The site on the north side of High Street, Kew, on the corner of Disraeli Street is now the location of the Kew Recreation Centre. The current (as of 2020) swimming pool was formerly situated further west on the site but was relocated closer to Disraeli Street during the 1980s. Previously, this was the site of a Kew Council depot, and before that a horse tram shed. The horse tram (1887-1914) ran from the Victoria Street Bridge to the entrance of the Boroondara General Cemetery. Rusted horse shoe, excavated from the site of the Kew Recreation Centre on the corner of High and Disraeli Streets in Kew. The shoe was donated by Mr Poulter, City Engineer, City of Kew. The shoe may have been made for one of the horses that pulled the Kew Horse Tram or one of the Council depot horses.horse tram - kew (vic), archaeological items - kew (vic), horse shoes, kew recreation centre, council depots - kew (vic), tram sheds - kew (vic)

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Newspaper report from 1924 of the funeral of Sir Henry de Castres Kellett at Boroondara General Cemeterysir henry de castres kellett

At the beginning of the 1890s, the Kew businessman and Town Councillor, Henry Kellett, commissioned J.F.C. Farquhar to photograph scenes of Kew. These scenes included panoramas as well as pastoral scenes. The resulting set of twelve photographs was assembled in an album, Kew Where We Live, from which customers could select images for purchase.The preamble to the album describes that the photographs used the ‘argentic bromide’ process, now more commonly known as the gelatine silver process. This form of dry plate photography allowed for the negatives to be kept for weeks before processing, hence its value in landscape photography. The resulting images were considered to be finely grained and everlasting. Evidence of the success of Henry Kellett’s venture can be seen today, in that some of the photographs are held in national collections.It is believed that the Kew Historical Society’s copy of the Kellett album is unique and that the photographs in the book were the first copies taken from the original plates. It is the first and most important series of images produced about Kew. The individual images have proved essential in identifying buildings and places of heritage value in the district.A panoramic photograph of the junction of High Street and Cotham Road. The photographer centres the point-of-view on the Kew Post Office and adjacent Court House. These were designed in the Queen Anne style by the Public Works Department's architect J Harvey and completed in 1888. The complex is important because it demonstrates a departure from the contemporaneously favoured High Victorian Classical to the Queen Anne style in the design of civic buildings. The earlier Jubilee Fountain in front of the Post Office was erected by the Kew Borough Council to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. It was created to a design of the architects Reed, Henderson and Smart. The fountain was later relocated to the Alexandra Gardens to make way for the Kew War Memorial. The tram tracks in High Street were used by the horse tram, which ran from the Victoria Street Bridge to the Boroondara General Cemetery. The tram was replaced by an electrified service in 1915.The Post Officekew post office, kew illustrated, kew where we live, photographic books, henry kellett

thomas judd, parkhill, 20 hillcrest avenue

Hugh George Ferguson was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Second AIF. In 1945, he was reported to be the ACF (Australian Comforts Fund) Commissioner in Borneo [Kalimantan]. After the Second World War, he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and as campaign director for Arthur Rylah in Victorian politics. He directed the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including ‘Australia Makes It Exhibition’ in 1947, the ‘Australian Industrial Fair’ in 1949 and 1950, the ‘Modern Home Exhibition’ in 1949, and ‘Made in Australia’ in 1952. The funds raised during the latter were earmarked for a ‘bankrupt’ Queen Victoria Hospital. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor in 1959. Hugh Ferguson died in 1975, aged 75. He was buried on 2 September in Grave 201, Special (Non- Denominational) Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.A gold plated bar brooch with suspended medallion having a blue enamelled ring surrounding the City of Kew crest in reliefFront: City of Kew, above the city of Kew crest with Council below Rear: Mrs H. G. Ferguson, Mayoress, 1959-60city of kew, mayoresses - kew (vic), mrs hg ferguson

