Canoeing on the River Yarra at Melbourne was an important and widespread recreational pursuit for Melbournians, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. The Victorian Canoe Club was formed in 1912 at a meeting in Melbourne and its first committee elected in the same year. Records indicate that the Club continued into at least the 1950s .The photos in this album are historically and socially significant as a record of recreational activities in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of photographs in the album provide views of sections of the Yarra, as well as areas in regional Victoria, that may otherwise be unavailable.One of 12 sepia [faded] photographs of members of the Victorian Canoe Club. The first photo reveals three of the four club members leaving their clubhouse in Studley Park to travel downstream to the Lower Yarra and beyond to Port Phillip Bay. "Xmas 1930. Leaving Studley Park"victorian canoe club, river yarra, travel -- 1930s, canoeing

George Wharton arrived in Melbourne in 1844. An architect and surveyor, he was appointed to lay out the 'Village of Kew' by N.A. Fenwick following the land sales of 1851. A protagonist for Kew's separation from the Boroondara District Road Board, he was elected chairman when Kew achieved municipal status in December 1860. His home, 'Fernhurst', was built in 1866 on eight acres in Studley Park, with a four-storey tower and pyramidal roof. The Italianate home was a prominent Kew landmark. It was demolished in 1979 and replaced by St Paul's College in 1980.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant mansion in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of 'Fernhurst' in 1978. Photographed by Stewart West in May 1978, one year before it was demolished, the photograph gives little idea of the large landholding once surrounding the house. Originally accessed from near the corner of Princess Street and Studley Park Road, its gardens had been subdivided in the 1900s and its footprint restricted to 13 Fernhurst Grove. Like many other grand houses, by the 1970s it had been converted into apartments. From the photograph, one can see that the house had retained many of its original features such as the distinctive tower and the wide bow-fronted verandah. The slates on the roof (apart from those on the tower) had been replaced by tiles and the cement render of the exterior painted white. Annotated reverse: "View of Fernhurst Home Taken from Street / 10"fernhurst, 13 fernhurst grove -- kew (vic.), george wharton, italianate architecture, vila maria society, st paul's school for the blind

George Wharton arrived in Melbourne in 1844. An architect and surveyor, he was appointed to lay out the 'Village of Kew' by N.A. Fenwick following the land sales of 1851. A protagonist for Kew's separation from the Boroondara District Road Board, he was elected chairman when Kew achieved municipal status in December 1860. His home, 'Fernhurst', was built in 1866 on eight acres in Studley Park, with a four-storey tower and pyramidal roof. The Italianate home was a prominent Kew landmark. It was demolished in 1979 and replaced by St Paul's College in 1980.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant mansion in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of 'Fernhurst' in 1978. Photographed by Stewart West in May 1978, one year before it was demolished, the photograph gives little idea of the large landholding once surrounding the house. Originally accessed from near the corner of Princess Street and Studley Park Road, its gardens had been subdivided in the 1900s and its footprint restricted to 13 Fernhurst Grove. Like many other grand houses, by the 1970s it had been converted into apartments. From the photograph, one can see that the house had retained many of its original features such as the distinctive tower and the wide bow-fronted verandah. The slates on the roof (apart from those on the tower) had been replaced by tiles and the cement render of the exterior painted white. Annotated reverse: "Fernhurst from higher ground level side shot / 7"fernhurst, 13 fernhurst grove -- kew (vic.), george wharton, italianate architecture, vila maria society, st paul's school for the blind

