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Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Envelope
One of several letters sent to Mrs M MacDonald of Grey Street Wangaratta by soldiers during the second world war. This one is from Private Peter Alan ANDERSON VX 33905 Born 17/2/1910 Enlisted 21/2/1941 Served with 2/24th and 2/29th Battalions Prisoner of War - B Force / Japanese Died 25/2/1945 due to illness in Borneo - Labuan Memorial Malaya - POW No 282 Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with censor stamp and stickerTop left - By air mail Left side - AIF Censor stamp and sticker along fold "Opened by Censor" Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Rear VX33905 Pte P Anderson R.O.D A.I.F Malaya ww2, pow, private peter alan anderson vx 33905, 2/24th batt, 2/29th batt -
City of Ballarat
Artwork, other - Public Artwork, Open Monument by John Young, 2015
Open Monument is a contemporary artwork acknowledging the history of Chinese people in Ballarat. The Chinese diaspora was global and many Chinese people came to Ballarat and the Victorian Goldfields. The work details some of the personal Chinese family memories of Ballarat from the goldrush forward. The 33 marble laser-etched panels include found images and texts mounted on a modernist metal architectural feature holding back a grassed hill landscape. Within the side walkway of gravel and composite stone is an etched of local activities relating to the Chinese community achievements that can be added to by the community.Open Monument is of aesthetic and historical significance to the people of BallaratArchitectural artwork consisting of large marble panels on a corten steel frame imbedded into a grassed mount.Inscription on plaque: Open Monument 無極紀念碑 / Artist: John Young / Officially Launched by Mr Yumin Song / Chinese Consul-General to Victoria / 6th September 2015 / Open Monument unearths stories of the Chinese diaspora in Ballarat, a name which means/ “resting place” to the traditional custodians - the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung people./ The monument comprises of two artworks: Transculture, a granite-panelled work, evoking stories of alternative worldviews, / modernity, leisure and toil. Whilst Timeline traces the major contributions of the Chinese community in Ballarat, every decade / from the 1850s until the present. The timeline then folds out to 2170, anticipating imaginary future contributions. / The monument is open to future interpretations of this history. / I thank you for visiting and acknowledging the contributions and memories that meant so much to / those who have gone before us./ - John Young Zerunge / Patron: Mr Henry Thai OAM JP / President of Ballarat Chinese / Community Association Inc / The following generous donors to this project are acknowledged with gratitude/ City of Ballarat Sovereign Hill Museum Association Inc. Ballarat Chinese Community Association Inc. Mr Henry Thai OAM JP & Mrs Sandra Thai Mrs Shirley Doon & Family in memory of Harry Doon Chinese Masonic Association Inc. Mr Mean Te and Mrs Meng Khun Mr Jack Nguyen MA JP & Mrs My Tang Mr Tony and Mrs Elise Yu Mr Chang Zhen Zhen & Family Australian Lian Jiang Association The Federation of Chinese Associations Vic The Leesoon Family Mr Stephen K.F Ng OAM JP Dr Che Sam Lo MD phD JP OAM Elderly Chinese Home Inc. The Federation of Chinese Org from VN Cambodian and Lao Association of Vic. Inc. Bright Moon Buddhist Society Nam Pon Soon Club House See-Yup Society Mr Peter Chong Wai Lo Mr Qing Song Lin Mr Binh Quoc Mao & Mrs Thuy Cam Thai Mr Alexander Mao Mr Yuet Lung Kwok JP Mr Tai The Tran Mr Phillip K. L. Tran Mr William K. L. Tran Mr Quang Khon Tran JP Mr Kouy Taing Mrs Kieng Hor Lou Mr Bill Chang Piu Au Mr Maurice Kwok Leong Mrs Eunice J. Leong Mr Vi Minh Tran JP Mr Frank Cheng Mr David Cheng Mr William Thai Mr Lizhen Lin Mr Phillip Richard Thai Mr Hoan Ping Kow Mrs Xao Nhu Kow Mr Huy Thai Mr Yun Kuen Lo Mr Chiu Yip & Mrs Yuan Han Cho Mrs Jacqueline Louise Thai Greenwood Mr Joe Hap Chi Chao & Mrs Rosana Wei Ning Chao Charity & Multi Art Association of Victoria Inc. Mr Billy Cai Miss Nikki Cai Miss Su-Ling & Miss Lily Mays-Doon Mr Anthony Doon Mr H J Moy & Family Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat Inc open monument chinese, chinese history ballarat goldfields, china, ballarat, goldfields, john young, chinese, mining, multicultural, immigration, tong way, goon, joss house, embroidery, billy butterfly, chinese market gardens, red lion hotel, ah soon, mayor of main road, chinese herbalist, yee lee, james hong, cheok cheong hong, john ah loo, wathawurrung, robe, lowe kong meng, louis ah mouy, tongway, gallipoli, william lung -
Old School House Museum
Photograph, 1940-1945
During WWII the local boys formed a salvage band, they would go around town collecting papers and bottles and would return them for a deposit that would then be donated to the war fund that helped families in need who had people serving in the war -
Hume City Civic Collection
Photograph, Aitkens Gap Police Barracks, c1922
Frank Millett and his nephew Hopper Cahill are the two people standing by the building after spending the day shooting rabbits in 1922. They are standing in front of the Aitkens Gap Police Barracks. In the 1860s the gaol and stables were sold to George Millett and added to the Millett property. The Barracks and the new farm homestead were built by Mick Morrison. The Bald Hill Hotel at Aitkens Gap on the Bendigo Road (Calder Highway) was guilt by George Millett in 1854 and functioned until the gold began to run out after the Victorian Gold Rush of the 1850s. The Millett family continued to farm until 1967. The family also and operated hotels in the local area. A black and white photograph backed onto a white board of a man and a child holding some dead rabbits and standing in front of the doorway of a bluestone building. frank millett, george millett, aitkens gap gaol, hopper cahill -