Hugh George Ferguson was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Second AIF. In 1945, he was reported to be the ACF (Australian Comforts Fund) Commissioner in Borneo [Kalimantan]. After the Second World War, he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and as campaign director for Arthur Rylah in Victorian politics. He directed the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including ‘Australia Makes It Exhibition’ in 1947, the ‘Australian Industrial Fair’ in 1949 and 1950, the ‘Modern Home Exhibition’ in 1949, and ‘Made in Australia’ in 1952. The funds raised during the latter were earmarked for a ‘bankrupt’ Queen Victoria Hospital. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor in 1959. Hugh Ferguson died in 1975, aged 75. He was buried on 2 September in Grave 201, Special (Non- Denominational) Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.City of Kew identification badge issued to sitting councillors. The City of Kew cost is surrounded by a blue enamel band with City of Kew Council picked out in gold cloisonné.Front: City of Kew to top, Crest in middle with Council below Rear: Cr H. G. Ferguson 27-8-1955mayors of kew - cr hg ferguson, kew council, city of kew

'Fairyland' at 57 Malmsbury Street, Kew - the home and garden of Jim and Grace Tabulo - was a major local, state and international tourist attraction from the 1940s to the mid 1960s. The Kew Historical Society's collection contains original photographs, visitor books and items that were once displayed in the house by the Tabulos. Grace Tabulo died in 1973 and is buried with her husband Jim in the Boroondara General Cemetery (PRES B 1973). Following her death at the age of 88, the house was sold and its contents distributed. The cottage is now a private residence.The 'Fairyland' collection is of local and statewide significance, as a varied and comprehensive record of this major Melbourne tourist attraction.Large, original black and white print positive of the owner of 'Fairyland' Grace Tabulo, with two visiting children who watch a pet myna bird take food from Mrs Tabulo's mouth. The room, like the rest of the house (and garden) includes numerous mementos and decorative items. While there is no marking to the reverse, it may be that this photo was professionally taken by a press photographer.Nilgrace tabulo, fairyland, 57 malmsbury street

'Fairyland' at 57 Malmsbury Street, Kew - the home and garden of Jim and Grace Tabulo - was a major local, state and international tourist attraction from the 1940s to the mid 1960s. The Kew Historical Society's collection contains original photographs, visitor books and items that were once displayed in the house by the Tabulos. Grace Tabulo died in 1973 and is buried with her husband Jim in the Boroondara General Cemetery (PRES B 1973). Following her death at the age of 88, the house was sold and its contents distributed. The cottage is now a private residence.The 'Fairyland' collection is of local and statewide significance, as a varied and comprehensive record of this major Melbourne tourist attraction.Large, original black and white print positive of the owner of 'Fairyland' Grace Tabulo, with two visiting children who watch a pet myna bird take food from Mrs Tabulo's mouth. The room, like the rest of the house (and garden) includes numerous mementos and decorative items. While there is no marking to the reverse, it may be that this photo was professionally taken by a press photographer.Nilgrace tabulo, fairyland, 57 malmsbury street

The sons and daughters of Thomas and Frances Henty were notable settlers, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. A number of significant mansions in Kew were owned at various stages by members of the immediate family and or their descendants. The Boroondara General Cemetery includes a number of memorials of or to Henty family members.Original colour positive photograph of a Hindson family grave in the Boroondara General Cemetery. This is one of a number of photographs taken c.1987 of graves/headstones of descendants of the Henty family of Victoria. This particular grave is located in Section C/E C 1117A and holds the remains of John Hindson, Alice Hindson, William Francis Hindson. [Alice Hindson was the daughter of Francis Henty]. Other members of the Hindson family are recorded on the grave but are not listed as buried at the site in the Boroondara General Cemetery records of burials. henty family, boroondara general cemetery, john hindson, alice hindson, william francis hindson

The sons and daughters of Thomas and Frances Henty were notable settlers, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. A number of significant mansions in Kew were owned at various stages by members of the immediate family and or their descendants. The Boroondara General Cemetery includes a number of memorials of or to Henty family members.Original colour positive photograph of a Henty family grave in the Boroondara General Cemetery. This is one of a number of photographs taken c.1987 of graves/headstones of descendants of the Henty family of Victoria. This particular grave is located in Section PRES A 1227 and holds the remains of Myrtle Irena Henty, Venus Walker Henty, Ivor Arthur Henty, the children of Mr & Mrs AJ Henty.. henty family, boroondara general cemetery, myrtle irena henty, venus walker henty, ivor arthur henty

