Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party. This umbrella cannot be opened due to the silk being shattered."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1969, Coombs had already purchased 10 acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original 10 acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Periwinkle blue afternoon dress made of finely woven wool with silk quilting to the yoke and cuffs. The one-piece outfit is fastened at front with large mother of pearl buttons. The dress includes a very long train. At one stage, the buttoning at the waist has been modified, presumably due to changes in the owner's waistline. women's clothing, australian fashion, costumes, dresses

This Guide uniform was worn by Jane Reid when she was a Guide at 6th St Hilary's between 1987 and 1989. The uniform consists of a pale blue blouse, junior navy A-line skirt and navy wool beret with the World Guide badge embroidered on it. The scarf with the Victorian State Badge at the back is a triangle and can be used as a sling or bandage in an emergency. Jane's woggle (a band holding the tie) was made by hand. Some girls made woggles from leather, cord or items from nature such as gumnuts. The leather belt with the Girl Guide buckle bears a metal badge obtained at Britannia Park, the Victorian Guide camping ground at Yarra Junction. Her white lanyard (indicating she was a Patrol Leader) and brown leather pouch are attached to the belt. Metal badges pinned to the collar of the blouse are the World Guide badge on the right and the Guide Trefoil or Promise badge on the left. The tapes on the left sleeve identify the Guide Company, District and Region. Badges on the right sleeve are interest and achievement badges.jane reid, costumes, uniforms, girl guides 6th kew

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) plans were produced from the 1890s to the 1950s. They were crucial to the design and development of Melbourne's sewerage and drainage system. The plans, at a scale of 40 feet to 1 inch (1:480), provide a detailed historical record of Melbourne streetscapes and environmental features. Each plan covers one or two street blocks (roughly six streets), showing details of buildings, including garden layouts and ownership boundaries, and features such as laneways, drains, bridges, parks, municipal boundaries and other prominent landmarks as they existed at the time each plan was produced. (Source: State Library of Victoria)This plan forms part of a large group of MMBW plans and maps that was donated to the Society by the Mr Poulter, City Engineer of the City of Kew in 1989. Within this collection, thirty-five hand-coloured plans, backed with linen, are of statewide significance as they include annotations that provide details of construction materials used in buildings in the first decade of the 20th century as well as additional information about land ownership and usage. The copies in the Public Record Office Victoria and the State Library of Victoria are monochrome versions which do not denote building materials so that the maps in this collection are invaluable and unique tools for researchers and heritage consultants. A number of the plans are not held in the collection of the State Library of Victoria so they have the additional attribute of rarity.Original survey plan, issued by the MMBW to a contractor with responsibility for constructing sewers in the area identified on the plan within the Borough of Kew. The plan was at some stage hand-coloured, possibly by the contractor, but more likely by officers working in the Engineering Department of the Borough and later Town, then City of Kew. The hand-coloured sections of buildings on the plan were used to denote masonry or brick constructions (pink), weatherboard constructions (yellow), and public buildings (grey). The absence of buildings and or property in Kew facing the Yarra is the most notable feature of this plan. Walmer Street and its bridge stretched, then and now, from Studley Park Road to Victoria Street, Richmond. On the Richmond side of the Yarra, there was evidence in 1904 of industry (‘Wool shed’; Soap Works’) and entertainment (‘Skittle Alley’). In reality, another Plan (No.1303) shows Chinese Gardens bordering the Yarra on the Kew side and buildings in Young Street.melbourne and metropolitan board of works, detail plans, mmbw 1302, cartography

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Two-piece royal blue heavy silk dress comprised of a tightly waisted top that extends below the waist at the front and the back, and a floor-length skirt. The full skirt and the sculpted fabric that is part of the top are designed to cover a bustle. The elaborately styled bodice is joined with fabric-covered buttons at centre front. The bodice is distinctively styled with the use silk velvet banding and tassles that extend the woven silk webbing. The outfit is in excellent condition apart from some wear on the velvet and the buttons.women's clothing, australian fashion, dresses, costumes, fashion & design, outerware

