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

On Saturday September 2, 2023, Russell Yeoman led a group of 22 society members and interested others on a walk following trhe bounadries of the original Shillingalw farm. Commencing at the corner of Panther Place and Library Place, we proceeded up to Shillinglaw Cafe then the Shillinglaw trees at the former Eltham Shire Office site then along Main Road to the fire station then throughh St Laurence Lane and uinder the railway line , along Diamond Street then return via the Diamond Creek trail behind Andrew Park. The actual farm boundary went past the creek and further up the hill. The original farm comprised lot 90 of Holloway’s 1851 subdivision of Little Eltham. Its area was 30 acres lying east of the Diamond Creek and north of Henry Street. A number of stops were made to look at maps and early photos illustrating the gradual reduction of the farm area and the early history of the railway and other community uses, that occupied parts of the site.2023-09-02, activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, shillinglaw farm, 895 main road, amplifon, andrew park, andrew pocket park, arthur street, bar de tapas, barber shop, barry plant estate agent, blockbuster, bus depot, car park, carparks, central park, cleaver & co hair, commonwealth bank, crust pizza, divine bridal, dr ash constance, dudley street, eltham book shop, eltham convenience store, eltham fire station, eltham library, eltham newsagency, eltham optical, eltham railway station, eltham shops, fay bridge, fire bell, flagpole, flight centre, grill'd, information sign, iso chook, jellis craig estate agent, judge book village, kebab nation, kx pilates, la zanyas, liquorland, little drop of poison, lorraine jones & associates solicitors, luck street, machan indian restaurant, main road, mecho en mexico, missing gorilla, morrison kleeman real estate, pavilion menswear, platform 3095, playtherapy melbourne, pryor street, ray white real estate, restaurants, sage bulk whole foods, shillinglaw trees, sign, snap fitness, southern cross medical imaging, specsavers, st laurence lane, st vincents care service, thompson's pharmacy, todaro, united service station, vyve body & skin, welcome to eltham town, westpac bank, yang's kitchen, youth road

Centred on present day Parsons Road, Eltham bounded by Allendale Road to north, Frank Street to south, Research Shops and Raglan Road to east and Zig Zag Road to west. Historic Aerial Imagery Source: Landata.vic.gov.au Aerial Photo Details: Project No :985 Project : MELBOURNE 1972 Run : 26 Frame : 192 Date : 04/1972 Film Type : B/W Camera : RC10 Flying Height : 5700 Scale : 9600 Film Number : 2636 GDA2020 : 37°42'00"S, 145°09'59"E MGA2020 : 338360, 5825897 (55) Melways : 22 D1 (ed. 42)aerial photo, neil webster collection, 1972-04, allendale road, eltham, zig zag road, frank street, melway 22d1, parsons road, raglan road, research (vic.), research shops, eltham barrel

Centred on present day Main Road at Pryor Street, Eltham bounded by Park West Road to north, Napoleon Street to south, Woodridge Estate to east and Ryans Road to west. Historic Aerial Imagery Source: Landata.vic.gov.au Aerial Photo Details: Project No :985 Project : MELBOURNE 1972 Run : 27 Frame : 47 Date : 04/1972 Film Type : B/W Camera : RC10 Flying Height : 5700 Scale : 9600 Film Number : 2636 GDA2020 : 37°42'45"S, 145°09'12"E MGA2020 : 337223, 5824470 (55) Melways : 22 A4 (ed. 42)aerial photo, neil webster collection, 1972-04, eltham, eltham railway station, woodridge estate, eltham shops, main road, melway 22a4, napoleon street, park west road, pryor street, ryans road

