Although the Railway line had been planned for some time Sir Thomas Bent MP was responsible for making it happen in order to revitalize the fortunes of the Moorabbin Shire that he had represented for so long. The train line opened in 1881with 8 Stations between Caulfield and Mordialloc.The first Steam engine carried dignitaries and local residents. Bent also ensured that the Station houses in his constituency were built in a distinctive decorative cottage style. Bent faced severe criticism for diverting the rail line through his local area and for the expenditure on the Stations. Local residents established and cared for Gardens at the Stations and Cheltenham was awarded Best Garden c1910. The arrival of the Railway Line saw the traders move from Point Nepean Rd to Charman Rd and by 1910 various shops and business were present. 2016 - current has seen large protest rallies against the destruction of Mentone Station and Cheltenham Station as the Victorian State Government proceeds to remove Railway Level Crossings. A compromise to retain the Station buildings whilst placing the Rail Line underground is desired.Cheltenham Railway Station is one of the original cottage style stations ordered by Sir Thomas Bent when the rail line was extended from Caulfield to Mordialloc 1881Photograph Black & White Postcard showing the entrance to Cheltenham Railway Station c1920Valentine &Sons Pub Co Ltd Melb railways, cheltenham station, mentone station, south brighton station, railway level crossing removal 2016 -19, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Teacher Miss Reynolds is shown with her 'Upper Class' in 1906 and '2nd Class' in 1907. West Beaumaris School No 84 in Charman Road Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . ( J Larson Sandringham HS)1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne.2 x Black & White Photographs of Beaumaris State School pupils with Miss Reynolds in 1906 and 1907Hand written ; Warburton, B. Wooff, R. Whelan, Miss Reynoldscity of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers,

