St Margaret’s Church of England was officially opened on December 12, 1861. It is the oldest intact church building in Eltham. At the time it was known as Christ Church until its consecration in 1871, when it was completely free of debt (£1,700 for the church and parsonage) despite the district’s poverty. This was largely due to the free labour and materials, including locally made bricks donated by local artisans and others. The church is historically significant because it is the oldest church in the former Shire of Eltham and has associations with the philanthropist and founder of Brighton, Henry Dendy (who donated the land on which the church is built), the architect Nathaniel Billing and the prominent local builder, George Stebbing. The church is architecturally and aesthetically significant because it is constructed in the Gothic Revival style with several stained-glass windows of various dates and is also a very early use of polychromatic brickwork in Victoria. Billing was one of the first Melbourne architects to employ polychromatic brickwork and an important early architect. The rear wall was intended to be temporary. A major feature of the design is the large buttresses with long, steeply graded upper faces. The overall design is well proportioned with the surface brick patterns relieving an otherwise austere design. The church is spiritually and socially significant because it has been an important place of worship for the people of Eltham for almost 150 years. The land on which the buildings stand was donated by Henry Dendy. Dendy arrived in Melbourne in 1841 after purchasing in England eight square miles at Brighton under the system of "special surveys". After this land passed out of his hands, Dendy moved about Victoria, visited England, then returned to settle in Eltham where he purchased a flour mill. Dendy chaired the meeting held in 1860 “for the purpose of devising such means as may be expedient for the establishment of a Church of England in the township of Eltham”. He became chairman and treasurer of the church committee. Unlike the establishment of many early churches in Victoria where a vicar was appointed to a parish and later a permanent church was constructed, the population at Eltham initiated action to build a church. The nearest church at that time was at Heidelberg and the Eltham settlement was part of the parish of St Johns Heidelberg. Isolation and the tedious, time consuming journey between Heidelberg and Eltham resulted in the Eltham community taking its own action. The original vicarage (Dendy House) at the rear of the church is also an important part of the cultural significance of this place because it is connected to the church and the development of the Eltham area. Together, the church and the vicarage are aesthetically significant because they form a significant streetscape feature. The mud-brick community hall designed by Robert Marshall was added in 1978. In 2014 the original temporary rear wall was removed as part of a modern extension designed by Architects Atelier Wagner and constructed by Conrad Construction and Management. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. National Trust of Australia (Victoria) State significance Victorian Heritage Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p67This 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, eltham, st margaret's anglican church, st margaret's church, christ church

In 1858 the Caledonia Common School No.128 opened at Queenstown, about 1.6km upstream on Diamond Creek from the present site of the old St Andrews school. The school was renamed Queenstown Common School No. 128 in 1867. In 1882, due to declining numbers of pupils at Smiths Gully and increasing numbers in Queenstown the school was moved from a leased building, owned by Head Teacher Robert Harris, into a new larger building on the corner of School and Heidelberg-Kinglake roads which incorporated the original single room school building, which had been moved from Smiths Gully, and included a teacher’s three-roomed residence. In 1887 the school was replaced by the Queenstown State School No. 128. The school and town were renamed St Andrews in 1952. In 1983 a new school was built, 500 metres south of the old school and the old school became the St Andrews Community Centre. Of significance is the c1887 school building (including part of the c1876 Smith's Gully school moved to the site and incorporated into the c1887 school building), the c1911 new room, the c1929 cloakroom, the c1930 renovations, the c1956 new infant room; the c1961 office and storeroom, as well as the c1950 Himalayan Cedar tree and the entire site to the title boundaries. The school building is historically significant for its links with the early settlement of the area and because its use of materials from the former Smith's Gully State school illustrates the common 19th and early 20th century practice of relocating State school buildings based on need. The school building is historically and socially significant because it served the local community, as a school, from 1887 to the late 1970s/early 1980s and because since then it has been used for other community purposes. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p69This 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, st andrews, queenstown state school no. 128, smiths gully state school

