Cr Robert Hornbuckle Melton Shire President 1882-83, 1896-97, 1997-98, 1907 -08 Justice of the Peace. Melton Mechanics Institute 1st Treasurer 1904, President 1904, 1905 , Trustee 1910 Children of Robert and Mary nee Poulton Sarah, Robert, Emma, William, Charles, Thomas, and Mary Sarah nee Hornbuckle Nixon and Frederick Myers Snr were at school together at the same in the 1880s. CROXTON Court Name of the Hornbuckle and Knox family homePhotocopy of Marriage Certificate of Robert Burton Hornbuckle and Mary Poulton at Kerrie District of Lancefield 27 th May 1869. (some damage to the originial) Descendants of Robert Burton Hornbuckle and Mary Poulton, and Sarah Hornbuckle and George Nixon's Family Treelocal identities, council, pioneer families

AJ Raleigh and Treasurer Keith Robinson names are on the State Savings Bank cheque. Cheque for the Annual Hospital Appeal from the church and deposit to the State Savings Bankchurches

Melton Community Presbyterian church yearly calendarchurches

Presbyterian Church of Victoria renewal certificatechurches

Invoices for Scots Church, Melton. The one on the right is from Jongebloed Hardware storechurches

David McKenzie obituary, Romsey Examiner 1928 Another of Australia’s very old pioneers in the person of Mr McKenzie, passed away last weekend at his daughters residence At regent at the ripe old age of 92 years ( he would be 93 in November) Born at Berwick of Tweed Scotland, the late Mr McKenzie arrived in Australia with two of his uncles in 1855 by the ship “Red Jacket”. A stone- mason by trade he worked about Melbourne and at Geelong until attack by “gold fever” but met with no success at this venture so he returned to his trade, arriving at Melton about 1860. There he married and settles for about 20 years. In 1880 the Cherokee Heights with its subdivision was famous and Mr McKenzie moved there with his daughter. He continues in his trade, his work extending to Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, and Springfield and other places, where to this day, may be seen monuments of his skill and through tradesmanship as a mason. During his residence in the Mount, he took a keen interest in all the affairs of Kerrie and Cherokee, and he was a familiar figure at all the public gatherings at which he nearly always filled the position of Chairman, because of outstanding qualifications. He was a man of those sterling qualities possessed by those men who laid the foundation of this country so well and truly. Loyal, broad of vision, just in thought and deed, honourable to the extreme in all dealings, fearless in the cause of right, a lover of home and family, and ready to lend a hand to all progressive movements. To the memory of those grand men the youth of today should lift their hats in reverence. Mr McKenzie was a prolific reader of educational works, and the wonderful knowledge he retained upon a variety of subjects was a source joy to those who associated with him. His wife predeceased him by 43 years ago soon after arrival in Cherokee. A Pioneer of Melton There are probably some residents left at Melton and Bacchus Marsh who will remember the late Mr McKenzie, one of them has written as follows:- I knew the late Mr. McKenzie since I was a little boy – over 50 years ago- and no better man ever lived than he, he was a good man from every point of view. The late Mr McKenzie was born on the November 25th, 1835 at Montrose, Scotland. He came to Australia in 1853 and resided for a time with his uncle the late Mr. Gibson on the Kororoit Creek near Melton. A few years later he settled in Melton. In 1861 he was married to Miss Mary Buchanan, the eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Buchanan, one of the early settlers of Melton. Deceased resided on the main road to Bacchus Marsh one mile from Melton. He was a stone- mason by trade, and some fine buildings in Melton and surrounding districts to this day, stand to his credit. He built the Presbyterian Church Melton. The old school, the Shire Hall, many private dwellings and numerous bridges. He was highly respected, as he was well known for the good work he put into all he had to do with. He also took numerous contracts in the Melton Shire, and was also employed by the Shire as Clerk of Works. He was a most conscious man. In his day he took a prominent part in all public affairs, and was a leading spirit in the old school Board. He was one of the pioneers of the Melton Rechabite Tent. He was one of the earliest workers and supporters of the Melton Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder, and for a great number of years, its Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher. He also lead the singing for many years before the days of the organ, as he had a splendid voice, and could sing his old Scotch songs and hymns up to within six months of his death. For the past five years he has resided with one of his daughters at north Preston, where he died. He had good health up to within six months of his death and could well remember all the early happenings at Melton and surrounding districts. There are five daughters and one living son:- Margaret Mrs. Walter Wyatt Twose of Burnley Elizabeth Mrs George Shebler of Brunswick Georgina Mrs Jack Sinclair Isabel Mrs H Knight of North Preston Jane Mrs William Gibson of Warragul John W. of Fremantle - Western Australia Letter from Margaret to the Melton Presbyterian Churchchurches, local architecture

