My Recollections of Eltham Past by Margaret Joy Harding (nee Joy Chapman.) My family of Elizabeth and Alec Chapman moved to Eltham in 1946 into a cottage on the opposite side of the Diamond Creek from where the little train now operates in the Lower Park. At that time Eltham truly was a country town and the Pub was the main meeting place for most inhabitants on a Saturday afternoon in the beer garden. I attended Eltham Primary School where I started as a 4-year-old (my birthday being slightly after the mid-year intake) that happened then. My mother spent a lot of days taking me back to school when I had dismissed myself and walked the one kilomtre home alone. Bremner's Common (now Wingrove Park) was a big attraction with its dam and tad poling which I found much more entertaining than school. (Mrs Bremner ran a Service Station on the site of the current one). Another attraction at this site was the circus that came a couple of times a year. Watching them put up the circus tent was very interesting and even more of an attraction was the feeding of the Lions in cages and the monkeys and elephants among the other animals that are not found in a circus these days. At school then we were provided with hot chocolate at morning recess where the mothers would prepare it in the shelter shed. The only form of classroom heating was an open fire. Worse was the warm milk given in the summer months. By the time I was near finishing at Primary school we used to be able to walk along the Main Road at lunchtime to Mrs. Mitchell's shop to a delicious hot pie. As I recall there was no supervision for this departure from the school grounds. It is interesting that some of the other children I started school with I still have contact with, in fact one is a very good friend although now living in Perth. That is the other thing about Eltham; many who grew up here continue to live in the area. Following primary school, the natural progression was to Eltham High School. There was only the main building at that time and I can remember our first assembly at the front entrance. During the time I was at High School several new class rooms were added and the school hall. I remember the musical plays such as HMS Pinafore and other classical musicals being performed. I also remember countless hours doing marching practice. The main street shops when I was young consisted of the Blue Gum milk bar at the far end, a Grocery store and a shoe maker where Coles currently stands. Opposite there was Lyon's Garage. They also provided a bus service and when we got off the train this little bus would tour the back streets taking each individual to their home, sometimes this could take quite considerable time. There was also a Black Smith next to the Chiropractic Practice opposite Alistair Knox Park, another Milk Bar/General Store on the comer of Bridge Street/Main Road where a shop currently still operates. There was also a Butcher's shop down from the pub opposite Franklin Street. The only doctor was next to the courthouse on the other side of Brougham Street. On Saturday afternoon I was occasionally allowed to go the movies in the Town Hall which also stood on the site of the Coles centre. Often the Fire Alarm would sound and everyone would run outside to watch the fire truck leave with the volunteers clutching on the back. The other attraction during summer of course was the swimming pool which was a small concrete pool filled with water pumped from the Diamond Creek, sometimes it was like a mud puddle so for me the nearer to home Yarra/Diamond Creek junction was a much better option. We swam in the water hole which was quite deep and with fallen trees and sometimes carcasses of cows and kangaroos floating past. As recreation, the churches were another attraction for the Sunday school picnics to Mordialloc in the back of the moving van with benches tied into the back for us to "sit" on. Too bad when we went around a corner! In the early days we had an Ice Man deliver the ice once a week for "refrigeration". The green grocer came around in a horse and cart as did the milkman and the bread was delivered but I constantly got into trouble for eating the middle out on the way from the box it was delivered to in Mt Pleasant road across the paddock. The milkman finally would not come down our street after his horse bolted one morning and took off across the paddock. We also had the "Pan Man" come weekly and whose visit I would avoid. Our nearest shop was where the flower stall is located opposite the Lower Park. It consisted of a Tea Room and Milk Bar. There was a Public Telephone there which was the only contact to anyone else. We were a one car family so my mother’s movements were very limited as the Eltham Station was a couple of kilometres away and a trip to the city was an event. Being an only child growing up was a little lonely however rambling along the creek with my Mum, picking mushrooms and picking cherry plums for jam and the dogs catching rabbits which we ate if we could get them away from the dogs. We also liked to go into the Lower Park during school holidays when the Greek people came to camp and they would sing and dance around the camp fire and it all seemed so different to us as this was early days of immigration. Childhood was relatively simple and carefree and I wish the kids of today had the freedom of my youth and the healthy outdoor lifestyle of the "olden days".   SHOW GIRL COMPETITION In 1965 Eltham was more like a country town than the suburb it has become today. People knew each other, if not personally then certainly of the family name. The big event for the year was a Gymkhana or show at Lower Eltham Park. I can remember marching as a teenager from the town centre to the park in the marching girls with the decorated floats. In 1965, just on a whim on the day, I decided to enter the Miss Eltham Show Girl which was a part of the festivities at the park. I seem to remember that the show mainly consisted of horse events, cattle judging and dog show. As I had not given any serious thought to entering the competition, I wore a suit that I had for work which was brown wool, with a coffee coloured shirt under, black shoes, bag, and gloves but no hat. I duly paraded for the judges and much to my surprise I was announced the winner. I eventually went on to compete at the Miss Victoria Show Girl competition which was held at the Royal Melbourne Show. There I met many country girls who were representing their rural Victoria home. I made it into a final round of judging but I think justice prevailed when someone from a country background was crowned. It was fun to go into the show as I had not really been before and to see the displays of handcraft, cooking and wood chopping events was great as well as the judging of farm animals interesting. It is hard to remember the Eltham I grew up in. The Lyons Garage company bus that actually drove you home (or close to it) when we got off the train at night. The Eltham Hotel on a Saturday afternoon a usual social meeting place where people just sat and chatted. The pictures held in the Town Hall and when the fire alarm sounded all the men just jumped up and ran to help. Suburbia has now swallowed most of that life but thankfully we at least do have the trestle bridge and parkland. Digital file only - Black and white photo print on loan for scanning by EDHSalec chapman, annie bremner, blacksmith, bremner's flat, brougham steet, bus services, circus, diamond creek, dianne bell, doctor bradbury, easter gymkhana, elizabeth chapman, eltham high school, eltham hotel, eltham lower park, eltham public hall, eltham state school, eltham trestle bridge, general store, grace mitchell, ice man, joy chapman, lyons garage, margaret harding, milk bar, miss eltham 1965, miss victoria show girl, mount pleasant road, pan man, rodda parade, shops, show girl competition, swimming pool, water hole, yarra river

