One of a collection of books by local writer Alan Marshall held at EDHS. This one is of "anecdotes and yarns" as described by Marshall before its publication in July 1981 in the Canberra Times. Alan Marshall's Australia, the Australia of "I Can Jump Puddles" has vanished. No longer do we have time to sit on the sliprail and exchange yarns, to drive buggies down long, quiet dusty roads, or to watch the king-hit merchant operating in some small hotel. Even the Cu-nims hold no terrors for a Boeing 427! And yet - Alan Marshall's Australia lives for all those who read this book. Meet Lance Skuthorpe who tethered an old bull in Bourke Street and offered £5 to anyone who could ride it for half a minute and Binjarrpooma, the Arnhem Land terror. Accompany Alan in his horse-drawn caravan or buggy to country sales, pubs and stations and listen with him to great bush eccentrics, lairs and yarn spinners. Go further back and remember Conversation Lollies, the cigarette cards you collected and the school yard games. Can you recall how to test an axe blade, choose a pocket knife, or the penetrating power of Goanna Oil? But this book is more than a nostalgic journey into the past ; it is history for the young and a timely reminder for us all - it is our roots. - Front end papers viii, 165 p. : ill. ; Two copiesISBN 0908090390alan marshall, prose, short stories, ancedotes, australia, tales, yarms

Two page document recording anecdotes about Melbourne Legacy Presidents, including Bill Cremor, Syd Birrell, Ray Hall and Cyril Smith, written by Ray Hall's successor in 1935, H.G. Brain. According to his account relationships were not always smooth; not only did Hall chair a fractious Board in 1934, but in 1931 insults were hurled during a meeting (by no less than Stan Savige) which resulted in the immediate resignation of the then President Smith, later retracted. Brain himself upset Mildura Legacy when he put forward his view to the Mildura Annual Dinner that 'the returned soldier section of the population was big enough ... to carry its own welfare activities, and that it ought not to pound the general populace too hard.' He had inadvertently broadcast his ideas over the national network, thinking that the microphone was only for local hearing assistance. More amusingly Brain also tells a story about Cremor when he ran against Harold Holt for the the House of Representatives seat of Fawkner 'in 1942 (?)', and one about Birrell showing a group of the Women's Nationalist League (a conservative women's organisation established in 1904 to support the monarchy and empire) members around the Flemington Saleyards. The handwritten notation at the end references the funeral of 1949 President Syd Birrell, who died in 1966.Eyewitness account of early Melbourne Legacy presidents, which is indicative of the times and attitudes.2 typed sheets, black on white'Birrell funeral' handwritten in blue ballpoint, tick beside the final paragraph on each sheet.past presidents, history

The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were snapped by Tom Prior, the Uncle of Ivy Reynolds (her mother's brother) around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy is a much loved pioneer who lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Many today living in our township will know Ivy and remember her sister Margaret. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Ivy Reynolds would like to share this history, stories and anecdotes with you. If they are not recorded and presented they are lost. In Andrew Lemon's Book Return to Research, A Centenary History of Research Primary School, there is a chapter-- reminiscing ..... the Reynold's family in Research 1870 to 1989 by Jenny Anderson With this in mind, Ivy would like to present the Reynolds/Prior collection in album form to the Historical Society of Eltham, and also to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Ground. Ross McDonald 605 Mt Pleasant Rd Research, Vic 3095 (March, 2006 )The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were taken by Tom Prior, the maternal uncle of Ivy Reynolds, around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Album of photograps (rteproductions) and A4 photocopy (7 pages) contained in album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection giving background to collection and notes on photosThe Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Groundreynolds prior collection

