Kew Tapestry The eight panels depict the history of Kew. This was a 1988 Australian Bi-Centennial Project carried out under the auspices of City of Kew Council and the Kew Historical Society Incorporated. Nearly 600 citizens including many children participated in the production by adding a few or more stitches. A book records their names and the panels upon which they worked. Artist: Joy Stewart Co-ordinator: Dorothy BenyeiSydney Joy (Joy) Stewart was born in Melbourne 1925. She studied at Swinburne Technical College Art School from 1941-1945, then the National Gallery Art School 1946-1948. Her career included employment positions as a display artist, designer/painter, gallery assistant, and art teacher. Joy relocated to Cairns in 1981. Solo exhibitions in Melbourne and Cairns, including 'Done By Me' at Cairns Regional Gallery in 1999. Group exhibitions at Cairns Regional Gallery, 'The Fish John West Regrets, 1993' and 'Facets of Life' 1994. Joy Stewart died in Cairns in 2018.3. East Kew State School. A Handcoloured cartoon created by the artist Joy Stewart as a template for the third of a series of embroidered panels depicting the history of Kew. Wool colour codes at left. Inscription: "EAST KEW STATE SCHOOL. Typical country school attended by children from surrounding farms and market gardens". Signed by the artist "(c) JStewart, 1988"bicentennial project (kew), joy stewart

52 Frater Street was the home of the Coade family who had the house built for them. Photograph of Jane Coade outside 52 Frater Street, Kew East. She is standing by the family car with a dead tiger snake on a stick. The photographer was Mrs Doris Coade. Verso: "Jane / March 1952 / Aged 6 yrs 11 mths"52 frater street -- kew east(vic.), coade family

The Kew Historical Society's map collection includes a substantial number of real estate subdivision plans, mainly of Kew but also of surrounding suburbs in Melbourne. Most of the subdivision plans date from the 1920s and 1930s when the districts old homes and local farmland were being split up to accommodate residential growth in the postwar period. These early plans were assembled by a local firm, Jas R Mather & McMillan, which had an office in Cotham Road. Many of the plans, and sometimes photos, were annotated by the agents.Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence for the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.The photograph may also be aesthetically significant depending on the importance of the photographic atelier.An elevated, modest weatherboard house, photographed towards the end of the construction phase. The lower section of the weatherboards are exposed and stained. The upper section is rendered with rough-cast. The tiled roof has a single gable that extends over the centrally placed front porch. On the porch, the door and single sidelight are filled with coloured leadlight whereas the casement windows in the front rooms contain plain glass. The leadlight and the wrought iron of the verandah are the only decorative elements of the utilitarian design. The location of the house, which was advertised for sale, has not to date been identified. The real estate photograph is mounted on the reverse of a subdivision plan for the Harvest Home Estate, Kew East.Photographer's stamp, lower right on mount: "A. Aberline, Glenferrie"houses - kew, bungalows - kew, real estate photographs

Pru Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence of the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold on which a built structure was subsequently constructed as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.An annotated subdivision plan for the Forres Estate, Kew East. The estate was advertised in 1919, the Melbourne Auctioneers being represented locally by Henry Kellett, Estate Agent of High Street, Kew. The name of the estate was derived from the mansion (demolished 2016) of the same name in Normanby Road, which was at one stage owned by the Mayor of Kew, Cr. J. S. Were.subdivision plans - kew, forres estate, argyle road, simpson street, hubert street, normanby road

This is one of eight embroidered panels, completed during the 1988 Australian Bi-Centennial, and carried out under the auspices of City of Kew Council and the Kew Historical Society. Nearly 600 residents, including many children, participated in their production by adding a few or more stitches. A book records their names and the panels upon which they worked. Artist: Joy Stewart / Co-ordinator: Dorothy Benyei.3. East Kew State School. A framed embroidery created by adults and children of the City of Kew as a Bicentennial project, based on a design by the artist Joy Stewart. Five of the six completed embroideries created in the project are/were displayed in the Kew Library. [The five embroidered panels have now been temporarily removed for conservation reasons].Inscription: "EAST KEW STATE SCHOOL / Typical country school attended by children from surrounding farms and market gardens." Embroidered signature of the artist: "(c) JStewart, 1988"bicentennial project (kew), joy stewart, charles grimes expedition, australian bicentennial