Hume City Civic Collection
Photograph, 1990s
The double storey Federation style house was built in 1911 for Dr. William Cooke Faulkner who was the local doctor until his death in 1922. It was then bought by the local state school headmaster, John James Rogers, for over 6,500 pounds. In the early 1940s a grazier, Eric George Whiteside, bought the property. Bill Landeryou, MLC lived in the house until the late 1980s. He had purchased it from the Campbell family.A coloured photograph of 'Arcloney' a Federation style house with a red terracotta gable roof and cream rendered walls. The wooden frames around the windows have been painted dark green and cream. There is a glassed conservatory to the rear of the building.arcloney, faulkner, william cooke, dr., rogers, john james, whiteside, eric george, landeryou, bill mlc, george evans collection -
Numurkah & District Historical Society
Ladies Jinker
LADIES PONY GIG – circa early 1900’s) The gig was built by T Rose, North Melbourne. Australian coachbuilders adopted American designs and modified these to suit local conditions, eg mudguards added for muddy country roads. As roads improved, lighter and faster designs were made. These gigs were more comfortable than the normal farm cart / town cart (see nearby butcher’s cart), as they were often sprung for comfort rather than carrying heavy weights. (Donated by: Ivan & Gwen Russell, who purchased it from the Hogan Family, Tatura, in 1998) Ivan & Gwen Russell purchased this jinker from the Hogan Family at Tatura in 1998 "The only information we have is that it was built by T. Rose, North Melbourne. As it is in the original Condition we would like to donate it to the Numurkah Historical society to be displayed for others to enjoy. Black-painted ladies jinker (pony gig), with rubber tyred wheels, light hickory shafts, patterned black upholstery on seatT Rose Buildergig, jinker, horse-drawn vehicle, russell -
Lake Bolac & District Historical Society
black & white photograph, The Woolshed, Lake Boloke Station, 1894
The Woolshed of Lake Boloke Station, 1894. The woolshed was built by Robert Patterson but at this time was owned by the Moffat family. Identified persons in the photograph are Neil Graham, Dave Sago (with beard, seated centre) and Bill Pitkethly. "Boloke" is a local aboriginal word meaning 'lake'.lake boloke station, woolshed, patterson, moffat, graham, sago, pitkethly -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Award - To James Robbie Mather J.P. Mayor 1930-1931, 1931
James Robbie Mathers was born in Pleasant Creek [Stawell] in 1867 to James Allen Mathers, a storekeeper and former councillor. He was later to become a storekeeper in Gippsland and then at Heywood, near Portland. Following a move to Melbourne, he established a real estate business. He initially lived in Hawthorn, before moving his business to Kew where he traded as Mathers & McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, and later at 283 Burke Road. For a short time, the family resided at Landene, in Cotham Road. They were to finally move to Rosalea, in Dale Street, Deepdene. Following the death of Cr Henry Kellett in 1924, Mathers was elected unopposed as representative of College Ward. Elected Mayor in September 1930, he convened a meeting of citizens in the Town Hall in Walpole Street to form a local unemployment relief committee. His social initiatives included handing over council-owned premises in Brougham Street, the building re-purposed as a workshop for the unemployed, who were also granted free use of the Kew Municipal Baths. The Mayoress, Jean Mathers, set to work raising funds through charity balls, and also raised funds for St Anthony’s Orphanage in Wellington Street. James Robbie Mathers died on 8 April 1945. He was buried at Box Hill Cemetery. This rare civic testimonial is historically significant, especially locally, as it contains the signatures of all present councillors and parliamentarians representing the City of Kew as well as the names and signatures of leaders of local churches, schools, public officials and leaders of community groups.Boxed presentation folder and correspondence presented to the retiring Mayor of Kew, James Robbie Mather, in 1931. The book is leather bound with gilt lettering on the front. The 4 page testimonial includes and hand written statements about his contribution to Kew and its civic life. Other pages are signed by councillors, parliamentarians and community leaders.james robbie mathers, mayors of kew, civic testimonials -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Book, Stories They Tell : A history of Kew through objects, 2022
'Stories They Tell : A history of Kew through objects' explores diverse narratives from European settlement to the first decades of the twenty-first century. These stories use as their starting point artworks, texts and artefacts from the nationally significant collection of the Kew Historical Society. Limited to 100 copies.117 pp : illustrated : Appendices Chapters: Preface / Robert Baker p4. The collection / Robert Baker p5. Cartwheel penny / Robert Baker p6. Creek and old watering stage / David White p10. John Carson: Mayor 1863–4 1 / Julie King p4. Wedding dress / Suzanne McWha p18. Back to Kew 1875 / Judith Scurfield p22. Barnard’s clock / Margaret Robinson p26. Denbigh quilt / Suzanne McWha p28. Fragments of art decoration / Robert Baker p32. Mr Richardson’s sock / Felicity Renowden p36. Kew Volunteer Fire Brigade / David White p38. Kew Where We Live / Judith Scurfield p42. [MMBW} Detail Plan No. 1580 / Judith Scurfield p46. Adeney Avenue / Suzanne McWha p50. Young Workers’ Patriotic Guild / Margaret Robinson p54. Roll of Honor [Thomas Rand] / Robert Baker p56. Alice Anderson in her tourer / Felicity Renowden p60. Kew War Memorial / David White p62. Beaded dance dress / Suzanne McWha p 66. The great flood of 1934 / Desley Reid p68. Depression-era toolbox / Robert Baker p72. War