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Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Tom Prior, Cutting trees
... . A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum... to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Ground Black and white photograph ...Cutting trees with a large cross cut saw and axe. Shown is Tom Prior (Ivy Reynolds' uncle) and his wife Eva Prior (or Ivy's mother)The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were taken by Tom Prior, the maternal uncle of Ivy Reynolds, around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Black and white photograph mounted in an album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, this being one of 53 reproduced black and white images of early Eltham.The Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Groundreynolds prior collection, trees -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Tom Prior, A Homestead, Research
... . A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum... presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Ground Black and white ...Near the aqueduct on Ingrams Road looking northwards.The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were taken by Tom Prior, the maternal uncle of Ivy Reynolds, around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Black and white photograph mounted in an album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, this being one of 53 reproduced black and white images of early Eltham.The Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Groundhouses, ingrams road, research (vic.), reynolds prior collection -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Tom Prior, Shire of Eltham, Soldiers' War Memorial, unveiled 11-11-26
... . A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum... was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Ground Black ...Note the unfinished state-stones at base. Honour Roll not yet erected. Before the memorial was erected there was a cairn of rocks to commemorate Armistice Day. All travel was mostly by walking and school children walked to town each November 11 Memorial Service.The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were taken by Tom Prior, the maternal uncle of Ivy Reynolds, around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Black and white photograph mounted in an album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, this being one of 53 reproduced black and white images of early Eltham.The Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Groundreynolds prior collection, kangaroo ground, war memorial -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Tom Prior, Clearing land at Research
... . A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum... by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew ...Main Road is in the distance with the aqueduct following the pine trees at top of photo. Doney's store is visible near the road.The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were taken by Tom Prior, the maternal uncle of Ivy Reynolds, around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Black and white photograph mounted in an album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, this being one of 53 reproduced black and white images of early Eltham.The Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Groundreynolds prior collection, research (vic.) -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Neil Ploog, Ford Blitz water tanker, Research Fire Brigade, Ingrams Road, Research, 1954, 1954
... . A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum.... A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum ...Early 1954 near present day site of Eltham Little TheatreThe Reynolds family were early settlers in Research.Black and white photograph mounted in an album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, this being one of 53 reproduced black and white images of early Eltham. Also available digital colour variantThe Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Groundreynolds prior collection, research (vic.), research fire brigade, fire brigades -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Class of 1922, Research State School No. 2959
... . A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum.... A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum ...The Children of Research State School in 1922 Photo and list of children provided by Ivy Reynolds to Ross McDonald. Ross has supplemented and filled in some blanks, from the children names in Andrew Lemons book 'Return to Research. A centenary of Research Primary School, 1989 ' page 103. Additional commentary provided by Ivy Reynolds in 2006. 1. Winnie La Frenz - a great friend of the Reynolds 2. Ruth Thompson - Wally Buttwell's niece 3. Bertha Wiltshire 4. Ivy Dickson (who grew up to be a good-looking woman) 5. May Norman - a cousin to the Reynolds through Ernest Reynolds 6. Elsie Shaw 7. Veenie Turner (Ivy was not 100% sure of her surname, but said she was not related to Hazel Turner) 8 Lil La Frenz (Lilian) - a bright spark and a lively tennis player 9 Lily Wilson (looks like a boy) - had red hair 10 Hazel Turner - a cousin of the Reynolds who lost her mother very early in life. Her father remarried and the family then became Roman Catholics, which in those days, caused them to become distant with the Anglican Reynolds family 11 Lila Dickson (Lyla) 12. Jack Wilson - a red-head like his sister 13. Len Blashick 14. Marjory Palmer 15 ? Burgoyne 16 Lance Doney and 17 Bill Doney. Cleaver boys who went to Ivanhoe Grammar. Both caught TB from their mother and died young. 