Pattison Collection This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Works of William Shakespeare Author: William Shakespeare Publisher: Chatto and Windus Date: 1876 The label on the spine with typed text PAT 822.2 SHA Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Inside front, loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Museum Second, inside front, loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service book, the works of william shakespeare, william shakespeare, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road

This is a photograph of Elizabeth Lawless on her 102nd birthday. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for service in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW!. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years.The Lawless family was a prominent family in Orbost in the early 20th century.A large black / white photograph of an elderly lady seated and holding a cup of, with biscuit. She has a shawl draped over her shoulders.

Item in the collection of Gilbert John Mitchell (Jack) Pre WW2 Jack had service for a brief time in the 38th BN Bendigo No 447203. He enlisted in the RAAF on 31.1.1942 No 410686 age 20 years. Embarked for England on 6.1.1943 for further Training. Posted to 166 Sqd RAF Wellington Bombers then posted Operational to No 466 Sqd RAAF flying Halifax Heavy Bombers. On 18.7.1944 he and his crew in MZ313 were on a mission to attack Railway Sidings at Vaires. This was new Aircraft on 11.6.1944. They were hit by Anti Aircraft shells exploding in the fuselage. The Bomb Aimer Flt/Lt Finley advised the crew to leave by parachute as it was possible the craft could disintegrate. The Pilot Officer R.J. Evans decided to try and get the aircraft back to England, once there they abandoned the craft which was seen to disintegrate in mid air. Both were awarded the DFC. Jack was taken POW and sent to Stalag Luft 1 near Barth on the Baltic Sea for Allied Airmen. The Crew were; Roger John Evans No 410202, enlisted 5.12.1941 age 31 years. Peter Hamiliton Finley No 412294, enlisted 22.6.1941 age 22 years. L.C. Abbott, British/Allied. G.J. Mitchell, POW. Keith Mossman Tranent POW, No 426402, enlisted 20.6.1942 age 19 years 2 months. J.P.T. Finn RAF (Paddy) T.W. Wild British/Allied. On 30.4.1945 The Germans vacated the Camp Jack was in and 2 days later the Russians released them and he was placed in a British Hospital weighing 6 stone. He arrived home in Sept 1945. He stayed in the RAAF No 033130 and served in No 35 Sqd flying VIPs. He was in the Berlin Airlift 1948 - 1949, he also went on exchange with the RAF and flew in No's 24 & 511 Sqd's one a transport the other VIP transport. He was discharged from the RAAF with the rank of Flt/Lt on 6.7.1956 in No 11 Sqd. "Maunder and Sheean". In the article Jacks says that Lofty Maunder always had a joke etc when near the target to settle everyone down. The crew of Halifax LV875 were shot down by a Night Fighter near the target "Terngier" north of Paris 0n 11.4.1944. There was 157 Halifax's on the raid with 10 being lost. The Crew were; John Henry Maunder No 412562, Navigator, enlisted 19.7.1941 age 19 years 10 months. Brian Leo Sheean, No 409855, Wireless Operator, enlisted 1.10.1941 age 18 years. Research shows there were at least 3 more of the Crew KIA. Cecil John Bond No 420433, Pilot, enlisted 8.11.1941 age 19 years 11 months. John Neville Keys No 426112, Bomb Aimer, enlisted 23.5.1942 age 19 years 6 months. Clifford Young Warren No 427047, Rear Gunner, enlisted 26.4.1942 age 19 years 3 months. J.A. White, Flight Engineer, British/Allied. D.K. Messenger, Mid Upper Gunner, British/Allied. Newspaper article Herald Sun 19.4.2002, copy. Article re Jack Mitchell. The article has 6 photo insets 3 of Jack, 2 show Airmen beside an aircraft. The one with 2 Aircrew is "Lofty" Maunder and Jack. The article is mostly about "Maunder and Brian Sheean" mates of Jack. The inset photo of a women in uniform is believed to be "Maunders" English wife who he had married previously. Maunder and Sheean were KIA. "FLY THE FLAG FOR A MATE"newspaper, article, 466 sqd

