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University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Newspaper - Newspaper Cutting, The Sun-News Pictorial, "And the glory of the garden shall never pass away" - Kipling, 1930-1940
(2) Newspaper page of a colour-touched-up photo of a student, pasted to one side of a sheet of paper, with the caption: "A student of the Burnley Horticultural School at Melbourne's Garden Week." (1) Pasted on the other side of the paper is a newspaper cutting from The Sun, 26 May, 1930. It is a photo of two men with a motor cultivator, with the caption: "Motor cultivator tests at Burnley were supervised yesterday by Mr H. Mullett (right), Superintendent of Agriculture. The other man appears to be the Principal, A. W. Jessep.This petrol novelty makes short work of small-scale farming."garden week 1930, dahlias, machinery, motor cultivator, h mullett, superintendent of agriculture, orchard -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Newspaper - Newspaper Cutting, Twins at Work and Doing Time, 1930-1940
Two newspaper cuttings. 1. two female students with a horse and cart, with the caption: "Twins at work - Pruning at the Burnley Horticultural School." 2. a story about egg production at the College, featuring a hen called Matilda Jane, and with an interview with Mr AW Jessep, with the sub-titles "Doing Time" and" Utopia."burnley horticultural college, female students, pruning, a.w. jessep, poultry, egg-laying competition, horses, students working outside, draught horses, orchard -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Newspaper - Newspaper Cutting, The Sun News-Pictorial, Students ShowThat The Pruning Season Is Here, 1929
Newspaper cutting from The Sun News-Pictorial, July 23, 1929. Photo of 12 students pruning apple trees, with a close-up of secateur technique. The caption reads: "Daughters of Eve among the apple trees at Burnley School of Horticuture are still lending their support to the apple-a-day adage first advocated in the Garden of Eden. They are shown pruning the apple trees in the orchard, which is in the charge of Mr AW Jessep. Inset is the correct method of cutting to an external bud on the tree. There are 34 girl students being trained at the school for professional positions as agriculturists. Many former students have won good posts in Australian States. The agricultural course occupies two years and carries a special certificate."the sun news-pictorial, students, female students, a.w.jessep, burnley horticultural college, apple trees, pruning, orchard, students working outside, secateurs -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Newspaper - Newspaper Cutting, The Leader, Visits to Suburban Gardens, 1867
Copies of articles in "The Leader'" 05.10.1867 pp. 9, and 12.10.1867 p10. Article about Mr. Robert Hepburn's, Upper Hawthorn orchard (Corner of Auburn and Burwood Roads.)the leader, robert hepburn, orchards, fruit trees, cultivation of fruit trees -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Newspaper - Newspaper Cutting, The Leader, Orchard & Vineyard, 1897
Copy of article in "The Leader" (Melbourne) on 20 February, 1897 p 14. Discussion of letter that had been sent to the Board of Burnley School of Horticulture by five students. The opinion of the writer was that the complaints against Mr Neilson were unjustified and brought about by one main troublemaker. Described as the "Trouble with Burnley."the leader, school of horticulture, mr neilson, students, letter, complaint, horticultural board -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Newspaper - Newspaper Cutting, The Leader, Orchard & Vineyard, 1897
Copy of article in "The Leader" (Melbourne) on 24 April, 1897 p 14. Statement that Mr Neilson has resigned as Curator of the Horticultural Gardens at Burnley but will continue to be employed by the Department of Agriculture supervising and providing information on fruit exportation.the leader, school of horticulture, mr neilson, resignation, curator, gardens, fruit exportation -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Mr John A. Wilson's Hurstbridge Cool Store: The Official Opening by The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir David Hennessy, March 20, 1915, 1915
Formal photograph taken on the occasion of the official opening. Wilson's private Cool Stores at Hurstbridge comprised six cooling chambers with a refrigeration plant to be used by local growers to store their produce. This photo was found in the Savage family home, formerly the home of Rev. Chase believed to be formerly of Panton Hill or Hurstbridge. (House may have been shifted from Panton Hill - now demolished.) Rev. Chase probably in picture, although not reported as attending in any of the newspaper reports of the day.This photo represents the significance of the orcharding industry in the Hurstbridge and surrounding area at the beginning of the twenteith century. The state of the art facility was built by private enterprise.Sepia photograph mounted on cardboard mount with printed title. Mount 55.9 x 76.0 cm. Photo 38.2 x 60.5 cm. Mount significantly damaged/broken on lower corners and slightly broken off at top left hand corner. Various other damage and chips around perimeter. Digital scan cropped from full size of mounthurstbridge, opening, celebration, orcharding -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Newspaper - Newspaper Cutting, The Argus, Hydrangeas at Burnley, 1932
