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Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Folder, Information on donation of flag and documents relating to Boer War and WW1 veteran Stephen William Brenton, 1999
Notes regarding the aquistion of, information, correspondence and photographs compiled by Harry Gilham (EDHS) regarding the donation of a flag, three discharge certifictes, a black and white photograph, three medal ribbons and one medal all probably related to Stephen William Brenton, Boer War and WW1 veteran and donated to the Australian War Memorial. The donation came from Mrs Thelma Barkway, Eltham.16 Pages. I envelope with a negative strip. HG Booklet 30australian war memorial, barkway, boer war, discharge papers, flags, harry gilham collection, stephen william brenton, world war 1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016
As part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finished at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery. In June 2014 Nillumbik Shire Council received Anzac centenary Local Grants Program funding to create new interpretative signage that acknowledged the history of the Hurstbridge Memorial Recreation Park as a memorial to all who served in the First World War. One of the panels discusses women. Born Digitalworld war 1, war memorials, hurstbridge, interpretation panel, interperative signage -
Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper clipping (copy), Diamond Valley News, War vet's keen eye, 1998_
World War 2 veteran Clive Cook won an honourable mention for his photography in a Department of Veterans Affairs competition.Copy of news clipping, black text and image.clive cook, artists - greensborough -
Greensborough Historical Society
Booklet, The Great War Memorials of the Heidelberg district: a pictorial selection from the collections of the Heidelberg Historical Society, 2018_
Photographs of War Memorials in Heidelberg, Alphington, Greensborough, Ivanhoe, Macleod, Montmorency and Templestowe, from the Heidelberg Historical Society collection20 p. booklet, black and white and colour photographsworld war 1, war memorials -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, Canterbury Baptist Church, Names to Lives from World War II, 2016
Tells the real life stories of seventy-five local men and women leaving Canterbury to serve in the World War Two.Incl. bibliographical references (pages 239-240) and index. canterbury baptist church (vic) - registers, world war, 1939-1945 - participation, world war, 1939-1945 - victoria - canterbury, soldiers - canterbury - biography, war memorials - victoria - canterbury, canterbury (vic) - history, military, armed forces -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Document, Merle Reiffel, Story of Italian taken prisoner of war in Africa and sent to Tatura
Fiction based on true story. Story of Italian taken prisoner of war in Africa and sent to Tatura, Australia. He is billeted out to a farmer at Tylden, Central Victoria. Describes life on the farm. Returns to Italy after war but then returns to the Victorian farm. Marries and moves to Gilgarre. His son becomes a league football player, Adrian Batterson. Attached are two photos of people in the story.A4 folder with 8 pages. 2 photos included.italian pow, adrian batterson, billeting, farm life -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Shire of Nillumbik World War One Memorials tour, 10 August 2016
s part of a program to acknowledge the Anzac Centenary Nillumbik Shire Council partnered with Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide a bus tour with commentary of local sites of significance. These included Eltham township, the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground, Christmas Hills, Hurstbridge memorial recreation park and finshed at Eltham Library to view the Writing the War exhibtion at Eltham Library Community Gallery. Born Digitalchristmas hills mechanics institute, heritage display, visitors, display cabinet -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, East Gippsland's ANZACS a tribute to those who served in World War 1, 2016
This book was produced as a project for the 1915 ANZAC centenary. The book became too unwieldy and was then divided into written information and a CD with the details of each man - name; rank; service number and unit. Almost 2500 names have been traced. For current Australians, the Anzac Centenary is one of the most significant commemorations to take place during their lifetime. It was a time to contemplate the legacy of those who served in World war 1 and those who never returned to their families or friends. This book records that time and especially honours those from East Gippsland.A paper back book, titled "East Gippsland's ANZACS a tribute to those who served in World War 1". On the front cover is a sepia photograph of "Thirty East Gippsland Boys" taken in early 1916 during training at Heliopolis (Greece) before embarkation for France. The book contains a selection of stories from those who served, along with a CD of the names and service records of all of those known to have enlisted from East Gippsland.anzac ww1 military-history--east-gippsland -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, POW'S, P.O.W. Australian Prisoners of War in Hitler's Reich, 2011