17. Bill Doney - The Doneys were clever boys. They went to Ivanhoe Grammar after Research Primary and this educational advantage caused them to grow apart from the local boys. Both caught tuberculosis from their mother and didn't live long. Lance died first, but Bill survived long enough to join the Merchant Navy. He eventually entered the Mont Park Sanatorium where Ernest Reynolds used to visit him every Sunday. The Doney boys were keen on Margaret and Ivy Reynolds at one stage (probably before they became seriously ill) and Bill gave Ivy a macrame belt he'd made. 18 ? Burgoyne 19 ? Messen (Frank or Alex Masson) 20 Neville West 21 ? Shaw 22 ? Shaw 23 Neil Palmer 24 George Shaw or his brother Bertie 25 George Shaw or his brother Bertie 26 Eva Kilson 27 Lorna Turner 28 ? Henry Fox (or possibly Eric?) 29 Nancy Storey (adopted) 30 Mona Fox 31. Nell Storey (also adopted) She married Sam Howard and they had 2 daughters. One went to Queensland, the other lived locally and helped at the Research Anglican Church. 32 Victor Davey 33 Margaret Reynolds 34 Ethel Davey - cousin of the Reynolds through Ernest Reynolds 35 ? Randall (Freddie) 36 ? Randall (Kitty) -Their father was a builder who made toys for every child at the school one Christmas 37 Ronnie Turner 38 ? Ivy couldn't remember his name, but thought he lived at the Research Hotel 39 John Reynolds 40 Jim Davey 41 Unknown 42 Ivy Reynolds 43. Unknown - one of the unknown boys is Jimmy Storey 44. Unknown 45. Unknown 46. Dorothy La Frenz 47. Eric Fox 48. Unknown 49. Possibly Bert Shaw One of the boys in the photograph is Jimmy Storey The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were taken by Tom Prior, the maternal uncle of Ivy Reynolds, around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Black and white photograph mounted in an album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, this being one of 53 reproduced black and white images of early Eltham.The Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Groundreynolds prior collection, research (vic.), research school, schools, school children, state school no. 2959, winnie la frenz, ruth thompson, bertha wilshire, ivy dickson, may norman, elsie shaw, veenie, lil la frenz (lilian), lily wilson, hazel turner, lila dickson (lyla), jack wilson, len blashick, margery palmer, burgoyne, lance doney, bill doney, frank messen, alex masson, neville west, shaw, neil palmer, george shaw, bertie shaw, eva kilson, lorna turner, henry fox, eric fox, nancy storey, mona fox, nell storey, victor davey, margaret reynolds, ethel davey, freddie randall, kitty randall, ronnie turner, john reynolds, jim davey, ivy reynolds, dorothy la frenz, bert shaw, jimmy storey -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newsletter, Newsletter, No. 164 September 2005
... Meeting • News from the Andrew Ross Museum by Diana Bassett-Smith... Meeting • News from the Andrew Ross Museum by Diana Bassett-Smith ...Contents: • Next meeting, guest speaker; Raelene Marshall: Shaping of the Australian Cultural Landscape; a talk about the role of dry stone walls in Australian history • September Meeting • Eltham Justice Precinct • Notice of Special General Meeting • News from the Andrew Ross Museum by Diana Bassett-Smith • Society Notes • Other Local News The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newsletter, Newsletter, No. 170 September 2006
... Celebrations • Lois Loftus-Hills 1927-2006 • Library News • Andrew Ross... Celebrations • Lois Loftus-Hills 1927-2006 • Library News • Andrew Ross ...Contents: • Next meeting, Speaker Panel: 150 Years of Education in Eltham • September Meeting • Eltham Primary School Celebrations • Lois Loftus-Hills 1927-2006 • Library News • Andrew Ross Museum by Diana Bassett-Smith • Ivy’s Memories – continuing Ivy Reynold’s story as edited by Mick Woiwod • Plenty of Other News The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newsletter, Newsletter, No. 183 November 2008
... • November Heritage Walk • Andrew Ross Museum by Diana Bassett-Smith... and Then • President’s Findings • November Heritage Walk • Andrew Ross Museum ...Contents: • Next meeting, Panel Presentation: The Centenary of Women’s Suffrage in Victoria • November Meeting • Christmas Function • Vale – Bob (Robert) Bruce by Jim Connor • Concluding Pat Baddeley’s Story • Nillumbik Now and Then • President’s Findings • November Heritage Walk • Andrew Ross Museum by Diana Bassett-Smith • Other Coming Events • Other News The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Original Kangaroo Ground Primary School No. 2105 building, Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Kangaroo Ground, 28 December 2007
... as a Presbyterian church. The first teacher was Andrew Ross. The school... as a Presbyterian church. The first teacher was Andrew Ross. The school ...Kangaroo Ground's first school began in 1851 with 22 pupils from the district's ten families. It was a single room school located further south on the site, which also served as a Presbyterian church. The first teacher was Andrew Ross. The school building was used as a Post Office between 1854 and 1858 and during 1857 also served as a Court of Petty Sessions. With a growing farming community, a new building was warranted and the original Sate School No. 352 was closed and a new building, State School No. 2105 was oipened October 1, 1878. A residence for Head Teacher Henry Wallace School was erected in 1879 attached to the left of the school building. That residence is now home to the Andrew Ross Museum, which opened in 1993. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p35This 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, kangaroo ground, eltham-yarra glen road, kangaroo ground primary school no. 2105, kangaroo ground state school, state school no. 2105 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newsletter, Newsletter, No. 85 July 1992