Cushion brought home from the Middle East by W.E. HAYWARD. "William Edwin HAYWARD" VX30915 enlisted20.6.1940 age 27 years in 2/2nd Anti Aircraft Regt, embarked for the Middle East 5.2.1941, disembarked Australia 18.3.1942, embarked fro New Guinea 24.5.1942, disembarked Australia 7.2.1944, (received leave to Aust during that near 2 years) he was hospitalised with Dermatitis to face, arms & legs, Malaria, discharged from the AIF 3.10.1945. Enlisted 20 June 1940. Discharged 3 Oct 1945. Rank: Gunner 2/2nd ANTI AIRCRAFT REGT.Cushion - handcrafted, brown and red leather floor cushion or pouffe - a low footstool. Cushions made in segments and is round with flat top and bottom. Zipper missing from base. Handstitched on top. Cushion padding made from cotton lining and kapok stuffing.souvenir, foot cushion, middle east, ww2, william edwin hayward

The card is written by Harold Charles Grant VX81115 Staff Captain Welfare Leave Hostels HQ BCOF Xmas 1947. The card is to H.B. Field 1st & 2nd AIF, refer Cat No 890P for his service details. Harold Grant initially enlisted in the CMF No V36042 on 2.7.1940 age 36 years, transferred to the 2nd AIF 1.7.1942, listed as served in the Middle East 6.9.1942 - 12.2.1943, served with BCOF in Japan, listed as served in the Interim Army 1.7.1947 - 12.10.1948, discharged from the Army 19.10.1948Xmas card folding, colour, front has 4 flags with "Greetings" under then a crown with text, inside 1st fold in blue pen a short note starting with "Bert", 3rd page has Xmas and New Year greetings in black print, under hand written in blue pen a note to "Lt Col & Mrs H.B. Field", opened out to full page a letter to "Bert" and signed off by "Hal"On front page, "British Commonwealth Forces Japan"card, xmas, bcof, malone collection

The pay books relate to : John Donaldson Gardiner. Enlisted in the AIF on 26.6.1915 Regt No 2832 age 29 years 7 months in the 9th Reinforcements to the 5th BN. Embark for Eygpt 10.9.1915, embark for France 25.3.1916, hospital 10.5.1916 injury to Rib and Knee, rejoin unit 21.5.1916, hospital 18.1.1917 with Septic Throat, rejoin unit 2.2.1917, hospital 5.4.1917 with Influenza, rejoin unit 10.5.1917, hospital 8.10.1917 with Scabies then while on leave Sprained left ankle serious, rejoin unit possibly 11.2.1918, hospital 26.10.1918 with Influenza, embark for Australia 25.1.1919, discharged from the AIF 15.5.1919 medically unfit..1) Pay book Serial number 126092 brown colour covers 16 pages, front has space for details (all blurred), entries are in blue pen or pencil, stamped in purple “Discharged”. .2) Pay book Serial number 126092 dark brown covers with black tape on edges 10 pages with a single slip pasted in the back, entries are in blue pen or pencil, stamped “Cancelled” Entries relate to pay and deductions also inoculations.On Both. “ Pay book No 5025, Gardiner, John Donaldson, Regt No 2832, Pres, Pte"pay books, administrative, records

Tait collection: item 25 of 62 This document contains details on the will and probate of Joseph Kelson, a farmer from Kirkstall who died in April 1906. He was a contractor who died at the age of 46 leaving a widow, Margaret (nee Flahavin) and eight children. The two oldest boys took over the contracting business and Joseph’s brother, David, supported the family during their time of need. Joseph Kelson left personal estate to the value of £460 with the chief beneficiary being his widow Margaret. Ernest Chambers, the lawyer who drew up this document had a legal practice in Warrnambool, Koroit and Port Fairy at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. He had possession of this document and it passed down to successive lawyers who occupied the Kepler Street legal premises and it was located in this building in 2014 and passed on to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. This document is of interest as it gives details of the will and probate of Joseph Kelson who lived in the Warrnambool area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It will be useful to researchers. This is 1906 cream-coloured piece of parchment folded in two with handwritten material on three sides. It contains the will and probate details of Joseph Kelson, a farmer from Kirkstall, Victoria. There is a seal of the Supreme Court of Victoria and four red stamps of the Master in Equity of the Supreme Court. The material is written in black ink. In the Supreme Court of Victoria; In the Probate Jurisdiction; In the Will of John James Kelson late of Kirkstall in the State of Victoria Contractor deceasedernest chambers, joseph kelson, kirkstall, tait collection

