Romantic, charming . . . ''SUNNYBROOK'' ON the slope of a hill on the East side of Bolton street and overlooking willows that trail gracefully in a creeklet which shows no great haste to blend with Diamond Creek and so to the Yarra, there stands a great old-fashioned home. Outwardly it speaks of past opulence rather than beauty of design, but the velvet green lawns and the formal neatly weeded rose gardens, the well established trees, tennis courts, wisteria covered pergolas and the great curved fronds of old palms produce an atmosphere that cannot be built-up in less than decades. Here is irresistible old-world charm. The jangle of today cannot penetrate ... it is a place to remember ... a place where events to be remembered have a perfect setting ... it is "Sunnybrook." From the neighbouring ‘Beranto Lodge’ Mrs. Lenne can catch glimpses of ‘Sunnybrook,’ but the old home is well hidden from all quarters and only the faultlessly kept lawn can be seen by the curious. Like many other people, Mrs. Lenne was curious. Who can blame her. ‘Sunnybrook’ is a name to conjure with in Eltham. When the elderly men of the township were young bucks ‘Sunnybrook’ stood alone, a proud home that was known and established. Amongst the simple homes of the valley of the Diamond Creek, ‘Sunnybrook’ was Queen. In the roistering days of the Diamond Valley, when Kangaroo Ground was the seat of the Shire and when five pubs dotted the road from Lower Plenty to the civic centre, ‘Sunnybrook’ was off the track of the boisterous and tipsy. ‘Sunnybrook’ is still off the beaten track . . . but only slightly so; it no longer looks over cow pastures, but the neat, newly built houses which dot the length of the Main Road. They are still no closer than half a mile and while these houses have sprung up the fine trees and shrubs have quietly closed in around the boundaries of ‘Sunnybrook' as if to keep the old place to itself. That is how it has become something to whet the curiosity. When the course of events put the place on the market Mrs. Lenne bought it. When a modern house is bought it is pliable in the sense that the owner moulds it according to personality. It can remain severe, utilitarian and with a little neglect soon run to an ugly shabbiness. But with old 'Sunnybrook' it is different. There is in existence a character indelibly written into every line of the place . . . it is a LOVE OF ENGLAND. Upon ‘Sunnybrook’ has been lavished the devoted love of England to such a degree that it must be seen. The gardens and lawns are formal, and though lovely and speaking of the leisure of past years they are not English . . . they are just lovely, with the beauty that only the long established seem to possess. It is inside ‘Sunnybrook’ that the intense love of England is seen. Years ago the home was bought by a Mr. Martin, who was getting on in years, as a home for his much younger wife. The couple spent thousands of pounds as well as endless care and imagination in the complete redecorating of their home. Oak panelling imported from England was built in. Huge fireplaces shed their Colonial appearance to be become the fireplaces of England . . . and they were so in every sense because they were also imported from England. One lovely specimen whose gracious lines are remarked upon by all who see it, is a certified antique of finest English Oak. Care was taken to see what hand made wrought iron light fittings were in keeping. The old place has three lounge, dining or living rooms according to taste and requirements, and all are bigger than the biggest attempted in a “big” modern home. This does not include an outside living space of ample proportions, all fine flywired in and enclosing a fernery. A turn of a tap and spray as fine as mist is released over the rockery. On a scorching summer day when no relief short of a swim could help ordinary people, the resident of ‘Sunnybrook’ found the coolness of a dell in which to sit and enjoy their evening meal. What is more, the temperature of the whole house could be reduced by merely turning on this extensive spray water system. Yes, comfort to luxury standard is built in. And what happens to 'Sunnybrook' now? Mrs Lenne is famous to thousands for her quite fabulous catering. Her home and her "Wanda Inn" at Hepburn Springs have long been a Mecca for those who want the different in catering . . . different in the sense that every client is treated as a friend, not a customer and the hospitality and attention one would give to an honoured friend is accorded. And the food! – ask anyone who has enjoyed the privilege. Ask those who attended the reception given to Mr. Menzies by Eltham Shire Council; ask those members of the Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce who enjoyed it! [See EDHS_04736-1/2 https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/5d4c2fb521ea6727d892df72] There is only one word anyone ever uses . . . “unbelievable!” it must be seen and eaten to be believed. And ‘Sunnybrook’ will ring to the laughter, and offer its spaciousness for the fun of all who join in the happiest occasion in the life of those just married, whose wedding reception is intended to be “remembered.” Mrs. Lenne is a dynamic ball of energy whose enthusiasm is not to be brooked. She has acquired the home of her dreams. 13 March 2020 Note: Historian Stella M. Barber via the GSV members Forum cites that Clair Samwell and Doris Good ran a nursing home in Balwyn called Penquite (1946-1952). Prior to that the women had run a rest home called Beranto in Eltham. Single newsprint page separated rest of paperberanto lodge, bolton street, houses, mrs. lenne, prime minister, properties, robert gordon menzies, sunnybrook