Transcription of the speeches given at a dinner at the Oakleigh Waverley Branch to honour Legatee Frank Doolan, who was a close friend of Stan Savige and a founding member of Melbourne Legacy. It was Doolan who suggested in 1925 that the object of Legacy be changed from the original intention to find work for returned servicemen to looking after the widows and children of those who had died. Although he refused nominations to be President throughout the ensuing years, he served on many committees, working tirelessly in the background. He was also a part of the campaign to build the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance. He recounts the confrontation between Legatee Kemsley and Allan Spowers, the Editor of the Argus. His address at the dinner was self deprecating in tone and contained many interesting anecdotes about famous people he had worked with, including Stan Savige. He tells the story of how the Savige Toby Jug (00198) was created by Herb Greenway for an event to welcome Savige back from WW2, and how as a member of the Anzac Observance Committee he helped to distribute a couple of hundred Lone Pine seedlings around Australia. He also recounts the pride he felt in being asked to plant the Olive Tree of Peace at the Shrine of Remembrance in 1973 as part of the Legacy 50th anniversary celebrations. The olive tree was moved in 2002 into the new courtyard. He talks about being asked to propose the toast of Legacy at the 1965 Perth Conference and recounted part of what he said. He used the analogy of the cause of Legacy being like a cloak with threads of gold and silver, interwoven with the efforts of Legatees. The personal anecdotes reveal the human side of Legacy history, and attest to the social customs of the day.White foolscap paper x 13 pages with black type of a report on a dinner at Legacy House for L/ Doolan.Title page: 'Archive copy' handwritten in blue biro. Some pencilled annotations throughout.legatee event, tree planting, speech, frank doolan

Letter from Margaret Cheevers to Desmond Lindsay referring to his work on the history of the site of the City of Ringwood Bowls Club.Letter from Margaret Cheevers to Desmond Lindsay referring to his work on the history of the site of the City of Ringwood Bowls Club. One page,white paper, printed on Ringwood Council letter head. +Additional Keywords: Cheevers, Margaret (Mayor) / Lindsay, Desmond44 Lyons Rd. North Croydon 3134 27th. June, 1994 City of Ringwood Civic Centre The Mayor Mrs. B. Cheevers Dear Madam, I am pleased to say to you and the Councillors of the City of Ringwood that our family residence on both sides of my family exceeds in excess of one hundred years and it was during a family get together that an interesting anecdote was revealed relating to the land occupied by the Ringwood Bowling Club soon to occupy new premises in Warrandyte Road. The land that became the home of the Bowling Green was given by Thomas Grant, the previous owner was Captain Miles, father of the long standing Councillor the late Temple Miles. The incident I refer to was during World War 1 when Captain Miles an English Loyalist publicly stated he would give a block of land to the widow of the first Ringwood man killed in action. That man was James Brain (refer to Clock Tower Memorial) who married my father’s wife’s sister. Captain Miles made good his offer and the land was the land still occupied by the Ringwood Bowling Club. The land at that time had a small creek running through the centre and the young War Widow suffering grief was advised by another snide councillor (no name) not to accept it, saying it would not be worth it. Ringwoods’ first casualty during World War 1 left a widow and two young sons, all who have passed to their eternal reward. I still do not know if the Council has an historian, but thought it worth telling even if only the Bowling Club were to learn and proud to say my brother Jack had become club Champion on Sacred Soil. Sincerely yours Desmond J Lindsay