Photograph in "The Argus," 22 Dec 1932. Caption: "A magnificent bank of hydrangeas, 63ft. In length, may now be seen in the gardens of the Burnley School of Horticulture. The principal (Mr. A.W. Jessep), in the centre, and others are shown picking blooms to be sent to various hospitals for Christmas."the argus, hydrangeas, burnley horticultural college, a.w. jessep, orchard border, community, hospitals -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white and sepia prints and negatives, C.J. Frazer, Students and Staff. Mr. Rae on the Long Border, 1922-1923
... Border (looks like the Orchard Border). Students and Staff. Mr ...1 copy used in a display in Burnley Library Nov 1995. Note by T.H. Kneen 4 December 1991, "1922 or 3 Back Row (L to R): Fred Sala, Kath Keynes, Miss Pye (Parttime), ?,Fred Gillespie, Clara Broadhurst, Jean Borrett, Kathleen Curry, Alex Jessep. Front Row: Joan Anderson?, Violet Warren?, Miss Northcote, Mr. Rae, ?, Kathie Clark (Tas), Dorothy Allender, Mrs Hedges (Kathleen Curry married Charles Fryer ex-Longerenong student. Together they established Fryer's Nursery in Glenferrie Rd., Hawthorn." (4) 2 copies of photograph, 1 on reverse, "1922 Mr Rae Principal c.1923." Stamp, "Burnley Horticultural College Swan Street, Richmond, Victoria. Photographer was C.J. Frazer, Melbourne (embossed). This photograph appears as an illustration in, "Green Grows Our Garden," A.P. Winzenried, p68. The caption states, "Alex Jessep (sic) admiring an Umbrella Palm from Lord Howe Island near the herbaceous border along the orchard fence." Note by T.H. Kneen 11 December 1991, "Location is the pathway along the Long Border adjoining the Orchard fence. "(1) 2 black and white negatives joined. (2) The 2 negatives developed. (3) 3 copies Group photograph of Students and Staff some seated on a bench and some standing behind.. (4) 2 copies sepia photograph Mr Rae , Principal, on the Long Border (looks like the Orchard Border).On reverse of 1 copy, "1922 Mr Rae Principal, c.1923 Mr. Alex Jessep Lecturer in Botany & Chemistry."Stamp" Burnley Horticultural College Swan Street, Richmond, Victoria."students, staff, mr rae, principal, a.w jessep, lecturer, botany, chemistry, burnley horticultural college, fred sala, kath keynes, miss pye, clara broadhurst, jean borrett, kathleen curry, joan anderson, violet warren, kathie clark, dorothy allender, mrs hedges, charles fryer, fryer's nursery, hawthorn, mr rae principal, c.j. frazer, umbrella palm, lord howe island, herbaceous border, r. fred gillespie, miss northcote, orchard border -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Document - Department of Lands and Survey, Wire Netting Branch, Melbourne, Victoria, Application for Vermin-Proof Fence Certificate - L.J. Mills vs John Collins, Grandview Grove, Ringwood, Victoria - 1939
Photocopied file of corresponence and documentation relating to a claim by L.J. Mills, Nurseryman, that adjoining property owner, J. Collins, Farmer, assists with replacement of a vermin proof wire netting dividing fence destroyed by 1939 bushfire. File includes 1939 and 1940 detailed property inspection reports by Vermin and Noxious Weeds Branch, Lands Department, Lilydale, describing land use in the area and signs of vermin activity. Application approved 18th April, 1940. Appeal lodged by Mr Collins disallowed in May, 1940. File closed June, 1940 with Departmental suggesion that Mr Mills consider further legal action through a Solicitor as fence had still not been wire-netted. TRANSCRIPTS: Vermin & Noxious Weeds Inspection Reports "19/9/1939 (To) Superintendent (Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne) Re L.J. Mills application for Vermin Proof Fence. I called on Mr Mills yesterday 18th instant in connection with this matter. Mr Mills has a flower farm and claims that rabbits and hares are damaging his flowers. He showed me a bed of carnations which he stated were being damaged by rabbits. There was evidence of some leaves being nipped off, but I am unable to say whether this is due to rabbits or grubs. Very little if any real damage is being done. The property is netted on the east and south boundary and on half the north and west boundary. The surrounding country is undlating and fairly steep in places. The land to the east across Grandview Avenue (sic) is all planted out in old established orchards and well cultivated. Cleared grass land adjoins the south