Thousands of elderly people at this centre have contributed much. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p161 Thousands of elderly people, who have contributed much to Nillumbik and beyond, have made their home in the treed Eltham Retirement Centre. The centre, which opened in 1956, has housed the disadvantaged in particular, through good times and hard, including floods, fire and even burglaries. As part of the Melbourne Citymission, a non-denominational Christian organisation that cares for people living with disadvantage, the centre was built to celebrate 100 years of the Melbourne Citymission’s work since 1854. Standing on a former poultry farm called Willandra (Still Waters), the centre includes independent units, hostel, nursing home accommodation and a Day Therapy Centre, which is available for non-residents as well. Despite being metres from the busy Main Road and railway station, the centre provides a quiet oasis on 6.8 hectares bordered by the Diamond Creek to the west, and the railway line to the east. The centre was originally named Judge Book Memorial Village after Judge Clifford Book, Deacon of the Collins Street Baptist Church. Book was also President of the Baptist Union of Victoria and Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge. He was so respected that, at his death, several Pentridge prisoners asked to attend his funeral. In 1993 the centre’s name was changed to clarify that it was part of the Melbourne Citymission. However Judge Book’s name continues in the Judge Book Memorial Garden, opened in 2006. The Diamond Creek has flooded the centre several times, however rarely causing serious damage. Volunteer Alan Field recalls a flood in 1974 when the resident manager Reverend Norman Pearce and his wife, were rescued by boat from their home with their budgerigar. On February 3, 2005, when the creek almost flooded Metzner Hall, 35 ambulances evacuated residents to nearby nursing homes, hostels and local homes. Residents were also evacuated during the 1965 bush fire, but fortunately a change of wind direction saved the centre. Residents have also endured several burglaries. Despite much rebuilding and modernisation over the years, traces of the original farmhouse remain in the administration areas. In 1991 the Willandra Hostel was built and in 2001 the Eltham Lodge Nursing Home with each room having a garden view. Several buildings are named after people who have given special service to the centre including the Norman Pearce Day Hospital after general manager and pastor Rev Pearce. Metzner Hall was named after the Metzner family who had been active in the auxiliary since it began and had donated generously to the Recreation Hall fund.3 A bridge was named after Sister Lila Murray who had worked at the village for 42 years in various capacities including as relieving manager. Field remembers Sister Murray as ‘the Mother Teresa and soul of what the village aspired to, with love and care’. Since 1957 the Eltham Auxiliary, later called the Residents’ Association, has worked to improve the residents’ quality of life by volunteering and raising funds. An outstanding volunteer, Field, who was drawn to the centre in 1971 with his wife Chris, has held positions on the early Eltham boards, auxiliaries and Residents’ Association. Much of his work has been supporting people with no family and those of limited means. He says he and his wife look at their work as having shared ‘our lives with amazing people’. The wealth of experience and wisdom in the Retirement Village has benefited many people, including local school children. Residents have acted as proxy grand-parents at local schools, by assisting small learning groups or telling their life stories. Conversely, students from local schools have visited to perform, or to assist in programs like craft activities. Resident Val Bell, whose mother Rose Bullock lived at the centre before her, sums up the centre’s most important attribute for her: ‘The Christian care. They could not be more caring’.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, diamond street, eltham, eltham retirement centre, eltham retirement village, judge book memorial village

Major Malcolm Bell is the conductor of the Australian Army Band and the Eltham Concert BandText and black and white imagemalcolm bell, eltham concert band, australian army band, simpson barracks school of music

Ada Lyon, nee Apted (1898-1962) was a member of the Eltham War Memorial Trust which in 1945 decided that a WW2 memorial in Eltham should include a baby health centre, a children's library and a pre-school centre. Ada Lyon worked tirelessley as a member of the women's auxiliary to raise funds for the memorial. The third and final stage of the Memorial was opened in November 1961. Following her death the following year; a memorial sundial was erected in recogintion of her work for the War Memorial Trust. Words on the plaque read: "To the memory of Mrs Ada Lyon in recognition of her work for this Trust".The sundial recognising the local contribution of Ada Lyon is of local historical significance in not only recognising a woman for her contributions during an era when women were generally unrecognised publically but is also a reminder to current generations of her work and that of her peers to iniate the war memorial in honour of local enlistments in WW2.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 strips. Print copies originally located in a small pink (with decorative flowers) album, suede spine, 18 x 18 x 6 cm, 50 page inserts, 100 photo capacity.Kodak Gold 100-5ada lyon, eltham war memorial, sundial

