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Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo - Willey, Thornton Richards & Co Ballarat, Willey.J.S. (Engineer). 1954, 1954 (exact)
J.S.Willey was the Shire Engineer for the Shire of Ballarat for the year 1954.This photo which is part of a collection of photos was taken to commemorate the 1954 visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11,and was presented by the Shire President G.A.Fraser, to mark the occaision.Section of the Original Historical Photo of Councilors for the financial year 1954.Sepia/brown photo of J.S.Willey, who was Shire Engineer,situated left hand side of bottom row of composite photo of Councilors for the financial year 1954.PRESENTED TO BALLARAT SHIRE COUNCIL BY SHIRE PRESIDENT TO COMMORATE THE VISIT OF HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH 11, 1954.shire of ballarat 1954, j s willey engineer, queen elizabeth 11 visit -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo - Spittle. S.G, Richards & Co. Photos Ballaarat, Spittle, Samuel Gordon, Shire President 1934-1935, 1935 (exact)
Councilor Samuel Gordon Spittle (born 1891), became Councilor in the Shire of Ballarat in 1932, serving until his death on 21st December 1942.He was Shire President in 1934-1935,during Victoria's centenary year.This photo is a section of a composite photo of Councilors for 1934-1935. Section of Original Historic Photo of Councilors for the year 1934-1935.Sepia photo on grey mount with gold framing photo, of Shire President Samuel Gordon Spittle, situated in middle of second row of all councilors for the year 1934-1935.Collection of photos of all Councilors for the year 1934-1935. shire, president, spittle, samuel, gordon, 1934 1935, victoria s, centenary, year -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo - Kane, Possibly Drummond Studios, Kane.K.S.( Mr).Shire Secretary,1959, 1959
Mr. K.S.Lane was Shire Secretary for the Ballarat Shire Council in 1959.This forms part of a composite collection of photos presented by the Shire Preident,to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centreon 20th November 1959. Original Historical Photo of all Councilors for the year 1959Mr.K.S. Lane,(Shire Secretary).Sepia photo (rectangular) on white mount,situated left hand side of middle row,of composite photo of all councilors for the year 1959. Shire President Charles Edward,"Ted" Brown and councilors,commemorating opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.wendouree municiple centre opening 20th november 1959, ballarat shire council, lane k s mr, shire secretary 1959 -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo - Wedding,Goad/Taylor, Richards & Co, Wedding of Gertude Jane Goad and Walter Taylor, 09/04/1921
On 9th April 1921 Gertrude Jane Goad Married Walter Taylor at St Andrew's Kirk, Presbyterian Church Ballarat.The best man was Walter's brother George Taylor and the bridesmaid Ada Hannah Grigg. Gertrude Jane Goad and Walter Taylor lived in Dean,and are buried in the Creswick Cemetary. The Goad family have long connections in the Learmonth area.Black and white photo of the marriage of Gertrude Jane Goad to Walter Taylor.Set in Gold frame 4 1/2 cms wide and decorated with trailing flowers, originally on cream mount now redone with maroon mount. Richards & Co. Ballarat.ballarat, church, goad gertrude jane, taylor walter, st andrew s kirk, prebyterian -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo - Spittle S.G, Thornton Richards & Co, Spittle. S.G. Councilor 1942-43, Circa 1943"
In 1931 Councilor S.G.Spittle was elected as a ,member of the Ballarat Shire Council,serving until 1943. He served a term as Shire President in 1934-35.Original Historic Photo of Councilors for the year 1942-43.Photo is Sepia on Brown mount, of Councilor S.G.Spittle, situated top right hand corner of collection of photos of all councilors for the year 1942-43. It is rectangular with a curved top.Presented to the Ballarat Shire Council by Councilor R.T.White,President, 1942-43.spittle, s g councilor, ballarat shire council 1942 43 -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo / Wedding, "Thornton" Studios Ballarat, Wedding of Alexander Paterson & Effie Hilda Long -1924, Circa late 1924
This photo is of the Wedding of Alexander Paterson to Effie Hilda Long. They were married at St Andrews Presbyterian Church Ballarat on the 30th August 1924, by the Rev. Robert Jones. The groom is the son of James and Emma Paterson of Miners Rest, and the bride is the daughter of William and May Long of Ballarat.Their attendants were, groomsman- Albert Robert Mathews, bridesmaid -Ruby Sarah Long, the name of the flowergirl is unknown,Depicting people of the Ballarat Shire area in the 1920'sPhoto is in dark brown wooden frame which has ornate carved decoration, mount is "kharkie" brown with dark sepia around photo. Photo is in sepia and depicts the Marriage of Alexander Paterson & Effie Hilda Long.in 1924.Wedding of Alexander Paterson & Eddie Hilda Long.At the bottom right hand corner is the name "Thornton" Studios Ballarat.paterson alexander, long effie hilda -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo - Davey's Hotel, Davey's Hotel,Miners Rest, "circa 1916 - 17"
Davey's Hotel at Miners Rest was built sometime around 1850, and Mary Tait was the original Licensee.The gentleman on the white horse is Harry Telford, who was with Phar Lap in America when the horse died.Names of the other men are not known. The photo is dated "circa 1916 -17" and originally came from a lady in New Zealand.The Hotel was de-licensed in 1940. Mary Tait (nee Marion Sutherland) was the second wife of William Tait, who was the licensee of the Derby prior to his death 7 October 1862.His widow Mary the took over the license of the hotel.Photo shows lifestyle of the 1850's.Black and white photo depicting Davey's Hotel in Miners Rest with some of the locals.Davey's Hotel / Derby Hotel.miners rest 1850, davey's hotel, harry telford, mary tait licencee -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Lily Jones with dogs by Lake Learmonth, Circa 1890's - 1910
This photo has been taken at Richmond Park, Lake Learmonth, Victoria. The woman in the photo is likely to be Lily Jones with her two dogs. The lake is to the right hand side of the photo.It is one of the many photos of the early period of Lake Learmonth and one of the inhabitants. Also the beautiful outfit that Lily Jones is wearing shows the style of day wear from the late 1800's.Sepia photo of Lily Jones with her two dogs, taken at Richmond Park, Lake Learmonth with gum trees in the background.On the back of this photo is written, Richmond Park, Lake Learmonth. Lily Jones, photo, Learmonth.lake learmonth. richmond park. lily jones. dogs. gum trees. -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo, W, H. Poiner, Waubra State School, 1906, 1906
