have a 'civic hall'. When required, events such as balls, exhibitions or theatrical events were held in the Kew Recreation Hall in Walpole Street. A new City Hall was to be opened by Sir Robert Menzies in 1960. It was located beside the Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road. It is now used as the Kew Library. Cr Hugh George Ferguson (at right) was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Australian Imperial Forces. After the war he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and was campaign director for Arthur Rylah is Victorian politics. He organised the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including a World Trade Fair. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor for the 1959-60 term. He died in 1975, aged 75, and is buried in Boroondara Cemetery.An item of historical interest donated by members of the Dods family in 2006. The Dods-Ferguson Collection includes a number of items once in the possession of the families related to or descended from two mayors of Kew: Cr. Hugh Ferguson and Cr. Frederick Dods.Publicity photograph of two men and a woman inspecting architectural models for a new Kew City Hall. The man at the right of the photograph is Cr Hugh George Ferguson, Mayor of Kew 1959-60. The Hall, now occupied by the Kew Library, was opened by The Hon H.E. Bolte MLA, Premier of Victoria in 1960.Herald Sun Feature Service / Hugh G. Ferguson & Associates / New Kew City Hall. kew city hall, hugh g. ferguson & asociates, architectural models - kew, cr hugh george ferguson

Tourist brochure describing parks and gardens in Melbourne produced and printed by the Victorian Railways in 1941. Mainly Botanic and Fitzroy Gardens. "A little gallery of pictures revealing the created loveliness of the city's open public spaces ; all on the fringe of the busy metropolis, and all possessing some particular quality - some favoured lawn, tree or flower effect - to hold the lover of growing things"melbourne (vic) -- parks and gardens, christian-washfold collection

The Kew Elder Citizens Club Rooms at 'Southesk' were officially opened by the Hon EP Cameron MLC on 12 November 1956. The Club met at the Council-owned 'Southesk' until 1963 when new club rooms were opened at the corner of High and Childers Streets in 1963.One of a seminal group of photographs and documents (invitations) relating to the formation of the Kew Elder Citizens club at Southesk in the 1950s.Annotated black and white photographic positive of eleven women standing in the garden of Southesk on the corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street, Kew. Apart from the handwritten annotation on the front there is no other information on the obverse or reverse of the photograph. It is assumed, given the clothing and age of the women that this was a group of members of the Kew Elder Citizens Club. Individuals within the group have not yet been identified.Original Members at Southeskkew elder citizens, kew senior citizens, southesk

The Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road, Kew were opened by the Governor of Victoria in 1910. The first curator of the gardens was George Pockett, who with his brother is credited with the layout of the gardens. The gardens were constructed on land originally owned by the King family of 'Madford' in Wellington Street. The land on which the gardens were developed was originally the back paddock of 'Madford' which was purchased by the Borough of Kew in 1906.A rare and early photograph of the gardens showing clearly the changes to the layout and planting during the 1920s. Small, sepia coloured photographic positive of a woman standing beside a path and bridge in the Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road, Kew.Annotation verso: "Alexandra Gardens Kew 1927"parks and gardens -- kew (vic.), alexandra gardens -- kew (vic.), george pockett

The Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road, Kew were opened by the Governor of Victoria in 1910. The first curator of the gardens was George Pockett, who with his brother is credited with the layout of the gardens. The gardens were constructed on land originally owned by the King family of 'Madford' in Wellington Street. The land on which the gardens were developed was originally the back paddock of 'Madford' which was purchased by the Borough of Kew in 1906.A rare and early photograph of the gardens showing clearly the changes to the layout and planting during the 1920s. Small, sepia coloured photographic positive of a woman with a suitcase standing on a gravel path in front of a semi-circular garden bed in the Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road, Kew. The main plantings in the rock-bordered bed are varieties of palms. A wooden bridge can be seen to the woman's leftAnnotation verso: "Alexandra Gardens Kew 1927"parks and gardens -- kew (vic.), alexandra gardens -- kew (vic.), george pockett

The Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road, Kew were opened by the Governor of Victoria in 1910. The first curator of the gardens was George Pockett, who with his brother is credited with the layout of the gardens. The gardens were constructed on land originally owned by the King family of 'Madford' in Wellington Street. The land on which the gardens were developed was originally the back paddock of 'Madford' which was purchased by the Borough of Kew in 1906.A rare and early photograph of the gardens showing clearly the changes to the layout and planting during the 1920s. Small, sepia coloured photographic positive of a woman standing on the grass in front of a garden bed in the Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road, Kew. The Centennial Rotunda, built in 1910, can be seen in the background. Annotation verso: "Alexandra Gardens Kew 1927"parks and gardens -- kew (vic.), alexandra gardens -- kew (vic.), george pockett

The statue is a bust of George Evans who settled in Sunbury along the Jacksons Creek and built a homestead which he named 'Emu Bottom'. The statue was originally erected on the site in 1986 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of European settlement in the area. A time capsule was buried at the base of the statue and was lifted and opened in 2011 when the 175th anniversary was celebrated. After that event a second capsule was buried along with the original one.A coloured photograph of a statue of the bust of a bearded man set in a brick paved block in a garden. There are two plaques at the base of the statue.evans, george., anniversaries, sunbury

There are a series of photographs in the collection which featured school improvements which were carried out on the building and the grounds in 1994 at the Bulla Primary School No. 46. The improvements included painting the school buildings, installing new playground equipment and laying our the school garden to include a vegetable garden. The first classroom to be built was a bluestone building, which opened in 1870. Two years after these improvements took place the Bulla Primary School was closed.A coloured photograph of one of the classrooms at the Bulla Primary School.bulla primary school, school improvements, school grounds

The Sunbury Leisure Centre in Elizabeth Drive was built as a community learning and activity centre for many local groups in Sunbury. It was completed in 1980 and officially opened on 25th February 1981 by the Premier of Victoria Hon. R.J.Hamer The Sunbury Leisure Centre is an important meeting place for many community groups in Sunbury.A black and white photograph of a large brick building, surrounded by a garden bed with low growing shrubs. An extensive car parking area is in front of it with four cars parked outside the building. sunbury leisure centre, elizabeth drive

Ernest Anderson (head gardener) and Harry (gardener) worked at Williamstown Botanic Gardens. The Anderson family lived in the curators lodge on the grounds in the 1930s. Horses were used at the gardens until the 1960s when the council bought a truck. Mr Biggs drove as Mr Anderson did not have a licence. He rode his bike to the Town Hall every Friday to put in the time sheets. The collection is the only known photos of the Gardens working horses and demonstrates Edwardian Municipal gardening techniques that continued into the 1960s. They are photographic evidence of the planting styles, species choices and structures. Details inscribed on the reverse of some of the photos confirm names of staff at this time. Photo 13 (m) m: Only known photo of Ernest Anderson to be held by the Gardens2013.001.a-l is a collection of 12 small format photographs from the Anderson family album dated from 1917-1936 plus one large image of donor's wedding c1953. Ernest Anderson (head gardener) and Harry (gardener) worked at Williamstown Botanic Gardens. The Anderson family lived in the curators lodge on the grounds in the 1930s. Photo 1 (a) Sepia photo of young girl (Chic Anderson) on horse with no saddle. Two men, with hands on hips, standing alongside wearing hats. All are on a small hill (a compost heap) with a shrub on the left of the image. Photo 2 (b) Young girl and horse standing on the top of a small hill (compost heap). Girl has short hair and is wearing a jumper, skirt and long socks. Horse has no saddle and has its head down as if to eat. Photo 3 (c) Horse and foal standing in a fenced enclosure. Part of yard is paved. Horse has a white blaze and white feet. Foal has white blaze and white legs and is looking up at the horse. Photo 4 (d) Horse pulling a mower. Two men standing with mower. One is holding mower, the other the reins of the horse. Both men are wearing hats, with one wearing a vest. Horse has hessian wrapping on his hooves. Photo 5 (e) Horse and man. Horse has a rope bridle. Man holding bridle and is dressed in trousers, shirt, cardigan and hat. They are in front of a hedge and closed timber gate. Tall palm is in background. Horse is side on to the camera. Photo 6 (f) Man and horse standing in front of hedge and open timber gate. Palms in background. Man wearing trousers, shirt, vest, tie, hat. Trousers look to be tucked into boots. He is looking at the horse. The horse is facing the camera. Photo 7 (g) Three horses looking over a picket fence. All with a white blaze. There is a timber wall with a window to the right of the photograph. A man’s arm holding something is seen on the right of the photo. Photo 8 (h) Large palm tree, understorey of shrubs with two palms in the background. Photo 9 (i) Scene of the Gardens. Path dividing at a conifer tree. Woman in long skirt and hat looking up at the conifer. Different varieties of palm trees with understorey of shrubs. Photo 10 (j) Garden bed of Dahlias surrounded by a wire fence. Palms and other trees in background. Photo 11 (k) Avenue of tall palm trees with under storey of shrubs. Photo has angles cut at top corners and two large crease marks at the bottom right hand corner. Photo 12 (l) Set of cast iron gates – double carriage gates with single pedestrian gates on either side and supported by four cast iron posts with ornamental finials on top. Photo 13 (m) Ernest Anderson and daughter Chic prior to her wedding. Ernest is holding his gloves in his left hand and Chic’s hand with his right. Palms trees in the background. Photo 1 (a) 'Ern & Harry / May 8th 1936' Photo 2 (b) ‘Jack aged 36 / Chic 5 years / (unclear) 1936’ Photo 3 (c) ‘foal born in / back shed’ Photo 4 (d) ‘The Olde Firm / Jack Ernie Harry / 1917’ Photo 6 (f ) ‘Before the / council provided / a truck all / work was done / with the horses’ Photo 7 (g) ‘our work horses’ Photo 9 (i) ‘Panoramic view of Gardens / looking South from Lodge / Wms Town Botanical Gardens / 15-10-17’ Photo 12 (l) ‘Gates Public Gardens’hobsons-bay-city-council, curator, lodge, horse, transport, dahlia, compost, anderson, williamstown, botanic, gardens, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay, hobsons, edwardian, gardening, 1936, 1917,