Henry Dendy , a farmer from Sussex England, purchased 5,120 acres of land in the area of a 'Special Survey 1841' that extended from Brighton bayside North Road, East Boundary Rd to South Road. This area became known as Dendy's Brighton and as part of the sale 139 emigrant workers arrived in 1842 however Dendy was unable to find work and lodgings for these people. J.B.Were, financier took over the management of the 'Special Survey 1841' area and began to sell and lease allotments. 1850 the Squatter King brothers sold land south of Dendy's 'Special Survey 1841' to Josiah Holloway who sectioned it into 2 acre lots @ £10 each for market gardens - 'Two Acre Village' and Charles Whorral opened a small hotel - 'The Cheltenham Inn' on the main Road - Arthur's Seat Rd, later Point Nepean Rd, now Nepean Highway. Notable settlers who moved into the area were Keys, Charman, Bruton, Le Page, Fairlam, Meeres and 1862 saw the separation from Brighton and the formation of the Mooorabbin Roads Board District. .By 1879 1000settlers were living in 'Cheltenham' serviced by a Post Office with Bank, Mechanics Institute, State School No 84,Keys Hotel, Meeres Store, Sir Thomas Bent ensured the new Railway Line from Caulfield to Mordialloc went through his constituency of Cheltenham 1881 and this changed the development to the bayside area of Cheltenham away from the 'Two Acre Village ' side causing some dissention, However Cheltenham as whole prospered and this house in Pine St is typical of the cottages built c 1890- 1900 in the area. This weatherboard house c 1890-1900 in Pine St Cheltenham is typical of those built for early settler families. Photo taken 1981 by CMHS member 3 x Colour photographs of an early c 1900 weatherboard house in Pine St Cheltenham taken by CMHS member 1981Kodak Aug. 81 / Handwritten Pine St Cheltenhamkeys robert, holloway josiah, king brothers, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Known as the Rosellas, the early Cheltenham Football Club sides began playing on a regular basis in 1890, and would travel long distances by steam train to play country teams, such as Ballarat where they would arrive at their destination, play the match, socialize then return to the station. Opposition players and supporters would give three hearty cheers on their departure. The Cheltenham home games were played on a paddock on the corner of Park and Charman roads in Cheltenham. In 1907 the Cheltenham progress committee made an application to the board of land works for land in Weatherall Road for recreational service to the public. That application was received and granted, then developed where Cheltenham Recreational Reserve now stands. The land in the early days was virgin bush and the response for voluntary help to clear the area was outstanding. Nearly all the market gardeners in the district along with horses, ploughs, axes, shovels completely cleared the area in three weeks. The Moorabbin council then leveled the playing area and erected a post and rail fence around the ground. Pine tree shrubs were then planted on the west side of the ground. The ground was opened in 1909 and the first Cheltenham side entered in the newly formed Federal Football Association along with seven other foundation members, Mordialloc, Mentone, Moorabbin, Frankston, Glenhuntly, Elsternwick, and Ellindale. The grand final for that year, 1909 was a hard encounter between Cheltenham and Ellindale with Cheltenham coming out victors, thus becoming the inaugural Federal Football Association premiers. Cheltenham went onto win five senior premierships in the Federal Football Association by the end of the 1920s, they won the flags in 1909, 1911, 1913, 1922 and 1925, with the late Percy Woff playing in all 5 premiership sides and was captain in 1922. 1928 saw the start of an outstanding career from our oldest living player Tom Connor. Cheltenham continued to win premierships in the 1920’s and 1930’s with juniors taking out the 1929 and 1933 flags, under the guidance of Woff, and that continued in 1934 when Cheltenham took out the 1st XVIII and 2nd XVIII premierships. Cheltenham produced its only Brownlow medallist in Peter Box who played in the late 1940s, before going to Footscray where he became a champion. The 3rd XVIII went through the season undefeated in 1974 winning the premiership, with Trevor Barker a key player before going to St Kilda the following year. The club won three senior premierships under coach Barry White in 1992, 1993 and 1995. ( from CFNC website 2019) Cheltenham Football Club was formed 1890 and succeeded in winning many Premierships as a member of the Federal Football Association, Outstanding players Peter Box Brownlow Medalist 1956 Footscay VFL, , Trevor Barker and Kevin Roberts St Kilda VFL.3x Black & White photographs of the players in the Australian Rules Cheltenham Football Club 1909, 1913 and 1946 extra photo of Peter Box Folio 10 MAV 01059a) CHELTENHAM FOOTBALL CLUB 1909 Cheltenham Football Club 1909. Back row: A Chandler, committee member; R. Robertson, back-pocket; J. Harris, half back flank; J Adams, ruck and forward-pocked; M. J. Monk, club president; L. Woff, back-pocket; W. Adams, ruck and back-pocket; P. Woff, rover and forward-pocket; A Monk, committee member. Middle row: W. Hore, back pocket and ruck; A. Towns, half-forward flank; W. Carson, full back; F. Andrews, captain-half forward flank; H. Butler, centre half back; J. Warburton, centre half-forward; A. Slater, half-back flank; F. Fisher, half-forward flank; C. Sherwood, trainer. Front Row: G Gouldthorpe, wing; H. King, full-forward; W. Johnston, ruck and forward-pocket; P Spears, rover and forward-pocket; F. Bichl, wing; A. Bichl. rover and forward-pocket; F. Butler, centre player. Courtesy, Lionel Seal. ( from CFC website 2019) b) CHELTENHAM 1913 PREMIERS c) CHELTENHAM -1946 / Back row - J. Fisher, G.Corrigan, N.Hocking, F.Virtue, R.Craven, L.Baker, M.Blundell / 2nd Row - J.Phillips, T.Connor, E.Hawkins, A.Blakely, G.Baker, A.Dark, J.Barker, D.Craven, J.Pickering, P.Cameron,/ W.Hicks, G.Hoskings, R.Beihl, A.Hubbard, R.Kier, C.Russell. / Front Row - Clark Taylor, J.Slade, N.Niel, J.Brooks, T,Butler, H.Hosking, C.Hacusler, E.Hornibrook, W.Briggs, B.Russell, L.Biehl, / W Ripponcheltenham football club, australian rules football, victorian football association, victorian football league, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, , chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, cheltenham, two acre village, holloway josiah,, woff percy, connor tom, box peter, barker trevor, white barry, browlow charles,