Speedboat Carnival and Canadian Hell Drivers was part of the carnivalPoster from Holden promoting the carnival local significant events

Photographs of the construction of the dam wall for Melton's water supplylocal significant events, council, local architecture, local identities

Robert Barrie on earth moving machine of Jack Legge of Sale agriculture, local identities

Currently the headquarters of the Melton Historical Society, the Willows was built in 1855 by a farmer called Ralph Parkinson. In 1867, it was purchased and extended by James Ebden Minns. His son, George Minns, was given the property by his father in 1903, George was a council member of Melton Shire for 37 years and after he eft the area in 1951, the property became derelict. Although due to the support of the community, Melton Shire Council purchased the property in 1972 and to assist with the restoration, a group was established called the Willows Restoration Committee. The members included Chairman Cr Ed Gillespie, Lorraine Gillespie, Mr & Mrs Alan Reed, Ken Young, Bill Amor, Edna Barrie, Max Watson, Cr Jeff Robinson and Wendy Barrie.Restoration was completed in 1982.The Willows before restoration in 1973. This is the view of the front of the house and part of side wire fencing.council, local special interest groups, pioneer families, local architecture, local identities

Corner view of front and east side showing telephone insulator connection, and small elevated water tank connected to windmill. This photo was taken before the restoration of the property. local identities, local special interest groups, council, local architecture

View of rear of house with water tank and windmill.local architecture, local special interest groups, council, local identities

View of the house with a corrugated storage shed on the left.local architecture, local special interest groups, local identities, pioneer families, council

C.E Barrie was the Urban brigade's first captain. November 19, 1975, Page 2 OBITUARY Ex-Captain C E BARRIE Over 50 firemen attended the funeral of Ex- Captain Edgar Barrie of Melton Fire Brigade who died at the age of 62 on Thursday 16th October, 1975. Edgar was a volunteer fireman for 33 years, all of this service with the Melton Rural and Urban Fire Brigades. He joined the rural brigade in February 1942 was Secretary 1942 until 1965 when he became Captain as position he held until 1973. He was the urban brigade’s first Captain when it was formed in 1970 and held this position until 1971. The fire service runs in the Barrie family, brother Bon was Captain of the rural brigade from 1953 to 1965 relinquishing the position to become Group Officer of the Mt Cottrell Group, a position he still holds. Another brother Tom has been a member since 1941, nephew Peter has been a member since 1962 and Edgar’s son Vivian has been a member since 1971. Firemen, led by Snr. A/C/O Max Taylor, A/C/O Harry Rothsay, R/O Arthur Haynes and retired R/O Jim Dinsdale formed a guard of honour at the church and cemetery. A/C/O Rothsay read the Fireman’s Funeral Ritual at the graveside. Edgar who was a farmer, leaves a wife and four children. Sympathy is extended to them in their loss. Six members from the Melton Urban Brigade including Captain C.E Barrie, Secretary Dale Blampied, Lieutenant Steve Hirt, Apparatus Officer Graham Quick and Foreman Barry Sherwell.local identities, emergency services

G Macdonald, Tom Collins, Bill Collins, Rupert Tinkler, and Tom Barrie at the First Hundred Years Celebration Melton S.S 430 held at Mechanics Hall in 1970.

