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Melbourne Legacy
Audio - Recording, tape, Legacy House, by Legatee Grat Grattan
The tape has not been played from the label it is Legatee Grat Grattan talking about Legacy House. Legatee Grattan was very important member of Legacy for many years. He was well placed to tell the story of the donation towards Dureau House as L/ Grattan was pivotal in it's story. BG Corporation of New York used 'Brown and Dureau' as agents in Melbourne for their spark plug manufacturing (for the American aircraft based in Australia during the war). A royalty of two shillings and sixpence was agreed. The entrepreneur President of BG Corporation was Richard Goldsmith. L/ Grat Grattan had a friend Mr Edwards who was managing director at Brown and Dureau and heard of the desire by Goldsmith to leave a permanent memorial to ex-servicemen in Australia (Children's Hospital was considered). Grat took Edwards to Market St and showed him the inadequacy of the building. It was agreed if Melbourne Legacy could come up with a purchased building in 10 days they would get the money needed. The property purchased was 'Storey Hall' in Swanston St (also called Hibernian Hall in other documents). After the war it turned out not to be suitable and a new building was required. Contents TBC 'Perhaps his most lasting monument is Melbourne Legacy House. Through his friendship with one of the principals of the firm, Brown and Dureau, Legacy was given a donation of 30,000 pounds in 1944. A condition of the donation was that Legacy had only eight days in which to buy a building. A building across the road from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology was bought for 18,000 pounds and the balance invested. The building was sold in the early '50s and the proceeds plus the invested money enabled Legacy to buy its headquarters, Dureau House, in Swanston Street in 1955."It may be confirmed when played but it is likely a significant recording of the history of the acquisition of Dureau House.Clear plastic cassette tape in a cardboard box.Cardboard box, rainbow, C20, Tape a letter. Cassette, side 1 - Legacy Week by Legatee Grat Grattan, 1, Rainbow, Tape a Letter. 10 minutes per side. side 2 - as above.legatee, grat grattan, dureau house -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - 'Ross House', Cotham Road [Kew], c.1960
Ross House, formerly called Charleville, was built as a two-storey mansion in 1889 for Charles Donaldson. It was designed in the Italianate style by the architect H. Shallers and built by G. Ginham. Dr Tom King, surgeon purchased Charleville from Donaldson in 1939 and renamed it Ross House. This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Facade of Ross House (formerly Charleville) in Cotham Road, Kew. The image was selected by Dorothy Rogers for inclusion in 'A History of Kew' (1973), facing page 80.Ross House. Built 1889 by Donaldson. Known then as Charleville. Not published.ross house, charleville, cotham road, kew, dorothy rogers, charles donaldson, tom king, g. ginham, h. shallers -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Mr A Noack, Emilia Villa, 4 Albany Crescent, Surrey Hills, 1984
The house was built in 1913 for Mr James Rubira and named for his wife Emilia Tajouera Guidotti, an Italian opera singer. She was born in 1865 and died in Surrey Hills on 21 October 1950. James was born in 1863 in Allela, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain and died on 8 November 1935 in Surrey Hills. They married in Victoria in 1892. They married in 1892. James's mother was a member of the Parer family. The Rubiras and the Parers were among a number of Spanish families who began to migrate to Australia in the 1860s. James' mother was Teresa Florentina Lluisa Parer. Many of the families settled in Box Hill and then Surrey Hills by the 1900s. The Rubiras and the Parers established and supplied a number of high-class restaurants and hotels in Melbourne.Coloured image of an Edwardian style brick house at 4 Albany Crescent, Surrey Hills. It shows the path up to the house with the garden on each side. There is a fountain in the garden on the LHS of the path.On rear in blue pen: "Mr Rubira's House / per / A Noack (underlined) / Albany Cres"emilia villa, house names, 1913, singers, spanish community, italian community, ethnic communities, parer family, albany crescent, surrey hills, restaurants, hotels, edwardian style, mr james rubira, mrs emilia rubira, miss emilia tajouera guidotti -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Postcard, Rose Stereograph Co, "Princes Bridge and Government House Melbourne", mid 1930s
Rose Series postcard No. P 10650 titled "Princes Bridge and Government House Melbourne", looking southeast from Flinders St Station clock tower. Has three W2 class trams, (One at Batman Ave terminus), two buses and some horse-drawn vehicles in the view.,Yields information about St Kilda Road, mid 1930s.Postcard - printed real photograph with Rose Stereograph Co. name on the rear. Two copies held.trams, st kilda road, princes bridge, government house, w2 class, st kilda rd, tramways -
