Self guided heritage tour information produced by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society for 1978 Eltham Community Festival of 36 locations each numbered on accompanying map. Locations and detail provided current to 1978: 1. ELTHAM SHOPPING CENTRE Whilst very little remains in the centre of historical importance, this area has interest as the "village" which developed over many years following the opening of the railway from Melbourne in 1902. Previously the shopping centre had been spread out over a long length of Main Road to the south. Shops have been continuously demolished or remodelled and the majority of buildings date from the 1950's or later. The recently erected Post Office replaced the "old" Post Office opened on the same site only in 1958. 2. WOOLWORTHS ELTHAM VILLAGE Part of the site of this modern shopping development was occupied by the former Eltham Shire Offices and Hall. The hall was paid for by public subscription whilst the Council raised a loan for the offices. The combined building was opened in 1941. It served as office and Council meeting place until 1965 and as the hall until its demolition in 1970. 3. ELTHAM WAR MEMORIAL The complex of buildings adjoining the present Shire Offices were financed by public subscription as a Memorial following World War II. Their construction and for many years their operation was organised by the now disbanded Eltham War Memorial Committee. The original buildings were the; Infant Welfare Centre, Children’s Library (now War Memorial Hall and Dental Clinic) and Kindergarten. In later years the Elderly Citizens Club was built at the rear. 4. ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES These offices were opened in 1965 and extended in 1971 to provide additional office accommodation and the Eltham Library. They represent the last of a long line of offices and meeting places of the Eltham Shire Council and its predecessor the Eltham District Road Board. The building occupies the former site of Shillinglaw Cottage. The three tall cypress trees which stood in front of the Cottage have been retained as a feature of the office surrounds. 5. OUR LADY'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL The Catholic Church and School complex opposite the Shires Offices shows a number of stages in the development of Eltham township. The recently constructed church adjoins its predecessor (now the parish centre). Many years ago the Catholic Church was located opposite Wingrove Park and the present central site follows the northerly drift of the township. 6. SHILLINGLAW COTTAGE The Cottage was built in 1859 by George Stebbing, a local builder who was responsible for a number of other prominent buildings in the area. Its removal from the site of the Shire Offices and re-erection on the present site was financed by public subscription. It is built of handmade bricks laid in Flemish Bond with an unusual design featuring burnt "leader" bricks over the whole facade. The Cottage is occupied by Eltham Fleececrafts and will be open during the Festival and at other times during weekends. It is classified by the National Trust. 7. RAILWAY BRIDGE The timber trestle bridge over the Diamond Creek was built in 1901. Whilst all of its timbers have been replaced at various times over the years the only change to its character has been the addition of pylons and wiring for electric trains in 1923. It is one of very few similar bridges remaining in the metropolitan area. In 1976 a proposal to replace the bridge with an earth embankment and large culvert pipes was abandoned following community protests. The bridge, however, remains under threat because of the necessity for future deuplication of the railway line. 8. ELTHAM CENTPAL PARK The area between the railway and the creek has for many years been used as a park which included Eltham' s main football oval. The access road, Panther Place is named after Eltham's team playing in the Diamond Valley League. In recent years a large area extending to Bridge Street and locally known as the Town Park has been landscaped and added to the area. The excellent blending of the park with the natural landscape of the creek valley has earned a National Trust Landscape Classification. 9. OLD BAKERY On the southern corner of York Street and Main Road is an old house with a shop front which was for many years the local baker's shop. The brick bakery at the rear is of somewhat later vintage than the house. 