Ordsall was originally built for John Halfey, second Chairman of Kew, and sold after his death to the Carnegie family who renamed it ‘South Esk'. The Carnegie family mounted a defence of their property when the City of Kew sought to compulsorily acquire it as the site for a new town hall in the 1930s. The house and land were later acquired by Council in 1947 and demolished in 1970. The present Kew Library and the former Council Offices (now owned by Trinity Grammar) are located on the site.One of the earliest photographs of 'Southesk' and its gardens. The house was of statewide significance because of its historical association with John Halfey. It was artistically significant due to its elaborate interiors, decorated by Cullis Hill & Co in the 1880s. Sepia photograph mounted on brown card of "Southesk' (formerly known as 'Ordsall'). The single-storey Italianate facade of the house can be seen surrounded by an extensive garden. The point-of-view of the camera is from Cotham Road.david carnegie, john halfey, southesk - south esk - ordsall

W.D. Vaughan (Kew's Civic Century, 1960, pp.195-6) quotes Council Minutes of 1938 and 1939 to record that: "After protracted negotiations between the Council, the Railways Department and the Tramways Board agreement was reached in June, 1938, for the filling of the railway cutting at the Harp Junction and shifting tram tracks to the High Street alignment ... The Outer Circle railway land from Princess Street to Park Crescent was purchased by the Kew Council in October, 1939, for 2,750 [pounds]. The land from Park Crescent to High Street was leased for 1 [pound] per annum. Considerable work was done in levelling the embankments to the original surface level."Important and rare photograph of the period, showing major works by Kew Council in Kew East working on a significant piece of urban infrastructure.Small, original black and white positive (photograph) showing workers and vehicles filling in the tracks of the former Outer Circle railway at East Kew. In the background is the metal bridge with brick piers, adjacent to the Harp Junction. The bridge crossed the cutting, linking the two parts of High Street. Behind the tip truck, painted on the side with the name 'Fowler Quarries' [located Keilor Road, North Essendon], one can see shops [including T.G. Garroway, Cash Grocer] in High Street. What appears to be the City of Kew Steamroller is immediately in front of the bridge. A group of passers-by watch from the bridge and from the road. Annotation in pencil on verso: "Filling in Outer Circle line at High St East Kew prior to straightening High St. (c. Feb 1930?)outer circle railway, railway cuttings, harp junction, high street -- kew east

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) plans were produced from the 1890s to the 1950s. They were crucial to the design and development of Melbourne's sewerage and drainage system. The plans, at a scale of 40 feet to 1 inch (1:480), provide a detailed historical record of Melbourne streetscapes and environmental features. Each plan covers one or two street blocks (roughly six streets), showing details of buildings, including garden layouts and ownership boundaries, and features such as laneways, drains, bridges, parks, municipal boundaries and other prominent landmarks as they existed at the time each plan was produced. (Source: State Library of Victoria)This plan forms part of a large group of MMBW plans and maps that was donated to the Society by the Mr Poulter, City Engineer of the City of Kew in 1989. Within this collection, thirty-five hand-coloured plans, backed with linen, are of statewide significance as they include annotations that provide details of construction materials used in buildings in the first decade of the 20th century as well as additional information about land ownership and usage. The copies in the Public Record Office Victoria and the State Library of Victoria are monochrome versions which do not denote building materials so that the maps in this collection are invaluable and unique tools for researchers and heritage consultants. A number of the plans are not held in the collection of the State Library of Victoria so they have the additional attribute of rarity.Digital copy of the original survey plan, issued by the MMBW to a contractor with responsibility for constructing sewers in the area identified on the plan within the Borough of Kew. The plan was at some stage hand-coloured, possibly by the contractor, but more likely by officers working in the Engineering Department of the Borough and later Town, then City of Kew. The hand-coloured sections of buildings on the plan were used to denote masonry or brick constructions (pink), weatherboard constructions (yellow), and public buildings (grey). This plan is part of a large and historically significant group of MMBW plans and maps that was donated to the Society by the Mr Poulter, City Engineer of the City of Kew in 1989. When the contracts were let for surveyors to identify and record the extant houses and landscapes within an area for the Board of Works, the contracts were let at separate times, hence the anomaly where two copies of Plan No.1571 exist in our collection. The first of these plans identifies the building materials used in houses bordering Fitzwilliam Street, Edgevale Road, May Street, Malin Street, Davis Street and Wellington Street. The cut off point for the survey was the south side of Wellington Street. By 1903 when the survey was undertaken many of the sites were already built on, particularly those facing Edgevale Road. The plan identifies the preponderance of weatherboard houses in the area. The other version of the plan identifies the buildings between Wellington Street and Cotham Road.melbourne and metropolitan board of works, detail plans, mmbw 1571, cartography

The Kew Historical Society's Pictures Collection is comprised of photographs and original works of art. The photographs include original (mainly) images dating from the 1870s to the present. A number of these photographs derive from the former City of Kew's Civic Collection while others are the work of amateur and professional photographers. Most of the images in the collection depict people, places and objects within the suburbs of Kew and Kew East. Other photographs depict other locations in Melbourne and Victoria. A number of the photographs are of statewide and/or national significance.View from junction of High and Strathalbyn Sts., Kew East, looking approximately west toward Cemetery, October 1977. Inscription reverse: "KH-72. View from junction of High St. & Strathalbyn Sts, Kew E. Looking approx. west, towards Cemetery. October 1977."high street -- kew (vic.), streetscapes -- kew (vic.)

