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City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Scales, Shop,Imperial, ‘Dayton Scale’, c1900
This 'Dayton Scale' was used in a grocery shop in Moorabbin Shire in 20thC to measure grain, sugar, fruit, vegetables, lollies, etc as required by the shopkeeper for the purchase by customers. The Dayton Scale Company, originally known as the Computing Scale Company, built and marketed the first computing scale in 1891. It was part of the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company formed in 1911, and became an IBM division in 1933. The Dayton Scale Division was eventually sold to the Hobart Manufacturing Company when IBM decided to stop marketing scales to retail stores. The Computing Scale Company of Dayton was operated from 1891-1914 by two businessmen from Dayton, Ohio who purchased patents on the recently invented computing scale. It was merged with other companies to become the forerunner company for IBM. On July 20 1897 Mr CC Hobart & Herbert L. Johnson formed the Hobart Electrical Manufacturing Company in Troy, Ohio USA. 1915 Hobart continues its growth into the World market, opening a sales office in Australia. Dayton grocery scales, capacity 2 pounds, Imperial Measure. It is made from white painted steel with a large metal scoop that sits on 2 steel rods attached to a balance beam connected to a recording mechanism that displays the ‘weight’ in a glass framed gauge. In window of glass framed gauge ; DAYTON SCALE CO. / OHIO USA ; Computed from 0 – 2LB in 1oz sections weights, measures, shops, scales. balances, grocery stores, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, dayton scales company, ibm pty ltd., hobarrt electrical manufacturing company, hobart c.c., johnson herbert l, computing scale company ohio -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Document - Account and receipt, Receipt signed (?) ES - possibly Eric Scanlan, Crump's Milk Pasteurising Depot account with attached receipt, 2 October 1958 /6 October 1958
Crumps Dairy (Milk Pasteurising Depot) was located at 6 Benson Street, Surrey Hills on the corner of Weybridge Street until c1973. It was demolished after it had been badly vandalised. The business closed after cartons replaced glassperishables including milk, bread, meat and fruit and vegetables bottles for sale of milk. It was one of many small local facilities for processing and delivering milk that existed from the early 1920s. Eric William Walker Crump (1903-1981) headed the family business. Also involved were Kevin Eric Crump, Eric William Scanlan. NB/ Also held in this collection is a copy of a project by Chatham Primary School student, Susanne Pascoe, dated 1956 which includes photos of the dairy's operations. An oral history by Dave Croft, a driver for the dairy, who lived close by, is also relevant. The account also mentions 'Towt'. Canterbury Oliver Towt (1890-1962) was another dairyman whose premises was on the corner of Chatham and Mont Albert Roads.This is material evidence of business practice c1920s-1960s when accounts for goods received, especially perishables, were often hand-delivered on a weekly basis, with monies owed collected at the door. A paper account printed red on cream (discoloured) paper with the details of the date, account holder and address typed in and the amount owed hand-written in blue ink. The attached receipt has been stuck onto the account and filled out in grey pencil and blue ink. The amounts are in pounds, shillings and pence.Typed: 2/1; 2 OCT. 1958 M/- MATTHEWS, 42 GUILDFROD RD. SURREY HILLS, E.10dairies, crumps dairy, crumps milk pasteurising depot, kevin eric crump, eric william scanlan, eric william walker crump, towt's dairy, canterbury oliver towt, accounts, receipts, guildford road, geoff matthews, ruth matthews, benson street, towts rosehill dairy -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Document - Account and receipt, Receipt signed (?) ES - possibly Eric Scanlan, Crump's Milk Pasteurising Depot account with attached receipt, 16 October 1958 /20 October 1958
Crumps Dairy (Milk Pasteurising Depot) was located at 6 Benson Street, Surrey Hills on the corner of Weybridge Street until c1973. It was demolished after it had been badly vandalised. The business closed after cartons replaced glassperishables including milk, bread, meat and fruit and vegetables bottles for sale of milk. It was one of many small local facilities for processing and delivering milk that existed from the early 1920s. Eric William Walker Crump (1903-1981) headed the family business. Also involved were Kevin Eric Crump, Eric William Scanlan. NB/ Also held in this collection is a copy of a project by Chatham Primary School student, Susanne Pascoe, dated 1956 which includes photos of the dairy's operations. An oral history by Dave Croft, a driver for the dairy, who lived close by, is also relevant. The account also mentions 'Towt'. Canterbury Oliver Towt (1890-1962) was another dairyman whose premises was on the corner of Chatham and Mont Albert Roads.This is material evidence of business practice c1920s-1960s when accounts for goods received, especially perishables, were often hand-delivered on a weekly