10. BRIDGE STREET CUTTING Before reconstruction of Main Road this intersection had deep cutting embankments on all four corners, forming a distinctive feature of the entrance to Eltham. Roadworks and private development have levelled the land on the low side of the road. A memorial to the Eltham soldiers of World War I which was located at the north-western corner is now situated at the Eltham R.S.L.   11. HILLTOP MILK BAR For many years this was the site of the Eltham Post Office under the control of the Hunniford family and later their descendants the Burgoynes. It was transferred to this site in 1855, although at that time the building apparently fronted Bridge Str e et. The site contained Eltham's first telephone exchange. The post office was relocated in 1954 but the shop was operated until recently by the Burgoyne family who still own the surrounding land. 12. UNITING CHURCH and former C.B.A. BANK The former Methodist Church was built in 1880 by George Stebbing. The Sunday School extension was built in 1929 and there have been more recent extensions. The adjoining opportunity shop was built as a bank in 1874 and purchased by the Methodist Church in 1954. 13. R.S.L. HALL, TELEPHONE EXCHANGE These relatively recent buildings occupy the site of a row of shops forming part of the early ribbon of business development along Main Road. In front of the R.S.L. building is the World War I Memorial relocated from the corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. 14. ELTHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE Australia's first mudbrick "community building" was opened in April this year. Part of the site of the building was purchased in 1856 by Henry Dendy (of Brighton fame). At the rear of the land near the creek was a steam flour mill whilst Dendy's house was at the Main Road frontage of the land. His purchase totalled about 2 Ha (5 acres) and included land on the opposite side of Maria Street (Main Road). Dendy became a prominent member of the Eltham community and served one term as President of the Eltham District Road Board. In 1867 Dendy sold his land and business to William Ford of Malmsbury and shifted to Walhalla. The avenue of trees leading past the Community Centre to the creek may well have bordered the track to the mill. 15. ELTHAM HOTEL The original part of this hotel was built in 1927 following the burning of the former Watson's Eltham Hotel on the same site. The car park on the opposite side of Main Road was also the site of a hotel variously known over the years as; the Fountain of Friendship, the Fountain and the Evelyn Arms. As the Fountain of Friendship it was the first meeting place of the Eltham District Road Board in 1856. 16. ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH, PITT STREET In 1860 Henry Dendy was appointed Chairman of a committee to establish a church of England in Eltham. He donated part of his land in Pitt Street and in 1861 the church was opened. It was built by George Stebbing and remains in a well preserved state today. Th adjoining old vicarage is now named Dendy Hou se. A new mudbrick church hall is under construction on the site. The church and Dendy House are now listed on the Register of Historic Buildings. 17. NO. 86 PITT STREET Cottage built by George Stebbing and believed to be his home for some years in the 1850s. 18. LIVING AND LEARNING CENTRE The house was built in the 1850s with the kitchen at the front being added about 40 years later. By the creek below the house a number of early Eltham industries were located. These included a tannery and a brewery. 19. ELTHAM COURT HOUSE A Court of Petty Sessions was established in Eltham in 1858 and the present building dates from 1860. It is the oldest public building remaining in Eltham. In its early days the building was used as the meeting place and office of the Eltham District Road Board and as an overflow classroom for the local school. The Court House has been classified by the National Trust. The citation states that it is an example of the simple form of early brick Court House with gabled roof and porch. 20. LANDS DEPARTMENT OFFICE This building is the former police station and is probably of about the same age as the Court House. The lockup at the rear has been demolished but the old stables remain as garages. A licence was first granted for a police station at Eltham in 1856. 21. JARROLD COTTAGE The old Cottage opposite Dalton Street was formerly owned by the Jarrold family. Early records indicate that this was the building leased from the Jarrolds as a temporary police station prior to construction of the building on the corner of Brougham Street. The small building on the corner of the property was used as a boot repairer's shop. The elevated studio at the rear is a more recent construction by the present owners. 22. STATE SCHOOL RESIDENCE Erected in 1891 23. WINGROVE COTTAGE This building fills an important place in the history of Eltham and is now used as a medical clinic. It was built in 1858 for Charles S. Wingrove who was Secretary to the Eltham District Road Board and Shire Council from 1858 to 1904. During part of this period he was also Shire Engineer and was Secretary to the Heidelberg Road Board. The house was used as the office of the Board and Council for many years. Wingrove is buried in the cemetery at St. Helena.   