701 Main Road, Eltham Situated originally on the corner of the Dalton Street road reserve west of Main Road (now present-day Wingrove Park Trail), the former Jarrold Cottage (White Cloud) was purchased by Lena Skipper following Thekla Jarrold's death in 1943. It was built by William Jarrold in the early 1850s and was here that he married Hannah Coleman in 1856. The Bootmaker's shop was built by Thekla Jarrold in 1930 for use by her friend, John Clark, a local photographer who had boarded with the Jarrold family since about 1910. In 1930 he changed profession to a bootmaker and leather worker. The shop is one of only three remaining early 20th century shops in what was Little Eltham, the others being present-day San Antionio Barber Shop at 820 Main Road and Cafe Zen Den at 736 Main Road. Craig Price 1988 Entrant No. 148 Ref: Series 34, Items 37, 38, 109, 110 SHIRE OF ELTHAM COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY Photography is an artform which many of us practice, sometimes purely for artistic pursuit, sometimes to record the people and events in our lives. In 1988, as part of a local Bicentennial project, the Shire of Eltham conducted the Eltham Community Photographic Survey. Up to 100 entries were to be selected by a panel of photographers for entry into the Eltham Photographic Survey Exhibition. Entries had to be submitted by May 13, 1988. Entrants whose images were selected for the exhibition were contacted and requested to further submit an entry form providing entrant’s name, area of residence, age, and proposed captions. These details were then used to produce labels for the exhibition mounts. Where negatives had not been supplied, these were requested to support the display of printed enlargements mounted on 10” x 8” cardboard. The mounted prints were made available post exhibition for sale at $8.50 each for colour prints and $7.00 for B&W prints. Residents in the Shire were invited to collect a free roll of film and take a photograph of what they either liked or did not like about the area. A total of 160 entrants submitted multiple entries for the exhibition. Of those selected for exhibition, entrants ranged in age from 9 to 70 years. All custom colour and black and white printing for the exhibition was completed by Wattle Studios of Eltham. The Eltham Photographic Survey was jointly auspiced by the Shire of Eltham and Wattle Studios, of 953 Main Road, Eltham. The project was greatly assisted by: • David McRitchie, Media Studies Lecturer Victoria College, Rusden Campus. • Ian and Annette Toohill of Wattle Studios • Tracy Naughton, Eltham Community Arts Officer • Neville Emerson Pty. Ltd. • Superior Press, Eltham • Kodak Australasia Pty. Ltd. • Agfa Gevaert Ltd. • Townsend Colourtech Pty. Ltd. • The Australian Bicentennial Authority • Eleanor Bowers, Secretary, Eltham Arts Council The exhibition was placed on display in the Woolworths Arcade, Eltham between Monday June 6th and Saturday June 11, 1988. It was also intended to hold the exhibition at a venue in the Shire’s North Riding from Monday, June 20 to Friday June 24. It was then displayed at the Were Street Theatre, Montmorency from Friday, June 24 to Thursday, July 7. Series 34: Eltham Community Photographic Survey 1988 - Prints & Documentation Series consists of 117 photographs of Shire scenes taken by members of the community. Items I - 41 are larger photographs mounted on card, which were exhibited. Items 42 - 117 are unmounted copies, alternative takes and other entries. Corresponding negatives contained in Series 35: Eltham Community Photographic Survey 1988 – Negatives which consists of 267 colour and B&W negatives and one colour slide of Shire scenes taken by members of the community. The negatives are arranged by the entrant number of the photographer. The Eltham Community Photographic Survey collection is significant to the local community as it was curated by the local community - ordinary people of all ages - representing what they liked and did not like in the area where they lived. It represents an unfiltered representation of the Shire of Eltham as it was in 1988. It also represents one of many projects as part of the national programme of events and celebrations to commemorate the bicentenary. It is a time capsule of life in the 1980s of this urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north. Front: Entrant No. and name on printed label Rear: Entrant No., name and address on printed label; also 'Series 34' and the 'Item No.' in pencilshire of eltham archives, bicentennial project, eltham, eltham community photographic survey, eltham photographic survey exhibition, series 34, series 35, bootmaker's shop, craig price, film - kodak ga 100 5095, main road, scan - 35mm negative