basis, with monies owed collected at the door. A paper account printed red on cream (discoloured) paper with the details of the date, account holder and address typed in and the amount owed hand-written in blue ink. The attached receipt has been stuck onto the account and filled out in grey pencil and blue ink. The amounts are in pounds, shillings and pence.Typed: 2/1; 16 OCT. 1958 M/- MATTHEWS, 42 GUILDFROD RD. SURREY HILLS, E.10dairies, crumps dairy, crumps milk pasteurising depot, kevin eric crump, eric william scanlan, eric william walker crump, towt's dairy, canterbury oliver towt, accounts, receipts, guildford road, geoff matthews, ruth matthews, benson street, towts rosehill dairy -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Document - Account and receipt, Receipt signed (?) ES - possibly Eric Scanlan, Crump's Milk Pasteurising Depot account with attached receipt, 18 September 1958 /22 September 1958
Crumps Dairy (Milk Pasteurising Depot) was located at 6 Benson Street, Surrey Hills on the corner of Weybridge Street until c1973. It was demolished after it had been badly vandalised. The business closed after cartons replaced glassperishables including milk, bread, meat and fruit and vegetables bottles for sale of milk. It was one of many small local facilities for processing and delivering milk that existed from the early 1920s. Eric William Walker Crump (1903-1981) headed the family business. Also involved were Kevin Eric Crump, Eric William Scanlan. NB/ Also held in this collection is a copy of a project by Chatham Primary School student, Susanne Pascoe, dated 1956 which includes photos of the dairy's operations. An oral history by Dave Croft, a driver for the dairy, who lived close by, is also relevant. The account also mentions 'Towt'. Canterbury Oliver Towt (1890-1962) was another dairyman whose premises was on the corner of Chatham and Mont Albert Roads.This is material evidence of business practice c1920s-1960s when accounts for goods received, especially perishables, were often hand-delivered on a weekly basis, with monies owed collected at the door. A paper account printed red on cream (discoloured) paper with the details of the date, account holder and address typed in and the amount owed hand-written in blue ink. The attached receipt has been stuck onto the account and filled out in grey pencil and blue ink. The amounts are in pounds, shillings and pence.Typed: 2/1; 18 SEPT. 1958 M/- MATTHEWS, 42 GUILDFROD RD. SURREY HILLS, E.10dairies, crumps dairy, crumps milk pasteurising depot, kevin eric crump, eric william scanlan, eric william walker crump, towt's dairy, canterbury oliver towt, accounts, receipts, guildford road, geoff matthews, ruth matthews, benson street, towts rosehill dairy -
Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
Personal Objects of Dr. Ian Stephen MacLeod Murphy
Dr. Ian Stephen MacLeod Murphy (studied at Melbourne University) was a Surgeon Lieutenant on the destroyer S.S. Napier during WW11. Pieces of shrapnel hit Dr. Murphy on the head and he was saved by his tin helmet. He retired to Emerald in 1947 after running a successful medical practice in Hampton, with the intention of breeding turkeys. But Emerald and the surrounding districts had no doctor, so for the next 34 years, the well loved Dr. Murphy provided medical care, working 7 days a week and travelling all over the hills making house calls in all types of weather. Many families couldn't afford his services, and they didn't receive an account or if they did pay, the cheques were not cashed. Often payment was rendered in the form of fruit and vegetables. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1977 for devotion to the health of the community. He died in 1981 at the age of 76 years and a Memorial Fund was set up in his name to provide support for local students studying Medicine.VEMU1647.1 Naval Cap VEMU1647.2 Geelong Grammar Cap (Rowing) VEMU1647.3 Tin Helmet VEMU1647.4 Mug Intercollegiate Boat Race VEMU1647.5 Mug Ballarat Hospital Medico's VEMU1647.6 Pocket Badge Royal Melbourne Hospital Surgeon VEMU1647.7 Pieces of Shrapnel which hit I.S. Murphy on head VEMU1647.8 Medical Registration Certificate 22.12.1937 VEMU1647.9 Geelong College Flag VEMU1647.10 Rudder Ormond College Students Club 1931 Cox I.S.Mc. Murphy VEMU1647.11 Wooden Shield Geelong College 1921-1922 VEMU1647.12 Program from Scotts Hotel VEMU1647.13 Paperwork Celebration Dinner at Emerald Country Club for New Year Honour.dr. murphy -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph - Photograph: Horse-drawn Plough at Work, 1969 Geoff Marriott ploughing in his Market Garden, 1969