Australians from every branch of our armed forces in WWII found themselves captives in Hitler's notorious prisoner of war camps.Cover - soft cardboard,black, cream & white print on front, spine & back. Background photo in black, white & red of soldiers in uniform sitting & standing. 523 pages, cut plain white paper. Illustrated with black & white photos & maps.books-military-history, pow's, reich -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book - Book - Biography, Memoirs of My Life During World War II, 1997
Wartime memoirs of Werner Buschmann, a German Merchant Seaman, captured on the "Hohenfels" and brought to Australia for internment, later classified as a prisoner of war. Printed material in black plastic folder, comprising of 62 pages of A 4 size pages in clear plastic sleeves. mv hohenfels, german merchant seaman, ranji tiki, dhurringile pow camp, hohenfels, werner buschmann, ralf taeuber -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Mr Jim Mathers in the centre with 2 Unknown persons in Boer War uniforms c1900 -- Studio Portrait
Portrait of three soldiers in Boer War uniform. Jim Mathers in centre. C1900. Photo by Christopher B Herbert Studios Stawellstawell war -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Photograph - Digital Image, Rosie Bray, Anzac Day at War Memorial Park, Greensborough 2021, 25/04/2021
Anzac Day at War Memorial Park Greensborough 25/04/2021. These photos show the crowds gathered for the wreath laying ceremony.3 Colour digital photographsanzac day 2021, fallen soldiers memorial greensborough -
Greensborough Historical Society
Pamphlet, Greensborough Social and Activities Club, War Memorial Park, 2014
Pamphlet about the Greensborough Social And Activities Club (formerly Greensborough Senior Citizens Club) held in the clubrooms at War Memorial Park.Pamphlet with photographssenior citizens, greensborough social and activities club, greensborough war memorial park -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, World War 1 soldiers
A photo of a group of soldiers by a military vehicle, the group is assumed to include Private J.B. McLean as it has his name on the reverse. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving Portsea in 1920.A photo of a group of soldiers in World War 1.Black and white photo of 25 soldiers in front of a military vehicle, mounted on brown cardboard.On the back 'J.B. McLean / 16 Bleazby St / Bentleigh SE14' in blue penworld war one, soldiers, souvenir, truck, uniforms -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital Image, Red Cross group at Rechabite Hall Greensborough (World War I), 03/11/1917
Formal group photograph of men, women and children in Red Cross uniform outside the Rechabite Hall Greensborough, during World War I.Digital copy of black and white photograph.red cross, world war i, rechabite hall greensborough -
Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper Clipping, War tales brought to life, 15/02/2015
In March 2015 Jane Woollard (author) and Debra Lawrence (performer) presented work focussing on the lives of women during World War I.News clipping, black text, colour image.jane woollard, world war i, debra lawrence -
Greensborough Historical Society
Book, Australia. Department of Veterans Affairs, Valuing our veterans: gathering Australia's war memories, 2001_
Aimed at schools, this publication gives hints for collecting and preserving Australia's war memories. These skills can also be used for collecting oral history.47 p., illus. Paperback.oral history, australia department of veterans affairs, war stories, anzacs -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph - Junior legatee outing, Ray McJanett, Visit to Australian War Memorial, 1997
A photo of 12 Junior Legatees at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Each year two junior Legatees from each state are selected to visit Canberra, and the War Memorial, under the auspices of the H.and D. Florance Foundation. Melbourne Legacy arranged many events for Junior Legatees to experience. This trip was held from 21 to 25 April 1997. Legatees in the photos were Legatee Goldsmith, Legatee Wark and Legatee Pickering.A record of the outings provided for Junior Legatees by Melbourne Legacy.Colour photo of a group of Junior Legatees and three Legatees in the AWM in Canberra in 1997. Paper label with names.Paper label has the names of the Junior Legatees and Legatees. Label on the back notes 'Not to be reproduced without prior permission. Photographer Ray McJannett.' then a negative number. 02154.1 AWM negative No. PA97/43/29 02154.2 AWM negative No. PA97/43/33junior legatee outing, australian war memorial -
Canterbury History Group
Book, Fiona Poulton et al, Boroondara Remembers: Stories of World War I, 2015
This brings to life the stories of the Boroondara residents who were impacted by WWI, both at home and overseas, by evocatively capturing the stories of Boroondara families and individuals whose lives were irreversibly changed by WWI. It follows the Boroondara ANZACs and their passage to war and details life at the time on the Home Front. The publication acts as a lasting legacy and provides a valuable resource for future generations.Includes photographs, notes, bibliography, archival sources and index. 211 pagesnon-fictionThis brings to life the stories of the Boroondara residents who were impacted by WWI, both at home and overseas, by evocatively capturing the stories of Boroondara families and individuals whose lives were irreversibly changed by WWI. It follows the Boroondara ANZACs and their passage to war and details life at the time on the Home Front. The publication acts as a lasting legacy and provides a valuable resource for future generations. world war 1914-1918, boroondara, oral history, personal histories, australian society -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Eltham War Memorial 1914-1918. Cnr. Main Road and Bridge Street, 3 August 1919