SHOW GIRL COMPETITION by Margaret Joy Harding (nee Joy Chapman.) In 1965 Eltham was more like a country town than the suburb it has become today. People knew each other, if not personally then certainly of the family name. The big event for the year was a Gymkhana or show at Lower Eltham Park. I can remember marching as a teenager from the town centre to the park in the marching girls with the decorated floats. In 1965, just on a whim on the day, I decided to enter the Miss Eltham Show Girl which was a part of the festivities at the park. I seem to remember that the show mainly consisted of horse events, cattle judging and dog show. As I had not given any serious thought to entering the competition, I wore a suit that I had for work which was brown wool, with a coffee coloured shirt under, black shoes, bag, and gloves but no hat. I duly paraded for the judges and much to my surprise I was announced the winner. I eventually went on to compete at the Miss Victoria Show Girl competition which was held at the Royal Melbourne Show. There I met many country girls who were representing their rural Victoria home. I made it into a final round of judging but I think justice prevailed when someone from a country background was crowned. It was fun to go into the show as I had not really been before and to see the displays of handcraft, cooking and wood chopping events was great as well as the judging of farm animals interesting.Digital file only - Newsclipping on loan for scanning by EDHSeltham lower park, joy chapman, lyons garage, margaret harding, miss eltham 1965, miss victoria show girl, show girl competition