... vegetables ...Members of the Marriott family arrived in Port Phillip in 1857. However it was John and Jane Marriott who in 1876, (after toiling hard since their arrival in1871, for very little gain), first leased, then purchased in 1882, 30 acres with a four-roomed house in East Boundary Road, in the area then called East Brighton. (Now known as East Bentleigh). The land they purchased had previously been a part of the 1841 Dendy Survey. Over the following years, John and his four sons with hard work and determination became prosperous vegetable growers and purchased further land in the area. Following John's retirement and subsequent death in 1903, the land was passed to his sons, and then onto the Marriott grandchildren. The family continued to remain very prosperous and successful vegetable growers. This lovely photo of Geoff Marriott bears testament to just one of the many families steeped in the tradition of vegetable growing which significantly contributed to the prosperity of the Shire, and its subsequent development into the City of Moorabbin. The photograph of Geoff Marriott of the Marriott family represents a typical example of the MANY early market gardening families, some names less prominent, but who with their labours contributed to the prosperity and the development of the community of the Shire of Moorabbin. This group of early pioneers, over many years, were a singularly important group responsible for the growth of schools, churches, the Mechanic's Hall, and were active in local government. Large coloured photograph, taken in 1969, showing Mr Geoff Marriott with his horse-drawn plough pulled by "Duke" the Clydesdale horse, and accompanied by "Smoky", his dog, working in his market garden, Brady Road, East Bentleighhorse, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, settlers, fruit, markets, vegetables, plough, mayors, moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, marriott geoff, marriott john, marriott jane, market gardens, horse drawn plough, city of moorabbin -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, 5 York Street, Mont Albert, November 1999 (1), 1999
This is the home of Ernest Augustus Young (1891-1985) and Ruby Nichell Whitby (1892-1984) and their son Ernest Lance Young. Lance was born 24 March 1915 in Surrey Hills; after he married Beryl Mair. Electoral roll for 1937 gives the house name as 'Whitby Lodge'. Ernest and Ruby also had twins Clive and James who died in infancy. Buried at Box Hill Cemetery - M-*-0867 (family plot) This is part of a large collection relating to the Mair, Deakin and Young families. REF: Memoir of Laurie Newton (nee Young) - Her grandfather bought the land and had the house built. She remembers it as having pressed ceilings in some rooms and ornate fireplaces and tiles and leadlight windows in some rooms and doors with leadlight panels. Her grandfather was a keen gardener with an ornamental front garden and many vegetables and fruit trees in the back yard. Her grandfather sold the adjoining block (No 3 York Street), which had been used for growing flowers and vegetables, to John and Edna Jean. Reid. She also remembered that he extended the house and divided it into 2 flats, renting out the northern side for 20 years. Sold by Jellis Craig on 24 December 2010 - With formal living, dining, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage/ample OSP. Land: 18.2m x 40.8m (60' x 134') approx. Large 2 storey house replaced the house. Adjacent house (No 7 York Street) has been renovated. This is part of a large collection relating to the Mair, Deakin and Young families. Colour photo of the street view of 5 York Street, Mont Albert. Taken from the verge, it is a good view of the front of the house. The house is weatherboard with a red corrugated iron roof with simple finials. It is Edwardian in style with simple chimneys in brick and stucco. There is a small veranda with simple fretwork on the southern corner of the house and a bay window to one of the front rooms. There are striped canvas blinds, which are down, on the windows of the 2 front rooms, above which are small lead light windows. The house is partly screened by a mature shrubs. The garden is set behind a fence low fence and constructed from dressed stone. In black permanent marker on rear: "5 YORK ST / NOV. 1999" ernest augustus young, ruby nichell whitby, ruby nichell young, ernest lance young, box hill cemetery, whitby lodge, house names, mont albert -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, 5 York Street, Mont Albert, November 1999 (2), 1999
This is the home of Ernest Augustus Young (1891-1985) and Ruby Nichell Whitby (1892-1984) and their son Ernest Lance Young. Lance was born 24 March 1915 in Surrey Hills; after he married Beryl Mair. Electoral roll for 1937 gives the house name as 'Whitby Lodge'. Ernest and Ruby also had twins Clive and James who died in infancy. Buried at Box Hill Cemetery - M-*-0867 (family plot) This is part of a large collection relating to the Mair, Deakin and Young families. REF: Memoir of Laurie Newton (nee Young) - Her grandfather bought the land and had the house built. She remembers it as having pressed ceilings in some rooms and ornate fireplaces and tiles and leadlight windows in some rooms and doors with leadlight panels. Her grandfather was a keen gardener with an ornamental front garden and many vegetables and fruit trees in the back yard. Her grandfather sold the adjoining block (No 3 York Street), which had been used for growing flowers and vegetables, to John and Edna Jean. Reid. She also remembered that he extended the house and divided it into 2 flats, renting out the northern side for 20 years. Sold by Jellis Craig on 24 December 2010 - With formal living, dining, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage/ample