The Eltham Court House is Eltham's oldest public building. It was classified by the National Trust in 1977. In 1857 five Eltham residents petitioned the licensing magistrates of the Heidelberg district asking for better police protection, including from itinerant gold prospectors who turned to crime when their quest was unsuccessful. In response the Eltham Courthouse was constructed in 1860. Over the years it has also been used for other activities, including for electoral polling purposes, inquests, early meetings of the Eltham Roads Board and even as an overflow classroom. This type of localised solution is characteristic of the self-reliance preserved in Eltham today. The court house is an important symbol of the spirit which makes Eltham distinctive as a community. The Eltham Courthouse is historically significant because its construction was intended to emphasise the centralised control over law and order in the Colony of Victoria in the wake of the 1852 Snodgrass committee report on the Victorian police force and the resulting Police Regulation Act (1853). The nature of the Court House planning and use of architectural devices make the building's function easily interpreted. The arrangement of rooms, with public entry and clerical rooms to the rear, and the use of raised floor levels throughout these spaces to signify relative rank is easily perceived. The distinction in entries, public, magistrate and person-in-custody, and the existing court furniture enhances appreciation of this building. The Eltham Court House is one of only two intact examples in the state of this simple design with projecting entry. The building is of architectural significance because it retains intact early features. These include use of handmade bricks, simple decoration, roof trusses, timber ceiling boards, original windows, doors and associated hardware and a collection of court furniture. Additions to the court house have been done in a manner which did not interfere with the fabric of the original building. Typical cases heard before the Court of Petty Sessions included financial debt, straying livestock, theft, assault, drunkenness, public disorder, truancy, motor vehicle offences, unregistered animals and failing to have children attend school, or be vaccinated. The courthouse operated for over 120 years before it closed in 1985. In April 2021, Nillumbik Shire Council authorised restoration of the building and furnishings. The extensive works required for the total restoration of this highly valued heritage building was undertaken by Ducon Building Solutions and other specialist contractors. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Victorian Heritage National Trust of Australia (Victoria) State significance Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p65 A demand for better police protection resulted in the building of the Eltham Courthouse and the police residence beside it. In 1857 five Eltham residents petitioned the Heidelberg district licensing magistrates. They pointed out that Eltham had two hotels, a population of about 1000, and many strangers employed on the public roads. Yet the nearest police were at Heidelberg eight miles (12.8km) away, or at the Caledonia Diggings 21 miles (33.7km) away.1 Subsequently the courthouse and then the police residence, near the corner of Main Road and Brougham Street, were built in 1859/60. The courthouse is Eltham’s oldest public building and the National Trust classified it in 1977. It ceased operation in 1984 and has since been used by local groups. There are only six other known examples of similar small brick country courthouses in Victoria . For £536, a Mr Duncan built the courthouse – a neat, narrow, oblong building with handmade orange bricks. Its gabled roof and porch are covered with brown slate tiles and it has 12-paned windows. Inside, the roof is peaked and the courthouse is still ventilated by oblong slits near the ceiling. Most of the fine carved timber and upholstered furniture is original. The original prisoners’ door, now permanently closed, led from the police station to the dock. Builders, Langridge Wright and Witney built a timber police station (since demolished) and a brick residence to its north,2 for £1150/7/-. Built around the same time were the lock-up behind the residence, also later demolished, and the two-storey orange brick stables. The former police residence also has a brown slate roof and handmade bricks. The front veranda roof is made of corrugated iron, as is the roof of the back weatherboard extension. The application for police protection was approved within a few months and police operated from a cottage rented at ten shillings a week and owned by William Jarrold. This was probably the one at the corner of Main Road and Dalton Street called Jarrold or White Cloud Cottage. In 1858 a second constable was appointed to Eltham following a fight at the hotel. The timber police office a replica of which was built in the early 1990s is at the building’s side. The lock-up was demolished following the relocation of the police to a new station in about 1952. The residence has been used as the Eltham District Historical Society centre since 1997. Records show court cases were held at Eltham before the courthouse was built, but the location is unknown. Some court cases were not very different from those today. In 1891 a man was charged with being drunk while in charge of a horse and was fined ten shillings. The courthouse was used for other purposes during its long history. It was probably used as a polling place as indicated by old photographs of election-day crowds outside. The Eltham Road Board met there from the early 1860s until 1868 when the Board transferred to Kangaroo Ground. During the same period the Road Board Secretary used the courthouse as an office until 1867 when it was transferred to his home at Wingrove Cottage. The courthouse was also used as an overflow classroom for the Dalton Street school in 1875. The two buildings can further link us with Eltham’s early days through Police Department correspondence. The first constable-in-charge was George Reid. In 1860 a letter to The Argus newspaper signed ‘A Sufferer’ declared the Eltham police were not active enough in their duties. The writer suggested that the ‘very snug’ police quarters were too comfortable, and he detailed various incidents including one of an alleged break-in to the Road Board Secretary’s home. But the Board Secretary, C S Wingrove, wrote to the Police Department refuting The Argus letter saying he had received full co-operation from Sen. Constable Peter Lawler.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, eltham court house, main road