Fred looks back; Report: Linley Hartley, Picture: Ron Grant Teaching himself German again after 70 years is just one of the many tasks Fred Golgerth, of Greensborough, has undertaken and succeeded in during his lifetime. As the two year old tenth child of a German descendent, Fred learnt to speak German from an Aunt. But World War 1 was raging. Fred’s older brother had gone to Europe with the Australian forces, changing his name … to ….. to sound less German. “I used to get my bottom slapped for speaking German at home,” Fred said. Even his name was changed from Otto to the more anglicised Frederick. Fred claims his involvement with Eltham started two years before he was born! His sister, two years older than him, was a babe in arms when his parents bought a piece of grazing property in Mount Pleasant Rd. “It was about 24 acres on a spur of Mt Pleasant,” Fred said. “My parents bought it from Mr and Mrs Hughes. There was a two-room mud hut in wattle and daub that we lived in from time to time. “My parents had a dairy farm and dairy in West Coburg, and they bought the Mt Pleasant land to put the dry stock on. “At one stage my mother got very ill and my older sister took my younger sister and myself to Eltham for four or five months. I went down to Eltham Primary School then.” That wasn’t the only time Fred stayed in Eltham. His sister, Wilhemina, known as Willa, married Jim Watson who had the Eltham hotel for some years from the end of World War 1. Pillar to post living was the way Fred described his youth, when he stayed with one married sister after another. “After a while Will and Jim lived in the big house at the top of Pitt St, next to the Council depot, and the hotel was managed by Fitzsimmons who had a big place near the river down there on Fitzsimons Lane. There was no bridge in Fitzsimons Lane but we used to cross the river at a ford, rolling up our trouser legs so they wouldn’t get wet, and carrying our shoes. I’d o down to visit some friends I had in Templestowe. And sometimes Jim Watson took his horse drawn lorry across the ford on his way to the brewery, instead of going don through Heidelberg.” “The bridge across the Yarra in Fitzsimons was not built until 1961.” Fred Golgerth, was only a teenager when he was rolled off his pushbike under a car on the bend between Mt Pleasant Rd and the Diamond Creek bridge. He was hospitalised in the little hospital on the east side of Eltham village that served the district in those days. He still carries the scars of the burns he received from the exhaust pipe and recent x-rays have revealed several broken vertebrae. At the time of the accident he was treated for a dislocated neck and was in plaster from his hip to the base of his head for about seven months. But nothing daunted Fred. Bouncing back he began work as an apprentice to a motor mechanic in Bell St, Preston, a man who is still living (at 90) in Queensland and who still communicates with Fred frequently. “He was like a father to me,” Fred declared. He was a marine engineer as well, so I …. that as well as blacksmithing. They taught us properly then.” After finishing his apprenticeship, Fred bought himself a 30 hundredweight Fargo truck and began his own contract carting business, doing most of the work for a firm called Carnegie’s and a subsidiary of that, Howard Radio. It was in the office Fred met his wife. “He taught me to drive the truck giving me lessons in my lunch hours up the Bourke St and Flinders St extension,” she said. “After work I’d have a driving lesson and all the girls from the Howard Radio would pile in the back to get a lift to Richmond Station.” In the 1939 bushfires, the Mt Pleasant Rd property was burnt out and the hut raised. Two years later, Fred and Dorothy were married. Fred paid £7.15.0 ($15.50) for the suit in which he was married. Dorothy had pulled out of the Women’s Air Training Corps to be married. Others with whom she trained went to Darwin and were in a convoy that was bombed. Fred went into the garage business in Brighton and continued his cartage business for a while. His company was employed to do all Brown Gouge’s motor repairs and factory maintenance. Because Fred had a certificate to do steam repair work he often got jobs maintaining industrial boilers. While he was in Brighton, Fred bought an eight-seater 1925 Silver Ghost Rolls Royce from Sir Keith Murdoch. When the couple moved to Rosanna in about 1943, it became a delivery van for the dairy they operated. “I thought I’d like to get back into a dairy business” Fred said. “We used to deliver the milk in the Rolls. “But it was hard work. We couldn’t get the labour and we’d drive to the farm and pick up the milk cans, take them back to the dairy, cool the milk, bottle it and deliver it. The inspectors would come regularly and the walls for bacteria.” Fred was exhausted. The couple gave up the dairy and moved to Eltham to live on the old property where a weatherboard house had now been built. It wasn’t a big house and the glassed in Rolls Royce limousine became the daytime nursery for the Golgerth’s second daughter. We’d put her in there to sleep during the day.” “Dorothy Golgerth was known to drive the Rolls at breakneck speed along Mt Pleasant Rd. Fred took some time off work then began driving a little local bus run by the Lyon Brothers before taking a maintenance job at the Athenaeum Club in the city. He’d ride an old Harley-Davidson to the station and travel into the city by train. Later, when the family moved to Pryor St. (their house stood where McEwans car park is now) Fred could walk to and from the station. “There was no resident doctor in the early days of Eltham,” Fred said. “Dr Cordner used to come from Greensborough to a room in the old house next to the old grocery shop on the corner of York St and Main Rd, Eltham (the grocery shop is now the Eltham Feed and Grain Store). The Golgerths lived in Eltham until “Dollar Day” – the day decimal currency became official. They eventually moved to Greensborough, when they have lived since. Fred has had his share of interesting jobs since then, retiring at 65 seven years ago when he was working in the engineering department at Larundel. Recently, two of his older sisters and a brother died, within a month. They were all in their 80s. They all had a profound influence on Fred, especially during his youth. His sharp wit and amusing anecdotes are the richer for his having been the youngest of a family that made the best of every circumstance. And now, as he enjoys his retirement, he is concentrating on relearning the language of his infancy; teaching himself German from tapes and a ‘teach yourself’ manual. He is fiercely proud of his German ancestry and treasures the diary, written in German in Gothic script, kept by his grandparents during their journey to Australia. On the inside in blue pen: "To Sadie, Wal Margaret & Elizabeth with lots & lots of love & best wishes from Mother"marg ball collection, eltham hotel, herbert james watson, otto (fred) golgerth, wilhemina watson (nee golgerth)

Charlie Brown (1870-1952) was one of the eleven children in the Brown family of Ringwood although he lived most of his life in Waratah Bay.One typed page of Brown family history and a photocopied newspaper cutting - Charlie Brown 1870-1952.

