In 1981 the Shire of Eltham Historical Society was asked by the Victorian Place Names Committee to comment on a proposal by the Shire of Eltham to assign names to parklands in Eltham as follows:- "Eltham Common" - the area between the municipal offices, Main Road, the Eltham railway -line, and Panther Place and containing Shillinglaw Cottage. The Shire has advised that this name has been used locally for the site since about 1975. "Alistair Knox Park" - the area bounded by the Eltham railway -line, Panther Place, Main Road, Bridge Street, and Susan Street, and through which flows the Diamond Creek. The area has been known locally as "Eltham Town Park" The proposed name "Alistair Knox Park" had created some local controversy with a number of reversals of the Council's decision and letters to the local paper both for and against the proposal. The society was reluctant to be drawn into this controversy particularly as there were known to be members with strong views both for and against the proposed name. The society appreciated the work done by Alistair Knox both in the formulation of the park concept and in its development but because of the controversy generated by the proposed naming and also because of the wide general use of the park by the public·, the name Eltham Town Park was felt more appropriate. The society noted that there was no outstanding historical associations with the land comprising the park which would warrant naming the park after any particular person, place or event. No objection was raised to the Eltham Common proposal as set-out above. The decision was made in the knowledge that Alistair Knox had been associated with the society over many years and was a prominent figure in the recent history of Eltham. He was regarded as a key figure in the environmental building movement and in particular was renowned for his use of mud bricks as a building material. He served as a councillor of the Shire of Eltham from 1971-1975, his final year as Shire President. It was during these years that the proposals to create the park in its present form were shaped and Alistair played a leading part in the decision to make it a landscaped passive recreational park rather than a sporting area. The parklands comprise a section of the Diamond Creek valley. The creek itself flows through the centre of the area which is overlooked by steep hills on each side. The parks form part of the land purchased from the Crown in 1851 by J.M. Holloway and then subdivided into allotments and called "Little Eltham". While most of the area was subdivided into residential lots the creek valley was subdivided into lots suitable for small farms. Some further subdivision took place over the years and the whole of the parks now comprises eight separate titles. A list of some of the former owners has been compiled but exhaustive research on all owners has not been carried out. The ownership of one parcel has been traced back to when it was purchased from Holloway by John Hicks Petty in 1874, long after it was subdivided. Other families owning land within the area over the years included Lyon, Rees, Clark, Waterfall, Carrucan, Graham, Hill and Morant. The character of the valley area has remained rural while development occurred on each side. Early photos show the area as orchard and grazing land. In 1901 the railway was constructed through the area resulting in the timber trestle bridge across the Diamond Creek. which is an important feature of the park landscape. A memorial obelisk to the Eltham servicemen killed in World War 1 was erected at the south eastern corner of the park. The site is now within the intersection of Main Road and Bridge Street and the memorial was shifted in the 1950s to the Eltham R.S.L. clubrooms. Following the financial failure of the local sub-branch, the memorial obelisk was again relocated to the Eltham War Memorial building precinct in 2011. During the early 1960's the Council started purchasing the land which now comprises the parks. In the late 1960's the area to the east of the Diamond Creek was used as a garbage tip and filled above the flood plain of the creek. When this area was filled the tip was transferred to the west side of the creek. From the early 1970's the area has been progressively developed as a park for passive recreation with ornamental lakes, extensive tree planting and landscaping. The character of the valley before the days of the tip has been recreated and this has earned a Landscape classification from the National Trust, an unusual honour for a man-made landscape. The parks are not only attractive in appearance. The large number of people using them, particularly at weekends and holidays is evidence of their popularity and the foresight and careful planning of local residents, Councillors and Council Staff. 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, alistair knox park, eltham town park

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, shillinglaw cottage

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, markets, national australia bank

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, art store, eltham railway station, platform 3095, restaurants, shops, wiregrass gallery

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, eltham railway station, hitachi electric train (1972-2014)

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, antiques and old wares, shops

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Meltham, main road, beard street, eltham east, food plus, service station

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mmain road, bands, eltham barrel, kalbar road, maple leaf band, sunday jazz, research (vic.), eltham

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mmain road, bankcard, eltham, shops, the garden nursery

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mmain road, bankcard, eltham, shops, the garden nursery

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mmain road, shops, eltham, oasis

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mmain road, eltham, ballara receptions

The Age, Saturday, April 15, 1989, Page 72 OPEN SAT SUN 2-4 WOODHAVEN ESTATE A sample of house and land packages for your consideration: 3 br Ige rumpus $159,950 4 br tri level $169.9S0 4 br split level $169,500 Colonial with verandahs $199,950 Big 4 br dble garage $235,000 Huge exec 5 br S266.000 Meet our representative on site 2-4pm Sat and Sun in Booth Court, Eltham. off Reynolds Rd. Melway ref 22.E.335mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mmain road, eltham, housing estate, nicholas lauder real estate, woodhaven estate

The Age, Saturday, April 15, 1989, Page 72 OPEN SAT SUN 2-4 WOODHAVEN ESTATE A sample of house and land packages for your consideration: 3 br Ige rumpus $159,950 4 br tri level $169.9S0 4 br split level $169,500 Colonial with verandahs $199,950 Big 4 br dble garage $235,000 Huge exec 5 br S266.000 Meet our representative on site 2-4pm Sat and Sun in Booth Court, Eltham. off Reynolds Rd. Melway ref 22.E.335mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mincident control centre, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground-st andrews road, ness lane

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mboat building, research industrial estate, main road, research (vic.)

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mmain road, michael wilson, michael wislon diamond jewellers, mike wilson the goldsmith, shops

35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Kodak EktachromeProcess Date MAY 88Mbrougham steet, eltham, main road, marcella's, restaurants, 1988-05, franco and co, mount - kodak ektachrome, scan - 35mm positive

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whiteantoinette boulevard, eltham south, heritage tree, main road bridge, manna gum, significant tree, world environment day 1993

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whitesignificant tree, world environment day 1993, eltham, heritage tree, main road

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whitesignificant tree, world environment day 1993, eltham, heritage tree, main road

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whitesignificant tree, world environment day 1993, eltham, heritage tree, main road, avenue of honour

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whitesignificant tree, world environment day 1993, eltham, heritage tree, main road, avenue of honour, mobil service station

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whitesignificant tree, world environment day 1993, eltham, heritage tree, main road, avenue of honour

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whitesignificant tree, world environment day 1993, eltham, heritage tree, main road, avenue of honour

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whitesignificant tree, world environment day 1993, eltham, heritage tree, main road, avenue of honour

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whiteworld environment day 1993, eltham, eltham east primary school, grove street, heritage tree, significant tree

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whiteworld environment day 1993, eltham, eltham east primary school, heritage tree, significant tree, main road, yellow box

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whiteworld environment day 1993, eltham, eltham east primary school, heritage tree, significant tree, main road, yellow box

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whiteworld environment day 1993, eltham, eltham east primary school, heritage tree, significant tree, main road, yellow box

World Environment Day was established by in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Two years later, in 1974 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme "Only One Earth" and is observed every year on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. According to United Nations, "The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises, and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment." 35mm colour positive transparency (1 of 23) Mount - Black and Whiteworld environment day 1993, eltham, eltham east primary school, heritage tree, significant tree, main road, yellow box