The Eltham Hotel is the oldest continually operating hotel in the Eltham district. Initially referred to as the Little Eltham Hotel, it has been known as the Eltham Hotel since the 1850s through to present time with a very brief period as the Eltham Tavern in the late 1980s. Benjamin Oliver Wallis was a prominent Eltham resident, publican and Councillor during the second half of the nineteenth century. He owned the house that is now the Nillumbik Living and Learning Centre at 739 Main Road Eltham and one stage the Eltham Hotel. Wallis migrated to Melbourne in 1853 but his wife and children remained in Cornwall for a further 10 years. Later in 1853 Richard Warren engaged Wallis to build the Eltham Hotel and it opened in 1854. The hotel was constructed of hard basaltic blue stone quarried in the Eltham district and cemented together with mud, and partly of bricks made at Eltham. The Fountain of Friendship Hotel on the opposite side of Maria Street (Main Road) opened shortly after. The hotel was a well-known resting place for gold diggers during the gold rush at Woods’ Point and Warren would buy the gold from the diggers. In 1858 Warren fell into financial difficulties and had to sell the hotel. Wallis bought the hotel and obtained a publican’s licence in 1861. In the 1850s the Fountain had been the more popular hotel but after that the Eltham Hotel became more popular. It is understood that in about 1857 Wallis probably built the “Living and Learning house” for tanner John Pearson. In 1868 Pearson became bankrupt and Wallis acquired the house and he lived there until his death in 1896. For some of this time the house was in the name of Benjamin’s son Richard but he died in 1888 and ownership reverted to his father. Wallis was a member of the Eltham Jockey Club and in 1867 his wife Anna rode her horse Charlotte in the Annual Races. Anna was also an angler and is reported to have caught a large perch in the Yarra River. She died in 1887. On 16th September 1886 Wallis sold the hotel to Christopher Watson (Snr). Watson died in 1887 and the hotel passed to his son Christopher Watson (Jr) who owned it until his death in 1909 at which time his wife Emily took over the license. Upon her death, their son Herbert applied for the license in January 1915. In July 1925, Herbert Watson demolished the original building and, in its place, erected a modern hotel which remains the foundation of the present Eltham Hotel. The contractors at the time commented on how well the original building had been constructed. A description of the new building was detailed in the Advertiser newspaper of January 8, 1926: “The new building consists of. two stories. designed in English tavern style, and contains-all told, 24 rooms. On the second floor, in front uninviting the two gables is a deep balcony, which will be much appreciated by visitors. The lower story is wholly of brick, and the upper one of wood and fibrous cement plaster. The rooms are spacious and lofty, and the windows are large and of latest style, and light the rooms splendidly. The entrance hall is 8 feet wide. The bar is a very commodious room and is furnished in the most up-to-date and convenient manner. The dining room, a very attractive apartment, is 30 feet by 15 feet 6 inches, and the bar parlor is also a large and well furnished room. A large cellar, an indispensable adjunct to an hotel, has been excavated beneath the bar. On the upper story are 12 bedrooms, and among other conveniences are two bath rooms in which hot and cold water can be used. All the rooms have been supplied with the necessary appliances for electric lighting, which will be one of the progressive evidences which Eltham will shortly enjoy.” “In the yard a brick garage to accommodate three cars at once, has been erected. This, as well as the hotel, is roofed with tiles.” “From the front of the hotel (especially the balcony) a lovely view of the country west and, north may be obtained.” “It may be added that it Is intended to have an ornamental garden, a tennis court. and a kiosk in connection with the hotel, and the property will have a rustic fence round it.” The hotel has since undergone several modifications and extensionsTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, eltham gateway, eltham hotel, pitt street

The WWI Death Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) was issued to the next of kin of servicemen/women who had fallen in the Great War between 1914 and 1918.Edward S Holgate entered Ballarat College in 1894. On leaving school he became on auctioneer with the family firm S Holgate & Son, Ballarat. Before enlistment he was secretary of the Ballarat College Old Collegians Society. 'Ted' was killed at Villers-Bretonneux on 27 April 1918 two dats after his commendation in military dispatches for 'gallantry in the field on 24-25 April 1918'. Edward's brother Harry Spencer Holgate also enlisted and was killed at Zonnebeke on 11 October 1917. Of the 305 Ballarat College old collegians who enlisted in WW1 65 gave their lives for their country. This 'death penny' is representative of the incredible sacrifice given by this huge percentage of the school's community. Round disk cast in bronze gunmetal, which incorporates the following; an image of Britannia holding an oak spray with leaves and acorns, an imperial lion, two dolphins representing Britain's sea power, the emblem of Imperial Germany's eagle being torn to pieces by another lion. The medallion is incased in a heavy card envelopeInscribed around face of medallion: He died for freedom and honour A rectangular tablet cast on front of medallion inscribed: Edward Spencer Holgate.edward-spencer-holgate, ballarat-college, world-war-one, death-penny,

The WWI Death Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) was issued to the next of kin of servicemen/women who had fallen in the Great War between 1914 and 1918.This plaque was given to honour the service of Ballarat College old collegian Harry Spencer Holgate who entered the school in 1894. On leaving school he became an auctioneer at Muswellbrook and Scone. He enlisted on 24 May 1916 and was awarded the Military Medal at Polygon Wood in September 1917. He was killed at Zonnebeke on 11 October 1917. His brother Edward Spencer Holgate was also killed while serving his country during World War 1. Of the 305 Ballarat College old collegians who enlisted in WW1 65 gave their lives for their country. This 'death penny' is representative of the incredible sacrifice given by this huge percentage of the school's community. Round disk cast in bronze gunmetal, which incorporates the following; an image of Britannia holding an oak spray with leaves and acorns, an imperial lion, two dolphins representing Britain's sea power, the emblem of Imperial Germany's eagle being torn to pieces by another lion. The medallion is packaged in a heavy card envelope.Inscribed around face of medallion: He died for freedom and honour. A rectangular tablet cast on front of medallion inscribed 'Harry Edward Spencer'. harry-spencer-holgate, ballarat-college, world-war-one, death-penny,