Set of five newspaper cuttings (or group of cuttings) regarding trams sold by the MMTB and their relocation. .1 - Community Valley News "Huge tram sure to stop traffic; well that's the idea!", 16/4/2002 - W6 968 being relocated to the Essendon Traffic School - see image i9. .2 - Cover and pages 6 & 7 of Metro News24/1/2001 - about the sale of W class trams. Cover photo has a tram at Dales Creek, story by Ingrid Svendsen about the storage of trams at Newport, reuse. Quotes Dr Mees, Roberto D' Andrea, Peter Batchelor and Geoff Leigh. .3 - Free Press - 22/2/1984 - "Last Stop Cockatoo" - W2 611 to Cockatoo Primary School. .4 - Diamond Valley News, 13/3/1984 about the sale of W2 640 to Mrs Fabian Broekan to the Eltham area and the objection of the Eltham council. .5 - The Sun - 24/8/1987 - "Aboard the tram home" about the former trams at Ferny Creek. Two centre pages. See also Reg Items about these tramcars. .6 - The Phillip Motorway - 19/8/1993 - about W2 284, owned by Evan Bekiaris which was built by Holdens in SA.trams, tramways, sale of trams, mmtb, newport workshops, preserved trams, ferny creek, tramcars, pmtt, melbourne, houses, essendon, holden, tram 968, tram 611, tram 640, tram 284

Walter Withers (1854-1914) was born in Handsworth, Warwickshire, England. He migrated to Australia in 1882 and in time was to become one of the country's most famous painters. In 1887/8 he spent a year in London and Paris during which time he married Fanny Flinn. When he returned to Melbourne he was engaged by publishers doing black and white illustrations. In the late 1880's he became associated with artists who formed the renowned "Heidelberg School" and in 1890 moved to "Charterisville" at Eaglemont. He lived in the Heidelberg area until 1903 when he purchased a house on two and a half acres (one hectare) at the corner of Brougham and Bolton Streets, Eltham. He had long been attracted to the Eltham area, but needed access to Melbourne for his painting classes. The extension of the railway in 1901 made the move possible. He remained in Eltham until his death and is buried at nearby St Helena. Many of his important paintings were painted during these later years. There are important collections at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Geelong Art Gallery. His Eltham house remains and his name is honoured by a small park at the corner of Bible and Arthur Streets. Source: Information panel produced for Heritage Display exhibition by EDHS 1990.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 Neg (duplicate of original)eltham local characters, pioneers and painters, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, walter withers, eltham, southernwood

Walter Withers (1854-1914) was born in Handsworth, Warwickshire, England. He migrated to Australia in 1882 and in time was to become one of the country's most famous painters. In 1887/8 he spent a year in London and Paris during which time he married Fanny Flinn. When he returned to Melbourne he was engaged by publishers doing black and white illustrations. In the late 1880's he became associated with artists who formed the renowned "Heidelberg School" and in 1890 moved to "Charterisville" at Eaglemont. He lived in the Heidelberg area until 1903 when he purchased a house on two and a half acres (one hectare) at the corner of Brougham and Bolton Streets, Eltham. He had long been attracted to the Eltham area, but needed access to Melbourne for his painting classes. The extension of the railway in 1901 made the move possible. He remained in Eltham until his death and is buried at nearby St Helena. Many of his important paintings were painted during these later years. There are important collections at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Geelong Art Gallery. His Eltham house remains and his name is honoured by a small park at the corner of Bible and Arthur Streets. Source: Information panel produced for EDHS exhibition in 1990. john withers collection, artist, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photo collection, walter herbert withers, walter withers

Walter Withers (1854-1914) was born in Handsworth, Warwickshire, England. He migrated to Australia in 1882 and in time was to become one of the country's most famous painters. In 1887/8 he spent a year in London and Paris during which time he married Fanny Flinn. When he returned to Melbourne he was engaged by publishers doing black and white illustrations. In the late 1880's he became associated with artists who formed the renowned "Heidelberg School" and in 1890 moved to "Charterisville" at Eaglemont. He lived in the Heidelberg area until 1903 when he purchased a house on two and a half acres (one hectare) at the corner of Brougham and Bolton Streets, Eltham. He had long been attracted to the Eltham area, but needed access to Melbourne for his painting classes. The extension of the railway in 1901 made the move possible. He remained in Eltham until his death and is buried at nearby St Helena. Many of his important paintings were painted during these later years. There are important collections at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Geelong Art Gallery. His Eltham house remains and his name is honoured by a small park at the corner of Bible and Arthur Streets. Source: Information panel produced for EDHS exhibition in 1990.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 Neg 120 format B&W negative B&W printsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, walter withers, artist

