Sketch of walking route for 17 historical points of interest organised by the Ringwood Historical Society for St. Paul's Church Centenary Celebrations - 14 October 1979, estimated duration 2-1/4hours.1 - Start 2 - Cnr Braeside Avenue, old township, brickworks 1881-1916, Guests, Herrys, Hills 3 - Club Hotel, Ringwood Hall, 1st site of C of E church corner 4 - Ringwood Lake, Anthony Ford - pioneer 5 - Opposite Bardia Street, Sandy Gully, Duncan's Hotel 6 - Opposite Pratt Street, 2nd site of C of E, 2nd fire station, Bentleys, old shopping centre 7 - Warrandyte Road, Former Clocktower site, Pratts butcher shop, Bamfords 8 - End of Pitt Street, building viaduct 9 - Bedford Road, Webdales, old crossing, railway station 10 - Station Street, views over railways 11 - Station entrance, old shopping centre, 2nd Postoffice, 2nd blacksmiths, Mechanics Institute, Town Hall 12 - Clocktower, 3rd State School, coolstores, 3rd Postoffice, market, Kenworthys 13 - Opposite market, 3rd site of C of E, Ringwood views 14 - Adelaide Street, Dickens, 1st fire station, Ringwood Reserve 15 - Opposite squash courts, Matlocks, Salvation Army 16 - Opposite library, bowling club, old baths 17 - Outside C of E, Ringwood views, Brittens, Glamorgan

As stated the roll is from 1939 through to 2005. In 2004/5 The Eaglehawk Sub Branch of the RSL wound down and amalgamated with the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc. The Sub branch initially from 1939 - 1943 rented a building located at 18 - 22 High St Eaglehawk. The Mathews bros then donated it to the Sub Branch in 1943 as per the plaque Cat No 8117. The Sub branch moved to a new building which was a Nissan Hut at No 2A Market Place in Eaglehawk 1957. This building was opened as per the plaque Cat No 8118. The original plaque Cat No 8117 was moved to the new building as well. The Branch remained there until they amalgamated with Bendigo. The building and land was sold in 2011.Honour Board rectangular shape, timber construction, all text in gold paint re the past Presidents, Secretaries & Treasurers from 1939 - 2005.“Eaglehawk R.S.L HONOR Roll - Past Officers”brsl, smirsl, ehrsl, honour

The entries in this ledger relate to the everyday expenses of the town council. It contains entries which relate to utilities, gardens, market fees, Town Hall, pure food act, interest on loans, sanitary services and fever ward. Each ledger item has a double page and the expenses incurred over the period 1917-1921.This ledger shows the involvement of council in many different aspects of administration in a town in the early part of the 20th century. While some aspects of this life in Warrnambool are no longer necessary, others still remain part of council duty and administration to the present day.Green cloth covered card cover with tan corners and spine, in leather. Inside front and back cover is patterned brown and purple. Alphabetical index at the front. 301 pages. The spine has two labels, one on black and the second on red background with gold lettering. General ledger in gold lettering on red and Town of Warrnambool in gold lettering on black. Both labels on spine.warrnambool town council 1917-1921, early warrnambool council ledger, warrnambool history

This baby’s feeding bottle was made by Agee (Australian Glass Manufacturers) and marketed by the Crown Crystal Glass Company. It is made of pyrex which is a brand of glass first produced by Corning Inc. of America in 1908. Pyrex is a clear low-thermal-expansion borosilicate glass used for laboratory glassware and kitchenware. The use of pyrex bottles became more prevalent in Australia in the second half of the 20th century and baby’s bottles made of pyrex were popular as they were easily sterilised in the home environment. This baby’s bottle has no known local provenance but it is retained because it is a good example of the advancement in infant health and welfare over the past 80 years. This is a baby’s feeding bottle made of glass (pyrex). The body of the bottle is hexagonal-shaped (circular with rounded edges). It has a circular-shaped neck and an open top with a moulded glass around it. The bottle has no feeding nipple or stopper. There are measurement marks on the side of the bottle up to 8 ounces. ‘The Ideal Agee Pyrex Feeder’ ‘AGM 1S 1561 6’ infant welfare, history of warrnambool