Port Fairy Historical Society Museum and Archives
Photograph, 1930's
Men eating in the dining room of Seacombe HouseRare photograph of interior of Seacombe House dining room in the 1930's with two local men identified socialising.Black and white photograph of men sitting at a table in the dining room of Seacombe House 1930'sWritten in pen on back Jan Willey's grandfather Arthur Ezard "Doc" at head of table Seacomb House Added later - Tubby Olsen front rightarthur ezard, tubby olsen, dining room, seacombe house, sackville street, building, interior -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Hubert Maggs and his house and horses at Gumly Gumly (near Wagga Wagga) N.S.Wales. 3 Photographs
Three photographs of Hubert Maggs and his house and horses at Gumly Gumly (near Wagga Wagga) N.S.Wales. The back of the horses photo is endorsed: This photo was taken at Hubert Maggs' wheat farm at Peak Hill, N.S.W. and some of these horses were bred from a mare names "Jess" which Hubert took from Ringwood to Mount Mercer, Victoria, and from Victoria to Peak Hill N.S.W. Hubert - second eldest son of Joseph Maggs. -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Newspaper, The Age, "Treasure House of history to shed light on millions of museum's secrets", 8/03/2008 12:00:00 AM
Newspaper clipping from The Age, Saturday 8/3/2008, titled "Treasure House of history to shed light on millions of museum's secrets", reporting on the Museum's intention to show more of its exhibits. Features a photo of the Flying Tram - 2006, that was used in the opening of the Commonwealth Games and other objects. Quotes Museum Director, Dr Patrick Greene and Vegan McMasters of the Museum. Item written by Chee Lung with photos by Andrew De La Rue.Keith has written in ink "This opportunity is not the one we visited in '05 which has a cable tram (front half only)".trams, tramways, commonwealth games, museums, events, w class, tram 2006 -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, That's our house, A history of housing in Victoria, 1986
All houses were designed to provide protection from the elements and a home base for family activities - sleeping, eating, washing, recreation and earning a living. What changes is not the purpose, but the way this purpose is achieved. This book is about all these things. It is not just about architecture. Foreword by Hon Frank Wilkes, Minister for HousingAn 80 page soft-cover book with index and numerous photos and sketches.On the front cover in top RH corner and on foreword page in Jocelyn Hall's writing: "Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre"architectural styles, housing - victoria, ministry of housing, architecture - domestic - victoria, (mr) nicholas hudson, (mr) peter mcewan -
Hume City Civic Collection
Container - Port Crock, Jeff Cossum, Sunbury Court House 1885
This is a port crock with No. 89 of a special edition of 150 crocks commemorating the restoration of the Old Sunbury Court House. The restoration of the old courthouse which was built in 1885 with an extension to the front and right hand side added in 1965 before the courthouse closed in 1989. The courthouse was restored and reopened in February 1993 as the Visitor Information Centre.The Sunbury Court of Petty Sessions building was built in 1885. Extensions were added in 1965 with the courthouse closing in 1989. After the closure local residents formed a committee to save the courthouse and for it to be used for the benefit of the community this was achieved and with the Shire of Bulla council help was restored and the building reopened as the Sunbury Visitor Information Centre in 1993. The Visitor Information Centre closed and shifted across the road to the Hume Global Learning Centre.A cream and brown stoneware port crock with a small handle that has a paper tag tied to the handle with raffia. There is a broken cork in the neck of the flagon."SUNBURY COURTHOUSE 1885"sunbury court house, goonawarra vineyard, shire of bulla, cossum, jeff, sunbury, george evans collection -
Buninyong Visitor Information Centre
Photograph - Photograph, framed, Buninyong Bowling Club 1902-1903
See images of reverse of frame for an incomplete list of club members in the photograph. The old club house is in the background, now replaced by modern club rooms at the club, which still operates today. The club was formed in 1872 and the old club house was replaced in the 1950s with a larger complex of facilities. This was in turn replaced by another new building in 2011. The club has maintained a strong membership throughout its history. Original black and white mounted and framed photograph of c.40 members of the Buninyong Bowling Club, 1902-1903. Old club house in the background. A list of the names of most people in the photograph provided on the back of the frame. Buninyong Bowling Club 1902-1903. Old club house in background.bowling, sport, buninyong -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Notice, Press Release, Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), "Queen's Birthday Levee at Parliament House Friday 13th June 1969", Jun. 1969