Moorabbin played initially in the Federal Football League, making their debut in 1909 and competing until 1950. The club wore a black and white jumper like Collingwood. During this time the club won 12 premierships, including winning all six premierships staged over the nine years between 1940 and 1948 (the competition was in recess from 1942 until 1944) Moorabbin had a comparatively brief but quite successful stint in the Victorian Football Association between 1951 and 1963. The club won premierships in 1957 and 1963, and managed a highly impressive overall success rate of 62.5%. However, there was a sensational aftermath to the 1963 flag as Moorabbin fell foul of the VFA after agreeing to sell its ground to VFL club St Kilda. After a bitter wrangle the eventual upshot was that the Moorabbin committee voted 19-2 to disaffiliate from the Association. Before joining the VFA Moorabbin had spent four highly successful decades as a member of the Federal Football League and its precursor the Federal Football Association. During its debut season in the VFA the club played its home matches at Cheltenham, but the development of a new ground in Moorabbin had been a condition of entry. By 1952 that new ground, Moorabbin Oval, was ready, and over the ensuing eleven seasons it would become one of the most difficult grounds in the VFA for visiting teams to win at. Prior to entering the VFA Moorabbin enjoyed premiership success in the Federal Football League on a dozen occasions, including four times in succession between 1945 and 1948.. The Moorabbin name is now used by the Moorabbin Kangaroos Football Club in the Southern Football League. The club was originally known as Moorabbin West Football Club, taking on the new name from 2003. Moorabbin Football Club was established 1909 and was very successful playing in the Federal Football League, Victorian Football Association. Sadly was removed from the Linton St. Oval 1963, after winning the Premiership, by Moorabbin City Council and St Kilda VFL team took over.Black & White photograph showing Moorabbin Football Club 1946 Premiership in Federal Football LeagueMOORABBIN - PREMIERS 1946 / Back Row C.Thomas, S.Cato, D.Murnane, F.Stone, / Standing - H.Dolman (trainer), A.Ayers, K.Burke, W.Cann, A.Cann,J.Carpenter, J.Carpenter, J.Erickson, G.Emblin, A.Leitch, W.Comber (trainer) / Sitting - E.Freeman (trainer) E.MxInerney, F.Smith,S.Plowright, R.Fox (Captain Coach) R.Bailey (vice.Captain)F.Keogh, R.Stafford, C.Jones (Secretary)moorabbin football club, victorian football association, victorian football league, moorabbin kangaroos football club, st kilda football club, linton oval moorabbin, north melbourne football club, smith j l, smith mary ann, stanley helen, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, sport

The Cheltenham parish was created in 1865 by excising a portion of the parish of St Andrews Brighton. A small brick church was completed in 1867 to serve a rural community stretching from Brighton South (Moorabbin) to Mordialloc. 1867 St Matthew's Church of England was erected in Cheltenham beside the Nepean Highway near Charman Road. The early settlers established a tennis club, cricket team and social groups.St Matthew's Church of England Cheltenham was erected in 1867 and was integral to the spiritual well being and social life of the early settlers.Black & White photograph of the St Matthews Church of England Cricket team Cheltenham c 1940Front ; Church of England Cricket Team 1940 Back ; Written - Ladies / Hilda Biehl, Bertha Schneeberber, Mrs Wootton, / We made afternoon tea from / a kerosene tin for 30 players / each Saturday they played at home !!smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards,

Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) Pupils noted are from the early settler families - Marriott, Whelan, Cochrane1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Beaumaris West (Cheltenham) State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne.Black & White photograph of pupils in "Infants" at Cheltenham State School No.84 in 1908Handwritten ; 1908 B.McGregor, C. Marriott, E. Kilborn, R.Whelan, A. Cochrane, education, schools, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, state schools victoria, marriott c, whelan k, cochrane a, cheltenham primary school

The 'Moorabbin News' newspaper was published 1900 - 1975 covering events in the Moorabbin, Cheltenham, area.'Moorabbin News' newspaper 1900-c1975 was one of the local newspapers that provided Moorabbin citizens with social, sporting, market, crime, council, housing, information.Black & White photograph c1910 of 5 men standing outside the office of the 'Moorabbin News' newspaper moorabbin news 1900-1975, moorabbin standard newspaper, southern cross newspaper brighton 1858, printing, newspapers, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrolments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrolment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) 1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in MelbourneBlack & White photograph of Class 3 pupils at West Beaumaris (Cheltenham )State School 1908Front Handwritten - B.Wooff ---- T.Moodie,- R.Whelan - / 1908 Back Handwritten - Beaumaris, / Mrs White / Mrs Taylorcity of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers, cancel

1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne. Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) Probably due to the Scottish heritage of many early settlers the Fife & Drum Band was established at the West Beaumaris (Cheltenham) State School . The Fife is similar to the piccolo, and usually made of wood, consisting of a tube with 6 finger holes and an embouchure hole that produces sound when blown across.The fife was used in folk music traditions to accompany dancing by all social classes. Also in the Military where drums accompanied the fife and originally these 'boy soldier ' bands were used to signal manouevres in the field for the infantry. Later Fife & Drum bands were used for marching bands in schools and community groups, 1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne.Black & White photograph of pupils at West Beaumaris (Cheltenham) State School No.84 in the boy's Fife and Drum Band c 1908Back Handwritten Mrs Whelan / Beaumariswhelan r, marriott geoff, meeres frederick, cheltenham state school no.84, education, keys robert, holloway josiah, king brothers, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne. Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) The names written on the photograph show the pupils belong to many early settler families.1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne. These pupils belong to the early settler families in Moorabbin ShireBlack & White photograph of pupils in Grade 5 at Cheltenham State School No 84 c1910Front ; 1st Rodda - Millege - Lemkie, Orr / 2nd Moorhouse, McGregor, Marriott, N. Bodley, E. Howard / 3rd; K.Whelan,E.Ould, D.Kilburn, Moorhouse, Roberts, - - Tilly - Teagal,Miller, Primer. - Martin, Caulfield Back Mrs Taylorcheltenham primar school, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers, cancel

