The Eighth Eltham Community Festival was held 16-17 October 1982. Although the Society’s parade entry did not win a prize this year, it was considered highly successful from a participation point of view. Despite some uncertainty as to just who was coming, members and friends kept appearing at the assembly area. As in the past years, members from the Victorian Folk Music Club brought their instruments along and really added to the occasion. This year concentrated on a rural theme with a tractor/trailer combination. Peter Bassett-Smith supplied the tractor for towing the float designed and assembled by Joh Ebeli on Dennis McKay’s trailer. The closing stages of the parade were marred by heavy rain. The cold driving rain provided a special problem for Peter Bassett-Smith in driving his tractor home to Kangaroo Ground as he had to choose between standing up to warm his hands on the exhaust and having his tractor seat flooded. A Certificate, Festival Parade Award, Rotary Club of Eltham, Eighth Eltham Community Festival 1982 was presented to the Shire of Eltham Historical Society for the most effort by "locals".35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Agfachrome Agfa CS System black 8 dotsSlide is date coded 09-82 - possibly rehousedeltham, eltham festival, parade, parade floats, cecil street

The Society again arranged a float for the festival parade. Members dressed appropriately to the theme "Pioneers of Eltham". The parade commenced at 12 noon, participants assembling at 11.30am in Cecil Street. As in past parades, several members of the Victorian Folk Music Club accompanied the Society. The Society also arranged a display at the Eltham Community Centre in association with the activities there over the Festival weekend. The theme of this year's display was the waterways of the local area.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Kodak Kodachrome Cardeltham, eltham festival, parade, parade floats, central park, doug orford, eltham shire office, garnet burges, joh ebeli, opal smith, panther place, peter bassett smith, peter bassett-smith, russell yeoman, victorian folk music society

In 1981 the Shire of Eltham Historical Society was asked by the Victorian Place Names Committee to comment on a proposal by the Shire of Eltham to assign names to parklands in Eltham as follows:- "Eltham Common" - the area between the municipal offices, Main Road, the Eltham railway -line, and Panther Place and containing Shillinglaw Cottage. The Shire has advised that this name has been used locally for the site since about 1975. "Alistair Knox Park" - the area bounded by the Eltham railway -line, Panther Place, Main Road, Bridge Street, and Susan Street, and through which flows the Diamond Creek. The area has been known locally as "Eltham Town Park" The proposed name "Alistair Knox Park" had created some local controversy with a number of reversals of the Council's decision and letters to the local paper both for and against the proposal. The society was reluctant to be drawn into this controversy particularly as there were known to be members with strong views both for and against the proposed name. The society appreciated the work done by Alistair Knox both in the formulation of the park concept and in its development but because of the controversy generated by the proposed naming and also because of the wide general use of the park by the public·, the name Eltham Town Park was felt more appropriate. The society noted that there was no outstanding historical associations with the land comprising the park which would warrant naming the park after any particular person, place or event. No objection was raised to the Eltham Common proposal as set-out above. The decision was made in the knowledge that Alistair Knox had been associated with the society over many years and was a prominent figure in the recent history of Eltham. He was regarded as a key figure in the environmental building movement and in particular was renowned for his use of mud bricks as a building material. He served as a councillor of the Shire of Eltham from 1971-1975, his final year as Shire President. It was during these years that the proposals to create the park in its present form were shaped and Alistair played a leading part in the decision to make it a landscaped passive recreational park rather than a sporting area. The parklands comprise a section of the Diamond Creek valley. The creek itself flows through the centre of the area which is overlooked by steep hills on each side. The parks form part of the land purchased from the Crown in 1851 by J.M. Holloway and then subdivided into allotments and called "Little Eltham". While most of the area was subdivided into residential lots the creek valley was subdivided into lots suitable for small farms. Some further subdivision took place over the years and the whole of the parks now comprises eight separate titles. A list of some of the former owners has been compiled but exhaustive research on all owners has not been carried out. The ownership of one parcel has been traced back to when it was purchased from Holloway by John Hicks Petty in 1874, long after it was subdivided. Other families owning land within the area over the years included Lyon, Rees, Clark, Waterfall, Carrucan, Graham, Hill and Morant. The character of the valley area has remained rural while development occurred on each side. Early photos show the area as orchard and grazing land. In 1901 the railway was constructed through the area resulting in the timber trestle bridge across the Diamond Creek. which is an important feature of the park landscape. A memorial obelisk to the Eltham servicemen killed in World War 1 was erected at the south eastern corner of the park. The site is now within the intersection of Main Road and Bridge Street and the memorial was shifted in the 1950s to the Eltham R.S.L. clubrooms. Following the financial failure of the local sub-branch, the memorial obelisk was again relocated to the Eltham War Memorial building precinct in 2011. During the early 1960's the Council started purchasing the land which now comprises the parks. In the late 1960's the area to the east of the Diamond Creek was used as a garbage tip and filled above the flood plain of the creek. When this area was filled the tip was transferred to the west side of the creek. From the early 1970's the area has been progressively developed as a park for passive recreation with ornamental lakes, extensive tree planting and landscaping. The character of the valley before the days of the tip has been recreated and this has earned a Landscape classification from the National Trust, an unusual honour for a man-made landscape. The parks are not only attractive in appearance. The large number of people using them, particularly at weekends and holidays is evidence of their popularity and the foresight and careful planning of local residents, Councillors and Council Staff. 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, alistair knox park, eltham town park