George Wharton arrived in Melbourne in 1844. An architect and surveyor, he was appointed to lay out the 'Village of Kew' by N.A. Fenwick following the land sales of 1851. A protagonist for Kew's separation from the Boroondara District Road Board, he was elected chairman when Kew achieved municipal status in December 1860. His home, 'Fernhurst', was built in 1866 on eight acres in Studley Park, with a four-storey tower and pyramidal roof. The Italianate home was a prominent Kew landmark. It was demolished in 1979 and replaced by St Paul's College in 1980.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant mansion in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of 'Fernhurst' in 1978. Photographed by Stewart West in May 1978, one year before it was demolished, the photograph gives little idea of the large landholding once surrounding the house. Originally accessed from near the corner of Princess Street and Studley Park Road, its gardens had been subdivided in the 1900s and its footprint restricted to 13 Fernhurst Grove. Like many other grand houses, by the 1970s it had been converted into apartments. From the photograph, one can see that the house had retained many of its original features such as the distinctive tower and the wide bow-fronted verandah. The slates on the roof (apart from those on the tower) had been replaced by tiles and the cement render of the exterior painted white. Annotated reverse: "Back view of Fernhurst / 8"fernhurst, 13 fernhurst grove -- kew (vic.), george wharton, italianate architecture, vila maria society, st paul's school for the blind

George Wharton arrived in Melbourne in 1844. An architect and surveyor, he was appointed to lay out the 'Village of Kew' by N.A. Fenwick following the land sales of 1851. A protagonist for Kew's separation from the Boroondara District Road Board, he was elected chairman when Kew achieved municipal status in December 1860. His home, 'Fernhurst', was built in 1866 on eight acres in Studley Park, with a four-storey tower and pyramidal roof. The Italianate home was a prominent Kew landmark. It was demolished in 1979 and replaced by St Paul's College in 1980.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant mansion in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of 'Fernhurst' in 1978. Photographed by Stewart West in May 1978, one year before it was demolished, the photograph gives little idea of the large landholding once surrounding the house. Originally accessed from near the corner of Princess Street and Studley Park Road, its gardens had been subdivided in the 1900s and its footprint restricted to 13 Fernhurst Grove. Like many other grand houses, by the 1970s it had been converted into apartments. From the photograph, one can see that the house had retained many of its original features such as the distinctive tower and the wide bow-fronted verandah. The slates on the roof (apart from those on the tower) had been replaced by tiles and the cement render of the exterior painted white. Annotated reverse: "Fernhurst front view taken from across Fernhurst Grove / 6"fernhurst, 13 fernhurst grove -- kew (vic.), george wharton, italianate architecture, vila maria society, st paul's school for the blind

George Wharton arrived in Melbourne in 1844. An architect and surveyor, he was appointed to lay out the 'Village of Kew' by N.A. Fenwick following the land sales of 1851. A protagonist for Kew's separation from the Boroondara District Road Board, he was elected chairman when Kew achieved municipal status in December 1860. His home, 'Fernhurst', was built in 1866 on eight acres in Studley Park, with a four-storey tower and pyramidal roof. The Italianate home was a prominent Kew landmark. It was demolished in 1979 and replaced by St Paul's College in 1980.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant mansion in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of 'Fernhurst' in 1978. Photographed by Stewart West in May 1978, one year before it was demolished, the photograph gives little idea of the large landholding once surrounding the house. Originally accessed from near the corner of Princess Street and Studley Park Road, its gardens had been subdivided in the 1900s and its footprint restricted to 13 Fernhurst Grove. Like many other grand houses, by the 1970s it had been converted into apartments. From the photograph, one can see that the house had retained many of its original features such as the distinctive tower and the wide bow-fronted verandah. The slates on the roof (apart from those on the tower) had been replaced by tiles and the cement render of the exterior painted white. Annotated reverse: "Front view of Fernhurst showing tower to advantage / 9"fernhurst, 13 fernhurst grove -- kew (vic.), george wharton, italianate architecture, vila maria society, st paul's school for the blind