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One-piece, floor length blue silk day dress with a bell skirt that is slightly longer at the back. The dress is joined, centre-front with hooks and eyes. It is probable that the 19th century cream-coloured lace on the bodice and cuffs is a later addition. The lace extends in a long loop at the font of the skirt. The bodice has a high round neck, later modified to a V-shape. The dress must at one stage have been reconfigured or strengthened at the join of the bodice and skirt, as there is evidence of the use of new machine stitching. The dress is fully lined with a stiffened cotton lining fabric. Apart from minor staining, the dress is in excellent condition. The dress is the earliest complete costume in the collection. Measurements - 145.0 cm (centre back) 25.0 cm (waist, flat)Nilcoombs collection, fashion - 1860s, women's clothing, costumes, daywear

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Blue silk, floor length day dress comprised of a tightly fitted, long, waisted jacket joined by hooks and eyes at centre front. The bodice features large ornamental buttons from neck to waist, covered in a figured silk fabric of the same colour as the dress. The gown has extensive pin tucking on the sleeves, on the flounce of the skirt, and on the long train. The line of the outfit is emphasised by the flattened front, which is typical of the period. Its cut and lack of adornment emphasises the tailored effect.australian fashion, fashion & design, costumes, dresses, women's clothing, fashion - 1860s, fashion - 1870s

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Single-piece, floor length, gold silk taffeta evening dress featuring the use of a very long fishtail train to which is attached a silk cord to allow the wearer to hold it above the floor. The dress includes a number of decorative features including the extensive use of box pleats on the sleeves and on the hem of the skirt; contrasting gold and cream braiding and tassles; and the extensive use of ruching on the bodice at the front. Due to the age and fine quality of the silk taffeta used, there is evidence of the degradation of the fabric on one shoulder and a tear in the rear of the skirt. Otherwise the dress is in excellent condition.fashion - 1870s, australian fashion, wedding dresses, costumes, women's clothing, coombs collection

Pickering's Dairy was located on the south Side of High Street, Kew, between Charles Street and Highbury Grove. Kew was a major milk producing district in the Nineteenth and early Twentieth centuries, with three major dairy farms lining the Yarra between Studley Park in the west and Burke Road in the east. In addition to these dairy producers, there were also a number of accredited dairy retailers in the suburb. The largest and most enduring of these was the Model Dairy founded by the Kew pioneer James Venn Morgan. Milk bottles that include the name of the producer or retailer are historically significant as they represent a period in Kew's history before the mass production of milk in the second half of the Twentieth Century. A number of these named bottles have the additional attribute of rarity.Milk bottle - F.G. Pickering, Highbury Dairy, 344 High St., Kew. Pressed inscription: "This bottle contains MILK Bottled for Sale by F.G. Pickering, Highbury Dairy HAW5538, 344 High St., Kew. Bottle is the property of the above. It is loaned and cannot legally be used by others". Reverse: "One Imperial Pint". milk bottles, pickering's dairy (kew)

White's dairy was at 52 Willsmere Road, near the Peel Street Intersection. Descendant known locally as Miss White lived at 33 Willsmere Road. This is across the road from the dairy location. Kew was a major milk producing district in the Nineteenth and early Twentieth centuries, with three major dairy farms lining the Yarra between Studley Park in the west and Burke Road in the east. In addition to these dairy producers, there were also a number of accredited dairy retailers in the suburb. The largest and most enduring of these was the Model Dairy founded by the Kew pioneer James Venn Morgan. Milk bottles that include the name of the producer or retailer are historically significant as they represent a period in Kew's history before the mass production of milk in the second half of the Twentieth Century. A number of these named bottles have the additional attribute of rarity.Glass milk bottle from White's Dairy, North Kew. Pressed inscription: "This bottle contains milk bottled for sale by White's Dairy, North Kew, Phone HAW.2154. Bottle is the property of the above. It is loaned and cannot legally be used by others". Reverse: "One Imperial Pint". milk bottles, white's dairy (kew), north kew, willsmere road