Brass Collection Plate presented to St Paul's Anglican Church, Allansford, by the mother of Joseph & Frank Dallimore as a Memorial to the two brothers who drowned at Ryan's Den (near Cape Otway) on Jan 1st 1903. Major Joseph Dallimore (aged 32) was on leave from Sth Africa during the war and he, his wife (Beatrice Wiggs) and baby, his brother Frank Rupert Dallimore (aged 22), a farm hand Arthur Geach (aged 19) and a house maid servant, were picnicing at Ryan's Den (near Cape Otway) when the three men went walking, but never returned, all assumed drowned. One theary has it - Mrs M.E. Dallimore was picnicing at Lake Gillear beach when an enormous wave swept over the shore - (much larger than any other during that day) and rolled in all along the beach. This wave may have also reached the area where the three men were walking on the rocks and swept them into the ocean. Only one body was recovered - some 4 weeks later - that of Frank Rupert Dallimore and washed into Brown's Creek, 1 mile from the Johanna River and ten miles east of Ryans Den.It is a memorial plate and records the family's attachment and importance to the Church.Brass engraved and embossed Memorial Collection PlateEmbossed wording around edge of plate in Old English font reads - "All things come of Thee and of Thine own have we given Thee". The inscription on the tondo of the plate reads - "TO THE GLORY OF GOD / AND IN MEMORY OF / JOSEPH & FRANK RUPERT DALLIMORE, / WHO WERE DROWNED AT RYAN'S DEN, / JAN 1ST 1903. / PRESENTED BY THEIR LOVING MOTHER, / M.E.DALLIMORE."brass st pauls anglican church allansford warrnambool church of england christ church parish of warrnambool collection plate memorial plate dallimore drowning ryan s den alms dish

Rev Walter Guthrie Bower was born in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England in 1877. He was a graduate of London University and was ordained a priest in 1901. He had been a curate of St. Michael & All Angels, Bedminster, then he became the Vicar of St. Thomas, Bristol, for 8 years prior to coming to Warrnambool in 1923. He made a lasting impression on the Parish with his teaching and Christian humility and service. He was a quiet, scholarly, Christian gentleman who endeared himself to all sections of the community. He was married to Norah Marianne. He resigned from the Vicariate of Warrnambool in 1932, to return to England to accept the living of Metfield with Withersdale, Suffolk. HIs address when he died was - The Vicarage, Metfield, Harleston, Norfolk. He died on Mar 26th, 1936 aged 59 yrs leaving his widow Norah. Norah died in 1963 aged approx 77 yrs in Horiston, Devon. Stained glass lancet window memorial to the Reverend Walter Guthrie Bower, the 7th Vicar of the Parish of Warrambool 1923 - 1932. Depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd.To the Glory of God. In grateful and/affectionate memory of the life and ministry of/ Walter Guthrie Bower/ Vicar of this parish 19230-01932. A faithful minister of the Gospel.

Helen Isobel Janet Mack was born to parents Gilbert Bailee Nicol and Lizzie (or Lillie) Mary Nicol (nee Jellie) at Woodford, Victoria or Rose Hill Warrong, in approx. 1895. Her mother's parents were James and Sarah Jane Jellie (nee Bower) Her father's parents were Gilbert and Jane Boili Nicol (nee Jelllie) She lived her life here at least until her first marriage. She firstly married a Mr LIndsay and they had two daughters - Helen and Jane. They were later divorced. On 16th February 1935, Helen married Ronald William Mack (a pioneering family of Warrnambool) at the Registry Office in Collins St. Melbourne. They had a son James. It appears Helen lived at 52 Banyan St, including while her husband was absent, until her death. Her husband Ronald William Mack was born in Warrnambool in 1904. He joined the Australian Imperial Forces and was based in the Middle East during some of WW11 and returned to Warrnambool in approx 1943 due to injury. He was involved in the community, and politics and was elected to the Legislative Council in 1955. Janet died on 10th April, 1957, aged 55 years, her funeral leaving Christ Church on April 11th. Her husband had erected in Christ Church, a Memorial Stained Glass window in her memory. Her husband was eventually Knighted (in 1967) while he was Minister for Health of which his main focus was on the mentally ill and the aged. He was then Sir Ronald William Mack. First wife of Sir Ronald William Mack. Stained glass, lancet window, north wall, Hammond Fellowship Centre, Christ Church. Depiction of the Nativity with Mary , Joseph and the infant Jesus"Peace... Goodwill Towards Men"/ To the Glory of God/ and in memory of Helen Isobel Janet Mack,/ who died on 10th April 1957./ The gift of her husband.