While a number of subdivisions of what was to become Kew East occurred in the 1880s, such as the 'Mount Pleasant Estate' (1888) and 'Monterey Estate' (1888), Glynn's Lot 91 remained open farmland until the Harp Estate (1912) was sold, hence the undeveloped nature of the view in 1907-8.A rare image of the open farmland in the eastern part of Kew looking towards Burke Road in 1907-8.Damaged, and very rare, black & white photograph of what was to become the suburb of East Kew, taken by a member of the Bennett family in 1907-8. The photograph is taken from the Harp of Erin Hotel showing, apart from a building on the left (no longer extant), fenced open farmland stretching into the far distance.HIGH ST LOOKING NOTRTH TO BURKE RD FROM HARP / EDWD GLYNN'S LOT 91 FROM 1851 / GIFT FROM BENNETT FAMILY 22 HARP RD EAST KEW 1980 / 1907-8harp of erin, high street -- east kew (vic), harp estate

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Certificate presented by the Victorian Federation of Mothers Clubs. A bound certificate given to Mrs Rogers by Members of Kew East Central Mothers Club listing her 11 years of service. The bound certificate includes the autographs of the members of the club in 1943-44Signatureskew east central mothers club, victorian federation of mothers clubs, dorothy rogers

An electrified tram route from Melbourne along High Street replaced an original Horse Tram that terminated at the Kew Cemetery. This new tram only reached the bridge over the Outer Circle railway at the Harp Junction. The line was later extended to North Balwyn.Black and white print positive showing the view west along High Street, Kew (formerly Bulleen Road). In the centre distance is the Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery. In the foreground, the road crosses the Outer Circle railway. The photograph reflects the level of urbanisation in Kew during the First World War. "Looking towards Kew from Strathalbyn St / High St corner, about 1916. Courtesy Mrs E Bennett, Kew East / Property of Miss Foley"trams -- kew, trams -- kew east, mmtb, m&mtb, tramways, harp junction

An electrified tram route from Melbourne along High Street replaced an original Horse Tram that terminated at the Kew Cemetery. This new tram only reached the bridge over the Outer Circle railway at the Harp Junction. The line was later extended to North Balwyn.Black and white print positive of the Tram Terminus in High Street, Kew at the Harp of Erin hotel. "Harp of Erin Tram Terminus about 1916. House on left still standing behind delicatessen [in 1978]. / Courtesy Mrs E Bennett, Kew East / Property of Miss Foley."tramways, mmtb, tram terminus, no 48 tram route, harp of erin hotel, trams - kew, trams - kew east

Pru Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.The Kew Historical Society collection includes almost 100 subdivision plans pertaining to suburbs of the City of Melbourne. Most of these are of Kew, Kew East or Studley Park, although a smaller number are plans of Camberwell, Deepdene, Balwyn and Hawthorn. It is believed that the majority of the plans were gifted to the Society by persons connected with the real estate firm - J. R. Mathers and McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, Kew. The Plans in the collection are rarely in pristine form, being working plans on which the agent would write notes and record lots sold and the prices of these. The subdivision plans are historically significant examples of the growth of urban Melbourne from the beginning of the 20th Century up until the 1980s. A number of the plans are double-sided and often include a photograph on the reverse. The Normanby Estate, which was adjacent to Normanby Road, Kew East, included thirty-one lots for sale. Streets on the subdivision plan include Adeney Avenue, Park Hill Road, Normanby Road, Weir Street and Wharton Street. Cotham Road and its tramway are shown nearby. The plan is interesting as it shows Wharton Street, named after the architect and town planner George Wharton, who was the first chairman of the Municipality of Kew. The street was to later be renamed Cecil Street. Also shown are proposed ‘Municipal Gardens’ where Parkhill Drive is now located.subdivision plans - kew, normanby estate

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Letter to Dorothy Rogers from the Junior Red Cross. Letter to Mrs Rogers written in 1939 by Robert Hogan on behalf of the Junior Red Cross movement thanking her for the loan of toys made by her son and wishing him a permanent recovery from his illness. The letter is on Central School Kew East letterhead.junior red cross, central school kew east, dorothy rogers