Whitmuir Hall was built 1850 using bricks hand -made from the clay of nearby Elster Creek. Early history of the 156 acre estate bounded by McKinnon, Centre, Thomas and Wheatley Roads is obscure. The gardens were laid out prior to 1850. Robert Gray Ford purchased 20 acres with mansion in 1872 for £ 1750 and it was valued at £ 25,000 in 1888 but sold after the Bank Crash 1890's for £ 5,000 in 1892. There were many owners over the years including Thomas Bent and in 1870 it was called 'Killearnan'. It is now is known as 'the Bentleigh Club and many original features have been restored and preserved . Whitmuir Hall, was a stately mansion built 1850 typical of the grandiose plans of successful early settlers. Stained glass Windows, furniture, imported from France and Italy have been preserved by the Bentleigh Club.4 of 13 Black & White photographs of Whitmuir Hall now Benleigh Club, Yawla St Bentleigh c 1930whitmuir hall, bentleigh club, killearnan, mansions, gold rush victoria, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard

3 of 5 photographs of the Highett Gasworks c 1974 The Brighton Gas Company was established 1877 by local residents including Thomas Bent. Initially all went well for residents as gas light replaced kerosene lamps and street lights were installed. However disruption to supply, poor quality and failure to reach all house lead to dissatisfaction. Thomas Bent therefore began the Central Brighton and Moorabbin Gas Company 1885 and a price war ensued. This was unsustainable and the two companies amalgamated in 1877 supplying gas from the New Street Works site. 1930 this Company expanded to Highett where it had purchased 45 acres adjacent to the train line. 1927 a gas holder was built connected to the Brighton works 1936 construction began on a complete gas-making unit and the Highett Gasworks, Nepean Highway, began supply 1939. 1950 an extension program was completed. However by 1965 , with the discovery of Natural Gas offshore in Bass Strait, changes to Gas distribution were apparent. At first some of the facilities at Highett were used to distribute the gas piped from Sale, Gippsland. However after conversion of 450,000 homes to Natural Gas the Highett site was redundant. The gasometers were removed 1978. Moorabbin Council obtained part of the land for public recreation purposes. ( Dr. G Whitehead KCC Historian ) c2012 the Moorabbin Justice Centre / Magistrates Court of Victoria was built and further development of the area for apartments proceeds. The establishment of the Brighton Gas Company 1877 and the Highett Gasworks 1885 brought bright lighting to houses, businesses and streets in Moorabbin Shire and cooking ovens and heating improved the living conditions of residents. 3 x Colour photographs of the Highett Gasworks c1970bass strait gas, highett gasworks, brighton gasworks 1877, central brighton and moorabbin gas company 1885, whitehead dr. graham, magistrates court of victoria, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Ada Pearling Pickering ( G Box ) Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) Ada Pearling Pickering was descendant of the George Box Family who migrated in 1850,s and established market gardens in the Brighton area of Dendy's Special Survey 1841 . 1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in MelbourneBlack & White photograph of pupils at Cheltenham State School No.84 Grade 3 1917 with Ada Pickering a descendant of the Box family early settlershand written Ada Pearling Pickeringbox george, box william, box elizabeth, pickering ada, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers,

Ada Pearling Pickering was a descendant of George Box family who migrated c 1850 and established market gardens in the Brighton area of Dendy's Special Survey 1841. Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) 1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne. Ada Pickering was descendant of the early settler Box family who migrated c 1850Black & White Photograph of pupils at Cheltenham State School No 84 c 1915 in Prep Course A with Ada Pickeringback Ada Pearling Pickering box george, box william, box elizabeth, pickering ada, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers,