Rededication of Memorial Tower on its 75th anniversary to those who served in Armed Conflicts between 1948 and 1972. Harry Gillham, President of the Eltham District Historical Society and Convenor of the Nillumbik Shire Council's Advisory Committee for the War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground was for some years working on the refurbishment of the Shire of Eltham War memorial tower of rememberance and the surrounding Memorial Park. The Committee arranged to produce plaques to commemorate the armed conflicts in Korea, Malaysia, Borneo and Vietnam. The plaques were funded by public donations and cost $10,000. The community donated via donation boxes placed at Eltham Library. NL 140 Sept 2001 Governor John landy and other digniaries attended the event for the unveiling of the plaque. Governor Landy unveiled the plaque which was attached to the historical tower in November 2001.75th anniversary, dean stewart, dedication, dennis ward, governor of victoria, harry gilham, john landy, kangaroo ground, mick woiwod, rededication ceremony, shire of eltham memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial, shire of eltham war memorial tower, sigmund jorgensen, war memorial tower, fran bailey mp, des burgess, jim wandin, cr. penny mullinar, cr. phillip hughes, cr. bill penrose, nillumbik shire council, rsl - diamond valley veterans, victorian police, australian army, country fire authority, cfa, salvation army, army church, kangaroo ground primary school, kangaroo ground tower committee, nicholas pelling, catherine dale (nsc ceo)

In 1987 (Dec. 5—Dec. 15), the Eltham College Concert Band did a tour of China. Upon return, a VHS tape was made of the tour as a memento of the occasion. Sufficient material of useable quality and content has remained to allow two DVD’s to be produced by tape to disc transfer. Disc 1 runs for 94 mins. and Disc 2 for 77 mins. Original tape ran for about three hours so not all that much has been lost. In general the video work was by Mr. Brian Maclean, year 12 Co-Ordinator at the college and is very professional for the video equipment of the day. There is a full ‘cast list’ at the end with credits for all band members and those who organised it all. Very much a school magazine of characters but a movie instead. video recording, eltham college, china tour, eltham college concert band

April Meeting (Newsletter No. 233, Apr. 2017) Our meeting at 8.00pm on Wednesday 12th April 2017 is our Annual General Meeting, which includes the presentation of annual reports and the election of office bearers for the coming year. The official notification of the Annual General Meeting and Agenda are on page 8 in this Newsletter. At this meeting we are pleased to have as our guest speaker Dr. Andrew Lemon, a great friend of EDHS and a Fellow and the immediate Past President of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. Andrew is an independent Melbourne historian, author of numerous books on local history, shipwrecks, biography, schools and sport and winner of national literary awards. He has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters by the University of Melbourne for his published works. Andrew edited the Victorian Historical Journal throughout the 1990s and served on the Library Board of Victoria and the Heritage Council. Andrew is a very entertaining presenter and in our 50th Anniversary year he has chosen to speak about ‘Fifty years of the EDHS - and why it matters.’1:03:34 duration Digital MP3 File 75 MB andrew lemon, audio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting

August Meeting (Newsletter No. 235, Aug. 2017) Blanche and Jack Shallard were involved in many activities in the Montmorency community throughout their lives. They observed Were Street grow from a one shop street to a bustling shopping village. Jack was a local solicitor and on the Board of the Diamond Valley Community Hospital, while Blanche was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary and both were involved with our Society. They were also connected with Montmorency State School and St Faith’s Church in Montmorency. At this meeting we are pleased to have their daughter, Professor Margaret Deighton, speak about her family and her recollections of growing up in Montmorency.0:47:43 duration Digital MP3 File 67 MB audio recording, eltham district historical society, margaret deighton, meeting, montmorency, shallard, society meeting