The WWI Death Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) was issued to the next of kin of servicemen/women who had fallen in the Great War between 1914 and 1918. John Mercer Walker entered ballarat College in 1902 and was Dux of the school in 1904. He enlisted as a Private in the 3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance and served on Gallipoli. He transferred to 21st Squadron AFC in November 1917 and served in Palestine. He was killed a 22 August 1918 and buried at the Ramleh War Cemetery. Of the 305 Ballarat College old collegians who enlisted in WW1 65 gave their lives for their country. This 'death penny' is representative of the incredible sacrifice given by this huge percentage of the school's community. Round disk cast in bronze gunmetal, which incorporates the following; an image of Britannia holding an oak spray with leaves and acorns, an imperial lion, two dolphins representing Britain's sea power, the emblem of Imperial Germany's eagle being torn to pieces by another lion. The medallion is incased in a heavy card envelope. The medallion is accompanied with Walker's wings RFC and RAAF,Inscribed around face of medallion: He died for freedom and honour A rectangular tablet cast on front of medallion inscribed: John Mercer Walkerjohn-mercer-walker, death-penny, ballarat-college, w-w-1, world-war-one,

Key ring was with a group of items that are possibly related to Cat No 3596.Key ring, metal, round with key ring at top. Centre is slightly raised with coloured image of a soldier. Scroll & print beneath.Printed on scroll: “FOR KING & COUNTRY, ANZAC, AUSTRALIA”accessory, key ring

.1) Medallion round brass or copper. front has the king, around edge is "For King and Country 1916". Rear has a floral wreath with the word "Anzac" centre. Around edge is "Dept of Education Vic, Lest we foreget 25 April 15". .2) Small piece of red white and blue ribbon attached with a pin. .3) Same as .1)medallions, anzac, education

The Maker’s Mark stamped on the back of this plate, a green laurel wreath with “W. H. Gringley & Co. Ltd, England” below, was used by the company between 1914-1925, according to Kroker and Goundry, authors of a paper “ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING AND MITIGATION OF THE ASSINIBOINE RIVERFRONT QUAY”. The company used different Marks at other times during their operation. The design on this plate is transferware. The company used this more economical process of adding a transfer rather than employing artists to handprint them onto their dinnerware. William Henry Grindley and Alfred Meakin established the company at Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, in 1880. The company produced their wares for export to countries that included Australia.This ceramic plate is an example of dinnerware imported from England. The plate was made between 1914 and 1925 . The popular 'bird of paradise' design on the plate is an example of transferware, which made decorative dinnerware more affordable. China plate, earthenware, round, off-white colour with fine blue rim and three transfer decals spaced around the rim. Decals each have a bird of paradise on a flowering branch. The centre of the plate is plain. The maker’s stamp is an open green laurel wreath enclosing a decorative horizontal line, above the name. Made by W H Grindley & Co. Ltd of England.On underside; logo "[green wreath] above W. H. GRINDLEY & Co. Ltd. ENGLAND"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, plate, dinnerware, w. h. grindley, english, plateware, bird of paradise, transferware

Several items were given by a seafarer, Mr Nicholas Garlick (1926-2009) into the care of Father Brady who retired from St Pauls Cathedral, Melbourne in 2018. Father Brady later donated the collection of; objects, documents and an extensive collection of cruise ship menus (1937-end of 20thC) to the Mission via the intermediary William Hastie, volunteer at the Mission for Seafarers.Inchcape Shipping Services traces its origins back to 1847, when two Scottish merchants from Campbeltown, William Mackinnon and Robert Mackenzie met in Calcutta and formed a general merchanting partnership, Mackinnon Mackenzie & Company (MMC). Today, the company is one of the largest maritime services providers, with some 300 offices in 68 countries and a team of over 3,000 professional and committed staff. Three round stainless steel cufflinks each comprising one larger disc attached by a link to a smaller security disc. Outer face: the larger disc has a matte finish with a shiny silver relief of a container ship in the middle and a shiny silver serrated edging. Inner face: in a square on one side of the link attachment is a small ship and the letter 'C'; on the other side of the attachment the letters 'E.P.' also in a square. Outer face of the security disc is ribbed and shiny. The inner face is identical to that of the larger link. Cufflinks are housed in a branded black gift box.The Inchcape insignia, the letter 'I' in bronze colour, is displayed on the outer face of the smaller disc.cufflinks, inchcape shipping services, container ships

This round was fired by the QF 1 pounder gun known as the Pom-pom because of its distinctive sound when firing. It was the world's first automatic cannon and was used by many different countries. It achieved notoriety when used by the Boers in the South African War 1899 - 1902.Brass case and iron pom-pom projectile.V S & M