Historical property that sits beside Watsons Creek. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure its preservation - NL18235mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAR 89Mbirch cottage, christmas hills, smiths gully, watson's creek, yarra glen road

Historical property that sits beside Watsons Creek. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure its preservation - NL18235mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAR 89Mbirch cottage, christmas hills, smiths gully, watson's creek, yarra glen road

The east end of Nyora bewteen Stokes Place and Reynolds Road was unsealed. This section was only a fire access track as evidenced by the trees growing in the middle of the road. Real Estate agents would advertise homes as down a (dusty) country lane. The Nyora Road Resident Action Group arose to address concerns with Council regarding the dangerous conditions and traffic from outside the area using it as a 'rat-run' to avoid Main Road. Council traffic monitors showed that the amount of traffic was only 20% less than that of Mt Pleasant Road. The Action Group wanted the road closed at reynolds Road however Council elected to install speed calming devices along the sealed section between Stokes Place and Eucalyptus Road. Chicanes were added at several locations and a roundabout installed at Stokes Place in 2004. This remaining dirt section was sealed post 2004.35mm colour positive transparency Mount - Black and Whiteinfrastructure, roads, eltham, nyora road

The Heidelberg School Artists Trail was established in about 1999 with about 52 signs across four local governemnt areas including Nillumbik and Banyule. It extends from Heidelberg through Eltham and Warrandyte and to the Dandenongs. It features signs depicting paintings of artists in the location in which they were painted. This one acknowledges "On the Eltham Road", 1906. Transcription of the text states: "In this cheerful rural landscape, Walter Withers has captured the spirit of early Eltham. Eltham was a quiet, sleepy village, where geese wandered up the main Road and the locals either walked or rode their horses or bicycles around the township. Walter Withers was known to load up his bicycle with his collapsible easel, folding stool, paint box, water bottle and canvases, and would head off for a day’s painting. He was also known for his walking, as was his family, and they became known as the ‘Walking Withers’ Part of a slide show presentation "A Trip Down the Diamond Creek" by Russell Yeoman to the Eltham District Historical Society meeting of 14 Nov. 200135mm colour positive transparency Mount - Black and Whiteeltham, alistair knox park, heidelberg school artists trail, on the eltham road, public art, sign, walter withers

September Meeting (Newsletter No. 224, Sep. 2015) On 4th October 2014 Nillumbik Shire Council launched a publication titled ‘Nillumbik Tales - Voices of our Elders’, which is a collection of colourful and personal snapshots of our local community. The unique Nillumbik based stories have been written by a variety of authors, including some who are members of our Society. At our meeting on Wednesday 9th September 2015 we will be having some of our members reading their own ‘Nillumbik Tale.’ In collating and publishing this historically important collection Nillumbik Shire Council has documented many aspects of our area and of the people who contributed to our community. The original print run of ‘Nillumbik Tales’ was sold out and there has been a reprint.1:22:15 duration Digital MP3 File 116 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, nillumbik shire council, nillumbik tales voices of our elders, society meeting