24. WINGROVE PARK The parkland opposite Wingrove Cottage has been named after Charles Wingrove. The old Manna Gums are an outstanding feature of the park. 25. ELTHAM FRI.MARY SCHOOL NO. 209 The school first opened in the slab building in 1855 and operated from the present site since 1857. The oldest part of the present school is the stone building erected in 1876. The first school teacher, David Clark remained at the school until 1888. This school is the government township and has always been known as the Eltham School. An earlier school (no.371) known as Little Eltham School operated in Swan Street from 1853 to 1872. 26. "SHOESTRING" This house was built for school teacher David Clark. It has been extensively extended in recent years but the extensions do not detract from the character of the older part of the building. 27. ELTHAM CEMETERY The cemetery contains the graves of many of the district's pioneers . 28. MONTSALVAT This unique complex of buildings was commenced in 1935 by the late Justus Jorgensen and its development has extended over many years. Montsalvat has exerted a significant impact on Eltham The earth and stone construction of many of the buildings has influenced local architecture to a great extent and it has served as a "nerve centre" of the local artistic community. Montsalvat is open to the public for a small charge. 29. MAIN ROAD BRIDGE This location has been the main crossing of Diamond Creek since the earliest days of settlement. The present concrete bridge was erected in 1925 .and was preceded by a number of timber bridges. 30. ELTHAM LOWER PARK This park, being an unusually large flat area for Eltham, was originally the local racecourse. Horse races were held here from 1855 and the area was gazetted as a reserve for a racecourse and recreation reserve in 1857. The park is well known as a venue for school "bird days" and more recently as the site of the Diamond Valley Railway. This miniature railway features scale models of modern and old locomotives and rolling stock and has operated on this site since 1961 . Before that the railway operated at Chelsworth Park, Ivanhoe.   31. FALKINER HOUSE Frederick Falkiner was one of the earliest settlers in the Eltham township area and occupied a substantial leasehold prior to the first land sales. Early records show that Falkiner was the subject of a number of complaints from his neighbours but he has nevertheless been considered a prominent enough citizen to have a street named for him. This house was the home of Evelyn (Ely) Falkiner a member of Frederick's family. 32. WEST HOUSE Behind the large house on the hill is an early house built by the West family. This was relocated from a site near the front of the land by the present owner Mr. Fabbro. 33. FALKINER HOUSE This very old house is believed to have been the home of Frederick and may have been Eltham's first post office. Falkiner was the first post master for a short period. in 1854/55. 34. WITHERS HOUSE This house was the home of famous artist Walter Withers who shifted here from Heidelberg in 1903. 35. ELTHAM HIGH SCHOOL This school celebrated its jubilee this year, having commenced as the Eltham Higher Elementary School 50 years ago. 36. DIAMOND CREEK FOOTWAY If returning from the High School to the town centre the footpath by the bank of the Diamond Creek provides a pleasant route to finish your walk. The creek is a major tributary of the Yarra River. Together with its own major tributaries Arthurs Creek and Running Creek it commences on the southern slopes of the Dividing Range at Kinglake. It gives the name Diamond Valley to an area extending well beyond its actual drainage catchment.Recognition of the significance of various landmarks to the history of the Eltham community as of 1978‘shoestring’, 1978, bridge street cutting, burgoyne store, c.b.a. bank, diamond creek trail, eltham cemetery, eltham central park, eltham community centre, eltham community festival, eltham court house, eltham festival, eltham high school, eltham hotel, eltham lower park, eltham primary school, eltham railway trestle bridge, eltham shire offices, eltham shopping centre, eltham state school no. 209, eltham village, eltham war memorial, falkiner house, heritage trail, hilltop milk bar, jarrold cottage, lands department office, living, living and learning centre, main road bridge, montsalvat, old bakery, our eltham artistic recollections, our lady help of christian’s church, our lady help of christian’s primary school, pitt street, post office, r.s.l. hall, shillinglaw cottage, st margaret’s church, state school residence, stebbing cottage, telephone exchange, uniting church, west house, wingrove cottage, wingrove park, withers house, woolworths