Mac's Liquor Store painted in bright red on the corner of Main Road and Pryor Street. Note: Pryor Street and Luck Street were one-way at this time period. Harry Gilham 1988 Entrant No. 134 Ref: Series 34, Items 31, 32, 103, 104 SHIRE OF ELTHAM COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY Photography is an artform which many of us practice, sometimes purely for artistic pursuit, sometimes to record the people and events in our lives. In 1988, as part of a local Bicentennial project, the Shire of Eltham conducted the Eltham Community Photographic Survey. Up to 100 entries were to be selected by a panel of photographers for entry into the Eltham Photographic Survey Exhibition. Entries had to be submitted by May 13, 1988. Entrants whose images were selected for the exhibition were contacted and requested to further submit an entry form providing entrant’s name, area of residence, age, and proposed captions. These details were then used to produce labels for the exhibition mounts. Where negatives had not been supplied, these were requested to support the display of printed enlargements mounted on 10” x 8” cardboard. The mounted prints were made available post exhibition for sale at $8.50 each for colour prints and $7.00 for B&W prints. Residents in the Shire were invited to collect a free roll of film and take a photograph of what they either liked or did not like about the area. A total of 160 entrants submitted multiple entries for the exhibition. Of those selected for exhibition, entrants ranged in age from 9 to 70 years. All custom colour and black and white printing for the exhibition was completed by Wattle Studios of Eltham. The Eltham Photographic Survey was jointly auspiced by the Shire of Eltham and Wattle Studios, of 953 Main Road, Eltham. The project was greatly assisted by: • David McRitchie, Media Studies Lecturer Victoria College, Rusden Campus. • Ian and Annette Toohill of Wattle Studios • Tracy Naughton, Eltham Community Arts Officer • Neville Emerson Pty. Ltd. • Superior Press, Eltham • Kodak Australasia Pty. Ltd. • Agfa Gevaert Ltd. • Townsend Colourtech Pty. Ltd. • The Australian Bicentennial Authority • Eleanor Bowers, Secretary, Eltham Arts Council The exhibition was placed on display in the Woolworths Arcade, Eltham between Monday June 6th and Saturday June 11, 1988. It was also intended to hold the exhibition at a venue in the Shire’s North Riding from Monday, June 20 to Friday June 24. It was then displayed at the Were Street Theatre, Montmorency from Friday, June 24 to Thursday, July 7. Series 34: Eltham Community Photographic Survey 1988 - Prints & Documentation Series consists of 117 photographs of Shire scenes taken by members of the community. Items I - 41 are larger photographs mounted on card, which were exhibited. Items 42 - 117 are unmounted copies, alternative takes and other entries. Corresponding negatives contained in Series 35: Eltham Community Photographic Survey 1988 – Negatives which consists of 267 colour and B&W negatives and one colour slide of Shire scenes taken by members of the community. The negatives are arranged by the entrant number of the photographer. The Eltham Community Photographic Survey collection is significant to the local community as it was curated by the local community - ordinary people of all ages - representing what they liked and did not like in the area where they lived. It represents an unfiltered representation of the Shire of Eltham as it was in 1988. It also represents one of many projects as part of the national programme of events and celebrations to commemorate the bicentenary. It is a time capsule of life in the 1980s of this urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north. Front: Entrant No. and name on printed label Rear: Entrant No., name and address on printed label; also 'Series 34' and the 'Item No.' in pencilshire of eltham archives, bicentennial project, eltham, eltham community photographic survey, eltham photographic survey exhibition, series 34, series 35, scan - 35mm negative, eltham shops, film - kodak ga 100 5095, harry gilham, mac's liquor, main road, midway arcade, pryor street, state bank of victoria