This photograph show what the Waubra State School looked like in 1906. There are at least 40 pupils with two teachers in the photo and it also show that there was a picket fence around the school.One of the many photos that the society holds in regards to the old Waubra State School from the early 1900's.A rectangle sepia photo made from photo paper and cardboard, of the Waubra State School with the teachers (2) and pupils (40) on the corner, outside the picket fence. This was taken in 1906.W. H. Poiner. Clunes on the front of the photo and on the back, Taken 1906 - W. H. Poiner, Photographer, Albert Street, Clunes. -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo, Willow Farm, Circa early 19th Centuary
This family Photo taken outside the home known as "Willow Farm". Sepia photo on beige mount.Noneearly 1900's family home. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Souvenir - Wood sample, Mr John Flett, c1885
This small piece of wood was cut from a rib of the wreck of the Enterprise in c1885 by Mr John Flett (1869 – 1944), whilst it was lying on the beach in Lady Bay, Warrnambool. Mr Flett was about 16 years old at the time and used the wood (with other pieces from the wreck) to make a picture frame. A newspaper report published in the Gippsland Gazette on Tuesday 16th July 1912 titled "An Interesting Relic" describes a picture frame being displayed in Mr. Flett's shop in Warragul which was of interest as it had been made from wood taken from the wreck of the Enterprise when it was lying on the beach at Lady Bay, Warrnambool. This was still in his possession in the 1930’s when Mr. Flett presented the small sample of wood to Mr. Henri Worland of the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery - along with a signed letter of ownership. A transcription of the letter is as follows - “Kalos” 12 Yendon Road Glen Huntly S.E.9 Dear Mr Warland, I am enclosing herewith a small piece of timber which, about 50 years ago, I cut from a rib of the old wreck which at that time was well known as the old “Enterprise”. I am prepared to sign a sworn statement that this is a piece of that wreck and has never been out of my possession since I cut it from the wreck. Since returning to the city I visited the museum and inspected the walking stick and small model of a boat, presented I think, by Mr Richie. I notice the different grain of the timber and would suggest that they are not Blue Gum, and the piece I am enclosing is definitely of that Tasmanian timber. Of course there may have been other imported timbers used and only the frame of the vessel made of the Blue Gum; I am not suggesting an error on the part of Mr Richie, who evidently knew the old wreck [in an?] earlier date than I did. The piece I am enclosing was incorporated in an old picture frame which I made 50 years ago, and although not used for many years has always been in my possession. With kind regards Yours faithfully J Flett (signature) P.S. I have other small pieces in a small photo frame which I may let you see some day, but not just now. Mr R. Christian will recognise the other frame when he sees it, as we were working together when it was made. J.F. There were several branches of Fletts living in Warrnambool in the mid to late 1800’s. They were all related and had emigrated from Stromness in the Orkney islands – arriving mostly in the 1850’s on different ships. John Flett’s mother was Jessie Isbister who arrived in Australia in 1852 with her family on board the Ticonderoga. Over 168 passengers died on the voyage including two of Jessie’s sisters and one of her brothers. Mrs Jessie Flett's obituary (titled "An Old Colonist") which appeared in the West Gippsland Gazette on Tuesday 8th September 1914 describes her early connections to Warnambool and the Ticonderoga. John Flett moved from Warrnambool to Birchip, Warragul and later went to Melbourne where he worked for the YMCA. During WW1, he worked at the Caulfield Military Hospital and volunteered for active service with the YMCA in France -caring for the welfare of the soldiers. After the war, he continued to work with the YMCA in a secretarial capacity. THE ENTERPRISE 1847-1850 The wooden, two-masted schooner Enterprise was built in New Zealand in 1847 and registered in Melbourne, Australia. The Enterprise carried a cargo of agricultural produce and other commodities for trade between the ports of the Colony. On September 14, 1850, the Enterprise was at anchor in Lady Bay under its Master, James Gardiner Caughtt, loaded with a cargo of wheat and potatoes. A strong south-easterly wind caused the vessel to drag on its only anchor and the rudder was lost. The gale force wind blew it sideways and it became grounded. A local aboriginal, Buckawall, braved the rough sea to take a line from the shore to the Enterprise. All five members of the crew were able to make it safely to land. The Enterprise was totally wrecked. The Enterprise wreck was in an area called Tramway Jetty in Lady Bay. Since then the area became the location of the Lady Bay Hotel and now, in 2019, it is in the grounds of the Deep Blue Apartments. In fact, with the constantly changing coastline through built-up sand, the wreck site is now apparently under the No 2 Caravan Park in Pertobe Road, perhaps 150 metres from the high tide. Its location was found by Ian McKiggan (leader of the various searches in the 1980s for the legendary Mahogany Ship). DIFFERENTIATING the New Zealand Schooner “Enterprise” from John Fawkner’s “Enterprize“ Dr. Murray Johns, Melbourne, says in his article The Mahogany Ship Story “… In fact, as I documented in 1985, the Warrnambool wreck was of an entirely different ship, also called Enterprize [with the spelling ‘Enterprise’], but built in New Zealand in 1847. Fawkner’s ship had already been sold to a Captain Sullivan in 1845 and was wrecked on the Richmond Pier in northern New South Wales early in 1847. “ - (further details are in NOTES: and FHMV documents) Mr Flett had assumed the timber was Tasmanian Gum as he thought it had come from the Enterprise which had been owned by Mr Fawkner and built in Tasmania but we now know the ship was built in New Zealand and the timber was most probably New Zealand Rimu.This piece of wood is significant for its association with the wreck of the schooner Enterprise, now on the Victorian Heritage List VHR S238, being a New Zealand built but Australian owned coastal trader. The wreck is also significant, by connection with the Enterprise, for its association with indigenous hero Buckawall who saved the lives of the five crew on board. The original owner of the wood (Mr John Flett) is significant as a member of one of Warrnambool’s pioneering families, which has contributed to the growth of the community in several ways over the years, living and working in the area.Small square piece of brown wood with a handwritten inscription on the back. The front is polished with a prominent grain and a shallow indentation along two sides. The back has the words "FLETT" and "ENTERPRISE" written in ink with a line separating them. The back is rough and has two indentations - possibly from a nail or tack. The wood sample is accompanied by a letter. Handwritten letter (two pages) of authenticity by Mr. John Flett to Mr. Worland (Manager of the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery). Transcribed below"FLETT" and "ENTERPRISE"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, carpentry, enterprise, lady bay warrnambool, schooner enterprise, wreck of the enterprise 1850, buckawall, shipwreck relic, john flett, warrnambool museum and art gallery, flett relic, letter, flett letter, ticonderoga, henri worland -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Coastal Scene, Joseph Jordan Photographic Studio, Lady Bay and Breakwater, Warrnambool, circa 1907