The sons and daughters of Thomas and Frances Henty were notable settlers, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. A number of significant mansions in Kew were owned at various stages by members of the immediate family and or their descendants. The Boroondara General Cemetery includes a number of memorials of or to Henty family members.Original colour positive photograph of a Balfour family grave in the Boroondara General Cemetery. This is one of a number of photographs taken c.1987 of graves/headstones of descendants of the Henty family of Victoria. This particular grave is located in Section PRES A 0058 and holds the remains of James Balfour and his wife Frances Charlotte Henty. James Balfour was a Scottish-born Australian merchant and politician, member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly 1866 to 1868 and of the Victorian Legislative Council from 1874 to 1913. In 1859, he married Frances Charlotte, eldest daughter of Hon. James Henty, M.L.C. They had 11 children, nine of whom survived him.henty family, boroondara general cemetery, james balfour, frances charlotte henty

The sons and daughters of Thomas and Frances Henty were notable settlers, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. A number of significant mansions in Kew were owned at various stages by members of the immediate family and or their descendants. The Boroondara General Cemetery includes a number of memorials of or to Henty family members.Original colour positive photograph of two Henty family graves in the Boroondara General Cemetery. This is one of a number of photographs taken c.1987 of graves/headstones of descendants of the Henty family of Victoria. The scrolled headstone at left is located at Section C/E D 0241 and its grave contains the remains of Herbert William (Willy) Henty, Frances Emma Henty, May Lillian Henty. The headstone at right is located in Section C/E D 0245 and its grave holds the remains of Edith Mary (Lettie) Embling (nee Henty), Florence Emily Henty, Arthur Frederick Henty, 'Stillborn Skamp'. henty family, boroondara general cemetery, herbert william (willy) henty, frances emma henty, may lillian henty, edith mary (lettie) embling (nee henty), florence emily henty, arthur frederick henty, 'stillborn skamp'

The sons and daughters of Thomas and Frances Henty were notable settlers, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. A number of significant mansions in Kew were owned at various stages by members of the immediate family and or their descendants. The Boroondara General Cemetery includes a number of memorials of or to Henty family members.Original colour positive photograph of a Hindson family grave in the Boroondara General Cemetery. This is one of a number of photographs taken c.1987 of graves/headstones of descendants of the Henty family of Victoria. This particular grave is located in Section C/E C 1117A and holds the remains of John Hindson, Alice Hindson, William Francis Hindson. [Alice Hindson was the daughter of Francis Henty]. Other members of the Hindson family are recorded on the grave but are not listed as buried at the site in the Boroondara General Cemetery records of burials. henty family, boroondara general cemetery, john hindson, alice hindson, william francis hindson

The sons and daughters of Thomas and Frances Henty were notable settlers, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. A number of significant mansions in Kew were owned at various stages by members of the immediate family and or their descendants. The Boroondara General Cemetery includes a number of memorials of or to Henty family members.Original colour positive photograph of Edward Henty's obelisk in the Boroondara General Cemetery. This is one of a number of photographs taken c.1987 of graves/headstones of descendants of the Henty family of Victoria. The obelisk is located at Section C/E D 0201 and its grave contains the remains of Edward Henty, Anna Maria Henty. henty family, boroondara general cemetery, edward henty, anna maria henty

The sons and daughters of Thomas and Frances Henty were notable settlers, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. A number of significant mansions in Kew were owned at various stages by members of the immediate family and or their descendants. The Boroondara General Cemetery includes a number of memorials of or to Henty family members.Original colour positive photograph of Edward Henty's obelisk in the Boroondara General Cemetery. This is one of a number of photographs taken c.1987 of graves/headstones of descendants of the Henty family of Victoria. The obelisk is located at Section C/E D 0201 and its grave contains the remains of Edward Henty, Anna Maria Henty. henty family, boroondara general cemetery, edward henty, anna maria henty