Dated 1919, the Eltham Obelisk is decorated with wreaths, most likely for what was originally known as Armistice Day though now known as Remembrance Day, 11 November. The location of the Obelisk at the corner of Bridge Street and Main Road became known as Obelisk Corner and the Bridge Street bridge was also referred to as Obelisk Bridge. The Eltham Obelisk was originally located at the corner of Bridge and Main Roads in 1919. In 1943 (WW2) the local community commenced plans to establish the Eltham War Memorial, a living memorial to benefit the children as opposed to a one in stone as per the obelisk. The Eltham War Memorial Trust was established in 1945. In 1947 the Trust intended for the Obelisk to be relocated from Bridge Street and Main Road to the Garden of Remembrance which was planned as part of the Baby Health Centre which was to be the first of three buildings of the Eltham War Memorial to be built in 1951. In 1951 the Eltham RSL was invited to be represented on the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Around this time, with pending roadworks, the obelisk was relocated to the front garden of the Eltham RSL sub branch on Main Road for safe keeping. In 2007, a suggestion was proposed by Harry Gilham (President, EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) to claim a special site along with the historic Shillinglaw trees on the now vacant former Eltham Shire Office site adjacent to the Eltham War Memorial precinct for relocation of the obelisk. In 2010 following the financial collapse and sale of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch property and amalgamation with the Montmorency Eltham RSL sub-branch, the location of the obelisk was again in immediate jepoardy and in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council, the obelisk was relocated in front of the Eltham War Memorial buildings in preparation for the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2012.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, main road, bridge street, eltham war memorial, obelisk, obelisk corner, wreath -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Eltham War Memorial Obelisk 1914-1918, cnr. Main Road and Bridge Street, c.1925
Located on what was referred to as Obelisk Corner, improvements have been been made since the unveiling in August 1919 with the provision of a stone retaining wall topped with a chain link and granite stone boundary, most likely in conjunction with improvements to the intersection into Main Road. Along with the use of the name Obelisk Corner, the Bridge Street bridge was also known as Obelisk Bridge. The Eltham Obelisk was originally located at the corner of Bridge and Main Roads in 1919. In 1943 (WW2) the local community commenced plans to establish the Eltham War Memorial, a living memorial to benefit the children as opposed to a one in stone as per the obelisk. The Eltham War Memorial Trust was established in 1945. In 1947 the Trust intended for the Obelisk to be relocated from Bridge Street and Main Road to the Garden of Remembrance which was planned as part of the Baby Health Centre which was to be the first of three buildings of the Eltham War Memorial to be built in 1951. In 1951 the Eltham RSL was invited to be represented on the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Around this time, with pending roadworks, the obelisk was relocated to the front garden of the Eltham RSL sub branch on Main Road for safe keeping. In 2007, a suggestion was proposed by Harry Gilham (President, EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) to claim a special site along with the historic Shillinglaw trees on the now vacant former Eltham Shire Office site adjacent to the Eltham War Memorial precinct for relocation of the obelisk. In 2010 following the financial collapse and sale of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch property and amalgamation with the Montmorency Eltham RSL sub-branch, the location of the obelisk was again in immediate jepoardy and in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council, the obelisk was relocated in front of the Eltham War Memorial buildings in preparation for the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2012.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, main road, eltham war memorial, bridge street, obelisk, obelisk corner -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document - Report, Memorial Window - Second World War, 1995
A history of the second world war memorial window at Christ Church, Mitcham.A history of the second world war memorial window at Christ Church, Mitcham. It includes material on the history of the window, the dedication service and photographs and information on the five men remembered. Gordon Crawford, Ross Fenton, Owen Loftus, Ron Peake and Alwyn Till. Also included is an essay by Alwyn Till on Wood Carters in the district, a letter to his mother from Britain and a letter regarding his service and death with the Belgian Marquis. Colour photograph of window 25 pagesA history of the second world war memorial window at Christ Church, Mitcham.christ church anglican church mitcham;, stained glass windows, world war, 1939 - 1945, crawford, gordon douglas, fenton, william ross, bremner, loftus owen spencer, peake, ronald mosely, till, alwyn, wood carters -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, War memorial