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A coloured photograph of a combined "letter tape" back home to Australia for the 8 Field Ambulance Hospital Red Cross girls, Jean Debelle, Winsome Ayliffe and Janice Webb. These short tapes give the girls a feeling of being home to be able to talk to their family and friendsphotograph, 8 field ambulance hospital, red cross, jean debelle (red cross), winsome ayliffe (red cross), janice webb (red cross), gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons

A letter from the Children's newspaper, edited by Arthur Mee, the Fleetway House, Farringdon St. London E. C. 4. The letter is dated November 2, 1921. "My dear Elma, very many thanks for your letter. I am delighted that my papers come into your home. That is all very interesting about your Aborigine, and I will gladly see if we can manage to have a paragraph about him. I am very much afraid, however, that he is only one of the endless procession of clever people who think they have solved the problem of perpetual motion. all the good wishes, yours sincerely, Arthur Mee.document, elma wells., the children's newspaper

Black and white photographs and newspaper cutting. (Images P0133a and P0133b)Image P0133a reads: " 'Merrigang', Ringwood North, 1917. This paper, enclosed in a bottle, was..... by William and Eliza Mackinlay of Ringwood, Victoria. William Mackinlay was born at Campbellfield, Victoria on the 19th February 18?? A.D.. Elizabeth Mackinlay, nee White was born at Richmond, Victoria on the 28th May 1856. The house in which this is deposited was built by the above named, as a dwelling for their son William Raney Mackinlay and his wife Amy Justin, daughter of ?? Somerville. (Signed) William Mackinlay, Elizabeth Mackinlay." The other small note reads- "To the finder- look within" Image P0133b is of Raney Peake. Newspaper cutting is from the Mail 10-2-66.

The RI stands for Rex Imperator. This letter / certificate was given to Don Dunoon (father of Lynn Brown) who served in World War 1. He later came to Orbost and married into the Lynn family - Mary Ellen Lynn. This certificate was given to all servicemen who survived the war. A World War I demobilization certicate / letter from Buckingham Palace to those who served in the Great War. At the head of the letter is the royal coat of arms and 'Buckingham Palace' letterhead in red printed ink. The text reads: 'The Queen and I wish you God-speed, and a safe return to your homes and dear ones. A grateful mother country is proud of your splendid services characterized by unsurpassed devotion and courage' Below is the ink printed signature of King George V - 'George R. I.' Additional information : These certificates were given to Dominion and Empire troops from Canada, New Zealand, Australia & etc., who had survived the Great War as it was then known. These documents were an Empire issue, not an issue for British service persons. R I is short for Rex Imperator which is Latin for King & Emperor. The document was sent to Colonial, Empire & Dominion troops only. This personal document gives an insight into the human element of World War 1 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and died while playing a vital role during this time are remembered.A certicate / letter from Buckingham Palace to those who served in W W 11. At the top is the royal coat of arms and Buckingham Palace in red print. Print is black and it is signed by "George R.I."ww1 georgev dunoon-don