George Wharton arrived in Melbourne in 1844. An architect and surveyor, he was appointed to lay out the 'Village of Kew' by N.A. Fenwick following the land sales of 1851. A protagonist for Kew's separation from the Boroondara District Road Board, he was elected chairman when Kew achieved municipal status in December 1860. His home, 'Fernhurst', was built in 1866 on eight acres in Studley Park, with a four-storey tower and pyramidal roof. The Italianate home was a prominent Kew landmark. It was demolished in 1979 and replaced by St Paul's College in 1980.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant mansion in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of 'Fernhurst' in 1978. Photographed by Stewart West in May 1978, one year before it was demolished, the photograph gives little idea of the large landholding once surrounding the house. Originally accessed from near the corner of Princess Street and Studley Park Road, its gardens had been subdivided in the 1900s and its footprint restricted to 13 Fernhurst Grove. Like many other grand houses, by the 1970s it had been converted into apartments. From the photograph, one can see that the house had retained many of its original features such as the distinctive tower and the wide bow-fronted verandah. The slates on the roof (apart from those on the tower) had been replaced by tiles and the cement render of the exterior painted white. Annotated reverse: "Fernhurst corner shot through trees / 12-22"fernhurst, 13 fernhurst grove -- kew (vic.), george wharton, italianate architecture, vila maria society, st paul's school for the blind

Henry Beater Christian (1886-1962) , was a descendant of one of the earliest settler families in Kew. Employed at the Kew Asylum as a 'public servant', he was a skilled amateur photographer, photographing numerous scenes in Kew and on his travels around Victoria. The majority of his photographs date from 1916 to 1929. His finest photographs are housed in two photograph albums. Digital copy of a photograph from page 7 of the 47-page photograph album containing 261 gelatinous silver images, loaned by Diane Washfold with permission given to digitise and hold a copy in our collection. This photograph was taken during a flood year, perhaps 1923, when the Yarra encroached on the grounds of the Abbotsford Convent. In the distance, the Johnston Street Bridge separates the viewer from the industrialised landscape of Fairfield. In developing the photo, Henry Christian employed a circular frame to artistically focus the view. He empkloyed this technique for what he may have viewed as his best photographs. "Studley Park / Kew"henry beater christian (1886-1962), landscape photography, kew (vic.) — yarra river, christian-washfold collection, photograph albums, fairfield, kew, johnston street bridge, studley park

Henry Beater Christian (1886-1962) , was a descendant of one of the earliest settler families in Kew. Employed at the Kew Asylum as a 'public servant', he was a skilled amateur photographer, photographing numerous scenes in Kew and on his travels around Victoria. The majority of his photographs date from 1916 to 1929. His finest photographs are housed in two photograph albums. Digital copy of a photograph from page 15 of the 47-page photograph album containing 261 gelatinous silver images, loaned by Diane Washfold with permission given to digitise and hold a copy in our collection. The first and last pages in the album document the Yarra River at Studley Park and at Kew. The remainder of the album includes photographs of walking and car tours in rural Victoria including 'wilderness' areas in the Grampians, Gippsland and the High Country. Six album pages document a camping trip by Henry Christian to the Grampians in September 1924. The photos include pictures of lookouts, and natural features including rock faces and waterfalls, as well as his camp site. This is a photo of a man wearing a hat and sturdy walking clothes standing on the edge of one of the precipitous lookouts at the Grampians. The man may be Henry Christian or a companion."Grampians"henry beater christian (1886-1962), landscape photography, christian-washfold collection, photograph albums, grampians, gariwerd

Commercially-operated boat tours on the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers in Melbourne were a major tourist attraction, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of companies ran ferries and motor-launches to locations such as the Riverview Tea Gardens (1909-1947) at Ascot Vale, and the Hawthorn Tea Gardens on the corner of Power Street and Riversdale Road. One of the families which ran these services was Hicks Bros, which from circa 1921 operated a ferry service from Princess Walk (Melbourne) to Studley Park. This is one of a series of 17 black and white undated photographic proofs donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2013 by the Queenscliffe Historical Museum. The series includes images of individuals, tea rooms, ferries, motor launches, ocean liners and tugs. In 1953, the owner of Hicks Bros was involved in an inquest into the drowning of a Ukrainian tourist on a ferry operated by Melbourne Ferries, a rival firm. In published reports of the inquest, reference is made to a number of photographs taken by Robert Irvine Atchison, part-owner of Hicks Bros. As the reverse of the photographs indicates copyright is held by the State of Victoria, the collection may have derived from that year.Historically significant and rare image of one of the major tour boat services which operated on the Yarra River.Faded black and white photographic proof of a ferry owned by Hicks Bros on the River Yarra at Princess Walk. Two employees stand beside the first of a number of wooden ferries. On the south side of the river, there are the pavilions of a number of boat clubs.ferries, motor launches, yarra river, maribyrnong river, studley park, princess walk, riverview tea gardens, hawthorn tea gardens, tourism - melbourne (vic.), hicks bros, hicks bros launches