Set of two documents issued for the "Queen's Birthday Levee at Parliament House Friday 13th June 1969". .1 - notice to passengers printed on semi gloss paper for tramcars giving details of the even, diversion for Bourke St routes, shuttle in Bourke St and minor service changes for Swanston St and Collins St. .2 - Press statement - carbon copy on foolscap paper, giving details as for .1 and for services for Queen's Birthday Holiday the following Monday.trams, tramways, mmtb, services, queens birthday, bourke st, events, parliament -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Award - Trophy
EPNS House Challenge cup with separate wooden base which has a silver collar engraved with the names and dates of the winners. The front bears an engraving of the school's crest.Front: "Stratherne P.G.G.S. Presented by Mrs F.W.Seekamp" "House Challenge Cup" Back: "Dare House" "Patterson House" "Davidson House"stratherne presbyterian girls' school hawthorn, stratherne presbyterian girls' grammar school hawthorn, school awards, trophies -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Jim Connor, Fireplace, Boomerang House, 195 Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, 31 August 2021
Gordon Ford and photographer Sue Winslow were married in 1965. They set up home in an old log cabin on the property Gordon had purchased in 1954 on Laughing Waters Road. Situated between the Yarra River and Overbank Road, Gordon had built a small mud-brick shack on the river and a pontoon. Over the decades the shack has been locally referred to as “the love shack”, the “rooting shack” or simply “Gordon’s shack”. Gordon and Sue commissioned local builder Graeme Rose to do a wattle and daub renovation and extension to the old log cabin on the north side of Laughing Waters Road. The work had only just been completed in 1965 when a bushfire swept through the area and destroyed the cabin. Gordon and Sue relocated to his property, Fulling, in Pitt Street, Eltham. In 1970 work started on a new house at the Laughing Waters property. Originally known as the Banana House, it is now known as Boomerang. Designed by Alistair Knox, the mud-brick house includes iron window grilles made by Matcham Skipper that puncture the curved mud walls. The grilles were made from ‘off-pressings’ from the Sidchrome tool works in Heidelberg. Gordon, Sue and family moved into the house in 1972. Their marriage fell apart and Sue moved to Sydney with the children around the same time Gordon commenced building Birrarung just below Boomerang on the Laughing Waters Road block. After the Fords moved out, Boomerang it was rented out to various share households of students, musicians, artists and environmentalists for twenty-four years. Gordon Ford sold Birrarung and Boomerang to Melbourne Water in 1999. The Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program was developed as a partnership between Parks Victoria and Nillumbik Shire Council. Boomerang was deemed unfit for habitation so was used as a day studio only. By 2001 Boomerang was in a poor state of repair and by 2002 the last artist in residence was to use the house as a studio. Nillumbik Shire Council had been granted funds from the Melbourne Community Fund to restore both Boomerang and Birrarung but it was apparent in early 2003 that the funds would be insufficient to restore both houses. Boomerang was infested with termites which presented a risk to any occupants and so the decision was made to close Boomerang and concentrate funding on Birrarung. Boomerang was fenced off for safety and to prevent intrusion and remains ‘caged’ today (2023). However, it is readily apparent the property has been occupied by squatters over the years. By 2023 it was clear that the squatters had abandoned the property and sections of the roof structure have given away in some areas and collapsed internally. For a more in-depth description and history of the property and that of Gordon and Sue Ford, see Jane Woollard's book, "Laughing Waters Road; Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham" published 2016.jim connor collection, laughing waters road, boomerang house, gordon ford -
Orbost & District Historical Society
booklet, 1958 Road Safety Colouring Competition, second half 1950's