In 1983, the National Trust advised the Shire of Eltham that it was investigating a number of trees within the shire which had been nominated for recording the Register of Significant Trees of Victoria. The trees involved were described in the Shire of Eltham Historical Society Newsletter No. 29, March 1983 as follows:- 1. Eucalyptus melliadora (Yellow box) . a) An outstanding mature specimen 42 metres high in Laughing Waters Road, Eltham. b) Another mature specimen in Arthurs Creek road, Hurstbridge is reported to be the tree under which the bushranger Robert Bourke was tied after he shot and killed Henry Hurst in 1866 . 2. Quercus robur (English Oak). a) "Donaldson's Oak", Donaldsons Road, Kangaroo Ground was planted by John Donaldson from seed collected from Windsor Great Park in 1878. b) "Wippells Oak". This now misshapen tree is located on the St. Andrews Road near the Kangaroo Ground Fire Station. Its origins may have been similar to Donaldson's Oak, and as a young tree it apparently slipped from higher up the hill during wet weather. Both oaks are of local historical importance. 3. Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum). A large mature specimen at the corner of the Kangaroo Ground-St. Andrews Road and Bakehouse Road, Panton Hill. 4. Plantanas acerifolia (Plane tree) A number of trees forming the Avenue of Honour to Eltham's First World War soldiers along Main Road between Dalton and Pitt Streets, Eltham. 5. Pinus canariensis (Canary Island Pine), Pinus pinea, (Stone pine) and Cedras altlantica, (Cedar) These trees are located at the Hurst family graves in the grounds of the Hurstbridge Pre-school Centre. In 1991 the Shire of Eltham introduced controls into its planning scheme to protect sites of architectural, historic or conservation interest and significant trees. The controls were approved by the Minister for Planning and Housing. As advised in the Shire of Eltham Historical Society Newsletter No. 78, May 1991, a planning permit is required to demolish or alter any listed building or to destroy, lop or remove any listed tree. Provision is made for comments to be obtained from the National Trust or Historic Buildings Council in considering any applications. The buildings and trees listed were: Buildings: 250 Bolton Street Eltham (former Walter Withers home) "Rosehill" - Bonds Road Lower Plenty St Andrews Church of England - St Andrews "Montsalvat" - Hillcrest Avenue Eltham St Margarets Church and former vicarage - Pitt Street Eltham Presbyterian Church - Kangaroo Ground Parks and Environment Office (former police quarters) Main Road Eltham Former Court House - Main Road Eltham "Shillinglaw Cottage" - Main Road Eltham "The Robins" - Kangaroo Ground Road Warrandyte Trees: "Donaldsons Oak" - Donaldsons Road Kangaroo Ground Yellow Box - Laughing Waters Road Eltham Yellow Box - Arthurs Creek Road Hurstbridge Wippells Oak - St Andrews Road Kanqaroo Road Pines and Cedar - Hurst family cemetery Greysharps Road Hurstbridge Yellow Box - Parsons Road Eltham A large Blue Gum at Panton Hill has been listed but has recently died (1991). In 1993 work by Council Parks and Environment staff and volunteers resulted in the preparation of a Significant Tree Register listing forty-one trees or groups of trees. According to Shire of Eltham Historical Society Newsletter No. 91, March 1993, a similar number remained to be assessed for inclusion in the register. There is a wide range of indigenous and planted trees on private and public land and extending through the Shire of Eltham from Lower Plenty to Kinglake. Most can be viewed from publicly accessible locations. The Significant Tree Register lists 41 trees or groups of trees throughout the Shire. It contains a wide range of naturally occurring and planted trees. They have been assessed according to eleven criteria including size, age, rarity, historical value and the like. The list includes large old Red Gums at Lower Plenty, historic Oaks at Kangaroo Ground and Mountain Ash at Kinglake. The register includes a set of slides showing each tree. Garry Bartlett of the Council's Parks and Environment Section and Faye Shepherd were extensively involved in establishment of the register (Newsletter No. 93, November 1993). In 1999 Niliumbik planners prepared an amendment to the Planning Scheme to provide protection for approximately 200 of the places listed in the heritage studies and also in the Significant Tree Register commenced by the Eltham Council (Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 127, July 1999. In 2004, The Register of Significant Trees was presented to the Eltham District Historical Society by Nillumbik Shire Council as part of a wider collection of of its memorabilia of the former Eltham Shire Council (EDHS Newsletter No. 159, July 2004. Album of loose handmade paper sheets contained within a handmade slip cover constructed of handcrafted card with encapsulated flora material (flowers, vines, ferns) and tinted. Each page also contains an embedded/adhered fern leaf also tinted with lacqueur or similar, text as appropriate in ink by hand calligraphy. Each page also has a white protective sheet cut to size and adhered to back surface with sticky tape and folded over face of page. Pages variously have photographs and coloured masks adhered with a gum resin. Over time much of this resin has let go and photos/masks have been reattached using acid free archival safe adhesive. 15 pages 41 x 29 cm inclusive of 3 blank pages. Slip case 42 x 30 x 1 cm; face cover of slip case has broken off at left hand margin as insufficient depth/flexibility for contents.arthurs creek road, blue gum (eucalyptus globulus), canary island pine (pinus canariensis), couties road, donaldsons oak, donaldsons road, eltham, english oak (quercus robur), eucalyptus melliodora, graysharps road, hurst tree, hurstbridge, ironbark (eucalyptus tricarpa), ironbark hill, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground-kinglake road, laughing waters road, panton hill hotel, panton hill, parsons road, significant trees register, sonia van bodegraven, sonjart, stone pine (pinus pinea). atlantic cedar (cedrus atlantica), wippells oak, yellow box gum (eucalyptus melliodora), yellow box gum