OSP. Land: 18.2m x 40.8m (60' x 134') approx. Large 2 storey house replaced the house. Adjacent house (No 7 York Street) has been renovated. This is part of a large collection relating to the Mair, Deakin and Young families. Colour photo of the street view of 5 York Street, Mont Albert. Taken from the rear of the house verge, it is a good view of the front of the house. The house is weatherboard with a red corrugated iron roof with simple finials. It is Edwardian in style with simple chimneys in brick and stucco. There is a small veranda with simple fretwork on the southern corner of the house and a bay window to one of the front rooms. There are striped canvas blinds, which are down, on the windows of the 2 front rooms, above which are small lead light windows. The house is partly screened by a mature shrubs. The garden is set behind a fence low fence and constructed from dressed stone. In black permanent marker on rear: "5 YORK ST / NOV. 1999" ernest augustus young, ruby nichell whitby, ruby nichell young, ernest lance young, box hill cemetery, whitby lodge, house names, mont albert -
Orbost & District Historical Society
wash tub, 1900-1910
This item was bought by George Henry Douglas Russell when he married Hilda Raymond, a parson's daughter, in 1920. This galvanised metal wash tub was manufactured for domestic use prior to household plumbing, running water or waste removal in Australian homes. On farms in the late 19th / early 20th centuries there were no built-in coppers and concrete troughs with reticulated water. Thus the washing for the family of five daughters was done with this tub. .Tubs of this type vary in size and were used for washing dishes (It was the “ kitchen sink”) or for washing smaller items of clothing “the delicates”. This tub could also have been used to bathe the children. The water was heated on a wood fired stove, then carried to the tub. This could be a lengthy and physically demanding exercise. Much more labor intensive than loading the dishwasher. After use the water may have been “recycled”by being poured onto vegetable gardens and fruit trees. Later at harvesting this tub held maize and beans to top up the three bushel bags of the threshing machines. This was before the hand sewing of the top of the bags with needle and twine.This tub is an indication that items for domestic use in the early 20th century were “made to last” and not manufactured for planned obsolescence.A large galvanized iron was tub, circular with the sides tapering slightly to the flat base. It is seamed on both sides, made from two shets of iron. The base has been soldered on. and the top rim is folded. On either side handles are rivetted on.domestic laundry was-tub galvanized-iron -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Buff-Banded Rail, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Buff-banded Rail is located on mainland Australia. It can also be found in south-east Asia, New Guinea and New Zealand. These birds are often seen individually or in pairs walking through the dense reeds and vegetations of wetlands or crops. This rail has a slow walk and often flicks its tail, which is raised, as they move. They are omnivore scavengers who feed on a large variety of invertebrates, fruit, seeds and vegetables. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is in a standing position on a wooden platform. The Buff-Branded Rail has a pale grey/yellow eyebrow over the orange glass eyes and a pale grey bill. It also has an orange and brown coloured band on its breast. This bird is multicoloured with streaks of chestnut brown, black, white and a faint orange-brown. This specimen has a paper identification tag tied to its left leg.29 c. / (22c)? Spotted Water Crake / See Catalogue, page, 35. / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, landrail, buff-banded rail -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Buff-Banded Rail, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Buff-banded Rail is located on mainland Australia. It can also be found in south-east Asia, New Guinea and New Zealand. These birds are often seen individually or in pairs walking through the dense reeds and vegetations of wetlands or crops. This rail has a slow walk and often flicks its tail, which is raised, as they move. They are omnivore scavengers who feed on a large variety of invertebrates, fruit, seeds and vegetables. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is in a standing position with its neck stretched forwards on a wooden platform. The Buff-Branded Rail has a pale grey/yellow eyebrow over the orange glass eyes and a pale grey bill. It also has an orange and brown coloured band on its breast. This bird is multicoloured with streaks of chestnut brown, black, white and a faint orange-brown. This specimen has a paper identification tag tied to its left leg.20D. / Land Raid / See Catalogue, page, 35. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, landrail, buff-banded rail -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, Former Morrison property, Killeavey, Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, 28 June 2004
Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, 2004-06-28, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, Former Morrison property, Killeavey, Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, 30 August 2019
Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, 2019-08-30 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, Former Morrison property, Killeavey, Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, 27 October 2019
Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, 2019-10-27 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, New Zealand Oak at former Morrison property, Killeavey, Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, n.d
Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, new zealand oak -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, Fay Bridge with New Zealand Oak at former Morrison property, Killeavey, Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, n.d
Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, new zealand oak, fay bridge -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Mann Collection Album - Wodonga Market, C. 1960s
Elaine Mann was married to David Mann, a successful Wodonga businessman and community leader who passed away in Wodonga in June 2012. David was a member of the Mann family who began their business in Wodonga in 1920. Elaine was a teacher in Wodonga for many years and an active member of the community.This photo collection is of significance as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the late 20th century.This building was erected in the 1890's. It was originally the premises of the Federal Coach Factory, then Buntz's Garage, and became Mylon's Garage. July 1960 saw it open as Wodonga Market. An article in Wodonga and District Express dated 1 July 1960 announced: “Wodonga’s New Market Open Today” Arcade Style Shopping "Wodonga’s new market will be open as from morning trade today. Modelled on current overseas open marketing ideas, the new business is similar to the Albury Market in David Street. The Manager (Mr. Ned Day) said yesterday that shops and stalls were sub-let to tenants for a “co-operative rent” which enabled the market to pass these advantages on to the people in lower prices. The building would lend itself to the arcade style which made attractive presentation and would also assist the customer to make quick purchases. There was over 5000 square feet of shopping space.” Businesses open that day were Gerecke’s with a display of secondhand furniture and fittings, and a poultry mart to open the following Friday. Also Webster’s Fruit and Vegetables. Mr. Ned Day advertised space for a variety of listed business types. Businesses recognised in the photo include a Butcher, Webster's Fruit & Vegies, Bill Dunstan's Boat Centre. Snack Bar/Fish & Chips/Milk Bar Auction Mart, New & Used Furniture. Poultry was also available every Friday. The building was demolished in 1963.wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, wodonga market, auction mart -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BENDIGO ADVERTISER ARTICLE BENDIGO TRADING COOPERATIVE LIMITED CREATION 24 MAY 1977, 1977
Bendigo Advertiser Article 24th May 1977 re: Bendigo Trading Cooperative Limited Foundation. Founding Members Photograph: from left John Carty, Manager; Shirley Helfert, Director; Kevin Smith, Chairman; Gerard Clarke, Director and Bert Caldow, Director. John Clarke, the Fifth Director was absent when this picture was taken. Aims of the Cooperative: - members own and ran business themselves as a non profit organisation to contain the high costs of fruit and vegetables for Bendigo citizens by bringing the producer and consumer together. ? Could this be the precursor idea for future farmers markets which continue to run to this day. Mr Bryan McMahon the Bendigo Credit Union Manager provided advise on the process of forming a cooperative. The formation meeting was held on February 3, 1977 at the Kell Pell Pavilion in Barnard Street Bendigo where an application to the Registrar for registration under the the Cooperation Act 1958 was made. (See 10443b) Trading commenced on April 14, 1977.Bendigo Advertiser.bendigo, clubs, bendigo trading coopertive produce -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Macmillan, Donald
Donald MacMillan (widower) with his six children eft Inverness, Scotland, in 1849, and worked as a shepherd on Plenty River property of Captain Aneas McPerson, under the manager Thomas Walker. MacMillan married again and son Hugh was born 1860, first of another six children. They lived at Morang but, in 1866, selected land at Arthurs Creek. Hugh and his sister Ann attended the Hazel Glen School. Later Hugh carried mail from South Yan Year (now Mernda) to Arthurs Creek School (also the post office); he was Sunday School teacher at the Arthurs Creek Methodist Church. Hugh married Helena Heatley from New Zealand who managed the farm after Hugh died, growing fruit and vegetables, carted by wagon to the Victoria Market. Their firstborn was Ken. Contents Newspaper article: "Donald MacMillan - a romantic", Diamond Valley News, 29 October 1985, pp30-31; history of MacMillan family. Newspaper article: "An alternative road to happiness", Diamond Valley News, 29 October 1985, p29; Mic Webb's travels and philosophy, now living at Hurstbridge.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdonald macmillan, plenty river victoria, captain aneas mcpherson, thomas walker, morang victoria, arthurs creek victoria, ann macmillan, hazel glen school victoria, south yan yean victoria, mernda victoria, arthurs creek school victoria, arthurs creek methodist church, malcolm macmillan, helena macmillan nee heatley, ken macmillan, mic webb, hurstbridge learning co-op, hurstbridge victoria, cottlesbridge victoria, st andrews victoria -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Painting - Panoramic View of Kew and Abbotsford from the garden of Rockingham, V Maloney, 1952