This alterpiece by Charles Rocco was created with wire mesh, river stones and copper. 500 x 200 x 150cm. It was commissioned by the Catholic parish in Eltham (Our Lady Help of Christian's) in 2002 Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p81This 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, art, our lady help of christian’s church, charles rocco, eltham, resurrection of christ, sculpture

The building was designed by Charles Maplestone of Heidelberg, son-in-law to Anthony Beale of St Helena. Maplestone was a prominent architect who came out to Australia with his family in 1852. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs Isabella Maplestone on 11th November 1867. The bricklayers for the church were George Stebbing, H Limmer, H Spicer and a Mr Timm while Thomas Day was the stonemason. Another three years were to pass before sufficient money could be raised for its completion. It was opened by Bishop Perry on 1st November, 1870. The church bell which hung under a tree for 50 years until it was incorporated in the parish hall was brought out from England and presented by Charles Orme. In 1916, the estate of George Martin Pizzey left sufficient money to build the red brick hall, which still stands today (2023) though in January 1969 the hall and bell tower were badly damaged by bushfire. Coincidentally the former home of benefactor, George Pizzey was destroyed in the same fire. Of particular significance are the interior and exterior of the church, the Sunday school and hall with emphasis on pre-World War I fabric (excluding the 1990s additions) and the three coloured glass windows currently suspended in the 1990s entry foyer. In 2011 further alterations were made to the front of the Church. The church is historically significant because it was the oldest public building in the former Diamond Valley Shire, is amongst the oldest buildings in the Shire of Nillumbik and is associated with the early settlement of the Diamond Creek district. The church is historically, socially and spiritually significant because it has been a place of worship for over 150 years and continues to be, an important meeting place in the Shire. The church is aesthetically significant for the three stained glass windows executed by the noted stained glass manufacturers, Ferguson & Urie, as well as the supporting coloured glass windows in the church. The Sunday school & parish hall is architecturally significant because the hall is a well executed and preserved example of the work of noted church architects, North & Williams. It is historically significant because it is connected with local parishioner and Melbourne industrialist, George Pizzey, who bequeathed funds for its construction. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. National Estate Ntionl Trust of Australia (Victoria) Local significance Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p85 References: St Johns Anglican Church complex, Sunday School and Parish Hall 61 Main Street DIAMOND CREEK, NILLUMBIK SHIRE. (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/64023 Diamond Creek, VIC. – St John’s Anglican (2023, June 7). Retrieved from https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/diamond-creek-vic-st-johns-anglican 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, st john's anglican church, diamond creek, parish hall

Originally Wellers Hotel, it was constructed by Edward Weller in 1872. Following his death in 1883 it was taken over by his widow, Mary Weller. The hotel was delicensed in 1909 and converted to a private residence. Around 1920 William Pitman bought the property, succeeded by his son Vernon who coined the term Pittman's Corner. Vernon and Isabel Pitman owned the house form 1945-1973. Following Vernon's death, Isabel remained there till her death in 1983. The property was converted to a restaurant in 1984 by owners Robert and Kath Hendry who undertook extensive renovations in 1988. Shawn and Stephanie Wolfe purchased the property from the Hendrys in 2003 and introduced live entertainment with many famous bands and entertainers from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s performing there, including James Reyne, Daryl Barithwaite, Brian Cadd and Billy Thorpe. In 2014 the Wolfe's sold the property and the entire contents were sold at auction. New (local ) owners Gregory Anderson, Craig Jones and Steve Gist refurbished the property and relaunched it as Fondata 1872 in 2017. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p87This 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, eltham-yarra glen road, fondata 1872, kangaroo ground, wellers restaurant, billy thorpe, brian cadd, craig jones, daryl barithwaite, edward weller, gregory anderson, hotels, james reyne, kath hendry, mary weller, restaurants, robert hendry, shawn wolfe, stephanie wolfe, steve gist

The school building originally owned by locals was lost in the Black Saturday 2009 bushfires. Land was purchased in 1914 to build he Strathewen State School on School Ridge Road, Strathewen. Residents and the Education Department contributed funds for the building which the Education Department then leased for a small annual fee. The school opened with one teacher in 1917 with no equipment. In 1921 the Education Department provided desks and a hexagonal shelter shed and took control in 1925. After this photo was taken, the school was destroyed in Black Saturday on 9 February 2009. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p89This 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, strathewen primary school