The Port of Warrnambool - In the early years the Port of Warrnambool was a busy port. Steamships and sailing ships were frequent visitors to the port. Steam navigation companies were plentiful, carrying passengers and freighting cargo such as coal, timber, food, livestock, furniture, hardware and haberdashery between Melbourne and the ports along the southwest coast of Victoria, including Warrnambool. The carts would take their loads into the township for distribution. The Breakwater was built (using 32 ton blocks of concrete) between 1874 and 1890 to provide ships with greater protection from the Southern Ocean. The Lifeboat and Rocket House - The coastline of South West Victoria has had over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it, followed in 1864 by a rocket house to safely store the Rocket Rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost one hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain and improve their skills, summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Joseph Jordan - Joseph Jordan was born in 1841 in Leicester England. When he was 16 he joined the 7th Queen's Own Hussars and was sent to India at the outbreak of the mutiny. He took part in the relief of Lucknow and remained in India for eleven years. It was during this time, he became interested in photography. He was posted to New Zealand and later came to Victoria, becoming a sergeant major of the Mounted Rifles. In the mid 1880s he came to the Western district where he was responsible for establishing units of the Mounted Rifles in various country towns such as Dunkeld, Mortlake, Panmure, Bushfield, Koroit etc. He resigned from the army in 1889 and set up a professional photography studio in Liebig Street, Warrnambool. He became very well known in the Western District for family photographs, official photographs of local councillors and groups as well as views of local scenery. In 1891 he photographed the wrecked barque "Fiji" at "Wrecks Beach" near Princetown. His business was taken over by his son Arthur around 1917. Joseph was a keen rifle shot and in 1924 he donated the "Jordan Shield" as a prize to the Victorian Rifle Association. He was made a "Life Honorary Member" of the Warrnambool Returned Soldiers League and in 1933 he was recognised as being the oldest living soldier in Victoria. Joseph died in 1935 aged 95.This photograph is significant for its association with the Port of Warrnambool and the Warrnambool Breakwater as it shows a point in time when shipping activities were an important part of Warrnambool's commerce and social development. It is also a record of the Warrnambool Lifeboat and Rocket house which was important in aiding ordinary citizens, harbour employees and the volunteer boat and rescue crew in saving the lives of sailors and passengers due to the high number of shipwrecks that occurred along the coastline. Joseph Jordan is a significant figure in Warrnambool history as he helped to establish early units of the Mounted Rifles (G Company) in local towns during the late 1880's and later, photographed local scenes, groups and citizens of early Warrnambool. Sepia photograph showing the beach and the Breakwater in Lady Bay Warrnambool, two ships (a steamship and a barque), a small sailboat, and the Lifeboat and Rocket House plus two smaller sheds.Front of photo - BREAKWATER, WARRNAMBOOL, VICTORIA Back of photo - "From: P Gregory / 365 Beach Road / BLACK ROCK 3193"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, warrnambool, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, breakwater, lifeboat and rocket shed, steamship, barque, photograph of lady bay, rocket house, shipping, joseph jordan, lady bay, views of warrnambool, jordan photography -
Merbein RSL Sub Branch
Photo
Upper body photo of a soldier in uniform wearing a slough hat.world war one, photo black and white, slough hat, parker chester s, service number 5189 -
Merbein RSL Sub Branch
Photo
black and white photo of soldier standing with hands behind his back. In uniform wearing a peaked hatworld war one, photo black and white, percival s bailey, severice number 1868 -
Merbein RSL Sub Branch
Photo
World war one, Photo black and white,Service number 3877, Robert S. McMonnies,Black and white photo of soldier in uniform wearing a peaked hat -
Federation University Historical Collection
Painting - Photo, Clare Gervasoni, S Building, Mt Helen Campus, 08/04/2018
The E.J. Barker Library was one of the earlier building on the Federation University Mount Helen campus.S Building Mt Helen campus library. brutalism, brutalist, mount helen campus, s builidng -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Yan Yean, 1987, 1987
Originally contained in a 'magnetic' photo album of scenic photos of Yan Yean and Warrandyte believed to be donated by Mrs Eric Stephenson, Jingalong, 110 Ryans Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095; relocated to archival safe storage. On the 20th December 1853 Lieut Governor Charles LaTrobe took his spade to turn the first sod of an embankment across the swampy bed of the Plenty River at a lonely place called Yan Yean, in order to create Melbourne’s first water supply. In the early 1850’s water had been drawn from the Yarra which even then was known as Yarra Soup. A convict by the name of James Blackburn produced the basic design for supplying water to Melbourne from a reservoir on the Plenty River at Yan Yean, and later on he was appointed consulting engineer on the project. In 1853 a contract was let for the building of the wall for 91 thousand 575 pounds, and at one stage some 400 labourers were at work in the area. A tramway was constructed to convey stone and other materials from Melbourne. So famous was this magnificent stretch of water that illustrations of the bluestone embankment and tower appeared in London journals Whittlesea Historical Society – Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990 Colour photographyan yean, yan yean reservoir -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Yan Yean, 1987, 1987