The Anglican Cheltenham parish was created in 1865 by excising a portion of the parish of St Andrews Brighton. A small brick church was completed in 1867 to serve a rural community stretching from Brighton South (Moorabbin) to Mordialloc. 1867 St Matthew's Church of England was erected in Cheltenham beside the Nepean Highway near Charman Road. The early settlers established a tennis club, cricket team and social groups. A typical social event was the annual Sunday School Picnic held in 1907 at Dandenong Creek.Young members are mentioned Curly Owen,C,Burnett,A Manett St Matthew's Church of England Cheltenham was erected in 1867 and was integral to the spiritual well being and social life of the early settlers.Black & White photograph of the St Matthew's Church of England Sunday School Picnic 1907Handwritten Curly Owen, C, Burnett, A Manett st. matthew's church of england cheltenham, sunday school picnics, anglican church, st andrew's church brighton, owen curly, burnett c . manett a, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

In October 1872, State School 1111 Box Rise opened on the corner of Worthing Road and Dane Road. In order for this school to open, School No 442, a Wesleyan School, on the corner of Wickham Road and Chapel Lane, had to agree to close to meet pupil number requirements. Charles Sadgrove was head teacher of the new State School when it opened on October 1st 1872 and he remained until 1878. The school was renamed South Brighton in 1887 to accord with the nearby railway station which opened around that time. The main part of the present building dates from 1890. By the early 1900s the school had been extended to the north. . The school contains a plaque for Harry G Hawker, one of the pioneers of aviation, who attended the school in the closing years of the nineteenth century. The school was renamed Moorabbin in 1909.During the 1940s and 1950s population in the area surged and school enrolments peaked to over 800 under head teacher CS Lansell. Enrollments decreased to 470 in 1969. By the 1990s however, enrollments began to increase again. ( G Whitehead KCC Historian) Since 1890 Moorabbin Primary School No.1111 has been socially significant at a local level providing education for the families of the early settlers in Moorabbin ( South Brighton) Black & White photographs x 4 of pupils at Moorabbin State School Maypole Dancing c1922keys robert, marriott charles, gregg barriecity of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, methodist church wickham road, box rise state school no.1111, methodist chapel cheltenham, education, early settlers

1892-1953 The Methodist Children's Home in Cheltenham was founded c1880 to provide housing for neglected children from the inner city. The Founders aimed to provide regular nourishment, a stable environment and integrate the children into the local community thereby improving their education and lives. However new settlers to Cheltenham area who were seeking a healthier and more respectable lifestyle for their families were not happy to share Church and School with the Home's Children. 1911 school parents committee moved to exclude the Home's Children but this was countered by the Home's Committee who defeated the motion 60 to 8. 1915 Dr Scantlebury was pressured by school parents into ordering the confinement/ isolation of all Homes Children if an infectious disease was contracted by a child. This resulted in the Homes Children missing school for months so an application was made to the Victorian Education Dept. for e School to be set up at the Home. However funds were short due to WW1. In 1917 John Livingston, former Homes child who had become successful, bequeathed his estate to the Home and the Vic.Education Dept agreed to a school at the Home. The Influenza epidemic 1919 saw the children quarantined for 4 months as a precaution at the Home. When Flu actually struck, a further 5 months isolation was ordered. July 1920 their own school was on site and continuity of education could proceed , however it reinforced the isolation of the institution contrary to the Founders vision of integration.. 1925 the Danks family funded a Domestic Economy Class for girls, but not until 1936 could the children attend the local High School so that they could pursue office work, apprenticeships, commercial college courses. 1947 a benefactor donated £5,000 to pay fees for school, university or apprenticeship in Arts & Cultural subjects. Some of the children were able to join the local society as Methodist minister, accountant, nurses, farmers, secretaries, trademen whilst others were unable to adjust as crime and misfortune ensued. 1939 some past residents began a group called Living Stones Union that they circulated to the others giving news and a sense of family connectedness among themselves. ( Rev. N. Marshall, KCC Local History , H. Stanley 2005) 1950's saw a new direction for the support of children and families in poor and difficult situations . The new Burwood Homes Facility opened in 1951 and children were transferred from Cheltenham in 1952. The land was sold to the St John of God, Catholic Order in1953 who maintained an orphanage until Myer Pty Ltd bought the site in 1967 and constructed the Southland Shopping Centre1892 -1953 The Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham was founded to provide safe accommodation and education for neglected children from the Melbourne inner city slums. Black & White photograph of boys fishing for yabbies from the lake behind the 'Methodist Homes for Children' Cheltenham pdf of Appeal for the establishment of an Infant Asylum 1877methodist childrens home cheltenham 1892- 1953, st john of god home cheltenham 1953-1967, scantlebury dr john city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers,