boundary and bush land adjoins the north and west boundaries. I walked over a large area surrounding Mr Mills land and never saw any rabbits or hares or any indications of rabbits. This locality is not rabbit infested and very little wire netting is being used. I do not consider that a vermin proof fence is necessary between these allotments. - Jas H Allison (Inspector, Vermin and Noxious Weeds Branch, Lands Department, Lilydale)." Follow up report following renewal of application for Certificate by Mr Mills, citing rabbits causing considerable damage to his flowers. He laid poison and obtained 9 carcases and stated that there is evidence of rabbit infestation from the adjoing land. "19/3/1940 (To) Mr Hannah (Superintendant, Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne) Re L.J. Mills, Grandview Grove Ringwood, Lot 4 Grandview Estate Pt CG20 Ph of Warrandyte. I interviewed Mr Mills at his home on 15th inst. He showed me carcases of rabbits which he stated had been poisoned on his land. In places young plants had been nipped off apparently by rabbits. I made an inspection of adjoining properties and found one live burrow close to Mr Mills northern boundary. There were scratches and other evidence of rabbits on land north and west of Mr Mills property. In view of the present evidence of rabbits I consider that a vermin proof fence is now necessary to protect the flowers grown by Mr Mills. His land is netted on whole of east and south boundary and half way on west and north boundary. The adjoining land on west and north boundaries is owned by Mrs Linda Collins and John Collins resp of Brysons Road East Ringwood. - Jas H Allison (Inspector, Vermin and Noxious Weeds Branch, Lands Department, Lilydale)." -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Newspaper, The Australasian, Burnley (V.) School of Horticulture, 1934
(A) Illustrations in a Newspaper Article in, "The Australasian," June 2, 1934 p vii. Also (B) a photocopy. (1) "Main entrance from Swan street, Burnley." (but possibly taken C.1927.)(2) "Mr. G. Russ, head demonstrator in horticulture." (3) "Science and research laboratory." (4) "Mr. C. French, Government biologist, in front of the glasshouse used for experimental work."(Plant Science laboratory) (5) Students in the vegetable garden."(Paynter? and W. Thompson) (6) "The principal, Mr. A.W. Jessep, B.Agr.Sci., staff, and students." Some named in paper catalogue. (7) "Special house erected to investigate tomato wilt disease." (8) "Students at work in the orchard."the australasian, george russ, head demonstrator, laboratory, c. french, government biologist, glasshouse, plant science laboratory, students, vegetable gardens, w. thompson, principal, a.w. jessep, staff -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Allwood House, Hurstbridge, 16 April 2008
Allwood - built in 1894 by Henry Hurst’s relatives, stands near the site of his house, which was demolisherd in the 1940s. Until 1924 Hurstbridge was known as Allwood. The building, one of the district's oldest is situated back from the corner of Arthurs Creek Road and Main Road. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p17 Hurst, who was a surveyor, came to Melbourne in 1852 by default, as on the way to Sydney he contracted typhoid and was off-loaded in Melbourne. Deciding to settle near Melbourne, he selected some land near the present Eltham railway station and was one of the first to grow crops there.2 But disaster struck again, when his shack was looted and burned, while he was carting goods for sale to nearby goldfields. It was then that Hurstbridge’s first settler, Cornelius Haley, asked Hurst to manage his 160 acres (65ha) grazing property and 9000 acres (3443ha) of leased land where the present Hurstbridge stands. Hurst proved equal to the tough conditions and he and his brother, Fred, cut a track with a bullock team from the property to Romsey, where Haley had selected some land. Hurst also put up a bridge across the creek near his house, after which Hurstbridge was named. He ran the property helped by two ticket-of-leave men and others, several of whom were sailors who had abandoned ship in search of gold, and were working there temporarily. In 1866, only 14 years after coming to Australia, Hurst met an early tragic death. One day a bushranger named Burke came to the house and demanded a horse. Hurst thought the bushranger might be an officer in search of runaway sailors3 and anyway, did not like the look of him, so he refused. A tussle followed and apparently Hurst shot first.4 He was shot and died five hours later from loss of blood. Later, troopers found Burke, who was subsequently hanged. The event is recorded in the Old Melbourne Gaol. The government offered the family £500 but the family refused it as ‘blood money’. Hurst’s father, Robert, even signed a petition against the bushranger’s death, claiming one life did not replace another. Hurst’s family continued to live