The Bofors gun (which fired this round) was designed in the 1930s by AB Bofors, a Swedish arms manufacturer. It proved to be one of the most successful light anti-aircraft guns used during World War II. Apart from being used by most of the Allied forces, captured guns were used by the Germans and Japanese. The Bofors had a rate of fire between 80 - 100 rounds per minute when hand-loaded via 4-round clips. Effective maximum range was approx. 3,800m. On land, the guns were mounted singly on numerous types of chassis whilst Naval guns were either single or dual mountings. A few countries still use the Bofors Gun to this day.Brass case with iron/steel projectile

Reproduced from "The Weekly Times", 14th June 1902, page 10. 06 Jun 1902 Cross Reference Photo No.(s): 602, 604 Source: La Trobe Library and National Library, Canberra THE HEIDELBERG TO ELTHAM RAILWAY. OPENING CEREMONY. The opening of the railway line from Heidelberg to Eltham took place on the 6th inst. The special train, containing a large number of members of Parliament, including Mr Trenwith, the Minister for Railways, left Prince's Bridge at half-past eleven, and arrived at Eltham at twenty minutes past twelve. The party was accompanied by Mr Fitzpatrick, Acting Commissioner for Railways; Mr Lockhead, the Traffic Manager; and Mr Norman, Engineer for Existing Lines. On arrival, the visitors were entertained at a banquet in the marquee, of which a photograph is given, erected close to the railway station. Mr E. H. Cameron, M.L.A., the member for the district, occupied the chair, and, seated on his right, was Mr Mason, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and on his left the Minister of Rail-ways. After the banquet His Excellency the Governor-General arrived, and was received and welcomed by Mr Cameron, the local State school children singing the National Anthem. The Governor-General, in declaring the line open, said that he felt highly honored at being asked to perform the opening ceremony, and he trusted that the railway would be a source of great convenience to the inhabitants of the district. He was sorry to say that this would be the last opportunity he would have of seeing them. It cost him a great deal to leave them. (Hear, hear.) He had a great many friends amongst all sections of the community, and he could hardly bear to trust himself to speak about leaving them. (Hear, hear.) He was sorry Lady Hopetoun was on the high seas, and unable to accompany him that day. Mr Cameron thanked his Excellency for performing the opening ceremony, and hoped the trip home would have the effect of restoring His Excellency to good health again. In replying. Lord Hopetoun thanked them sincerely for the cordial vote of thanks. He hoped Providence would shower her blessings over them, and that they would have a series of good seasons. He would always keep a warm corner in his heart for the people of Victoria. (Loud cheers.) THE COUNTRY. In our illustrations, views are given of a couple of sections of the new line, and glimpses of the surrounding country are shown. The line is eight miles in length, and cost £51,000 in construction. Eltham, which is the terminus, possesses many of the features that go to make a favorite holiday resort. It is a quiet picturesque little hamlet, snugly ensconced on the slope of one of many sombre-tinted hills by which it is sur-rounded. Even when viewed under ad-verse conditions one could not fail to be-impressed with the natural, rugged beauty of the place. It is situated about sixteen miles from Melbourne, and the line takes a circuitous course through a continuation of pretty undulating country. At intervals on the slopes of the surrounding green-mantled hills, patches of brown, freshly tilled soil indicate that for all its serene reposeful-ness Eltham possesses its phases of industrial life as well. Looking down into this valley from the main road which skirts the slope of a hill, distant something less than a quarter of a mile from the railway station is one of the prettiest pieces of scenery in the district. Verdure-clad hills ascend on all sides, whilst beneath stretches a broad expanse of carpet-like green sward, dotted here and there with picturesque homesteads, each with its patches of tilled soil. In the township itself the dwelling-houses are comparatively few, the larger portion of the inhabitants residing in the scattered homesteads. Eltham is as yet only in its youth, but energetic and un-tiring public men can effect wonders in a community's prosperity, and Eltham, whatever other real or imaginary advantages it may lay claim to, certainly possesses this one. The railway is the result of their endeavor. 1902 'THE HEIDELBERG TO ELTHAM RAILWAY.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 14 June, p. 14. , viewed 26 Sep 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221230719This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 35mm B&W negativesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, heidelberg-eltham railway extension