Between the 1950s and 1970s, road safety was redefined as a medical and social problem, rather than a moral and legal one. This was a time before seat belts. The Road Safety Colouring Competition was a free colouring competition for children, organised by Commonwealth Oil Refineries Ltd., started in August 1954 with the , aims of teaching road safety. There were 1,000 prizes, valued at £1,200. The winner would receive a £100 bursary and a free plane trip with one parent to Canberra to receive the prize from the Federal Minister for Transport, Senator.G. McLeay. This booklet is the one used by the children in Orbost in 1958. This booklet was designed to promote road safety awareness, with messages and activities specifically considered for children. Its aim was to teach road safety in a fun, but educational way. This item was an important educational tool. A booklet of competitions - Road Safety- Victorian Section for Children It was issued by the Australian Road Safety Council. The front cover is blue, red, black and white. It contains crosswords, colouring competitions with entry forms.road-safety competitions-colouring -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, School excursion, Ancient Times House, Melbourne, August 1981, 1981
School excursion, Ancient Times House, Melbourne, August 1981, Eltham Christian School, 1981. From series of photographs from a magnetic photo album relating to the staff, students and activities of the Eltham Christian School which operated as part of the Eltham Christian Church at Nyora Road, Eltham. See also entries for each photograph.2 Colour Photographseltham christian school, ancient times house -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, Bulmer H D, 1950c
Black and white photograph of Victoria House, showing two buildings, one ornate with gable roof, the other simple style with hipped roof, incorporated to make large guest house. Lakes Entrance VictoriaVictoria House Lakes Entranceguesthouses, architecture -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, House extension, 6 (Lot 7) Bird Street, Eltham, c.1963, 1963c
Three black and white photographs of 1960s house extension at 6 Bird Street, Eltham 1. West side extension added. Built by Allan Giles. Dug holes for stumps, inspected by Council prior to photograph. Allan had his own plumber and electrician - all Masons 2. Glen Giles 4 years being born 1959, additional room built by his father Allan Giles 1960s (c.1963) 3. West side extensionbird street, houses, bayles, gwen baker -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Hand-Written Note In Pencil - Annexe Register As Boarding House
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents proposals put forward by Bob Hymans to develop facilities in the Falls Creek Tourist Area.A note, probably a draft of a letter, discussing plans by Bob Hymans to convert his annexe to be officially registered as a boarding house. The issue has been discussed with the Health Inspector at Bright. Necessary modifications before the start of the next season. He was seeking permission to have up to 5 lodgers stay during the current year, with further changes to be made for further expansion to satisfy Health Department requirements. Mr. Hymans was asking the Management Committee for support by putting this recommendation to the State Electricity Commission.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, bob hymans -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Painting - Oil Painting, Kenneth Jack, Captain Blair's House, n.d
Image showing three stone buildings in a country scene. In the foreground there is man and child and two goats. There is a car with three people surrounding it. The weather looks dark, dark clouds. A large Norfolk Pine behind the building. The middle building is two storey with an outhouse attached. A chimney and two spires at each end of the house. The building to the right of the main building is weatherboard with a fence. To the left of the main building is a ruined stone building with the roof fallen in. Trees and hills surround. Gold painted frame.Bottom right - Kenneth Jack - July 1952 -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Contemporary Thomas Hogan House
Previous Owner/Occupiers of this house: 1889 Thomas Hogan;1890 Walter Scott Murray; 1895 Dr A. Park; 1909 Marion Reilly; 1909 Dr Ley; 1911 Mrs I. Maidment; 1913 Pat McNamara; 1935 Reilly Bros.; 1971 James Reilly; 1980 Ray Carr; 1985 Alan Tillett; 1987 Shire of Rodney.buildings, historic -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Holiday camp at Blamey House 1961, 1961
A photo of country Junior Legatees that had come to Melbourne for a camp in January 1961 on a bus ready for an outing. The girls came from all over Victoria and stayed for two weeks at Blamey House in Kew. At the time Legatee Bert Davis was CFO, and his daughter Louise was asked to help with the running of the camp. Photos donated by Legatee Bert Davis' daughters.A record of outings and camps provided for junior legatees in the 1960s.Black and white photo of a bus of Junior Legatees.camps, blamey house, junior legatee outings -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Display panel featuring different types of Victorian timbers, Forestry House - 601 Bourke Street