Originally contained in a 'magnetic' photo album of scenic photos of Yan Yean and Warrandyte believed to be donated by Mrs Eric Stephenson, Jingalong, 110 Ryans Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095; relocated to archival safe storage. On the 20th December 1853 Lieut Governor Charles LaTrobe took his spade to turn the first sod of an embankment across the swampy bed of the Plenty River at a lonely place called Yan Yean, in order to create Melbourne’s first water supply. In the early 1850’s water had been drawn from the Yarra which even then was known as Yarra Soup. A convict by the name of James Blackburn produced the basic design for supplying water to Melbourne from a reservoir on the Plenty River at Yan Yean, and later on he was appointed consulting engineer on the project. In 1853 a contract was let for the building of the wall for 91 thousand 575 pounds, and at one stage some 400 labourers were at work in the area. A tramway was constructed to convey stone and other materials from Melbourne. So famous was this magnificent stretch of water that illustrations of the bluestone embankment and tower appeared in London journals Whittlesea Historical Society – Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990 Colour photographyan yean, yan yean reservoir -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Yan Yean, 1987, 1987
Originally contained in a 'magnetic' photo album of scenic photos of Yan Yean and Warrandyte believed to be donated by Mrs Eric Stephenson, Jingalong, 110 Ryans Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095; relocated to archival safe storage. On the 20th December 1853 Lieut Governor Charles LaTrobe took his spade to turn the first sod of an embankment across the swampy bed of the Plenty River at a lonely place called Yan Yean, in order to create Melbourne’s first water supply. In the early 1850’s water had been drawn from the Yarra which even then was known as Yarra Soup. A convict by the name of James Blackburn produced the basic design for supplying water to Melbourne from a reservoir on the Plenty River at Yan Yean, and later on he was appointed consulting engineer on the project. In 1853 a contract was let for the building of the wall for 91 thousand 575 pounds, and at one stage some 400 labourers were at work in the area. A tramway was constructed to convey stone and other materials from Melbourne. So famous was this magnificent stretch of water that illustrations of the bluestone embankment and tower appeared in London journals Whittlesea Historical Society – Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990 Colour photographyan yean, yan yean reservoir -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Yan Yean, 1987, 1987
Originally contained in a 'magnetic' photo album of scenic photos of Yan Yean and Warrandyte believed to be donated by Mrs Eric Stephenson, Jingalong, 110 Ryans Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095; relocated to archival safe storage. On the 20th December 1853 Lieut Governor Charles LaTrobe took his spade to turn the first sod of an embankment across the swampy bed of the Plenty River at a lonely place called Yan Yean, in order to create Melbourne’s first water supply. In the early 1850’s water had been drawn from the Yarra which even then was known as Yarra Soup. A convict by the name of James Blackburn produced the basic design for supplying water to Melbourne from a reservoir on the Plenty River at Yan Yean, and later on he was appointed consulting engineer on the project. In 1853 a contract was let for the building of the wall for 91 thousand 575 pounds, and at one stage some 400 labourers were at work in the area. A tramway was constructed to convey stone and other materials from Melbourne. So famous was this magnificent stretch of water that illustrations of the bluestone embankment and tower appeared in London journals Whittlesea Historical Society – Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990 Colour photographyan yean, yan yean reservoir -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Yan Yean, 1987, 1987
Originally contained in a 'magnetic' photo album of scenic photos of Yan Yean and Warrandyte believed to be donated by Mrs Eric Stephenson, Jingalong, 110 Ryans Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095; relocated to archival safe storage. On the 20th December 1853 Lieut Governor Charles LaTrobe took his spade to turn the first sod of an embankment across the swampy bed of the Plenty River at a lonely place called Yan Yean, in order to create Melbourne’s first water supply. In the early 1850’s water had been drawn from the Yarra which even then was known as Yarra Soup. A convict by the name of James Blackburn produced the basic design for supplying water to Melbourne from a reservoir on the Plenty River at Yan Yean, and later on he was appointed consulting engineer on the project. In 1853 a contract was let for the building of the wall for 91 thousand 575 pounds, and at one stage some 400 labourers were at work in the area. A tramway was constructed to convey stone and other materials from Melbourne. So famous was this magnificent stretch of water that illustrations of the bluestone embankment and tower appeared in London journals Whittlesea Historical Society – Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990Colour photographyan yean, yan yean reservoir -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Yan Yean Reservoir
Originally contained in a 'magnetic' photo album of scenic photos of Yan Yean and Warrandyte believed to be donated by Mrs Eric Stephenson, Jingalong, 110 Ryans Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095; relocated to archival safe storage. On the 20th December 1853 Lieut Governor Charles LaTrobe took his spade to turn the first sod of an embankment across the swampy bed of the Plenty River at a lonely place called Yan Yean, in order to create Melbourne’s first water supply. In the early 1850’s water had been drawn from the Yarra which even then was known as Yarra Soup. A convict by the name of James Blackburn produced the basic design for supplying water to Melbourne from a reservoir on the Plenty River at Yan Yean, and later on he was appointed consulting engineer on the project. In 1853 a contract was let for the building of the wall for 91 thousand 575 pounds, and at one stage some 400 labourers were at work in the area. A tramway was constructed to convey stone and other materials from Melbourne. So famous was this magnificent stretch of water that illustrations of the bluestone embankment and tower appeared in London journals Whittlesea Historical Society – Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990 Colour photographyan yean, yan yean reservoir -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Yan Yean, 1988, 1988