This baby’s feeding bottle was made by Agee (Australian Glass Manufacturers) and marketed by the Crown Crystal Glass Company. It is made of pyrex which is a brand of glass first produced by Corning Inc. of America in 1908. Pyrex is a clear low-thermal-expansion borosilicate glass used for laboratory glassware and kitchenware. The use of pyrex bottles became more prevalent in Australia in the second half of the 20th century and baby’s bottles made of pyrex were popular as they were easily sterilised in the home environment. This baby’s bottle has no known local provenance but it is retained because it is a good example of the advancement in infant health and welfare over the past 80 years. This is a baby’s feeding bottle made of glass (pyrex). The body of the bottle is hexagonal-shaped (circular with rounded edges). It has a circular-shaped neck and an open top with a moulded glass around it. The bottle has no feeding nipple or stopper. There are measurement marks on the side of the bottle up to 8 ounces.‘The Ideal Agee Pyrex Feeder’ ‘AGM 1S 1561 6’ infant welfare, history of warrnambool

This is an ash tray sold to tourists as a souvenir of a visit to Warrnambool. It would have been relatively cheap to buy. Souvenirs such as this were mass-produced for the tourist market and a relevant photograph inserted on the base to suit the town or settlement where they were sold. As cigarette-smoking is no longer so socially acceptable, items such as this one are no longer sold as tourist souvenirs. This item is of interest as an example of the type of souvenir sold to tourists in Australia in the first half of the 20th century, probably in the 1940s or 1950s. It is of particular local interest because it contains a photograph of Warrnambool during that time. This is a souvenir tin ash tray circular in shape. It has a colour photograph of Warrnambool inserted into the base of the dish (Flagstaff Hill showing part of the fortifications, the Lower Lighthouse, a camping ground and Warrnambool Bay). The ash tray has three lips on the side of the dish for resting a cigarette. The base is gold-coloured and is slightly tarnished. ‘Warrnambool Victoria’ tourism in warrnambool

In 1977 a group of Mount Beauty cross country skiers formed the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club. In 1979, a version of the famous Birkebeiner race, the first Australian Birkebeiner was held at Falls Creek. In June 1990 representatives from Australia put their case for a southern hemisphere race in the series. Following a trial event in 1990. Australia became the 12th member of Worldloppet in the winter of 1991, with the first Kangaroo Hoppet. In 1991 a parade and commemorative torch lighting ceremony were organised in Mt Beauty as part of the celebrations to mark the first official Kangaroo Hoppett with participation from local community groups and commercial organisations, the Chamber of Commerce, local government representatives and individuals.Kangaroo Hoppet caters to diverse interests by offering a 42km and 21km event. It also offers a 7km event that attracts skiers, ranging from elite juniors to parents, grandparents, babies and first time skiers. It is recognised on the world cross country ski race calendar. It brings large numbers of participants and spectators to the area which support tourism, local businesses and employment. The 2018 event will be the 28th Kangaroo Hoppet, with cross country skiers travelling from across the country and overseas to compete.Set of 13 colour photographs of the street parade to celebrate the first Official Hoppet race run at Falls Creek in 1991. Participants were from a range of local community groups and local industry representatives. Photos were taken on Holland St. opposite the old hospital building. Following the parade, a market stalls were set up on the green outside the Community Centre on Holland St. as part of the Hoppet celebrations. 1 & 2- Boy Scouts and Cubs 3- UKV Lions Club 4 & 5- Local children representing the history and fauna of the High Plains 6- Ambulance Services 7, 8, 9 & 10 – Representatives and equipment from local forestry industry 11- Vintage truck by Vintage Charms Tours providing tours of the local area for visitors 12 & 13- Market stalls set up on the green outside the Community Centre on Holland St. as part of the Hoppet celebrations. kangaroo hoppet; ski race; cross country skiing; bogong high plains, mt beauty, parade,