Published in "The Sun", Wednesday, August 11, 1976, pp 38-39 [Text of article:] A WINDOW ON THE PAST by Roger Sanders. A fascinating window has been opened on the early life of the Eltham district. It is a rare collection of 3,000 perfectly preserved glass plate photograph negatives. The collection is the work of the late Albert Jones, a Diamond Creek orchardist and amateur photographer. About 500 of the negatives have been printed and 100 are on display at Gallery 4, Eltham, as part of the Eltham Festival, which started on Friday. They capture in fine detail rural and village life around Eltham, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Yarra Glen and Diamond Valley from 1900 to 1930. While the natural beauty of the district was painted in this period by Arthur Streeton (later Sir Arthur), Tom Roberts and Charles Conder, among others, photography was relatively new. Yet Albert Jones used the new medium to compile a weighty album of pioneers at work, at home, at sport and on holidays. He was at the first Yarra Glen race meeting, early Diamond Valley football matches and photographed soldiers from the district leaving for war. He photographed early gold mines, men with horses laying the Diamond Creek-Hurstbridge rail track and the arrival of the first steam train at Hurstbridge. He took his cameras on holiday around Victoria and the collection includes scenes from St. Kilda and Portsea and many country towns. The Jones collection of negatives was found by Mr A. J. "Ned" Spark, of Balwyn, under a house he bought from Mr Jones' widow. The plates almost went to the tip with a pile of rubbish before Mr Spark realised their potential value. Mr Spark, who is retired, will continue the identification and recording of the photographs when he returns from holidays. The exhibition of the Jones' photographs is open each afternoon until August 21 at Gallery 4, 1016 Main Rd., Eltham. [Captions of photographs included in article:] • The priceless collection of glass plate negatives were found under this house in Eltham [actually Wattle Glen], home of Albert Jones and his wife. • A quiet country pub - Panton Hills Hotel. • Teams of draught horses were used in the building of the Diamond Creek-Hurstbridge railway in 1910. • Chinaman Jimmy using a gold cradle in Wattle Glen Gully. • The photographer and orchardist Albert Jones. His work is on show as part of the Eltham Festival • St Kilda Pier – several of the houses are still standing, but the waterfront has changed dramatically since this was taken before 1920. • A picnic was a dressy affair at the start of the century – the women in this family group are decked in lace and pearls.Newspaper articlealbert jones, golden glen, wattle glen

Folder Contents: 1. Program (A4 Trifold double sided) - 1997 Eltham Festival, 7, 8 & 9th November 2. Newsclipping: Festival reverts to its original name, Diamond Valley News, 21 May 1997 3. Eltham Festival returns, The Advertiser, Tuesday, May 20. 1997, p3 4. Festival funding down by $30,000, unidentified paper, 1997 (Also includes story "Play but no school" re fundraiser for Challenger St Pre-School at Diamond Creek held in the Diamond Creek Community Centre.. On reverse - "Bridges to be upgraded" by Laeta Antonysen regarding replacement of dilapidated bridges in Gipson Street, Diamond Creek)Miscellanous documents and newspaper clippings1997, eltham festival, program, challenger st pre-school, diamond creek community centre, george sartels, play school (tv show), bridge construction, gipston street, diamond creek

This undated photograph shows Councillor Cecil Jessop, as Mayor of Heidelberg, opening a venue in Diamond Creek, possibly a pool. Photographed b G. Cox, this photograph appeared in the Diamond Valley Story, published by the Shire of Diamond Valley in 1979.Large black and white photograph of a group of people at an official event.diamond creek, cecil jessop, shire of diamond valley

Road plan showing land acquisition for the road to Diamond Creek (NOT Diamond Creek Road), also known as Eltham Road and now known as St Helena Road.Shows the land through which St Helena Road runs, with original owners marked on plan.1 page. Copy of road planroad plans, st helena road greensborough, diamond creek