Navy blue cloth cover with embossed golden lettering on the spine, and mustard dust jacket illustrated by original painting by Commander DGM Gardner. xvi, 176 p. : 16 plates, illus., maps, ports. ; 22 cm. Includes index.non-fictionFrom dust jacket: This is the unique story of the sailing ships owned by Sir William Garthwaite between 1915 and 1929, which formed in fact the last sailing merchant fleet to trade under the British flag. Captain A.G. Course, a Cape Horner himself, tells the story of this fleet whose vessels sailed so often past the awesome tip of South America, with a wealth of detail, happily marrying factual information and anecdote to produce a valuable historical record. Here are some of the last great characters of the age of sail, both men and ships, brought to life. The author's own close contact with the vessels and their crews allows him to capture the atmosphere most realistically. The Garthwaite ships, for all the effort put into their operation, were fighting a last-ditch stand against the inevitable supremacy of steam. It is with a certain nostalgia that the author records the passing of a fine fleet and documents an important chapter in maritime history. windjammers, captains, martin frampton, catherine aviss (nee frampton), herbert aviss, elisabeth frampton, inverneill, garthneil, wray castle, garthwray, alfred george course, invercauld, invermay, carnmoney, garthforce, garthsnaid, garthgarry, garthpool, juteopolis, captain roberts, crew, cape horn, cape leeuwin, captain thomas atkinson, spanish flu, wwi

A history of Diamond Creek from earliest records of white visitors (1836) to the 1970s. John Ryan was born in Diamond Creek and lived there all of his life.A detailed history and anecdotes of the Diamond Creek area and its early pioneers.55 pages. Soft cover, light brown with copy of early painting of Diamond Creek on front cover. Black and white illus. 3 copiesOn page one in pencil: John Mackeydiamond creek, john l ryan

This page deals with some of the history of the Greensborough Uniting Church as told by Sylvia Davey (nee Sutton). The photograph is of Sylvia and her new husband leaving the Greensborough Methodist Church after their marriage in 1934. The small newspaper clipping celebrates Sylvia's 90th birthday (circa 1994) and was written by Rosalie Bray.Contains anecdotes about the early days of the Uniting (Methodist) Church in Greensborough.One page article, including photograph, copied from book. Includes newspaper clipping about Sylvia Davey, the bride in the photograph.On newspaper clipping "by Rosalie Bray"greensborough methodist church, greensborough uniting church, sylvia davey, sylvia sutton, rosalie bray

A history of Diamond Creek from earliest records of white visitors (1836) to the 1970s. John Ryan was born in Diamond Creek and lived there all of his life.A detailed history and anecdotes of the Diamond Creek area and its early pioneers.55 pages. Soft cover, light brown with copy of early painting of Diamond Creek on front cover. Black and white illus.

An article about the an exhibition at the Australian War Museum for the 70th Anniversary of the Tobruk campaign.The article records some anecdotes of the "Rats of Tobruk". A 2 page magazine article from the RSL's publication MUFTI.Niltobruk, rats of tobruk, 2/15 battalion, 2/13 field company rae

Family history stories of the Davey family of Montmorency and Briar Hill. Written in 1965.Stories are told by members of the family and contain personal recollections and anecdotes.A4 spiral bound folder containing family history stories of the Davey family of Briar Hill and Montmorency.Nildavey family, briar hill, montmorency, legg, walters, steinberg, smith, paynesville, normanby house, mountainview road, churchyard dairy

Covers the launch of a book called "The Stories Inside" written by Kay Arthur at the Greensborough Hotel.Records local anecdotes as experienced by the author who grew up in Greensborough in the 1960s.A 2 page newspaper article on a book entiled "The Stories Inside". It features coloured photographs of the author and book.kay arthur, greensborough hotel, authors, books, watsonia railway station, greensborough swimming pool