Returned Anzacs and Prisoners of War including Arrowsmith brothers Kevin and Bobby from Eltham, Vic. holding newspapers tucked under their left arm and unknown man with a cigarette in his left hand. They are enjoying a tub of Peter's ice cream with small wooden scoops. Press photograph taken by The Herald. Stamped on reverse in blue ink: “Copyright Not for Reproduction Herald Feature Service Melbourne, Australia.”bobby arrowsmith, joan castledine collection, kevin arrowsmith, peter's ice cream, prisoner of war, anzacs, ww2

1964 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.Inscriptions and markings 'David Draffin 3A' on front cover and numerous autographs on page 1.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, 1964, frank taylor collection

1970 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.Inscriptions and autographs inside covers.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, 1970, frank taylor collection

1972 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, 1972, frank taylor collection

1973 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, 1973, frank taylor collection

1995 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, 1995, frank taylor collection

1996 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, 1996, frank taylor collection

1997 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, 1997, frank taylor collection

1998 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, frank taylor collection, 1998

This photo depicts an outing of VAD nurses Alice Broadhurst, McGeachy and Byrne and two patients of No. 16 AGH Macleod (Mont Park Military Hospital), Curry and Caffery to Eltham in spring 1919. Broadhurst's companions pose with an old timer from Eltham on the roadside verge with a large collection of sticks stacked vertically outside a cottage. This photo is part of the Alice Broadhurst collection held by Yarra Plenty Regional Library, a series of 12 photo albums compiled by Alice Broadhurst (1896-1981), initially while working as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse with the Australian Red Cross at the Mont Park Military Hospital (No. 16 AGH) and subsequently as a nurse at the Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s hospitals alongside many pioneering doctors of their fields.Digital file"McGeachy, Curry, Byrne & Caffery with an old man who lives there at Eltham"eltham, alice elizabeth broadhurst, byrne, caffery, curry, mcgeachy, nursing staff, mont park, 16 agh, old timer, pioneer, cottage, wood pile

This photo depicts an outing of VAD nurses Alice Broadhurst, McGeachy and Byrne and two patients of No. 16 AGH Macleod (Mont Park Military Hospital), Curry and Caffery to Eltham in spring 1919. Broadhurst's companions pose with an old timer from Eltham on the roadside verge with a large collection of sticks stacked vertically outside a cottage. This photo is part of the Alice Broadhurst collection held by Yarra Plenty Regional Library, a series of 12 photo albums compiled by Alice Broadhurst (1896-1981), initially while working as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse with the Australian Red Cross at the Mont Park Military Hospital (No. 16 AGH) and subsequently as a nurse at the Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s hospitals alongside many pioneering doctors of their fields.Digital file"Same group with self instead of Byrne, Eltham, Oct 22"eltham, alice elizabeth broadhurst, byrne, caffery, curry, mcgeachy, nursing staff, mont park, 16 agh, old timer, pioneer, cottage, wood pile

This photo depicts an outing of VAD nurses Alice Broadhurst, McGeachy and Byrne and two patients of No. 16 AGH Macleod (Mont Park Military Hospital), Curry and Caffery to Eltham in spring 1919. Broadhurst's companions pose sitting on a creek bank around a open suitcase which containes their picnic spread. This photo is part of the Alice Broadhurst collection held by Yarra Plenty Regional Library, a series of 12 photo albums compiled by Alice Broadhurst (1896-1981), initially while working as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse with the Australian Red Cross at the Mont Park Military Hospital (No. 16 AGH) and subsequently as a nurse at the Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s hospitals alongside many pioneering doctors of their fields.Digital fileeltham, alice elizabeth broadhurst, byrne, caffery, curry, mcgeachy, nursing staff, mont park, 16 agh, diamond creek, picnic