Timber panels salvaged from the foyer of Forestry House 601 Bourke Street in late1980s. The material for the plaques was assembled in carpenters shop in FCV districts throughout the State. Timber was kiln dried by M. Feiglin & Sons at Nunawading and erected by Peter Danby Pty. Ltd. Two highly decorative panels thought to be carved by Robert Prenzel in about 1908. Closely linked to FCV Forestry House in MelbourneTimber Display PanelTwo highly carved panels thought to carved by Robert Prenzel in about 1908forests commission victoria (fcv) -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - Hockey Team - Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo, c1988 to 1990
This photograph of Fortuna’s Hockey Team was taken at the Bendigo Regional Hockey Complex, Garden Gully, Ironbark, a suburb of Bendigo circa 1988 to 1990. It is possible this photo was most likely taken at an inter-area Army competition or alternatively, an inter-service or local Bendigo competition.This photograph of Fortuna’s Hockey Team was taken at the Bendigo Regional Hockey Complex, Garden Gully, Ironbark, a suburb of Bendigo circa 1988 to 1990. The photograph was printed on photographic paper and is part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photograph was scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, colour, c1988 to 1990. Back row L to R: Peter Imeson, Trevor Osborne, Andy Love, Peter Lefel, unidentified, Graeme Spong, Nadine Paul, Stuart Thaxter. Front row L to R: Nick Cowan, unidentified, John Reid, unidentified, Dick Crawford.No personnel are annotated.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Excursion to Fields house next to school early in year, Eltham Christian School, 1982, 1982
Excursion to Fields family house under construction next to school early in year, Eltham Christian School, 1982. From a series of photographs (some cropped) from a magnetic photo album relating to the staff, students and activities of the Eltham Christian School which operated as part of the Eltham Christian Church at Nyora Road, Eltham. See also entries for each photograph.3 colour photographseltham christian school, nyora road, buildings, construction, field house -
Cockatoo History & Heritage Group
Landscape Plan, Providence House Cockatoo, 1930's
The Presbyterian Church owned three lots of land bounded by Pakenham Road and the northern side of Dorchester Road, between 1927 and 1964. Providence House opened in 1927 as a peaceful country rest home for “tired mothers” from the inner suburbs, and their children. It was also used, at different times, for kindergarten groups and in 1955 for a girls Bible Class for Easter “studies, fun and fellowship.”Cockatoo had several guest houses which took paying guests. Providence House did not charge fees, but is the best-documented of the large houses which provided accommodation.Framed landscape design plan under glass, with detailed plant listings. Original watercolourDonated by Victoria & Digby Newcombe 2003presbyterian church, rest home, landscape plan, garden design, cockatoo victoria, providence house, black n.c, -
Bialik College
Photograph, Opening of Samuel and Margaret Wynn House, Shakespeare Grove, 1969, 1969
The official opening of a new school building by major donors, Shakespeare Grove, 23 March 1969. The community are seated outside in the school grounds watching the ceremony and unveiling of the newly designed and built school building, the 'Samuel and Margaret Wynn House' - a new ultra-modern buidling consisting of four classrooms and facilities. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr. Samuel and Mrs Margaret Wynn.shakespeare grove, major donors, celebration, opening ceremony, presentation, community, fundraising -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, “Eyrecourt” House now 5 Scallan Streetin c1900's, Approx 1902
Postcard of “Eyrecourt” 1900s now 5 Scallan Street. Bill Kinsella's parents William Jennings Kinsella and wife Sarah nee Peardon lived there when first married in 1902 until they moved to farm in Ashens 1911. In 1919 the Chinese Herbalist Dr. Charles Lum lived at "Eyrecourt". It is not know who built the house or when it was demolished but the block was vacant in 1960's.B/W. Photograph of a Brick housewith an iron roof with a veranda, lots of Plants in foreground. On Rear Post card "Eyrecourt" Scallan Street No 5 Scallan Street A Picard Stawellstawell -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Tim and Betty Burstall House (1948-1960s)
Tim and Betty Burstall designed and built their mud brick house in (68 Napier Crescent) Montmorency in 1948. Extensions were added in the 1960s. The Alistair Knox Collection (Image 6) The Alistair Knox Collection is a series of mounted enlarged photos of about forty images mud brick houses and related subjects. The collection is understood to have been put together by Alistair Knox although it is the work of several unacknowledged photographers. For some years it was held by the Building Department of the former Eltham Shire Council and was then passed to EDHS. Some of the photos have been used in Knox's books. Alistair Knox (1912 - 1986) is acknowledged as the founder of Eltham's mud brick building movement. Many of the buildings shown in the collection are of his design and he was also involved with the construction of several of them. Others are the work of his contemporaries and associates such as Peter Glass, Gordon Ford, and John Harcourt. (EDHS Newsletter No. 145 July 2002)Handwritten notes in pencil re details of building, year of construction, owner, designer, builder, etcbetty burstall, houses, mud brick construction, tim and betty burstall house, tim burstall, montmorency, alistair knox collection -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Slide - State Ballroom: Government House Victoria, John T Collins, 1979