Beryl Knox speaking about early life in Melton. Page 1 1949 – 64 years ago. We began our married life at Melton Sth. The house on the corner of the Exford Rd and Staughton St-- dusty gravel roads, box thorns and noxious weeds everywhere and a sprinkling of houses and vacant land. It was a friendly community consisting of old family names. McDonalds, Blacks, Dodemaide, Cahill, Coopers, Minns, Tinklers, Nesbitts, Cochranes, Wickhams, Exells. Mavis Butler. The home owned by Mr. Robinson and Miss Robinson had been shifted in two parts transported from Diggers Rest and it is still standing 2013. Bruce’s father purchased the house and two adjoining blocks, the Conways built on one and the Rawlinson family on the other block. Eileen still resides there, she was only a baby in a pram and the family had not long arrived from England. The railway line was close to the house and the contents would rattle when heavy steams trains went through, and on a clear frosty night the 1am paper train would echo roar through very loudly when labouring towards the Exford Bridge. Then the two carriage motor train was introduced, this was great for the workers and schoolies who travelled to Melbourne. The train pulled up at the crossing or riding to pick up or drop off. Melva Gillespie (nee Hirt) Bill Cahill delivered the milk by the billy and then in bottles. Len Kennedy (Paul Kennedy’s father, Norma Murrays son) delivered Jongebloeds bread, he always had a sweep going for the Melbourne Cup and raffles for the footy club. Mr. Woodgate owned an old bus and pick up point was the Post Office when there was a Saturday film on a Melton. There were no doctors or dentists in the district. If we need a Doctor we had to travel to Bacchus Marsh or discuss problems over the phone. In later years a Bacchus Marsh Doctor rented the Bluestone building in McKenzie St a couple of days a week. If we needed the Dentist we had to travel to West Footscray or Footscray. We did our banking at “State Savings” then the Miss Minns had the agency and then Bardsleys Store. We travelled to Bacchus Marsh to the National and Commercial banks. Station Rd to Western Highway, now (High Street) was a narrow stretch of bitumen and gravel farmland either side and a couple of farm houses and large gum trees on the properties. Page 2 North of the Railway line Mrs Bessie Jones, mother of Chas and Betty Jones managed the Post Office, next door to her Chas and Betty had the Shell Centre, and later moved the business to Melton. Hughie Nesbitt and mother owned the grocery and hardware store, and I bought my first set of saucepans there. On the opposite side of Station road Mr Coombe owned the fruit shop, and also provided soft drinks and lollies for children. The Chaff Mill was on the corner of Station Rd and Brooklyn Rd. Mr Lumsden was manager and later years Bernie Trethowan and Jack Butler were partners. It finally burnt down and is a Service Station now. Along Brooklyn Rd there were a few houses and Victoria Hall, not a very big hall, but catered for lots of functions, Balls, Fancy Dress, Bazaars, Square Dancing and meetings. The Bacchus Marsh Baptists held Sunday School in the hall. A group of shops were built south of the railway line Molly and Len Skinner managed the Post Office and handled a few essential groceries. Tom McDonald and Ron Lunsberg were the butchers. Mary and Syd Cooper lived next door to us and often in turn would run out of something when we had a baking spree we would borrow or exchange, sugar flour etc over the fence. Mavis and Jack Butler lived there before the Coopers. Bernie and Iris Trethowan lived two doors up. Neighbours were invited into their home to view the first black and white television in Melton Sth. Bill Exell was one of the first Melton Sth farmers to sell his land to developers, the land was idle for years before housing developed. I joined the Melton Valley Golf Club in 1960. The Gun Club as our Club House, an old tin shed consisting a water tank, trestle table and forms and dirt floor. It was a 9 hole course with sand scraps and landscape putting before greens. The Common or parkland was part of the Golf Course. It was open for every ones recreation. Roy Norton an old identity trained his trotters on the Common and wouldn’t clear the track for the golfers. The golfers had to avoid him to continue to play. We had to keep clear when the young youths came in their paddock cars and motorbikes. Over the years the Toolern Creek flooded its banks, water and debri covered the course on one year our first Club house was flooded out. It took several working bees to clean it up. We lived at Melton Sth for 15 years and moved to Melton on the farm “Croxton Park.” The Nixon family farm “Mowbray” adjoined the farm. Bruce worked the land cropping the farm when Mrs Nixon died. Page 3 (page 4 on the handwritten script) Bruce had the first offer to buy, in those days it wasn’t easy to get good bank loans. Part of the land is the Golf Course now and Mr O’Shea purchased the bulk. Moving to Melton was totally different – I became involved with Committees, Scouts, Guides, Mothers Clubs, CWA, Church Op shop (8 years). Melton Amateurs players produced and tutored by Mabel Rogers exerts from Pyjama Game, South Pacific, Carousel - later years a group of ladies did gentle water exercise at Essendon and Station Road swimming pool. I was 20 or so years in Probus. The local followed the football, there was always a Gymkhana on the long weekend in June. The tennis always created a lot of interest during the finals. It didn’t matter which team played the supporters were treated to a cup of tea and leftovers from their afternoon tea. In 1978 were the first residents to move into the Jennings Estate Kurunjang and lived there 31 years and retired 4 years ago into Unit. The amazing changes I have experienced. Merrimu supplied our water, after depending on tanks. The landscape changed completely when developers came in, no more dusty plains \ typed web Sept 2013 McFarlane, Mrs Knox and Beryl Gillespie at the First Hundred Years Celebration of Melton State School 430. The event was held at Mechanics Hall, Melton.local identities, local significant events, education