Originally contained in a 'magnetic' photo album of scenic photos of Yan Yean and Warrandyte believed to be donated by Mrs Eric Stephenson, Jingalong, 110 Ryans Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095; relocated to archival safe storage. On the 20th December 1853 Lieut Governor Charles LaTrobe took his spade to turn the first sod of an embankment across the swampy bed of the Plenty River at a lonely place called Yan Yean, in order to create Melbourne’s first water supply. In the early 1850’s water had been drawn from the Yarra which even then was known as Yarra Soup. A convict by the name of James Blackburn produced the basic design for supplying water to Melbourne from a reservoir on the Plenty River at Yan Yean, and later on he was appointed consulting engineer on the project. In 1853 a contract was let for the building of the wall for 91 thousand 575 pounds, and at one stage some 400 labourers were at work in the area. A tramway was constructed to convey stone and other materials from Melbourne. So famous was this magnificent stretch of water that illustrations of the bluestone embankment and tower appeared in London journals Whittlesea Historical Society – Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990 Colour photographyan yean, yan yean reservoir -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Flowering Gum at Yan Yean, 1988, 1988
Originally contained in a 'magnetic' photo album of scenic photos of Yan Yean and Warrandyte believed to be donated by Mrs Eric Stephenson, Jingalong, 110 Ryans Road, Eltham, Vic. 3095; relocated to archival safe storage. On the 20th December 1853 Lieut Governor Charles LaTrobe took his spade to turn the first sod of an embankment across the swampy bed of the Plenty River at a lonely place called Yan Yean, in order to create Melbourne’s first water supply. In the early 1850’s water had been drawn from the Yarra which even then was known as Yarra Soup. A convict by the name of James Blackburn produced the basic design for supplying water to Melbourne from a reservoir on the Plenty River at Yan Yean, and later on he was appointed consulting engineer on the project. In 1853 a contract was let for the building of the wall for 91 thousand 575 pounds, and at one stage some 400 labourers were at work in the area. A tramway was constructed to convey stone and other materials from Melbourne. So famous was this magnificent stretch of water that illustrations of the bluestone embankment and tower appeared in London journals Whittlesea Historical Society – Historic items for Diamond Valley Community Radio September 1990 Colour photographyan yean -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album - Album page, "Ripponlea", Hotham Street, Circa 1972
This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Rippon Lea H0614 https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/427(as at 23/10/2020) Rippon Lea was commenced in 1868 by Frederick Sargood, a most successful politician and merchant. He was born in England in 1834 and arrived in Melbourne in 1850. He soon joined his father's wholesale soft goods firm, spending some time as its manager on the goldfields. Sargood entered the Legislative Council in 1874. He was Victoria?s first Minister for Defence in 1883. Sir Frederick Sargood was created CMG. In 1885 and KCMG in 1890 as a reward for his contribution to public life. He died suddenly in 1903. Rippon Lea was designed by the leading firm of architects, Reed and Barnes. Joseph Reed had travelled in Europe in 1863, including northern Italy. When he returned he introduced the use of polychromy. While not the first examples, Rippon Lea and the Independent Church in Collins Street were the best and set a fashion which became a distinctly Melbourne style, particularly used for houses and churches. Its popularity was possible because of the new availability of different coloured bricks. Reed's fine Lombardic Romanesque details soon became debased by others. As Sargood's family grew and his fortunes prospered, Rippon Lea was extended to include 33 rooms - a complete mansion. The cast iron porte cochere and the northern conservatory were added in 1897. The architects were Taylor and Fitts. The ballroom was added in 1882 and remodelled in 1889. Many alterations have changed the interior and exterior during the ownerships of Benjamin Nathan and later his daughter Mrs Louisa Jones in the 1930s and are in their own right of significance. Sir Thomas Bent owned the property from 1903 until 1911 but never lived there. He subdivided much of the land. The original garden dates from about 1868, and it seems that William Guilfoyle of the Botanic Gardens was involved. It was redesigned in a more natural style in the 1880s by Sargood and his head gardener, Adam Anderson. The lake, waterfalls, fernery, hill and grotto are balanced by mighty deciduous trees and conifers. These are interspersed with, but never dominated by Australian species such as eucalyptus and other exotics. The sinuous drive with its carefully prepared approach to the house is notable. The original vegetable gardens, orchard and outer paddocks no longer survive. The shade house is important as the largest known in Australia and possibly the world. Its curved plan and form of construction are particularly notable. It was built about 1884.Page 94 of Photograph Album with four photographs (three landscape and one portrait) of Ripponlea - stables, lookout and neighbouring cottages.Handwritten: "Ripponlea" Hotham Street [top right] / Neg 256 Dec 1972 STABLES [under top left photo] / Neg 248 Dec 1972 LOOKOUT [under top right photo] / Neg 254 Dec 1972 / COTTAGES WILLOW STREET [under bottom left photo] / Neg 259 Dec 1972 STABLES [under bottom right photo] / 94 [bottom right]trevor hart, elsternwick, mansion, hotham street, frederick sargood, reed and barnes, 1860's, 1890's, 1880's, benjamin nathan, nathan, louisa jones, thomas bent, sir thomas bent, william guilfoyle, guilfoyle, adam anderson, ripponlea, victorian, sir frederick sargood, architects, bricks, polychrome bricks, taylor and fitts, stables, lookouts, cottages, outbuildings, rippon lea -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album - Album page, Nithsdale now Five Way Hill, Kambrook Road, Circa 1972
This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. Glen Eira Heritage Management Plan (1996) by Andrew Ward and Associates - Vol 3 "Nithsdale", built for J.S. Crouchin 1858 and extended in 1885 with a tower and associated rooms, survives as testimony to the nineteenth century occupation of the vicinity of the Kambrook/Glen Eira Road intersection. Caulfield's Building Heritage by Dr Geulah Solomon, Vol 1 p49 records it as a small Victorian mansion home on bluestone foundations of Italianate style with a tower. Built for J S Chambers circa 1860, it was built in stages and then the land subdivided in the 1920s. Other owners include Adolph F Brockhoff (of Brockhoff Biscuits company). Names used besides Nithsdale have been Bundoora and Five Way Hill. Page 102 of Photograph Album with four photographs (three landscape and one portrait) of Nithsdale, now known as Five Way Hill. Three views of the tower and one of the house.Handwritten: "Nithsdale" now "Five Way Hill" Kambrook road [top right] / CNR KAMBROOK AND GLENEIRA ROADS [under bottom right photo] / 102 [bottom right]trevor hart, north caulfield, victorian, mid victorian, late victorian, tower, j.s. crouchin, 1850's, 1880's, italianate, rendered, five way hill, nithsdale, slate roof, plaster arches, ornamental columns, triangular pediment, ornamental parapet, cast iron balconies, kambrook road, glen eira road, t crouch, j s crouchin, mansions, j s chambers, bluestone foundations, land subdivision, adolph f brockhoff, bundoora, house names -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album - Album page, Rosemont, 112 Kooyong Road, Circa 1972