The original postcards in this series (2013.002 to 2013.018) were generously loaned to Williamstown Botanic Gardens by a private collector for copying. The fountain is located on the southern side of the ornamental lake and was erected to celebrate the jubilee of the municipality (17 March 1906). Controversy surrounded the commission for the design and construction of the fountain, as it was originally assigned to a contractor in Carlton. Williamstown residents insisted the fountain be designed and constructed locally, and on December 1906 the fountain was tendered by local firm Bliss and Sons and opened for public use in 1906. The fountain features a symmetrical plan, consisting of fur granite columns supporting a granite canopy and is fully operational following restoration work in 2013. The idea for the fountain came from an elderly resident of Williamstown who suggested the council follow the example of Ballarat’s gardens with its many statues and monuments. The postcards are evidence of the interest the gardens held as a subject for postcard publishers. The text and images provide a snapshot into fashions, social interests and concerns of the time. The professionally produced images provide a pictorial history of Gardens including changing planting styles, various structures and features of the Gardens eg the aviary, cannons, the fountain, the second Curator’s Lodge and gates. The images offer an opportunity to compare garden vistas with the present day. The significance of the fountain is its reflection of how Williamstown people felt for their Gardens and the importance placed on investing in locally operated business. It was noted in the Brief Jottings column of the Williamstown Chronicle, February 24 1906, the fountain is a “We favor the erection of the jubilee fountain in the Giffard-street (Williamstown Botanic) Gardens. Ornaments of that kind there will make that beauty spot even more attractive.” Sepia scene of a fountain situated on paths bordered with rocks. The fountain in on a plinth and the postcard shows the plaque and two of the four drinking stations. The fountain features a symmetrical plan, consisting of four granite columns supporting a granite canopy. Front: VALENTINE’S, M.355 THE FOUNTAIN, WILLIAMSTOWN GARDENS MELBOURNE, VICTORIA. REAL PHOTO. Reverse: vertical on left side of card and underlined: ‘Published by the Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. Ltd. / Queen St, Melb’. Top centre of card: Contains logo of ‘VALENTINES / REAL PHOTO SERIES’. The postcard is addressed to ‘Dear Agnes’ from ‘Una’. Marked in pencil on to right hand corner ‘1920 / $8’ believed to be put on the postcard by the vendor. postcard, gardens, post-card, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay-city-council, jubilee-fountain, fountain drinking-fountain, 1920, granite, bliss-and-sons, 1906