Black & white Kodak photograph. Man and woman in war cemetery looking at headstone , dated 1944. Trees and shrubs behind. Inscription on reverse of photo - Have sent this one to you so that you could see Sandy. It is the only photograph of us taken together on our holiday & we wanted to be taken together at this memorable place. He was proud of and loved my hubby. He did know any of the crew, but often thinks of them all.war memorial mitcham, till, evelyn -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Folder, Eltham War Memorial Garden and Property; Notes compiled by Harry Gilham, 1996-1997
Contents: 1. Notes concerning impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street, Eltham, September 1996 - In 1996 Nillumbik Shire Council proposed the provision of traffic lights or a roundabout to alleviate traffic concerns at the intersection of Main Road with Dudley street and Panther Place. The Society had no real concerns with Panther Place as it had no perceived impact upon Shillinglaw Cottage however survey pegs for a new road alignment to provide for a roundabout at Dudley Street were placed within the Eltham War Memorial Gardens which was significant concern. Harry Gilham, then President of the Society was on the working group with Council and the RSL to discuss this proposal. Ultimately it did not proceed and traffic lights were installed. No action occurred at Panther Place. 2. Notes pertaining to Eltham Town Focus Group and the Eltham War Memorial Trust property, c.January 1997 - These notes from Harry Gilham relate to a draft report "A Community Vision for 'The Eltham War Memorial Trust' Property Main Road, Eltham" being prepared at the request of Chief Commissioner Don Cordell, Nillumbik Shire Council, 31st January 1997. Harry handed over these notes to Jim Connor on 14 March 2010. Jim had replaced Harry as President of the Eltham District Historical Society in 2009. They also reference Stanley S. Addison's Outline History of the Eltham War Memorial Trust30 pages of various types, mainly A4, printed and with notes by hand or handwritten notes (drafts)chief commissioner don cordell, dudley street, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham town focus group, eltham war memorial garden, eltham war memorial trust, main road, panther place, returned services league, roundabouts, shire of nillumbik, stanley s addison -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
CD, Kaye Watson, Tatura Museum and German War Cemetery, 2005
Photos at the German War Cemetery at Tatura taken during a visit by a European Trade Delegation on 15 November 2005. Photos taken by Kaye Watson.Gold disc, green and black text. Inside a black and clear plastic case.kaye watson, european trade delegation 2005, german war cemetery -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph (item) - Aerial Photograph, Aerial Photo: Shire of Eltham War Memorial, Kangaroo Ground, Jan 1951
1951 Aerial photo 1423-110 Run 10 showing the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at centre of image with the newly constructed Caretaker's cottage.aerial photographs, garden hill farm, kangaroo ground, memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial -
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Certificate Framed, Certificate of Appreciation for service in Second World War
Certificate of appreciation presented to Corporal William Charles Clark for his service in Second World War presented by the Shire of Beechworth on 18 June 1946This certificate was presented to Corporal William Charles Clark VX34546 by the President, Councillors and Ratepayers of the Shire of Beechworth on 18 June 1946. All soldiers of Beechworth who served in World War II were presented with these cedrtifcateGrey Wooden framed, glass fronted Certificate. On the reverse is a self adhesive label with hand written note, "Property of W.C.Clark / VX34546 / Lent by Grandson / Lance Richard Flynn / Feb 2009certiciate, framed certificate -
Greensborough Historical Society
Book, Stephen Brooks et al, Men from the river bends: soldiers from Cobram and District who gave their lives in the Great War of 1914-1918, by Stephen Brooks and Maree Hogan, 2015_
Biographical information about soldiers from the Cobram District who died in World War 1 produced by the Cobram Historical Society and Cobram RSL.Pamphlet, 44 p., col. illus.world war 1, cobram -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newspaper clipping, Eltham War Memorial Trust: Ready Now for Forward Movement; Acknowledgements £722; publication unknown, c.1946, 1946c