Savings Street / Julie King p74. Kew Public L.ibrary / Suzanne McWha p78. Signature supper cloth / Desley Reid p82. View from the garden of Rockingham / Desley Reid p86. Cr Marie Dalley / Felicity Renowden p90. Centenary of Kew / Robert Baker p94. Doris Dickinson’s gown / Julie King p98. [Model Dairy] Milk bottles / Robert Baker p100. Kew Civic Centre / David White p102. Bicentennial tapestries / Margaret Robinson p106. Crest of the City of Kew / Desley Reid p110. Town Crier [outfit] / Desley Reid p112. Acknowledgements p114. List of works p115.non-fiction'Stories They Tell : A history of Kew through objects' explores diverse narratives from European settlement to the first decades of the twenty-first century. These stories use as their starting point artworks, texts and artefacts from the nationally significant collection of the Kew Historical Society. Limited to 100 copies.collection -- kew historical society, museum catalogues, henty family, cartwheel pennies, kew lunatic asylum, patchwork quilts, john carson, george bouchier richardson, gb richardson, coombs family, james dannock, back to kew 1875, francis barnard, denbigh family, cullis hill & co, ordsall, southesk, kew volunteer fire brigade, jfc farquhar, henry kellett, mmbw detail plan 1580, william nicholls anderson, young workers patriotic guild, roll of honor -- town of kew, alice anderson, kew war memorial, flapper dresses, fairfield bridge, chandler highway bridge, warren trestrail, furniture -- 1930s, war savings streets, kew library, children's libraries, voluntary aid detachments - kew (vic.), rockingham, james govett, centenary of kew, mayoresses -- kew (vic.), model dairy -- kew (vic.), doris dickinson, crests -- city of kew (vic.), town criers -- kew (vic.), joy stewart, australian bicentennial -- kew (vic.), kew civic centre, ak lines mcfarlane marshall, adeney avenue -- kew, wwi -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Pair of hand embroidered pelmets
This item is part of a larger collection donated to the Kew Historical Society by Anna French. The collection includes personal items from the donor's family, as well as items given to the donor and her mother by a family friend, Lucy Merritt (Jean) Hornby. The item is from that part of the collection inherited or assembled by Jean Hornby. The collection is significant given Jean Hornby's mother's descent from Robert Hornby (1854-1935) and Eva Merritt (1865-1959); her mother the chid of a family who settled in Kew in the 1850s, this providing a chain of provenance for items dating to the mid-nineteenth century, when her maternal forebears arrived in Melbourne. Other items represent Jean Hornby's contribution to her local and wider community.The items as created are representative and fine examples of late Victorian and or Edwardian needlework. While many such items were copies of published patterns, these may be original designs. Two mantle or pelmet decorations, with hand embroidered arum lilies on delustred satin backed onto canvas. One pelmet is slightly longer than the other, but each has the same number of bobbles on the trim. hornby family, families -- kew (vic.), jean hornby, soft furnishings, decorative arts, embroidery -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Royal Hotel, Sunbury, C.H.R. Christianson, 1890s
This item is part of a larger collection donated to the Kew Historical Society by Anna French. The collection includes personal items from the donor's family, as well as items given to the donor and her mother by a family friend, Lucy Merritt (Jean) Hornby. The item is from that part of the collection inherited or assembled by Jean Hornby. The collection is significant given Jean Hornby's mother's descent from Robert Hornby (1854-1935) and Eva Merritt (1865-1959); her mother the chid of a family who settled in Kew in the 1850s, this providing a chain of provenance for items dating to the mid-nineteenth century, when her maternal forebears arrived in Melbourne. Other items represent Jean Hornby's contribution to her local and wider community.This 19th century photograph includes significant architectural details of an important hotel in Sunbury, Victoria. Additionally, it was taken by a local photographer - CHR Christianson - who operated the Sunbury [photographic] Studio. Silver albumen print, mounted on board, of the original Royal Hotel on the corner of Brook and Evans Streets, Sunbury, Victoria.The single-storey, rendered brick building with a corrugated galvanised iron roof includes a number of pieces of information that may assist in dating the photograph. The licensee's name above the door appears to be M.A. Williams. To the left of the door on the external wall is a painted sign: 'BILLIARDS". Another painted sign on the front of the building reads "ROYAL HOTEL [illegible] BILLIARDS." An attached building at right may be the residence of the licensee. Specific architectural features of the building include a corner doorway with a lamp above, three sash windows and a larger square lead-light window to the right of the doorway. The latter identifies the space behind as the "BAR". On the footpath in front of this building is a grill set into the footpath to enable deliveries to a cellar. At least four figures can be identified in the photograph: a woman in the doorway, a man to her right, leaning against the wall, and two other men at the right hand side of the building. Beyond the boundary of the building is a sloping footpath to a bluestone edged gutter. An elm [sic] within a protective, picketed surround is in front of the building. C.H.R. Christianson is identified on the reverse as the photographer. Reverse in pencil: Royal Hotel Billards Sunbury / CHR Christianson photographerroyal hotel -- sunbury (vic.), chr christianson -- photographer, hotels -- sunbury (vic.), recreation -- billiards -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Postcard - St Lawrence's Church, Undercliff, I of W, 19th century