Published: The opening of the railway line by His Excellency The Governor General, The Weekly Times, June 14, 1902, p10. Governor General was John Hope, Earl of Hopetoun THE HEIDELBERG TO ELTHAM RAILWAY. OPENING CEREMONY. The opening of the railway line from Heidelberg to Eltham took place on the 6th inst. The special train, containing a large number of members of Parliament, including Mr Trenwith, the Minister for Railways, left Prince's Bridge at half-past eleven, and arrived at Eltham at twenty minutes past twelve. The party was accompanied by Mr Fitzpatrick, Acting Commissioner for Railways; Mr Lockhead, the Traffic Manager; and Mr Norman, Engineer for Existing Lines. On arrival, the visitors were entertained at a banquet in the marquee, of which a photograph is given, erected close to the railway station. Mr E. H. Cameron, M.L.A., the member for the district, occupied the chair, and, seated on his right, was Mr Mason, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and on his left the Minister of Rail-ways. After the banquet His Excellency the Governor-General arrived, and was received and welcomed by Mr Cameron, the local State school children singing the National Anthem. The Governor-General, in declaring the line open, said that he felt highly honored at being asked to perform the opening ceremony, and he trusted that the railway would be a source of great convenience to the inhabitants of the district. He was sorry to say that this would be the last opportunity he would have of seeing them. It cost him a great deal to leave them. (Hear, hear.) He had a great many friends amongst all sections of the community, and he could hardly bear to trust himself to speak about leaving them. (Hear, hear.) He was sorry Lady Hopetoun was on the high seas, and unable to accompany him that day. Mr Cameron thanked his Excellency for performing the opening ceremony, and hoped the trip home would have the effect of restoring His Excellency to good health again. In replying. Lord Hopetoun thanked them sincerely for the cordial vote of thanks. He hoped Providence would shower her blessings over them, and that they would have a series of good seasons. He would always keep a warm corner in his heart for the people of Victoria. (Loud cheers.) THE COUNTRY. In our illustrations, views are given of a couple of sections of the new line, and glimpses of the surrounding country are shown. The line is eight miles in length, and cost £51,000 in construction. Eltham, which is the terminus, possesses many of the features that go to make a favorite holiday resort. It is a quiet picturesque little hamlet, snugly ensconced on the slope of one of many sombre-tinted hills by which it is sur-rounded. Even when viewed under ad-verse conditions one could not fail to be-impressed with the natural, rugged beauty of the place. It is situated about sixteen miles from Melbourne, and the line takes a circuitous course through a continuation of pretty undulating country. At intervals on the slopes of the surrounding green-mantled hills, patches of brown, freshly tilled soil indicate that for all its serene reposeful-ness Eltham possesses its phases of industrial life as well. Looking down into this valley from the main road which skirts the slope of a hill, distant something less than a quarter of a mile from the railway station is one of the prettiest pieces of scenery in the district. Verdure-clad hills ascend on all sides, whilst beneath stretches a broad expanse of carpet-like green sward, dotted here and there with picturesque homesteads, each with its patches of tilled soil. In the township itself the dwelling-houses are comparatively few, the larger portion of the inhabitants residing in the scattered homesteads. Eltham is as yet only in its youth, but energetic and un-tiring public men can effect wonders in a community's prosperity, and Eltham, whatever other real or imaginary advantages it may lay claim to, certainly possesses this one. The railway is the result of their endeavor. 1902 'THE HEIDELBERG TO ELTHAM RAILWAY.', Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), 14 June, p. 14. , viewed 26 Sep 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221230719This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image Negative black and white film 120 6x9 format 2 stripsAgfa APX 100sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, heidelberg-eltham railway extension, earl of hopetoun, john hope, opening day, railway line construction