The Model Dairy was founded by the Kew pioneer, James Venn Morgan. The dairy had a number of different locations in Kew depending on the time period. Its final incarnation was on the north side of Cotham Road, between Ridgeway Avenue and Kent Street, Kew. The final factory was designed by the architects Bates, Smart and McCutcheon.Kew was a major milk producing district in the Nineteenth and early Twentieth centuries, with three major dairy farms lining the Yarra between Studley Park in the west and Burke Road in the east. In addition to these dairy producers, there were also a number of accredited dairy retailers in the suburb. The largest and most enduring of these was the Model Dairy founded by the Kew pioneer James Venn Morgan. Milk bottles that include the name of the producer or retailer are historically significant as they represent a period in Kew's history before the mass production of milk in the second half of the Twentieth Century. A number of these named bottles have the additional attribute of rarity.Milk bottle - Model Dairy Kew. Pressed inscription: "Model Dairy Ltd Kew." Reverse: " This bottle contains milk bottled for sale by Model Dairey Ltd and always remains their property. It is loaned & cannot legally be used by others. One Imperial Pint. This bottle differs from 1981.0010 in that it has two pressed rings on the neck of the bottle.milk bottles, model dairy (kew)

The Model Dairy was founded by the Kew pioneer, James Venn Morgan. The dairy had a number of different locations in Kew depending on the time period. Its final location was on the north side of Cotham Road, Kew between Ridgeway Avenue and Kent Street. Its final factory was designed by the architects Bates, Smart and McCutcheon.Kew was a major milk producing district in the Nineteenth and early Twentieth centuries, with three major dairy farms lining the Yarra between Studley Park in the west and Burke Road in the east. In addition to these dairy producers, there were also a number of accredited dairy retailers in the suburb. The largest and most enduring of these was the Model Dairy founded by the Kew pioneer James Venn Morgan. Milk bottles that include the name of the producer or retailer are historically significant as they represent a period in Kew's history before the mass production of milk in the second half of the Twentieth Century. A number of these named bottles have the additional attribute of rarity.Milk bottle - Model Dairy Kew. Pressed inscription: "Model Dairy Ltd Kew." Reverse: " This bottle contains milk bottled for sale by Model Dairey Ltd and always remains their property. It is loaned & cannot legally be used by others. One Imperial Pint. This bottle differs from 1981.0009 in that it does not have two pressed rings on the neck of the bottle.milk bottles, model dairy (kew)

Milk Bottles Recovery Ltd began production in Melbourne in 1930. Its head office was located at 48 Market Street, Melbourne. It supplied milk bottles to dairies throughout metropolitan Melbourne, and possibly Victoria. It ended production in the 1950s. Smaller Kew dairies without their own named bottles, would have sourced bottles from a statewide provider such as Milk Bottles Recovery Ltd.Kew was a major milk producing district in the Nineteenth and early Twentieth centuries, with three major dairy farms lining the Yarra between Studley Park in the west and Burke Road in the east. In addition to these dairy producers, there were also a number of accredited dairy retailers in the suburb. The largest and most enduring of these was the Model Dairy founded by the Kew pioneer James Venn Morgan. Milk bottles that include the name of the producer or retailer are historically significant as they represent a period in Kew's history before the mass production of milk in the second half of the Twentieth Century. A number of these named bottles have the additional attribute of rarity.Milk bottle - Milk Bottles Recovery Ltd. Pressed inscription: "Milk. One Pint. This bottle belongs to Milk Bottles Recovery Ltd and cannot be used with out written permission. milk bottles, milk bottles recovery ltd

Living with natural processes was frequently a challenge to early European settlers and later residents of what was in the 1850s administered by the Borondara Road Board. This was compounded by the area being bounded on three sides by rivers (Yarra River, Koonung Creek and Gardiner's Creek). In 1849, the historian James Bonwick recorded that "our district [Kew] suffered considerably. Mr Wade speaks of 80 acres, out of 100 acres of his cultivated paddock, covered by water." Newspapers continued to describe major flooding in Kew in 1863, 1869, 1878, 1880, 1889, 1891, 1916 and 1934. While the construction of the Upper Yarra dam in 1957 reduced the levels of flowing downstream, local and riverine floods continue.The Kew Historical Society's pictures and map collections testify to the impact of flooding in the district. They have historical importance in documenting the extent of flooding in the district and its affects on homes, services and recreation. Numerous photographs record flooding throughout the Twentieth Century.Floods in North Kew, 1934. Vicinity of Willsmere Park.floods (kew)