701 Main Road, Eltham Situated originally on the corner of the Dalton Street road reserve west of Main Road (now present-day Wingrove Park Trail), the former Jarrold Cottage (White Cloud) was purchased by Lena Skipper following Thekla Jarrold's death in 1943. It was built by William Jarrold in the early 1850s and was here that he married Hannah Coleman in 1856. The Bootmaker's shop was built by Thekla Jarrold in 1930 for use by her friend, John Clark, a local photographer who had boarded with the Jarrold family since about 1910. In 1930 he changed profession to a bootmaker and leather worker. The shop is one of only three remaining early 20th century shops in what was Little Eltham, the others being present-day San Antionio Barber Shop at 820 Main Road and Cafe Zen Den at 736 Main Road. Andrew Peel 1988 Entrant No. 28 Ref: Series 34, Items 11, 60-63 SHIRE OF ELTHAM COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY Photography is an artform which many of us practice, sometimes purely for artistic pursuit, sometimes to record the people and events in our lives. In 1988, as part of a local Bicentennial project, the Shire of Eltham conducted the Eltham Community Photographic Survey. Up to 100 entries were to be selected by a panel of photographers for entry into the Eltham Photographic Survey Exhibition. Entries had to be submitted by May 13, 1988. Entrants whose images were selected for the exhibition were contacted and requested to further submit an entry form providing entrant’s name, area of residence, age, and proposed captions. These details were then used to produce labels for the exhibition mounts. Where negatives had not been supplied, these were requested to support the display of printed enlargements mounted on 10” x 8” cardboard. The mounted prints were made available post exhibition for sale at $8.50 each for colour prints and $7.00 for B&W prints. Residents in the Shire were invited to collect a free roll of film and take a photograph of what they either liked or did not like about the area. A total of 160 entrants submitted multiple entries for the exhibition. Of those selected for exhibition, entrants ranged in age from 9 to 70 years. All custom colour and black and white printing for the exhibition was completed by Wattle Studios of Eltham. The Eltham Photographic Survey was jointly auspiced by the Shire of Eltham and Wattle Studios, of 953 Main Road, Eltham. The project was greatly assisted by: • David McRitchie, Media Studies Lecturer Victoria College, Rusden Campus. • Ian and Annette Toohill of Wattle Studios • Tracy Naughton, Eltham Community Arts Officer • Neville Emerson Pty. Ltd. • Superior Press, Eltham • Kodak Australasia Pty. Ltd. • Agfa Gevaert Ltd. • Townsend Colourtech Pty. Ltd. • The Australian Bicentennial Authority • Eleanor Bowers, Secretary, Eltham Arts Council The exhibition was placed on display in the Woolworths Arcade, Eltham between Monday June 6th and Saturday June 11, 1988. It was also intended to hold the exhibition at a venue in the Shire’s North Riding from Monday, June 20 to Friday June 24. It was then displayed at the Were Street Theatre, Montmorency from Friday, June 24 to Thursday, July 7. Series 34: Eltham Community Photographic Survey 1988 - Prints & Documentation Series consists of 117 photographs of Shire scenes taken by members of the community. Items I - 41 are larger photographs mounted on card, which were exhibited. Items 42 - 117 are unmounted copies, alternative takes and other entries. Corresponding negatives contained in Series 35: Eltham Community Photographic Survey 1988 – Negatives which consists of 267 colour and B&W negatives and one colour slide of Shire scenes taken by members of the community. The negatives are arranged by the entrant number of the photographer. The Eltham Community Photographic Survey collection is significant to the local community as it was curated by the local community - ordinary people of all ages - representing what they liked and did not like in the area where they lived. It represents an unfiltered representation of the Shire of Eltham as it was in 1988. It also represents one of many projects as part of the national programme of events and celebrations to commemorate the bicentenary. It is a time capsule of life in the 1980s of this urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north. Rear: Entrant No., name and address in blue ink; also 'Series 34' and the 'Item No.' in orange inkshire of eltham archives, bicentennial project, eltham, eltham community photographic survey, series 34, series 35, andrew peel, bootmaker's shop, film - kodak gb 200 5096, main road, scan - 35mm negative

Newspaper articles about the As We Are Eltham Banner Project undertaken within the Shire of Eltham 1. Eltham banner to celebrate environment, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, September 16, 1986, p16 2. Group paints for peace, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, September 30, 1986, p2 3. Banners show people of Eltham as they are, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, October 14, 1986, pp12-13 4. Banners fly high at lastt, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, October 21, 1986, p17 Also various advertisements from businesses within the shire Newspaper clippingsas we are, banner project, eltham banners, meruka house, sarah houseman, advertising, eagle screens & blinds, 1986, alistair knox park, bob manuell, don brown, dooncal air coinditioning and central heating, eltham festival, eltham outdoor art show, eltham peace banner, eltham town park, grand parade, pauline therese toner, peter wilson, research shops, river of life banner, shire of eltham acquisitive award, valley carpets, 16 sherbourne road briar hill, 22 were street montmorency, 1177-1181 main road eltham, barry reading goumet butchers, eltham hardware & plumbing supplies pty ltd, hutchinsons garden supplies, 38 bridge street eltham, artists, costless clearance centre, cr bob manuell, jud duigan, margaret cherry, tracey naughton, woolworths arcade, anthea morrison, beyond the end of the line, diamond valley musical society, eltham college, eltham community festival, eltham high school, eltham service club, geraldine veerman, ian robertson, 19 were street montmorency, arnold thomas, arnolds recycling centre, kevin mcnamara, luck street eltham, mcewans, montmorency hardware, peel street eltham, tim payze, 1022 main road eltham, as we are banner exhibition, jud degan, marg cherry, the cut ahead, arthur street, eltham mall, flexiteller, national australia bank

