Eltham Courthouse Officially Reopened (Jim Connor, EDHS Newsletter No. 263 April 2022) In the Conservation Management Plan prepared in 2006 for the Eltham Justice Precinct there is mention that more than 350 court houses have been built by the Public Works Department since 1856, when the Department was established. It also states Eltham was in an early group of 'Victorian Free Classical' structures, featuring a projecting entry porch and gabled roof. Characteristically, this group shares a simple, rectangular shape, central placement of the court room with smaller-scale offices set back at the sides or rear of the court room, arched openings, and decorative string courses. The Statement of Significance listed in the Victorian Heritage Register states: ‘The Eltham Court House dates from the time when the town was largely self-contained. It was initiated in response to itinerant gold prospectors who turned to crime when their quest was unsuccessful. This type of localised solution is characteristic of the self reliance preserved in Eltham today. The court house is an important symbol of the spirit which makes Eltham distinctive as a community.’ It also states: ‘The Eltham Court House, built in 1860, is one of only two intact examples in the state of this simple design with projecting entry.’ So with this background it is most appropriate this valued historic building has recently been the subject of a total restoration, as detailed in previous newsletters. This was a major project undertaken by Nillumbik Shire Council. At a small function in the Eltham Courthouse, on 23rd March 2022, Nillumbik Shire Council Mayor Fran Eyre declared the fully restored building officially reopened. In doing so the Mayor spoke about the earlier law and order function of the court and the importance of this building to the Eltham community. Wingrove Ward Councillor Geoff Paine then highlighted the importance of historical societies and groups within the shire and their valued activities in recording and preserving their local history. EDHS president Jim Connor thanked everyone involved with the project and provided an overview of the history of the courthouse. Michael Ioannides, Council’s project manager, spoke about how the restoration process proceeded and those involved in undertaking the works required. Cr. Natalie Duffy, various council officers, EDHS executive committee members, as well as representatives of the head contractor Ducon Building Services and the heritage advisors, RBA architects and Conservation Consultants, were also in attendance, as was a representative of Nillumbik U3A. After the formal part there was some light hearted interpretation of how past legal proceedings may, or may not have, occurred within this courthouse, before some refreshments were shared in the former second courthouse at the rear, which is now utilised by Nillumbik U3A. This was a successful celebration of a very worthwhile project.Born digital image (38)conservation consultants, cr. geoff paine, cr. natalie duffy, ducon building services, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, eltham justice precinct, jim connor, mayor cr. fran eyre, michael ioannides, nillumbik shire council, nillumbik u3a, opening ceremony, rba architects, restoration project

Article by Judy Lewis published in the Eltham Town Community News [2009] page 10 describing the history of the property known as Judge Book Villlage / Eltham Retirement Centre operated by Melbourne CityMission as the Centre is placed on the market for sale. The detailed article includes a table of milestones including in 1956 when Prime Minister Robert Menzies laid the foundation stone. Includes colour photos. In 2021, Judge Book is known as St Vincent's Care Services Eltham. judge book memorial village, aged care, melbourne city mission, seniors, nursing home, aged care facility, judgebook, ken patterson, willandra, judy lewis

Account written by EDHS member Joh Ebeli about his efforts to save the Eltham Bakery building. Newspaper article from "The Valley Voice" 18 July 1979 about the removal of the Eltham Bakery building, its history and ideas to preserve historical builldings in Eltham. Copy of undated article headed "Auction part of Eltham history" regarding sale of property at 816 Main Road, Eltham (In March 2020 the site of Goodstart Early Learning Eltham) on the corner of John Street owned by the Burgoyne Family. Copy of Newspaper article from "Diamond Valley Local" Tuesday February 16, 1954 " Was woman found in well put in it?" which includes brief description of a body found in the well at the back of the house, detailed descriotion of the operation of the bakehouse in 1954. Also includes article: "D.Ck girl for London" in reference to Thelma Kirkbride. Copy of newspaper article: "Murder mystery at bakery, history comes to life for old building" dated 4 November 1979 Copy of newspaper article: "Big crowd sees Eltham P.O.Opening "The News" dated January 31, 19587 pagesHG Booklet 37816 main road, boake, burgoyne, eltham bakehouse, eltham bakery, eltham post office, garner, h. burgoyne, harry burgoyne, harry gilham collection, hawthorns, joh ebeli, john james thomas neville burgoyne, kooringoorama, murder, nicholls, preservation, the pines, thelma kirkbride

[article by Diana Bassett-Smith in EDHS Newsletter No. 117, November 1997:] MONUMENT HUNTING THE HUME AND HOVELL WAY - Sunday October 26 1997 dawned bright and very warm. Some twenty-five members, complete with picnic baskets, met outside the Eltham Library awaiting the Cobb and Co. large coach which would be taking us on the second leg of our travels along the route of the early explorers Hume and Hovell. Stephen West was our very good driver for the day. He would be guided around the circuitous route by Russell Yeoman who had made a detailed study, not only of the intended route, but of the story of these two explorers. During the trip Russell regaled us with poetry, quotations from the Journals and the History of the Shire of Seymour, "The New Crossing Place" by Martindale, 1982, (now Mitchell Shire due to the recent amalgamations). We headed towards the Hume Highway via Greensborough and Cooper Street and proceeded north to our first stop, noting on the way Monument Hill in the distance which is near Kilmore and, according to Russell, well worth the effort to visit as the view across the valley is magnificent. Past Sunday Creek Valley, Mt Piper and Mt Disappointment, all traversed and noted and named by them. We passed through Tallarook, then onto Seymour where we took photos of the monument telling us that Hume and Hovell had passed through on the 28th of October 1824. We also deviated down Hume and Hovell Road viewing deer and emu farming and the Bellbourie property now a sanctuary. Leaving Seymour behind we travelled up the Avenel Road to the Avenel monument, pyramidal in design of four reducing square blocks with a sharply pointed peak, erected in 1924 in memory of the 1824 exploration. The day was warming up and the countryside showing the dryness of the current drought. A parallel note had been made in their journal too of 1824 of the drought appearance of the country they were traversing. At Seven Creeks, Euroa we stopped for some minutes to check the monument placed 20th November 1924 to commemorate their passage on the 29th December 1824. More photos. Russell had pointed out the abrupt termination of the distant ranges which is noted in their journal. The next monument is beside the road at the entrance to Honey Suckle Creek Caravan Park, Violet Town. The squarish shaped monument some eight feet high is topped with a simple steel cross, and was to mark the date of 28th December 1824 and built for the 20th November 1924. By now it was 12.20 and nearly lunchtime as we drove along the Warranbayne Road to Roach's Road, monument hunting without success. Though there is a large, what appears to be an old timber sign which was hard to read, maybe this was the lost monument. In many of the paddocks hay had been cut and baled or was being cut, what a contrast to the rugged country they had passed through which was smoky from the fires of the natives burning off. By 1.00 pm we were at Benalla and pulled up beside the park where abundant beds of roses filled the air with their scent and the smell of barbecued food twitched the nostrils whilst the cheerful sounds of other picnickers could be heard throughout the park. We left the bus and collected up our picnics, dispersed to the various tables and enjoyed the shade from the various European trees. 2.00 pm and we were on the road again driving along the Benalla, Mansfield, Yea road. The Swanpool monument states that they passed four miles south and returned three miles north. Then we stopped at the Barjarg monument which notes that they camped near this spot. It is again a pyramidal monument and this time topped with a steel arrow indicating their route of the 29th November 1824. Half an hour later we came to another monument, again with a steel arrow marker on top and the plaque dated the 2nd of 12th 1824. Erected on the 12th of 12th 1924. "They blazed the way that we might inherit the land." Another square based and needle topped monument appeared at Yarck near Yea and this plaque records the date of 3 December 1824. Near McGuigans Road Russell related that the expedition had lost a dog but it had found them next day, the dog was apparently torn by a kangaroo. A short while later Russell reminded us here of the problems they encountered in crossing the Goulburn River near Molesworth where banks were high, water deep and wide. "Good coat of grass but quite dry due to drought". At Yea we stopped for afternoon tea and raided the last of our picnics and looked at the monument to their journey of 1824, situated at a corner of the gardens near the bowling green. No photo – we were out of film. We returned home via Kinglake West and Whittlesea past the Yan Yean Reservoir, not full. 5.00 pm back at Eltham we emptied out of the bus and everyone, including Joan Cole, collected their things, Joan also had the major souvenir of the day, a large carp she had picked up from the river bank, her cat was in for a great feast. The day was made so interesting by the informed commentary which Russell provided. His background knowledge of the route and nature of the journey could only have come from many hours of reading and driving the area. Thank you to Russell and to everyone who made the day so informative and pleasurable. Colour photographactivities, hume and hovell, monument, seymour

[article by Diana Bassett-Smith in EDHS Newsletter No. 117, November 1997:] MONUMENT HUNTING THE HUME AND HOVELL WAY - Sunday October 26 1997 dawned bright and very warm. Some twenty-five members, complete with picnic baskets, met outside the Eltham Library awaiting the Cobb and Co. large coach which would be taking us on the second leg of our travels along the route of the early explorers Hume and Hovell. Stephen West was our very good driver for the day. He would be guided around the circuitous route by Russell Yeoman who had made a detailed study, not only of the intended route, but of the story of these two explorers. During the trip Russell regaled us with poetry, quotations from the Journals and the History of the Shire of Seymour, "The New Crossing Place" by Martindale, 1982, (now Mitchell Shire due to the recent amalgamations). We headed towards the Hume Highway via Greensborough and Cooper Street and proceeded north to our first stop, noting on the way Monument Hill in the distance which is near Kilmore and, according to Russell, well worth the effort to visit as the view across the valley is magnificent. Past Sunday Creek Valley, Mt Piper and Mt Disappointment, all traversed and noted and named by them. We passed through Tallarook, then onto Seymour where we took photos of the monument telling us that Hume and Hovell had passed through on the 28th of October 1824. We also deviated down Hume and Hovell Road viewing deer and emu farming and the Bellbourie property now a sanctuary. Leaving Seymour behind we travelled up the Avenel Road to the Avenel monument, pyramidal in design of four reducing square blocks with a sharply pointed peak, erected in 1924 in memory of the 1824 exploration. The day was warming up and the countryside showing the dryness of the current drought. A parallel note had been made in their journal too of 1824 of the drought appearance of the country they were traversing. At Seven Creeks, Euroa we stopped for some minutes to check the monument placed 20th November 1924 to commemorate their passage on the 29th December 1824. More photos. Russell had pointed out the abrupt termination of the distant ranges which is noted in their journal. The next monument is beside the road at the entrance to Honey Suckle Creek Caravan Park, Violet Town. The squarish shaped monument some eight feet high is topped with a simple steel cross, and was to mark the date of 28th December 1824 and built for the 20th November 1924. By now it was 12.20 and nearly lunchtime as we drove along the Warranbayne Road to Roach's Road, monument hunting without success. Though there is a large, what appears to be an old timber sign which was hard to read, maybe this was the lost monument. In many of the paddocks hay had been cut and baled or was being cut, what a contrast to the rugged country they had passed through which was smoky from the fires of the natives burning off. By 1.00 pm we were at Benalla and pulled up beside the park where abundant beds of roses filled the air with their scent and the smell of barbecued food twitched the nostrils whilst the cheerful sounds of other picnickers could be heard throughout the park. We left the bus and collected up our picnics, dispersed to the various tables and enjoyed the shade from the various European trees. 2.00 pm and we were on the road again driving along the Benalla, Mansfield, Yea road. The Swanpool monument states that they passed four miles south and returned three miles north. Then we stopped at the Barjarg monument which notes that they camped near this spot. It is again a pyramidal monument and this time topped with a steel arrow indicating their route of the 29th November 1824. Half an hour later we came to another monument, again with a steel arrow marker on top and the plaque dated the 2nd of 12th 1824. Erected on the 12th of 12th 1924. "They blazed the way that we might inherit the land." Another square based and needle topped monument appeared at Yarck near Yea and this plaque records the date of 3 December 1824. Near McGuigans Road Russell related that the expedition had lost a dog but it had found them next day, the dog was apparently torn by a kangaroo. A short while later Russell reminded us here of the problems they encountered in crossing the Goulburn River near Molesworth where banks were high, water deep and wide. "Good coat of grass but quite dry due to drought". At Yea we stopped for afternoon tea and raided the last of our picnics and looked at the monument to their journey of 1824, situated at a corner of the gardens near the bowling green. No photo – we were out of film. We returned home via Kinglake West and Whittlesea past the Yan Yean Reservoir, not full. 5.00 pm back at Eltham we emptied out of the bus and everyone, including Joan Cole, collected their things, Joan also had the major souvenir of the day, a large carp she had picked up from the river bank, her cat was in for a great feast. The day was made so interesting by the informed commentary which Russell provided. His background knowledge of the route and nature of the journey could only have come from many hours of reading and driving the area. Thank you to Russell and to everyone who made the day so informative and pleasurable. Colour photographactivities, hume and hovell, bridge

The diaries belonged to Horace S. GIBSON, clerk with the Victorian Railways, Camberwell, No. 1817, 4th Div. Signal Coy. He enlisted on 6.7.1915 in the 12th reinforcements 1st Div Signal Coy. Embarked for Egypt 9.11.1915. Transferred to 4th Div Signal Coy 9.3.16. Embarked for France 2.6.1916. KIA Zonnebeke Belgium 23.9.1917. Horace Gibson was born in Bendigo. Diaries Volume 1 and Volume 2 are written in pen & ink, also contains sketches, names & addresses. Detailed account by day of the weather & what was eaten for each meal, as well as training, the war up to the morning he is killed in action.Inside cover of Volume 1: Horace Stanley Gibson, Clerk, Camberwell Victorian Railways Australia. Private address, c/o Mrs S E Gibson Barrell Street Eaglehawk, Victoria Australia. documents, diaries, personal notes, records, military history

A detailed account of the battle of XA Long Tan, Vietnam, 18th August 1966 written by one of the participants.Paperback cover with photo of S Hodder, T Burstall & P Dettman on front. Comments on back cover. 188 pages white with black printing, maps & sketches. 16 pages of black & white photos following page 68. books-military-history, photography, vietnam, long tan

Book details the construction of the Thai Burma Railway & the bridge over the Rivew Kwai. Contains detailed photos & drawings. Taken from an oration by Fred Seiker in which he recalls the conditions under which the POW's lived & worked.Soft cover illustrated front & back with colour & black & white photos. 60 pages with cut edges. Bound with staples. Stamped inside front & back covers: Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch books-military-history, civil engineering/railways, river kwai, burma

Arthur George Holley No 13556 RAN HMAS Hobart. This is the 3rd part of a diary relating to 2147. Refer also 2134 for service history, 2135.3, 2137. Diary, A.G Holley RAN. Seven page typed in blue ink with heading "Solomon Islands Landings" which began on 7th August 1942. There are no clear dates, detailed account of the action.diaries, naval, personal

Arthur George Holley No 13556 RAN. Refer 2134 for service history and medals, also 2135.3, 2137, 2148, 2149, 2150. Diary re A.G Holley, small notebook canvas covered, has "C of A" with arrow pointing upwards. A sticker at bottom has hand written "A.G Holley 18 Mess HMAS Hobart". Writing is in pencil and ink, detailed day by day account. Diary begins 14th Oct 1939 to Sat 30th Aug 1940.diary, personal, ran

The diary is part of the Grinton collection which included hundreds of negatives and developed photos that he took during the War. Refer Cat No 1280 for service history. Refer 1317P, 1320P. Black fabric covered diary with ruled lines Re. Jack Grinton. Writing is in ink, starting on 3 March 1916, ends 16 November 1916. Detailed accounts of enlistment, journey to England, and training until embarkation."Pte JW Grinton No 16 Section, No 12 Platoon, C Company 10th Brigade AIF, On Active Service Abroad"documents-diaries, military history

Brown, wooden frame with glass front, white cardboard backing, map mounted with green border. Map of Gallipoli area in black & light grey with white border. A detailed map of Turkey area around Dardanelles with references & scale charts at bottom. Reprinted for the Department of Defence, Commonwealth of Australia, May 1915.Front Top Centre: Turkey, Gallipoli. Rear: Bethany Gallery stamp.documents - maps, military history, gallipoli

Classic Aircraft of World War II presents detailed profiles of the 6 most significant & dramatic aircraft of the greatest war in history: they are Stuka, Spitfire, B-17 Flying Fortress, Zero, P-51 Mustang & B-29 Super Fortress.Book, hard cover, dark blue buckram, gold print on spine. Dust cover with title in red & black print on front, back & spine. Illustrated in colour, numerous WWII aircraft on mid blue colour background. 400 cut pages illustrated, black & white & coloured photographs & diagrams.In black ink on front flyleaf: RSL Stampbooks, history, air force

Map & detailed description on framed information board. Tan coloured wooden frame, glass front, masonite backing, coloured detailed map of Tobruk area with history of area featured on blue border around map.Siege of Tobruk April - Dec 1941.documents-maps, frame accessories, tobruk