Floods in North Kew in the vicinity of Willsmere Park, donated by Kerry Woollard.floods (kew), yarra river

In the 1920s and 30s, rowing on the Yarra was a very popular weekend pastime. Each of the early boats was individually named in gold letters on its varnished wooden backboard. This is all that remains of one of the Thames pulling boats from Burns' Boatshed at Studley Park which was destroyed by a falling tree in a storm. Their entire fleet of rowing boats has now been replaced by fiberglass boats.Varnished wooden backplate of a rowing boat. The shaped sign is embossed with the name 'Wagana" in gold lettering, outlined and shaded in black paint. Gilt scroll work surrounds the name. The ends of the backplate shows the holes where the plate was once attached to the seat of the boat. The name Wagana means 'to dance' in Wiradjuri language."Wagana"burns' boatshed, thames pulling boats, yarra river -- kew (vic.), boathouses - river yarra

An item from an outstanding and diverse photographic collection, assembled by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew.Rare programme for what was once an annual event in Kew with important, possibly unique photos of sites in Kew and on the Yarra.Programme for the 1910 Kew Canoe Carnival which was held on the River Yarra on February 11th. The location was at the Asylum Reserve at the old white bridge (the precursor of Kane's Bridge). Funds were raised in Aid of the Annual Treat to Kew and Yarra Bend Patients (and the Carnival fund). The booklet includes details of the programme, numerous advertisements and rare and important historic photographs of the district including: the Willsmere Park Dairy, the Glen Tea Gardens at Hawthorn, the Pipe Bridge, the Kew Boat Sheds (Macauley's), and Rudder Grange boat house.christian-washfold collection, kew canoe club, kew canoe carnivals

Dight’s Falls in Studley Park is an artificial weir built on a natural rock bar across the Yarra. The weir was built in the 1840s to provide water to the ‘Ceres’ flour-mill, one of the first in Victoria. The falls were later to become known as Dight’s Falls after the owners of the mill. Later, a pumping station was built on the Kew side of the river, which pumped water uphill to a reservoir in Walmer Street that provided water to the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and to Albert Park Lake. The area around Dight’s Falls was and is frequently used for recreational activities.One of a series of photographs, probably taken by Henry Christian of the Yarra River in Kew. An item from an outstanding and diverse photographic collection, assembled by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew.River Yarra at Dight’s Falls, Kew/Fairfield photographed from Kew bank.dight's falls, river yarra, christian-washfold collection

One of a number of 'real photo' and commercial postcards created by or owned by members of the Christian and Washfold families of Kew. The postcards are part of a larger collection of photographs, postcards and publications donated to the collection in May 2021.Postcard folder. Selection of ‘beauty spots’ along Yarra between Princes Bridge and Heidelberg via Studley Park. Boat advertises Harding’s Launches Studley Park & Heidelberg. Pictured boat is ‘25 Canberra’.harding's river cruises, river yarra -- tourism, harding's boat cruises, christian-washfold collection

Flyer for Harding’s Launches on the River Yarra: 20 miles scenic wonder trip. Aerial view over Dight’s Falls on front. non-fictionBifold brochure including route map of the full 44 mile 'Wonder Trip' on pages 2 & 3. Photos used include an 'Aerial view over Dight's Falls', two ferries, and a 'Scene near Dight's Falls'.river yarra, melbourne ferries pty ltd, yarra river -- tourism, harding's cruises, christian-washfold collection