... • Andrew Ross School House Museum Project • Lots of Other News... • Andrew Ross School House Museum Project • Lots of Other News ...Contents: • 25th Anniversary 1967-1992 • Twenty Fifth Anniversary Meeting Panel: Images of Eltham with David Armfield, Piers Bateman, Wendi Henderson, Hilary Jackman and Lesly Martin • Andrew Ross School House Museum Project • Lots of Other News • Eltham Heritage Mural • 50 Year Residents’ Lunch • Eltham Cultural Heritage Tour The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newsletter, Newsletter, No. 102 May 1995
... • Autumn Excursion • Andrew Ross Schoolhouse Museum • Shire History ... • Autumn Excursion • Andrew Ross Schoolhouse Museum • Shire History ...Contents: • Next meeting, guest speaker; Mick Woiwood: Kangaroo Ground – the Highland Taken • May Meeting • Office Bearers 1995 • Subscriptions • Special general Meeting o Life membership for Peter Bassett-Smith, Russell Yeoman, Sue Law o Presentation of the Recognition o Change of name of the Society • Autumn Excursion • Andrew Ross Schoolhouse Museum • Shire History The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Photograph, Keep Australia Beautiful Council, Lakes Entrance, 1996
... ; Fred Fargher and Andrew Ross, film maker and camera man; . Plus... and Andrew Ross, film maker and camera man; . Plus another photo ...Making a documentary about Lakes EntranceBlack and white photo of Peter Wood, East Gippsland Shire; Margaret Daly and Anne Canterbury, Keep Australia Beautiful Council; Fred Fargher and Andrew Ross, film maker and camera man; . Plus another photo taken at Nyerimilang Park includes Trevor McCubbin, Margaret Daly, Cr Frank Hunter with Bill Cane, Tidy Town Judgemedia, film -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Bassett-Smith, 20th Anniversary of Eltham District Historical Society, afternoon tea in Senior Citizens' Centre, 10 October 1987, 10/10/1987
... for the establishment of the Andrew Ross Museum in Kangaroo Ground. His other... for the establishment of the Andrew Ross Museum in Kangaroo Ground. His other ...Robert Bruce Ness (1917-2004) came from a pioneer Kangaroo ground family and was heavily involved in the community. Bruce and Joy Ness were foundation members of EDHS. Bruce was a former Vice-President and committee member. He was a driving force for the establishment of the Andrew Ross Museum in Kangaroo Ground. His other involvements in the community included the Presbyterian Church, Cemetery Trust and Captain of the Kangaroo Ground Fire Brigade. (Newsletter No 157)Colour photograph1987, activities, senior citizens' centre -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newsletter, Eltham District Historical Society, Newsletter, No. 240 June 2018
... • Subscriptions • Andrew Ross Museum • New Life Members by Russell Yeoman... • Subscriptions • Andrew Ross Museum • New Life Members by Russell Yeoman ...Contents: • Past, Present, Future by Jim Connor • Our Next Meeting – Wednesday 13th June 2018 • July Excursion – Along the Diamond Creek • Eltham 1950s – Childhood Reminiscences – Part 4 by Ann Constable • Lavender Park Road Mysteries by Heather Eastman • Was the David Clark “Victoria’s Mayflower”? by Irene Kearsey • Jalna Yoghurt by Wendy Wilson • Office Bearers 2018-2019 • Subscriptions • Andrew Ross Museum • New Life Members by Russell Yeoman • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide - Photograph, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills, c.Mar. 1989
... on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign... on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign ...Historical property that sits beside Watsons Creek. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure its preservation - NL18235mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAR 89Mbirch cottage, christmas hills, smiths gully, watson's creek, yarra glen road -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide - Photograph, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills, c.Mar. 1989
... on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign... on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign ...Historical property that sits beside Watsons Creek. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure its preservation - NL18235mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAR 89Mbirch cottage, christmas hills, smiths gully, watson's creek, yarra glen road -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newsletter, Eltham District Historical Society, Newsletter, No. 241 August 2018
... Yeoman • An ‘enlightening’ tale by Jim Connor • The Andrew Ross... Yeoman • An ‘enlightening’ tale by Jim Connor • The Andrew Ross ...Contents: • Finding a Home by Russell Yeoman • Our Next Meeting – Wednesday 8th August 2018 • Open Day at our Local History Centre – Saturday 1st September 2018 • Eltham 1950s – Childhood Reminiscences – Part 5 by Ann Constable • Land for Sale at Little Eltham by Russell Yeoman • The County of Evelyn by Russell Yeoman • An ‘enlightening’ tale by Jim Connor • The Andrew Ross Museum by Mick Woiwod • Kangaroo Ground – Centre of the Shire by Mick Woiwod • On the Thirsty Road to the Diggings by Mick Woiwod • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Liz Pidgeon, Meeting at Eltham Local History Centre, 4 December 2014