Letter, Set of two letters, carbon copy, typed by Mr Lewis Russell to Mr. R. A. Spencer while on tour with Mr Bell in 1938. See Reg Item 934 for the report. The two letters give the nitty gritty of the going-on's at the time in the MMTB. .1 - three quarto sheets, stapled in the top left hand corner, dated Monday 2 May, outlining activities at home. The main point is a O'Meara - Eakins appeal which involved extensive legal advice about titles, positions etc. Mr O'Meara title noted as chief draftsman. Notes names of various legal figures such as Mr. Herring KC. Also notes Cr. Gray, Cr. Gorman, Mr. Bell (Jnr?), Mr Cass. Appears that Mr. McGlashan "has been dipping his beak into the flowing bowl" and had been dismissed. Appears he was collecting the fees from the Wattle Park Golf course. Letter continuation of 4 May - appeals still going on, the death of Mr Monsbourgh and dismissal of Mr. Ellis and a 3rd sheet dated 9th May. Reports on drawing up a lease for a Mr. Better, snow and some personal family matters? .2 - letter dated 3/8/1938 Has notes re Mr O'Connor and the benefit society, retiring gratuity, costs, Mr Guice, Mr Richardson. A presentation to the City of Caulfield - Cr Packer and Colonel Cohen, bad press for the MMTB on tram services in the area, Balaclava Road in particular and a report football match between Richmond and Collingwood.Has initials in pencil on base of 2nd pagetrams, tramways, mmtb, letters, publicity, city of caulfield, appeals, personnel, benefit society, gratuity scheme

Collection of Personal Papers regarding the sale and recovery of tram bodies 12 Kilara Road Mentone in 1982. Comprises: 1 - letter to the TMSV dated 28/4/1982, to the TMSV from Duncan & Weller for auction on 29/5/1982. 2 - Newspaper from The Age, 12/5/1982 regarding the forthcoming article 3 - Photocopy of an article from March 1, 1930 The Australian Home Beautiful titled "A House Built from tram cars, by W. A. Somerset 4 - Set of five photographs and negative of the above article, possibly by the State Library. In an orange folder addressed to Mr. Kings. 5 - Newspaper item the Herald, Sat 28/8/1982, "House of the rising tram" reporting on the removal of the tram bodies from this house by the TMSV. Has a photo of the TMSV Chairman, Hamish Haugh removing a shower fitting. Item folded.trams, tramways, mmtb, pmtt, mentone, tramcars, melbourne, houses, sale of land

Assorted personal papers, cards and letter belonging to Private John William ELLIS 218,5334 24th Battalion and Australia Flying Corps. Born Rupanyup. Occ Farmer at Nyarrin. Served Gallipoli and Western Front. Returned to Australia 15/2/1918YMCA Aldwych Hut x 2 No 46137 and 46200 Bed only YMCA In the Field notepaper dated Jan 7 1918 handwritten letter in pencil Receipt dated Mar 29 1919 for Australian piano and stool. Four page letter written in pencil dated July 10th France from brother Bob Statement of Account for AIF pay and allowances Pte J W Ellis Card - cream coloured - From the Majoress of Exeter and Committee Wishing you good luck Card - cream coloured stamped in red Massage Dept. Daily Appointment with handwriting in pen Card x 2 one pink one orange Welcome Home - Returned Soldier's Hospitality Committee, FremantleAs abovejohn william ellis, 24th battalion, ww1, personal papers