The extensive formal landscaped gardens of Rockingham had been created in the 1860s, and by the 1950s remained bordered to the south by the Barkers Road cutting, and to the north by Blytheswood, the neighbouring Syme family property, By 1940, the Syme family were no longer the occupiers of Rockingham. John Herbert Syme had died in October 1939, and by August the following year, his wife had made the house and garden available, rent free to the Red Cross as a convalescent home for Australian soldiers injured in the Second World War. At the time, the house was described as containing twenty rooms, including a ballroom and a billiards room, with a garden of eight acres overlooking the Yarra. The task of renovating the house to conform to its new function as a convalescent home took a year, finally opening in August 1941. Community support for Rockingham was widespread and included the decision by the National Gallery of Victoria to loan pictures from its collection to decorate the walls. Calls were made for women around Victoria to donate fruit and vegetables from their gardens, which the railways agreed to freight for free. Other local support included the work by a team of boys to establish a three-acre vegetable garden within the formal terraced gardens. From the beginning, occupational therapy formed a key component of the rehabilitation of psychologically injured soldiers. This is confirmed by contemporary newspaper accounts of weaving, ironwork, leatherwork, basketry and gardening by patients. Numerous photographs, held by the Australian War Memorial (AWM) and the State Library of Victoria (SLV), record the importance of these rehabilitation activities. The painting of the view across the river to Abbotsford may have been painted in one of these occupational therapy sessions. For many decades it hung in the occupational therapy room. It must have been on view following the sale of Rockingham by the Syme family to the Red Cross in 1955, and subsequently, until the house was demolished and its grounds finally subdivided in 1977.View of Abbotsford from the garden of Rockingham (1952) was created by V Maloney. The vantage point of the artist was the garden of Rockingham, one of two mansions overlooking the Yarra owned by the Syme family. The artwork depicts a number of sites - especially factories - that have since been demolished.Signed by the artist, lower right "V Maloney"rockingham red cross convalescent home, hospitals - kew (vic), rosemary lade, art therapy -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Scales,Spring Balnce Imperial ‘Household’ Salter, 20thC
... vegetables ...In the 18th century, spring scales appeared. To produce these scales, a manufacturer would use the resistance of a spring to calculate weights, which could be read automatically on the scale’s face. The ease of use of spring scales over balance scales is what led most post offices to outfit their clerks with spring postal scales. One of the most common types of spring scales was the kitchen scale—also known as a family or dial scale. Designed for horizontal surfaces, these scales used the weight of goods in a pan at the top of the scale to force the spring down. Such scales were common in early-20th-century households and were sold by Sears and Montgomery Ward. Many had flat weighing surfaces but some were topped by shallow pans. Companies such as Salters, Chatillon, and Fairbanks made both. SALTER HOUSEWARES began in the late 1760 in the village of Bilston, England. At this time Richard Salter, a spring maker, began making 'pocket steelyards', a scale similar to the fisherman's scale of today. By 1825 his nephew George had taken over the company, which became known as George Salter & Co. and later established a large, well equipped manufacturing site in the town of West Bromwich. The business thrived throughout the 1900s, and in 1972 the company was purchased by Staveley Industries Plc. In 2002, the management team at Salter Housewares Ltd, backed by Barclays Private Equity, bought the company out from the group, to concentrate on its consumer businesses. In 2004 was sold to the US-based HoMedics company, and in 2006, Salter Housewares USA and Taylor Precision Products Inc (also owned by HoMedics) merged. Salter Brand No. 44 Household Spring Balance Kitchen Scales made of green painted metal with a large clock face dial marked in 1oz graduations and with a shallow metal bowl placed on the flat top connected to the mechanism. An adjustable screw tightened or loosened the spring to