Olive Elsie May Reed was licensee of the Eltham Hotel from April 1948 to January 1950. The Eltham Hotel is the oldest continually operating hotel in the Eltham district. Initially referred to as the Little Eltham Hotel, it has been known as the Eltham Hotel since the 1850s through to present time with a very brief period as the Eltham Tavern in the late 1980s. Benjamin Oliver Wallis was a prominent Eltham resident, publican and Councillor during the second half of the nineteenth century. He owned the house that is now the Nillumbik Living and Learning Centre at 739 Main Road Eltham and one stage the Eltham Hotel. Wallis migrated to Melbourne in 1853 but his wife and children remained in Cornwall for a further 10 years. Later in 1853 Richard Warren engaged Wallis to build the Eltham Hotel and it opened in 1854. The hotel was constructed of hard basaltic blue stone quarried in the Eltham district and cemented together with mud, and partly of bricks made at Eltham. The Fountain of Friendship Hotel on the opposite side of Maria Street (Main Road) opened shortly after. The hotel was a well-known resting place for gold diggers during the gold rush at Woods’ Point and Warren would buy the gold from the diggers. In 1858 Warren fell into financial difficulties and had to sell the hotel. Wallis bought the hotel and obtained a publican’s licence in 1861. In the 1850s the Fountain had been the more popular hotel but after that the Eltham Hotel became more popular. It is understood that in about 1857 Wallis probably built the “Living and Learning house” for tanner John Pearson. In 1868 Pearson became bankrupt and Wallis acquired the house and he lived there until his death in 1896. For some of this time the house was in the name of Benjamin’s son Richard but he died in 1888 and ownership reverted to his father. Wallis was a member of the Eltham Jockey Club and in 1867 his wife Anna rode her horse Charlotte in the Annual Races. Anna was also an angler and is reported to have caught a large perch in the Yarra River. She died in 1887. On 16th September 1886 Wallis sold the hotel to Christopher Watson (Snr). Watson died in 1887 and the hotel passed to his son Christopher Watson (Jr) who owned it until his death in 1909 at which time his wife Emily took over the license. Upon her death, their son Herbert applied for the license in January 1915. In July 1925, Herbert Watson demolished the original building and, in its place, erected a modern hotel which remains the foundation of the present Eltham Hotel. The contractors at the time commented on how well the original building had been constructed. A description of the new building was detailed in the Advertiser newspaper of January 8, 1926: “The new building consists of. two stories. designed in English tavern style, and contains-all told, 24 rooms. On the second floor, in front uninviting the two gables is a deep balcony, which will be much appreciated by visitors. The lower story is wholly of brick, and the upper one of wood and fibrous cement plaster. The rooms are spacious and lofty, and the windows are large and of latest style, and light the rooms splendidly. The entrance hall is 8 feet wide. The bar is a very commodious room and is furnished in the most up-to-date and convenient manner. The dining room, a very attractive apartment, is 30 feet by 15 feet 6 inches, and the bar parlor is also a large and well furnished room. A large cellar, an indispensable adjunct to an hotel, has been excavated beneath the bar. On the upper story are 12 bedrooms, and among other conveniences are two bath rooms in which hot and cold water can be used. All the rooms have been supplied with the necessary appliances for electric lighting, which will be one of the progressive evidences which Eltham will shortly enjoy.” “In the yard a brick garage to accommodate three cars at once, has been erected. This, as well as the hotel, is roofed with tiles.” “From the front of the hotel (especially the balcony) a lovely view of the country west and, north may be obtained.” “It may be added that it Is intended to have an ornamental garden, a tennis court. and a kiosk in connection with the hotel, and the property will have a rustic fence round it.” The hotel has since undergone several modifications and extensions Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s.Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Glued on a brown paper scrapbook page (torn from scrapbook) with 8 black and white/sepia photos of varying sizes, 1 newspaper clipping and one greeting card with printed sketch and handwritten captions in ink. On back of page is 1 black and white photo and a large newspaper clipping.eltham, police residence, heather jenkins (nee sargeant), walter withers, constable w.c. sargeant, eltham hotel, jim jenkins, reed's eltham hotel, olive elsie may reed

Nail buffer with plastic tortoise shell base and lid. The lid is transparent tortoise shell. The base of the nail buffer is of tortoise shell with a soft pale yellow buffer glued on. The nail buffer has rounded ends.manicure, toiletries, nail buffer, personal item

Medicines were sold by chemists locally or in larger cities when visited on a shopping expedition. The shape of bottles changed as did the stopper used to seal it. Bottles were re cycled remaining the property of the manufacturer. History of S.C. Johnson & Son Pty. Ltd.Historical: Change of bottles - shape, glass, stopper, use and embossing Aesthetic: display showing embossing and shape.Clear round brown glass bottle with straight sides three quarters of the way up tapering to a short neck and cork screw opening. Embossed '3' near the bottom and heavy embossing on base in print with capital letters.Side: near base: '3' Base: Around half of the circumference: 'This bottle is the property of' Base: Across the centre: 'S.C.Johnson / & Son Pty Ltd / Sydney'chemist, medicine, s.c. johnson & sons pty ltd., brown glass bottle

Bottles were bought locally or in larger city stores on a shopping expedition.Historical: Change of bottles - shape, size and use. Aesthetic: Display showing shape, colour and sizeSmall round brown opaque glass bottle with straight sides and sealed by a rusty screw top lid. Embossing on the base.Base: Common seal at top 'A' with 'G' and 'M' inside the A and across the middle 'G 764' and underneath 'M'brown glass bottle, metal screw top lid