A 100-yerar-old (+) postcard designed and ornamented in sand. It is part of a larger collection donated to the Kew Historical Society by Anna French. The collection includes personal items from the donor's family, as well as items given to the donor and her mother by a family friend, Lucy Merritt (Jean) Hornby. The item is from that part of the collection inherited or assembled by Jean Hornby. The collection is significant given Jean Hornby's mother's descent from Robert Hornby (1854-1935) and Eva Merritt (1865-1959); her mother the chid of a family who settled in Kew in the 1850s, thus providing a chain of provenance for items dating to the mid-nineteenth century, when her maternal forebears arrived in Melbourne. Other items represent Jean Hornby's contribution to her local and wider community.Tiny postcard with a design made by local coloured sands. The card is attached to a larger inscribed sheet.Postcard: Alan Bay Sands / St Lawrence's Church, Undercliff, I of W. Sheet: Over 100 years / St Lawrence's Church Undercliff / Isle of Wight / Made of Alan Bay sand, which is of seven different colours.postacrds, isle of wight, coloured sand postcards, alan bay -- isle of wight -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Tour of the Boroondara (Kew) General Cemetery, 1977
Boroondara Cemetery, established in 1858, is within an unusual triangular reserve bounded by High Street, Park Hill Road and Victoria Park, Kew. By the 1890s, the Boroondara Cemetery was a popular destination for visitors and locals admiring the beauty of the grounds and the splendid monuments. The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical significance for the graves, monuments and epitaphs of a number of individuals whose activities have played a major part in Australia's history. They include the Henty family, artists Louis Buvelot and Charles Nuttall, businessmen John Halfey and publisher David Syme, artist and diarist Georgiana McCrae, actress Nellie Stewart and architect and designer of the Boroondara and Melbourne General Cemeteries, Albert Purchas.Walking tour led by Kew Historical Society members for members of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria in 1977. The photograph shows members of both parties assembled at a grave in the Cemetery. The photograph was one of six taken by KHS member Stewart West on that occasion, and subsequently donated by him to the collection by him.Reverse: "Front row in dark coat and glasses - Mrs Mills, With dark glasses reading - Mrs Ekberg (KHS member); Second from right Mr Slattery then president of Society; Far left Miss B Mackie (KHS member)" boroondara general cemetery, kew cemetery, walking tours -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Tour of the Boroondara (Kew) General Cemetery, 1977
Boroondara Cemetery, established in 1858, is within an unusual triangular reserve bounded by High Street, Park Hill Road and Victoria Park, Kew. By the 1890s, the Boroondara Cemetery was a popular destination for visitors and locals admiring the beauty of the grounds and the splendid monuments. The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical significance for the graves, monuments and epitaphs of a number of individuals whose activities have played a major part in Australia's history. They include the Henty family, artists Louis Buvelot and Charles Nuttall, businessmen John Halfey and publisher David Syme, artist and diarist Georgiana McCrae, actress Nellie Stewart and architect and designer of the Boroondara and Melbourne General Cemeteries, Albert Purchas.Walking tour led by Kew Historical Society members for members of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria in 1977. The photograph shows a Kew youth placing a sprig of Rosemary on Ellen Quick's grave. The photograph was one of six taken by KHS member Stewart West on that occasion, and subsequently donated by him to the collection by him.Reverse: "Kew youth placing a sprig of rosemary on grave of Ellen Quick nee Derrick who was the first burial on 12/3/1859. Her family Derricks were early Kew Landowners." boroondara general cemetery, kew cemetery, walking tours, ellen quick, dannock family, kew pioneers -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Image, John Robson
John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club -
Mt Dandenong & District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph
The Keoghs took up Lot 7 in the Village Settlement in 1905. John Keogh was a big Irishman and cleared many of the giant trees on his Lot 7. They had little water for their crops so grew gooseberries and red currants rather than the more valuable strawberries. Mrs Keogh (nee Cleary) inherited money in 1906 and they built a new weatherboard house. The original bush hut remained as the kitchen. Son James (Jimmie) married Mary Walsh, a teacher at the local school. Jimmie built the small shop on the triangle of land cut off when the CRB road went through. Jimmie and his wife left the district when he joined Victoria Police. Jimmie came back to the area and finally sold the land of Lot 7 to Rimington's Nurseries. He moved his family to Kilsyth. In 1939 the shop was moved across the road to be used as an office by the road builders. It burned down that year.Black and white photograph of a man, woman and young male standing outside a wooden hut. There are crop remnants in the foreground and a wooden paling fence behind the hut. A label on the front reads A SETTLER'S HUT. Reverse of photograph has handwritten description by John Lundy-Clarke.Front: A SETTLER'S HUT Reverse: 1905 Keogh's hut on Falls Road then Main Road. This was later the kitchen of their extended home as described in the narrative "Mountain of Struggle". The figures are - Mrs Keogh. John Keogh settler. Son James Keogh.keogh, john keogh, james keogh, jimmie keogh, mary walsh, cleary, shop, store, gooseberries, rimington's nursery -