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire167 A4 pages (double sided), spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire130 A4 pages (double sided), spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire115 A4 pages (double sided), spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire127 A4 pages (double sided) and 3 A3 fold-out pages, spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes

Shire of Eltham Heritage Study 1992 prepared by David Bick and Carlotta Kellaway; Garden Evaluation by John Patrick and Planting Evaluation by Ken Wallace Volume One: Recommendations, Conservation Areas, Identified Places Volume Two: Environmental History and Bibliography Volume Three: Culturally Significant Themes and the Evaluations of the Individually Identified Places that Illustrate the ThemesProvide the foundation for future planning assessments in the shire117 A4 pages (double sided) and on A3 (double-dided) fold-out page, spiral bound with clear pastic front cover and black card end cover.david bick, carlotta kellaway, john patrick, ken wallace, shire of eltham heritage study, garden evaluation, planting evaluation, recommendations, conservation areas, identified places, environmental history, culturally significant themes

Both of the architects involved in the 2.4-hectare Kinloch Gardens parkland development in Arthur Street, Eltham, are now living on the estate. The project was conceived by Eltham architect Ian Jelbart, whose family has owned the land for more than 100 years, and fellow architect Graeme Gunn, who in the 1960s was one of the creators of the Merchants Builders concept that set new trends in Melbourne housing. The $5 million project is based around two of the original buildings, on what was once a 100-hectare farm owned by the Jelbart family. Ian Jelbart always intended to continue living in the original homestead building, and now Graeme Gunn has moved into the big residence that once was the barn. Kinloch Gardens is designed to combine the more manageable land sizes increasingly demanded by buyers with ample "internal space, flexible floorplans, privacy and individuality of designs. Individual houses are placed on small separate allotments around an area of private parkland. The aim is to ensure total privacy, offer virtually unlimited views and parkland vistas, and remain aesthetically compatible with the local environment. Homes in four basic designs over either two or three levels are being sold off the plan, with prices ranging from the high $200,000s to the high $300,000s. Two have already been sold. Indication of land-only values The prices being asked for some vacant blocks offered for private sale provides an enlightening comparison of the relative "land only" values for homes sites in various areas. A 751 sq metre block on a new residential estate in Bentleigh/Carnegie is offered at $235,000, equivalent to $312/square metre; while in Merrett Drive, Williamstown, a 561 sq metre allotment offered for $169,000 carries a rate of $301/sq metre. In Barnsbury Road, Balwyn, the $450,000 price tag on a 584 sq metre allotment equates to $770 sq metre; and in York Street, Richmond, a 198 sq metre postage stamp is priced at $230,000 or $1162/sq metre. - Rex BookerDigital file only; created from scan undertaken by EDHS of item on loanarthur street, eltham, graeme gunn, houses, ian jelbart, jelbart property, kinloch gardens, rob maclellan, robert marshall, woodridge estate

Description by Elders Real Estate: A Beautiful Studio Residence: The Barn at Kinloch Gardens Eltham's prestigious Private Country Estate A special part of Eltham's heritage. Beautifully situated on grounds of 1750 square metres with panoramic views, this dramatic building on three levels is converted to a ? office residence from the original farm house of the Kinloch Estate. The main level, 21 metres in length, is a soaring galleried space of 17 squares of flexible living and working areas, extensive storage spaces and private courtyard. Centrally located within Kinloch's landscaped grounds. The Barn is a romantic focal point of a unique enclave of ten contemporary house designed by Graeme Gunn and Ian Jelbart, the cultural mix of old and new confirms the value and reputation of this exclusive private estate. Digital file only; created from scan undertaken by EDHS of item on loanarthur street, elders real estate, eltham, houses, jelbart property, kinloch gardens, real estate agent, the barn, woodridge estate

Correspondence and information from the State Government about the Hurstbridge Line upgrade 2010. Also includes newspaper articles, Nillumbik Shire Council minutes report, map and contextual information regarding the Eltham Major Activity Centre structure Plan 2009. The main area of concern was the plan to reconfigue the Eltham stabling yard.23 documents, 62 pages of news clippings, photocopies and colour political fliersHG Folders 108 and 115harry gilham collection, railway line construction, hurstbridge line, hurstbridge railway line, eltham railway station, eltham station carpark, train stabling yard