1. Dreams to be reality, The Valley Voice, 15 August 1979, p2 - announcement of proposed town square of 1800 square metres of shop area and open courtyard to be sited in the carpark between Arthur Street and Pryor street. The plans also included tree-lined walkways from both Arthur Street and a pededstrian footbridge across Main Road leading to aregular open-air market and tavern. Shop owners facing Main Road were to be encouraged to turn their businesses towards the square. On reverse side - 'General' Marshall and his troops; Valley votes in five new faces, The Valley Voice, 15 August 1979, p1 - picture showing newly elected Cr Robert Marshall 2. Square plan on display, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, June 23, 1981, p1 - Council's prefered proposal on display to the public. On same page a story about the son of Cr Bob Manuell being attacked on the train from the city. On reverse side - Helping people - here and abroad by Marguerite Marshall, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, June 23, 1981, p2 - about Keith Ryall of Zig Zag Road, the Apex international councillor for Australia 3. Plan: Eltham Town Centre property Acquisition, Shire of Eltham March 1994businesses, arthur street, bible street, commercial place, dudley street, eltham, franklins supermarket, luck street, main road, map, mcewans, pryor street, safeway supermarket, apex club, bronwyn ryall, keith ryall, zig zag road, cr bob manuell, cr robert allen, det sgt noel murphy, eltham chamber of commerce, eltham police, eltham shire council, eltham town square, lorraine manuell, pauline toner mp, robert manuell, rodney roscholler, shire planner, vicrail, elections, h&j white general store, hurstbridge, leslie bowker, main street, mrs marshall, pam lawson, robert marshall, rosemary tovey, central park, comfort station, eltham little theatre, montmorency, public toilets, rotex cinema, were street

Jarrold Cottage or White Cloud is known by many to be associated with the Skipper family, and has been since 1944 when Lena Skipper, wife of Mervyn Skipper purchased the cottage. She purchased it from the Estate of Thekla Jarrold who had died in March of the previous year. By the time Thekla died, she had lived in the Jarrold Cottage for 50 years. Thekla Alvenia Sissilia Ellian married John William Jarrold in 1888 at Clifton Hill. They started their family there but when John’s father William (who was married to Hannah Coleman) died in 1893 the family moved to Eltham. William had married Hannah Coleman in 1856 at his home in Eltham. William had arrived in the colony in 1848 so it is believed the Jarrold Cottage goes back at least to 1856 and possibly early 1850s. For a short period of time the cottage was rented to the Police as a temporary Police Station whilst a new and more permanent station was built further up the hill in 1859. The cottage was originally located closer to the Diamond Creek but was subject to flooding so was relocated to its present position on top a mound of rubble placed there from the nearby quarry next to the Dalton Street school (on Main Road). By 1916, John Henry Clark, a photographer who took many early photos of Eltham relocated from Fitzroy to Eltham and boarded with recently widowed Thekla Jarrold and her family. He changed professions from photographer to boot and harness maker around 1931 and Thekla had a small bootmakers shop built ifor him in the corner of her property next to the family home. J.H. Clark remained living at the property until his death in December 1956. At some stage after Clark's death, Lena Skipper is recorded living at the property having relocated from Montsalvat following the death of her husband Mervyn. The property continues to remain within the Skipper family as of 2023. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p47This 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, bootmaker's shop, hannah coleman, jarrold cottage, john henry clark, john william jarrold, lena skipper, police station, thekla alvenia sissilia jarrold (nee ellian), white cloud cottage, william jarrold