Items relate to "W D S BURNS" No 56 Provost Corpr AIF. Refer Cat No 2076.3P for his service details.Menu card HMAT INDARRA detailing 10 dinner items. At top AUSN Line in red & small blue / red flag representation underneath at L. Printed in black at top: “HMAT INDARRA Captain A.W. Newberry Sept 5th 1919” On rear in pencil: “Ms Banks, 39 Pandora Rd, West Hampstead London, Maud Heightley, 33 Disraeli Road, Forest Gate E.7 Essex England”hmat, menu, 56 provost aif, w d s burns

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedVarious documents relating to Leigh Creek Mine, which include documents related to the wages for a Mr Trenerry, Leigh Creek Mine No Liability Report , A Letter to Mr Squire and other correspondence both typed and Handwrittenrichard squire, leigh river mine, j. trenerry, ewen tierney, mount mercer, j. bowston, w. dickson, a.j. peacock, m.j. mcmanus, geo e. deeble, r.t. squire, r.b. squire, albert kuchel, h.y. peacock

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedCertificate from State Accident Insurance Office Victoria, Mines Policy, Letter regarding compensation and receiptsstate accident insurance office, mines policy, receipt, paul & gray ltd., department of mines melbourne, w. baragwanath, mr e. woodlock, mt mercer, lawaluk, richard squire

Three of a collection of photographs donated by Bernie De La Haye.Three photographs of the Phillip Island Brass Band. 350-11: Colour photograph of the Band in the street at the end of a marching display at the West and South Gippsland Regional Band Competition at Leongatha or Korumburra? 350-12: Black & White photograph of the Band taken outdoors. 350-13: Colour photograph of the Band taken during a break during a concert in the 1950's.Names of members in 350-13: Bandsmen seated Left to Right: R De La Haye, R Cleeland, J Dixon, R Dixon, G Gliddon, P Forrest, A Towns, M De La Haye, J Gliddon, A Murdoch, W McLardy, B West, L Dixon, H De La Haye, N Cleeland. Bandsmen Standing Left to Right: E Booth, E May (Bandmaster), G Dunscombe, A Murray. Non Band Members, Left to Right: B Forrest, P Forrest jrn., S Papworth, M Toovey (being cheeky).phillip island brass band, phillip island municipal brass band, bernie de la haye

Centenary and settlement of Phillip Island 1842-1942. Early members of the Historical societyLarge photograph of celebrations at Erehwon on 25 May 1942, Pioneers day. Members of the Phillip Island and Westernport Historical SocietyDetails of members who attended the function listed on rear. Signed, E R Marchant Secretary, W Dawson Davie, Presidenterehwon guest house cowes, centenary celebrations 1942, history of phillip island historical society, land settlement, phillip island, photographs, local identities, nancy mchaffie, mcfee, west, justice, w. kennon, george lock,

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of a Sketch of Head Station of Messrs. W & W J McHaffie by W. & E. Liardet. Copy of water colour by Victoria's earliest artist late 1840's.Hand written inscription by W. J. McHaffie - "Sketch of Head Station of Mssrs. W & J.M. McHaffie of Phillip Island by W.F.E. Liardet."local history, photography, photographs, painting, early settlement, black & white photograph, farming, settlement, mchaffie, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of an Invitation for E. Spaven and party to attend Official Reception and Opening Ceremony on 29th November 1940 of the First Phillip Island Bridge.local history, photography, photographs, documents, invitations, invitation to the opening of the first phillip island bridge, black & white photograph, phillip island bridge, e spaven, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of 28 representatives of notable island families taken at a gathering at Erehwon in May 1942 Back row: L to R - G Smith, W E Thompson, S J McFee, R McIlwraith, W Evans, D Justice, Mrs P McFee, P McFee, Mrs J Bell, W Walton, Mrs A Churchill. Centre - Mrs J Spavin, W J Kennon, G Lock, F Piggott, A D Hardy, Mrs W Findlay, J Jansson, H West. Front row: Mrs H Bennall, Mrs E Matthews, Mrs Blamey, Mrs C West, Mrs Watson nee McGregor, Mrs Hardy, Miss M Evans, Mrs D Justice, C McGregor.local history, photography, photographs, centenary gathering at erehwon, black & white photograph, centenary celebrations, notable families, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of the Cowes Premiership Football Team of 1919. Back row: Dad Pretty, H T West, J Anderson, N McLardy, A McLardy, A P Smith, W McLardy, E Jenner, G Jenner, C Leeson. Middle row: Arthur Leeson, Harmon West, H Gulliver, A Brown, F Hatfield, W McFee, C Campbell. Front row: Fred Jenner, Leo Turnlivan, Bill Smith, Norman Leeson, Bert Smith, Fred Richardson.local history, photography, photographs, cowes football team 1919, black & white photograph, cowes football club, cowes football team premiers 1919, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of the juvenile Red Cross workers holding Tea Tree walking sticks made