On September 23, 1925 the State Goverment gazetted a transfer of land in Raleigh Street, Prahran to RVIB. This was used to establish a hostel for women apprentices and workers, and building commenced in 1926 and was completed in 1927, at a cost of 3500 pounds. Demand for accommodation was strong and in 1929 a hostel for men was completed. The building were used as hostels for many years, but as demand decreased, the Institution found other ways to utilise the buildings. In 1972, a plant nursery was established on the site and other departments temporarily used the site. In 1994 the Employment Services team moved out of the building and the site was sold to developers.17 col. images of the partially demolished house at Raleigh Street, Prahranroyal victorian institute for the blind, raleigh street hostel

The Sister-in-Charge, Florence Lee-Archer, and a Trained nurse (Nurse) are about to leave the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Nurses Home at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy to visit patients. The MDNS moved into these larger premises at No. 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy in May 1904. This establishment was their Headquarters as well as the Nurses Home. Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer and five Trained nurses, known as 'Nurse' in those days, were employed by MDNS at that time to visit and give nursing care to the poor in their own homes. In 1885, 50 years after Melbourne was founded, it was recognized that nursing care was needed for the sick poor in inner Melbourne. The Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) was founded in February 1885 with one Trained nurse, called 'Nurse' in those days, and a second employed six months later, working in the now CBD, ie from Spencer Street to Spring Street and from Victoria Parade to Flinders Street. From its inception the Society was at the forefront of health care and liaised with Doctors. They provided high quality nursing care; educated their patients in the curing and prevention of disease and teaching the importance of cleanliness, fresh air and good nutrition, both by verbal instruction and demonstration, even supplying soup and milk when needed. At that time they walked the streets and lane ways amid the slums of inner Melbourne carrying their nursing bag containing lotion, ointments, powders, liniment, bandages, dressings, a case of spirits, and the Nurse's own clean apron, soap and small towel. They supplied equipment on loan, such as earthenware hot water bottles, splints, urinals, bed pans, bed cradles, feeding mugs, and air-cushions as well as providing blankets and clean bed linen, and nightdresses as necessary. Trained midwives began home births in August 1893 taking midwifery bundles and providing clothes for the babe as needed. The Nurses provided nursing care to a range of people, often in destitute situations, some lying on rags on the floor as they had no bed, others with just a bed and maybe a thin blanket, a chair and nothing else. Their ages ranged from babes, children, adults to the elderly. The Nurses gave medications as ordered, dressed wounds e.g. to the injured, and surgical cases, and to those with leg ulcers; attended to patients with ‘surgical ailments’ such as ‘hip disease’; gave care to those with acute illnesses such as bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, measles, and scarlet fever, as well as those with chronic illnesses such as consumption (tuberculosis), heart disease, arthritis, cancer, debility, neuritis and paralysis. The Nurses were becoming exhausted, particularly in the heat of summer. Permission to use bicycles was given to them in 1898 and the Society decided to purchase their own in 1903. A business man offered ‘new free wheel’ bicycles at £13 each, which included maintenance for one year. Bells and wooden frames were added at a cost of £5 per frame so the Nurses could carry extra equipment. Nurses bags were strapped to the handlebars. Soup was made for those in need 2-3 times a week, and if patients could not arrange to have it collected, the soup was delivered by the Nurses on their bicycles. Their use caused a change in uniform, with white pith helmets, and veils covering them and tied under their chins, now being used and straw hats in summer. In 1904 the Society relocated to rented premises at 5 Royal Terrace, Nicholson Street in Fitzroy. In 1913 a nurse had her ‘board and residence, uniforms, bicycles and laundry expenses’ provided and was paid £50 a year for her first six months. At the end of a year her salary was increased by £5, and later she earned £60 a year. Over the years the Nurses complained their veils became wet in the rain and asked for a change of uniform, but this did not occur until 1921.Digital Image showing, on the right, Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) Sister-in-Charge Florence Lee-Archer wearing a long white uniform and white cap with long white tail (veil) seen hanging from its rear. On her left, is a MDNS Trained nurse (Nurse) wearing a long grey uniform with white collar and cuffs, and wearing a pale colour straw hat with Maltese cross in the centre of the white hatband. The hat is held on by a veil over the hat and tied under her chin. They are standing by their bicycles, the front wheels and handlebars seen; the Nurse has a nursing bag attached to the handlebars of her bicycle. Behind them and to their right, a black sign with the words 'Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing the Sick Poor in their Own Homes' written in white capital letters can be seen attached to the metal spiked fence. Behind this are some shrubs and part of a building in the rear.Melbourne District Nursing Society - For Nursing The Sick Poor In Their Own Homes.melbourne district nursing society, mdns, mdns headquarters, mdns matron, rdns, royal district nursing service, sister florence lee-archer