... Historical Society), Martha Wike (Andrew Ross Museum), Dennis Ward... Historical Society), Martha Wike (Andrew Ross Museum), Dennis Ward ...Meeting of the Combined Nillumbik Heritage Groups, network which meets four times a year. Local History Centre, (Eltham District Historcal Society) 728 Main Road, Eltham L-R: Jim Connor (EDHS), Russell Yeoman (EDHS), Noel Withers (Greensborough Historical Society), Martha Wike (Andrew Ross Museum), Dennis Ward, Maureen Jones (EDHS), Sue Law (EDHS) and Michelle Zemancheff, Arts and Culture Coordinator Shire of Nillumbik. Photographed by Liz Pidgeon, Local and Family History Librarian, Yarra Plenty Regional LibraryThis photograph illustrates the interior of EDHS's Local History Centre at 728 main Road, Eltham prior to renovation and re-organisation in 2017. It also provides a snapshot of active volunteers and supporters in the Local History community within the Shire of Nillumbik in 2014Born Digitaleltham district historical society, greensborough historical society, jim connor, russell yeoman, dennis ward, noel withers, maureen jones, sue law, combined nillumbik heritage groups, local history centre, volunteers, supper, network -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Tom Prior, Methodist Church, Eltham
... to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Ground ... to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Ground The Reynolds family were ...Situated at 810 Main Road on the corner of John Street. The Church was surrounded by a picket fence and tall pine trees. The Church was built by George Stebbings in the 1850s and is an example of fine craftmanship. Formerly Wesleyan, Methodist then Uniting church; the foundations of the church building were constructed with stone from the walls of the first Eltham State Primary School (No. 209) building which collapsed in 1874 and were purchased by Robert David Taylor. The Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, Presented to the Eltham District Historical Society, 14 June 2006 by Ross McDonald. A second copy was also presented to the Andrew Ross Museum, Kangaroo Ground The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. Reynolds Road is named after this family. RERVISED STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE, CONTEXT, 2010 What is significant? The 1880 bichromatic brick church and the surrounding site to the title boundaries. The church is architecturally, historically, socially and spiritually significant to the Shire of Nillumbik. Why is it significant? The church is architecturally significant as a finely detailed example of a brick 19th century rural community church, one of only four in the Shire (Criteria E & B). The church is historically significant as an important link with the time when Eltham was a small, insular country settlement. Also for the historical evolution visible in the complex, with the modest 1880s church and larger red brick rear hall from the early 20th century as a reflection of population growth in the area (Criterion A). The church is historically, spiritually and socially significant because it has played, and continues to play, an important part in the spiritual and social life of the community (Criterion G). - Victorian Heritage Database The Reynolds family were early settlers in Research. The Reynolds/ Prior collection of photographs were taken by Tom Prior, the maternal uncle of Ivy Reynolds, around 1900 and the 60 photos in the album give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. lvy lived in the family home for many years at 106 Thompson Cres Research. Ivy's father, Ernst Richard Reynolds and grandfather, Richard Reynolds, lived at the same address. Ivy's father Richard worked for Mr. Trail on his property in Research. Reynolds Road is named after the family. Mr Tom Prior (wife Eva) worked at the Melbourne zoo. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. The photographs are a reminder of the rural nature of Research and Eltham and its rich heritage. Black and white photograph mounted in an album, the Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection, this being one of 53 reproduced black and white images of early Eltham."Methodist Church" reynolds prior collection, eltham, methodist church -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George W. Bell, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Smiths Gully, Aug 1969, Aug 1969
... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum ...EDHS Newsletter No. 182, September 2008 In the late 1970s when our Society was the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, an offer was made to the Society regarding use of an old cottage at Christmas Hills. For various reasons the offer ultimately lapsed The cottage sat beside Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham but following municipal restructuring it now lies within the Shire of Nillumbik. At that time some research on the cottage was carried out for the Society by Keith Chappel as part of a larger research project that he was doing. Keith's notes were taken from Lands Department records and showed that house is the subject of a permissive occupancy of Crown land comprising the creek reserve. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The documents show that the house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure that it is preserved. It included a video presentation on the history of the cottage under the title of "This Old House- Birch Cottage". Black and white photographWilliams Cottage Panton Hill 1969 Not to be reproduced without permission G.W. Bell Photographer Elthamhouses, cottage, early settlers, yarra glen road, smiths gully, williams cottage, watsons creek, christmas hills, birch cottage, edwin samuel birch, honor mary birch -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George W. Bell, Detail, Kitchen, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Smiths Gully, Aug 1969, Aug 1969
... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum ...EDHS Newsletter No. 182, September 2008 In the late 1970s when our Society was the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, an offer was made to the Society regarding use of an old cottage at Christmas Hills. For various reasons the offer ultimately lapsed The cottage sat beside Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham but following municipal restructuring it now lies within the Shire of Nillumbik. At that time some research on the cottage was carried out for the Society by Keith Chappel as part of a larger research project that he was doing. Keith's notes were taken from Lands Department records and showed that house is the subject of a permissive occupancy of Crown land comprising the creek reserve. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The documents show that the house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure that it is preserved. It included a video presentation on the history of the cottage under the title of "This Old House- Birch Cottage". Black and white photographWilliams Cottage Panton Hill 1969 Not to be reproduced without permission G.W. Bell Photographer Elthamhouses, cottage, early settlers, yarra glen road, smiths gully, williams cottage, watsons creek, christmas hills, birch cottage, edwin samuel birch, honor mary birch -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George W. Bell, Detail, Cottage Entrance, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Smiths Gully, Aug 1969, Aug 1969
... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum ...EDHS Newsletter No. 182, September 2008 In the late 1970s when our Society was the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, an offer was made to the Society regarding use of an old cottage at Christmas Hills. For various reasons the offer ultimately lapsed The cottage sat beside Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham but following municipal restructuring it now lies within the Shire of Nillumbik. At that time some research on the cottage was carried out for the Society by Keith Chappel as part of a larger research project that he was doing. Keith's notes were taken from Lands Department records and showed that house is the subject of a permissive occupancy of Crown land comprising the creek reserve. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The documents show that the house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure that it is preserved. It included a video presentation on the history of the cottage under the title of "This Old House- Birch Cottage". Black and white photographDetail Cottage Entrance Williams Cottage Yarra Glen Rd Panton Hill Aug 1969 Photo - G.W.Bhouses, cottage, early settlers, yarra glen road, smiths gully, williams cottage, watsons creek, christmas hills, birch cottage, edwin samuel birch, honor mary birch -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George W. Bell, Detail, Front Wall, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Smiths Gully, Aug 1969, Aug 1969
... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum ...EDHS Newsletter No. 182, September 2008 In the late 1970s when our Society was the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, an offer was made to the Society regarding use of an old cottage at Christmas Hills. For various reasons the offer ultimately lapsed The cottage sat beside Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham but following municipal restructuring it now lies within the Shire of Nillumbik. At that time some research on the cottage was carried out for the Society by Keith Chappel as part of a larger research project that he was doing. Keith's notes were taken from Lands Department records and showed that house is the subject of a permissive occupancy of Crown land comprising the creek reserve. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The documents show that the house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure that it is preserved. It included a video presentation on the history of the cottage under the title of "This Old House- Birch Cottage". Black and white photographDetail of Front Wall Williams Cottage Yarra Glen Rd Panton Hill Aug 1969 Photo - G.W.Bhouses, cottage, early settlers, yarra glen road, smiths gully, williams cottage, watsons creek, christmas hills, birch cottage, edwin samuel birch, honor mary birch -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George W. Bell, Detail, Shed Wall, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Smiths Gully, Aug 1969, Aug 1969
... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum... of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum ...EDHS Newsletter No. 182, September 2008 In the late 1970s when our Society was the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, an offer was made to the Society regarding use of an old cottage at Christmas Hills. For various reasons the offer ultimately lapsed The cottage sat beside Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham but following municipal restructuring it now lies within the Shire of Nillumbik. At that time some research on the cottage was carried out for the Society by Keith Chappel as part of a larger research project that he was doing. Keith's notes were taken from Lands Department records and showed that house is the subject of a permissive occupancy of Crown land comprising the creek reserve. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The documents show that the house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure that it is preserved. It included a video presentation on the history of the cottage under the title of "This Old House- Birch Cottage". Black and white photographDetail of Shed Wall Williams Cottage Yarra Glen Rd Panton Hill Aug 1969 Photo - G.W.Bhouses, cottage, early settlers, yarra glen road, smiths gully, williams cottage, watsons creek, christmas hills, birch cottage, edwin samuel birch, honor mary birch -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Folder, Great Britain (ship), 1988-1995