History of Saint Margaret's Church Eltham beginnings to 1888. Throughout this foundation period the community grew in numbers and influence within the developing district of Eltham. The minister's and lay readers appointed to Saint Margaret's are indentified and their contribution discussed. The significant events of the establishment of a temporary chuch and then a permanent church, the opening and closing of a denominational school, the construction of a parsonage, libraries and Sunday school are all examined. The key to the success of this faith community during its foundation years was the initiative and resourcefulness of its laypersons. - back cover. The early beginnings of the church included congregations at St Helena, Greensborough and Diamond Creek. People described in the book are listed as subjects in this description. The author Geoff Sandy mentions the following in the acknolwedgements on page iii: "Harry Gilham and Russell Yeoman of the Eltham District Historical Society willingly assisted me with locating records and images relevant to the scopeof this book".The first in a three volume set capturing a comprehensive rich history of the church and importantly its community for the first time.This volume discusses the pioneers of the Etham district who contributed not only to the foundation of the church but its wider thriving community and adds to the records of what we know about the early history.367 pages : colour illustrations ; 25 cm.[written inside front cover] Donated to the Eltham and District Historical Society on the occasion of the launch of "A History of Saint Margaret's Church Eltham" - 23 February 2014, Geoffrey A Sandysaint margaret's anglican church eltham, eltham, st helena church, dixon bertram, robert mackie, josiah hollis, andrew brown, arthur joseph pickering, john boyle gason, thomas cooper searle, henry dendy, william bravery andrew, charles symons wingrove, patrick alfred armstrong, patrick armstrong, john pearson, thomas hunniford, john gardner, thomas batt, isaac hill, william austin page, richard warren, john lindsay beale, henry stooke, john beale, charles hamilton, edwin willis maygar, william frederick ford, isaac briggs, david george clark, richard lowman, walter wippell, george knapman, benjamin oliver wallis, benjamin o. wallis, benjamin wallis, andrew logan, james rossiter, james thomas foster gilding, charles mash maplestone, george bird, george bird (1845-1921), charles hobart, e m bill, j c cole, william morris, francis flintoff, church of england, st margaret's anglican church, st margaret's anglican church eltham, st margaret's church, st margaret's church eltham, st margaret's church of england eltham, st margarets, st margarets anglican church, george stebbing, george stebbing builder

BHS CollectionBendigo Advertiser '' The way we were'' from 2002. Achievers: winners of the merit awards with their teachers, at Violet Street School in 1910. Back row: W. McRobert, A. McKay and ? Harris. Fourth row: R. Manger, A. Williams, P Seeber, N. Stoll and ? Tobias. Third row: ? Vine, A. Eltham, T. Dobel, W. Still and ? Murley. Second row: ? Granger, ? Abraham, F. Boldt and ? Studholme. Front row: Mr. Richardson, E. Boldt, G. Spooner, M. Tonkin, I. Aitken and Mr McKay. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

British Reader series used in education. At one stage this booked belonged to childre of artist Walter Withers.Various names handwritten in ink: Inside Cover (Crossed out) Mary Withers Tuesday 10th March 1908 Mary Withers (Crossed out) Edith, Elizabeth Edith, Elizabeth, Inez Goods Edeith, Elizabeth Inez Goods Plumbfield Ledbury W. McDonald Montmorency Facing Page W. McDonald Montmorency (Crossed out) Margery Withers Eltham October 24th (Crossed out) Edith Goodsedith goods, elizabeth inez goods, w. mcdonald, mary withers, margery withers, literary reader

Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School - The hall on the left side was the original Our Lady Help of Christians Church which was built c.1962 on the site of the former weatherboard St Mary's Church which was destroyed by fire in 1961. A new church was erected on the opposite (southern) side of Henry Street in 1976, partially on the original Lot 20 Henry Street of Holloway's Little Eltham North estate. Lot 20 Henry Street was the site of the former Wesleyan Church chapel in the 1850s which also used by David and Catherine Clark to establish their first school in 1855 prior to the erection of the Dalton Street school in 1856. The chapel was replaced by a new building, the Eltham Rechabite Hall (1893-1921) which then became the Eltham Public Hall (1922-1940). The Eltham Fire Station was also situated adjacent from 1931 to 1935. our lady help of christians primary school, henry street, eltham