The Methodist Children's Home was originally the home of Mr Gulliver a chemist. It became the centre of a farm at the Home. When the Home was sold to the Catholic Church 1953 it was renamed 'Marian Lodge'. The Methodist Children's Home in Cheltenham was founded c1880 to provide housing for neglected children from the inner city. The Founders aimed to provide regular nourishment, a stable environment and integrate the children into the local community thereby improving their education and lives. However new settlers to Cheltenham area who were seeking a healthier and more respectable lifestyle for their families were not happy to share Church and School with the Home's Children. ( see 00561) 1950's saw a new direction for the support of children and families in poor and difficult situations . The new Methodist Burwood Homes Facility opened in 1951 and children were transferred from Cheltenham in 1952. The land was sold to the St John of God, Catholic Order in1953 who maintained an orphanage until Myer Pty Ltd bought the site in 1967 and constructed the Southland Shopping Centre c1892-1953 The Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham was founded to provide safe accommodation and education for neglected children from the inner city slums. The St John of God Order purchased the Home 1953 and the land was sold to Myer Pty Ltd. who built Southland Shopping Centre 1967 Black & White photograph showing a farm house that was originally owned by Mr Gulliver, a chemist and then the Methodist Children's Home was established 1892. Named Marian Lodge after the St John of God Catholic Order purchased the property in 1953 Back Hand written information st john of god home cheltenham 1953-1967, marian lodge, mr gulliver, pharmacy, methodist childrens home cheltenham 1892-1953, myer southland 1967, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers,

A typical leisure activity for children of this era was a doll's tea party. The Methodist Children's Home in Cheltenham was founded c1880 to provide housing for neglected children from the inner city. The Founders aimed to provide regular nourishment, a stable environment and integrate the children into the local community thereby improving their education and lives. However new settlers to Cheltenham area who were seeking a healthier and more respectable lifestyle for their families were not happy to share Church and School with the Home's Children. (see 00561) 1950's saw a new direction for the support of children and families in poor and difficult situations . The new Burwood Homes Facility opened in 1951 and children were transferred from Cheltenham in 1952. The land was sold to the St John of God, Catholic Order in1953 who maintained an orphanage until Myer Pty Ltd bought the site in 1967 and constructed the Southland Shopping Centre c1892-1953 The Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham was founded to provide safe accommodation and education for neglected children from the inner city slums. Black & White photograph of Methodist Children's Home and Cottages combined 'Dolls Tea Party' Cheltenham 1935Back Handwritten informationmethodist childrens home cheltenham 1892-1953, dolls, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers,

Boys from the Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham collecting Briquettes from the shed. Briquettes, made from Brown coal, were an economical source of heating for the Home The Methodist Children's Home in Cheltenham was founded c1880 to provide housing for neglected children from the inner city. The Founders aimed to provide regular nourishment, a stable environment and integrate the children into the local community thereby improving their education and lives. ( see 00561) 1950's saw a new direction for the support of children and families in poor and difficult situations . The new Burwood Homes Facility opened in 1951 and children were transferred from Cheltenham in 1952. The land was sold to the St John of God, Catholic Order in1953 who maintained an orphanage until Myer Pty Ltd bought the site in 1967 and constructed the Southland Shopping Centrec1892-1953 The Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham was founded to provide safe accommodation and education for neglected children from the inner city slums. Black & White photograph of some boys in the Briquette Shed at Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham 1935Back Handwritten informationmethodist children's home cheltenham 1892-1953, briquettes, heating, yallourn brown coal mine, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers

After the extension of the Railway line from Caulfield to Mordialloc 1880's the shopping centre moved from the Tucker Rd end to around the East Brighton (Bentleigh) Station area of Centre Road. A variety of shops, forges, estate agents, Coles' and Fossey's variety stores, a Hoyts picture theatre, butchers, traded in Centre Rd. Crofts was one many grocery stores along the strip. Crofts Stores was established by Archibald Crofts (1875-1942) as a single grocery store in South Melbourne. It eventually expanded to include 137 branches throughout Victoria, trading as Crofts Stores. The Lees family had established a Seedling Nursery in Thomas St that has continued until the land sold 2018 for housing development.Crofts Grocery Store was one of the shops in the Centre Road Bentleigh shopping strip that were established after the arrival of the train line 1881Black & White photograph of 3 men outside Crofts Grocery Store 395 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1937 Mr Jack Lees is centre.Handwritten informationcrofts grocery store bentleigh, lees jack, mordialloc railway line, centre road bentleigh, smith j l, smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards

McKinnon was a small community in East Brighton settled mainly by market gardeners but it had a State School, Churches, a hotel opened by Thomas Bent's father, Post Office and some shops. After WW1 land close to the railway line began to be sold and new homes and various shops were built. A Progress League was well supported and new hall built. McKinnon Rd Shopping precinct did not prosper as expected and some attribute this to the failure to secure the Hoyts picture theatre c 1925. Hoyts instead built the theatre in Centre Rd Bentleigh and this took a lot of trade away from the shops in McKinnon Rd.McKinnon was settled by market gardeners and after the train line arrived more houses and shops were built so that the small community developed through the 20thCBlack & White photograph showing the crowd of local residents celebrating the opening of the McKinnon Progress hall c1925mckinnon progress league, mckinnon railway station, ormond state school, hoyts picture theatres, centre road bentleigh, wyles jim, mckinnon hotel, gardeners arms hotel, bent james, smith j l; smith , chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The, horse drawn metal scoop ,guided by a man, was used to clear earth for road making. Well before the introduction of motorised, mechanical graders and trucks the painstaking, labour-intensive work was undertaken by large teams of sturdy men using strong horses such as the draught horse. Roads were needed by the market gardeners to transport their produce to market. Later as the heavy wagon loads continually caused ruts and general degradation of the roadways a Plateway system was installed so that the wagon wheels could roll along the rails thus protecting the roadways. August 31st 2021 Ron Nash, from WA, informs us "The men and horses pulling earth scoops in the photo are not moving earth for road making - they are excavating an "earth tank", or dam, as described in common nomenclature today. This skill was known as "tank sinking", and tank sinkers were active in many rural and remote areas in the 1800's and early 1900's, establishing sizeable dams for important water reserves for community and farm and railway use. With the advent of mechanised equipment such as bulldozers, the trade of tank sinking was still carried out, but on a faster basis. I am a former tank sinker and earth moving contractor, now long retired." Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to build the roads, plateways, drains, as the settlement of the land, in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton, spread and market gardeners need to transport their produce to market. Their most valuable possession was the draught horse that was used for ploughing, drawing carts and these scoops.Black & White photograph showing many horses pulling metal scoops guided by men to move earth for road making in Moorabbin Shire c 1900Back Handwritten Informationplateway, roadworks moorabbin shire, draught horses, metal scoops, paviers, box alonzo, smith j l; chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

1890 - 1950 This little cottage was located near the corner of Centre Road and Jasper Road East Brighton ( now Bentleigh) between where the Bentleigh RSL and Woolworths Supermarket now stand. Rev.B.Redmore, and his wife, were early members of the Salvation Army Corps, and they went to unusual lengths to proclaim their faith. Texts were hung along the veranda to catch the attention of passers-by and on the iron roof was painted a large sign ' PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD O' ISRAEL' ( The apostrophe is not a misprint.) The Cottage became known locally as The "God Cottage" and was demolished c1950 ( H.Stanley 2005)The 'God Cottage ' with its Biblical texts and large roof sign was an unique feature in East Brighton ( Bentleigh) 1890 - 1950 Black & White photograph showing a small cottage with a large sign painted on the roofBack Handwritten informationredmore reverend b, salvation army, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

On his arrival from Scotland c 1857, James Keir commenced a communion service in his home on the Nepean Road. By 1859 the group-which included such other names as Allen, Brough, Cameron, Fairlam, Holdsworth, Le Page, Meeres, Monk, Organ, Penny, Perry, Potts, Sears and King-had built a small chapel near the corner of Wickham and Chesterville Roads. During 1858, a group had also begun meeting in the Charman family home on the corner of Charman and Balcombe Roads. Names associated with this group included Bodley, Charman, Fisher, Hayes, Hilliar, Judd, Moysey and Ruse. In 1860 they built a chapel on the corner of Charman Road and Patty Street. It was enlarged in 1866 and it became the meeting place of the two groups when they came together around 1870. They were able to buy land near the corner of Chesterville and Nepean Roads, and erected a new brick chapel on the site in 1878. This chapel, of course, continues to be an integral part of the life of the Southern Community Church and was one of the three worship venues for the 150th Anniversary celebration in 2007. The Southern Community Church was formed by the amalgamation of the Cheltenham, East Bentleigh and Hampton Street Churches of Christ in 1993, and a comprehensive new facility was designed and built to accommodate the ever-increasing activity of the amalgamated church. It was opened on 30th November 1997. ( Southern Community Church website 2019)c1878 - continuing The Church or Christ Cheltenham was one of the first places of worship established in Cheltenham by the early settlers. The settlers came together, in private homes at first, to support each other spiritually and physically and later built brick Churches for Sunday services and established social and sporting clubsBlack & White photograph as a postcard invitation to the 40th Anniversary of the Church of Christ corner Chesterville Rd and Nepean Highway Cheltenham ( ? 1900)Front Printed ; Church of Christ Cheltenham Back Printed ; POST CARD / One Penny Postage within Commonwealth / The address only to be written here/ One penny Stamp/ Sunday School Anniversary, / OCTOBER 27TH & OCTOBER 30TH / TO WHICH YOU ARE / CORDIALLY INVITED Handwritten in ink ; H.W. got the cramps in the pants. He took some pills then ran over the hills undatedearly settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, were j.b., o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, keir james, lepage frank, lepage everest, holloway josiah, bruton henry, keys robert, judd clarence, fairlam percy, meeres william, southern community church, cheltenham, cheltenham church of christ