114 p ; illBook contains a diverse collection of outback yarns, fables anecdotes, bush ballads and observations all with a distinctly Australian predisposition. Much of the material is derived from wheat and sheep farms in the Victorian Mallee.australian wit and humor, country life, australia

Ill (maps), p.326non-fictionOver The Top is based on Harry Hartnett's diaries, which his family gave to Chris Byrett, a lawyer and WWI buff. It details the battles, the long marches and the recoveries with many amusing anecdotes which kept the men smiling and eased the tiredeness of the daily grind.world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - western front - personal recollections, henry george hartnett

Index, ill, p.445.non-fictionA collection of more than 150 true stories that bring to life the triumph and tragedy of teh second world war. Serving as a window into the lives of thsoe who experienced the war - soldiers and sailors, heroes and villains, leaders adn ordinary people - the book recounts in human terms the reality of a war that gripped the entire world. These inspiring, poignant, ironic and sometimes tragic stories and anecdotes make World War II come alive with the thoughts and feelings of those who were there.world war 1939-1945 - anecdotes, world war 1939-1945

Ill, maps, p.203.non-fictionPacked with interesting anecdotes this book brings to life events that have escaped or have been overlooked about Australian military historyworld war 1939 – 1945 – aerial operations - australia, catalina - seaplane

Bibliography, index, glossary, ill (b/w)non-fictionA collection of anecdotes and excerpts from diaries that have never been published.australia - history - military - personal narratives, australia - military culture

Ill, p.98.non-fictionMore cartoons and capers of GI Vietnamvietnamese war 1961-1975 - anecdotes

Ill, maps, p.289.non-fictionA history of the Royal Australian Regiment from the malayan Emergency to the Iraq war.australian army - royal australian regiment - history, soldiers - australia - anecdotes

Index, bibliography, ill, maps, sound disc, p.158.This publication is a unique and highly readable contribution to the commemoration of the centenary of the Anzacs in World War 1. Ted Egan presents an historical documentation of the Anzacs and the ordinary men, women and children of the two young nations of Australia and New Zealand, forever affected by this tragic episode in world history. Set against the political background of the day, succinctly revealed, Egan brings a clarity and immediacy to this period by his interweaving of personal stories, deeply moving songs, a collection of public and personal photos and an historical narrative that speaks directly to the reader, engaging our hearts as well as our heads. It is a story of the loss of innocence of two young nations, for a generation and beyond. Amusing anecdotes and stories of great courage and ingenuity leaven, to some extent, the brutal truth behind the personal stories.anzac - history, anzac - songs and music, anzac - stories

Ill, p.272.non-fictionFrom ancient times to the Bay of Pigs and the Falklands War, military history has been marked as much by misjudgements and incompetence as by gallantry and glory. Such blunders have sometimes ended in tragedy, sometimes in farce - such as the English troops, supposedly marching on Cadiz in 1625, who instead got drunk in a salt marsh. And sometimes they have ended in triumph, despite all the odds. In this fascinating and entertaining collection, author Geoffrey Regan not only recounts some of the staggering stories, but also highlights the kinds of difficulties that can lead to military disaster. His anecdotes encompass every aspect of warfare from the insanity of commanders to the provision of inadequate supplies. This entertaining and instructive book will appeal to the military buff and general reader alike. military art and science - history, military history

Ill, p.200.non-fictionAnecdotal stories of life and action of the Australian army at home and overseas during World War Twoaustralian army - history, australian army - anecdotes

Ill, p.200.non-fictionAnecdotal stories of life and action of the Australian army at home and overseas during World War Twoaustralian army - history, australian army - anecdotes

Ill, p.200.non-fictionAnecdotal stories of life and action of the Australian army at home and overseas during the post World War Two periodaustralian army - history, australian army - anecdotes

Ill, p.200.non-fictionAnecdotal stories of life and action of the Australian army at home and overseas during the post World War Two periodaustralian army - history, australian army - anecdotes

Ill, p.200.non-fictionAnecdotal stories of life and action of the Australian army at home and overseas during the post World War Two periodaustralian army - history, australian army - anecdotes

Ill, p.200.non-fictionAnecdotal stories of life and action of the Australian army at home and overseas during the post World War Two periodaustralian army - history, australian army - anecdotes

Ill, p.200.non-fictionAnecdotal stories of life and action of the Australian army at home and overseas during the post World War Two periodaustralian army - history, australian army - anecdotes