Colour slide of three legatees and a map in a forest. The caption identifies Ken Brumbrell and Graham Fogarty. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a view of Legatees during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'The deamon drivers out from Picola / Ken Bumbrell / Graham Fogarty' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, legatees

Colour slide of five legatees and a lady (presumably a Legatee's wife) in the Picola Hotel after collecting wood from the area. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of Legatees at the Picola Hotel during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Picola Hotel' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, legatees

Colour slide of two semi trailers loaded with wood and several cars in a forest near Euroa. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of two semi trailers and cars in a forest near Euroa during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Transport off. Euroa - Firewood' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, semi trailers, wood, forests

Colour slide of a dark red truck beside a pile of cut wood in a timber yard near Eildon. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a red truck in a timber yard during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Cutting last loads / Eildon' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, trucks, wood

Colour slide of a dark red truck beside a pile of cut wood in a timber yard near Eildon. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a red truck in a timber yard during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Cutting last loads / Eildon' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, trucks, wood

Colour slide of legatees loading a semi trailer beside a pile of cut wood in a timber yard near Eildon. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of legatees loading a semi trailer in a timber yard during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Hand written on front 'Eildon - Firewood / Quick loading' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, semi trailers, wood

Colour slide of a legatees in overalls in the bush to collect firewood having a break near a table of food. It was during Operation Firewood. Legatees would organise collection of wood from the country and distribute it to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Other slides show the cutting and loading of wood and delivery to widows in metropolitan Melbourne. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of Legacy helping widows by sourcing, supplying and delivering firewood. When open fires were the main source of heating, a load of firewood and help moving it, would have been very important to the widows.Colour slide of a group of men beside a semi trailer loaded with wood in Eildon during Operation Firewood in brown Anscochrome cardboard mount.Printed on front in red ink 'Anscochrome / View from this side / Made in Australia'. Handwritten 'Lunch picnic, Howqua / Mansfield group' and '20' in blue pen. Printed on reverse in red ink 'Processed by Verycolor photo labs. Melbourne, Victoria'.operation firewood, legatees

A colour slide of 9 girls at a ballet barre in a senior girls class probably taken at the same time as The Rose dance formation in 1958 (02853). That would make it the dance room at Legacy House Swanston St. The blue and red walls haven't been seen in other photos of that era as they are normally in black and white. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of the dance room at Legacy House.Colour slide of girls at a ballet barre in Legacy House, in a brown Super Anscochrome cardboard mount.Handwritten on front '3' and 'Girls class' in blue pen and '13 in pencil'.girls classes, ballet, dance