This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Rosemont HO124 - 112 Kooyong Road Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/35588 Rosemont'' is situated at no.112A Kooyong Road, Caulfield North and was built in 1869 for Godfrey Howitt, physician, president and honorary physician of the Melbourne Benevolent Society, Council member of the University of Melbourne and founding vice president of the Royal Society of Victoria. It is historically significant (Criterion A) as an early and substantial villa residence demonstrating Caulfield's early attraction as a residential retreat for Melbourne's elite. This significance is enhanced by the associations of the place with Godfrey Howitt and later James Grice, National Bank chairman and owner of "Stonnington" in Glenferrie Road, Malvern and Thomas King, councillor and successful negotiator for the extension of the electric tramway system to the Municipality.Page 110 of photograph album with 4 photos (portraits) of varying views of Rosemont's exterior and garden.Handwritten: "Rosemont" 112 Kooyong Road [top right] / Neg 97 1972 / [under top right photo] / 110 [bottom right]trevor hart, caulfield, john bakewell, francis mcdonnell, gabled slate roofs, rosemont, caulfield north, kooyong road, 1860's, godfrey howitt, james grice, thomas king, villa residence, decorative brickwork, curved windows, bay window, garden, victorian style, mansions, polychrome bricks, porches, arches, parapets, verandahs, slate roofs -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album - Album page, Tudor Court, Kooyong Road, Dec 1972
This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. Sands & McDougalls directory of Victoria : 1970 gives address as 141 Kooyong Road, Caulfield North. "Caulfield's Building Heritage" p67 includes that this mansion was originally called Fairhaven, built for George Hope, a dairy farmer. He changed the name to Tudor Court in 1915 when he moved his dairy to Cranbourne.Page 116 of Photograph Album with three photographs (one portrait and two landscape) of different views of Tudor Court in its garden. Handwritten: "Tudor Court" Kooyong Road [top right] / Neg 252 Dec 1972 [under top left photo] / Neg 251 Dec 1972 [under top right photo] / Neg 253 Dec 1972 [under bottom left photo] / 116 [bottom right]trevor hart, caulfield north, kooyong road, mansion, verandah, tudor court, george hope, terracotta tiles, terracotta roof, arched windows, port cochere, square bay window, timber balustrade, columned balcony, receptions, fairhaven, arcare caulfield aged care, 1910's, spire, ridge capping, conical roof, verandahs, victorian architectural style, tudor style, queen anne style, lead lights windows, shingle roofs -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album - Album page, Labassa, 4 Manor Grove, Circa 1972
This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. HISTORY:-- From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Labassa https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) Labassa, Caulfield is one of Melbourne's most lavishly decorated nineteenth century mansions. It resulted from the extensive remodelling in 1890, of an earlier house, known as Sylliott Hill, which was begun in 1862-3 for lawyer, Richard A. Billing. The land at the corner of Balaclava and Orrong Roads was first acquired in 1854 by William Lyall, transferred to his partner, John Mickle, in 1859, who also acquired the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road, and the three allotments were conveyed to Billing. His first eight-roomed house was extended significantly in 1873 into a twenty-roomed house by architects Crouch and Wilson, who were possibly also responsible for the first house. This reflected Billing's success as a barrister, and he resided at this property until his death in 1882. In 1883 prominent Melbourne businessman, Alexander William Robertson, leased the Sylliott Hill property from Billing's widow, and in 1885 he purchased the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road. He purchased the Billing's property in 1887 and renamed the 6.31 hectare property, Ontario. In 1889-90, Robertson commissioned the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to extensively remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The existing house was extended and altered, largely resulting in the nineteenth century mansion as it now appears. After Robertson's death in 1896, the house was tenanted until it was eventually sold to the mining millionaire, John Boyd Watson, in 1904. He renamed the property Labassa and carried out repair and re-decoration work to the house. In the early twentieth century, many large estates were subdivided into smaller allotments as the demand for land grew and it became difficult to maintain such large estates. After Watson's death in 1911, portions of the Labassa estate were offered for sale, with Mrs Watson retaining a 1.73 hectare portion containing the house. In 1913 forty-six allotments were auctioned at Labassa Estate, with the formation of Labassa Grove and Ontario Street to the east of the property. Labassa was first recorded as containing flats in 1923 and in the late 1920s, the owner, Robert Hannon, built a red brick block of flats adjacent to the house. Subdivision continued, until the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the house in 1980 and subsequently purchased adjoining sites, one to the south-east in 1984 (house demolished in 1988) and to the west in 1988. Labassa as it now stands is substantially as it appeared when Koch completed the work in 1890. The original two storey house was transformed into a French Renaissance style mansion, with the addition of a two level L-shaped arcaded verandah and two prominent terminating bays to the south and the east. The building is of unpainted cement render with dressed bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet and steep, slate covered, flat topped mansard roofs behind. A truncated conical roof is a feature of the south bay and a helmeted head is incorporated in the parapet over the east bay. The main south and east facades incorporate many cast cement details, including sculptures, elaborate cornices, swagged Corinthian columns and caryatid consoles flanking the entrance porch, as well as pink marble panels and imitation marble, or scagliola, on curved surfaces. At the rear of the building is a two storey wing and a single storey cottage, the former being connected to the main