These cards have been sent to Jim ( otherwise unidentified) by his cousin Will Harper from South Africa in 1917. William Thomas Harper from Byaduk, Victoria was with the 8th Battalion in World War One leaving Melbourne In February in 1917. He was killed in May 1918 at the age of 22 and was buried in Bailleul France.These cards are are a poignant reminder of Private William Harper killed in World War One. He came from Byaduk in the Western District.. .1 A postcard with a photograph in brown and green tonings of the Black Watch Pipers playing to the captors of Longueval On the back is pencil writing and black printing. .2 A coloured postcard of a bay and settlement in South Africa . It has handwritten material on the back in ink. .1 October/ 16/ 17 I'm not a smoker yet Jim but seeing these pretty cards thought I would send them on to you. I've seen some of these places myself. Merry Xmas Jim Your aff. cousin Will .2 Cape Town Dear Jim just a few lines to let you know I'm having a good time looking around this sphere. Today me and a cobber went on top of Table Mountain looking for wild beasts but couldn't find any. We have been here a good few days now and get leave to go about . It's a great place this for scenery but not for food or nice girls, all black nearly. Yours sincerely Bill Harper private william harper, byaduk

Beatrice Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at ‘Killeavey’ off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. To make matters worse, the house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939 but was rebuilt. Beatrice became involved in community issues. In particular, she was an active member of the Eltham Women's Auxiliary, which was formed in 1945 to raise funds for the establishment of an Eltham War Memorial. From the outset, it was decided that this would take the form of a Baby Health Centre, a Pre-School and a Children’s Library, set in a garden of remembrance. Thanks to tireless fund-raising, the project came to fruition in the 1950s when, one by one, the three children's welfare buildings opened in Main Road (having previously been in temporary premises): they are collectively known as the Eltham War Memorial site. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house has since been demolished. All that remains is a fragment of the garden. In Fond Memory Of James Hans Morrison Croix de Guerre Born St Peters Pass Oatlands Tasmania 6th June 1880 Died Killeavey Eltham 16th November 1936 And his beloved wife Beatrice Wanliss Morrison (nee) Irvine Born St Kilda Victoria 22nd January 1899 Died 5th November 1989 Who rest here James Hans Irvine Morrison Born Melbourne 11th October 1927 Died Gorora New Guinea 1st October 1971Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), james hans irvine morrison, james hans morrison, croix de guerre (france)

Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker, panton hill, tosch property

Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. The little girl is Grace de Visser's sister. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker

Len's Bedford truk is featured in one of the Montmorency Were Street shopping precinct mosaics. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, 2004-06-28, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, 2019-08-30

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, 2019-10-27

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, new zealand oak

Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, new zealand oak, fay bridge

Lemonade, Non-alcoholic Hop Beer and milk bottlkes recovered from Killeavey give an insight into the types of drinks consumed by the Morrison family. Beatrice Wanliss Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at “Killeavey” off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. The Killeavey house was built atop a cliff, 40 metres above the Yarra River. The garden was designed in 1910 by William Guilfoyle who was the second director of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939, but was rebuilt. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house was demolished by Parks Victoria. It contains significant garden remnants. The surrounding bushland is valued for its significant plant communities.fay bridge collection, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), eltham, james morrison, killeavey, laughing waters road, william irvine, bennett lemonade, bottles, milk bottle, o'neill bros north fitzroy, r. harrison, r. harrisons hop beer