... life. "Andrew Ross, headmaster of the Kangaroo Ground School... life. "Andrew Ross, headmaster of the Kangaroo Ground School ...Brunel's SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world. When she was launched in 1843 she was called 'the greatest experiment since the Creation'. She made many voyages to Australia bringing many immigrants to a new life. "Andrew Ross, headmaster of the Kangaroo Ground School is said to have recorded in his diary "that having climbed the hill in 1852, and requipped with a powerful telescope observed the arrival in Port Phillip of the steam-powered Great Britain direct from England" - Cover story The Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower, The Genealogist, March 2010 p. 3 Folder includes: colour brochure about the site of the ship in Bristol which can be visited, tourist 2 pages printout from Maritime History Virtual Archives (2001), 4 pages printouts from Maritime.org, two pages from Brunel, seven pages from ss Great Britain.com websites no longer accessible. Transcription of article in "The Evelyn Observor" Remiscences and other text photocopied from unidentified book, Copy of Shipping advertisement from The Argus, August 19, 1864 and an original copy or facsimile. Original and photo copies of "Maggie's Isles" from The Age 7 August 1999. and photocopy from unidentified sourceHG Booklet 50harry gilham collection, s.s. great britain -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Ringwood State School - Grade 5A, 1961
... , ?, Robert Rutherford, Peter Evans, Jeffrey Venn, Andrew..., Jeffrey Venn, Andrew (?), Ross Fraser, ?, Michael Lawrence, Heinz ...Black and white photograph - Grade 5A,1961"Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Greg Jacobs, Robert Bradley,, Keith Foote, Malcolm Grant, Brian Palby, ?, David Brush, John Popham. 2nd Row- L to R: David Cleator, ?, Robert Rutherford, Peter Evans, Jeffrey Venn, Andrew (?), Ross Fraser, ?, Michael Lawrence, Heinz Bansaggi. 3rd Row- L to R: Heather Rosel, Pam Adamson, Janine Brooks, Margaret Proudley, Jan Patusec, David Buchan, Colin Doake, Peter Brown, Leonie Haygarth, Sandra White, Lynette Patullock. Front Row- L to R: Jennifer McDonald, Judith Flaherty, Helen Maher, Margaret Bronner, Margaret McCord, Kathy Parker, Sandra Kemp, Sue Smeaton, Cheryl Ann Mitchell, Annette Bosaid. Teacher: -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Kangaroo Ground General Store, Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, 28 December 2007
... Ground’s first postmaster was Andrew Ross, who first operated from... Ground’s first postmaster was Andrew Ross, who first operated from ...The present store was built circa 1900 to replace another which had been destroyed by fire in 1898, which had replaced a predecessor on the opposite side of the road in 1865. The store was also used as a post office until early 2000s. The general store is historically significant because it has a long association with Kangaroo Ground and has been an important centre of community life for more than 120 years - Council meetings used to be conducted in the front room of the store at a time when Kangaroo Ground rivalled Eltham as the major centre of the Shire. The general store is historically and aesthetically significant as one of a group of three well preserved public buildings in the Kangaroo Ground hamlet and as a major heritage component of Kangaroo Ground which was one of the earliest settled areas of the Shire and which has the character of an English village rather than an Australian settlement. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p77 Today the general store is an uncommon form of trade but the one at Kangaroo Ground continues a long tradition of friendliness and service. For more than 100 years it has been a centre of community life. In the settlement’s early days a previous general store, on the same site, was the meeting place for the Eltham District Road Board, precursor to the Eltham Shire Council. For years Kangaroo Ground rivalled Eltham as the shire’s major centre. It developed very differently from the rest of the shire as its rich soil attracted prosperous Presbyterian Scots who had large agricultural properties.1 The present store was built to replace another one, which had burnt down in 1898, after replacing a predecessor on the other side of the road in 1865. The store retains its outward character and its cellar, although inside it has changed considerably. It now includes a café and offers local produce, milk bar products, grocery items, gas and other fuel. Until early this century the store was also used as a post office. Kangaroo Ground’s first postmaster was Andrew Ross, who first operated from the school opposite, then from his hotel next to the present tennis court site. The first postmaster at this store was Edward Weller, followed in 1868 by James Anderson. At that time a mail coach ran three times a week between Eltham and Woods Point through Kangaroo Ground, Yarra Flats, Healesville, Fernshaw, Marysville and Matlock. Some early postmasters were Rodger, McLaughlin, Greenway and Burns.2 Burns was the only postmaster operating from the store. The others operated from Andrew Ross’s hotel. The mail service improved in 1892 when coaches ran from Melbourne to Queenstown (now known as St Andrews) and changed horses at Kangaroo Ground twice daily. The only telegraph office in the district at that time was at the Kangaroo Ground Post Office. Telegrams to outlying areas such as Queenstown and Kinglake had to be