Documents re first attempt to establish an archive centre/museum in Bendigo, from 25/04/1988 to 12/12/1988Michele Matthews collection - documents re first attempt to establish an archive centre/museum in Bendigo, from 25/04/1988 to 12/12/1988 25/04/1988 - handwritten and typed letter from Michele Matthews iniating an opinion to have a Bendigo Archives 21/04/1988 - letter for meeting of the Bendigo Archives / Museum Core Group on Wednesday June 1st at her home, 18 Kirby Street, Golden Square 16/05/1988 - letter signed by 20 members of the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies "in full support of the proposed archives" 23/05/1988 - Minister of Property Services acknowledging the letter concerning the possibility of housing various public records in a proposed museum in Bendigo 24/05/1988 - five page letter from Wayne Gregson, Providence Cottage, RMD Barnadown Road, Goornong supporting the proposed museum 1/06/1988 - minutes of the archives and museum working party's inaugural meeting held on June 1st at 18 Kirby Street, Golden Square 2/06/1988 - two page flyer form Bruse Reid, Liberal Spokesman - Lister House could be Bendigo's Museum 17/06/1988 - letter from Diane Collier, acting archivist, advising of consulting archivist services 20/06/1988 - advising Bendigo City Council discussed the proposed Bendigo Regional Archives Museum on several occasions and "supports, in principle, the aims and objectives of the submission" 8/07/1988 - letter to Mr David Kennedy, Member for west Bendigo from the Minister for Property & Services, Peter Spyker M.P. 12/07/1988 - 14 page letter from David Kennedy M. L. A., referring the letter from Mr Spyker 14/11/1988 - minutes of a public meeting held at "Lister House", 37 Rowan Street, Bendigo to "establish interest in forming a steering committee....to promote the formation of a Bendigo & Regional Archive and Social History Museum at "Lister House" 1/11/1988 - three-page submission / proposal for thew establishment of a Bendigo Regional Archive and Social History Museum 24/11/1988 - from David Kennedy M.L.A. forwarding a reply from the Minister for Property & Services

Documents re first attempt to establish an archive centre/museum in Bendigo, from 25/04/1988 to 12/12/1988Michele Matthews collection - documents re first attempt to establish an archive centre/museum in Bendigo, from 25/04/1988 to 12/12/1988 25/04/1988 - handwritten and typed letter from Michele Matthews iniating an opinion to have a Bendigo Archives 21/04/1988 - letter for meeting of the Bendigo Archives / Museum Core Group on Wednesday June 1st at her home, 18 Kirby Street, Golden Square 16/05/1988 - letter signed by 20 members of the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies "in full support of the proposed archives"

The letter from the immigration and Labour Bureau revolves around J.W.Pierce getting his sons wife passage to Australia. The son is also J.W.Pierce No 261 21st Batt AIF who was in France. His wife’s name was Hazel whom he married in late 1916. James returned home in 1919, there is no records in his service documents as to his wife getting passage to Australia. This is George Frederick Pierces brother. George won the DCM. Refer Cat No 4136P for his service details, award and death. Part of the collection of William (Bill) Thomason, refer Cat No 4136P for more items.Letter on official letterhead, yellowed colour, printed in black, ref No 16/581, entries typed in black. At th top is a coat of Arms with “Department of Lands and Survey" around the top.“For Mr J.W. Pierce Sebastion Via Bendigo, 29th November 1916”letters, immigration, military

Letter written on white paper and dated Oct 31 1865 from Richard Goss, CR. Letter gives instructions as to payment and deductions per week for Bro W. Salter untill declared of the funds. Signed Carl Mueller across the letter.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court foresters home, court king of the forest, richd goss, carl mueller