A severe storm with damaging hail, rain and flooding impacted Melbourne on 25 December 2011 with particular damage to Eltham and Hurstbridge areas. The storm caused destablisation of parts of the Hurstbridge railway line. Wild day's trail of destruction, by Reid sexton, The Age, Tuesday, December 21, 2011, p4 Storm toll sparks rail safety fear, Reid Saxton, The Age, Tuesday, December 21, 2011, p52 newspaper articlesstorm, floods, flooding, christmas day, hurstbridge railway line

With the extension of the railway to Hurstbridge in 1912, large commercial orchards were able to expand. By 1914, 1,886 acres of orchards were under cultivation, with a considerable proprotion of the fruit being exported overseas. After World War One, the industry declined, mainly due to competition from other areas. This photo shows an orchard in the foreground with the township of Hurstbridge in the distance. The photo was taken in 1924, the same year that Hurstbridge was declared a township. orchard, hurstbridge, rose postcard

THE ECHUCA COALING STAGE. Locomotives would stop alongside to receive coal dropped into their tenders from small overhead rail mounted tipping trays. Water could be obtained from either the elevated tank at one end or the connected standpipe at the opposite end. Locomotive firebox contents could be dumped into pits between the rails from locomotives once they were carefully positioned above them. Such locomotives then could move onto the Engine Shed area for overnight parking. Firebox fires would be re-lit when the locomotive was next needed in a day or so. Image dated as November 1963 based on same image in Port of Echuca collection (possibly frame 32 of film) (print 19.5 x 24.5cm) On reverse in pencil: " K Class at Echuca" Echuca K Class. 1940-1968". In blue pen:" Photo by: George L. Coop Nov 1963" https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/59de9cc421ea6b12dc3f7597Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencycoal hopper, echuca railway station, george coop collection, k-158, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops)

THE ECHUCA COALING STAGE. Locomotives would stop alongside to receive coal dropped into their tenders from small overhead rail mounted tipping trays. Water could be obtained from either the elevated tank at one end or the connected standpipe at the opposite end. Locomotive firebox contents could be dumped into pits between the rails from locomotives once they were carefully positioned above them. Such locomotives then could move onto the Engine Shed area for overnight parking. Firebox fires would be re-lit when the locomotive was next needed in a day or so.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencycoal hopper, echuca railway station, george coop collection, k-158, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops)

THE ECHUCA COALING STAGE. Locomotives would stop alongside to receive coal dropped into their tenders from small overhead rail mounted tipping trays. Water could be obtained from either the elevated tank at one end or the connected standpipe at the opposite end. Locomotive firebox contents could be dumped into pits between the rails from locomotives once they were carefully positioned above them. Such locomotives then could move onto the Engine Shed area for overnight parking. Firebox fires would be re-lit when the locomotive was next needed in a day or so.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyechuca railway station, george coop collection, j-500, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry)

THE ECHUCA COALING STAGE. Locomotives would stop alongside to receive coal dropped into their tenders from small overhead rail mounted tipping trays. Water could be obtained from either the elevated tank at one end or the connected standpipe at the opposite end. Locomotive firebox contents could be dumped into pits between the rails from locomotives once they were carefully positioned above them. Such locomotives then could move onto the Engine Shed area for overnight parking. Firebox fires would be re-lit when the locomotive was next needed in a day or so.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencycoal hopper, echuca, echuca railway station, george coop collection, r-727, r-class steam locomotive

THE ECHUCA COALING STAGE. Locomotives would stop alongside to receive coal dropped into their tenders from small overhead rail mounted tipping trays. Water could be obtained from either the elevated tank at one end or the connected standpipe at the opposite end. Locomotive firebox contents could be dumped into pits between the rails from locomotives once they were carefully positioned above them. Such locomotives then could move onto the Engine Shed area for overnight parking. Firebox fires would be re-lit when the locomotive was next needed in a day or so.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencycoal hopper, echuca, echuca railway station, george coop collection, r-727, r-class steam locomotive