1860: Kew's first library was the Kew Literary and Scientific Society, which opened on 6 August 1860. 1884: Kew Town Hall was extended and the library transferred to a room on the upper floor. This was not an ideal arrangement as the room was required for Council purposes. 1904: A cottage adjoining Kew Town Hall was purchased for use as a library. 1937: The library was closed for a major overhaul of stock and renovation of the building. It reopened in December 1937 and remained there for more than 35 years. 1973: When the Civic Centre opened in Charles Street, Kew, the library moved in. 1987: Kew Library moved to its current location in the converted city hall, overlooking the beautiful Alexandra Gardens. The library was officially opened at this site on Friday 23 October 1987 by the Mayor of Kew, Cr James Tutt. (Source: Boroondara Library Services)Historically and socially significant set of regulations governing the use of the children's library in Kew in the early 1950sOriginal framed rules and regulations of the junior section of the Kew Library, dated 16.6.1953, authorised by the Mayor (W.E.R. Hope) and Town Clerk (W.D.Birrell). The document also lists opening hours of the Kew and East Kew branches.kew public library - kew (vic), kew public library - east kew (vic), city of kew - library guidelines

Identity card issued to Emily Foley in 1942. This type of card was issued to British subjects who were civilians. During World War II everyone in Australia was issued with a personal identity card and was required to report changes of address to the government. These cards were particularly important in the identification and monitoring of Aliens (non-citizen residents) , particularly non-Europeans and Asian residents. (Source: Museum Victoria)Local example of an identity card issued to a Kew resident.Identity card issued to Emily Elizabeth Foley of 89 Harp Road, East Kew. The card uses the for "C.R.3 - Civilian Registration British Subjects". it bears a Camberwell stamp on the front right corner. The Identity Card includes the following inscriptions: Front "V14 / F85 / 29268" Reverse Witness signature: "Ethel Foley" same address identity cards, world war 2 - ii, second world war 1939-1945, australia

Reproduction of newspaper drawing of earthworks near the Harp of Erin in Kew East during construction of the Outer Circle railway.Reverse: " Sketch of blasting near Harp of Erin Hotel, East Kew about 1889

Pru Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.The Kew Historical Society collection includes almost 100 subdivision plans pertaining to suburbs of the City of Melbourne. Most of these are of Kew, Kew East or Studley Park, although a smaller number are plans of Camberwell, Deepdene, Balwyn and Hawthorn. It is believed that the majority of the plans were gifted to the Society by persons connected with the real estate firm - J. R. Mathers and McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, Kew. The Plans in the collection are rarely in pristine form, being working plans on which the agent would write notes and record lots sold and the prices of these.The subdivision plans are historically significant examples of the growth of urban Melbourne from the beginning of the 20th Century up until the 1980s. A number of the plans are double-sided and often include a photograph on the reverse. A subdivision plan for nineteen ‘bonny, airy building blocks’ on either side of Violet Grove, Kew East. Violet Grove runs between High Street and Harp Road. Like many other subdivisions in Kew and East Kew, older houses (Lots 1 and 13) were often included in the subdivision. Such houses were in some instances the original properties that were subdivided, or in the case of the Violet Grove subdivision, new houses such as the weatherboard villa on lot 13. This villa is advertised as having a tiled roof, 5 rooms, panelled hall, double doors (Rooms 14 x 12 ft. 6 in. (2) 14 x 12, 12 x 11, 13 x 11). A bricked front verandah, a tiled stove recess and existing sewerage connection added to its saleable potential. Water, electric light and power, and gas were all offered as part of the deal. Violet Grove now has about 35 houses, which indicates that the 19 lots of the subdivision were to be further subdivided by purchasers. [A similar plan is in the Batten & Percy Collection of the State Library of Victoria.]subdivision plans - east kew, violet farm estate, violet grove -- kew (vic.), boorool road -- kew (vic.), harp road -- kew east (vic.)