The Orford family, a pioneer family remained continuously living and working in Eltham for 170 years from 1854 to 2024. James and Sarah Orford arrived in Sydney in 1839 aboard the ship “Orestes”; they had several children there before settling in Eltham in 1854. Three children, James Mathias, Sarah Amelia and Thomas Henry initially remained in the Eltham area. James eventually moved to Brunswick. Sarah married Arthur Butler Young and finally lived in Bunyip. Thomas who was six years old when the family arrived in 1854 remained in Eltham, married Helen Logan who died, leaving a large family. They lived in a slab hut by the Yarra at Laughing Waters and Thomas managed the Panton Park Estate, a selection owned by Magistrate Thomas Panton. Thomas’s son, Ernest Orford was born 1892 at Pitt Street, Eltham and also lived his entire life in Eltham working as a labourer, orchardist and later as a gardener and grounds keeper for Sir William Irvine, a former Chief Justice and Premier of Victoria. Ernest married Kate Thomas; their two sons Ron and Doug stayed in the area. Another of Thomas' sons, Arthur, also lived in Eltham. Four Orford generations attended Eltham schools. Doug Orford was born on the kitchen table (reference, son Ted Orford) of the family home at the corner of Reynolds Road and Mount Pleasant Road. Doug married Gwen and they established a family however Gwen died at a young age from cancer. Doug eventually remarried another Gwen and they lived for several decades in Napoleon Street, Eltham. Doug was actively involved in EDHS over many years, including serving as a committee member and vice president. Contributions by Doug and Gwen (Treasurer/Membership Secretary), his wife, assisted EDHS to continue to develop as a not-for-profit group intent on promoting and preserving our local history. Both Doug and Gwen were made Life Members of EDHS. They also acted as EDHS delegates to the Eastern Region of Historical Societies. His significant work with assisting to establish our valued Local History Centre helped develop our home base and supported the continued growth of our society. Doug’s local knowledge, suggestions and family connections were highly valued, Until recent times, he continued to regularly attend our Collections Team workshops providing his insights and historical information about photographs and society records. Doug died peacefully July 8, 2024, and represents the last link in the Orford Eltham chain which spanned 170 years. His funeral was held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Le Pine Funerals, 848 Main Road, Eltham. Contents: Typed notes, no date: Memories of Ernest Orford [taped 1979] about his school days. Handwritten notes, no date: History of Ernie Orford Typed notes, no date: History of Thomas Henry Orford and family. Photocopy: Shire of Eltham General Rate Receipts. Received from D Orford 7 June 1923 and Received from E F Orford, 4 August 1924. Letter, no date: Nillumbik Shire to Russell Yeoman, Gwen Orford to receive Volunteer Recognition Award. Newsletter article: "The Orford Family, Eltham", Shire of Eltham Historical Society, No.80 September 1991. History of Orford family. Handwritten notes: 21 March 2011, genealogy of George Orford. On reverse Melways map makred with Orford and other land ownerships. Newspaper advertisement, 21 March 2011: "264 Reynolds Road, South Eltham", property for sale [land in ownership of Orford family]. Letter: St Margaret's Anglican Church Eltham to Doug Orford, 17 November 2011, Extracts from church records relative to Orford family. Newspaper article: "Timely facelift at war memorials', Diamond Valley Leader, 30 April 2024, Nillumbik war memorial will have some work and a bronze plaque will be installed at the Eltham Avenue of Honour, Wingrove Park; photograph of Doug Orford Newsletter item: "Welcome home medal", Eltham District Historical Society newsletter no.216 May 2014, World War I two 'Welcome Home Medals' in ownership of local men, being Harry Gilham and Doug Orford. Order of Service, Le Pine Funerals (Eltham), In Loving Memory of Douglas Frederick Orford 22nd August 1929 - 8th July 2024 Doug Orford Reminiscences (2002) in conjunction with Jock Read and Peter Bassett Smith; 4 pages - 3 typed, 1 handwritten possibly transcribed from an audio tape recording (location unknown). New word file and associated pdf created [\Dropbox\EDHS DATA\DOCUMENTS\COLLECTION CATALOGUE DOCUMENTS AND PDFs\2-2 Family Folders\EDHS_06110-2 Doug Orford reminiscences 2002.docx - 1 April 2025]Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdoug orford, harry gilham, welcome home medal, eltham avenue of honour, nillumbik war memorial, wingrove park, henry dendy, alfred armstrong, james orford, 264 reynolds road south eltham, george orford, george joseph orford, maryanne george joseph, thomas henry orford, ernest orford, e f orford, eltham cemetery, helen orford, joseph panton, panton park, gordon lyon, banyule estate heidelberg, james matthias orford, wurundjeri, constable peter lawlor, george hill, franklin street eltham, ronald orford, eltham primary school, john brown, robert gamble school inspector, sarah orford, mary ann orford, james mathias orford, sarah amelia orford, james peet, arthur butler young, watsons creek victoria, kangaroo ground victoria, helen logan, william orford, jane orford, arthur orford, frederick orford, florrie orford, victor orford, chem orford, sunnymede eltham, panton hill estate, sir william irvine, gordon lyons, kate thomas, north eltham gospel church, harold clapp, eltham cricket club, research primary school, dalton street school eltham, keith banks, betty banks, benjamine boyd, laughing waters road eltham, freddie gilsinen, douglas frederick orford, eltham district historical society, funeral service, le pine funeral home, life member, order of service, 1934 flood, 1939 bushfires, alcock & pierce, ansell, associated schools sports, blacksmith shop, boakes, bridge street, bryce family, bullock track, butcher, catholic church, cliff lester, cliffy green, daisy smith, dave lyon, diamond creek, diana bassett smith, dick tooth, dr. frank may, eltham higher elementary school, ernie andrew, fire station, flower stall, fodder business, fruit shop, furniture store, gahan family, garni burges, greensborough, harold norman, harry hawker, hat factory, hawker & owen, hay and com store, henry hawker, henry street, j .harry butherway, jack burgoyne, jack ryan, jock read, john lyon, junk yard, kevin gahan, kilpatricks, len parsons, lyon family, machine factory, mc leans, memorial, metery road, miss reynolds, monteith 's bus, mr. gadd, mrs. bird, mrs. morrison, napoleon street, peter bassett smith, peter's gahan, plenty river, plumridge, produce store, public hall, rechabite hall, reynolds road, roger bird, rutter family, ryan family, shoe factory., staffs produce store, studley cairn gahan, sweeneys lane, swimming pool, taylor street, tennis court, warren family, wooden bridge, yarra brae road