Mt Dandenong & District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Building the Methodist Church at Kalorama, 1909
The Methodist Church was built in 1909 by volunteer labour. Mainly through the efforts of the daughters of Eliza Hand and their families - the Jeeves, Walkers and Badenhops. (Lundy-Clarke manuscript)Local residents working to erect the frame of the Methodist Church on the Main Road (Ridge Road) at Kalorama. Eight workmen are on the frame with fifteen well dressed residents standing in front. 1909. Image received as a digital jpeg.Printed on front of photo: 1909 Building the Methodist Church at Kalorama church, kalorama methodist church, methodist church -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - 'Neama', Studley Park Road, 1978
Edward Augustus Atkyns was born in Wiltshire, England in 1840. His family emigrated to Australia in 1852. As a young man he was a keen cricketer and played at the first cricket ground in the district, located between Barkers Road and Hawthorn Grove, on the site of the future Barker railway station. Atkyns was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1861, initially working in his father’s practice. He sat as a local magistrate in both Kew and Hawthorn and acted as solicitor for several shire councils. Elected to the Hawthorn Borough Council in 1863 at the age of 23, he served in that municipality as mayor in 1866-67. By 1877, he had moved to Kew where he lived at Neama in Studley Park Road, a property later incorporated into the St Paul’s School for the Blind.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant house in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of the main house of 'Neama', colloquially known as the 'farmhouse'. Photographed by Stewart West in April 1978 (it was later demolished by the Villa Maria Society).Annotated reverse: "Front view of Neama / Farmhouse on St Paul's School for the Blind Children / Fernhurst Estate"st paul's school for the blind, neama, studley park road -- kew (vic.), historic houses -- kew (vic.), villa maria society -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - 'Neama', Studley Park Road, 1978
Edward Augustus Atkyns was born in Wiltshire, England in 1840. His family emigrated to Australia in 1852. As a young man he was a keen cricketer and played at the first cricket ground in the district, located between Barkers Road and Hawthorn Grove, on the site of the future Barker railway station. Atkyns was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1861, initially working in his father’s practice. He sat as a local magistrate in both Kew and Hawthorn and acted as solicitor for several shire councils. Elected to the Hawthorn Borough Council in 1863 at the age of 23, he served in that municipality as mayor in 1866-67. By 1877, he had moved to Kew where he lived at Neama in Studley Park Road, a property later incorporated into the St Paul’s School for the Blind.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant house in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of the secondary building at 'Neama', colloquially known as the 'hall'. Photographed by Stewart West in April 1978 (it was later demolished by the Villa Maria Society).Annotated reverse: "Timber hall on Fernhurst land / Transported there approx 1878."st paul's school for the blind, neama, studley park road -- kew (vic.), historic houses -- kew (vic.), villa maria society -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - Artwork - painting, 'Grass Seeds' by Barbara Weir, 1999
Barbara Weir (b. 1945-03/01/2023) Born: In the region of Utopia, North East of Alice Springs, formerly known as Derry Downs Station Language: Anmatyerre and Alywarr Country: Atnwengerrp, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory One of the Stolen Generation, Barbara Weir was removed from her Aboriginal family at the age of nine, and she was raised in a series of foster homes. Reuniting with her mother, Minnie Pwerle, in the 1960s, Weir eventually returned to her family territory of Utopia, 300 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs. Active in the local land rights movement of the 1970s Barbara Weir was elected the first woman president of the Indigenous Urapunta Council in 1985. Barbara’s career as an artist was inspired by the dynamic community of artists at Utopia and the work of her adopted auntie Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Highly experimental in her approach, Barabara Weir tried many mediums before travelling to Indonesia in 1994 with other artists to explore batik technique. She returned full of ideas on how to develop her own style which has since evolved to a more expressive abstract form. Grass Seed is part of her Dreamings and is associated with women’s ceremony and the activity of food gathering of local seeds, grasses, berries, potato, plum, banana, flowers and yams. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Barbara Weir's paintings include representations of particular plants and "dreamings". Inspired by a small grass found in Utopia called Lyaw, Munyeroo or Pigsweed, Barbara's Grass Seed paintings consist of a series of small brush strokes that overlap and weave to create a swaying effect. This Dreaming tells the story of grass seed that is part of the bush tucker found in the region of Utopia. This seed is collected, crushed to a fine powder and is then used to make a bread, very similar to damper. The people of Utopia were still using this seed as late as the 1950s. During that time the seed grew in abundance but as the years passed there were very few good seeds to be found due to bullocks roaming the land and eating the grasses. The people then began to eat a substitute that the white man provided, and today very few Aboriginal people collect these seeds. art, artwork, barbara weir, aboriginal, dreaming, stolen generation, acrylic on linen -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Surrey Hills Mounted Police Station (Dem.)