Bells of this type were normally used to hang around the necks of cows, horses or bullocks to prevent them from being lost and were used from around the 1860's onwards. The initial J B identify the bell as being made by James Barwell who made bells for the Australian market from around the 1860's. His bell and brass foundry manufactured all sorts of bells from school bells to full church peals as well as plumbing fittings. The four marks on the edge of the bell are typical of those used by drovers or owners to identify their animal. While this bell has no known local provenance, it is a link to the early cattle and agricultural life in Australia and most likely the Western District. Its significance lies in the fact that it is typical of bells used for a purpose at that time and as such can be used for discussion in a social and interpretive context.This is a brass bell of the type used to hang around the necks of animals such as cows, horses and bullocks. The mechanism for the attachment to a collar or harness has been sheared off and the clapper is detached from the inside hook. The bell has an inscription incised around the top and there are four small cuts or incisions made into the bell at the wider end. The bell is a little tarnished.‘Success to 4 in horse teams J.B.’history of warrnambool, animal husbandry, animal bell, james barwell bells

Stencils were used to mark produce before it went to markets and/or in transit. Produce such as bales of wool, dairy and fresh produce were so marked and the account credited to the relevant producer. The origins and provenance of the stencils is not known at this time.These stencils have no known provenance but have interpretive interest and significance..1 Oval metal stencil with the number 373 cut out of the metal and with WTC engraved above it. Circular hole in the metal on the left side. .2 Circular metal with 549 cut out of metal and S of W engraved above. One large circle and two smaller circles also cut out of the metal. .3 Oval metal stencil with the numbers 199 cut out of metal and TCW engraved above it. Circular hole has been cut out on the left..1 WTC Old catalogue number on rear 437 .2 S of W Old catalogue number on rear 442 .3 TCW. Old catalogue number on rear.433warrnambool, metal stencils, farm stencils

This is a pocket spring balance. It would have been used last century in our district by market gardeners, hawkers and other itinerant workers and possibly also used in some small businesses. In households it could also be useful for weighing jam fruit, vegetables etc. Spring balances are still in use today.This item is retained as an example of a spring balance manufactured 80 or more years ago.This is a set of spring balance scales. The spring is fixed at one end with a hook attached to hold an object to be weighed. The top end has a ring to hang the scales up. The spring mechanism is enclosed by a steel cover. The front scale face is made of brass and both this face and the rear spring casing are fastened by three rivets. On the front is a spring-loaded blade which has equally spaced scale markings next to it on one side. This item is much rusted. ‘Hughes Pocket Balance’ ‘Patent’ Scale Markings:- ‘0 to 25’ pocket spring balances, household items of the past., history of warrnambool

These two bottles have contained milk sold by the Warrnambool firm of Antarctic Ice Pty Ltd. in the mid 20th century.In the 1930s a pasteurizing plant was set up in Warrnambool in conjunction with an ice works in Kepler Street known as Antarctic Ice (Good and Stevenson). This firm had secured a milk supply from farmers in the Warrnambool region. Eventually Antarctic Ice was bought by the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory and Kraft Foods as equal partners and the milk was marketed as Sungold. Also a farmer named Kaye Ryan had set up a pasteurization plant in East Warrnambool (Raglan Parade/Verdon Street) in opposition to Antarctic Ice and Sungold. Kraft and Warrnambool Cheese and Butter bought out Ryan and moved Sungold operations to the Ryan site. Kraft Foods sold its share of Sungold to Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and in 1989 the milk factory was moved to the Allansford site of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and Sungold continues there today.These bottles are of interest, firstly as examples of the half-pint milk bottles familiar to people living in the mid 20th century and secondly because they are good examples of the bottles used by an important Warrnambool business, Antarctic Ice. These are two clear glass bottles. When filled each bottle contained 10 fluid ounces or half a pint of milk. The bottles have a round base with a rounded body tapering slightly to a thick neck and a thick moulded top. The bottles when filled had a seal consisting of a circle of waxed cardboard that was pressed into a recess on the lip of the bottle. These lids are missing.The bottles have lettering impressed into the glass. ‘This bottle contains milk bottled for sale by Antarctic Ice Products Pty Ltd Warrnambool and always remains their property. It is loaned and cannot be legally used or sold by others.’ ‘Contents 10 ozs.’ ‘497’ milk production in warrnambool, antarctic ice pty ltd