in the district and saw a rise in their fortunes. They bought Haley’s cattle station and built the present Allwood House, using the original home as an orchard packing shed. The present Victorian style timber house had several outbuildings including a blacksmith’s shop. The property passed on to William Gray, an orchardist and nurseryman, who married Hurst’s grandniece, Frances. The business boomed from the early 1900s when it supplied most of the orchards in the area. Gray was Eltham Shire’s President for two terms and was asked to stand for parliament, but his wife’s illness and other family commitments prevented him from doing so. Then several calamities drove the family to bankruptcy. During World War One, Gray lost more than one million pounds on trees shipped overseas, which the Lloyd’s company had refused to insure. Other factors, including the Great Depression, ruined the family’s fortunes. The land was reduced from more than 640 acres (256ha) to 50 acres (20ha) and the older members married and left. After Mr Gray died, the house was leased, until his daughter Sheila Ferguson and her husband Gordon settled there in 1951, after buying it from other family members. However in 1975 the Shire designated the property as a passive recreation reserve. The Ferguson family sold most of the land, leaving the house on 0.6 hectares.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, hurstbridge, henry hurst, allwood house -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Heritage apple tree, 24 January 2008
This old apple tree situated beside the Plenty River Trail at Greensborough has been associated with Melbourne Founder John Batman. Known as Batman's Tree, this apple tree is on the bank of the Plenty River near Leischa Court, Greensborough. It is said that Melbourne Founder John Batman may have planted the tree and later signed his treaty here with the Aboriginal people. It still bears fruit and its recorded on the National Trust's Register of Significant Trees, as the oldest apple tree in Victoria. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p7 Was This John Batman's Tree? An apple tree on the bank of the Plenty River near Leischa Court, Greensborough, is believed to have belonged to Melbourne’s founder, John Batman. It could also stand where John Batman signed his famous treaty with the Aboriginal people.1 Known as Batman’s Tree, it still bears fruit and is recorded on the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees, as the oldest apple tree in Victoria. It is ‘Believed to have been planted by either John Batman, (c1837) or Martin Batey (1841)’.2 In 1966 a Horticultural Adviser, Mr Rolfe, after extensive questioning of aged Greensborough residents, wrote: ‘it thus seems fairly certain that the old tree on the banks of the Plenty River is an original Batman apple tree’. Mr Rolfe said that the tree stood on a spot formerly called Wattle Bend: ‘one of the sites claimed to be where John Batman signed his famous treaty with the aboriginals. ‘My main source of information has been interviews with people who attended school in the Greensborough area from 70 to 80 years ago. Their parents were close to the days when Melbourne was founded so information passed on by word of mouth.’ Around 1920 the tree was struck by lightning and a concrete block was placed in the split. The concrete is inscribed with the date 1841 when the tree was thought to have been planted. Not everyone agrees with Mr Rolfe however. Former secretary of the Nillumbik Historical Society, Kevin Patterson, said there was no written evidence to support the claim. But he said the tree had been known to locals for decades as Batman’s Tree. In the 1920s a holiday resort in the area advertised: ‘Come to Greensborough and see John Batman’s tree’. Mr Patterson said it was thought that when Batman died in 1839 his land was sold and a Greensborough man Frederick Flintoff bought seedlings from his orchard for £1 each. This was the only one left.3 Mr Rolfe said: ‘If planted in 1837, or even a few years later, it undoubtedly is the oldest living apple tree in Victoria. Title records of the property on which the tree grows show that the land was a crown grant of F D Wickham in 1840. Mr Wickham was reputed to be a friend of John Batman. All the early settlers prior to the crown grants were squatters, by virtue of Batman’s treaty. This treaty was revoked by the then New South Wales Government, so it is likely that Wickham or an agent was in occupation before 1840. ‘According to Mrs Mavis Latham (John Batman – Great Australian Series, Oxford University Press) when Batman came to Port Phillip in 1835 he brought fruit trees with him. He failed to get a crown grant for his selection on Collins Street, which included 20 acres (eight ha) of orchard and cultivation. His residence became the Government Office and Melbourne grew from wild bushland in 1835 to a town of over 20,000 people by 1841. It is possible Batman visited Wickham and presented him with a tree.’ However a Flintoff descendant in 1933 said Frederick Flintoff ordered his bailiff Martin Batey to transplant the Batman Tree from the Spencer Street orchard to its present site as a memorial to his friend Batman.4 Mr Rolfe spoke to many people, including descendants of the Bateys and Flintoffs and pupils at the Greensborough Primary School. Many had gained their information from a ‘very highly respected’ head master Lewis Amiet at the Greensborough School from 1895 to 1917. He must have gained this information from residents in the district and had this information been incorrect, the parents of the children would have promptly corrected him.’ One woman who attended the school before Mr Amiet’s appointment, said the previous teacher also taught that the tree on the Plenty River was a Batman tree, Mr Rolfe said.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, greensborough, john batman tree, plenty river trail -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Flyer - Land Sales Brochure, Sub-Divisional Sale by Auction - Mountain View Estate, Heathmont, Victoria - 1957
Bi-fold pamphlet advertising auction of 20 residential allotments on Saturday, 14th December, 1957, with description of services available and finance terms. Subdivision inclues Orchard Grove and Barnic Road. Agent - Heathmont Estate Agency, 103 Canterbury Road, Heathmont, Telephone WU6808, after hours WF1488. Auctioneer Mr. A.B. Carter. Accompanying Parish of Ringwood survey map with cardboard backing - Part of Crown Allotment 14B, includes handwritten price notations for each allotment. -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Allwood, Hurstbridge, 1905
Allwood, Hurstbridge, 1905. Hurst/Gray family in the garden in front of the Victorian style Allwood house with lace iron work on the verandah. Left to Right: Whittaker, Mrs. Catherine Hurst, Frederick George Hurst (at rear), Hurst Gray, Mrs. Frances Ellen Gray (nee Hurst), William (Bill) George Gray, Sylvia Gray (later Birch). Frederick and Catherine Hurst relocated this Victorian style weatherboard home from an inner Melbourne suburb to its present site on their Allwood property. Mr Charles Verso, builder and farmer, reassembled and refurbished the home for the Hurst’s. In 1897 Frederick and Catherine’s daughter, Frances Ellen, married William (Bill) George Gray of Cottlesbridge and the newlyweds moved into the new house. Frederick and Catherine Hurst moved into a little cottage, ‘Mia Mia’, on the other side of the Diamond Creek. William and Frances Gray established Allwood Nursery and by 1900 most of the Allwood property was under orchard, largely apples, pears, cherry plums and peaches. They also developed an extensive nursery, growing seedling stock for supply to other local orchardists and the overseas market. Cross Ref: Sepp_1018 Source: Mrs. Ferguson, Hurstbridge This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg Print 20 x 25 cm (x2)shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, hurstbridge, hurst family, sylvia gray, hurst gray, whittaker, allwood house, allwood, frederick george hurst, gray family, mrs. catherine hurst, mrs. frances ellen gray (nee hurst), william (bill) george gray -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Black and White Print, Rural Photographic Service of Australia, Grade III, Eltham State School 209, Dalton Street, Eltham, 1953
Teacher: Mr Griffith Back Row (L-R): Mr Griffith, - , - , John Hopkins , Ronny Morris, Michael Oldfield, Rex Jobling , -, - , - , Geoffrey Jones, Barry Moar, David Stokes Middle Row (L-R): - , Avis Barnes , Pam Geer , Prue Kimber , Dirkie Herholdt, - , Bronwyn Conibear , Joy Chapman , - , - , Alan Pittman Front Row (L-R): Neil Twyford , - , Beverley Bradbury (nee Stokes), Susan Gill , Helen Taylor , Thelma Baxter , - . Students in grade either not present or unidentified include Faye Helmers, David Knight, Robin Hayes, Bruce Treganan Photography by Rural Photographic Service of Australia, 8a Bankly Avenue, Malvern, Vic. 5303/5 Digital copies scanned by EDHS from originals held by Barry Moar, of Greensborough, Vic, 17 Jul 2017 and Margaret Harding (nee Joy Chapman.) 