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

The Eltham Library was located at the southern end of the newly constructed southern wing of the Shire Offices at 895 Main Road. The first dedicated library in the shire was the Children's Library built by the Eltham War Memorial Trust (now the Eltham War Memorial Hall). Funds were raised by volunteers to purchase books, the land and construct the building. This library initially opened in the Eltham Public Hall on the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street around 1948. The Children’s Library building was opened in 1961 but the transfer to the Eltham Council of the War Memorial Trust land and buildings in 1965 saw the closure of the children's library, which held over 2,000 books that were then transferred to all the schools in the shire which had participated in the monthly book exchange of boxes of books by use of the railways, bus companies and private cars. In late 1966 the children’s library service was integrated into the Heideberg Regional Library Service and the building was officially renamed the Eltham War Memorial Hall. The Brinkkotter house in Dudley Street became the first of the general library services in Eltham with shelving from the old Heidelberg City Library, staff borrowed form the Heidelberg Library and some use of the 1941 Shire Office in Main Road. By 1971 the 1964 Shire Office had the southern extension added and the Library was located on the lower level with Engineering and Planning on the level above. By 1986 this library was experiencing overcrowding from lack of space and equipment needs. With Federal Government assistance, Council was able to design and build a new library which was located in the Eltham Common and opened in May 1994.Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Printed card 10.5 x 15.7 cmeltham library, eltham library opening, eltham shire council, opening ceremony, r.j. hamer, shire of eltham

Contents: Eltham War Memorial Trust, Official Opening - Baby Health Centre, 15th November, 1952; Timetable of proceedings Eltham Baby Health Centre; Official Opening - Baby Health Centre: Address by President, 15 November 1952 Program; Eltham War Memorial Trust: Opening of the Second Unit of the War memorial, The Pre-school Centre, on Saturday, December 1st, 1956 at 3 p.m. Eltham War Memorial: Address by Mrs Stanley Addison at the Annual Meeting of the Infant Welfare Centre, Thursday 21st October, 1965 Newspaper clipping: Infant Welfare Centre as War Memorial, 15 November 1952 Newspaper clipping: Eltham War Memorial Trust by Stanley Addison, 1953 Newspaper clipping: Eltham: Memorial Baby Health Centre Opening Newspaper clipping: Minister to open Eltham Pre-school Tomorrow Newspaper clipping: War Memorial Trust Who is this man? By Stanley Addison (M.B.E., B.A., B.Sc., J.P.) Stanley Simpson Addison biography (b. 14/10/1880 d. 1/1/1972) Eulogy: Stanley Simpson Addison (14 Oct 1880-1 Jan 1972) Photograph: Stanley S. Addison, B.Sc., The Australasian Intercollegian, April 1, 1916 Letter, Eltham High School Advisory Committee re pending retirement of Cr. Addison from the Eltham Shire Council, 8 June 1956 Behind and Before by Stanley S. Addison, The Way, September 1956, pp 6-7 Newspaper clipping: Eltham Shire's President is Cr. S. Addison, Heidelberg News, Friday September 12, 1952 Newspaper clipping: Mr S. Addison Honored, Heidelberg News, Friday September 21st, 1956, p13 Additional information about Stanley Simpson Addison from Bill Glasson, 15 March 2014 Additional information about Stanley Simpson Addison's Naval Service record and MBE (National Archives) Opening of Lower Plenty Memorial Chapel, 30 November 1952 Letter from Brigadier H.H. Hammer, HQ 2 Armed Brigade to Cr. S. Addison, President, Shire of Eltham giving thanks for Coronation Celebrations parade support, June 1953 Newspaper clipping: Eltham President's Advance Programme Newspaper clipping: Coronation Festivities; Eltham Shire President's Notes Newspaper clipping: Hurstbridge: Coronation Day Ceremony Draft of letter by Stanley S. Addison, President, Kangaroo Ground Advancement League regarding electricity connection for Kangaroo Ground - Panton Hill, 1954 Electricity connection, Kangaroo Ground - Panton Hill, 1954 Electricity connection, Kangaroo Ground - Panton Hill, 1955 Newspaper clipping: Light for Diamond Valley; Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill, Friday 20th May, 1955 Electricity connection, Kangaroo Ground - Panton Hill, 1955 Electricity connection, Kangaroo Ground - Panton Hill, 1956 Electricity connection, Panton Hill - Smitrhs Gully, 1958 100th Anniversary Services, Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church, 17 March 1957 Early History of Kangaroo Ground compiled by Neville Haughton in March, 1959 Newspaper clipping: Eltham Community Chest, Heidelberg News, 12 September 1958 Newspaper clipping: Proposed Eltham Community Chest by Stanley Addison, Heidelberg News, 29 January 1959 Newspaper clipping: Community Chest With Wider Objectives, Heidelberg News, 5 February 1959 Newspaper clipping: Community Chest for Eltham, 1959 Newspaper clipping: Council Protest on Community Chest, c.1959 Newspaper clipping: Community Chest Outlined at Small Meeting, c.1959 Newspaper clipping: Treasure in the Diamond Valley by Stanley Addison, Heidelberg News, 19 February 1959 Newspaper clipping: Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce, c.1959 Approx. 89 pages of varying types; photocopies, newsclippings, hand written notes, invitations, lettersa.c. ring, a.s. davis, adult education, biography, brigadier h.h. hammer, centenary celebrations, coronation, d. dureau, d. scales, d.a. lyon, d.s. pepper, diamond creek, diamond valley chamber of commerce, diamond valley community hospital, electricity supply, eltham chamber of commerce, eltham community chest, eltham high school advisory committee, eltham high school, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham shire council, eltham war memorial trust, eulogy, f.f. durham, f.h. buckwell, f.v. squire, g.c. waring, g.w. smith, h. thompson, h.f. thorpe, j. north, j.l. ryan, j.r. stuber, j.w. burgoyne, j.w. middleton, k.w. smith, kangaroo ground advancement league, kangaroo ground presbyterian church, kangaroo ground, l.r. bassett, lower plenty memorial chapel, miss j. humphreys, montmorency girl guides, montmorency tennis club, montmorency, mrs. b. harrington, mrs. stanley addison, n.h. baxter, opening ceremony, panton hill, parade, r. t. harrap, r.s. leeson, s.a. hick, shire president, smiths gully, st faiths anglican church, stanley s addison collection, stanley simpson addison, stevenson family, vera addison (nee staley), vera addison, w. stephenson