sent by hand. A local resident in the early 1900s often rode his pony to deliver telegrams and was paid one shilling a mile porterage. The store has also contributed to the lighter side of Kangaroo Ground life. During the years that Con Wraight owned the store, between 1906 and 1946, a new piano was needed for the Kangaroo Ground Hall, so monthly dances were held to raise money. When the piano was bought, a grand ball was held in the Kangaroo Ground Hall to celebrate the occasion and supper followed at Mr Wraight’s barn, cleaned especially for the occasion. Every New Year’s Eve, a Scottish piper would set off from between the store and the schoolhouse, playing his pipes, and march to Cameron’s Pigeon Bank homestead on the Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Road. Between 1914 and 1922, the store was a station for the Kangaroo Ground Bush Fire Brigade’s tanker. It consisted of a wooden barrel on a cart, fitted with a hand-pump, and stood on the side of the road outside the store. Joy Ness, who belonged to an early Kangaroo Ground family, moved here in 1940 and recalled her impressions of the store at that time: ‘It was a very dark shop stained in a dark colour and on the walls just below the ceiling hung hurricane lamps, ropes, kitchen utensils and other goods for sale. ‘Goods were weighed on a brass scale with weights, on which mothers also weighed their babies, because the nearest Infant Welfare Centre was at Greensborough. The bacon was cut with a hand slicer and later a pot-bellied stove warmed the store. Farmers and other locals used to gossip around it as they collected their daily mail. In those days the butter and cheese were kept in the cellar as no ice was delivered for cooling.’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, eltham-yarra glen road, kangaroo ground general store -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Cameron family graves, Kangaroo Ground Cemetery, Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Kangaroo Ground, 28 January 2008
... grass. Local Andrew Ross wrote ‘..no public burying place... grass. Local Andrew Ross wrote ‘..no public burying place ...Six year old Judith Furphy was the first person known to have been buried at Kangaroo Ground Cemetery in May 1851. The cemetery is situated on an ancient river bed with exposed Nillumbik sands. The rest of the district is formed from black volcanic soil which was hard to dig. According to local historian Mick Woiwod (deceased) the site may have been a burial ground for the local Wurundjeri people as the exposed softer sands were always their prefered camping sites. The Hon. Ewen Hugh Cameron who lived at Pigeon Bank and was the Member for Evelyn for 40 years (1874-1914) was buried here in 1915. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p39 The Wurundjeri people might have buried their dead on the site of the Kangaroo Ground Cemetery, according to local historian Mick Woiwod. Kangaroo Ground was a premier hunting ground, but camping on the black volcanic soil would have been uncomfortable. Unlike most of Kangaroo Ground, its cemetery, on an ancient river bed, comprises a rare exposure of Nillumbik sands – always the preferred campsite for Aboriginal people. The cemetery area is the only place where the soil was soft enough to dig a grave easily.1 Six-year-old Judith Furphy was the first person known to have been laid to rest at the Kangaroo Ground Cemetery. She died on May 17, 1851, from a chill caught by resting on wet grass. Local Andrew Ross wrote ‘..no public burying place existed nearer than Melbourne. The case being considered urgent, a general meeting of the settlers took place on the evening of the 17th……. The result was the selection of unoccupied crown land …….which was subsequently granted by Government for a public cemetery.’2 Judith was buried the next day on May 18. Her grave was marked by the trustees with a plaque, which unfortunately states nine years old, when she was probably only six. Judith came from an illustrious family. Her brother, Joseph, was the author of Such is Life and other works. Another brother, John, developed and manufactured the famous Furphy water cart, which distributed water to World War One soldiers along with the latest rumours. Hence the name Furphy entered the Australian idiom, as synonymous with ‘rumour’. Judith’s father Samuel helped build the first Kangaroo Ground church school. Inside, near the entrance of the cemetery, on Yarra Glen Road, stand a rotunda and a water tank. Occasional benches invite mourners to pause and remember. The gate with wrought iron and brick supports, bears the inscription ‘Erected by Sir Ewen and Lady Cameron in memory of their daughter, Flora Margaret’. These are only two of the famous people connected with this cemetery. The Hon. Ewen Hugh Cameron JP and MLA from 1874 to1914, who lived at Pigeon Bank, Warrandyte Road, was buried here in 1915. Unrelated, but with the same name, was Sir Ewen Cameron who had been Minister for Health and was laid to rest there in 1964. Sir Herbert Gepp, a leading industrialist and the former owner of Garden Hill, at Yarra Glen Road, was buried there in 1954.3 Many of the more imposing tombstones belong to the earlier graves. Unfortunately bushfires have cracked several. But this adds to the melancholy attractiveness of the cemetery, graced by some beautiful eucalypts, cypress and pines. Early pioneering families represented at the cemetery include Armstrong, Barr, Bell, Harkness, Jardine, Johnston, Rogerson, Stevenson, Thomson and Walters. Armstrong and Bell were among the first families to come to the district and Stevenson owned the district’s first sheep station. It took in much of present day Christmas Hills, which was the name he gave his sheep station. Harkness was the first to suggest a Kangaroo Ground school be built, and one of the first to suggest establishing the Eltham District Road Board. Many of these families leased pastoral land before the mid-century and bought land when it came on sale in 1849. In the cemetery’s early days sections were devoted to the major Christian denominations (mainly the Protestant) and one section was set aside for ‘other’ or ‘non-believers’. However in modern times burial plots have not been placed in areas according to religious beliefs.