This is one of a series of 17 black and white undated photographic proofs donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2013 by the Queenscliffe Historical Museum. The series includes images of individuals, tea rooms, ferries, motor launches, ocean liners and tugs. The subject of the photograph is a Hicks Bros ferry, which from circa 1921 operated a ferry service from Princess Walk (Melbourne) to Studley Park.Very faded and degraded photograph of a group of men walking down pathways on the bank of a river in Melbourne. The location may be the Hawthorn Tea Rooms. The undated photographic positive was probably taken in the 1950s.melbourne, tourism

Commercially-operated boat tours on the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers in Melbourne were a major tourist attraction, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of companies ran ferries and motor-launches to locations such as the Riverview Tea Gardens (1909-1947) at Ascot Vale, and the Hawthorn Tea Gardens on the corner of Power Street and Riversdale Road. One of the families which ran these services was Hicks Bros, which from circa 1921 operated a ferry service from Princess Walk (Melbourne) to Studley Park. This is one of a series of 17 black and white undated photographic proofs donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2013 by the Queenscliffe Historical Museum. The series includes images of individuals, tea rooms, ferries, motor launches, ocean liners and tugs. In 1953, the owner of Hicks Bros was involved in an inquest into the drowning of a Ukrainian tourist on a ferry operated by Melbourne Ferries, a rival firm. In published reports of the inquest, reference is made to a number of photographs taken by Robert Irvine Atchison, part-owner of Hicks Bros. As the reverse of the photographs indicates copyright is held by the State of Victoria, the collection may have derived from that year.Historically significant and rare image of one of the major tour boat services which operated on the Yarra River.Faded black and white photographic proof of a ferry owned by Hicks Bros on the River Yarra at Princess Walk. The ferry has signage confirming the company (Hicks Bros Launches) and the destinations (Studley Park, Hawthorn Tea Rooms). A man, probably Robert Atchison, co-owner of the ferry service, in a captain's hat is selling tickets. Above the roof line of the ferry can be seen the boat houses on the opposite bank. ferries, motor launches, yarra river, maribyrnong river, studley park, princess walk, riverview tea gardens, hawthorn tea gardens, tourism - melbourne (vic.), hicks bros, hicks bros launches

Commercially-operated boat tours on the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers in Melbourne were a major tourist attraction, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of companies ran ferries and motor-launches to locations such as the Riverview Tea Gardens (1909-1947) at Ascot Vale, and the Hawthorn Tea Gardens on the corner of Power Street and Riversdale Road. One of the families which ran these services was Hicks Bros, which from circa 1921 operated a ferry service from Princess Walk (Melbourne) to Studley Park. This is one of a series of 17 black and white undated photographic proofs donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2013 by the Queenscliffe Historical Museum. The series includes images of individuals, tea rooms, ferries, motor launches, ocean liners and tugs. In 1953, the owner of Hicks Bros was involved in an inquest into the drowning of a Ukrainian tourist on a ferry operated by Melbourne Ferries, a rival firm. In published reports of the inquest, reference is made to a number of photographs taken by Robert Irvine Atchison, part-owner of Hicks Bros. As the reverse of the photographs indicates copyright is held by the State of Victoria, the collection may have derived from that year.Historically significant and rare image of one of the major tour boat services which operated on the Yarra River.Faded black and white photographic proof of a ferry, possibly one of a number owned by Hicks Bros on the River Yarra. The single storey wooden ferry has a wheel that is motor driven. The popularity of ferry services is indicated by the number of passengers on board.ferries, motor launches, yarra river, studley park, princess walk, hawthorn tea gardens, tourism - melbourne (vic.), hicks bros, hicks bros launches