for soldiers wounded in World War I Back row: E Bennell, R Forrest, H West, W Smith, W Wilson Teacher, R Smith, T Burton, C Cleeland. Middle row: C Leeson, J Cleeland, A Jackson, A West, N Leeson, F Forrest, S Smith, K West. Front row: A Jenner, J Jenner, C Jackson, D McLardy, A Jackson, R Jenner, V Leeson, S Jenner.local history, photography, juvenile red cross workers, black & white photograph, red cross, world war i, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of Mr W E Thompson telling the story of the Rhyll Cairn to the gathering at the unveiling in 1923. The Cairn commemorated the discovery of Western Port by Surgeon George Bass on the 4th January 1798 plus other visits paid by Grant, Murray, Baudin and D'Urville in the early 1800's.local history, photography, mr w e thompson, rhyll cairn, phillip islanders, black & white photograph, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of the seven members of the committee seated at the base of the George Bass Memorial Cairn at Rhyll. Back row: W E Thompson, D Forrest, J Underdown, Cr. McFee, A McIlwraith. Front row: C williams and J Anderson.local history, photography, rhyll cairn, committee, black & white photograph, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of the Ventnor Football Team Back row: E Jenner, ???, Clyde Jones, Rex Dixon, Allan Jenner, N McLardy, R Martin, Noel Cleeland, R Harris Front row: R Jenner, K McKindlay, R Grayden, F Dixon, Les Jones, Ray Jenner, G West, W Dixon, boy standing W Jones.local history, photography, ventnor football team, black & white photograph, sport, football, ventnor football club, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of the Ventnor Football Team Back row: D Grayden, W J Jeffery, Garnet Dixon Third row: C Clarke, E W Dixon, J B Grayden, A Troutman, Rex Dixon, Rees Jones Second row: Les Jones, R T Harris, R Dixon, G Brunton, W Dixon, C Little, H V Jones. Front row: A Little, ? Johnson, H Justice E Styles.local history, photography, ventnor football team, black & white photograph, sport, football, ventnor football club, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of Twelve World War I Soldiers and a Naval Officer - all in uniform Back row: W Gothorp, H Justice, V McHenry, Alex McLardy, G Dorward, W McLardy, ????, J Hawkins. Front row: ? McColl, Duncan Campbell, Arthur Webster, E W Dixon, R Briton.local history, photography, phillip island servicemen, black & white photograph, world war i, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of a working bee on the Esplanade at Cowes - taken about 1920. Men in photograph are: A McLardy, Mr Collins, S Kennon, J Walton, S. Matthews, R Forrest, J Grayden, E Jenner, D Robb, H Jenner, W Walton, F Jenner, W McFee, T Leeson, W Ewen, B Smith, R Devall, A Brown, G Smith, H West and J Forrest.local history, photography, working bee at cowes, black & white photograph, the esplanade cowes, coastline., john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 sketches & photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandSketch of Mornington Peninsular, Port Phillip and Westernport Bays with Phillip Island showing Isoseismals of the earth tremor 1932.Isoseismals of the Mornington earth tremor 1932local history, illustrations, pen & ink, isoseismals mornington earth tremor, black & white sketch, physiography, e s hills, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 sketches & photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandSketch Map of Westernport region and environs showing physiographical faults and warps. Drawn by Dr G Bakerlocal history, illustrations, pen & ink, westernport region, black & white sketch, physiography, dr g baker, e s hill d.sc, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 sketches & photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandSketch map of Westernport Bay region showing probable drainage directions of the ancient river system. Drawn by Dr G Baker from original maps by E S Hills D.Sc.local history, illustrations, pen & ink, westernport bay region, black & white sketch, physiography, dr g baker, e s hill d.sc, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of a drawing by H. H. E. McDonald depicting a Blandowski's Tern diving for a fishlocal history, photography, blandowski's tern, black & white photograph, wildlife, birds, h h e mcdonald, drawing, john jenner, bryant west

Geographical area of around 35 sq. kilometres marked with physical features such as major roads, railways (new extension to Eltham), rivers and properties, also housing sub-divisions and community facilities such as hospitals, parks and sporting reserves and indications of new small scale industries such as dairying. Bounded by Shire of Diamond Valley to the North, Darebin Creek to the West and Plenty River to the East. Black and white sketch map on white paperheidelberg, heidelberg - maps