Surrey Hills Mounted Police Station was located at 5 Suffolk Road (dem.) from 1889-1914. It was a police residence with two rooms as the police office and workshop. There were stables on the back fence. The property adjoined Wyclif Church in Norfolk Road. Gilbert McCallum rented from c.1914-1923 when he built a home in Westminster Street. It is his son Archie who can just be seen on the front steps. Archie remembers the 2 storied stables with a gantry for hauling feed sacks up with a block and tackle, then a polished wood slide to send the feed down. The McCallum children and local friends found this to be a marvellous slide. David McPhie, ex-police force, lived here with his family from 1923-c.1950. A black and white photograph showing a mid to late Victorian style weatherboard house with decorative brackets under the eaves. The verandah is of timber with decorative timber fretwork.surrey hills mounted police, suffolk road, surrey hills, wyclif church, (mr) gilbert mccallum, (mr) david mcphie, police, (master) archie mccallum -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Document - Account and receipt, Receipt signed (?) ES - possibly Eric Scanlan, Crump's Milk Pasteurising Depot account with attached receipt, 2 October 1958 /6 October 1958
Crumps Dairy (Milk Pasteurising Depot) was located at 6 Benson Street, Surrey Hills on the corner of Weybridge Street until c1973. It was demolished after it had been badly vandalised. The business closed after cartons replaced glassperishables including milk, bread, meat and fruit and vegetables bottles for sale of milk. It was one of many small local facilities for processing and delivering milk that existed from the early 1920s. Eric William Walker Crump (1903-1981) headed the family business. Also involved were Kevin Eric Crump, Eric William Scanlan. NB/ Also held in this collection is a copy of a project by Chatham Primary School student, Susanne Pascoe, dated 1956 which includes photos of the dairy's operations. An oral history by Dave Croft, a driver for the dairy, who lived close by, is also relevant. The account also mentions 'Towt'. Canterbury Oliver Towt (1890-1962) was another dairyman whose premises was on the corner of Chatham and Mont Albert Roads.This is material evidence of business practice c1920s-1960s when accounts for goods received, especially perishables, were often hand-delivered on a weekly basis, with monies owed collected at the door. A paper account printed red on cream (discoloured) paper with the details of the date, account holder and address typed in and the amount owed hand-written in blue ink. The attached receipt has been stuck onto the account and filled out in grey pencil and blue ink. The amounts are in pounds, shillings and pence.Typed: 2/1; 2 OCT. 1958 M/- MATTHEWS, 42 GUILDFROD RD. SURREY HILLS, E.10dairies, crumps dairy, crumps milk pasteurising depot, kevin eric crump, eric william scanlan, eric william walker crump, towt's dairy, canterbury oliver towt, accounts, receipts, guildford road, geoff matthews, ruth matthews, benson street, towts rosehill dairy -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Document - Account and receipt, Receipt signed (?) ES - possibly Eric Scanlan, Crump's Milk Pasteurising Depot account with attached receipt, 16 October 1958 /20 October 1958
Crumps Dairy (Milk Pasteurising Depot) was located at 6 Benson Street, Surrey Hills on the corner of Weybridge Street until c1973. It was demolished after it had been badly vandalised. The business closed after cartons replaced glassperishables including milk, bread, meat and fruit and vegetables bottles for sale of milk. It was one of many small local facilities for processing and delivering milk that existed from the early 1920s. Eric William Walker Crump (1903-1981) headed the family business. Also involved were Kevin Eric Crump, Eric William Scanlan. NB/ Also held in this collection is a copy of a project by Chatham Primary School student, Susanne Pascoe, dated 1956 which includes photos of the dairy's operations. An oral history by Dave Croft, a driver for the dairy, who lived close by, is also relevant. The account also mentions 'Towt'. Canterbury Oliver Towt (1890-1962) was another dairyman whose premises was on the corner of Chatham and Mont Albert Roads.This is material evidence of business practice c1920s-1960s when accounts for goods received, especially perishables, were often hand-delivered on a weekly basis, with monies owed collected at the door. A paper account printed red on cream (discoloured) paper with the details of the date, account holder and address typed in and the amount owed hand-written in blue ink. The attached receipt has been stuck onto the account and filled out in grey pencil and blue ink. The amounts are in pounds, shillings and pence.Typed: 2/1; 16 OCT. 1958 M/- MATTHEWS, 42 GUILDFROD RD. SURREY HILLS, E.10dairies, crumps dairy, crumps milk pasteurising depot, kevin eric crump, eric william scanlan, eric william walker crump, towt's dairy, canterbury oliver towt, accounts, receipts, guildford road, geoff matthews, ruth matthews, benson street, towts rosehill dairy -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Document - Account and receipt, Receipt signed (?) ES - possibly Eric Scanlan, Crump's Milk Pasteurising Depot account with attached receipt, 18 September 1958 /22 September 1958
Crumps Dairy (Milk Pasteurising Depot) was located at 6 Benson Street, Surrey Hills on the corner of Weybridge Street until c1973. It was demolished after it had been badly vandalised. The business closed after cartons replaced glassperishables including milk, bread, meat and fruit and vegetables bottles for sale of milk. It was one of many small local facilities for processing and delivering milk that existed from the early 1920s. Eric William Walker Crump (1903-1981) headed the family business. Also involved were Kevin Eric Crump, Eric William Scanlan. NB/ Also held in this collection is a copy of a project by Chatham Primary School student, Susanne Pascoe, dated 1956 which includes photos of the dairy's operations. An oral history by Dave Croft, a driver for the dairy, who lived close by, is also relevant. The account also mentions 'Towt'. Canterbury Oliver Towt (1890-1962) was another dairyman whose premises was on the corner of Chatham and Mont Albert Roads.This is material evidence of business practice c1920s-1960s when accounts for goods received, especially perishables, were often hand-delivered on a weekly basis, with monies owed collected at the door. A paper account printed red on cream (discoloured) paper with the details of the date, account holder and address typed in and the amount owed hand-written in blue ink. The attached receipt has been stuck onto the account and filled out in grey pencil and blue ink. The amounts are in pounds, shillings and pence.Typed: 2/1; 18 SEPT. 1958 M/- MATTHEWS, 42 GUILDFROD RD. SURREY HILLS, E.10dairies, crumps dairy, crumps milk pasteurising depot, kevin eric crump, eric william scanlan, eric william walker crump, towt's dairy, canterbury oliver towt, accounts, receipts, guildford road, geoff matthews, ruth matthews, benson street, towts rosehill dairy -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Bill Willaton on one of Tacey's butcher's shop delivery horses, c 1920, 1920