Commercially-operated boat tours on the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers in Melbourne were a major tourist attraction, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of companies ran ferries and motor-launches to locations such as the Riverview Tea Gardens (1909-1947) at Ascot Vale, and the Hawthorn Tea Gardens on the corner of Power Street and Riversdale Road. One of the families which ran these services was Hicks Bros, which from circa 1921 operated a ferry service from Princess Walk (Melbourne) to Studley Park. This is one of a series of 17 black and white undated photographic proofs donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2013 by the Queenscliffe Historical Museum. The series includes images of individuals, tea rooms, ferries, motor launches, ocean liners and tugs. In 1953, the owner of Hicks Bros was involved in an inquest into the drowning of a Ukrainian tourist on a ferry operated by Melbourne Ferries, a rival firm. In published reports of the inquest, reference is made to a number of photographs taken by Robert Irvine Atchison, part-owner of Hicks Bros. As the reverse of the photographs indicates copyright is held by the State of Victoria, the collection may have derived from that year.Historically significant and rare image of one of the major tour boat services which operated on the Yarra River.Faded black and white photographic proof of worker of a ferry service, steering a ferry on the Yarra River. He wears a captain's peaked hat and a coat.ferries, motor launches, yarra river, studley park, princess walk, hawthorn tea gardens, tourism - melbourne (vic.), hicks bros, hicks bros launches

Commercially-operated boat tours on the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers in Melbourne were a major tourist attraction, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. A number of companies ran ferries and motor-launches to locations such as the Riverview Tea Gardens (1909-1947) at Ascot Vale, and the Hawthorn Tea Gardens on the corner of Power Street and Riversdale Road. One of the families which ran these services was Hicks Bros, which from circa 1921 operated a ferry service from Princess Walk (Melbourne) to Studley Park. This is one of a series of 17 black and white undated photographic proofs donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2013 by the Queenscliffe Historical Museum. The series includes images of individuals, tea rooms, ferries, motor launches, ocean liners and tugs. In 1953, the owner of Hicks Bros was involved in an inquest into the drowning of a Ukrainian tourist on a ferry operated by Melbourne Ferries, a rival firm. In published reports of the inquest, reference is made to a number of photographs taken by Robert Irvine Atchison, part-owner of Hicks Bros. As the reverse of the photographs indicates copyright is held by the State of Victoria, the collection may have derived from that year.Historically significant and rare image of one of the major tour boat services which operated on the Yarra River.Faded black and white photographic proof of a ferry, possibly one of a number owned by Hicks Bros on the River Yarra. The single storey wooden ferry has a wheel that is motor driven. The popularity of ferry services is indicated by the number of passengers on board.ferries, motor launches, yarra river, studley park, princess walk, hawthorn tea gardens, tourism - melbourne (vic.), hicks bros, hicks bros launches