Bill Collins talking to guests at the First Hundred Years Celebration . local identities, local significant events, education

Fred Myers, David Wilkie and Effie Wilkie are siblings. George Tinker married Pearl Wilkie and had a daughter called PamelaFred Myers, David Wilkie, Effie Wilkie and George Tinker at Melton State School's First Hundred Years Celebration, the event was held at Mechanic's Hall, Melton. local identities, local significant events, education

Dorothy Beaty (Knox): married to John Beaty. Passed away in 1981.She was a member of Melton's Country Women Association from 1938-1985. Mary Robinson nee Barrie: Born in 1907 and was the first child of Charles Ernest and Jessie May nee Lang of Melton South and Darlingsford Melton. She eventually married Keith John Robinson and they had three children, Ian, Ena May and Mary Elizabeth 'Beth". Mary died in 1999. Dorothy Beaty, Pearl Wilkie and Mary Robinson at the Melton State School 430 First Hundred Years Celebration. This was held at Mechanics Hall, Melton. local identities, local significant events, education

Edgar Barrie and guest at the First Hundred Years Celebration of Melton State School 430.local identities, local significant events, education

Melton State School Photograph Junior Classes May 3rd 1917 Thomas Lang was the Head Teacher from 1896 - 1917 Back row: William Kilpatrick Bill D Whiting John Flynn Archibald MacDonald Arch Edward Radford Ted John Radford Jack Keith Beardemore Second Back Row: Percival Cook George Nixon Frederick Myers Bill ? Coburn Jim Coburn Bill ? Coburn [Arthur 06 Geo, William 06 Frdk Thomas 06 F James F] Second Front Row: Rita Wilson Mary Coburn Frdk Ivy Prickett - Winifred Barrie Marie Jongebloed Mary Phyllis Pearcey E. Waller Front Row: Kenneth Beaty John Parker Margaret McDonald Mary Kilpatrick Greta Jongebloed .. Norman Minns Francis Shelly Juniors classes with headmaster Thomas Lang. education, local identities

Melton State School May 3rd 1917 Head Teacher Mr Thomas Lang Senior Class Back Row: Frederick Manning Arthur Pearce Augustus Jongebloed Donald Watson Thomas Walter David Dodemaide Henry Whittington Second Back Row: Rita Barrie Lilian Barrie Winifred Cook Olive Pearcey Dorothy Flynn Miss Cassy Dudley Third Front Row: Winifred Williams Myrtle Moulsdale Theckla Jongebloed Olga Raleigh Fanny Trewin (Alice?) Front Row: George O’Neil – George McDonald Eric Wilson Leopold McGuire Keith Beaty Alan Beardemore Eric Burton Black and white photograph of Melton State School Senior Class with headmaster Thomas Langeducation, local identities

Coburns Road - 19th c family descendents living in Melton. Coburn Primary School Cr George Coburn. 1930’s. December 1935 Shire President Cr Geo Coburn convened meeting to form the Bush Fire Brigade. Road construction of Service road and beginnings of West Melton subdivision. West Melton-Early Division View of Coburns Road. council, local significant events

The Elders left to right: George Robinson, Albert Barrie, (Session Clerk), Rev. W.G. Lewis, Campbell Macdonald, Bert Raleigh. From Scots Church Review - 1947, page 7. Scots Church was built 1938. Photographer : Jack Coe Bacchus MarshThe Elders standing in front of Scots Churchchurches, local identities