This bottle was bought at a chemist shop either locally or at a bigger city on a shopping expedition. The lattice pattern was used for poisonous contents. It was sealed with a cork.Historical: Bottles changed in size, seal and use. Aesthetic: Display showing embossing, shape and size of the bottleRound, amber bottle with small neck and sealed with a broken cork. Heavily embossed with lattice design covering one side of the bottle above which and at the shoulder of the bottle is embossed print in capital letters. On the back at the shoulder of the bottle is embossed 'poison'. Front: 'Not To Be Taken" Back: "Poison" Base: "L 670" above "M' in the middle and "A" with 'G' and 'M' inside the "A" (common seal) underneathamber glass bottle, chemist, poison

This bottle was used in the Tawonga District General Hospital which was built in the 1950's specifically for the increase in population due to the Kiewa Hydro Scheme.Clear glass bottle with a triangular base with rounded corners tapering to a narrow neck for a cork. On one face there is heavy embossing. Lightly embossed on the base. The join of both halves does not continue through the lip at the top.One face: 'R. Harper / & Co Ltd' Base: 'Common Seal / L563 /M'medical, hospital, chemist, r. harper & co. ltd.

This medical / hospital instrument was used in the Tawonga District General Hospital which was built in the 1950's specifically for the increase in population due to the Kiewa Hydro Scheme.Historical: Shows the development of scientific hospital equipment. Provenance: Used in the Tawonga District General Hospital which was remote and therefore required good equipment. Good condition and good interpretation capacity.Round mirror with hole in centre held to a bakite dark brown backing with a stainless steel rim. On the back is attached a small stainless steel knob. The back slopes in towards the centre and has circular grooves. The outer edge of the back slopes down towards the outer edge and includes the knob. On the circumference of the stainless steel is 'Reg. No. 839560'. On the back outer side: 'The Bramber / Made by / Gowllands / England.'medical head mirror, hospital, gowllands england, tawonga district general hospital

The Tawonga branch of the C.W.A. commenced on the 7th Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country. Women living in Tawonga were mostly on farms and, in 1946, when the branch commenced would have been feeling more remote with WW11 having an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Round green and white badge with the CWA logo in the centre of a green triangular shield. The logo is in gold. Around the triangular shape it is white with Victoria in gold at the top and 2 slim leaves on each side of the other sides. The badge has a green border. The back is gold and two of them have a pin attached. The third has a ring attached at the top. On the back each one has a different inscription and all are hard to read. Each badge is very slightly different in texture and depth of colour perhaps indicating that they were made at different times."Victoria / CWA" On the back - 1. Inscribed in oval shape 'Morgan Swann' but upside down to each other. 2. Inscribed - 'Stoker' 3. Inscribed - 'Stokes' or 'Stones'tawonga. country woman's association of victoria. badge. cwa logo.

Cast irons were heated on the stove and used to take out creases/wrinkles in cloth. Used before electricity was available. Two irons were often used so that one could be being used while the other heated.Used in the Kiewa Valley prior to electricity being available.Metal cast iron with handle and embossed within a circle the letter S on the top of the iron. The handle has flat metal curved sides which hold a hollow round rod for lifting.Embossed on top of the iron - circle with S inside.antique iron, household item

Ron White's Collection. Possibly a gift as this type of container was popular.Ron White. See KVHS 1282Round pale green 'pumpkin' shaped porcelain container decorated with 'hand painted?' red, blue, yellow flowers and green leaves. The lip & handle are steel. The lid is pewter with a decorated ring on top. The steel wire handle is vertical then bent to join at the centre. The bends have decoration on their inside.Nilron white' collection, porcelain container

C.W.A. is the Country Women's Association of Victoria and was formed in 1928. It is a self funded philanthropic organisation. It is non-sectarian, non-party-political, non profit lobby group working predominantly in the interests of women and children in rural areas. It helps in the provision of services to its members and the improvement of amenities in rural areas.The C. W. A. has had branches in the Kiewa Valley up until the present day.Round metal sign. On the front it is green, white and gold. There are four holes in it for attaching it to a fixture eg. Entry to town sign.c.w.a., country women's association

A spokeshave was made with a wooden (usually beech wood) body and metal cutting blade. With industrialisation metal bodies displaced wood in mass-produced tools. The name 'spokeshave' reflects the early use of the tool by wheelwrights.Used by carpenters and/or cabinet makers and/or wheelwrights in the Kiewa Valley in the 1800s and 1900s. The tool consists of a blade fixed into the body of the tool, which has a handle for each hand. It is a shaping and smoothing tool eg. curves and rounding and used after cutting with chisels or saws. Ref. Pg 28 Tools for all Trades Cataloguewoodworking tool, spokeshave tool

Used by turning the auger around to create a round hole.Used by residents of the Kiewa ValleySmall steel hand auger tools with a wooden handle. Used for digging more shallow holes eg. gathering soil samples and making post holes