The child's silk smocked dress with feather stitching is believed to have been worn by Mary Hodgetts, sister of the donor's mother. The dress is estimated to have been made in c.1919, but from its style it may date from the 1900s. This would not be uncommon as children's clothing was often 'passed-on' or reconfigured to fit a new wearer. Mary Hodgetts grew up in Kensington Park, Adelaide. As an adult, Mary enlisted in 1941 to the 1st AWAS camp. After six months she volunteers for the 58th AASL (Anti Aircraft Searchlight Battery). She was sent to Sydney where she attended Training School with 33 males and one other female. Mary was the first AWAS to receive a Commission in the RAA (Royal Australian Artillery). Mary Downer was one of many under Mary's command on returning to Adelaide. After a March through the streets of Adelaide, most of the unit transferred to Western Australia (Fremantle area) in 1943 and were scattered amongst the 55th and 65th AASL Batteries. At the conclusion of WW2, Mary travelled to Melbourne to be with her sister and studied Accountancy. She first lived in Mary Street, Hawthorn, and then bought a unit in Harcourt Street, East Hawthorn. During this period she worked as Bursar to St Catherine's Girls' School. On retirement, she purchased a house in Edgecombe Street, Kew, and lived there happily for many years. During this time she was active with the Kew Meals on Wheels, receiving her 10-years of service certificate. Mary Hodgetts died in 2018.Child's clothing associated with the history of a significant Australian woman who served with the 2nd AIFChild's silk smocked dress Shoulder width 26 cm / Length 52 cmmary hodgetts, 58th aasl (anti aircraft searchlight battery), children's clothing, women- ww2

Pru Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence of the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold on which a built structure was subsequently constructed as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.In 1925, the City of Kew called for tenders for the construction of Wimba Avenue, Cadow Street and Lalla Street. Subsequent advertisements for the sale of land in Wimba Avenue continued from 1926 to 1929. The 18 lots (and a further five allotments on the eastern side of the street) offered for sale were unofficially described in the subdivision plan as the ‘Wimba Estate’. These lots began in Park Hill Road and extended almost to Cotham Road. The subdivision took its name from the house ‘Wimba’ in Cotham Road, which may have formed the southern boundary of the subdivision. (Wimba, at 235 Cotham Road was constructed between 1862-70). The Plan highlights the proximity and advantage of ‘electric’ trams in Cotham and Glenferrie Roads, and the Kew and Glenferrie Railway Stations. An oddity in the Plan is the reference to the electric tram terminus at Burke Road, given that the tramline had already been extended to Mont Albert in 1916.wimba estate, subdivision plans - kew, parkhill road – kew (vic.), normanby road – kew (vic.), wimba avenue – kew (vic.)

The Kew Historical Society collection includes almost 100 subdivision plans pertaining to suburbs of the City of Melbourne. Most of these are of Kew, Kew East or Studley Park, although a smaller number are plans of Camberwell, Deepdene, Balwyn and Hawthorn. It is believed that the majority of the plans were gifted to the Society by persons connected with the real estate firm - J. R. Mathers and McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, Kew. The Plans in the collection are rarely in pristine form, being working plans on which the agent would write notes and record lots sold and the prices of these. The subdivision plans are historically significant examples of the growth of urban Melbourne from the beginning of the 20th Century up until the 1980s. A number of the plans are double-sided and often include a photograph on the reverse. A number of the latter are by noted photographers such as J.E. Barnes.The ‘Myrtle Park Estate’ was a subdivision bounded by Victoria Road (now Lansdowne Street), Buchanan Avenue and Dight Avenue. Other streets that were created by the subdivision included Eurolie Street, Boorahman Street and Moody Street (now Sylvan Street). The Estate took its name from Myrtle Park (later changed to Macleay Park), which had been created in 1923 by Camberwell Council. The Park adjoined the southeast corner of the new subdivision. The Estate included 74 regular allotments characterised by narrow frontages and long blocks. Confusion may have greeted prospective purchasers as the Estate was advertised in the daily newspapers as being in East Kew, rather than in Camberwell, where it was at that stage located.subdivision plans - balwyn, myrtle park estate - camberwell [surrey hills]

Prue Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence of the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold on which a built structure was subsequently constructed as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.In 1928, five residential allotments bordering Segtoune and Windsor Streets were advertised for sale as part of a subdivision. Four of the blocks faced Segtoune Avenue. The auctioneers proclaimed the advantages of the sites: ‘Situate one minute from the High Street Electric Tram, which now runs direct to Spencer Street via Bridge Road and Flinders Street. Opposite the East Kew Railway Station (Outer Circle Line), which may be reopened In connection with the new Line from Kew to Doncaster; Adjacent lo the Kew Recreation Reserve, Sports Oval, and Swimming Bath; Half Minute from the Shopping Centre of East Kew, Accessible to the State School and Other Educational Centres’. The Harp of Erin Hotel and the route of the Outer Circle Railway line are marked on the plan. The Recreation Reserve and Sport Oval refer to Victoria Park. The Swimming Baths were located on the site of the current Kew Recreation Centre.subdivision plans - kew, segtoune street -- kew (vic.), windsor street -- kew (vic.)