Bird family, c.1905 Back row, L-R: Janet Bird (nee Kilpatrick), George Bird, Ellen May (Nell) Bird Front row L-R: George Hugh Bird, Ernest Reginald Bird, Arthur Andrew Bird, Edwin John Bird Nicholes Photographer, Alphington According to the Sands McDougall Melbourne Directory, George. Nicholes, Photographer was first listed on the north side of Heidelberg Road, Alphington in 1904 and again in 1905. By 1906 he was still listed but with no profession. From 1907 on he was listed as a bicycle agent. On July 23, 1878, George Bird married Janet Kilpatrick (born Ayrshire) at Northcote by Presbyterian minister, Duncan Fraser. The witnesses were daughters of the minister. George gave his profession as farmer. Around 1880 or possibly earlier he acquired the property known as View Hill at the top of Pitt Street, Eltham between Pitt Street and Mount Pleasant Road and what is now Eucalyptus Road. George and Janet developed an orchard and farm around the View Hill home and had 10 children, three of whom died young. George Bird is listed in the 1977 history of the Eltham Methodist Church as Steward and trustee in the early years. In the 1950 history he is mentioned as Sunday School Superintendent. In the early 1900s, Janet regularly went to the church by horse and jinker. Janet died September 2, 1915, age 60 of endocarditis and bronchial pneumonia. At about this time, three children had married (Sarah, George and Ada) and four were living at home. However, Edwin joined the AIF in August 1915 and Ellen married in 1916 leaving two sons, Arthur and Reg, to look after their father and the property although some of the married children may have lived at View Hill for some time. From Edwin's letters, Hilda Pepper, a cousin on their mother's side) stayed with the family for some time to help. In later years, George developed glaucoma and became blind. He died December 6, 1920, aged 75 years, of diabetes mellites. Both Janet and George are buried at Eltham Cemetery, but the gravestone incorrectly gives 1921 for the death of George. The estate was divided into equal portions and distributed to the surviving members with Arthur and Ted Pepper being Executors. Ada Janet Lowe received a portion above what is now Rockliffe Street and Sis Pepper (Sarah Ann nee Bird) the portion below Rockliffe Street. Ernest Pepper built in the 1930s on the Pepper block at the Pitt Street end. George's share was along Wattle Grove and Arthur received the portion at the eastern end. Presumably the other two received portions including the top of the hill and slopes down to Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant Road and Wattle Grove. Read's (at the corner of Pitt Street and View Hill Crescent) was the first additional house brought in on wheels by a Mr Walkenden. The View Hill house was occupied by the Johanssons in the 1930s and was later damaged by fire. Source: Info provided to Marg Ball by Neil and Lyn Pepper (both deceased) abt. 2018. PANEL 1875-1920 Panels began to be produced around 1875, and were particularly suited, because of their larger size, for capturing family, or even larger, groups. They measured 8.5 by 6.5 inches (22 cm x 16.5 cm). - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, 1905, arthur andrew bird, bird family, edwin john bird, ellen may (nell) bird, ernest reginald bird, george bird (1845-1921), george hugh bird, janet bird (nee kilpatrick), nicholes photographer alphington, straw boater

The tree is located on the eastern side of Eucalyptus Road, Eltham in the linear park which runs through the Stokes Orchard Estate, approximately 200m from Eucalyptus Road. This is the path of an old creek which originates from near Nyora Road and Stokes Place. Aerial photography taken in November 1931 shows several reasonably well-developed trees, possibly of 20 to 30 years of age beside the water course. The water course and trees were retained in the orchard and these old trees remain standing as of 2024. However, in 2023 Council received a complaint regarding a potential risk with the largest tree even though it had not been known to cause any issue over recent decades but given the public risk concern, Council conducted an assessment and cut it down leaving approximately 10m of the trunk still standing. The major limbs were left 'scattered' around the base for wildlife habitat. The tree remains alive and is now rapidly becoming a tall bushy shrub. The age of the tree is in in excess of 125 years.stokes orchard estate, significant tree, eucalyptus road, eltham, eucalyptus tree