Newspaper article: Diamond Valley Leader, 27 April 2005, No to car wash. Letter 25 July 2005 from Minter Ellison Lawyers attaching VCAT notice of adjournment. Letter 5 September 2005 re Application for review of Application for Review P1036/2005. Letter 6 September 2005 from Apex Building Design Studio to Minter Ellison Lawyers re carwash development. Newspaper article: Diamond Valley Leader 20 February 2007, Gateway 'blob' bid fails test, Nillumbik Council rejected plan for 3 story building, 12 offices, ship, 8 homes. Notice of Decision to Refuse to Grant a Permit, Application 191/2023/02P, Nillumbik Shire Council, 4 Oct 2023 Newspaper advertisement: Leader Associated Newspapers, Eltham Centenary Supplement, March 30, 1971, Mobil Service Centremain road, eltham, property, businesses, carwash, apex design studio, eltham gateway, minter ellison lawyers, mobil service centre (eltham)

Letter from the Secretary of the Murtoa Auxiliary to Edith Watson on her departure from the auxiliary. In the letter Mavis Yole expresses her appreciation for the leadership and support Mrs Watson gave the group during her time as President and general member.1 piece of blue lined notepaper with drawing32 Breen St Murtoa 3390 27/5/81 Dear Mrs Watson, On behalf of the Murtoa Blind Auxiliary, I write to sincerely thank you for your many years of support to the Auxiliary. Thank your for your loyal leadership as President, and your kindness and generosity over many years. The Auxiliary wish you good health and happiness in your new home. My own personal good wishes to you and Alice. Sorry I was on holidays when you left, and didn't have the chance to see you. Mavis Yole Secretary Murtoa Aux. R.V.I.B.royal victorian institute for the blind, edith emma watson, mavis yole, auxiliaries

non-fictionIn about 1878 a letter appeared in a Hobart newspaper from a gentleman who had lately travelled along the East Coast of Tasmania. He complained about the lack of places of refreshment - of inns there were plenty but these were not to his taste and he was disappointed not to find even a cottage where he could rest and purchase a cup of tea. This was read by Edward Cotton, eighth son of Francis and Anna Maria Cotton of Kelvedon and now manager of their property. Stirred by this lack of hospitality, he wrote in response words to the effect that at his home, 'Kelvedon', close by the main road, the 'kettle on the hob' had seldom gone off the boil since 1830, and weary travellers would be welcome to a cup of tea at any time, without charge. Travellers were comparatively few in those days, but Edward's welcome led to many happy encounters. (Back cover)tasmania, edward cotton

A collection of Victorian Railways Newsletters.non-fictionFrom 1930 until 1973, Victorian Railways News Letter was the inhouse journal for what is now Vicrail. Being a railway family with three stationmasters many copies remain in the family home, Hymettus Cottage.railways, railway family, journal, community

Heavy paper letter from Buckingham Palace wishing the soldier a safe return home from the mother country.