house by a tower. This section of the house was constructed in 1873. The estate at its peak included stables (1873), conservatory (probably 1890) and a tennis pavilion (probably 1890). All of these outbuildings survive, with the stables and conservatory being converted for residential use after 1922. Internally a range of decorative treatments remain from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, both from the Robertson and Watson periods of occupancy. These include wallpapers, ceiling decoration, chimney pieces, mouldings, joinery and decorative glass. From Victorian Heritage Database citation for H0135 Labassa 2/2A Manor Grove Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural significance as the most prominent example of a small number of houses built in Australia in the French Renaissance style. It is of further note due to the German interpretation of the style and the use of Hellenistic sources, via Germany. It is exceptional for its lavish treatment externally, including marble, scagliola, caryatids, swagged columns, mansard roofs and ornamental cresting. Labassa is of architectural significance as the most important surviving example of German architect, John Koch's domestic work. He undertook a large variety of work in Melbourne, including a number of houses, however Labassa is the most lavish example of his work. Labassa is of aesthetic significance for its outstanding assemblage of late nineteenth and early twentieth century European style interior decoration, which remain remarkably intact. These include a trompe l'oeil ceiling, painted ceilings, embossed imitation leather and other papers, chimney pieces, ceramic tilework, oak parquetry and stained glass, including a tripartite window by Ferguson and Urie, probably dating from the 1873 period. Labassa is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the wealth acquired by a number of prominent Victorian families in the second half of the 19th century. The early development of the property, Sylliott Hill, was due to the wealth acquired by Richard Billing, barrister and fifth Victorian to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1878. The significant development in 1890 of Ontario, is illustrative of the wealth of Alexander Robertson, a partner in Cobb and Co., a director of Goldsborough Mort & Co., and a pastoral speculator. John B. Watson, whose father had acquired great wealth from the goldfields of Bendigo and subsequently invested in city and country properties, was the third resident to impact on the house, particularly the interiors. The Labassa estate is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the development that occurred in such suburbs as Caulfield in the 1880s due to the land boom, its proximity to Melbourne and the establishment of the Melbourne to Gippsland railway in 1879. It is also illustrative of an estate which succumbed to the pressures of subdividing in the early twentieth century, as properties became difficult to maintain and demand for land close to the city grew. It was typically divided into flats in the 1920s and was used as such for about sixty years. It is of historical significance for its associations with the remnants of the earlier estate which remain extant. These include the stables, conservatory (H2005) and tennis pavilion which all remain on separate sites. Also significant are the remains of early electrical wiring and fittings. Labassa was one of the first houses in Caulfield to be electrified and some of the original wires remain. [Online Data Upgrade Project 2004]Page 128 of Photograph Album with four photographs (two portrait and two landscape) of Labassa.Handwritten: "Labassa" 4 Manor Grove [top right] / Neg 232 8 Oct 1966 [under bottom right photo] / 128 [bottom right]trevor hart, bracketed eaves, slate roof, bay windows, decorative brackets, caulfield north, labassa, richard a. billing, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, william lyall, crouch and wilson, alexander william robertson, ontario, 1880's, john a. b. koch, mansion, john boyd watson, labassa grove, french renaissance style, l-shaped arcaded verandah, bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet, flat topped mansard roofs, conical roof, elaborate cornices, corinthian columns, caryatid consoles, marble panels, imitation marble, scagliola, tower, conservatory, stables, tennis pavilion, mouldings, decorative glass, caryatids, swagged columns, ornamental cresting, trompe l'oeil ceiling, embossed imitation leather, oak parquetry, stained glass, tripartite window, triple window, ferguson and urie, 1870's, flats, 1920's, electric wiring, 1860's, verandahs, curved windows, arched windows, italianate, terraces, gargoyles, ornamentation, ornate entrance, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, victorian, cast iron work, john koch, richard billing, architects, electrification, john mickle, land subdivision, mrs watson, labassa estate, robert hannon, national trust of australia (victoria), sculpture -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album - Album page, Labassa, 4 Manor Grove, Circa 1972
This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. HISTORY:-- From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Labassa https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) Labassa, Caulfield is one of Melbourne's most lavishly decorated nineteenth century mansions. It resulted from the extensive remodelling in 1890, of an earlier house, known as Sylliott Hill, which was begun in 1862-3 for lawyer, Richard A. Billing. The land at the corner of Balaclava and Orrong Roads was first acquired in 1854 by William Lyall, transferred to his partner, John Mickle, in 1859, who also acquired the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road, and the three allotments were conveyed to Billing. His first eight-roomed house was extended significantly in 1873 into a twenty-roomed house by architects Crouch and Wilson, who were possibly also responsible for the first house. This reflected Billing's success as a barrister, and he resided at this property until his death in 1882. In 1883 prominent Melbourne businessman, Alexander William Robertson, leased the Sylliott Hill property from Billing's widow, and in 1885 he purchased the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road. He purchased the Billing's property in 1887 and renamed the 6.31 hectare property, Ontario. In 1889-90, Robertson commissioned the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to extensively remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The existing house was extended and altered, largely resulting in the nineteenth century mansion as it now appears. After Robertson's death in 1896, the house was tenanted until it was eventually sold to the mining millionaire, John Boyd Watson, in 1904. He renamed the property Labassa and carried out repair and re-decoration work to the house. In the early twentieth century, many large estates were