Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, 1 Russell Street, Surrey Hills in 1988
1 Russell Street was built in 1888 and from 1888–1905 (maybe 1911, as his death notice says he died at Russell Street) it was the home of James Burrell, a blacksmith. His smithy was on the corner of Canterbury Road.
In 1893 a block of land (No.3 ) was bought to establish the fire station and James Burrell acted as fire officer and stored the reel and hose until the station was built.
From 1911–1928 it was the fire station residence, as the brigade gained status.
James Burrell (1860-1911) married Elizabeth Wilson (1862-1925). She was daughter of Edward Wilson. They had 4 children: James Herbert, known as Bert (1888-1953); Aleck (1890-1951); William Spencer, known as Bill, (1893-1976) and Elsie May (1898-1990). Both James and Elizabeth Burrell are buried in Burwood Cemetery.
From 1930–1943 Michael Ginnane, retired station master, and members of his family lived in the house.
Michael Ginnane (1864-1935) married Annie Mary Brock (1868-1945). Both were born in the Ballarat area. They had 10 children. From 1913-1917 he was station master at Woodend.
In the 1925 electoral rolls the family is listed as living at Surrey Hills station. There was a station master's house adjacent to the station (demolished and the site now part of the car park accessed off Blackburn Street). They are again listed here in the 1925 electoral roll. By 1931 they are at 1 Russell Street and he is listed as a retired station master.
The following children lived in Surrey Hills:
John James (Clerk) - 1922
Mary Ellen (HD) - 1922, 1925, 1931
Michael Thomas (labourer) - 1922
Annie Florence (dressmaker) - 1925, 1931
William Patrick (railwayman) - 1925
Elizabeth Catherine (sales) - 1931
Patrick Leo (postman) - 1931.
A black and white photograph taken on an angle from across the street of a mid-late Victorian style cottage with multi-coloured brickwork. There is a large tree in the front garden, no fence and a letterbox on a lean.(mr) james burrell, blacksmiths, canterbury road, surrey hills, fire officers, (mr) michael ginnane, station masters, fire stations, mid-victorian style, (miss) elizabeth wilson, (mrs) elizabeth burrell, james herbert burrell, aleck burrell, william (bill) spencer burrell, elsie may burrell, (miss) annie mary brock, (mrs) annie mary ginnane, john james ginnane, (miss) mary ellen ginnane, michael thomas ginnane; (miss) annie florence ginnane; william patrick ginnane; elizabeth catherine ginnane; patrick leo ginnanean), late-victorian style, russell street
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Melbourne Tram Museum