Colour slide of children playing on a slide at Government House. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. A group of slides in glass mounts with green tape are probably from a couple of consecutive years. They will be catalogued separately. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of children playing on a slide at a Legacy Christmas Party at Government House, in a glass mount with green tape.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of mothers and children on the steps of Government House. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. A group of slides in glass mounts with green tape are probably from a couple of consecutive years. They will be catalogued separately. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of mothers and children coming down the steps of Government House for a Legacy Christmas Party, in a glass mount with green tape.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of people at the Christmas party at Government House. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. A group of slides in glass mounts with green tape are probably from a couple of consecutive years. They will be catalogued separately. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of people near a tent at a Legacy Christmas party at Government House, in a glass mount with green tape.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of children playing on a slide at Government House. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. A group of slides in glass mounts with green tape are probably from a couple of consecutive years. They will be catalogued separately. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of a boy playing on a slide at a Legacy Christmas Party at Government House, in a glass mount with green tape.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of mothers and children on the steps of Government House. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. A group of slides in glass mounts with green tape are probably from a couple of consecutive years. They will be catalogued separately. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of mothers and children coming down the steps of Government House for a Legacy Christmas Party, in a glass mount with green tape.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of people at Government House. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. A group of slides in glass mounts with green tape are probably from a couple of consecutive years. They will be catalogued separately. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of people at Government House for a Legacy Christmas Party, in a glass mount with green tape.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of people at Government House. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. A group of slides in glass mounts with green tape are probably from a couple of consecutive years. They will be catalogued separately. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of people at Government House for a Legacy Christmas Party, there is a car with PA sound system on top, in a glass mount with green tape.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of a legatee speaking at a Legacy ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance. One of the annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students" events, held just prior to ANZAC Day. The ceremony provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain an appreciation of the Anzac spirit, the significance of the Shrine and the meaning of Anzac Day. The year is unknown but likely to be during the 1950s. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a ceremony for school students at the Shrine run by Legacy for many years.Colour slide of a legatee speaking students at a ceremony at the Shrine in 1950sanzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony

Colour slide of a lady in an orange dress and two legatees at Government House in 1960. She is in 5 photos taken that day so may have been a legatee's wife. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. Junior Legatees were given gifts. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of a lady and two legatees at a Legacy Christmas Party at Government House, in a cardboard Kodak mount with red printing.Handwritten 'Xmas Party, Govt House Party 1960' in blue ink.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of a lady in an orange dress and three legatees at Government House in 1960. She is in 5 photos taken that day so may have been a legatee's wife. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. Junior Legatees were given gifts. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of a lady and three legatees at a Legacy Christmas Party at Government House, in a cardboard Kodak mount with red printing.christmas party, government house party

Colour slide of Governor Delacombe and a group of boys at Government House in the 1960s. Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe became Governor of Victoria in 1963. Melbourne Legacy held an annual Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and Widows at Government House for many years. Junior Legatees were given gifts. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a Legacy Christmas party held at Government House.Colour slide of Governor Delacombe with a group of boys at Government House Christmas party in a blue Agfacolour plastic mount.christmas party, government house party, governor of victoria, rohan delacombe

Colour slides x 2 of a function at Legacy House in 1962. The slides show the food laid out in the Level 2 function room. It shows that in the 1960s the walls were painted blue and pink. Was a social function for legatees and their wives. There are 11 slides that appear to be the same function. One mentions President Lobb so it was 1962. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of a social function for Legatees and their wives.Colour slides x 2 of tables of food for a social function at Legacy House in the 1962, in a cardboard Agfacolor mount with blue and white stripes on the reverse.Handwritten '2' and '3' in pencil.legatee function, wives

Photo of the trophy awarded at Legacy Bowls tournaments. It was named after Sir Dallas Brooks who was a patron of Melbourne Legacy when he was Governor of Victoria. Melbourne Legacy held regular bowls tournaments for Legatees. Some events were as a fundraiser for Legacy and well as a social event for legatees. The date is estimated to be the 1960s as it was with other slides from that period. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the Legatees and for fundraising.Colour slide of a the Dallas Brooks trophy at a Bowls Tournament in Kodak mount.The mounts are imprinted slide numbers and one has 'Dallas Brooks Bowls Final' handwritten on it.bowls, legatee event, trophy

In 1924, Arthur Arnold and his father Wilhelm Arnold had established a general store in High Street, near the water tower, but in 1931–32 they moved to new premises in High Street on the corner of what is now known as Elgin Boulevard. In 1933-34 they widened the frontage of the shop and added new premises at the rear for the sale of produce. The Arnolds continued to trade until they finally closed their store in 1950. Wilhelm Arnold was a brother of J G Arnold, whose business ultimately became the present-day Arnold’s Fruit Market, Wodonga.This is an image of an early Wodonga businessman who was also active in the communty.A black and white image of 2 children looking through the window of Arnold's store. A newspaper advertisement for the company is also included.Above Shop: A.ARNOLD & Co. / HARDWARE - GROCERY/ CROCKERY - PRODUCEwodonga businesses, a arnold general merchant