subdivided into smaller allotments as the demand for land grew and it became difficult to maintain such large estates. After Watson's death in 1911, portions of the Labassa estate were offered for sale, with Mrs Watson retaining a 1.73 hectare portion containing the house. In 1913 forty-six allotments were auctioned at Labassa Estate, with the formation of Labassa Grove and Ontario Street to the east of the property. Labassa was first recorded as containing flats in 1923 and in the late 1920s, the owner, Robert Hannon, built a red brick block of flats adjacent to the house. Subdivision continued, until the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the house in 1980 and subsequently purchased adjoining sites, one to the south-east in 1984 (house demolished in 1988) and to the west in 1988. Labassa as it now stands is substantially as it appeared when Koch completed the work in 1890. The original two storey house was transformed into a French Renaissance style mansion, with the addition of a two level L-shaped arcaded verandah and two prominent terminating bays to the south and the east. The building is of unpainted cement render with dressed bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet and steep, slate covered, flat topped mansard roofs behind. A truncated conical roof is a feature of the south bay and a helmeted head is incorporated in the parapet over the east bay. The main south and east facades incorporate many cast cement details, including sculptures, elaborate cornices, swagged Corinthian columns and caryatid consoles flanking the entrance porch, as well as pink marble panels and imitation marble, or scagliola, on curved surfaces. At the rear of the building is a two storey wing and a single storey cottage, the former being connected to the main house by a tower. This section of the house was constructed in 1873. The estate at its peak included stables (1873), conservatory (probably 1890) and a tennis pavilion (probably 1890). All of these outbuildings survive, with the stables and conservatory being converted for residential use after 1922. Internally a range of decorative treatments remain from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, both from the Robertson and Watson periods of occupancy. These include wallpapers, ceiling decoration, chimney pieces, mouldings, joinery and decorative glass.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for H0135 Labassa 2/2A Manor Grove Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural significance as the most prominent example of a small number of houses built in Australia in the French Renaissance style. It is of further note due to the German interpretation of the style and the use of Hellenistic sources, via Germany. It is exceptional for its lavish treatment externally, including marble, scagliola, caryatids, swagged columns, mansard roofs and ornamental cresting. Labassa is of architectural significance as the most important surviving example of German architect, John Koch's domestic work. He undertook a large variety of work in Melbourne, including a number of houses, however Labassa is the most lavish example of his work. Labassa is of aesthetic significance for its outstanding assemblage of late nineteenth and early twentieth century European style interior decoration, which remain remarkably intact. These include a trompe l'oeil ceiling, painted ceilings, embossed imitation leather and other papers, chimney pieces, ceramic tilework, oak parquetry and stained glass, including a tripartite window by Ferguson and Urie, probably dating from the 1873 period. Labassa is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the wealth acquired by a number of prominent Victorian families in the second half of the 19th century. The early development of the property, Sylliott Hill, was due to the wealth acquired by Richard Billing, barrister and fifth Victorian to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1878. The significant development in 1890 of Ontario, is illustrative of the wealth of Alexander Robertson, a partner in Cobb and Co., a director of Goldsborough Mort & Co., and a pastoral speculator. John B. Watson, whose father had acquired great wealth from the goldfields of Bendigo and subsequently invested in city and country properties, was the third resident to impact on the house, particularly the interiors. The Labassa estate is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the development that occurred in such suburbs as Caulfield in the 1880s due to the land boom, its proximity to Melbourne and the establishment of the Melbourne to Gippsland railway in 1879. It is also illustrative of an estate which succumbed to the pressures of subdividing in the early twentieth century, as properties became difficult to maintain and demand for land close to the city grew. It was typically divided into flats in the 1920s and was used as such for about sixty years. It is of historical significance for its associations with the remnants of the earlier estate which remain extant. These include the stables, conservatory (H2005) and tennis pavilion which all remain on separate sites. Also significant are the remains of early electrical wiring and fittings. Labassa was one of the first houses in Caulfield to be electrified and some of the original wires remain. [Online Data Upgrade Project 2004]Page 129 of Photograph Album with three landscape photographs of Labassa. One of the photographs is of Labassa's drive and gates.Handwritten: 4 JUNE 1910 / SALE JUNE 28 1910 "LA BASSA' / "AUSTRALASIAN" FORMERLY "ONTARIO"/ RES OF JOHN B WATSON / 15 ACRES 3 ROADS [under bottom left photo] / 4 JUNE 1910 [under bottom right photo] / 129 [bottom left]trevor hart, bracketed eaves, intricate lacework, slate roof, bay windows, decorative brackets, caulfield north, labassa, richard a. billing, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, william lyall, crouch and wilson, alexander william robertson, ontario, 1880's, john a. b. koch, mansion, john boyd watson, labassa grove, french renaissance style, l-shaped arcaded verandah, bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet, flat topped mansard roofs, conical roof, elaborate cornices, corinthian columns, caryatid consoles, marble panels, imitation marble, scagliola, tower, conservatory, stables, tennis pavilion, mouldings, decorative glass, caryatids, swagged columns, ornamental cresting, trompe l'oeil ceiling, embossed imitation leather, oak parquetry, stained glass, tripartite window, triple window, ferguson and urie, 1870's, flats, 1920's, electric wiring, 1860's, verandahs, curved windows, arched windows, italianate, terraces, gargoyles, ornamentation, ornate entrance, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, gates, cast iron work, richard billing, architects, john koch, electrification, victorian style, drives, john mickle, land subdivision, mrs watson, labassa estate, robert hannon, national trust of australia (victoria), sculpture