Copies made from original register held by Eltham Primary School as part of the school's sesquicentennial recognition 1856-2006. Lists students by registration number commencing with William John Taylor (No. 1) in 1864. Initially recorded as the Register of the Common School at Eltham No. 209, it lists child's name, years of attendance and classes attended, age when first admitted, date of admsission, date of leaving and occupation of parents. The register was revised to the Register of the State School at Eltham No. 209 capturing students from 1873. Some overlap between the two variants exists. The latter register includes additional information of date of passing the Standard of Education, names of parent or guardian and residence of parent or guardian. The register was discontinued in 1917. Later pages of the original register are very damaged with large sections illegible.eltham state school no. 209, register of students, dalton street, eltham primary school

At some stage in the photo’s timeline it had information written on the back. It was stuck down, then later removed leaving residue all over the writing making it essentially impossible to read. With the photo was a handwritten note which has been verified is what can be made out on the back of the photo. This note appears to be written to Nellie by Annie Sweeney of Culla Hill, Eltham. Annie died in 1869 at age 21 so the photo must predate 1869 and is consistent with it most likely being the wedding day of John and Ellen (Nellie) Sweeney, November 10, 1868."To Dear Nellie Annie Sweeney With fondest love from your E. de Nc Annie la Sweeney Culla Hill Eltham, Victoria"annie sweeney, culla hill, eltham, ellen mary sweeney (nee kenney), john francis sweeney

John Newman DAY Regt No V155751 enlisted at Inglewood, Vic on 20.07.1941, age 30 years. Discharged from the Army on 28.02.1946 with the rank of Sgt in HQ AMF POOL A.A. EDUCATION SERVICE.Demobilization Procedure Book AAB.87 No 146533, brown covers, 32 pages contains details of the soldier's records, leave, clothing issue, education, hand written in black, blue, stamped throughout in purple and red, rear page has slip pasted in."V155751 DAY John Newman, 43 Chapel Street, Bendigo, Vic" "VN152"demobilization, procedures, books

All the leave passes were to destination “Greta”. Bruce John Bubb VX108474 enlisted on 28.7.1942 age 22 years in the 38th Bn, discharged on 15.11.1945 with the rank of Lt..1) - .4) Leave passes off white colour rectangular shape, all print in black purple stamp on each one, hand written in black pencil, all stamped on rear in red or blackIn hand writing,” VX1008474 Lt Bubb B.J 16 Aust INF TRG BN”. Stamped in purple on front, “ADJ 16th AUST INF TRG BN”. Stamped on rear, “This pass must be returned to Orderly Room on expiration of leave”leaves passes, 16th aust inf bn,

Percival Bird WETHERALL Regt No 6903 enlisted in the 19th reinforcements 23rd Bn on 13.1.1917 age 20 years. Prior to embarking he writes a letter to his CO asking for 5 days leave to get married and have a honey moon. Embarked for England 11.5.1917, embark for France 16.2.1918, WIA 22.3.1918 GSW shoulder severe and transferred to 1st Eastern General Hospital Cambridge, discharged to furlough 2.8.1918, embark for Aust 25.1.1919, hospital on board ship with Influenza and Cong (congealed?) Lungs, disembarked at Suez and hospitalised in 14th AGH on 8.2.1919, embark for Aust 1.4.1919 classed Debility, discharged from the AIF 6.6.1919 medically unfit.Small bible with brown cover. Front cover has "New Testament" written on it. Belonged to Percival B. Wetherall.6903 Pte. P.B. Wetherall 23rd Battalion A.I.F. Abroad 1917-1919, 1914-1918.books-religion-christian, new testament

Lionel Sydney HARPER VX88514, enlisted 22.7.1942 age 24 years, discharged 14.11.1945 with the rank of Lieutenant in 40th Aust Infantry Battalion.Cream coloured paper with black print.Printed & hand written on front: “Australian Military Forces Leave Pass B8614160 VX88514, Lieu Lionel Sydney Harper, 1400 - 0800 Destination Melbourne, 10.11.45 - 12.11.45” Printed on back: “This Pass must be returned to orderly Room on expiration of leave”administration, leave, pass