The sons and daughters of Thomas and Frances Henty were notable settlers, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. A number of significant mansions in Kew were owned at various stages by members of the immediate family and or their descendants. The Boroondara General Cemetery includes a number of memorials of or to Henty family members.Original colour positive photograph of Edward Henty's obelisk in the Boroondara General Cemetery. This is one of a number of photographs taken c.1987 of graves/headstones of descendants of the Henty family of Victoria. henty family, boroondara general cemetery, edward henty, anna maria henty

The Springthorpe Memorial is the most important monument in the Boroondara General cemetery. It commemorates Annie Constance Springthorpe (nee Inglis), the wife of Dr. John Springthorpe (1867-1897). Following his wife’s death, Dr john Springthorpe worked with John Longstaff to produce a book, entitled ‘In Memoriam’ for his personal collection, for his children and for immediate family members. Designed by Longstaff, it contained poems, photographs, drawings and idealised memories of Annie and their life together. This is one of two copies of In Memoriam in the collection of the Kew Historical Society. It is believed to be one of eight copies held in public collections. Copies catalogued on Trove include one at the State Library of Victoria and another at the University of Melbourne. As such these two copies are historically, aesthetically, and spiritually significant with the added factor of their rarity. ‘In Memoriam: Annie Constance Springthorpe’ (Verses in memory of Annie Constance Springthorpe), compiled by John William Springthorpe and illustrated by J. Longstaff : 28 p. : ill., ports. ; 26 x 32 cm. non-fictionInscribed on frontispiece to the Misses Moore.john longstaff, annie springthorpe, springthorpe memorial, boriondara general cemetery, john springthorpe

The Springthorpe Memorial is the most important monument in the Boroondara General cemetery. It commemorates Annie Constance Springthorpe (nee Inglis), the wife of Dr. John Springthorpe (1867-1897). Following his wife’s death, Dr john Springthorpe worked with John Longstaff to produce a book, entitled ‘In Memoriam’ for his personal collection, for his children and for immediate family members. Designed by Longstaff, it contained poems, photographs, drawings and idealised memories of Annie and their life together.This is one of two copies of In Memoriam in the collection of the Kew Historical Society. It is believed to be one of eight copies held in public collections.‘In Memoriam: Annie Constance Springthorpe’ (Verses in memory of Annie Constance Springthorpe), compiled by John William Springthorpe and illustrated by J. Longstaff : 14 p. : ill., ports. ; 26 x 32 cm.Presentation copy: Name scratched outdr. john springthorpe, springthorpe memorial, john longstaff, annie springthorpe, boroondara cemetery, kew cemetary, crypt

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Horse tram, Boroondara General Cemetery. The photo was used by Rogers in 'A History of Kew' and appears facing page 64. Horse tram at Kew Cemetery. Line opened 1887horse tram, dorothy rogers, kew, kew cemetery, boroondara cemetery, tram

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Entrance to Boroondara General Cemetery. The photograph appears in Dorothy Rogers A History of Kew and appears facing page 64. The photograph is dated to 1973, the year of publication of the book.2 views. Present day, Boroondara Cemeteryboroondara general cemetery, dorothy rogers, kew

Dr William Butler Walsh was born in 1854. He bought from James Venn Morgan on the corner of Charles Street and Cotham Road and in 1886 built Wilton on this site. He was at one stage the only doctor between Melbourne and Lilydale.This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Grave of the Walsh family in the Boroondara General Cemeterywilliam butler walsh, boroondara general cemetery, dorothy rogers, kew cemetery

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical SocietyThe entrance to Kew cemetery showing the clock tower and horse trams in High Street. The horse tram was at this time the only public transport by which visitors could reach the cemetery. The photograph postdates the construction of the surrounding brick fence which was constructed in 1895-96. "Views Boroondara Cemetery. Land set aside 1859. Photo after brick wall was built."boroondara general cemetery, dorothy rogers