Article about the purchase of land for the Eltham War Memorial and preparations to make a drive for funds History of the War Memorial Following the end of the First World War, communities across Victoria and Australia typically erected memorials which were predominantly statues, cenotaphs, avenues of honour and plaques. The Shire of Eltham established the Avenue of Honour at the gateway to the shire as well as an obelisk at the corner of Main Road and Bridge street and the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. After the Second World War communities once again desired to preserve the memories of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Resources were scarce so there was a transition away from the traditional style memorials that sprang up post 1918 to one of building facilities that would provide ongoing benefit to the community. Even before the end of the Second World War, the citizens of Eltham began to consider an appropriate form of memorial for those from the area who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. In 1943 the Eltham Women’s Auxiliary raised funds for the construction of buildings to be established on land to be purchased for the proposed War Memorial. On March 27th, 1945, the Eltham District Progress Association called a meeting of local people who in turn set up and registered the Eltham War Memorial Trust Inc. As a focus for the purpose of the memorial, the newspaper notice read:- ‘Those who have had a member of their family in the fighting services will want to see that the form of a memorial we are concerned with is the one which will be a constant reminder to us of those who fought for us and the little ones for whom they fought and died.’ At that meeting it was decided the Memorial should take the form of a baby health centre along with a creche and children’s library. In late 1945, the newly formed Eltham War Memorial Trust purchased the land at 903-907 Main Road Eltham from Miss Shillinglaw, which once formed part of the Shillinglaw farm on Lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 “Little Eltham” subdivision. The Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, laid the foundation stone on November 24th, 1950, in memory of those who fell in the Second World War. The Eltham Infant Welfare Centre was opened November 15th, 1952, the Pre-school on December 1st, 1956, and the Children’s Library in 1961. 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. Following the opening of the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, work began in 1953 planning for the entrance to the grounds, which is signaled by a wrought iron arch entitled “Eltham War Memorial” . In 1954 the Eltham War Memorial Trust decided that a legacy provided by the late Councillor Ernest James Andrew (d. 29 March 1950) in memory of his wife, Mrs. Ellen Andrew (d. 13 July 1946) and who are both buried at Eltham Cemetery, should be used to fund the construction of the entrance. A metal plate inscribed to this effect was attached to the gates. Work on the Memorial Gardens was undertaken throughout the following decade, with a Memorial Forecourt included in the final 1956 plans for the Pre-School Centre. A quote was accepted by the Trust in 1963 for the implementation of a memorial garden, which included grading of a sixty-five foot strip at the rear of the Trust buildings and construction of concrete paths. The stone retaining walls at the front of the site were installed in 1968 when Main Road was widened and it is believed that the Memorial Gates were relocated at that time also. Eltham Senior Citizens Centre In 1964, Eltham Shire Council purchased a section of land from the Trust at the northern end of the site, as a provision for Country Fire Authority buildings. At the same time the Elderly Citizens Club proposed a Senior Citizens Centre on the south western section of the Trust’s property. This was approved by the Trust with the provision that the building was constructed in ‘accord’ with those already existing. In 1965 Council took on board the plans for the Senior Citizens Centre and applied for a government grant. These could only be awarded if Council owned the site. In 1962 the Trust had resolved to hand over the assets to Council once the Memorial Gardens were completed. This was in line with Health Department requirements that grants for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three facilities would only be made once the the facilities were completed and handed over to Council. In 1965 the Department of Health further demanded substantial alterations to the Pre-School playground as a result of the pending impact of the planned Senior Citizens Centre and Main Road duplication. As a consequence, handover of the Trust’s assets to Council was initiated with a formal ceremony held in the Children’s Library on August 28th, 1965. The Trust continued on as a committee of management for another twelve months. Plans and specifications for the Senior Citizens Centre were prepared by March 1966. Council obtained a grant from the Government which covered one third of the cost and the building was completed by April 1967. Whilst the Senior Citizens Centre is contained within the original Eltham War Memorial building precinct, it was not part of the original Memorial and was not funded by the Eltham War Memorial Trust.Newsprint clippingeltham children's library, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, women's auxiliary -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newspaper clipping, Eltham War Memorial Trust: "Garden of Remembrance"; Baby Health Centre First Building, The News: The Newspaper of the City of Heidelberg and of the Shire of Eltham, 11 April 1947, 1947