Photographer : Jack Coe, Bacchus Marsh. Scots Church Review 1947, page.8Allan Rogers(Rodgers?), Walter Barrie, Malcolm Cameron, Bon (Ernest) Barrie, Bruce Myers, Hugh Barrie, Tom Barrie and Robert Macdonald standing in front of Scots Church.churches, local identities

The P.W.M.U. was formed in May 1914, during the ministry of the Rev. Ben Williams. Mrs Williams presided at the first meeting. The object of the Union is to further the work of missions at home and abroad. t is responsible for mission work in china, Korea, New Hebrides, and deaconess work in the city.. Parcels of food are sent away from time to time. Last year the member made four quilts for the Babies’ Home. The Union has sustained severe losses in the departure from the district of Mrs I Robinson and Mrs E. Jessie Barrie: and Mrs Cameron was called to higher service on July 28th, 1947. The first President appointed was Mrs Atkin, Miss Macdonald, acted at Secretary of the Union for 22 years. For all the women who recognise the need of mission work for Christ, this Union is a wonderful opportunity for service. Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union (P.W.M.U): Mrs Jessie Barbarella nee (McIntosh) Miss Elsie Raleigh, Mrs Minnie Barrie nee Agar, Miss Jean Macdonald, Mrs Alison Raileigh?, Miss Christine McPherson, Miss Agnes Riddell, Miss Lois Raleigh and Mrs Ross.churches, local identities

Built in 1938.Group of people in front of Melton Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian Church Melton Background: A Combined Denominational Church and School was established in Melton by Protestants from the Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Wesleyan and Baptists denominations. A wooden church was built on the flat area east of the Toolam Toolern Creek. A photo of this church shows the buildings with small houses nearby. In the background the bluestone Presbyterian Church built in 1867 can be seen to the north on Yuille and Sherwin street. The flat area beside the road to Ballarat was subject to flooding and the site was eventually abandoned for a settlement. By the latter part of the 1860s the Church of England and Wesleyan bluestone churches were also being erected in the centre of the township of Melton. The commercial centre developed in High Street from Smith to Palmerston Street. Township of Melton Crown Grants Issued Under Common Law refers to the site of the Combined Denominational Church and School on the east side of Sherwin Street on the corner of Pyke Street. Section 4 Allotments 1 and 10 situated on the corner of Pyke, Bryan and Sherwin Street. The early map has the name of Thomas Cridge on this site. The area known Common (flat) remained open level ground with some cottages and buildings and a milk cooler in the 1930s, Granny Watts house “Lynch Cottage was moved in 1964. Sherwin Street was used until the 1960s with the open area being the used for playing golf. Alterations to the flat occurred when the golf course added to the height and removed the Sherwin Street access. The greens were developed and the height of ground altered the vista across Common. The first Presbyterian Minister in the district was the Reverend Alexander McNicol an advanced student and an experienced missionary from Glasgow, arriving in Melbourne in 1850. He was ordained on the 8th of June and was called to the Bacchus Marsh and Mount Macedon district. On the 1st of May 1851 he was called to Geelong and returned to Bacchus Marsh on February 1856 remaining until July 1859. Group of people in front of the church and school.churches, local identities, education

Erected 1974, dismantled 2000s. The Headquarters was operated from the family home at Ferris road at its inception, and in 1974 to the Barrie home at First Avenue Melton South. A storage office and Radio Tower was erected in the yard. A connection phone line was linked to the home of Wayne and Lynn Sullivan who lived at the rear in Kurrajong Cr later became LY remote. Wayne later became Communications Officer and the Headquarters moved location to the Melton Fire Station. The Mount Cotterill Group encompassed the Rural Fire Brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Truganina, and Werribee and later Diggers Rest. In the stage of transition from H.F.( High Frequency) to Very High Frequency some radio sets were non CFA Tankers when the group was established. Antenna was at 19 First Avenue, Melton.emergency services

Taken at EWS Ferris Road. The fire brigade was formed in 1970, Edgar Barrie was the Urban brigade's first Captain from 1970 to 1973. Peter Barrie joined in 1962. Barry Sherwell was foreman in 1971. Barry Sherwell, Edgar Barrie and Peter Barrie, Melton Urban fire brigade members.local identities, emergency services