These are milk bottles from the Warrnambool firm of Antarctic Ice. In the 1930s a pasteurising plant was set up in Warrnambool in conjunction with an ice works in Kepler Street, Warrnambool, known as Antarctic Ice (Good and Stevenson). This firm secured a milk supply from several dairy farmers in the Warrnambool district. Antarctic Ice at the Kepler Street site was eventually bought by the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Company and Kraft Foods as equal partners and the milk was marketed as the Sungold brand. A farmer, Kaye Ryan, had set up a pasteurization plant in East Warrnambool (Raglan Parade/Verdon Street) to treat his own milk in opposition to Antarctic Ice and later Sungold. Kraft and Warrnambool Cheese and Butter purchased the Ryan business and the Sungold operations moved to the Ryan site. Kraft sold its share of Sungold and in 1989 the Sungold plant was moved to the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory at Allansford where it operates today. These bottles are of great interest, firstly as examples of the pint bottles in which we used to receive bottled milk in the mid 20th century and secondly as examples of the bottles used by an important local Warrnambool firm, Antarctic Ice. These are six clear glass one pint milk bottles. They have round bases and bodies tapering through to the neck with a round moulded glass top. These bottles were originally sealed with a circle of waxed cardboard pressed into a recess at the top but there are no seals with these bottles. .1 bottle has a slight chip on the base and on the top opening.‘This bottle contains milk bottled for sale by Antarctic Ice Products Pty Ltd Warrnambool’ ‘Bottle is the property of the above. It is loaned and cannot be legally used by others.’ ‘497’ milk supply in warrnambool district, history of warrnambool

The Box Brownie camera was developed by Frank Brownell in the late 19th century. It was marketed by Eastman Kodak of U.S.A. and was a camera with a simple lens. It provided snapshots at a low cost and was the most widely-used camera by families in the first half of the 20th century. This item was the No. 2 model which was sold from 1901 to 1935. This item was given to Olive O’Donnell when she was ten years old. The donor was Miss Florence Lake of ‘Lyndoch’ in Warrnambool. She was noted for giving presents, usually at Christmas time, to the children of her employees and other children in the Warrnambool area. Olive O’Donnell’s father worked for Miss Lake for 45 years. The property of ‘Lyndoch’ near the mouth of the Hopkins River in Warrnambool was established by a Melbourne businessman, George Rolfe, late in the 19th century and Miss Lake was one of the two stepdaughters of George Rolfe who inherited the property. Miss Florence Lake built a house at Lyndoch which today forms part of the aged care facility established when the property was sold. This camera is of interest for two reasons: 1. It is an example of the Box Brownie camera which was a very popular camera owned by many Australians in the first half of the 20th century. 2. It is an example of the type of present given to children by the Warrnambool philanthropist, Florence Lake. She resided at ‘Lyndoch’ and was well-known in the Warrnambool community in the 20th century. This is a rectangular-shaped black metal box. A metal clip acts as an opening and closing device for inserting a film. A yellow and black film is enclosed at one end of the box. A handle is on the top of the box and is attached by metal clips. There are several viewing panels on the box and a metal mechanism for winding the film. The box is scuffed and stained. ‘Brownie’ ‘No 2 Brownie Model F Patented in U.S.A. Patents Pending.’ photography, household items, lyndoch, warrnambool, florence lake, warrnambool, olive o’donnell, warrnambool

These two trays appear to have been made as souvenirs, perhaps to commemorate the end of World War One, as the halfpennies date from 1914 to 1918. They may have been used either as ash trays or trinket trays.These trays have no known local significance but are retained as mementos of the souvenirs produced for the Australian tourist market after World War One.These are two circular-shaped brass ash trays or dishes. One has five English halfpennies affixed to the edge of the tray and one has the Rising Sun emblem of the Australian Army affixed to the centre of the tray. Both trays are slightly stained.‘English made’world war one, history of warrnambool

The Box brownie camera was invented by Frank A Brownell in 1900 and further improved from 1901. Because it was easy to use, cheap and portable it became very popular. It was used by soldiers in the first World War and other models were marketed to groups such as the Boy Scouts. It was further modified until the 1950's and have been used until recent timesThis camera has significance as a very popular model which was used by a wide cross section of people over many decades. It is one of the cameras which made photography accessible to many who would otherwise not have been able to use them.Rectangular black box camera with leather handle attached with silver studs. There are two latches at the top and a winder at the back. There are three circular cutouts on the top and two rectangular ones on the sides.There is a small metal label attached to the bottom. Use film No 116 No Brownie. Brownie stamped into leather handle. On metal label on base: Made in USA by Eastman Kodak Company . Rochester NY USAbox brownie, warrnambool, kodak cameras