The former bootmaker's shop is one of only three remaining original shops from the early 20th century in what was once Little Eltham, the others being the present day Cafe Zen-Den at 736 Main Road and the former Burgoyne General Store and Post Office, present-day San Antonio Barbershop at 820 Main Road. Jarrold Cottage or White Cloud is known by many to be associated with the Skipper family, and has been since 1944 when Lena Skipper, wife of Mervyn Skipper purchased the cottage. She purchased it from the Estate of Thekla Jarrold who had died in March of the previous year. By the time Thekla died, she had lived in the Jarrold Cottage for 50 years. Thekla Alvenia Sissilia Ellian married John William Jarrold in 1888 at Clifton Hill. They started their family there but when John’s father William (who was married to Hannah Coleman) died in 1893 the family moved to Eltham. William had married Hannah Coleman in 1856 at his home in Eltham. William had arrived in the colony in 1848 so it is believed the Jarrold Cottage goes back at least to 1856 and possibly early 1850s. For a short period of time the cottage was rented to the Police as a temporary Police Station whilst a new and more permanent station was built further up the hill in 1859. The cottage was originally located closer to the Diamond Creek but was subject to flooding so was relocated to its present position on top a mound of rubble placed there from the nearby quarry next to the Dalton Street school (on Main Road). By 1916, John Henry Clark, a photographer who took many early photos of Eltham relocated from Fitzroy to Eltham and boarded with recently widowed Thekla Jarrold and her family. He changed professions from photographer to boot and harness maker around 1931 and Thekla had a small bootmakers shop built ifor him in the corner of her property next to the family home. J.H. Clark remained living at the property until his death in December 1956. At some stage after Clark's death, Lena Skipper is recorded living at the property having relocated from Montsalvat following the death of her husband Mervyn. The property continues to remain within the Skipper family as of 2023. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p47This 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, bootmaker's shop, jarrold cottage, john henry clark, lena skipper, thekla alvenia sissilia jarrold (nee ellian), white cloud cottage, shops

Ernest James Andrew was the son of William Bravery and Ellen Andrew. The Andrews moved to Eltham in the 1850s and opened a produce store on "Policeman's Hill", at the corner of Maria Street (now Main Road) and Franklin Street. William took a lively interest in the public affairs of the town and district, and with his wife Ellen continued to run the store for some fifty years. He died in 1907 and is buried with his wife in Eltham Cemetery. Ernest took over the business, which became a general store and newsagency. Later, it shifted to the main Eltham shopping centre as a combined newsagency and haberdashery/clothing shop. The original weatherboard building at the corner of Franklin Street was replaced around 1940 by a brick structure, which is now a cafe called Zen Den. Ernie too was married to an Ellen and they lived in Arthur Street at so-called "Cook's Cottage" (due to its resemblance to Captain Cook's Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens). He was an Eltham Shire Councillor between 1920 and 1950 and was Shire President for 1930 and 1947 as well as a Trustee for the Eltham (Public) Hall in Henry Street from the time it was purchased in 1922 until 1940. Andrew House at Eltham High School and Andrew Oval in Diamond Street are named after him. Ernie died in 1950 and is buried with Ellen in Eltham Cemetery. In his Will he made provision to the Eltham War Memorial Trust for funding of the Eltham War Memorial Gates – “These Memorial Gates were donated by the Late Cr. And Mrs E.J. Andrew”. In Memory Of Ellen Beloved Wife of E.J. Andrew Died 13th July 1946 Faithfull Always Also the Above Ernest James Andrew Died 29th March 1950 Councillor Shire of Eltham 30 YearsRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 stripsKodak GC 400-9eltham cemetery, gravestones, councillors, ellen andrew, ernest james andrew, shire of eltham