The Heidelberg and Eltham Railway Trust arranged a dinner to be held to celebrate the opening of the railway line to Eltham. A "few" invitations were issued by subscription. i.e., those desirous of being present may obtain tickets on payment of a sum of money to attend.Photocopy of invitation cardinvitation, eltham railway station, heidelberg & eltham railway construction trust, heidelberg-eltham railway extension, opening ceremony

Cr. John Herbert served three terms as Eltham Shire President A3 photocopy of 3 documents with note at bottom of page - Cr. John Herbert 1. Federal Convention, The Government of Victoria request the honor of the Company of the The President, Eltham Shire & Lady to a Garden Party at Parliament House Melbourne on Friday February 4th 1898 at 3 o'clock. 2. Heidelberg & Eltham Railway Construction Trust, Ticket No. 87, Dinner in celebration of the opening of the Railway to Eltham, will be given in the Marquee on the Station Ground, Eltham on Thursday, 5th June, 190212.30 o'clock, H.J. Price, Secretary 3. Post card addressed to Miss Flora Herbert, "Blair Athol", Nutfield P.O., Victoria, Australia - France 12/12/17 - Dear Floss, Just a card to let you know I have not forgotten you. Tell "Mum" I am quite well, but a bit cold, I remain yours sincerely, Will"Photocopy A3 page; all three items on one page aif, blair athol, councillors, cr. john herbert, eltham railway station, eltham shire council, federal convention, first world war, flora herbert, government of victoria, heidelberg & eltham railway construction trust, invitation, nutfield, opening ceremony, parliament house, postcards, shire president

The Great Ocean Road was officially declared open on 26th November 1932 at a ceremony near Lorne's Grand Pacific Hotel, the site where the first survey peg for the road was hammered into the ground 14 years before. opening ceremony: lorne pacific hotel: 26/11/1932

A rubble-stone hipped roof cottage known as Ellis Cottage, was built by small-time farmer William Ellis from local uncut stone 1865-66. It was restored by the Shire of Diamond Valley. Cr. David Hay opened the restored building for the use of the Nillumbik Historical Society on March 14, 1994 Two colour photographsellis cottage, opening ceremony, nillumbik historical society, david hay

Shire of Eltham Historical Society Community Banner on display in the front room of the local history centreRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre, banners, community banner project

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre, peter bassett-smith, russell yeoman

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre, peter bassett-smith, diana bassett-smith

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre, peter bassett-smith, john graves, mary ryan

Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre, mary ryan, jo mccormick, opal smith, doug orford

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100local history centre, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, george w. bell collection, main road, opening ceremony

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100local history centre, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100local history centre, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, heather jenkins (nee sargeant)

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100local history centre, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100local history centre, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100local history centre, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100local history centre, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100local history centre, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100local history centre, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony

This volume is hand printed in a calligraphical style using black ink. It includes a full colour drawing of the Williamstown High School logo of 1970.It details the history of the old drill hall, includes a photograph and explains the process of funding and building the new hall. The book also includes Members of the Advisory Council 1968-1971; participants in the first official assembly in the new school hall in 1972, signatures of all those present at the official opening; program of the unveiling of the plaque ceremony, 1975.Dark green leather bound volume, plain paper book. Memento of the old drill hall, demolished in 1969, to make way for a new school hall.drill hall, williamstown high school, 1960s, 1970s, opening ceremony

Full text copies of the opening program are available here. The Display copies comprise pages 1 to 3 only.5 parts. 4 mounted on board copies of the official program. Brown printed on buff. 1 copy of original program - buff coloured card printed in brown.For full text see jpg'swilliamstown high school, library, 1980, opening ceremony