The Box brownie camera was invented by Frank A Brownell in 1900 and further improved from 1901. Because it was easy to use, cheap and portable it became very popular. It was used by soldiers in the first World War and other models were marketed to groups such as the Boy Scouts.Many family photos recor It was further modified until the 1950's and have been used until recent times This camera has significance as a very popular model which was used by a wide cross section of people over many decades. It is one of the cameras which made photography accessible to many who would otherwise not have been able to use them. .1 Rectangular black box camera with leather handle attached with silver studs. There is a latch at the top and a winder at the back. There are three circular cutouts on the top and two rectangular ones on the sides.There is a logo imprinted in the base of the camera and a film is inside .2 Small 38 page manual with light card cover. Mainly printed instructions with some diagrams showing aspects of operation. for Nos. 2 A 2C and 3 Brownie cameras..1'Brownie " on the handle.The logo on the bottom reads as follows, " No 2 Brownie Use film No 120 Made in USA by Eastmann Kodak Rochester NY." .2 Published by Eastmann Kodak Rochester NY. box brownie, warrnambool,, kodak cameras, brownie instruction manual

This letter book contains letters written by representatives of the Warrnambool Lance Patent Pan Company to agents in Western Australia during the period 1896 to 1913. This company was formed to market the Lance Patent Cess Pan produced by George Lance in Warrnambool. The Western Australian venture did not prove profitable for the company. George Lance was a Warrnambool plumber and gasfitter who produced the Eureka Pump and the Lance Patent Cess Pan. The latter sold widely in Victoria with the Warrnambool Council owning 1700 of these pans in 1896. George Lance was also prominent in Warrnambool as a musician, artist (eleven of his works are in the Warrnambool Art Gallery)and local history writer. He was also involved in the development of the Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and the establishment of the Warrnambool School of Art and Design and the Warrnambool Art Gallery. This letter book is of considerable interest as it gives details on one aspect of the George Lance invention of the Patent Cess Pan (its marketing) and George Lance played an important role in Warrnambool's late 19th century history.This is a letter book of 506 pages. It has a hardboard cover with a mottled red pattern and red binding on the spine. The pages contain an alphabetical index and copies of letters handwritten in black ink. There are many blank pages. The letter book cover is torn at the edges.george lance patent cess pan

Vol. 10, No. 2, May-Jun 2005 CONTENTS Richmond 3121 - the book 2 Daryl Braithwaite rocks up at Wellers 5 Shelton Lea lauded and farewelled 8 Artin' About 10 Wining & Dining 14 Listings 16"Peter Dougherty has been involved in the local art scene for many years. As publisher and editor of the arts magazine Artstreams, his comments on the various branches of the arts are widely respected. His "The Arts" column in the Diamond Valley Leader presents a brief summary for a much wider cross section of the local community. Peter also operates his own gallery and the Artstreams Cafe at the St Andrews market. Peter has a wealth of knowledge about present day and historical aspects of local art and artists." - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 161, March 2005Colour front and back cover with feature articles and literary pieces with photographs and advertisements printed in black and white. 16 pages, 30 cm. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Nov. 1996) - Vol. 10, no. 5 (summer ed. 2005/​06) art streams, art streams magazine, daryl braithwaite, wellers, richmond 3121, daniel moynihan, anthony figallo, shelton lea