The date is approximate. Bill Willaton was a driver for C E Gray & Son, bakers of Canterbury during the 1930s. Tacey's butcher shop (dem) was located at 629 Canterbury Road. Black and white photo of a young boy on a light-coloured horse in vacant land adjacent to Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills. In the background a girl is standing in front of a new-looking paling fence behind which can be seen local landmarks. On the right is Hansen's Terrace; on the far left part of the Surrey Hall can be seen and in the middle ground the rear of McNeill's Family Hotel (Surrey Lodge), Dartnell's corner and the side of the post office.tacey's butchers, horse-driven vehicles, hansen's terrace, surrey hills post office, surrey lodge, mcneill's family hotel, surrey hall, william willaton, bill willaton, surrey hills, canterbury road -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, 152 Union Road Surrey Hills
Eric Pringle's boot and shoe repair shop, with Ives fruit shop adjoining were both were both important local businesses. Those who remember Eric said nothing was too difficult or unimportant. He was so dexterous that he could carry on a conversation with tacks in his mouth. Eric James Pringle (c1904-1980) married Lillian May Gertrude Collins in 1928. He had boot making businesses in Glenferrie and Kew before coming to Surrey Hills. He enlisted in WW2 (No V363574). He is first listed at 152 Union Road in 1943. The business continued at this address but the family are listed at 283 Mont Albert Road in later electoral rolls.A black and white photograph of a shoe repair shop. A sign identifies it as E.J. Pringle's shop. There appears to be a residence above the shop.union road, surrey hills, boot makers, eric james pringle -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, What's for dinner? The Chatham Primary School Cook book, Nov 1999
The book was edited by Clare Nicholls (Coney) and the photo on the front cover shows a view of her then home 'Monserrat' at 26A Wandsworth Road, Surrey Hills. Silky Swallow was a Chinese restaurant at 369/371 Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert. Wild Flower was located at 1 Theatre Place, Canterbury. It was established in c1993 and until 2004 was BYO. Chef's Tandoor is located at It was established in 1991 by Mr Virender Bist (Owner/Chef) who had been head chef with the Taj Group of Hotels. Bollywood on the park is located at 156 Elgar Rd, Box Hill South, opposite Wattle Park. A community cook book with recipes for every occasion. It includes recipes contributed by staff and families plus special recipes from local restaurants and celebrities.chatham primary school, cook book, chef's tandoor, bollywood on the park, wildflower restaurant, silky swallow restaurant, monserrat -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Fred Lyons' taxi decorated for celebrations for Empire Day in 1930s, 1933-1938
Lyons family history: From 1907 a cab service operated from near the railway gates in Union Road. It was established and maintained by Mr C Fraser until c1916. George Rea either took over then or set up in opposition. Fred Lyons initially worked for George until he set up his own business. In time he changed over to a motor vehicle and continued his service until 1960. Frederick Adolphus Lyons (1891-1980) was born in Surrey Hills, son of Thomas and Catherine Lyons. He married Elizabeth Ruby Hall in 1918. They lived just around the corner at 55 Sunbury Crescent. The Lyons’ home in Sunbury Crescent was called ‘Knopshambury’ - this was probably a misspelling of Knockshanbally in Co Kilkenny, the birth place of Fred’s father, Thomas Edmund Josias Lyons (1846-1915). Arthur Lyons was born in Surrey Hills on 12 Jun 1920. He became a motor mechanic / welder and lived at 55 Sunbury Crescent. Empire Day celebrations were held in Surrey Hills from 1906-1911 and revitalised from 1933-1938 by the Surrey Hills Progress Association. Street parades featuring decorated business vehicles and bonfires were a feature. This is one of a series of photos donated by Arthur Lyons.The donation was made while he was in hospital. He died shortly afterwards (23 Sep 1990). Donation was finalised by a neighbour, Mrs Florence Ann Armitstead, wife of Glen Victor Armitstead. Glen was a local hairdresser. They moved to 11 Sunbury Crescent after their marriage in 1939. Arthur had no relatives to distribute the material to. Empire Day celebrations were held in Surrey Hills from 1906-1911 and revitalised by the Surrey Hills Progress Association from 1933-1938. The evening parade of floats, and vehicles both horse-drawn and motorised, proceeded along Union Road to the Surrey Gardens beneath festoons of candlelit lanterns, bunting and flags. The paper flowers used extensively on trade and business vehicles were the result of hours of work by families and friends. The Empire Day Celebrations were a great community event, in some years augmented by bonfires, including the ones in Beckett Park.Black and white photo of Fred Lyons' taxi decorated for Empire Day. The cab is parked in the street and is festooned with flowers and ribbons on the hood, bonnet radiator, running board and in the tyre spokes. Three women stand beside the cab. There are houses in the background. motor vehicles, festivals and celebrations, taxis, empire day, fred lyons, frederick adolphus lyons -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Document - Invitation To Meet their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall & York, His Majesty's Ministers of State for Australia, 1901