Pru Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.The Kew Historical Society collection includes almost 100 subdivision plans pertaining to suburbs of the City of Melbourne. Most of these are of Kew, Kew East or Studley Park, although a smaller number are plans of Camberwell, Deepdene, Balwyn and Hawthorn. It is believed that the majority of the plans were gifted to the Society by persons connected with the real estate firm - J. R. Mathers and McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, Kew. The Plans in the collection are rarely in pristine form, being working plans on which the agent would write notes and record lots sold and the prices of these. The subdivision plans are historically significant examples of the growth of urban Melbourne from the beginning of the 20th Century up until the 1980s. A number of the plans are double-sided and often include a photograph on the reverse. A number of the latter are by noted photographers such as J.E. Barnes.The Clifton Estate was an ambitious subdivision. It included 61 allotments bordering Cotham and Park Hill Roads, and Florence and Adeney Avenues. It is difficult to ascertain the exact year when the ‘Clifton Estate’ was surveyed, subdivided and first auctioned. The uncertainty may be due to allotments being released during the First World War. The subdivision took its name from the house ‘Clifton’ (lot 5) on the corner of Adeney Avenue and Cotham Road. The outline of Clifton (since demolished) and the extent of its land following the subdivision are represented on the plan. The auctioneers have also shown ‘Maryfield’ and ‘Wimba’, the neighbouring properties in Cotham Road, on the plan."B"subdivision plans - kew, clifton estate, cotham road, adeney avenue, florence avenue, park hill road

The party of the British surveyor Charles Grimes were the first Europeans to view the River Yarra, as it was later to be named. Members of the party reached the area now known as Studley Park in 1803. This local re-enactment commemorated 175 years since that event.Charles Grimes, Re-enactment, Yarra River, Kew, 1978. Inscription on reverse: "KH-191. Grimes' party in boat on Yarra 1978. Re-enactment organised by Kew Historical Society. Actors Trinity Grammar boys. Mrs Argyle's History class." Sticker on back: "771. Standard News. WHS. Festival. 4 cols. May 3. [Page] 5."charles grimes re-enactment, yarra river (kew) 1978, cr whiting (mayor of kew), andrew allen, trinity grammar school, kew historical society

Empire Day had been initiated following the death of Queen Victoria and was held throughout the Empire from 1901-58. The main day of celebration was on 24 May, the date of Queen Victoria’s birthday. The Balwyn fundraising button was created for an appeal three days before the official date. Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930sPatriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.An Empire Day fundraising button from 1921. The white enamelled button depicts in the centre an image of the Balwyn War Memorial in Beckett Park surmounted by a red ensign."Balwyn Empire Day Celebrations, Appeal for the Blind, May 21st 1921"patriotic buttons, empire day, balwyn war memorial - beckett park

Cover in two colours depicts design of ‘Three Sisters’, 8 unnumbered pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some colour) ; 20 cmnon-fictionDescriptive story of the Katoomba scenic railway by Vivian Pynor.katoomba - railways, christian-washfold collection

One of a number of 'real photo' and commercial postcards created by or owned by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew. The postcards are part of a larger collection of photographs, postcards and publications donated to the collection in May 2021.Sepia postcard of the beach at Black Rock showing swimmers and cars parked along the beachGuest Newsagency, Black Rock No.2rickett's point, postcards -- beaches, christian-washfold collection