The original postcards in this series (2013.002 to 2013.018) were generously loaned to Williamstown Botanic Gardens by a private collector for copying. The fountain is located on the southern side of the ornamental lake and was erected to celebrate the jubilee of the municipality (17 March 1906). Controversy surrounded the commission for the design and construction of the fountain, as it was originally assigned to a contractor in Carlton. Williamstown residents insisted the fountain be designed and constructed locally, and on December 1906 the fountain was tendered by local firm Bliss and Sons and opened for public use in 1906. The fountain features a symmetrical plan, consisting of fur granite columns supporting a granite canopy and is fully operational following restoration work in 2013. The idea for the fountain came from an elderly resident of Williamstown who suggested the council follow the example of Ballarat’s gardens with its many statues and monuments. The postcards are evidence of the interest the gardens held as a subject for postcard publishers. The text and images provide a snapshot into fashions, social interests and concerns of the time. The professionally produced images provide a pictorial history of Gardens including changing planting styles, various structures and features of the Gardens eg the aviary, cannons, the fountain, the second Curator’s Lodge and gates. The images offer an opportunity to compare garden vistas with the present day. The significance of the fountain is its reflection of how Williamstown people felt for their Gardens and the importance placed on investing in locally operated business. It was noted in the Brief Jottings column of the Williamstown Chronicle, February 24 1906, the fountain is a “We favor the erection of the jubilee fountain in the Giffard-street (Williamstown Botanic) Gardens. Ornaments of that kind there will make that beauty spot even more attractive.” Sepia scene of a fountain situated on paths bordered with rocks. The fountain in on a plinth with a plaque. The fountain features a symmetrical plan, consisting of four granite columns supporting a granite canopy. High stumps of trees are just behind the fountain with larger trees in the background to the right and left of the image.Postcard, Gardens, Post-Card, Williamstown-Botanic-Gardens, Hobsons-Bay-City-Council, Jubilee-fountain, fountain drinking-fountain, granite, Bliss-and-Sons, Madeleypostcard, gardens, post-card, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay-city-council, jubilee-fountain, fountain drinking-fountain, granite, bliss-and-sons, madeley

Bennie Simcox first came to the Monbulk area about 1860, following the first important gold discovery at the end of 1858. As the gold rush was short lived Simcox returned to Collingwood but later came back to Monbulk, built himself a hut to live in and become its first known permanent resident. The hut was burnt in the 1913 fires. Monbulk was thrown open to selection in 1894, and that's when the first farmers including Bennie Simcox went into Monbulk. It was a big, timbered country in those days. Once Ben had cleared some of his land he started to grow raspberries on it. He would be up before daylight ready to start picking. Ben also picked for a local family, the Camms to help make ends meet. When Ben Simcox was virtually at the retired stage, he wanted to develop his bit of the gully as a tourist attraction, As his nephew Fred Gay who owned the 10 acres below Ben wanted to farm, he was happy to swap his treed block with Ben. At a time when most settlers were clearing their properties, Ben Simcox, by contrast, cultivated the native plants and planted most of the large trees seen on the property today. And so Nathania Springs was developed as a tourist resort, and a mini-botanical garden. He diverted the natural water supply to form ornamental garden pools stocked with trout and tame native black fish. There were many visitors came to the Dandenongs, Some arriving in motor cars others in converted furniture vans lined with seats or charabancs with the long extended chassis and the open canvas roofs. Identities such as Billy Hughes, Madame Melba would often come to look through Nathania Springs. Bennie sold Nathania Springs to Councillor Ferdinand Thomas Le Juge, a boarding house proprietor and later the town baker in 1909 then in about 1921 Ben’s nephew Fred and his wife and family continued to open Nathania Springs to the public. It was not unusual in around 1924-25 for up to a thousand people a day to arrive at Nathania Springs to go through the gardens. At sixpence a time, that was a lot of money in those days. This photo is part of a collection of historic and social significance of the early settlement of Monbulk. Copies of photographs can be purchased from the Monbulk Historical Society.simcox, nathania springs, monbulk, 1860, berries