bring the pointer to zero, prior to adding the material to be weighed.. A common piece of kitchen equipment as most families used this type of scale when measuring goods for cooking or storing.On Clock face ; NO. 44 / HOUSEHOLD SCALE / TO WEIGH 14LB X 1OZ / Pro. Pat. No. 30819 / 32 / MADE IN ENGLAND / SALTER / S in trademark rope with arrow market gardeners, early settlers, fruit, vegetables, farmers, cooking, recipes, scales, weights, measures, brass, balance beam, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, kitchen scales, dairy products, cereals, wheat flour, salter housewares pty ltd, west bromwich england -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Fay Bridge, Old bottles found at former Morrison property, Killeavey, Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, 2019
Lemonade, Non-alcoholic Hop Beer and milk bottlkes recovered from Killeavey give an insight into the types of drinks consumed by the Morrison family. Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, bennett lemonade, bottles, milk bottle, o'neill bros north fitzroy, r. harrison, r. harrisons hop beer -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Grace Mitchell and Ursula Dors, Pottery Class, Eltham Living and Learning Centre, Oct. 1988
Grace Mitchell, a talented artist in later life and baker managed a pastry shop business near the corner of Mt Pleasant and Main Roads Eltham in the 1950’s. Shortly after her marriage to Arthur Mitchell in 1948 he had an accident that caused a head injury and was unable to work. Grace realised she needed to be home to care for her husband as well as earn an income. She managed the bureaucracy of council permits, made modifications to her home with savings to get the business off the ground without having to borrow money. Grace and Arthur were avid gardeners and would grow, wash and mince vegetables for pasties while Grace hand made and rolled the pastry. They cooked and minced their own meat for the pies and the fruit for the sweet pies came from their orchard at the rear of the property. She also baked scones and cakes. Grace operated her pastry shop for over 16 years. She supported the Shillinglaw Cottage Preservation Campaign to preserve the cottage through its Flavour of Eltham community cookbook published in 1964 and hosted cooking classes in the new Living and Learning Centre. Grace Mitchell passed away aged 95 years in 2011.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 strips and associated colour print 10 x 15 cmFuji 100classes, eltham, living and learning centre, pottery class, eltham living and learning centre, grace mitchell, ursula dors, teaching, learning -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Plan, Alfred Lynch, Plan of the Experimental Gardens of the Horticultural Society of Victoria. Survey Paddock. Richmond, 1861
Subsequently the area was not fully developed in this manner following flooding in 1863. Some remnants remain.Plan on paper with cloth backing. Inscription, "Designed by Alfred Lynch. Landscape Gardener, Prahran. Printed by De Guchy & Leigh." An inset plan shows position of Experimental Gardens related to the City of Melbourne and Bay. Plan shows layout and plantings of the designated area - fruit, vegetables: the conservatory, nursery, exhibition buildings. This plan was owned by E.E. Pescott. Inscription on cover, "Burnley. E.E.P.." "Ed. E. Pescott." Subsequently the area was not developed in this manner. See inscription on copy made for Centenary Exhibition B92.633. Other copies given to College by N. Lothian (graduated 1934). Jim Sanders, a friend of his, gave them to Dr. G. Moore in 1991. A larger copy, inscribed on reverse, '1861', 'Early proposals for Horticultural Gardens for Horticultural Society of Victoria (now Royal). The lithograph was included as an insert in the Farmers Journal and Gardeners Chronicle 21 June, 1862. It is only in one of the copies held by the State Library of Victoria. 1 large and 1 small photographs of plan. Several photocopies of the plan.Inscription, "Designed by Alfred Lynch. Landscape Gardener, Prahran. Printed by De Gruchy & Leigh." / Inscription on cover, "Burnley. E.E.P.." "Ed. E. Pescott."alfred lynch, experimental gardens, conservatory, nursery, e.e. pescott, n. lothian, jim sanders, dr. g. moore, horticultural socoety of victoria -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - COHN BROTHERS COLLECTION: PRIZE CARDS, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926
Document. Cohn Bros. Collection. 6 Bendigo Agricultural & Horticultural Society Spring Show 1923 Second Prize cards for Red & White wines made by Cohn Bros. 6 Bendigo Agricultural & Horticultural Society Spring Show 1924 Second Prize cards for Red & White wines made by Cohn Bros. 3 cards - Second Prize for White wine 1925. 1 card First Prize for White wine 1925. 5 cards First Prize for White & Red wines 1926. 2 cards - Second Prize for White & Red wines 1926. First Prize cards are blue and Second Prize cards are red. Both have the heads of a horse & a bull in the top left corner and a ram on the top right. In the centre is an emblem with a horse, a bull, a crown & a flag. At the bottom is the word 'progress'. In the bottom left corner is various fruit & vegetables and the right bottom corner has a turkey, a her & a duck. Cards were printed by Bolton Bros. Print Bendigo (1926). Cambridge Press 1924. Different design.Bendigo Agricultural & Horticultural Societyorganization, business, cohn bros, cohn bros. collection, brewers, cordial & aerated water and wine makers -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white and colour slides, colour negative, Miscellaneous Horticulture, 1947-1985