Is a newsletter to friends and family of members of the 57/60th Battalion with the focus on raising funds for the welfare of troops while overseas. Part of the collection of V245464 "Pte David W Davies" Cat No. 9955.Cream colour folded over two page newsletter with black writing on front and two inside pages. Lists awards for bravery on front with a message from Commanding Officer. The letter is aimed at members of the Battalion and the friends and family at home. It is focused on raising funds for welfare of troops while overseas.david william ralph davies, welfare association, 57/60 battalion

Seventeen black and white postcards showing Amiens, France during World War Oneverso of .9) Chapelle d'Armentieres, 19 March 1915 "Dear Mary, Hope my letter reaches you safely. Wrote Vic to-day. Am sending you these cards, as we have heard that cares are going to be prohibited from being sent home, so would like you o have these before we are stopped. Good-bye once more with love and best wishes From Gordon." (Gordon Spittle)chatham family archive, amiens, france, world war, world war one, ascot

The striking fabric of this wall hanging was recovered from the sinking Schomberg. It was originally one of the many curtains adorning the captain’s cabin and ladies’ saloons that attracted first-class passengers to this luxury vessel, built for comfort and speed. The clipper ship was on its maiden voyage, full of passengers emigrating to Australia in 1855. Its commander was Captain James Nicol Forbes, who had been selected by James Baine & Co for his navigation skills, experience, and reputation for breaking sailing records. However, on December 26th, 1855, the vessel became stranded and sank west of Cape Otway, not quite reaching its destination of Melbourne. A reporter explored the Schomberg before its journey; the following detailed description is an excerpt of his article published in a newspaper after the disastrous voyage was announced. “ … descending by a flight of stairs, covered with carpet of a very rich pattern, we came to the saloon passengers’ cabin. This is a noble place, and all that refined taste would suggest has been done to make each berth a miniature palace. The bedding is of the very best material, and the fittings are replete with every convenience. The carpets are of various coloured velvet pile, and the curtains are of satin damask, lined with white satin … The fronts of the berths are highly decorated, and festoons of flowers are painted on the panels … No two berths are furnished with the same-coloured material … the visitor is, therefore, much pleased with the variety which he has to inspect….” (Trove: Shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade, 31 Dec 1955, p. 283) The curtain material, ‘folded into a single piece and parcelled for protection’, has been passed down through generations of Captain Forbes’ relatives, starting with his half-sister Isabella Jeffrey Nicol. The curtain has remained with the family, although some transition details are incomplete. About a century later, Isabella and Blakiston Robinson’s great-grandson and his wife had the fabric professionally mounted as a wall hanging to showcase the beauty of the woven brocade. Eventually, the custodianship of the curtain was transferred to the donor, who is also a great-grandson of Isabella and Blakiston. He and his wife hung the curtain on the wall of a high-ceilinged room in their home, away from direct light, making it visible for all to appreciate its beauty and significance. In 2024, they donated the curtain for inclusion among the collection of artefacts that help tell the story of the Schomberg and those who sailed on its first and last voyage. The donor’s aunt was highly involved in the family’s history. She had collected and recorded information that dates back to pre-1341. A footnote included in a handwritten letter from a family relative, the late Arthur William Rudd, OBE, MA, LLB, dated April 20, 1959, states, “The curtains you mentioned came from the Schomberg. AWR.” CAPTAIN JAMES NICOL FORBES (1821-1874) and the donor’s family: - Captain Forbes was born in Aberdeen. In his late teens, he moved to Liverpool, a hub for international trade and an emigration port. By the age of 25, he was master of the Prince of Waterloo and later, the Wakefield. He then commanded the Cleopatra for the James Baines Co., which, two years later, transferred him to command the Maria, providing fast and lucrative passage to the gold fields in Ballarat, Australia. James Baines Co. and shipbuilder Thomas Mackay formed the Black Ball Line of clipper ships in 1852. Forbes was appointed master of the largest ship in the fleet, the