From the early 1950s, the Kew Repertory Players performed more substantial, if less spectacular fare in the Recreation Hall, and later in the new Kew City Hall, after the former’s demolition in 1960. Their repertoire ranged from plays by Noel Coward to J.B. Priestley. Many of their programmes, the earliest from 1953, and the last from 1965, form part of our collection.Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme issued by The Kew Repertory Players for a performance of The Happiest Days of Your Life, a farce in 3 acts by John Dighton. Performances took place in the Kew City Hall in March 1965. The 8-page programme includes a cast list, some profiles, a synopsis and advertisements for local businesses.the happiest days of your life, john dighton, kew repertory players, arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew city hall -- cotham road -- kew (vic.), theatre memorabilia -- kew (vic.)

The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.Photograph of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the "Q" Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s.Left Rear - Molly Stillwell (seated) Rosemary Lademolly stilwell, rosemary lade, "q" theatre guild, kew civic hall, performing arts -- kew (vic.), smetana -- the bartered bride

The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.Photograph of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the "Q" Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s."q" theatre guild, smetana -- the bartered bride, performing arts -- kew (vic.), kew civic hall

The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.Photograph of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the Q Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s. Rosemary Lade (far right)"q" theatre guild, rosemary lade, kew civic hall, smetana -- the bartered bride, performing arts -- kew (vic.)

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.This evening dress was donated by Kathleen Gervasoni, a long term resident of Kew, and mayoress of the former City of Kew (1978-9). The gown was manufactured under licence in Australia and purchased from Paulette Modes, High Street, Kew.Long black crepe evening dress, highlighted with geometrically arranged red grosgrain braid trim on bodice and sleeves, designed in the 1970s by Louis Féraud, Paris.Label: "Louis Féraud, Paris"women's clothing, evening dresses, kathleen gervasoni, louis féraud, paulette modes, international fashion - 1970s

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories. The dress was purchased, and worn by Kathleen Gervasoni, a long term resident of Kew, Kew Historical Society member and mayoress of the former City of Kew (1978-1979). It is part of a collection of clothing and accessories donated to the collection by her.Black velvet, black and majenta organza, taffeta underskirt, large black satin bow, drop waisted evening dress, made to order for the donor from a boutique in Ivanhoe. women's clothing, evening dresses, kathleen gervasoni, australian fashion - 1980s, evening wear

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

From the early 1950s, the Kew Repertory Players performed more substantial, if less spectacular fare in the Recreation Hall, and later in the new Kew City Hall, after the former’s demolition in 1960. Their repertoire ranged from plays by Noel Coward to J.B. Priestley. Many of their programmes, the earliest from 1953, and the last from 1965, form part of our collection.Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme issued by The Kew Repertory Players for a performance of Maiden Ladies, a farcical comedy in 3 Acts by Guy Paxton & Edward V. Hoile. Performances took place in the Kew City Hall in March 1961. The 8-page programme includes a cast list, some profiles, a synopsis and advertisements for local businesses.maiden ladies, guy paxton, edward v. hoile, kew repertory players, arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew city hall -- cotham road -- kew (vic.), theatre memorabilia -- kew (vic.)

The “Q” Theatre Guild was formed in 1957. It inherited the productions and casts of the earlier Kew Light Opera Company. The Guild initially performed in the Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later at the Kew Civic Hall (Cotham Road). A partial list of its performances include: 1957 The Geisha 1958 Maritana 1959 They All Do It (Cosi Fan Tutti) 1959 Blossom Time 1959 Love’s a Luxury 1960 There And Back & The Bohemian Girl 1960 Die Fledermaus 1961 Gay Rosalinda 1961 The Land of Smiles 1961 Kisses For A Kid & Hansel and Gretel 1962 Die Fledermaus 1964 Monsieur Beaucaire 1964 Macbeath [The Beggars’ Opera] 1964 The Beggars’ Opera Undated And So To BedThe Marion Tilley scrapbook is a significant record of performing arts in Melbourne during the 1950s and 1960s. The scrapbook includes programmes, photographs, newspaper reports and personal annotations which are a rich source of detail about repertoire, performers, and artistic sensibility in the period.Souvenir programme issued by the "Q" Theatre Guild for a performance of Gay Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus) at the Kew City Theatre in 1961. theater (kew), "q" theatre guild, performing arts, gay rosalinda

From its beginnings in 1958, the Society has mounted exhibitions and/or displays, in early days in shop windows and in community spaces located in the Kew City Hall (later Kew Library), and since 2010 at the Kew Court House. Exhibitions typically coincided with the annual Kew Community Festival in March, but after 2013 evolved into three new exhibitions yearly at the Kew Court House. Smaller displays continue to be mounted in the Kew Library.Born digital series of photographs of an exhibition focusing on the World War I work of the Kew photographer, Josiah Earl Barnes, also known as 'the embarkation photographer'. All the images in the exhibition were lent by three of his descendants. The exhibition formed the Kew Historical Society's major contribution to the Gallipoli and Beyond Commemorations. photographers - kew (vic) - josiah earl barnes, j.e. barnes - the embarkation photographer, australian photography - world war 1 - 1914-1918, wwi

From its beginnings in 1958, the Society has mounted exhibitions and/or displays, in early days in shop window and in community spaces located in the Kew City Hall (later Kew Library), and since 2010 at the Kew Court House. Exhibitions typically coincided with the annual Kew Community Festival in March, but after 2013 evolved into three new exhibitions yearly at the Kew Court House. Smaller displays continue to be mounted in the Kew Library. A series of photographs taken of current traders and members of the Society at the opening of the first exhibition for 2018 of the Kew Historical Society in its rooms at the Kew Court House. The exhibition was one of the Society's events at the annual Kew Festival. Honoured guests included Robert Stewart, Mr & Mrs Toscano, and Angela Pakula.kew historical society - exhibitions, traders of kew