The Mechanics Institute, built c 1890, was the focal point for the Cheltenham area's social activities, public meetings, adult education, etc. until its demolition 1960 when a new Cheltenham Hall was erectedThe early settlers erected this Mechanics Institute prior to 1900 as a public meeting place, library, temperance hall and it was used for social eventsBlack & White photograph in the Moorabbin News c 1960 showing the Mechanics Institute, c1900 Nepean Highway Cheltenhamcheltenham mechanics institute, cheltenham temperance hall, cheltenham church of christ, keys robert, lepage everet, moorabin news, leader newspapers, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Harry Hale 1861-1937, a silk spinner, builder, migrated from England c1890 and built his house using 2nd hand material from the old Mentone Baths, old Co-op Stores, and some windows from the old St Matthew's Church Cheltenham .Harry with wife Frances raised 9 children. Following an accident Harry lost his leg and dissatisfied with the artificial limb he found a 'peg- leg ' more comfortable. Harry built many houses in Cheltenham unhindered by his 'peg-leg' . Harry also worked as an Insurance Agent. \ The house was demolished 1962. ( T. Sheehy, Moorabbin News 1962 H. Stanley )Harry Hale was a typical resourceful early settler who courageously worked with disability as he established his family in Cheltenham c1900a) Black & White photograph of the Harry Hale's House c 1930 North Cheltenham b) Sepia photograph c1906 of Harry Hale 1861 - 1937, Builder, Insurance Agent Cheltenham a) Handwritten information b) Mount ; TALMA, PARIS PANEL , 119 Swanston Street Melbourne and at Sydney hale harry, st matthews church of england cheltenham, talma photographers melbourne, photography, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrollment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) The boys wearing round collars are from the Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham 1892-1953 that was situated on land now Southland Shopping Centre 1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne2x Black & White photographs of pupils at Cheltenham State School Charman Rd. c 1910-1920 a) Cheltenham State School No 84 c 1910 b) Cheltenham State School No.84 c 1910-1920 Grade 6a) Handwritten Cheltenham ( Charman Rd ) School / probably about 1910 b) " Charman Road School / taken probably between 1910 & 1920cheltenham primary school, methodist children's home cheltenham 1892-1953, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers, cancel

The Friendly Societies Carnival at Mentone 1916 during WW1 was arranged to showcase the local activities and raise funds for the 'Discharged Wounded Soldiers Fund' = £140 was raised. As elsewhere in Australia most of the local young men had enlisted in the AIF and some were coming home wounded - many were killed on overseas battlefields. This Parade was led by the Cheltenham Brass Band with the following Friendly Societies AOF, IOR, HACBS, PAFS, and ANA. The PAFS - Protestant Alliance Friendly Society - had 2 entries 'Fruit & Vegetable Display' and 'The Murder of Nurse Edith Cavell' both floats won their category. The Carnival gave prizes for sports events on the Mentone Oval and a concert was held at night at the Mentone Ice Skating Rink.World War 1 1914-1918 had a devastating impact on many early settler families whose sons had volunteered to serve in AIF. 1916 many of these young men were returning injured or had been killed overseas The Community rallied around to support these men and their families by holding fund raising events like the CarnivalBlack & White photograph of a horse drawn wagon displaying Fruit and Vegetables for a procession c 1916Handwritten ; Decorated wagon possibly part of a procession of market gardeners cartsfriendly societies cheltenham 1916, nurse edith cavell, cheltenham brass band 1916, ww1 1914-1918, wounded soldiers fund, allnutt ella, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards