Contents: • Eltham District - Early History • Annual General Meeting - Laughing Waters Road: Art, Landscape and Memory in Eltham with Jane Woollard • Heritage Excursion - Eltham War Memorials Walk - Saturday 7th May • An Interesting Little Historical Exercise by Michael Aitken • Eltham’s Inclined Railway by Richard Pinn • 50th Anniversary Commemorations by Jim Connor • Kenneth Francis Pitts by Wendy Pitts-Butler • Notice of Annual General Meeting • The Evelyn Observer • Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Tower • ... and also • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

A woman, an elderly woman and two children pose on the verandah of a Federation style home. On the back of the postcard is written: "21-12-15 To wish you and all. A Happy Christmas, and all good wishes for the new year from Mrs Green and M. Mills". This family is possibly related to the Rev Wm Green who was associated with St Margaret's Church Eltham at around this time. Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record, Friday 6 March 1914, page 2 A very pleasant social gathering was held by the Glee Club in the Church of England schoolroom on the evening of last Thursday. An interesting programme of music, varied by a very amusing dialogue by Glee Club members; made an enjoyable evening. After the programme was finished, and before refreshments were served, Mr, Gilsenan, on behalf of the Glee Club and the visitors, expressed their good wishes to Rev. Wim. Green, Mrs. Green, and Miss Mills, who were leaving on the 3rd inst. for a visit to the old country. Mr. Green responded, reciprocating the good wishes expressed. The gathering broke up to the strains of "Auld Lang Syne." Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record, Friday 11 December 1914, page 2 The Rev. Wm Green, Mrs. Green, and Miss Mills; who have been on a nine months' trip to Europe, returned to Melbourne by the "'Morea" on Monday and out to Eltham the same day. As the rev. gentleman only left England a few weeks since and the continent just before war broke out, he ought to have some reminiscences worth listening to; His return is welcome both to his church, and the community generally, the more so he being the only resident clergyman in the neighbourhood. Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record , Friday 11 June 1915, page 3 The Rev. Wm. Green, who has been in charge of St. Margaret's Anglican church here for some eleven years, resigned to take charge of the Church of England " Messenger". and work in connection with the ? about Melbourne. He is to be succeeded in Eltham by the Rev, ? Sapsford, of North Brighton. Printed postcard with faded photograph on frontInscribed back: "21-12-15 To wish you and all. A Happy Christmas, and all good wishes for the new year from Mrs Green and M. Mills" Also inscribed in pencil - "V. Lay" (Vera Lay Greensborough)eltham, 1915, m. mills, mrs green, postcard, v. lay, houses

Copies of newspaper articles copied from "The Evelyn Observer" with dates. Includes some news reports but mostly letters from soldiers. Names include W. J. Beard of Research E. Andrew of Eltham Private S. Harris (Kangaroo Ground, Queenstown and Kinglake) E. Payne (Whittlesea) W Reid of (Hazelglen) W. J. Capewell (Eltham)Various un-numbered pages held in place housed in yellow folder. Photo of soldier on a horse on the cover. No caption but probably Private/Trooper Shelley Harris of Kinglake, Bushmen's Corp. Boer Warevelyn observer, boer war, letters, world war 1

Sepia photograph of school students with John Brown, Head Teacher (1889-1906) John Brown died 23 Sept 1906 after a short severe illness at age 55 and is buried in Box Hill Cemetery (Evelyn Observer 28 Sep 1906 p2). The book "We did open a school in Little Eltham" incorrectly states his date of death as 16/12/1906.Sepia photograph mounted on card Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 3 strips Kodak Safety 5062 (copy of print)schools, eltham, john brown, class photo, eltham state school no. 209

Postcard image of W. Morris Evelyn Hotel, cnr. Main Road and Pitt Street, Eltham, opposite present hotel. This image is post the 1910 fire which damaged the southern two-storey section. It was rebuilt as single story. The hotel was delicensed in 1919 and became a Dining Room then a boarding house. It was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1931 when at the time it was occupied solely by the McLean family, Hector and Louisa McLean who had five young daughters at the time.Postcard photoRetun to Garnet Burges c/o Judge Bookhotels, evelyn hotel, eltham, main road, pitt street, fountain hotel, william morris

Black and white copy of photograph of W. and C. Page's Evelyn Store, Elthamshops, eltham, evelyn store, w and c page

Digitised from scanned print of original postcard of Fountain Hotel, Main Road Eltham (later Evelyn Hotel) early view showing two storey section. Built in 1852 as the Fountain of Friendship Hotel, later named the Fountain Hotel in the 1880s. Located on the southwest corner of Maria (Main) and Pitt streets. Later known as the Evelyn or Evelyn Arms Hotel, it was de-licensed in 1919. The hotel was totally destroyed by fire on Wednesday, February 18, 1931Digital file scan of photo print copy and photocopy of original image of Fountain Hotel, Main Road Eltham (later Evelyn Hotel) early view showing two storey sectionhotels, eltham, fountain hotel, evelyn hotel, main road, pitt street

Hotels described include: Evelyn Arms Hotel or Tunnel Camp Hotel or Half-Way House, the Diamond Reef Hotel, the Loyal Diamond Lodge Hotel and the Royal Mail Hotel all located in Diamond Creek during a rapid population growth in Diamond Creek in the 1860s.This small publication discusses the history of local hotels in the Diamond Creek area during a significant period of development in the 1860s when mining took place in the local area. The history of hotels connects to the wider history and important social and civic link to the community at that time. [10] p. includes text and very poor photocopy reproductions of historical photographs. Perfect bound with plastic front cover only.EDHS Property stamp on front coverdiamond creek, hotels, pubs, bars, 1860s

Originally catalogued around 1998 as John Cochrane in front of Shillinglaw Cottage, this is now believed to be Thomas Cochrane born 1817 in Ireland. The photograph is a reproduction of a low-resolution, poor-quality photograph. Shillinglaw Cottage is significant to Eltham’s local history. It is one of the earliest known buildings still in existence. Records suggest that the cottage was built circa 1859 by a man named Cochrane, believed to be Thomas Cochrane, in conjunction with George Stebbings though it is not known what Stebbings’s contribution was. It is believed Stebbings owned the cottage between 1874 and 1888. According to Margaret Ball’s (2017) book "Shillinglaw Family of Eltham 1660-2007", Thomas Cochrane and family lived there from 1867 to 1874 however this is contrary to the records of assessable rates levied by the Eltham District Road Board, established in 1858, which shows Cochrane was the owner occupier (in Little Eltham) of approximately 25 acres of cultivated land and 25 acres of pastureland upon which a hut was sited in 1860. It is suspected that George Stebbings may have acquired the property from Cochrane in 1874 as it is noted that he had a tenant for a period, James Rossiter, who was the editor for the Evelyn Observer in Kangaroo Ground in 1874 (LATE SHIRE OFFICE AT KANGAROO GROUND (1934, February 16). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 5. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56743657). In 1881 Phillip Shillinglaw became the ratepayer for the cottage though Stebbings retained ownership until 1888 at which time it was transferred to Shillinglaw. Thomas Cochrane was born in Ireland in 1817 and died at Collingwood 1877. He married Sarah Jane Casey at St James, Melbourne in 1846. They had eight children: • Elizabeth Jane Cochrane born 1847, Keelbundoora • Sarah Cochrane born 1849, Keelbundoora • William John Cochrane born 1854, Eltham • Isabella Mary Cochrane (Cochren) born 1855, Eltham, my Great grandmother • Mary Cochrane born 1857, Eltham • Thomas Cochrane born 1859, Eltham • William James Cochrane born 1861, Eltham • Margaret Anne Cochrane (Cochran) born 1863, Eltham Information received from Richard Stone in 2019, a 2nd-great grandson of Thomas Cochrane suggests that during the early 1930s, one of Isabella’s daughters and her family attended cricket matches at Eltham. The mother and a daughter (Richard’s cousin) would wander around Eltham and a cottage in the main street backing onto the cricket ground. The cousin remembers well her mother telling her that her mother, Isabella Cochrane, lived in the cottage as a young girl. The family also had a similar or the same photo of a man standing in front of the cottage. When the Cochrane family left the cottage in 1874, Thomas Snr would have been 57 and Thomas Jnr 15 and William 13. The man in the photo has a dark and substantial beard. Therefore, it is unlikely to be Thomas Jnr or William and most likely Thomas Snr. The photo is of poor quality and low resolution however, there is little grey evident in his beard. It was possibly taken when Cochrane was a younger man shortly after the cottage was built, circa 1865. When the Eltham District Road Board was established in 1858, the forerunner to Eltham Shire Council, Thomas Cochrane was listed as the occupier/owner of two assessable parcels of farmland in Little Eltham: one of 21 acres of pastureland and another 22 acres of cultivation land. George Stebbings was not recorded as an occupier or landowner. In 1859 and 1860 a Joseph/Joshua Stebbings was recorded as the occupier of a hut owned by G. Atkinson. A hut was recorded on Cochrane’s pastureland parcel in 1860 and this parcel increased in size to 36 acres in 1861 and grew further in size by 1863. George Stebbings first appears as the owner/occupier of a hut in Eltham in 1861, also 1862 and 1863. This is most likely his cottage (still standing in present day) in Pitt Street adjoining the Eltham Hotel property owned by Benjamin Wallis where he was residing in 1867 when they both sued each other for trespass. (POLICE. (1867, August 9). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 7. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5774640) Thomas Cochrane was appointed one of the original trustees of the ground set aside for Eltham Cemetery in Feb 1860 (GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. (1860, February 11). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 7. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5676991)A very early photo of Shillinglaw Cottage with its original builder and owner/occupier, Thomas Cochrane. Cochrane was also a founding Trustee of the Eltham Cemetery Trust. Reproduction of sepia photographshillinglaw cottage, eltham, eltham cemetery trust, evelyn observer, george stebbings, james rossiter, little eltham, phillip shillinglaw, thomas cochrane

Reproduction black and white photograph (enlarged from newsprint image) of former Eltham Shire Office at Kangaroo Ground (previously Evelyn Observer Office) which was later destroyed by fire.eltham shire, council, shire offices, kangaroo ground, evelyn observer, newspapers

Folder of information on Frederick Falkiner, Eltham, 1840s and 1850sfrederick falkiner, alexander richard falkiner, eltham cemetery, evelyn falkiner, falkiner cottage, frederick edward falkiner, gravestones, harriet agrita falkiner

A large group of men and women pose for a photograph on Eltham tennis court. Although the photo is marked ”Lady Premiers”, this is not a typical formal sports group pose, with only two women identified as holding racquets. 33 individuals, including men and children and one dog pose for the camera, the majority of whom are not dressed to play tennis. The court shows clear markings for tennis and a flag is flying in the background. The photograph is taken from inside the wire enclosure. There are mature gum trees in the background. The tennis court was situated in Eltham South at Bremner’s Flats (near present day Wingrove Park). Cross Ref SEPP_0720 which is at an earlier level of development. The Eltham Lawn Tennis Club was formed on a Saturday evening, the 29th of October, 1898 at a meeting held at the Eltham State school. The meeting was large and representative. Twenty members were enrolled, and eight more have since been added. Officers and a committee were duly elected, and the Treasurer was instructed to purchase the necessary requisites without delay. By the end of the first week in November all the requisites were to hand, two courts were marked out, and practice begun. The formal opening of the Courts of this Club took place on Saturday, November 12, 1898, when 26 members and their friends assembled. After several sets had been contested an adjournment was made for tea provided by the members and nicely laid out under the shade of the trees. Afterwards, sets were again formed and the game was proceeded with in a lively spirit till nearly dark, when all dispersed having thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the afternoon. (Evelyn Observer, and South and East Bourke Record (Vic. : 1882 - 1902), Friday 18 November 1898, page 2)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 Negshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, 1910, bremner's flat, eltham, eltham lawn tennis club, eltham tennis court, tennis court, wingrove park, laura williams, williams

Three horses with cart decorated with passengers for Gala Day. Mr. W. Smith & horse float, passengers include Beatrice and Ruby Cracknell, Lily Harris and Rose Smith. The Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record reported on April 28, 1916 on the Red Cross Carnival at Panton Hill. “The Red Cross Carnival in aid of local Patriotic Funds' held on the Panton Hill Recreation Reserve on Easter Saturday, sand instant, proved a gratifying success, so much so that £70 was netted on the occasion…. The fancy dress procession, although not as lengthy as the previous one for the Belgium Carnival, lost nothing of its effectiveness, and those who helped In this part of the entertainment de: serve the very best thanks. The prize for the best decorated vehicle (which was kindly provided by Mr. Wm. Smith) was awarded to Miss Goldman's bevy of young ladies representing the "Allies." Arbor Day was once a big celebration, especially celebrated in schools usually acknowledged on the last Friday of April. Wikipedia reports that the first Gala Day was held on November 3, 1916, to raise money for the Red Cross Society at the height of World War I in Geelong. Reference: RED CROSS CARNIVAL AT PANTON HILL. (1916, April 28). Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 - 1917), , p. 3 (MORNING.). Retrieved April 3, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60664371 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gala_Day 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 imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, panton hill, beatrice cracknell, lily harris, rose smith, ruby cracknell, w. smith, carnival, float, red cross, easter, decorated vehicle, ww1, world war 1914-1918, parade float

St Mary's Catholic Church, cnr Main Road and Henry Street, Eltham was opened/blessed October 13, 1912. The wooden church was built to replace an earlier brick church also known as St Mary's (1865-1912), which had been situated on the main road near present day Wingrove Park. The church and land cost £1,400 (Evelyn Observer). The wooden church was destroyed by fire in 1961. Record includes a photo print copy of image as illustrated in the 'Diamond Valley News', 4 Feb 1998, p 31.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 '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 Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, church, catholic church, henry street, main road, st marys catholic church

View looking northeast from present day Ely Street (near intersection of present day Cronus Court and Porter Street) across what will become the site of Eltham High School towards Main Road showing the Eltham Courthouse and Police station. View is very similar to the sketch of Eltham published in 'The Illustrated Australasian News', December 26, 1884, p212. Note the large bluestone cell block behind police house and stable. George Knapman's Shoeing Forge next to the courthouse and the concentration of buildings around the Evelyn Hotel and Watson's Eltham Hotel on opposite sides of Main Road at Pitt street. Also note George Stebbing's cottage (c.1860) on Pitt Street behind the courthouse and 'Sunnyside' (home of W.J. Taylor built c.1885) at the top of the hill on Bible Street. In the foreground are orchards running up to the main street, Maria Street and also between Brougham Street and Dalton Street bordered by Bible Street.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 '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 Negshire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, 1890, bible street, brougham steet, dalton street, eltham courthouse, eltham hotel, evelyn hotel, franklin street, grant house, knapmans forge, main road, maria street, orchards, police residence, police station, pre 1900, stebbing cottage, sunnyside, w.b. andrew corn store, watsons hotel, little eltham

Shows Mrs J. Brown, one of her four daughtrers and her two sons who died in World War One with their dog posing in front of fence of Headmaster's house, at Eltham State School, Dalton Street. Date circa 1902. The building still stands. Reproduced p66 of Pioneers & Painters Mrs Jane Elizabeth Brown (nee Staines) and three children of her large family who left the Headmaster's residence when John Brown (Headmaster 1889-1906) died (on the job) in 1906. John and Jane had ten children eight girls and two boys. Their two sons both died in the 1914-1918 War; George Stewart Brown (1885-1916) and John Leonard Brown (1887-1918). The young girl may be Elsie Maria Brown (1889-1917) which would date the photo around 1902. Wall Bros operated at St Kilda from around 1889 to 1903. John Brown died 23 Sept 1906 after a short severe illness at age 55 and is buried in Box Hill Cemetery (Evelyn Observer 28 Sep 1906 p2). The book "We did open a school in Little Eltham" incorrectly states his date of death as 16/12/1906. Title The Evelyn Observer. (1906, September 28). Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 - 1917), p. 2 (MORNING.) Url http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article61129880 Description It is with sincere regret we record the death of Mr. John Brown, State school teacher, Eltham, which sad event took place at his residence, "Pine Brae," on Sunday night last, 23rd inst. after a severe illness of some few weeks' duration. The deceased gentleman was highly respected, and always took a lively and active interest in promoting the progress and prosperity of the district, and his loss will be much felt, He was only 55 years of age, and leaves a wife and large family to mourn their loss, and much sympathy is felt for them. The remains of the deceased were interred in the Box Hill cemetery on Wednesday afternoon last. 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 Sepia photo B&W printSepia photo reverse: Miss Tonkinson Used Pioneers and Painters p66 Could be Miss Brown and part of her family who left the Headmaster's residence when John Brown (Headmaster 1889-1906) died (on the job) in 1906. Then 2 sons both died in the 1914-1918 War Between 1888 and prior to 1906. Also Wall Bros. St Kilda stamp B&W print: 66 and 9 7/16" x 5 5/8" deep (for publication on p66 of Pioneers & Painters)sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, state school residence, eltham state school, state school no. 209, dalton street, eltham primary school, teacher residence, eltham, headmaster, houses, main road, pioneers and painters, school, school residence, schools, george stewart brown (1885-1916), elsie maria brown (1889-1917), john leonard brown (1887-1918), jane elizabeth brown (nee staines)

History of the Falconer Family in Scotland and Australia

Reminiscences of Andrew Ross derived from a series of 42 articles which appeared at intervals in the Evelyn Observer newspaper between 21 October 1887 to 29 December 1893 under the heading "Reminiscences, County of Evelyn. The Evelyn Observer was circulated throughout much of the Yarra Valley.

Letter and article entitled "MICHEL" by Mrs. Evelyn J. Cooke - Article written by his great granddaughter, addressed to Mrs Jo Laurence of the Warrandyte Historical Society.