This photo depicts an outing of VAD nurses Alice Broadhurst, McGeachy and Byrne and two patients of No. 16 AGH Macleod (Mont Park Military Hospital), Curry and Caffery to Eltham in spring 1919. Broadhurst's companions pose sitting on a log bridge. This photo is part of the Alice Broadhurst collection held by Yarra Plenty Regional Library, a series of 12 photo albums compiled by Alice Broadhurst (1896-1981), initially while working as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse with the Australian Red Cross at the Mont Park Military Hospital (No. 16 AGH) and subsequently as a nurse at the Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s hospitals alongside many pioneering doctors of their fields.Digital fileeltham, alice elizabeth broadhurst, byrne, caffery, curry, mcgeachy, nursing staff, mont park, 16 agh, log bridge

Shows Alan Marshall at his home of 13 Park Road, Eltham. Black and white version of first frame reproduced page 104 of 'Pioneers & Painters'.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 Black and white prints 1 x 4 x 5 inch B&W negative"301170" on reverse of printsalan marshall, eltham local characters, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, alan marshall bungalow

Shows Alan Marshall at his home of 13 Park Road, Eltham. Black and white version of first frame reproduced page 104 of 'Pioneers & Painters'.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 Black and white prints"301170" on reverse of printsalan marshall, eltham local characters, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, alan marshall bungalow

The original Shire of Eltham was founded in 1871. Prior to its founding, the district was managed by the Eltham District Road Board, which was established in 1856. The initial rate assessment commenced in 1857 for the year ending October 14, 1858. The honour of being recorded with the first assessment went to a farm of 110 cultivated acres at Lower Plenty, owned by John Porter and occupied by Albert Baines. It was assessed at 6d/acre providing for a rate income of £2 15s. In July 2017, officers at Nillumbik Shire Council discovered some early Eltham Road District Assessment books and donated them to the Eltham District Historical Society. The seven volumes were the district’s first six years of rate assessments. This was a unique and significant record of early settlers in the pre-Shire of Eltham. They immediately became one of the oldest and most valuable items in our collection. An article on page 5 in the Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser, Friday, 21 November, 1941 titled: ‘District’s Early History‘ states: “The first rate book which is still in existence at the Shire Office is for the year ending October 14, 1858 and is probably the best record possible to indicate the development of the district. At the time properties were rated as follows: Cultivated land. 6d. per acre; pasture land, 1d. per acre: estimated annual value of buildings, etc., 6d in the (pound). The total amount of rate recorded for the year was £153/14/8. Properties were described as being situated at Lower Plenty, Yarra Yarra, Eltham, Lower Eltham, Kangaroo Ground, Yarra Flats, Diamond Creek and the Yarra.” Given the precious nature of this collection, priority was given to digitise the rate books and place them in suitable archival storage to minimise further handling. Subsequent discussion amongst our Collections team arrived at the conclusion that the most appropriate home for this valuable record was the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV), the archive of the State Government of Victoria and who are charged with archiving and caring for all Government related records. An approach was made to PROV who confirmed these records would complete their collection of rate assessment books for Eltham. At a small ceremony held Friday, April 20 at the Local History Centre, Eltham, members of the Society and our Collections team, along with Ms. Vicki Ward, MP for Eltham, presented the seven volumes for 1858-1863 along with the complete set of digital files to Mr. David Taylor, Community Archives Manager and Mr. Charlie Farrugia, Senior Collection Advisor, Public Record Office Victoria.Born Digitalassessment ledger, donation, eltham courthouse, eltham road district, local history centre, public records office victoria (prov), rate books, eltham district road board

In previous years for our first meeting of the year, we have investigated some treasured pictures from our archives. In this meeting, Vice President Peter Pidgeon showcases some of the highlights from new acquisitions and donations throughout 2019, as well as some of our other collections digitised during the year.1:27:00 duration Digital MP3 File 37.2 MBaudio recording, eltham, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, victorian collections, peter pidgeon

1999 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, frank taylor collection, 1999

2000 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, frank taylor collection, 2000

2001 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, frank taylor collection, 2001

2002 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, frank taylor collection, 2002

2003 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, frank taylor collection, 2003

2004 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.Inscriptions to "Brydie" on page 64.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, frank taylor collection, 2004

2005 issue of the Mercury magazine of Eltham High School.eltham high school, class lists, mercury, frank taylor collection, 2005