Mavis Mackinnon was a Kew resident who worked as dressmaker in business with Miss Tozer, a Milliner of High Street, East Kew, c1930-c.1939.Digital copy of a studio portrait of Mavis Mackinnon, dressmaker in business with Miss Tozer, Milliner of High Street, East Kew, c1930-c.1939.mavis mackinnon, dressmakers - kew (vic), miss tozer - milliner - high street - east kew (vic)

Mavis Mackinnon was a Kew resident who worked as dressmaker in business with Miss Tozer, a Milliner of High Street, East Kew, c1930-c.1939.Digital copy of a studio portrait of Mavis Mackinnon, dressmaker in business with Miss Tozer, Milliner of High Street, East Kew, c1930-c.1939.mavis mackinnon, dressmakers - kew (vic), miss tozer - milliner - high street - east kew (vic)

The Kew Historical Society's map collection includes a substantial number of real estate subdivision plans, mainly of Kew but also of surrounding suburbs in Melbourne. Most of the subdivision plans date from the 1920s and 1930s when the districts old homes and local farmland were being split up to accommodate residential growth in the postwar period. These early plans were assembled by a local firm, Jas R Mather & McMillan, which had an office in Cotham Road. Many of the plans, and sometimes photos, were annotated by the agents.Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence for the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.The photograph may also be aesthetically significant depending on the importance of the photographic atelier.Myrtle Hill, at 14 Vista Avenue, Kew, is of local historical and architectural significance as a good example of a large and imposing single-storey Italianate house of the early 1870s surviving in Kew. Originally sited on a large allotment overlooking Normanby Road, the setting of the house has been dramatically altered through extensive subdivision and development. The subdivision plan of the ‘Myrtle Hill Estate’ indicates that in one such subdivision, 11 allotments were created fronting Bowyer Avenue, Myrtle Avenue, and Normanby Road. The outline and building profile of Myrtle Hill is shown on the west side of Bowyer Avenue.The full (typed) title of this subdivision plan is :"Plan of SUBDIVISION of part of CROWN PORTION 83. / at KEW / PARISH OF BOROONDARA. / COUNTY OF BOURKE". / "MYRTLE HILL ESTATE / EAST KEW" In addition to the Title and subtitle, the plan also lists the advantages of the subdivision.

Flooding of the Yarra Valley, including that section of the Yarra bordering Kew and Kew East in the north and west of the municipality, was a regular occurrence. Extreme flood events of the Yarra River are recorded to have occurred in 1891, 1901, 1916, 1923 and 1934. The Municipality of Kew's response to these floods was to enact planning decisions restricting residential development in flood prone areas following the floods of 1916, 1921 and 1934. While floods continued after the development of the Upper Yarra Reservoir (construction 1948-57), the regularity and extent of these inundations diminished. Original, large sepia photograph showing men, women and children who have gathered on a grassy verge, probably farm land, to look out across the flooded Yarra Valley at Willsmere, North Kew. In the medium distance are three houses that are largely submerged by the flood waters as well as a number of Eucalypts. Judging by the clothes of the spectators, the date might be 1901 or 1916, but probably the latter due to the hats worn by a number of the women. Inscribed reverse: "Gift of Kerrie Woollard (KCC) (P)C.1923yarra river valley, kew east (vic.), floods, willsmere

The Kew Historical Society's map collection includes a substantial number of real estate subdivision plans, mainly of Kew but also of surrounding suburbs in Melbourne. Most of the subdivision plans date from the 1920s and 1930s when the districts old homes and local farmland were being split up to accommodate residential growth in the postwar period. These early plans were assembled by a local firm, Jas R Mather & McMillan, which had an office in Cotham Road. Many of the plans, and sometimes photos, were annotated by the agents.Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence for the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.The photograph may also be aesthetically significant depending on the importance of the photographic atelier.An unusual bungalow that does not conform to a particular architectural style but which contains eclectic elements of the style of varying periods. The most striking element of the design is the cantilevered veranda that is supported by heavy chains that are attached to the central gable. This deep gable extends across most of the façade, forming an extensive veranda. Parts of this are infilled with screens. Seven wooden posts, whose lower halves are encased in rendered brick pillars, support this gabled veranda. The roof would appear to be covered with corrugated iron. The location of the house, which was advertised for sale, has to date not been identified. The real estate photo is on the reverse of a plan for the Myrtle Hill Subdivision, Kew.bungalows - kew, architecture - 1920s, real estate photographs

Landscape photograph of Kew and Fairfield. Undated but possibly 1930s.View of Latrobe Course from the Kew side of the River Yarra. River in middle foreground. Aged pine tree central foreground. Inscribed reverse: "M Holmes"kew (vic.), latrobe golf course