Henry Christian (c.1809-91), the grandfather of the photographer, was one of the first settlers in Kew. He arrived in Victoria with his wife Agnes and son Orlando in 1855 on the Gypsy Queen. He established a rope-making business in Bulleen Road by 1858 but was declared insolvent two years later. In his final years, he was celebrated as one of the oldest living settlers of the district. His son, Orlando Henry Beater Christian (c.1853-1930) became a member of the Hawthorn Band and a foundation member of the Willsmere Swimming Club. Orlando and his wife Elizabeth had four children of which Henry Beater Christian (1886-1962) was the oldest.An album of photographs, compiled by Henry Beater Christian (1886-1962) of Pakington Street, Kew, depicting individuals, natural and settled environments and the interactions between these worlds. Henry Christian, was a keen explorer, not just of his immediate environment but also of the Victorian wilderness. His major opus is contained in two albums in which he records, sometimes in majestic detail and on other occasions the intimate features of the natural world. His photographic travels during the 1920s, often in solitary ramblings but on other occasions with companions, recall the heroic landscape photography of an earlier era, pioneered by Nicholas Caire. In addition to their aesthetic value, the albums are historically significant records within the State of Victoria, of what is now a distant point in time, and of places that have become radically altered through human intervention.Digital copy of a 47-page photograph album containing 255 gelatinous silver images, loaned by Diane Washfold with permission given to digitise and hold a copy in our collection. The album contains a groups of photographic positives taken by Henry B Christian (a resident of Pakington Street), of places in Kew and throughout regional Victoria during the 1920s. The mainly sepia photographs, while small, are of a high resolution. Photographs are typically lightly glued onto pages. Locations are frequently identified by white or black ink, which in a number of cases is illegible due to wear.henry beater christian (1886-1962), landscape photography, photograph albums, kew (vic.) — yarra river, kew (vic.) — zig-zag bridge, kew (vic.) — macauley’s boathouse, studley park (vic.) — yarra river, wonderland — grampians (vic.), black spur (vic.), marysville (vic.), maroondah dam (vic.) — construction, warburton (vic.), cockatoo (vic.), bruthen (vic.), swan reach road (vic.), glen hills (vic.), lightning creek (vic.), omeo (vic.), glen wills (vic.), mt wills (vic.), sunnyside (vic), granite flat (vic.), toolangi (vic.), yea (vic, )., flowerdale (vic.), mt white law (vic.), baw baw (vic.), christian-washfold collection

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was established by an act of the Victorian Parliament in 1890 to prepare for and to implement a sewerage and water reticulation system across what was then inner Melbourne, its surrounding and middle distance suburbs, including Kew. The MMBW was disbanded in 1991.The map collection of the Kew Historical Society has at its core the historic maps assembled and originally stored in the City Engineer's Department of the City of Kew. These include maps in a number of scales. The vast majority of maps were produced by the MMBW in the first two decades of the twentieth century, and are solid working maps, backed by linen for durability. These maps are historically significant to Kew, the City of Boroondara and to the history of the development of state utilities in Victoria. A number of the Kew maps have additional details added by former municipal officers, including the levels reached by various floods. As these were working documents, information was added to them long after the period of their initial production and distribution.Early map of part of the Borough of Kew, created in the first decade of the twentieth century, at a scale 160 ft to 1 inch. The map covers what was then the south western section of Kew, bordered on its north by Studley Park Road, in the west by Walmer Street and the River Yarra, by High Street South and Princess Street in the East and Barkers Road in the south. The map shows the extent of urban development by that time, prominent institutions and the outlines of built structures in the municipality. Contour lines and historic flood levels were added in ink to the map at a later stage.MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / PLAN NO. 40 / COLLINGWOOD & KEWmelbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, borough of kew, cartography