A black and white photo of Stan Savige's funeral from a file about the life of Stan Savige. The funeral was at St Paul's Cathedral on 18 May 1954. Two thousand men marched in the funeral procession to the Boroondara Cemetery, Kew. As the procession moved off, members of Legacy formed up and marched behind. This is shown in a photo from a Legacy newsletter from July 1954 as copied here. Hundreds of people lined Flinders Street as the procession passed. A 15-gun salute marked the funeral of late Lieut.-General Sir Stanley Savige.The funeral indicates the high esteem in which Sir Stanley Savige was held by the Australian public for both his war service, and for founding Legacy.Black and white photo of the funeral of Sir Stanley Savige in 1954.stan savige, funeral

A portrait of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh that has been owned by Legacy for many years. It was previously hung alongside a painting of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, but has been moved to storage in the archive. Extremely similar to a portrait of Price Philip that is owned by the City of Melbourne. It had been painted in 1956 just before Price Philip opened the Olympic games in Melbourne. Perhaps this was a draft or copy of the City of Melbourne portrait. Prince Philip was an honorary member of Legacy after a visit to Sydney Legacy in 1954.Oil painting of Prince Philip in a gilded wooden frame.Author signature in bottom right, 'Dargie'.portrait, prince philip

The Mission accommodated seamen from all nationalities from the earliest days of operation. Asian seafarers are recorded visiting the Mission from the late 19th C. onwards. The first Chinese chaplain to be appointed was Rev Steven Wong who moved to Melbourne in the 1960s. Rev Wong served from 1963-1966 and according to his sons helped design these information brochures. Images of Rev'd Wong are included in the VC Database. The pamphlet gives days and times of activities such as dances and films and chapel services. The Chinese writing was made by Reverend Stephen WongA rare surviving period example of a non-english speaking flyer on information about the Mission to Seafarers Victoria Commercially printed paper single fold flyer providing directions and information to the Central Club, Missions to Seamen at Flinders St extension, in Mandarin. Contains a drawing of the central mission and a map of Docklands.In English: CENTRAL CLUB/THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN, FLINDERS STREET EXTENSION, MELBOURNE C.3 In Mandarin: Translation (from Google translate): date and time of services / date and time for dances, movie sessions, teareverend stephen wong, mandarin, chinese, asian, reverend perry mitchinson

Garry BISH (1950- ) Born Charlton, Victoria After training as a secondary school art teacher in Melbourne in 1968-69, Gary Bish moved to Bendigo, where he established the Potters Arms Studio in Epsom in 1972 while studying for a Diploma of Art and Design in ceramics at the Bendigo Institute of Technology, graduating in 1974. Establishing an independent studio in Epsom in 1972, Garry Bish has lectured in Ceramics for many years. Bish marks his work with his signature or an impressed 'B' with a stem like a feather, or in later years the Initial GB in a square. Plate by hand drawn glaze designceramics, gary bish, australian studio pottery

Situated at 965 Main Road adjacent to the Eltham Railway Station, the Country Art Store was originally a hairdresser and Tattersalls agency In 1968 Pam Robinson and Caroline Shenton opened a small shop on the corner of Main Road and Napoleon Street. Four months later a damaged fire hyrdant flooded the store and ruined all their stock. The pair moved to the former hardresser shop at 965 Main Road, adjacent to the Eltham Railway Station, opposite the Stationmaster's house and opened the Country Art Store and adjacent gallery. At the time the only other shop selling pottery was the Potters Cottage in Warrandyte. During the 1970s the gallery was the Wiregrass Gallery. In 1993, after 25 years operating the Country Art Store, the pair decided to sell up and move to warmer climates. During the course of their business a number of craft shops and galleries opened and closed in Eltham. One such shop was Bimbadeen, next to Ansell and Muir's chicken shop opposite Eltham Lower Park. That business run by Don Brown, then a local artist was taken over as River Clay run by Leo Haanappel and Coeny Dommers but ultimately sat in a flood plain and was demolished. When the Country Art Store became available in 1993, Leo Haanappel and Coeny Dommers took it over. The premises became Platform 3095 cafe around 2015.Old Property at Eltha Station E. Foremanart store, country art store, country art store (eltham), eltham railway station, platform 3095, restaurants, shops, wiregrass gallery

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