George Bird was born in England in 1845 and arrived in Australia in 1856 as a child of assisted migrants. Soon afterwards he came out to Eltham to live with his uncle George Stebbings, working for him as bricklayer's assistant in building, amongst others, Shillinglaw Cottage and the Anglican and Methodist Churches in Eltham. He later purchased 72 acres at the eastern end of Pitt Street (bounded by Eucalyptus Road, Mount Pleasant Road and present-day Rockliffe Street) and established the property ‘View Hill’, which was worked as a mixed farm and orchard (including berries). In 1878 he married Janet Kilpatrick, who had emigrated from Scotland. They had ten children, three of whom died in infancy. The wedding in 1904 of their eldest surviving daughter Sarah (‘Sis’) to Edward Pepper appears to have been quite a society event. George was a staunch Methodist and was a Church Steward and a Sunday School Superintendent in about 1890. Janet died in 1915 and George died in 1920 (though his gravestone says 1921). George's will stated that his property was to be divided between all his children in equal shares. This necessitated subdivision of the View Hill property, which took place progressively between 1922 and 1926. One son, George Hugh Bird, operated a drapery store in Main Road (near Bridge Street) in around 1915. Later, in the 1920s, he ran a greengrocer's shop (also selling confectionery) in Main Road opposite Eltham Station. It was the first shop in Eltham to have plate glass windows. At the same time, his brother Reg had a grocery store on the station side of Main Road. George and Janet are buried together in a family plot in Eltham Cemetery. Several descendants are also buried in the cemetery. In Loving Memory Of George Bird Died 5 December 1921 aged 76 years And his beloved wife Janet Bird Died 5 Sept 1915 aged 57 years Also their children William James Bird Died 25 Feb 1888 aged 8 years Mary Jane Bird Died 8 Oct 1891 aged 7 years Pte Edwin John Bird Killed in action in the Great War 11 Aug 1918 aged 30 years Buried in France And on the base stone George Hugh Bird Died 26 Feb. 1965. Aged 79 years Arthur Andrew Bird Died 25 Mar. 1970 Aged 75 years To the left In Loving Memory of Dr. J. R. (Roger) Bird 1927 2001 Son of Arthur & Helen (nee Lyon) Bird Husband of Betty Father of Janet & Alison Grandpa of Evan & Helen Scientist & Gentleman To the right In Loving Memory of Harold Edwin Bird OAM 1922 - 2015 Son of Arthur & Helen (nee Lyon) Bird Husband of Yvonne Father of Estell & Russell In our hearts Forever moreBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, arthur andrew bird, arthur bird, edwin john bird, george bird, george hugh bird, harold edwin bird, helen bird (nee lyon), j. r. (roger) bird, janet bird (nee kilpatrick), william james bird, yvonne bird

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

Aerial photographs of Montmorency Shopping Village with a central focus on the former Montmorency Theatre and Bingo Hall situated at 41-43 Werte Street. In 1993 Eltham Shire Council issued a permit to Michael Muzur, Terry Lant and Andrew McMillan to redevelop the former Montmorency Theatre/Bingo Hall at 41-43 Were Street as an alcohol-free youth entertainment centre. Ron McCormack, retired former JP on behalf of 41 Joint Appellants consisting of local residents and traders successfully lobbied the community and won an Appeal to have the permit cancelled as unsuitable development. The Administrative Appeal Tribunal found that the proposed development came withing the Eltham Planning Scheme definition of an 'amusement parlour' and that the playing of pool an amusement machines would be the focus of the centre and unlikely to attract older age groups. The tribunal was not satisfied the applicants had sufficient knowledge or where with all required for the successful running of this type of operation. With respect to the objectors, the Tribunal did not accept that a responsibly managed and attractive amusement parlour could not coexist near the adjoining residential area and without detriment to the commercial centre. At a Council meeting on June 7, 1994 councillors requested a report outlining criteria to be used to assess planning applications for youth entertainment venues given the Tribunal's view that a poorly managed facility in a small neighbourhood shopping centre, particularly in such close proximity to a residential area would not only have the potential to increase perceived youth problems, but could jeopardise the prospects of future proposals. Ron McCormack moved to Montmorency from Coburg in the early 1980s and from then sat on the bench at Eltham Courthouse when Police requested assistance out of hours, until the eventuial closure of the Courthouse. montmorency theatre, montmorency bingo hall, 41-43 were street, youth entertainment centre, eltham shire council, planning permit, administrative appeals tribunal, ron f mccormack, aerial photograph