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) was established by an act of the Victorian Parliament in 1890 to prepare for and to implement a sewerage and water reticulation system across what was then inner Melbourne, its surrounding and middle distance suburbs, including Kew. The MMBW was disbanded in 1991.The map collection of the Kew Historical Society has at its core the historic maps assembled and originally stored in the City Engineer's Department of the City of Kew. These include maps in a number of scales. The vast majority of maps were produced by the MMBW in the first two decades of the twentieth century, and are solid working maps, backed by linen for durability. These maps are historically significant to Kew, the City of Boroondara and to the history of the development of state utilities in Victoria. A number of the Kew maps have additional details added by former municipal officers, including the levels reached by various floods. As these were working documents, information was added to them long after the period of their initial production and distribution.Map of the City of Kew showing part of the River Yarra Beautification Schemes. The map shows development to date and the flood levels reached in 1923 and 1924. This map may have been adapted from an earlier map, as most development in central Kew and Studley Park had occurred by this date yet numerous streets are not represented. Public buildings and institutions are clearly represented and named on the map as are significant public transport infrastructure (eg the Outer Circle railway).MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS / RIVER YARRA BEAUTIFICATION SCHEMES / SCHEME / SCALE 10 CHAINS TO AN INCHmelbourne & metropolitan board of works, mmbw maps, mmbw plans, city of kew, flood levels -- kew (vic.), cartography

One of a group of slides taken by members of the Society of built heritage in Kew in 1979-80. The selection of subject matter reflects the priorities of the period. The colour of some slides has degraded.The slides represent a snapshot in time of built architecture in Kew, much of which has changed in the forty-plus period since they were created.Colour positive transparency (slide) of the garden, facing the river, of the mansion at 27 Redmond Street, Kew, Initially known as 'Yarra Bluffs' or 'Red Bluffs'. The house was built for George H Mott, prominent newspaper owner, prior to 1890. The landholdings of the house were subdivided during the 1940s. "Cnr Redmond and Fellows Streets"historic houses -- kew (vic.), redmond street -- kew (vic.), yarra bluffs, red bluffs, george h mott, victorian mansions -- studley park

Villa Alba, a two-storeyed residence with rendered masonry walls and a slate roof, stands opposite Studley Park, overlooking the Yarra River. It is believed to have been first built before 1863, but substantially remodelled and enlarged in about 1882-83 for William Greenlaw, the Manager of the Colonial Bank of Australasia. Although the house and its tower must always have been a landmark in the area and the architecture is unusual, almost Norman in style, it is the interior which is the most remarkable feature of Villa Alba. (Source: VHD)Small black and white photographic positive of Vila Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew in 1981 when the original 1880s house was surrounded by hospital wards. The latter had been built by the Royal Women's Hospital after it acquired the site in 1950. The site wa Slater transferred to the Mount Royal Hospital before being purchased and converted into a museum of interior design.Verso: "Villa Alba 1981"villa alba -- 44 walmer street -- kew (vic.), mount royal hospital, henry pride wing

Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished. During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.One of a collection of photographs of flooding in the Kew section of the Yarra Valley which are in important research resource for the location and extent of flooding in the first half of the twentieth century. Flooding of the Yarra Valley at East Kew in 1916. The view is taken from the intersection of Kilby Road with what is believed to be Birdwood Street, looking across the flood waters to Ivanhoe. The extensive flooded area shown in the photograph would have included the Kew Golf Club. Verso: "Floods along Kilby Road / near Birdwood St? & Kilby Road / 1917? / 87yarra river, yarra valley, floods -- kew, kilby road -- kew (vic.), kew golf club

During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.View of the farmland in the Yarra Valley at what is believed to be East Kew in 1918. Verso: "Willsmere / East Kew? / 1918"yarra river, yarra valley

Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished. During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.One of a collection of photographs of flooding in the Kew section of the Yarra Valley which are in important research resource for the location and extent of flooding in the first half of the twentieth century. Flooding of the Yarra Valley at East Kew in 1916. The view is taken from a street (maybe Birdwood Avenue) intersecting with Kilby Road looking northeast across the flood waters to Ivanhoe and Heidelberg. The extensive flooded area shown in the photograph would have included remnant dairy farms and the Kew Golf Club. Verso: "Floods / Yarra River / East Kew / Kilby Road / 1917? / 87"yarra river, yarra valley, floods -- kew, kilby road -- kew (vic.), kew golf club

During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.Real-photo postcard of the farmland in the Yarra Valley in what is believed to be North Kew in 1912. Verso: "Willsmere / East Kew / 1912"yarra river, yarra valley, farming -- kew (vic.)