One of a number of 'real photo' and commercial postcards created by or owned by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew. The postcards are part of a larger collection of photographs, postcards and publications donated to the collection in May 2021.Postcard folder. Selection of ‘beauty spots’ along Yarra between Princes Bridge and Heidelberg via Studley Park. Boat advertises Harding’s Launches Studley Park & Heidelberg. Pictured boat is ‘25 Canberra’.harding's river cruises, river yarra -- tourism, harding's boat cruises, christian-washfold collection

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

Henry (Harry) William Tompkins was a renowned Melbourne architect, former City of Kew councillor and sometime Mayor of the municipality. He was president of the Melbourne Institute of Architects in 1914-15. In partnership with his brother, Frank Beauchamp Tompkins, he designed the Myer Stores in Bourke and Lonsdale Streets in 1933. Locally he was the architect of the Kew War Memorial (opened 1925). At the time that the gravure plate was made, the couple lived in 'Fenwick', a house on the corner of Stawell Street and Fenwick Street, Kew, which has since been demolished.Copper (on steel?) gravure printing plate made for Mr & Mrs Harold Tompkins, 'Fenwick', Fenwick Street, Kew. Engraved in reverse script. It is assumed that the acronym PPC may stand for 'Please Present Card'. "Mr & Mrs H.W. Tompkins, Fenwick, Fenwick Street, Studley Park / PPC 1st Friday"harry tompkins, gravure printing plates, business cards

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was established by an act of the Victorian Parliament in 1890 to prepare for and to implement a sewerage and water reticulation system across what was then inner Melbourne, its surrounding and middle distance suburbs, including Kew. The MMBW was disbanded in 1991.The map collection of the Kew Historical Society has at its core the historic maps assembled and originally stored in the City Engineer's Department of the City of Kew. These include maps in a number of scales. The vast majority of maps were produced by the MMBW in the first two decades of the twentieth century, and are solid working maps, backed by linen for durability. These maps are historically significant to Kew, the City of Boroondara and to the history of the development of state utilities in Victoria. A number of the Kew maps have additional details added by former municipal officers, including the levels reached by various floods. As these were working documents, information was added to them long after the period of their initial production and distribution.Map of the City of Kew showing part of the River Yarra Beautification Schemes. The map shows development to date and the flood levels reached in 1923 and 1924. This map may have been adapted from an earlier map, as most development in central Kew and Studley Park had occurred by this date yet numerous streets are not represented. Public buildings and institutions are clearly represented and named on the map as are significant public transport infrastructure (eg the Outer Circle railway).MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / RIVER YARRA BEAUTIFICATION SCHEMES / SCHEME / SCALE 10 CHAINS TO AN INCHmelbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, city of kew, flood levels -- kew (vic.), cartography

Stradbroke Park. Extent: Kilby Road to Harp Road at Burke Road. Historical Documentation: 1851 - Portion 91 purchased by Edward Glynn; 1888 - The Harp of Erin Estate (which included Section 91) offered for sale; 1896 - The area now known as Stradbroke Park was bisected by a creek that flowed from the Yarra via Hay's Paddock (q.v.) and extended through to Burke Road; 1943 - W.D. Birrell, Town Clerk of Kew, proposed that the creek be filled and a reserve created; 1954 - Entire area designated as 'open space' and named 'Stradbroke Park'. The line of the creek that ran through the Park created a further reserve on the north side of High Street, now known as 'Harrison Reserve'. Existing Condition: The park is largely of mown grass that has mature trees set into it It is possible that a number of these are remnant of the original vegetation, while there are also a number of exotic trees introduced, particularly at the northern end of the park. The southern end is dominated by playing fields. (Source: Sanderson, P 1988. Kew Conservation Study)Colour photographic positive (with colour degradation) of sporting teams at a civic event in Stradbroke Park in Kew East in May 1976. The event was officiated by the Mayor of Kew, Cr Alan Hutchinson. Sporting teams in uniform included: footballers, athletes, cricketers, hockey players. Stradbroke Park is situated on the western boundary of Kew at Burke and Harp Roads.stradbroke park, cr alan hutchinson, team sports -- kew (vic.)