marvellous Marco Polo. He broke the record time for the passage to Australia, taking only 68 days at sea, and the return journey in only 76 days, a total of 5 months and 21 days. On his second voyage to Melbourne in the Marco Polo the following year, he took 75 days, and 95 days on the return trip. His accomplishment made him famous. James Baines reported that the Marco Polo was the only ship, sail or steam, to do the round trip within 6 months, and it had done it twice. Captain Forbes then took command of the American-built clipper Lightning, one of four built for the Black Ball line. His 19-year-old half-sister, Isabella Jaffray Nicol, was also onboard when he sailed for Melbourne in 1854. During the 77-day voyage, Isabella met Blakiston Robinson, and not long after the ship arrived in Melbourne on July 31, the couple married, with James Nicol Forbes as a witness, on August 16. When Forbes returned to Liverpool, he took a record-breaking 63 days, which has never been bettered. James Baines Co. ordered a new luxury emigrant ship from Alexander Hall of Aberdeen; the Schomberg was the largest sailing ship ever built in Britain. On October 6, 1855, the vessel departed Liverpool commanded by Captain Forbes, with 430 passengers on board, 54 of whom were First Class. It had almost completed its voyage to Melbourne when, on the night of December 26, it ran aground west of Cape Otway. Captain Doran, master of the steamer Queen, responded to the distress signal while on its way to Portland and, with the agreement of his passengers, rescued as many as possible from the Schomberg and returned to Melbourne with them. Captain Helpman, master of the steamer Champion, rescued most of the remaining Schomberg passengers on December 27. On Friday, 28th, Captain James Lawrence was on his way to Adelaide in the steamer Burra Burra, and called past the Schomberg. He reported that the remaining crew were all doing their duties, but the Schomberg was deteriorating on a sand spit and had about 16 feet of water in its hold. That same day, the schooner Jane Elizabeth collected 220 packages of passengers’ luggage to deliver to Melbourne on the 29th. Two steamers also arrived on the 29th with 20 men to collect passengers’ luggage and valuable ship’s cargo items. They were accompanied by water police, customs agents, company representatives and a Lloyds agent. The decision was made to abandon ship on the 30th due to rough and unsafe conditions. The officials and Captain Forbes voyaged to Melbourne, while the seamen remained behind awaiting rescue. Evacuation by sea became too risky, so on January 2, 1856, while the first Mate and Steward remained at the wreck site, the rest of the crew began the 70-mile march to Warrnambool, led by the band. They arrived on January 5th and left for Melbourne on the steamer Champion on January 10th. Parts of the Schomberg wreck ended up in New Zealand. The curtain is important for its connection to the Schomberg, which was unique for being designed and built in Aberdeen, and commanded by an Aberdonian who was the most celebrated clipper captain of the age. The ship was the largest sailing ship ever built in Britain, and reported as the largest vessel that sailed to Australia. The curtain is an example of the rich decorative furnishings available in 1855. The preservation and respect the donor and his family have shown towards the curtain over many decades reflect its important role in telling the family’s history; the journey, the romantic attachment, the family connection to the sea, and travel in gold rush times. The curtain is significant for its connection to James Nocol Forbes, a famous sailing ship commander who broke several sailing records, one of which has never been bettered. This wall hanging, also known as the Schomberg Curtain, was created from a curtain recovered from the stranded luxury ship Schomberg in December 1855. The woven satin damask fabric in blue and cream has been meticulously joined to blend the intricate pattern. The reverse features a soft cream lining. The hems at the top and bottom of the fabric hold wooden rods. The side edges feature decorative braid that has been hand-stitched in place. On the reverse, the bottom hem includes the same braid, which remains unseen from the front, and the centre of the top hem has a hand-worked, unused buttonhole. Each of the hems varies in depth. The curtain was tastefully mounted later to highlight the beauty of the original saloon curtain. A decorative twisted cord of cream silk threads, accented with gold highlights and decorative tassels, was coiled and attached to the ends of the top rod. 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