Photograph shows Greensborough Park from the corner of St Helena and Diamond Creek Roads GreensboroughPart of the John Ramsdale collection of slides and audio visual material.Colour photograph scanned from slide.No maker's marks. No caption on slide.greensborough park, st helena road greensborough, diamond creek road greensborough

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. Yarra 2500 [base map]. 13-21, Parishes of Keelbundora 2856 and Nillumbik 3310, Municipality of Diamond Valley 257. Shows street names, easement sizes, lot numbers, lodged plan numbers, names of prominent features, contour values, creek or river names. Central Greensborough. Prominent streets: Main Street, Para Road, St Helena Road and Diamond Creek Road.MMBW Map in 1:2500 [scale] series. Cream parchment with green tape reinforcing on edges and punched holes on left edge.mmbw, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, shire of diamond valley, greensborough - maps

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. Yarra 2500 [base map]. 12-20, Parishes of Keelbundora 2856, Municipalities of Diamond Valley 257 and 228. Shows street names, easement sizes, lot numbers, lodged plan numbers, names of prominent features, contour values, creek or river names. Watsonia Railway Station and environs. Prominent streets: Watsonia Road, Elder Street, Morwell Avenue and Nepean Street. Includes former Watsonia Technical School and Gresswell Rehabilitation Centre sites.MMBW Map in 1:2500 [scale] series. Cream parchment with green tape reinforcing on edges and punched holes on left edge.mmbw, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, shire of diamond valley, watsonia - maps

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. Yarra 2500 [base map]. 12-19, Parish of Keelbundora 2856, Municipalities of Diamond Valley 257 and 228. Shows street names, easement sizes, lot numbers, lodged plan numbers, names of prominent features, contour values, creek or river names. Watsonia Barracks (Simpson Army Barracks) and environs. Prominent streets: Yallambie Road, Greensborough Road, and Strathallan Road. MMBW Map in 1:2500 [scale] series. Cream parchment with green tape reinforcing on edges and punched holes on left edge.mmbw, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, shire of diamond valley, watsonia - maps

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. Yarra 2500 [base map]. 12-22, Parishes of Keelbundora 2856, Municipalities of Whittlesea 239 and Diamond Valley 257. Shows street names, easement sizes, lot numbers, lodged plan numbers, names of prominent features, contour values, creek or river names. Watsonia Railway Station and environs. Prominent streets: Edmund Rice Parade and Macorna Street. Includes Christian Brothers Edmund Rice College and Janefield Special School sites and "proposed future freeway" (now Metropolitan Ring Road).MMBW Map in 1:2500 [scale] series. Cream parchment with green tape reinforcing on edges and punched holes on left edge.mmbw, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, shire of diamond valley, watsonia - maps, bundoora - maps

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. Yarra 2500 [base map]. 12-22, Parish of Keelbundora 2856, Municipality of Diamond Valley 257. Shows street names, easement sizes, lot numbers, lodged plan numbers, names of prominent features, contour values, creek or river names. Watsonia Railway Station and environs. Prominent streets: Grimshaw Street, William Street and Macorna Street. Includes former Institute of Social Welfare (now Loyola College) Lines Reserve and Binnak Park.MMBW Map in 1:2500 [scale] series. Cream parchment with green tape reinforcing on edges and punched holes on left edge.mmbw, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, shire of diamond valley, watsonia - maps, bundoora - maps

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. Yarra 2500 [base map]. 12-24, Municipalities of Whittlesea 239 and Diamond Valley 257. Shows street names, easement sizes, lot numbers, lodged plan numbers, names of prominent features, contour values, creek or river names. Watsonia Railway Station and environs. Prominent streets: Memorial Drive. Includes Plenty River and Blue Lake in the Plenty Gorge.MMBW Map in 1:2500 [scale] series. Cream parchment with green tape reinforcing on edges and punched holes on left edge.mmbw, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, shire of diamond valley, plenty - maps, blue lake

Greensborough artist Alan Sartori show some of his work at the Alan Sartori Gallery in Diamond Creek.Newspaper clipping, black and white text and colour image.alan sartori, sartori gallery diamond creek

Photograph shows a view of Greensborough from 'Sondemeyers Hill' located near the corner of St Helena and Diamond Creek Roads. It looks south towards the township of Greensborough. It is a rural scene.Digital copy of black and white photograph.st helena road, diamond creek road, sondemeyers hill, greensborough