E.Ashton joined the Victorian Police force in 1896;appointed a horse mounted constable in his first year of service and had a distinguished career that included arresting criminal "Squizzy Taylor in 1919 in Bourke Street, Melbourne. Ernest finished as Superintendent of Sale Police Station. His career is detailed in the Wycheproof family history section of our archive. He married Lucy May Webber at Wycheproof in 1898.Part of Victorian Police History and local Wycheproof History, Constable Ashton had a brilliant police career.In the framed black and white photo Constable Ernest Graham Ashton, in full mounted police uniform, which includes white helmet, sits astride his white steed, long sword hanging below the horses's right flank. Caption on photo: Mounted Constable Ernest Graham Ashton. The Court House Wycheproof.Mounted Constable ERNEST GRAHAM ASHTON THE COURT HOUSE WYCHEPROOF VICTORIA 1870 -1946victoria, ernest, mounted, wycheproof, police, graham, ashton

The landscape painting depicts rolling green hills with a valley through the centre. Scattered throughout the painting are numerous trees and cattle. The foreground is a darker green which creates a shadow effect. Within the foreground are more detailed trees, tree stumps and birds. The background is a cloudy sky in shades of blue, pink, purple and orange. Work has a heavy gilded ornate frame.Front: (No inscriptions) Back: (Not available)

Appears to be part of sighting telescope for artillery. Further ID information has been sought from various sources, in including the Royal Australian Artillery History Company. The RAAHC have been most cooperative and interested in attempting to identify the equipment of which this item is a part, but with no firm details on its use or history at the time of cataloguing. Detailed communication between RAAHC and MERSL are available from the latter.Off-centre ring part way along barrel has engravings for elevation (?), ranging from 57 to 69 (see 4th picture above). Actual numbers engraved are 57 63 69, with small engravings to mark each degree between these intervals.

A history of Diamond Creek from earliest records of white visitors (1836) to the 1970s. John Ryan was born in Diamond Creek and lived there all of his life.A detailed history and anecdotes of the Diamond Creek area and its early pioneers.55 pages. Soft cover, light brown with copy of early painting of Diamond Creek on front cover. Black and white illus. 3 copiesOn page one in pencil: John Mackeydiamond creek, john l ryan

A detailed list of members of the family of James Chapman and Susan Palmer. James Chapman was a pioneer of the Greensborough District.A 6 page group of family history charts. Complete text available at GHS.Niljames chapman, greensborough, cowlinge, lidgate, susan palmer

A history of Diamond Creek from earliest records of white visitors (1836) to the 1970s. John Ryan was born in Diamond Creek and lived there all of his life.A detailed history and anecdotes of the Diamond Creek area and its early pioneers.55 pages. Soft cover, light brown with copy of early painting of Diamond Creek on front cover. Black and white illus.

This is the official centenary history of the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg. A detailed history of the Austin Hospital with access to many early photographs of the hospital buildings.378 pages, black and white illustrations. Hard cover.austin hospital, heidelberg

Displayed in History House. Sign from History House reads: "Donated by Miss M. Batson, Portland".Leathed-bound brown covers, padded, with decorative embossed pattern and detailed clasp. Photographs in decorative pages.

Displayed in History House and Maritime Discovery Centre.Admella shipwreckSilver Medal awarded to James Kean by Victorian Colonists for Heroic Exertions, in saving life.. from the wreck of the Admella Silver Medal with detailed relief designs on both sides. Broken silver loop on top. Inverse: Detailed scene of a manned rowboat being launched to rescue a foundering ship. On horizon line are two ships with smoke stacks. A large banner and anchor design in the sky bears the words "Hope to the Last". Obverse: Laurel wreath and a braid motif encircle the central text. At top of design is a depiction of an eye and eyebrow with stylised rays radiating in semi-circle.Front: Inverse: The Admella Steamer wrecked on her passage from Adelaide to Melbourne of Cape Northumberland/ 6 August 1859 (around edge) Back: Obverse: Awarded to/James Kean/by the Victorian Colonists/for/heroic exertions,/in saving life/(under divine providence)/from the/wreck of the Admella.admella, portland lifeboat

Colin Quin was a National Serviceman in the 1958 intake upon completion of National Service Colin Quin joined the Regular Army. Colin served with the 21st Construction Engineers the unit went to Wewak, Borneo. After Military Service Colin worked as a refrigeration mechanic and has the interesting hobby of making model aeorplanes from beer cans. Colin Quin is also a distant relative to Ned Kelly.This is the original story of Colin Quin.A detailed A4 paper discription of Colin Quin a National Serviceman in 1958 and commenced training in the 20 National Service Battalion. Colin Quinn and joined the Regular Army after completion of National Service.