George Bird was born in England in 1845 and arrived in Australia in 1856 as a child of assisted migrants. Soon afterwards he came out to Eltham to live with his uncle George Stebbings, working for him as bricklayer's assistant in building, amongst others, Shillinglaw Cottage and the Anglican and Methodist Churches in Eltham. He later purchased 72 acres at the eastern end of Pitt Street (bounded by Eucalyptus Road, Mount Pleasant Road and present-day Rockliffe Street) and established the property ‘View Hill’, which was worked as a mixed farm and orchard (including berries). In 1878 he married Janet Kilpatrick, who had emigrated from Scotland. They had ten children, three of whom died in infancy. The wedding in 1904 of their eldest surviving daughter Sarah (‘Sis’) to Edward Pepper appears to have been quite a society event. George was a staunch Methodist and was a Church Steward and a Sunday School Superintendent in about 1890. Janet died in 1915 and George died in 1920 (though his gravestone says 1921). George's will stated that his property was to be divided between all his children in equal shares. This necessitated subdivision of the View Hill property, which took place progressively between 1922 and 1926. One son, George Hugh Bird, operated a drapery store in Main Road (near Bridge Street) in around 1915. Later, in the 1920s, he ran a greengrocer's shop (also selling confectionery) in Main Road opposite Eltham Station. It was the first shop in Eltham to have plate glass windows. At the same time, his brother Reg had a grocery store on the station side of Main Road. George and Janet are buried together in a family plot in Eltham Cemetery. Several descendants are also buried in the cemetery. In Loving Memory Of George Bird Died 5 December 1921 aged 76 years And his beloved wife Janet Bird Died 5 Sept 1915 aged 57 years Also their children William James Bird Died 25 Feb 1888 aged 8 years Mary Jane Bird Died 8 Oct 1891 aged 7 years Pte Edwin John Bird Killed in action in the Great War 11 Aug 1918 aged 30 years Buried in France And on the base stone George Hugh Bird Died 26 Feb. 1965. Aged 79 years Arthur Andrew Bird Died 25 Mar. 1970 Aged 75 years To the left In Loving Memory of Dr. J. R. (Roger) Bird 1927 2001 Son of Arthur & Helen (nee Lyon) Bird Husband of Betty Father of Janet & Alison Grandpa of Evan & Helen Scientist & Gentleman To the right In Loving Memory of Harold Edwin Bird OAM 1922 - 2015 Son of Arthur & Helen (nee Lyon) Bird Husband of Yvonne Father of Estell & Russell In our hearts Forever moreeltham cemetery, gravestones, memorials, arthur andrew bird, arthur bird, edwin john bird, george bird, george hugh bird, harold edwin bird, helen bird (nee lyon), j. r. (roger) bird, j.r. (roger) bird, janet bird, janet bird (nee kilpatrick), william james bird, yvonne bird

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

Site of the former Eltham Shire Council offices and Public Hall, opened November 21, 1941. Council built new offices at 895 Main Road in 1964 and the site was sold to Woolworths in 1970.jim connor collection, arthur street, ella bache, eltham shopping centre, eltham village, eltham village shopping centre, main road, shopping centre

jim connor collection, commercial place, cycling, eltham shopping centre, jock & eddie, pryor street

Eltham Town Square is centred along Commercial Place running between Arthur Street and Pryor Street. Its origins stretch back to the first design proposals developed in 1979 by then Shire Planner Rodney Roscholler who later went on to become Eltham Shire Council CEO, and Cr. Robert Allenjim connor collection, commercial place, eltham shopping centre, eltham town square, small plates

Eltham Town Square is centred along Commercial Place running between Arthur Street and Pryor Street. Its origins stretch back to the first design proposals developed in 1979 by then Shire Planner Rodney Roscholler who later went on to become Eltham Shire Council CEO, and Cr. Robert Allenjim connor collection, commercial place, eltham shopping centre, eltham town square

Eltham Town Square is centred along Commercial Place running between Arthur Street and Pryor Street. Its origins stretch back to the first design proposals developed in 1979 by then Shire Planner Rodney Roscholler who later went on to become Eltham Shire Council CEO, and Cr. Robert Allenjim connor collection, commercial place, eltham shopping centre, eltham town square, bakers delight, ferguson plarre bakehouses