Government House, Melbourne was constructed between 1972 and 1876 to a design of William Wardell. The State Ballroom is part of the 'State Apartments' which also includes the State Hall, State Drawing Room, State Dining Room and the Billiard Room.The slide is significant as it represents the ceiling decoration of the State Drawing Room in 1979.One of six colour transparencies, purchased from John T Collins of interior and exterior views of Government House, Melbourne. This photograph (slide) is of the throne in the State Ballroom."South Yarra Government House Throne J Collins 17-10-79"government house -- melbourne, victorian interiors, ballrooms -- melbourne (vic.), john t collins -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Allwood House, Hurstbridge, 16 April 2008
Allwood - built in 1894 by Henry Hurst’s relatives, stands near the site of his house, which was demolisherd in the 1940s. Until 1924 Hurstbridge was known as Allwood. The building, one of the district's oldest is situated back from the corner of Arthurs Creek Road and Main Road. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p17 Hurst, who was a surveyor, came to Melbourne in 1852 by default, as on the way to Sydney he contracted typhoid and was off-loaded in Melbourne. Deciding to settle near Melbourne, he selected some land near the present Eltham railway station and was one of the first to grow crops there.2 But disaster struck again, when his shack was looted and burned, while he was carting goods for sale to nearby goldfields. It was then that Hurstbridge’s first settler, Cornelius Haley, asked Hurst to manage his 160 acres (65ha) grazing property and 9000 acres (3443ha) of leased land where the present Hurstbridge stands. Hurst proved equal to the tough conditions and he and his brother, Fred, cut a track with a bullock team from the property to Romsey, where Haley had selected some land. Hurst also put up a bridge across the creek near his house, after which Hurstbridge was named. He ran the property helped by two ticket-of-leave men and others, several of whom were sailors who had abandoned ship in search of gold, and were working there temporarily. In 1866, only 14 years after coming to Australia, Hurst met an early tragic death. One day a bushranger named Burke came to the house and demanded a horse. Hurst thought the bushranger might be an officer in search of runaway sailors3 and anyway, did not like the look of him, so he refused. A tussle followed and apparently Hurst shot first.4 He was shot and died five hours later from loss of blood. Later, troopers found Burke, who was subsequently hanged. The event is recorded in the Old Melbourne Gaol. The government offered the family £500 but the family refused it as ‘blood money’. Hurst’s father, Robert, even signed a petition against the bushranger’s death, claiming one life did not replace another. Hurst’s family continued to live in the district and saw a rise in their fortunes. They bought Haley’s cattle station and built the present Allwood House, using the original home as an orchard packing shed. The present Victorian style timber house had several outbuildings including a blacksmith’s shop. The property passed on to William Gray, an orchardist and nurseryman, who married Hurst’s grandniece, Frances. The business boomed from the early 1900s when it supplied most of the orchards in the area. Gray was Eltham Shire’s President for two terms and was asked to stand for parliament, but his wife’s illness and other family commitments prevented him from doing so. Then several calamities drove the family to bankruptcy. During World War One, Gray lost more than one million pounds on trees shipped overseas, which the Lloyd’s company had refused to insure. Other factors, including the Great Depression, ruined the family’s fortunes. The land was reduced from more than 640 acres (256ha) to 50 acres (20ha) and the older members married and left. After Mr Gray died, the house was leased, until his daughter Sheila Ferguson and her husband Gordon settled there in 1951, after buying it from other family members. However in 1975 the Shire designated the property as a passive recreation reserve. The Ferguson family sold most of the land, leaving the house on 0.6 hectares.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, hurstbridge, henry hurst, allwood house