Report on the second annual meeting of the Eltham War Memorial Trust History of the War Memorial Following the end of the First World War, communities across Victoria and Australia typically erected memorials which were predominantly statues, cenotaphs, avenues of honour and plaques. The Shire of Eltham established the Avenue of Honour at the gateway to the shire as well as an obelisk at the corner of Main Road and Bridge street and the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. After the Second World War communities once again desired to preserve the memories of those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Resources were scarce so there was a transition away from the traditional style memorials that sprang up post 1918 to one of building facilities that would provide ongoing benefit to the community. Even before the end of the Second World War, the citizens of Eltham began to consider an appropriate form of memorial for those from the area who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. In 1943 the Eltham Women’s Auxiliary raised funds for the construction of buildings to be established on land to be purchased for the proposed War Memorial. On March 27th, 1945, the Eltham District Progress Association called a meeting of local people who in turn set up and registered the Eltham War Memorial Trust Inc. As a focus for the purpose of the memorial, the newspaper notice read:- ‘Those who have had a member of their family in the fighting services will want to see that the form of a memorial we are concerned with is the one which will be a constant reminder to us of those who fought for us and the little ones for whom they fought and died.’ At that meeting it was decided the Memorial should take the form of a baby health centre along with a creche and children’s library. In late 1945, the newly formed Eltham War Memorial Trust purchased the land at 903-907 Main Road Eltham from Miss Shillinglaw, which once formed part of the Shillinglaw farm on Lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 “Little Eltham” subdivision. The Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, laid the foundation stone on November 24th, 1950, in memory of those who fell in the Second World War. The Eltham Infant Welfare Centre was opened November 15th, 1952, the Pre-school on December 1st, 1956, and the Children’s Library in 1961. 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. Following the opening of the Eltham Infant Welfare Centre, work began in 1953 planning for the entrance to the grounds, which is signaled by a wrought iron arch entitled “Eltham War Memorial” . In 1954 the Eltham War Memorial Trust decided that a legacy provided by the late Councillor Ernest James Andrew (d. 29 March 1950) in memory of his wife, Mrs. Ellen Andrew (d. 13 July 1946) and who are both buried at Eltham Cemetery, should be used to fund the construction of the entrance. A metal plate inscribed to this effect was attached to the gates. Work on the Memorial Gardens was undertaken throughout the following decade, with a Memorial Forecourt included in the final 1956 plans for the Pre-School Centre. A quote was accepted by the Trust in 1963 for the implementation of a memorial garden, which included grading of a sixty-five foot strip at the rear of the Trust buildings and construction of concrete paths. The stone retaining walls at the front of the site were installed in 1968 when Main Road was widened and it is believed that the Memorial Gates were relocated at that time also. Eltham Senior Citizens Centre In 1964, Eltham Shire Council purchased a section of land from the Trust at the northern end of the site, as a provision for Country Fire Authority buildings. At the same time the Elderly Citizens Club proposed a Senior Citizens Centre on the south western section of the Trust’s property. This was approved by the Trust with the provision that the building was constructed in ‘accord’ with those already existing. In 1965 Council took on board the plans for the Senior Citizens Centre and applied for a government grant. These could only be awarded if Council owned the site. In 1962 the Trust had resolved to hand over the assets to Council once the Memorial Gardens were completed. This was in line with Health Department requirements that grants for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the three facilities would only be made once the the facilities were completed and handed over to Council. In 1965 the Department of Health further demanded substantial alterations to the Pre-School playground as a result of the pending impact of the planned Senior Citizens Centre and Main Road duplication. As a consequence, handover of the Trust’s assets to Council was initiated with a formal ceremony held in the Children’s Library on August 28th, 1965. The Trust continued on as a committee of management for another twelve months. Plans and specifications for the Senior Citizens Centre were prepared by March 1966. Council obtained a grant from the Government which covered one third of the cost and the building was completed by April 1967. Whilst the Senior Citizens Centre is contained within the original Eltham War Memorial building precinct, it was not part of the original Memorial and was not funded by the Eltham War Memorial Trust.Newsprint clippingeltham children's library, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre-school, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, women's auxiliary