This photograph of the corner Diamond Creek and St Helena Roads was taken in 2013 to show changes over 40 years, based on Ron Reynold’s sketches in the 1973 publication 'Greensborough and Greenhills' published by Cypress Books. The house on the corner is the subject of one sketch in the book.Digital copy of colour photograph.greensborough and greenhills, st helena road greensborough, diamond creek road greensborough, ron reynolds

These photographs of the house on the corner of St Helena and Diamond Creek Roads was taken in 2013 to show changes over 40 years, based on Ron Reynold's sketches in the 1973 publication 'Greensborough and Greenhills' published by Cypress Books... which states "Built on a steep hill in a bush setting in the early 1920s, for a Dr Wood, the weatherboard house now overlooks an area of activity and change. The owners, Mr and Mrs E. 'Bluey' Blackburn, remember when their 3/4 acre building block dropped to the edge of a dirt road. Today the view from the high verandah encompasses the Main Street shopping centre, new and old bridges, new roads and houses, the Plenty River, natural bush, hills and sports grounds."Digital copy of colour photograph.greensborough and greenhills, st helena road greensborough, diamond creek road greensborough, wood family, ron reynolds

This photograph of Greensborough was taken from Delfin Crescent in 2013 to show changes over 40 years, based on Ron Reynold’s sketches in the 1973 publication “Greensborough and Greenhills” published by Cypress Books. Delphin Crescent [previously known as Medhurst Street] was created about 1970 in association with the Delfin Building Company. It was at this time also, that major works on Diamond Creek Road raised the level of the road facilitating the connection of Delfin Crescent with Diamond Creek Road. [Note: 'Medhurst Street was only listed on planning maps pre 1950 when the 'street' had no residents or development.]Digital copy of colour photograph.greensborough and greenhills

In May 2016, the Nillumbik Historical Society invited Greensborough Historical Society to visit its historical centre at Ellis Cottage in Diamond Creek. Ellis Cottage was built in 1865 and is made of local uncut stone. The cottage is a typical farmers residence of this period. The stone construction is unique in this district as most construction is weatherboard. This photo shows some of the artefacts on display.Digital colour photographellis cottage, nillumbik historical society inc.

In May 2016 the Nillumbik Historical Society invited Greensborough Historical Society to visit its historical centre at Ellis Cottage in Diamond Creek. Ellis Cottage was built in 1865 and is made of local uncut stone. The cottage is a typical farmers residence of this period. The stone construction is unique in this district as most construction is weatherboard. This photo shows an antique compressor.Digital colour photographellis cottage, nillumbik historical society inc.

In May 2016, the Nillumbik Historical Society invited Greensborough Historical Society to visit its historical centre at Ellis Cottage in Diamond Creek. Ellis Cottage was built in 1865 and is made of local uncut stone. The cottage is a typical farmers residence of this period. The stone construction is unique in this district as most construction is weatherboard. This photo shows a farm implement display in the Historical Centre.Digital colour photographellis cottage, nillumbik historical society inc.

In May 2016; the Nillumbik Historical Society invited Greensborough Historical Society to visit its historical centre at Ellis Cottage in Diamond Creek. Ellis Cottage was built in 1865 and is made of local uncut stone. The cottage is a typical farmers residence of this period. The stone construction is unique in this district as most construction is weatherboard. This photo shows a collection of irons on display in the Historical Centre.Digital colour photographellis cottage, nillumbik historical society inc.

In May 2016, the Nillumbik Historical Society invited Greensborough Historical Society to visit its historical centre at Ellis Cottage in Diamond Creek. Ellis Cottage was built in 1865 and is made of local uncut stone. The cottage is a typical farmers residence of this period. The stone construction is unique in this district as most construction is weatherboard. This photo shows a small outside building in the grounds of the Historical Centre.Digital colour photographellis cottage, nillumbik historical society inc.

In May 2016, the Nillumbik Historical Society invited Greensborough Historical Society to visit its historical centre at Ellis Cottage in Diamond Creek. Ellis Cottage was built in 1865 and is made of local uncut stone. The cottage is a typical farmers residence of this period. The stone construction is unique in this district as most construction is weatherboard. This photo shows a sculpture in the grounds of the Ellis Cottage.Digital colour photographellis cottage, nillumbik historical society inc.

In May 2016, the Nillumbik Historical Society invited Greensborough Historical Society to visit its historical centre at Ellis Cottage in Diamond Creek. Ellis Cottage was built in 1865 and is made of local uncut stone. The cottage is a typical farmers residence of this period. The stone construction is unique in this district as most construction is weatherboard. This photo shows steps to front door of Ellis Cottage.Digital colour photographellis cottage, nillumbik historical society inc.