Initially known as the ‘Kangaroo Hotel,’ this photo shows the sign ‘Kangaroo Ground Hotel’ and William McLaughlin as the proprietor, which dates it between 1871 and 1882. The first hotel known as the Kangaroo Hotel was built at the top of the hill by Andrew Ross in 1864 commencing April; a license was obtained, and the bar opened by Edmund Pickett, the tenant, on 11th of July. The hotel was ready for public accommodation by September, 1864. On June 27, 1864, Edmund Pickett, residing at Kangaroo Ground, gave notice to the Bench of Magistrates at Eltham that it was his intention to apply on July 6th for a certificate authorising the issue of a Publican’s Licence for a house rented and occupied by himself, situated at Kangaroo Ground, containing two sitting rooms and five bedrooms exclusive of those required for the use of his family. On February 7, 1866, Edmund Pickett, publican, residing at Kangaroo Ground, applied at the Court of Petty Sessions held at Eltham for a Publican’s License for a house situated at the Kangaroo Ground, containing six bedrooms and two sitting rooms, rented and occupied by himself and licensed under the sign of the 'Kangaroo Hotel.' In 1866, with few boarders at the school and needing to reduce expenses, Ross had the bedroom house removed from the school and placed in contiguity to the hotel, the occupier to have the post office. The house was re-erected with a kitchen addition and was opened as the Post Office & General Store on April 1st. Throughout 1870 Andrew Ross found himself at odds with Pickett - he "felt much dissatisfaction at my having a hotel especially kept by a man of loose principals and low habits" and so served him notice to vacate by December 31st, occupying it himself on January 1, 1871, calling it Rossville House. William McLaughlin and his wife kept the store and post office. As a hotel was now wanted and McLaughlin was desirous to obtain a license, Ross set about making the Store building suitable which was achieved towards the end of 1871. Ross notes in his diary that the Store hotel was finished January 1, 1872. At the Court of Petty Sessions held at Eltham on 5 December 1871, William McLaughlin applied for a license for the Kangaroo Hotel, Kangaroo Ground. He had previously obtained a wine license, March 28. In June 1882, William McLaughlin of Madeline Street, Carlton, (late of Kangaroo Ground, hotelkeeper) was found insolvent due to losses in connection with the Kangaroo Ground Hotel. The license for the hotel was later transferred from Mr John Donaldson to Mrs Sophia Greenaway. It appears during McLaughlin’s tenure the hotel became known as the Kangaroo Ground Hotel. The hotel was replaced with a new wooden building in 1892, constructed by W.Holland and described as being "of a neat appearance, roomy, and fittled up with all modern requirements necessary in a business of this kind." This building was destroyed by fire in 1930. References: Ross, Andrew, 1814-1895 & Woiwod, Mick & Andrew Ross Museum. (2011). The diary of Andrew Ross 1828-1895 & the reminiscences of Andrew Ross 1851-1864 / edited, annotated and introduced by Mick Woiwod for the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Ground. Kangaroo Ground, [Vic.] : Tarcoola Press in association with the Andrew Ross Museum The Evelyn Observer, (1892, June 24). Evelyn Observer, and South and East Bourke Record (Vic. : 1882 - 1902), p. 2 (MORNING.). Retrieved May 13, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60667494 REMINISCENCES. (1893, April 21). Evelyn Observer, and South and East Bourke Record (Vic. : 1882 - 1902), p. 2 (MORNING.). Retrieved May 10, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60669116 REMINISCENCES COUNTY EVELYN. BY Andrew Ross. (No. 41) The summer of 1863-4 may be re membered by many colonists as one of the most enjoyable as regards wet weather, and it was one made remarkable by the enterprise and activity apparent throughout Evelyn County. This spirit was fostered and encouraged by the prospect presented from the opening up of the new route to the Jordan and Wood's Point, and the consequent occupation of lands and special localities along the main track. Accommodation for travellers were established at Yarra Flats, the future Healesville, Fernshaw, Marysville, while the beauties and difficulties of the Black Spur, together with the romantic region of the Stephenson Waterfalls mid the mountain forests attracted visitors other than the gold diggers. Before the end of this year 1863, the new route to Wood's Point by the Dividing Range had been so far improved that a track was laid off by the New Chum Creak, Paradise Plains, and the Springs to Emerald Hill, about half way between Jordan and Wood's Point, and the clearing of this track was looked forward to as enabling drays to be employed. The Government had so far yielded to the demands made upon it, that the work was proceeded with early in 1864. In March of that year the writer was favoured by a visit from Mr. Ligne, Surveyor-General, who was enroute to inspect the progress of the undertaking. He was accompanied by Mr. Collins Levey, his son-in-law, who had been a frequent visitor with his friend Mr. Franklin, of the Melbourne Herald newspaper, These parties, and not a few others, were glad to partake of the hospitality of residents on the Ground or, at Yarra Flats when as yet no public accommodation existed. Horsemen and pedestrians became numerous ere winter set in, and there was obviously the want of the hotel which was planned and commenced late in the autumn. The absence of any endeavour on that score by local proprietors induced the writer to undertake the erection of the Kangaroo Ground Hotel, which he did on his own responsibility. The spot best suited for the hotel being held by him on lease, he was permitted by the landlord to devote the required portion of land for the premises to be erected and occupied. Before this was accomplished the imported houses placed near the schoolhouse which had served for bedroom to boarded pupils were rebuilt near the hotel and served for a general store and post office also. Delay was experienced in procuring all the materials for the new building. After the break in the weather the roads on the Ground became very heavy and as timber had to come from town, it was under difficulties that the supply was procured. Bricks for chimneys were made in a small kiln, and hardwood for joists, &c., provided by sawyers employed for the purpose in the bush. The hotel, in consequence, was not ready for public accommodation until the spring, although a license was obtained, and the bar opened by Mr. Pickett, the tenant, on 11th of July. It may be remarked that the house was rather late in being established; a year earlier it would have secured the benefit of the rush to the new diggings, but in another sense it was rather premature for as yet no steps had been taken by the authorities to stop or even discourage the sale of liquor by unlicensed parties, and the holder of a license had to compete with the class in question. As the season (1864) advanced there were parties anxious to be the pioneers in traversing the whole of the route to Wood’s Point, but it was nigh to summer again before the track was available to vehicular traffic. I believe one of the first to effect the whole passage in this way was Mr. Gillies, some time settled at Mortlake. He drove a buggy and called at the Ground on 9th September, stating his intention to drive through to the Point, and we were subsequently informed that he had accomplished the task. (End of Reminiscences No 41)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 (neg copy missing) Print 21 x 26.5 cmeltham-yarra glen road, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground hotel, post office, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, gas lamp, hotels, kangaroo hotel, william mclaughlin, andrew ross, edmund pickett