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, kangaroo ground, eltham-yarra glen road, agnes bell cameron, agnes cameron (nee bell), cameron family, edward aubrey haughton, eugene cameron, evelyn florence cameron, ewen hugh cameron, gravestones, jane armstrong, jane bell, jessie agnes haughton (nee cameron), jessie cameron, john donald cameron, kangaroo ground cemetery, neville cameron, simon armstrong, vera cameron, william bell armstrong, wurundjeri -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church, 28 December 2007
... Peter Gunn seldom visited so it was usually left to Andrew Ross... Peter Gunn seldom visited so it was usually left to Andrew Ross ...Built in 1878, the orange polychromatic brick structure replaced a slab building which had been used since 1951. The building has changed little with its handsome bricks buttressed on both sides, a slate roof and a Celtic cross on top of the front gable. The carved wooden pulpit and 18 pews are original. The cathedral-style ceiling is fully lined with tongue-and-groove pine boards and the floor is also pine. The walls have arched oblong leadlight windows. In 1977 the congregaton decided not to join the Uniting Church, whcih amalgamated some Presbyterian churches with all the Methodist and Congregational churches in Australia. Together with the store and school, the church is one of Kangaroo Ground's three public buildings. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p91 The small Presbyterian church in Main Road, Kangaroo Ground, has been a spiritual centre for more than a century. Built in 1878, the orange polychromatic brick structure replaced a rude slab building, which had been used as both a church and school since 1851. Earliest settlers, who were Scottish farmers, had worshipped together since 1841 in a barn owned by farmer James Donaldson and led by a layman called Smith.1 However, from 1843, the Reverend Peter Gunn conducted church services. Prominent early church members include the Donaldson, Bell and Cameron families. In 1851, Samuel Furphy (father of author Joseph) built their first church building, a 30 feet x 18 feet (9m x 5.5m) slab structure on half an acre (0.2ha) donated by Mr Donaldson. Conditions could be very uncomfortable in extreme weather.The green slabs of timber and sapling logs, covered partly with mud, had centimetre-wide cracks, allowing rain and wind through, when not blocked out by folds of paper.2 However this did not deter the first couple marrying there in 1857: John Wilson of Nillumbik and Christina Macpherson of Christmas Hills. The Reverend Peter Gunn seldom visited so it was usually left to Andrew Ross, the settlement’s first teacher and founder of the newspaper The Evelyn Observer, to lead the divine services instead.3 In 1877 the settlers raised £355/19/- and hired architect, Charles Maplestone and builder, Mr Self, to construct today’s church building. Each family rented a pew or pews for ten shillings a half-year; they also paid quarterly subscriptions for the minister’s stipend.4 It was not until 1886 that the church celebrated its first wedding, that of John Bell (junior) from Violet Bank and Elizabeth Charlton of Cunis Nillen. The Sunday School’s first recorded meeting was also held that year. In 1892 a weatherboard vestry was built, and the following year John Bell donated a church bell, which the fire brigade used as a warning for several years. Conditions have varied greatly during the century. In 1893 the Reverend Darroch had to travel more than 2000 miles (3220km) to attend to his scattered parishioners. Then in the Depression, the minister Mr Brown, subsisted only on lodgings with no stipend. The Sunday School ceased for many years because of the small population, but reopened in 1949. The building has changed little with its handmade bricks buttressed on both long sides, a slate roof and a Celtic cross on top of the front gable. The carved wooden pulpit and 18 pews are original and in fine condition. The cathedral-style ceiling is fully lined with tongue-and-groove pine boards and the floor is also of pine. The walls have arched oblong leadlight windows. One window has stained glass commemorating Mrs Jessie Agnes Cameron and her ancestors – the pioneering Bell family. It depicts The Sower because the family comprised farmers who came to a strange land to sow the seeds of their faith as much as their crops. Thistles signify their Scottish ancestry and the pigeons are a symbol of Pigeon Bank, the Kangaroo Ground farming property where Jessie Cameron was born.5 Other historical ties are seen on two marble memorial tablets and carved wooden chairs dedicated to former members. The Church still has the original Bible with gold edged paper, presented by the women of the congregation in 1871, although it is no longer used. In 1977 the Presbyterian congregation decided not to join the Uniting Church, which amalgamated some Presbyterian churches with all the Methodist and Congregational churches in Australia. Together with the store and school, the church is one of Kangaroo Ground’s three public buildings.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, kangaroo ground presbyterian church