Photo supplied by B. Heddle reproduced on p137 of The Diamond Valley Story by Dianne H. Edwards, Shire of Diamond Valley 1979. "Albert Jones, photographer. Born in 1879, Albert Jones owned the property Golden Glen at Wattle Glen. He was an orchardist and a very busy photographer, travelling over the Diamond Valley area recording everyday events, street scenes, and visiting homes to take family groups. With the help of Claude Burrows, cousin of Mrs Arthur Jones, he built hides from which to photograph local bird life. His hundreds of glass negatives lay forgotten in the basement darkroom until A,J. Spark of Balwyn purchased Golden Glen from Albert Jones's widow in the 1970s. His unclassified negatives are gradually being sorted by Mr Spark. All photos in this book from the Spark/Jones Collection are the work of Albert Jones."Black and white copy of photo printed on glossy photographic paper 30.5 x 40.5 cm (12 x 16 inch); image size approx. 18.5 x 28 cmalbert jones, diamond valley story, golden glen, photographer, wattle glen

Ratepayer information pamphlet issued by Eltham Shire Council. Gives details on shire boundaries and bushfire area, basic history, Councillors by Riding, meetings,office hours. Also information on the 1962 bushfires that raged throughout half the shire, 14-16 January 1962; local laws regarding dogs; Rates, Works Programme, Shire Offices and Town Planning The 1962 bushfire took two lives and caused damage to property approaching £1 million. Approximately 180 habitable dwellings were destroyed, hundreds of miles of fencing were burnt and thousands of acres of pasture lost.Colour bifold printed double sided (4 pages) councillors, dogs, eltham shire council, eltham shire office, infrastructure, rates, ridings, shire boundaries, shire of eltham, town planning, victorian bushfires - 1962, works programme

April Meeting (Newsletter No. 227, Apr. 2016) At this meeting we are pleased to have as our guest speaker Jane Woollard, who has just published a book titled ‘Laughing Waters Road: Art, Landscape and Memory in Eltham.’ Jane was the local history officer at the Shire of Nillumbik so has a detailed knowledge of the history of our area. She has an extensive background as a writer, theatre director and teacher. As well as directing over 50 productions Jane has been a tutor and guest director at the Victorian College of the Arts and La Trobe University and was Artistic Director of the Union House Theatre at the University of Melbourne. Since 2001 more than eighty artists have been in residence at Laughing Waters in Birrarung House and Riverbend. In her book Jane has woven together their experiences and art making, together with Wurundjeri, European and family histories to create an evocative account of a very special place in Eltham.0:47:13 duration Digital MP3 File 66 MB audio recording, birrarung house, eltham district historical society, jane woollard, laughing waters, riverbend, shire of nillumbik, society meeting, wurundjeri

October Meeting (Newsletter No. 230, Jun. 2016) Community groups are the backbone of any community and the former Shires of Eltham and now Nillumbik are no exception. In our area there are some groups with a long history of consistently contributing to the development, enrichment and benefit of our local communities. Some we are well aware of, others not so much. At our next meeting we are pleased to have representatives from three long established community groups to talk to us about their histories, how they have been a part of the Eltham scene for many years and how their contributions have supported many other local organisations and initiatives.1:03:34 duration Digital MP3 File 75 MB audio recording, community groups, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting

Folder of information including a list of Military Camps in the Eltham area 1930-1940. Including photocopy of pages from unknown book, printout of photo from State Library Victoria and various copies of historial newspaper articles researched by Jim Allen in 2008HG Booklet 4harry gilham collection, military camps, eltham

Report prepared by the Eltham Community Health Centre Working Party. Includes an introduction (background, rationale and development of working party), principles and aims of the Eltham Community Health Centre, special characterisitics of Eltham, community health needs by programme area, staff establishment requirments and accomodation. Includes appendices including names of working party members. The initiative for establishing a health centre began in 1975. Withdrawn copy from Yarra Plenty Regional Library Collection27 pages bound and laminted. HG Booklet 5harry gilham collection, eltham community health centre

Based on 1996 Census - Snapshot of the Nillumbik community sourced from "Melbourne in Fact" Department of Infrastructure, 1998. Pages 66-67. File also includes un-connected information including part photocopy of unsourced newspaper article headed: Eltham special: Complete services availalbe in Eltham's modern business centre, Josiah Holloway (laid) the Foundations and copy of old photograph in the collection headed "Main Road, Eltham". News clipping headed "New guide to area history" from Diamond Valley News 5 May 1999.3 photocopied pages. I original news clippingHG Booklet 27chronology, harry gilham collection, shire of nillumbik