A civic campaign for new public offices developed in Kew in the 1880s. After much deliberation, the location chosen was the junction of Bulleen and Cotham Roads. The buildings were designed by George Watson and John Henry Harvey, architects within the Department of Public Works (Victoria). Building was commenced in 1887, and after one year, the buildings were opened. The Post Office was transferred to the new Commonwealth Government in 1901. The Police Station and Court House, sold by the Victorian Government to the City of Boroondara in 2007, are now a community cultural centre and performing arts venue.The buildings were listed on the Victorian Heritage Register Register (HO885) in 1991. They are historically and architecturally significant to the State of Victoria because Watson and Harvey's designs exhibit diversity in integrating civil offices, they accommodate the apex of road junctions, and they demonstrate a departure from the contemporaneously favoured High Victorian Classical to the Queen Anne style in the design of civic buildings.Exterior view of the east facing red brick facade of the former Kew Police Station in High Street, Kew.kew court house, public offices -- kew (vic), kew police station

The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed in 1860. This eastern section of Kew was settled from the 1850s with all land sold in the vicinity by 1851. The original large estates were further subdivided in the second half of the 19th and in the first decades of the 20th centuries.Early aerial photograph of KewFramed aerial photograph of that part of Kew in which is located Genazzano FCJ, the Kew Reservoir, and the retail nurseries of Bennett’s and Rimington's.genazzano fcj, kew reservoir, rimington's nurseries, bennett's nursery, cotham road, mont victor road (kew)

Timetable - listing the various runs, times at various timing point or locations for Doncaster Rd (Depot) - via Middleborough Rd - Box Hill - East Kew bus route, weekdays Index sheet 81 and Footscray depot - Saturday printed on yellow paper, Deer Park - Sunshine Park - Sunshine - Footscray - City index sheet 35, four pages. Each sheet has been taped on the rear for storage and hole punched. On the rear of each sheet (all the same) details of the route, time points. Front and back sheets scanned.trams, tramways, mmtb, timetables, doncaster depot, footscray, box hill

A recording of 'Messiah', an English language oratorio by George Frederic Handel, composed in 1741. The text was compiled from the King James Bible; it contains 3 parts and part 2 ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. This performance by the Diamond Valley Choral Society was recorded at St John's Church of England, Heidelberg and St Paul's East Kew, June 1985.1 audio cassette in clear plastic caseHandwritten on case: "DVCS - St Johns (Handel), St Paul's East Kew, 15.6.85"diamond valley choral society, messiah (oratorio), st john's church of england heidelberg, st paul's east kew

Colour photograph of Lisa Gervasoni's second birthday party held at 93 Willsmere Road Kew (behind North Kew Newsagency). Left to right: Clare Gervasoni (in the old summer uniform of St Anne's East Kew), Lisa Gervasoni, and Ann Gervasoni (in the new summer uniform of St Anne's East Kew).birthday, gervasoni, birthday cake, st anne's east kew uniform, st anne's east kew

Prue Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence of the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold on which a built structure was subsequently constructed as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.The mansion Woodlands in Harp Road, East Kew suffered the death of a thousand cuts. In its case, the cuts were subdivisions. Previous subdivisions of the mansion and its grounds were given titles such as ‘The Eastlawn Estate’ (MAP.0055), whereas at the end, the subdivision called it as it was, naming itself the ‘final section of the Woodlands Estate’ when it was put up for auction in 1932. The emphasis in the promotion of the subdivision was that it provided purchasers with splendid opportunities ‘to build modern homes in select, well established modern surroundings’. As with other subdivisions in the interwar period, transport links were emphasised. The six residential lots cut Woodlands off from Harp Road. When the vendor, Louisa Rachel Preston Hill, was to die at Woodlands in 1937 aged 86 her address was given as Normanby Road.subdivision plans - kew, woodlands estate

During the nineteenth century, the land abutting the south side of the Yarra in Kew was devoted to dairy farming. In the twentieth century, before and after the construction of the Eastern Freeway, much of this low-lying area was used as golf courses and public parks.View of the farmland in the Yarra Valley at what is believed to be East Kew in 1918. Verso: "Willsmere / East Kew? / 1918"yarra river, yarra valley