The photo encompasses what is present-day University Hill shopping complex and the Janefield Wetlands. Plenty Road is just visible to the left of the photo. Janefield was an area 18 km north-east of central Melbourne that is now part of Bundoora. In 1842 a flour mill, powered by the Plenty River, was built at Janefield, although the locality was not known by that name at that time. It seems that the name Springfield was used in the late 1840s, after a Springfield homestead, and this was changed to Janefield possibly upon the death of Jane Brock in 1847. She was the wife of James Brock, a local landowner and son of the purchaser of the flour mill. This photo is not strictly within the area of interest for EDHS but overlaps do occur at times with other Society’s interests through families and other associated connections. Eltham District Historical Society member (and Greensborough Historical Society member), Peter Van Eeken was undertaking research into this photo and approached the Local History Librarian at Yarra Plenty Regional Library to enquire about digitising the large print copy to facilitate research. Approaches were made to EDHS who had suitable facilities and were willing to accommodate and all parties agreed to add the image as part of their respective collections in partnership. Michael Lanigan, started work as a message boy at Mont Park when he left school at age 14. He worked his way up the system to become farm manager at Mont Park and Janefield Special School. He was one of the last people to drive a herd of cattle (in 1964) between the two locations along Plenty Road. He retired when the school closed around 1993. Mick pointed out the location of three remnant farm houses of the 1800s. The Brock House being the main one. Peter has been unable to find any photos of the Brock House, which what built in the late 1850s, severely burnt in the 1930s and demolished in the mid 1960s. The tree plantation along Plenty Road was established in 1930 and cut down in the mid 1980s. The Victorian Government established tree plantations at about 350 schools in the early 1930s. Briar Hill School had one but Peter is not sure about any other local schools having a tree plantation. Mick informed Peter that it was his job to remove the 14 acres of pine tree roots, after the trees were cut down (due to old age and an infestation of sap sucking insects). For Mick, this was an impossible job, so he arranged a contract, to house all the soil removed from works associated with the construction of the Greensborough Bypass, which needed temporary storage as it was too valuable, and would be great for use in road construction. The contract to store the soil was important to Mick, as the contract stipulated that when the soil was eventually removed, the tree roots had to be removed too. Which got rid of Mick's headache. Apparently, the huge mound of soil that covered the roots in the late 1980s could be seen from Briar Hill. Based on this, the photo is most likely to have been taken 1982 or 1983. The key to a final date is working out when the Board of Works Office opened but so far no information has come to light. (It was purchased by La Trobe University in 1991). The Office existed, or is hinted at, in the photo at the extreme north of the photo, opposite McKimmies Road, on the eastern side of Plenty Road. Photo on loan from Michael Lanigan via Peter Van Eeken. He cannot recall why it was taken. brock family, janefield, janefield drive, janefield wetlands, plenty road, university hill