Vol. 10, No. 3, Jul-Aug 2005 CONTENTS Alan Marshall Short Story Award Winner 2 Ephemeral Sculpture 7 Food and a Question of Time - John Jenkins 10 Rhythm of the Land & Sea - Julie Tippene O'Toole 11 Silver Stars: A Mongolian Story - Lisa Edwards and Jenny Grinlington 12 Darebin La Trobe Art Prize 15 Jill Kahans mixes her media 17 Poetry 18 CD Reviews 19 Jack Henseleit - The Legend of Neil Douglas 20 Artin' About 21 Wining & Dining 26 Listings 28"Peter Dougherty has been involved in the local art scene for many years. As publisher and editor of the arts magazine Artstreams, his comments on the various branches of the arts are widely respected. His "The Arts" column in the Diamond Valley Leader presents a brief summary for a much wider cross section of the local community. Peter also operates his own gallery and the Artstreams Cafe at the St Andrews market. Peter has a wealth of knowledge about present day and historical aspects of local art and artists." - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 161, March 2005Colour front and back cover with feature articles and literary pieces with photographs and advertisements printed in black and white. 28 pages, 30 cm. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Nov. 1996) - Vol. 10, no. 5 (summer ed. 2005/​06) art streams, art streams magazine, ephemeral sculptures, alan marshall short story award, click here to add keywords, darebin la trobe art prize, ephemeral sculpture, jack henseleit, jenny grinlington, jill kahans, john jenkins, julie tippene o'toole, lisa edwards, neil douglas, rhythm of the land & sea

Vol. 10, No. 4, Sep-Oct 2005 CONTENTS Short story In Shadows by Bill Collopy 3 Discovery of the rural by Clive Dickson 7 Wagga based artists by Thomas A. Middlemost 10 Short Story by Emilie Anita Teear 12 Gallipoli : A Turkish view Photography at Bundoora Homestead 13 Musicians who answered the call 16 Book reviews 18 Australian landscape Conference 2005 by Kate Herd 20 Threads that bind the CSA and CWA 22 Music at Wellers Restaurant 23 Music reviews 24 The Snakes in Eden by John Jenkins 27 Artin' About 29 Wining & Dining 30 Listings 32"Peter Dougherty has been involved in the local art scene for many years. As publisher and editor of the arts magazine Artstreams, his comments on the various branches of the arts are widely respected. His "The Arts" column in the Diamond Valley Leader presents a brief summary for a much wider cross section of the local community. Peter also operates his own gallery and the Artstreams Cafe at the St Andrews market. Peter has a wealth of knowledge about present day and historical aspects of local art and artists." - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 161, March 2005Colour front and back cover with feature articles and literary pieces with photographs and advertisements printed in black and white. 32 pages, 30 cm. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Nov. 1996) - Vol. 10, no. 5 (summer ed. 2005/​06) art streams, art streams magazine, silos, australian landscape conference 2005, bill collopy, bundoora homestead, click here to add keywords, clive dickson, emilie anita teear, gallipoli, john jenkins, kate herd, the snakes in eden, thomas a. middlemost, wagga based artists

Vol. 10, No. 4, [sic] Summer 2005-06 CONTENTS Alan Marshal Young Writers Short Story Award Winner 3 Winning stories from the William Barak Short Story and Bushcraft competition by Joydyn Chandler and Bethany McGill 4 John Jenkins on Ian McBryde 6 Leanne Mooney 9 Isabelle Clements 10 Poetry 11 Book Reviews 13 CWA meets CSA 15 Social Realists at the Counihan Gallery 16 Ian McBryde Poetry Reviews 19 Music & CD Reviews 20 Artin' About 25 Art Services & Classes 29 Wining & Dining 30"Peter Dougherty has been involved in the local art scene for many years. As publisher and editor of the arts magazine Artstreams, his comments on the various branches of the arts are widely respected. His "The Arts" column in the Diamond Valley Leader presents a brief summary for a much wider cross section of the local community. Peter also operates his own gallery and the Artstreams Cafe at the St Andrews market. Peter has a wealth of knowledge about present day and historical aspects of local art and artists." - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 161, March 2005Colour front and back cover with feature articles and literary pieces with photographs and advertisements printed in black and white. 32 pages, 30 cm. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Nov. 1996) - Vol. 10, no. 5 (summer ed. 2005/​06) 10th Anniversary Edition!art streams, art streams magazine, alan marshal young writers, bethany mcgill, ian mcbryde, isabelle clements, john jenkins, joydyn chandler, leanne mooney

Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker, panton hill, tosch property

Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. The little girl is Grace de Visser's sister. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker

Len's Bedford truk is featured in one of the Montmorency Were Street shopping precinct mosaics. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker

Postcard produced c.2010 by Nillumbik Tourism Association (defunct as of Dec 2018)nillumbik tourism association, nta, postcard, st andrews market