15 Nov 2024. Keith and brother Barry Moar moved to Eltham in March 1944 where they attended the State School (elder brother Keith from 1949) in Dalton Street. They lived at 11 York Street in a house rented from Ernie Andrew at a cost of £2/week. Other items of note advised by Barry and Keith Moar: Michael Oldfield was killed in a car accident in South David Stokes, son of Frank Stokes who operated Stokes Orchard was killed in the Black Saturday fire of 7 Feb 2009. It snowed in Eltham in 1952 or 1953 Andy Matthews was on HMAS Voyager when it was sunk by HMAS Melbourne. Carleen Golgeth's mother used to drive her to school in a c.1928 Rolls Royce taxi (phaeton?)Digital copy of black and white photograph x 21953, eltham state school, state school no. 209, grade iii, alan pittman, barry moar, david stokes, geoffrey jones, michael oldfield, mr griffith, neil twyford, ronny morris, margaret harding (joy chapman) collection, barry moar collection, arthur roberts, avis barnes, barry (andy) matthews, ben rutley, beverley bradbury (nee stokes), bronwyn conibear, bruce treganan, carleen golgeth, class photo, david knight, dirkie herholdt, dorothy uren, eltham primary school, eltham state school no. 209, faye helmers, grade v, helen taylor, ian newlands, john hopkins, john squires, johnny morris, joy chapman, keith moar, margaret butterway, margie? reed, marjory bredle, maureen davis, max goldsworthy, michael sinclair, mr jobling, mr phillips, nina macbeth, pam geer, pat davison, peter brown, peter mccann, prue kimber, rex jobling, robert eisma, robin hayes, stafford davison, susan gill, teddie mynott, thelma baxter, yvonne box -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Alistair Knox Park, Eltham, 2008
Alistair Knox Park, an oasis of peace and beauty. Covered under National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Landscape Significance and Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p173 It is hard to imagine that the Alistair Knox Park, an oasis of peace and beauty beside busy Main Road, Eltham, was once the township’s rubbish dump. It was only in the 1970s that the tip was transformed into this beautiful six hectare space, which later earned it a National Trust Landscape classification. Before its life as a dump, the area was used for small farms. Thanks largely to the foresight and efforts of local environmental builder Alistair Knox, the park was designed sympathetically with the character of the wider Eltham landscape. Then, appropriately, the park was named after Knox, who was an Eltham Shire Councillor from 1971 to 1975 and Shire President in 1975. The park designers were four major forces in the urban bush landscape garden –Knox, landscape designer Gordon Ford, artist Peter Glass and landscaper Ivan Stranger. The National Trust citation for the park, originally called Eltham Town Park, includes the Eltham railway trestle bridge and the Shillinglaw Cottage. The citation states ‘the semi-natural setting of the parkland provides a landscape which is evocative of the history of the area’. Manna Gums (Eucalyptus viminalis) and Candlebarks (Eucalyptus rubida) are significant features. Most of the park’s construction was directed by Bob Grant, Superintendent of the Parks and Gardens Department for the Eltham Shire Council. First plantings occurred in Arbour Week in 1973, then the lake and botanic area were completed in 1975, with Federal Government funding, and the toilet block in 1978. Bounded by the Eltham railway line, Panther Place, Main Road, Bridge and Susan Streets, the park is in a valley about a kilometre wide overlooked by steep hills at the east and west. The Diamond Creek flows through it and the picturesque historic timber trestle railway bridge edges the north. Informal plantings of Australian indigenous and native species in open and undulating grassed settings blend with the natural landscape of the Diamond Creek to the west. The bush-style plants, particularly around the creek, balance with open lawns, paths and a cascade flowing from a small lake to another below. A footbridge over the creek leads to the park’s west. The park includes an adventure playground and barbecue areas. The park stands on part of the land bought from the Crown in 1851 by Josiah Holloway, who subdivided it into allotments and which he called Little Eltham. Most of the land was subdivided into residential lots, but the creek valley, on which the park stands, was subdivided into farm-size lots, used mainly for orchards and grazing. One of the earliest owners was John Hicks Petty, who in 1874 bought a plot from Holloway. Other families who owned properties in that area, included Rees, Clark, Waterfall, Graham, Hill and Morant. In 1901 the railway was built through the area. Jock Read, an Eltham resident since around 1920, remembers several farms in the 1920s and ’30s that occupied the site of today’s park. A poultry farm, which extended from present day Panther Place, was owned by the Gahan family. Next to that farm was another for grazing cattle owned by Jack Carrucan. Beside this was land owned by John Lyon. A doctor lived beside this, and at the north-west corner of Bridge Street and Main Road stood a memorial to the soldiers who died in World War One, which was later moved to the RSL site. Mr Read also remembers other farms and orchards west of the creek In the early 1960s the Eltham Council began buying these farms and in the late 1960s turned the areas east of the Diamond Creek into a garbage tip. When this was filled above the creek’s flood plain, the tip was moved to the west of the creek.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, alistair knox park, eltham