In May 2016, the Nillumbik Historical Society invited Greensborough Historical Society to visit its historical centre at Ellis Cottage in Diamond Creek. Ellis Cottage was built in 1865 and is made of local uncut stone. The cottage is a typical farmers residence of this period. The stone construction is unique in this district as most construction is weatherboard. This photo shows the exterior and garden of Ellis Cottage.Digital colour photographellis cottage, nillumbik historical society inc.

View from Flodden Way, looking across to the next ridge. "I remember a row of houses being burnt beyond that ridge at Diamond Creek and having ash inside our home." The Noone family lived at 1 Flodden Way from 1966 to 1969. Caption by Julie Noone 2017.Shows the development of the area in the 1960s.Digital copy of colour photograph, taken from photographic slide.flodden way briar hill

Digital copy of a framed photograph purchased at a market stall. The long low flat object behind the men and the railway wagon is probably the railway platform before the buildings were added. Digital copy of black and white photograph. (Second photo shows a detail of the first with colouring added digitally.) diamond creek

Copy of Rose Series Postcard P. 4314. (The Rose Stereograph Company) Shows two bridge crossings over the Diamond Creek in Diamond Street, Eltham. The upper pedestrian crossing provided continual access for foot traffic during times of flood. The railway came to Eltham in 1901, the Eltham Railway Station is visible in the distance as well as a wooden bodied Tait (Red Rattler) First Class train carriage. The Tait train was first introduced in 1910 as a steam locomotive hauled carriage and in 1919 electric motor carriages were introduced however the line to Heidelberg was not electrified till 1921 and to Eltham in April 1923. The Railway General Store on Main Road is visible beyond the station and was built by Luther Haley in 1902. It was the first shop in the present day shopping centre. It was later known as lloyd's stopre (1917-1920) followed by a succession of six other owners until purchased by Eric Staff in 1939. George Rose founded the Rose Stereograph Company in 1880 and was joined by Herbert (Bert) Cutts in the early 20th Century. The pair formed a lifetime working partnership and strong personal friendship. Assisted by George’s two sons, Herbert George and Walter, and later by Neil Cutts, the Rose Stereograph Company continued its operations for more than 140 years. The company was initially built on stereographs, but as cinema took over and stereographs fell out of fashion, the Rose Stereograph Company developed Australia’s first commercially viable photographic postcard business. Specialising in postcards of iconic historical moments and significant landmarks, The Rose Stereograph Company became a staple of the Australian travel industry.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negdiamond creek, diamond street bridge, eltham, eltham railway station, glass plate negative, lloyd's general store, postcard, railway station, railway store, rose series postcard, rose stereograph company, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, staffs general store, tait train, travel

Street signage: Attention park users these are residential streets please show concern drive slowly 20 m.p.h with graffiti Newsletter No., 234, June 2017 Heritage Excursion - Saturday 1st July - Eltham Lower Park - Walk and Talk Eltham Lower Park has played an important part in the history of our area since the early days of European settlement when it was used by local residents as an informal racecourse. Prior to that its location at the junction of the Diamond Creek and the Yarra River made it an important meeting place for the Wurundjeri people. The park combines formal elements and sporting facilities with remnant bushland that is of environmental significance. It is home to sporting and horse riding clubs, popular play spaces and the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway, which attracts large numbers of visitors. The park will be the venue for our July excursion which will comprise a walk of about 3.5 km around the park and adjacent areas. Along the way we will discuss the history and natural history of the area. The path along the creek and the river provides a pleasant and scenic walk. This walk on Saturday 1st July is about 3.5 km in length and will take 2 to 2.5 hours. It will start at 2pm at the Main Road car park at the front of the park. (Melway ref 21 H 10). Born Digitalheritage excursion, activities, eltham district historical society, eltham lower park, sign, grafitti

Shows the Diamond Creek bridge and part of Susan Street In February 1968 an unknown person took a series of photos from the Eltham Hotel at Pitt Street heading north along Main Road through the shopping centre to just north of Elsa Court covering the length of the section of Main Road which was duplicated shortly thereafter. Shows the condition and environment of the streesscape of Main Road, Eltham immediately prior to the duplication between Pitt Street and Elsa Court through the shopping centre. Also shows a number of shops and businesses that operated at that time.Black and white photographduplication, eltham, main road, bridge street, susan street