The commemorative booklet 'Our Invited Guests for the Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia : An open directory of the guests invited to Melbourne, May 9th 1901' lists invitees from each Australian State. The Misses Dowling are not on this list, however the booklet does list The Hon Thomas Dowling MLC, and his "lady" from Camperdown as well as Edwin Percy Dowling esq, Shire Secretary of Camperdown. Perhaps the Misses Dowling were part of this family. While not invited to the opening of Parliament on the 9th, the guest list for later events may have been extended on other occasions.The document design has artistic and aesthetic merit. While it is not rare, it is representative of the kinds of formal designs used for the Australian Commonwealth celebrations at the time of Federation, and is in excellent condition. Such items as this invitation have local, state and national historic significance as mementoes of a key moment in Australia's history. An invitation on card to the Misses Dowling to attend an evening reception at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on 9 May 1901, to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall as part of the celebrations of the opening of the first Federal Parliament. A figure of Britannia, in red dress and mailed vest holding a shield like the Union Jack, is on the left of the invitation; she reaches out her hand towards a younger female figure, representing Australia, who is dressed in blue and holds a shield which is white with a blue cross decorated with stars. The writing is on a scroll in the centre of the certificate, and there is a border of vines and vine leaves. The royal crest is at the base of the certificate.Printed on a banner across the top: 'IN CELEBRATION / OF THE / OPENING / PARLIAMENT of the COMMONWEALTH / OF AUSTRALIA' Printed below the banner: 'To meet Their Royal Highness / the DUKE and DUCHESS of CORNWALL & / YORK / His Majesty's / MINISTERS OF STATE FOR AUSTRALIA / have the honor to invite / [handwritten] The Misses Dowling / to an Evening Reception at the / Exhibition Building MELBOURNE, / on the 9th of May 1901, at 8 o'clock'.federation events - victoria, australian federation 1901, misses dowling - kew, royal visits, federation events - victoria, australain federation 1901, misses dowling, royal visits, melbourne exhibition building -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Certificate - Certificate of Appreciation to Mr John Watson Esq, Kew Methodist Church, 1907
"METHODIST CHURCH. In 1881, during the ministry of Rev. W. H. Fitchett, B.A., at Hawthorn, a number of members of the denomination living at Kew considered that the time was opportune for founding a local Church. The Superintendent of the Circuit, the Rev. W. A. Quick of Richmond, met the members and formed them into a society class under the leadership of Mr. A. Brown and a Church was formally instituted at the house of Mr. T. J. Eaton, of Eglinton Street, in December, 1881. Services were regularly held for some time at the same place, and funds for purchasing a block of land were gradually collected, resulting in the present site in Highbury Grove being purchased for £350. Messrs. W. Cleverdon, A. Money, T. E. Serpell, and T. Vasey, of Hawthorn, and Messrs. A. Brown, R. Eyre, and T. J. Eaton of Kew, were appointed trustees. A public meeting was held a the Town Hall, when over £100 was raised. The Rev. John Harcourt, who had just been placed on the supernumerary list, was persuaded to undertake the charge, and commenced services in the Town Hall on 29th April, 1882, which were continued for eighteen months. A Sunday School was started, and altogether the effort progressed so satisfactorily that in October, 1882, the foundation and memorial stones of the present Church were laid by Mr James Huddart. At the tea meeting held in connection with this event nearly £200 was raised and a few months later £250 more was obtained by means of a bazaar. The contract for building Church was let for £1,200. The Sunday School celebrated its first anniversary in June, and the Church was opened on 7th October 1883, the preachers on the occasion being Revs. E. J. Watkin, S. Chapman, and John Harcourt, the collections amounting to £230. Towards raising these sums of money the ladies of the congregation helped very materially. In 1886 the foundation stone of a Sunday school, to cost about £900, was laid by Mrs. H Berry, the building being opened in April 1887. During the same year the Church was enlarged. In 1889 parsonage was erected, and again arrangements had to be made for a further enlargement of the Church, at a cost of nearly £2,000. The foundation stones of the tower were laid by Rev J. Harcourt, and of the transepts by Mrs. Job Smith and Mrs. John Watson. These additions were made during the ministry of Rev. P. R. C. Ussher, the first minister appointed to Kew by conference. He has been succeeded by Revs. Henry Howard, J. de Q. Robin, J. J. Brown, J. G. Wheen, A. E. Albiston, M.A., and F. J. Nance, M.A., who is at present ably filling the pulpit. For the musical portion of the services, the Church has been greatly indebted to the enthusiasm of Mr. C. Gardner, the leader of the choir, and Mr. C. E. Gardner, the organist. The Sunday School has had a number of excellent workers, among whom may be mentioned Messrs. Burchett, Allum, Hillard, Tonkin, Dent, Avery, McDonald, Green, and B. Hoadley, who have acted as Superintendents, and Messrs. Arnall and McCaghern as Secretaries. The present trustees are Messrs. H. Berry, Job Smith, A. Hoadley, F. Vial, C. Powers, H. L. Carnegie, C. H. Green, W. R. Rylah, E. M. Tonkin, S. Gaylard, J. Gregory, J. R. McDonald, T. J. Eaton, F. S. Fitchett, and S. Lamble; Society Stewards, T. J. Eaton and B. Hoadley; Poor Stewards, G. Hinchliffe and G. Fraser; Church Stewards, C. H. Green and G. Hinchliffe; Treasurer, F. S. Fitchett; Secretary, S. Lamble." Source: FGA Barnard, Jubilee History of Kew, Victoria, 1910Commemorative tributes were regularly produced in the 19th and early 20th Century to honour community service. Most were adapted from traditional lithographed models. This example, while created within a formal lithographed border has been transmuted into the equivalent of an illuminated document, hand-painted, and therefore rare. The use of flowers in the design emphasises the sentimental and spiritual aspects of the certificate. The document is a rare unique record of the Kew Methodist Church's history.A hand written testimonial for John Watson Esq from the Trustees of the Kew Methodist Church. The customised colour lithograph includes, at lower left, a turn of the century photograph of the Kew Methodist Church in Highbury Grove. The entire certificate is surrounded by floral art and scroll work. The central text uses neo-gothic lettering.‘Dear Sir … in view of your compulsory retirement on health grounds, from the position of Church Steward, [the Trustees] desire to express their great appreciation of your long service of over 22 years, in that and other offices in the Church. They trust that you will yet be spared many years in fellowship with our Church, and that God’s richest blessing be on you, and your family. We remain, Yours sincerely A. E. Albiston (Minister), S. Lamble (Secretary), F. S. Fitchett (Treasurer), T. J. Eaton (Trustee), C. H. Green and Hubert S. Howell (Church Stewards); March 28th 1907’. john watson esq, kew methodist church, highbury grove, certificates, tesimonials