EDHS_03095-338 | EDHS_08635-37 338 Main Road Lower Plenty | 37 Rangeview Road, Lower Plenty Original Mudbrick cottage and studio designed and built by Eltham artist, David Alan Newbury See also EDHS_06090 David Newbury (Artist) David Newbury was married to Clare Margaret Newbury. According to the 1954 Electoral Roll they were living at 36A Murphy Street, South Yarra however around 1953 they purchased Lots 3 and 4 of Main Road Lot Plan LP 23911 in Lower Plenty. A building permit, No. 71, was issued 8 December 1953 for a 5-room house of Vertical Board construction, cost £2,840, builder L. Williams, owner D. Newbury of 36 Murphy Cl., South Yarra. The large house was in fact mostly built of mudbrick, the construction method was only just becoming recognised as an acceptable form in the late 1940s for issuance of a building permit. The house was commenced in 1954, designed by David Newbury and built by David Newbury, Horrie Judd and others. Information from Newbury family friends suggests that a second mudbrick building was constructed in the late 1950s, early 1960s for use as an artist studio by Newbury. The building was connected directly to the water mains at the time and was made suitable for living accommodation during the period Newbury was teaching at Bendigo. Apparently he and Claire rented out the main house during their time in Bendigo and would reside in the studio when visiting Melbourne. No permit for this studio was found in the Building Permit Register, Shire of Eltham, 1949-1960. The last recorded entries in the register are dated May 1960. This would suggest that the studio was constructed post May 1960. It is believed the studio was constructed during the latter period of Newbury’s teaching post in Bendigo so possibly late 1960/1961. In 1963 the Newbury’s address in the Electoral Roll has the property recorded as 220 Main Road, Lower Plenty. Between 1967 to 1980 the Electoral Rolls record the property as 338 Main Road. Today the address is 37 Rangeview Road, Lower Plenty. Contents: 1. Extract from 1942 Shire of Eltham Rate Book. Muriel Gladys Reitsma listed as owner 2. Extract from 1984-85 Shire of Eltham Rate Book for Rangeview Road. (No mention of No. 37 so was probably still listed as 338 Main Road.) 3. Certificate of Title, Vol. 5601 Fol. 1120089 - Issued to David James Graham of Lower Plenty, Builder, Heidelberg for Lot 32 Block B on Plan of Subdivision No. 7606, part of Crown Portion Two, Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn, 29 October 1929 4. Certificate of Title, Vol. 8008 Fol. 076 - Issued to David Alan Newbury of 36 Murphy Street, South Yarra, School Teacher for Lot 3 on Plan of Subdivision No. 23911, part of Crown Portion Two, Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn, 29 October 1953. Amended 24 June 1963 to transfer portion for road widening scheme per Country Roads Board Plan 6889 - Cancelled 24 September 1984 5. Certificate of Title, Vol. 9581 Fol. 583 - Issued to Paul Robert Biber and Althea Constance Biber of 139 Lower Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe for Lot 3 on Plan of Subdivision No. 23911, part of Crown Portion Two, Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn, 24 September 1984. Derived from Vol. 8008 Fol. 076 L276994V - Cancelled 20 Nov 1992 when subdivided from one to two lots in Vol 10092 Fol. 192 and Vol. 10092 Fol. 193; LP222467B 6. Certificate of Title, Vol. 10092 Fol. 192 - Transfer to Lawrie Mein of 20 Dewar Drive, Hurstbridge of Lot 1 on Plan of Subdivision No. 222467B, lodged 17 Feb 1993, Registered 29 March 1996. Parent Titles Vol 08008 Fol 077, Vol 09581 Fol 583 7. Survey Field Notes of Part of Crown Portion 2, Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn - Portion of land bounded by New Eltham Road. Application 23911 dated 8 Sep 1952 with appended Surveyor Field notes per Application 7098; R.D. Steele, Licensed Surveyor, 18 August 1950 8. Survey Field Notes of Part of Crown Portion 2, Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn - Portion of land bounded by Main Road and Rangeview Road; 2 Lot subdivisions, Vol. 9581 Fol. 583 Part Lot 3 on LP 23911 and Vol. 8008 Fol, 077 Lot 4 on LP 23911; Application 221805 dated 27 November 1989; W.J. Goodison, Licensed Surveyor, and attached Surveyor's Report dated 6 June 1990 (Withdrawn) 9. Survey Field Notes of Part of Crown Portion 2, Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn - Portion of land bounded by Main Road and Rangeview Road; 2 Lot subdivisions, Vol. 9581 Fol. 583 Part Lot 3 on LP 23911 and Vol. 8008 Fol, 077 Lot 4 on LP 23911; Application 222467 dated 20 November 1992 (221805 resubmitted); W.J. Goodison, Licensed Surveyor, and attached Surveyor's Report dated 6 June 1990 Notes: Items 1 to 6 donated electronically Items 7 to 9 sourced from LASSI - SPEAR, Department of Transport and Planning, Victoria State Government, https://maps.land.vic.gov.au/lassi/SpearUI.jsp main road, property, mudbrick, david newbury, phoebe mason collection, rate books, shire of eltham, certificate of title, survey plan, 37 rangeview road, 338 main road, application 23911, lower plenty, map, surveyor field notes, application 221805, application 222467