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.The replacement grave and headstone of Ellen Quick in the Boroondara General Cemetery. "New memorial in Boroondara Cemetery to Ellen Quick first person buried there 12th Mar 1859. The Cemetery had no fence & they buried her where later the top drive is today. They exhumed the body & buried her in the Baptist Compartment. A Rev J. Foy was the minister."ellen quick, boroondara general cemetery, dorothy rogers, boroondara cemetery, kew cemertery, early burial, exhumation

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Headstones of Rose U. King, Hannibal J. King & Annie Essington King, Boroondara General Cemetery."Other relations. These are all descendants of Australias 3rd Governor Philip Gidley King"king family, boroondara general cemetery, dorothy rogers, rose u. king, hannibal j. king, annie essington king, boroondara cemetery, kew cemetery

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Photograph, taken by/or for the historian Dorothy Rogers, of the King family grave at Boroondara General Cemetery. Rogers was to write an entry on the King brothers that was published in the Australian Dictionary of Biography."Memorial to Arthur Septimus King & Family. Kew Cemetery. Plaque in Church"arthur septimus king, boroondara general cemetery, dorothy rogers

Considered a ‘worthy’ councillor, William [Bill] Wishart was ‘blunt’ in words and actions during his period of civic service. He was concerned with a picturesque Kew. This included street lighting, macadamised roads and improved access to Melbourne. Often accused of being German, he asserted his Australian birth and Scottish heritage. He was a strong advocate for women’s rights, believed in compulsory voting, favoured prison reform, opposed religious instruction in State schools, betting including horse racing, Home Rule, alcohol and sought to establish a tourist bureau. Cr. Wishart was ‘unanimously’ supported to nominate for the vacated seat of Richmond in Victoria’s Legislative Council. He narrowly lost the vote. After a sudden death, he was buried with Presbyterian rites in the Boroondara General Cemetery.Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge.Admission ticket to a musical and bioscopic entertainment in the Recreation Hall, Wellington Street, Kew, on Empire Day, Friday 24 May 1907. The ticket was tendered to schools of the district, presumably students and teachers, by the Mayor of Kew, Cr. W. Wishart.arthur dear collection, empire day - kew (vic.), kew recreation hall -- wellington street -- kew (vic.), cr william wishart, mayors of kew

In Kew’s Civic Century (1960), Cr. W.D. Vaughan described William Dickie Birrell M.B.E. (1899-1974) as follows: “Mr. W. D. Birrell, who had been on the staff of the Country Roads Board after his return from active service with the First A.I.F., was appointed assistant town clerk on February 15, 1921. On Mr. Harrison’s retirement he was appointed town clerk and city treasurer, and has given outstanding service. His knowledge of municipal administration has been acknowledged by the Government calling on his services to advise on amendments to the Local Government Act. He is a past president of the Town Clerks Institute, and on the nomination of that body was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen in 1958 with the award of the M.B.E. He still occupies the position and is held in the highest esteem not only by the Kew Council, but also by local government administrators throughout the metropolitan area.” (page 132) He died on 7 May 1974, and his ashes were interred at the Boroondara General Cemetery. This portrait is one of a series of mounted and framed photographic portraits of Mayors and Town Clerks of the former Borough, Town and City of Kew, for the period 1863 to 1969. The portraits were transferred by the City of Kew to the Kew Historical Society in March 1989. A Significance Assessment in 2018, funded by the National Library of Australia confirmed the historic, and often artistic significance of the series. Framed portrait of W. D. Birrell - Town Clerk of the City of Kew from 1936 -. The mounting and framing of the photograph follows a typical layout or style in that it each is framed in dark wood, glazed, and laid down on an inscribed board. The inscription identifies the name of the town clerk and the year/s that he served.W.D. BIRRELL / TOWN CLERK 1938-town clerks - kew (vic), w.d. birrell, photographers - stuart tompkins studios - camberwell (vic), kew (vic.) — municipal collection