57 slides and 1 negative. (1) "1947 Rolling the surface," in front of the newly constructed Administration Building. (2) "5-5-60 Same tree 7 months later-New Growth." (3) Men standing around a large horticultural machine. (4) "Lawns Housing Com" Aug "66?" (5) "Flemington Racecourse." (6) "Mustard-Cover Crop. 1960." (7) Tree climbing. (8) "Grafting-scions. BHC." (11) "Mildura-Soil Probe Oct 67." (12) Virus tested stock trees & layout Flemings Apr 70." (13) "Best's Winery Mar 75." (15, 16) Best's single student and group. (17) "Ploughing-Diagram to show incomplete cover of trash? Farm Practices." (18) "Spraying Hand Equipment for Insect Control in and around Buildings USA Yearbook 1952." (19) "Pasture Harrows." (20) "Mould Board Plough-Tractor." (21) "Disc Harrows-Offset-Tractor." (22) Tyne Cultivator-for Tractor." (23) See B91.258." (24) Burnley College libary. (25) "Irrigation-Delver Tatura 12/59." (26) "Tatura 12/59 Delver Ferguson T." (27) "Wilson's Prom? date." (28) "Wilson's Promontary Nov 1960 lunch." (29) "W. Prom." (30) Camp 1957 Wilson's Promontary." (31)" Longeronong Field Day 1964 Machinery Combination (Small)." (32, 33) "Longeronong Field Day 1964 Machinery Cultivating." (34-36) Photographs of plants in book. (35) Alnus? (37) "Meterosideros excelsa." (38) "Rhipsalidopsis rosea." (39) "Protea neriifolia." (40) Banksias-Species." Insects: (41) "Lacewing larva." (42) "Mites Aug 75." (43) "Yellow Mite, Red Spider (Arachnida)." (44) "Jassid-Life Cycle 9/51." (45) "Grape Fruit Crop (Florida) Destroyed by Fruit Fly. Animals without backbones." (46) "Jassid-Vegetable 9/51." (47) "Field Day 57 (Fruit Fly-Enlarged)." (48) "Field Day 57 (Fruit Fly-Stages)." (49) Insect Life Cycle. (50) "Comatibility (sic) Chart." for Insecticides & Fungicides. (51) "Insecticides-Toxicity." (52) "Life Cycle of the Leather Jacket." (53) "Grasshopper-Head Dissected Mouth Parts." (54) "Types of Antennae." (55) "Spider Mites USA Yearbook 1952." (56) "Cultivator." (57) "Organic Phosphates." (58) Negative Isopogon anemonifolius.administration building, lawns, flemington racecourse, mustard-cover crop, tree climbing, grafting, mildura, soil probe, pests, machinery, excursions, tatura, library, wilsons promontory, plants, alnus, zygocactus, schlumbergia, feijoa, acca sellowiana, protea neriifolia, banksia, isopogon anemonifolius -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Poster, Ringwood Football Sports Club Gift Meeting, Ringwood Reserve - 1949
Programme of running and cycling events and highland dancing competitions with details of entry fees and prize money - Saturday January 8 (1949).Proceeds in aid of Recreation Ground improvements. Advertisers - T. Mathieson Service Station, 128 Whitehorse Road Ringwood, R. France Fruit & Vegetables, 203 Whitehorse Road Ringwood, R.W. Porter Hire Car Service, Phone WU6334, H.J. Bently Timber Merchant, Phone WU6031, Kenneth Marshall Jeweller and Watchmaker & Gifts, Ringwood, Roy Hill Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Opposite Station, Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, R. White Shoes, 30 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, Phone WU6384, K. Rees Tailors, 100 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, Stoney's Super Service, Sporting & Electrical Goods, 165-7 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, A.S. Bailey, Chemist, 173 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood, Phone WU6234. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Document, Ringwood and District Horticultural and Garden Club, Ringwood and District Horticultural and Garden Club Syllabus - 1972, 1972
Ringwood and District Horticultural and Garden Club Syllabus 1972.Small card Ringwood and District Horticultural and Garden Club Syllabus 197__ Monthly Meetings are held in the Public Library, Warrandyte Road, Ringwood, on the Third Monday of each month at 8 pm. (Mrs.) V.H.WILSON, Hon. Secretary 38 William Street, Ringwood Telephone: 870-7458 (Inside) Page One Jan 17th Pressed Flowers Feb. 21st Judging Standards Mar.20th Fuchsias Apr. 17th Native Plants May 15t Indoor Plants June 19th Fruit Tree Pruning Page Two July 17th Toowoomba Festival Aug. 21st Camelias Sept. 18th Bulbs Oct. 16th Vegetables Nov. 20th Annual Meeting. Question Night Dec. 11th Christmas Break up -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Len Parker's Bedford truck at the Tosch home in Panton Hill, c.1952
Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker, panton hill, tosch property -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Len Parker's Bedford truck, c.1962
Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. The little girl is Grace de Visser's sister. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker