Harcourt branch of the Australian Natives Association was formed in 1908, meeting in a chaff shed behind the local grocer shop. In 1911 the branch contracted with Mr Sutherland of Barkers Creek to build a hall of boxed concrete construction. Sutherland was a pioneer in the use of concrete for structural purposes.He subsequently had a career as City Engineer at Camberwell. The ANA branch conducted many social occasions in the hall and gave community leadership for upwards of fifty years in addition to its friendly society/health insurance activities.. This was the only community hall in the Harcourt community until it was superseded by the Harcourt Leisure Centre in 1991 It is now the home of Harcourt Heritage Centre.A community hall of pioneering construction method, provided to the community by a friendly society.black and white postcard depicting a community hallA N A Hall, Harcourt

Typed notes titled 'a Hill and its Administration'. It mentions the Gold Commissioners, mining licences, Red Ribbon Movement, the buildings around Commissioner's Hill, corrupt police, the iron lock up and the log lock up.document, a hill and its administration, mr horn, captain dana, asst commissioner gilbert, commissioner cockburn, capt john urquart, asst commissioner panton, asst commissioner reid, asst comm j m clow, comm wright, captain bull, asst comm joseph anderson panton, red ribbon movement, governor latrobe, mr thomson, police commissioner mitchell, col valiant, queen victoria, eureka riot, lt finch, mt alexander mail sat 9 sept 1854, bendigo sports centre, post office, garden gully goldmine, high school, old supreme court, st jean's hill, volunteer rifle corp, vic volunteer cal regiment, vol cavalry, bendigo art gallery, a n a lodge, a n a hall, goldfield police, m'lachlan, fly bros, hustlers park mine, bendigo advertiser 15 january 1857, bendigo gaol

Seven typed pages and one page of additions titled 'Anecdotes' read at the RHS Convention held in Bendigo at 'Dudley House' on 9/10/1076. Notes mention what it was like in the early days, things that had happened, buildings in View Street, open-air theatres, musicians, and characters that roamed the streetsdocument, names of bendigo pioneers, bendigo & eaglehawk anecdotes, arblaster's powder factory, annals of bendigo, latham and watson's mine, gray, bendigo advertiser 1858, dr harry leigh atkinson, ravenswood property, a. n. a. hall, sir john quick, princess theatre, the tiv, mr frank cusack, pederewski, lyric photo plays, oscar flight, tiny coupe, fedder duster, overcoat charlie, bayonet, benevolent home, sydney myer, myer stores, robert harkness, nubby bux, j bruce, henry john king, louis williams

Five typed, green pages of the history of View Street and its buildings and How Bendigo got Its Name. Some of the buildings are described. Unsigned. Notes forwarded to BHS from Dymocks booksellers, Alice Plaza, Alice Springs.bendigo, history, view street, a view street viewing, how bendigo got its name, ravenswood pastoral run, battling bendigo thompson, messrs heape and grice, richard larritt, rosalind park, the ogg & co of bendigo, a n a hall, princess theatre, art gallery, alexandra fountain, princess alexandra, edward vii, w c vahland, former bank of new south wales, the c b c of sydney (former bank of victoria), state register of historic buildings, the old post office (now sandhurst trustees), former union bank (later a n z view street branch), bendigo branch of the national trust, temperance hall, vahland and getzschmann, james blair, dr harry atkinson, the masonic hall and temple, the bendigo fire station, william beebe, denderah (now called coolock house), convent of mercy, sir george v lansell, the bendigo advertiser, george lansell snr, fortuna, a h q survey, malmo, carl van damme, residence no 10 valentine street, brick residence 282 view street, dudley house, bendigo branch of the royal historical society, wm honeybone, bendigo sports centre

Mauve and beige card with black edge and rounded corners from the La mascotte Club inviting Miss J. Campbell to a Social Evening and Dance, held in the large A. N. A. Hall, Wednesday, May 18th, 1910. S. Burns L. C. Joseph and L. H. Daymond, Joint Secs.document, invitations, dance, invitation - la mascotte club social evening and dance, miss j campbell, s burns, l c joseph, l h daymond

Pink dance programme with rounded corners. Bendigo Musical Society Social Evening held in the A. N. A. Hall, Wednesday, June 17th, 1903. E. Hull, Print. Front has the names of all the office bearers and the back has the dance programme. Card has drawing of a musical conductor on the front.document, invitations, luncheon, invitation, luncheon, the mayor and councillors of the city of bendigo, his excellency the governor general of australia, lady northcote

List of names printed on card on photograph: 17th Light Horse Regiment Photograph taken at Bendigo Racecourse Top row: 1. W TAYLOR 6. A DANSON 7. E P SEYMOUR Mid row: 1. A WALKER 4. N HALL? 7. R PIPER 8. W STRUTT Bottom row: 1. V PALMER 2. D HAMMER (MAJOR GENERAL) 3. P RIDDLE 7. H GREINERPhotograph, black white colour, group portrait of 22 uniformed Officers of the 17th Light Horse Regiment. Wooden frame painted black. Label on photograph, black print on white cardboard showing list of names.On frame cardboard back in blue ink: “Passchendaele Barracks / Trust”photography-photographs, frame accessories, passchendaele barracks trust

Bendigo Advertiser "The way we were" from Thursday, April 7, 2005. Champs: Golden Square Thirds eightenn, 1955. Back: M. Carter, R. Pollard, T. Tonzing, C. Thomas, N. Tarr, G. Hall, R. Meeking and L. Bourke. Centre: O. Petri (trainer), P. Rodda, B. McConville, R. Lane, G. Moore, G. Thmpson, L. Phillips, S. Cowling, E. McConville, L. Marshall (trainer). Front: J. Rassumas, J. Morwood, G. Teasdale (coach), R. Lee (captain), K. Hunt (manager), N. Grosse and A. Doyle. Sitting: L. Wilkinson and J. Bowden.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Black and white photograph"Written on back of photograph" Ringwood Councillors 1982 Rear L to R- Bill Wilkins, F Corr, P Gotlib, G Dorman, A Henderson, R Gardini Front - L Laurenson, A Robertson, N Hamilton (Mayor), A Hall, G Smart.

Yields information about the streetscapes of Stones Corner to Mt Pleasant route and in particular buildings and people that crewed the trams.Set of seven Colour 27 x 27 mm slide in a Kodachrome cardboard mount. .1 - Tram turning onto the Mt Pleasant line at Stones Corner - Bridge St, Main Road .2 - Main Road looking south with Inland Body Works building on the left and Ampol Service Station .3 - Mt Pleasant terminus with the butcher shop on the left and the diary on the right - shows the terminating tram track .4 - Conductor changing pole. .5 - Putting pole on the overhead .6 - Conductor (D O'Leary - No. 38) standing in front of tram and Motorman or driver (N. Hall - No. 43) .7 - ditto with number visible. See Reg item 3425 for crew lists. Slide mount date September 1971. Photo from the collection of Lilian Butler.ballarat, tramways, trams, stones corner, main road, mt pleasant, crews, drivers, conductors, trolley poles, tram 41

Yields information about the Ballarat tramway staff, in addition to the crews. Gives address and telephone details of the time and the list of names who were employed in undertaking the tramway service. Does not list depot or track crews or revenue clerks.Carbon copy of a typed list of SEC Ballarat Tramways staff, mid to late 1960's, giving Name, position, Address and Phone number. Dated 10th Feb. 19??, the last two digits having been torn off when tape removed. Consists of one large sheet of paper with a small sheet containing 4 names taped to the bottom of the main sheet. Has been attacked by silver fish on the left hand side. .1 - Original sheet .2 - Photocopy of top half .3 - Photocopy of lower half All sheets have been folded. Names on List: White F Denmead L Trusler W Irwin D Dennis W Calnin T Maxwell A Wellard L Dunstan T Satchell G Kellett D May H Van Rooy H Harding C Newell W Williams T Nancarrow W Chambers D Reynolds H Bassett G Mason J McGregor D Bolton J Edmonds F Mercer A Reed A Mann? B Blackman M Hunt N Knight H Mannion B McMahon L Domaschenz D Davies S Turnbull A Everett D Allan N Smerdon H Gill V O'Brien J Segrave W van Oorschot H Retallick W Kellett D O'Leary D Lake E Maher J Bird L Hall N Haes W Butler K Billman J Malins A Cahill M Hamilton N Tierney I Morris R Jeffreys A Cameron E Walker L Ward W Williams R Knight R Morris A Thompson D Davies W Wallis I Robe N Courtney R sec, ballarat, staff, inspectors, personnel

A white document titled "Bendigo Teachers' College Graduation Ceremony to be held at Bendigo City Hall Friday 10th December 1971". Below this is a list of the staff at the college in that year 1971 - Principal: Mr. K. G. Scarrott. Vice-Principal: Miss A. Downward. Warden for Men: Mr. F. M. Courtis. Staff - Mr. T. J. McCabe, Mr. D. O'Brien, Mr. B. I. Rollins, Mr. R. F. Colbourne, Mr. B. A. Clemson, Mr. B. T. Geary, Mr. K. C. Coles, Mrs. N. Fawdry, Mr. L. A. Hall, Mr. K. G. Harrison, Mr. B. R. Reed, Mr. J. A. White, Mr. G. L. Colson, Mr. A. D. Maltby, Mr. K. I. Clements, Mr. L. Jackman, Mr. J. Brasier, Mr. W. P. Lomas, Mr. R. P. Silverback, Mr. R. Collis, Mr. D. R. Phelan, Mr. J. J. Layther, Mr. J. P. Furnell, Mr. J. R. Goodrich, Mrs. H. A. Knox, Mr. K. A. Ryrie, Mr. A. R. McIntosh, Mr. K. W. Endersby, Mr. R. N. Bruce, Mrs. E. J. Perry, Mr. D. J. Watson, Mr. C. J. Barnes, Mr. R. J. Harris, Mr. D. A. Jobling, Mrs. S. M. Wheeler, Mrs. M. P. Hibberd, Mrs. M. M. Clemson, Mr. A. Jones, Mr. E. Coleman, Mrs. R. M. Briggs, Miss M. Gates, Mrs. B. P. Hyett, Mrs. M. J. Smith, Miss J. C. Burnett and Mrs. B. A. Layther. Associate Medical Staff Dr. B. A. Cleeve and Administrative Staff Mr. W. D. Kollie, Mrs. E. Morshead, Miss C. T. Aldridge, Miss D. Stott. Mrs. D. M. Philpott and Mrs. J. E. Scarrott. On the inside cover is the "Significance of the Ceremony" and "The College Anthem". The following page as the "Order of the Ceremony." Mr. B. A. Clemson welcomes the visitors and Mr. K. G. Scarrott gives the Principal's message to graduands. Student Representatives are presented to Mr. Mr. J. Revell by Miss A. Downward,Vice Principal. The 1968-1971 Diploma of Teaching (Primary) students and the 1970-1971 T.P.T.C. students are presented by Miss A. Downward to Dr. M. Balson. Congratulations are offered by Cr. D. Elliot, President of Strathfieldsaye Shire Cr. C. C. Rodda and the Principal of Golden Square State School Mr. R. Cordingley. The Occasional Address was given by Dr. Maurice Balson and Mr. Ian Davies concluded with the Acknowledgement. The back cover contains lists of the students receiving their Diplomas of Teaching (Primary) 1969 - 1971 - John Grant Allen, Marion D. Barbour, Marlene J. Bartlett, Jillian M. Bennett, Carol M. Bernasochi, Philip McL. Blackwood, Carmel F. Bourke, Kathryn A. Bourke, Narelle D. Carpenter, Helen C. Cowan, Margaret A. Cowie, Ronald J. Crawford, Annette M. Dodd, Athalie D. Edis, Maureen A. Farnell, Robin J. Fitzgerald, Ruth G. Freeman, Dianne D. Geddes, Meta D. Goodrich, Dennis J. B. Higgins, Kevin M. Higgins, Russell J. Honey, Marilyn L. Kay, Barry Frank Keenan, Christine J. Kennedy, Rosemary A. Kennedy, Judith Kirne, Alison J. Laws, Heather Linton, Annette M. McDonald, Geraldine Matters, Heather J. Mitchell, Christine D. Moore, Adrienne D. Nichols, Marion J. Nixon, Geraldine M. O'Brien, Patricia Maree O'Brien, Joseph Pacquola, Annette J. Parke, Sandra J. Pell, Maureen Y. Pianta, Catherine A. Polgar, Linda C. Preece, Judith M. Punch, Jennifer G. Reynard, Denise P. Ryan, Noela J. Sargent, Mrs. Brenda J. Savy, Christine M. Scholes, Geoffrey G. Scown, Beverley K. Secomb, Joan B. Segrave, John E. Sloan, David J. Snell, Julie M. Sullivan, Dorothy J. Teague, Jennifer F. Thomson, Denise A. Thornbury, Jennifer L. Trewin, Lorraine D. Walker, Edgar John Waterman, Janet E. Waterson, Jillian M. Watts, Leslie Williams and Una M. Woodcock. Trained Primary Teacher's Certificate 1970 - 1971 - Elizabeth A. H. Abbinga, Mrs. Sandra E. Banks, Henry Ward Beecher, Marjorie A. Byrne, Julie P. Carter, Pamela E. Charlton, Lorraine C. Childs, Mary J. Coughlan, Gwenda A. Colville, Elaine J. Cooper, Elizabeth Ann Corboy, Helen J. Cox, Ian R. Davis, Diane E. Edwards, Sandra J. Fitzgibbon, Ann M. Flett, Christine French, Donald Wayne Garner, Mary E. Gibbs, Pamela S. Gorey, Judith A. Grieve, Lorraine Healy, Mrs. Catherine M. Higgins, Ivan P. Honey, Jennifer M. Ibbs, Geoffrey Kerr, Robyn M. King, Christine M. Law, Mrs. Wendy E. McGinniskin, Margaret A. McMahon, Valerie P. McMaster, Mary A. McNamee, Wendy J. McNeill, Jane P. H. McPherson, Patricia Oakford, Colleen J. O'Brien, Robyn E. Onley, Eileen Joan Osborne, Mrs. Wendy A. Proud, Kristina N. Puchala, Lynette B. Rathbone, Mrs. Yvonne M. Robinson, Shane B. Rodda, David L. Rosendale, Mrs. Jan E. Scholes, Judith J.Tait, Adrienne L. Thomas, Sandra J. Turner, Rosemary D. Whalen, Sandra J. Whitmore, Jane A. Wilson and Linda O. Wilson. External Studies - The Trained Infant Teacher's Certificate was received by Sharon P. Prentice. The Diploma of Teaching ( Primary ) - Mrs. Linda E. Cameron, Neville G. Fisher, Trevor J. Hogben and Maureen L. Tobin. Trained Primary Teacher's Certificate - Valda J. Chapple, Marie K. Gread, Shirley A. Grose, Mrs. Judith J. Hocking, Michael J. Lonnie, Michael McCabe, Kevin F. McInerny and Kenneth N. Webster. Also included is an insert with a diagram of the stage plan.bendigo, education, bendigo teachers' college graduatio, la trobe university bendigo collection, collection, bendigo, education, tertiary education, graduation, graduands, students, staff, bendigo teachers' college, teaching, teachers, bendigo teachers' college staff, bendigo teachers' college students, book

The book was compiled by Allan B. Peisley. In 1891 a pineboard, portable school building was sent from Melbourne to Gabo by schooner, and transported to a site approximately 1½ miles SE of Genoa. When erected by Henry Bucknall, it was listed as Genoa River School. It opened on 24th of August with an enrol­ment of approximately 20 pupils under the guidance of Algernon de Havilland, and served the district until 1928 when a combination of white ants and dry rot caused the building to be abandoned. School was held in the Genoa hall as a 'temporary' measure until a new building was erected, and it was during this period that N. A. Wake­field, later lecturer and author of natural history articles and books, served as HT. The ‘temporary' measure proved seemingly permanent as it was not until 1953 that a new school was built on the present site, ½ mile W of Genoa. This school was opened by the late Sir Albert Lind on 15th of August 1953, the original name being amended to Genoa State School. Since then much has been done to maintain the grounds and buildings at a high standard.This item is a useful reference tool on the history of Genoa in East Gippsland.A book of 36 pp titled Genoa School History. On the front cover are black and white images of buildings and wrens. The text is black. The pages have been photocopied.education genoa

The postcard depicts a large group of young men and women posing inside the Beechworth Town Hall. They are attending the Back to Childhood Ball in Beechworth on 3 November 1937. Joining them is a small goat in the front row.The postcard provides insight into entertainment, leisure and recreation in Beechworth during the 1930s. It enriches the community's understanding of how entertainment has developed in Beechworth since the early twentieth century.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card.Obverse: a memento of the Back To Childhood Ball "Beechworth" / 3.11.37 / Reverse: 3708 / POST CARD / KODAK / CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / AUSTRAL / A / AUSTRAL / KODAK / N. R. McGEEHAN, (Flashlight Specialist.) / 154 HOTHAM ST., ST. KILDA. S. 2. /entertainment, entertainment album, beechworth, 1930s, goat, recreation, performance, leisure, back to childhood ball, social

S.S, No 4688, Francis Street, Heathmont, 3135 History Two A4 pages of notes on the beginnings of the Heathmont S.S The text is:- STATE SCHOOL No 4698 Frances Street Heathmont, 3135 HISTORY School classes at Heathmont commenced in the original Methodist Church building in Canterbury Road in 1952 with Mr A.J. McKinlay as Head Teacher in charge of a school of 80 pupils. Shortly afterwards both a Parents and Citizens Association and the first School Committee were formed. Mr J.B. Harper was appointed as president of the Association and Mr H. Walker was elected as chairmen of the Committee, while Mr T. Jago acted as secretary to both bodies. Later in that same year the district Inspector, Mr H. Fleigner since retired and still a Heathmont resident, woe instrumental in obtaining a site for the establishment of the present Heathmont School at the corner of Frances Street and Balfour Avenue. The land was purchased from Mr. Handasyde, an orchardist of Wantirna South. In March 1963 a Bristol prefabricated aluminium building comprising four classrooms and an office was occupied. On April 21st, 1953 the school was opened officially by the Minister for Education, the Hon. A.E. Shepherd MLA. By December of that year the attendance had increased to 191 pupils, Mr N. Gillham was Head Teacher at the time. In February 1955 Mr. K. Gerraty succeeded Mr Gillham and by 1957 attendance had risen to 326 pupils necessitating the provision of additional light timber construction classrooms. Meanwhile the subdivision of large areas of local orchard land into housing estates with its resulting rapidly increasing population presented a persistent school accommodation problem that was met temporarily by the hiring of district church halls to accommodate a steadily rising attendance. Fortunately the tradition of voluntarily contributing to school funds and voluntarily providing labour initiated by the original parent bodies in 1952 was maintained. Then Mr V. Milligan commenced as Head Teacher in 1959, much of the steeply contoured playground area had been terraced, a football oval formed and the basketball court and assembly areas were sealed. These improvements were finally completed largely due to the enthusiasm, vigor and work effected by the School Committee under the chairmanship of Ringwood Councillor Mr JM McRae, as is borne out by the following report by Mr R.J. Chapman, District Inspector in 1961. "The local support by parents given to the Head Teacher and his staff is exceptional and I express my appreciation of their outstanding service." Mr Milligan's contribution to progress, however, lay equally in the internal educational development, particularly with regard to the teaching of reading. A course in the mechanics of speed reading, involving the use of the tachistoscope reading rate controllers and programmed comprehension sets was introduced and a start was made in the building up of a library of literature and reference books. As a result the Education Department appointed a Teacher-librarian to ensure continuity and further progress with this Reading scheme. A feature of Heathmont School is the splendid modern Art/Craft room opened while Mr L. Sebire was head teacher in 1966. This building and courtyard, linked to the original building by a covered way was designed by Mr Salvatore who acted as honorary architect, and was completed by Mr John F. Swan at a cost of �10,000 of which 52% was provided by a School Committee Co-operative loan and 42% by Departmental special grant. Materials used were white sandstone brick and oregon pine. The building bears the name of Councillor J.M. McRae Art Centre as a tribute to the man who did so much to enable its construction. An Art/Craft specialist teacher is provided by the Education Department. As attendance continued to increase to 520 children in 1969, additional accommodation became an urgent necessity. Following negotiations conducted by Mr A. Lethbridge School Committee President, Mr JJ Egan, former Principal and the present Principal, Mr A.S. Don the Education Department Assisted by a second Committee Co-operative loan, purchased the adjacent Baptist Church property thus providing much needed extra accommodation and playground area The newly acquired building is at present in use as two temporary classrooms, but will subsequent be used as a utility rope. A smaller room has been converted to a canteen operated daily by the Parents and Citizens Association, thus providing both a service to the pupils and a source of income. +Additional Keywords: McKinlay, Mr.A G Harper, Mr J.B Walker,Mr.H Fleigner, Mr.H Handasyde, Mr. G Shepherd, Hon. A.E. MLA Gillham, Mr.K Garraty, Mr.K Milligan, Mr.V McRae, Mr. J.M. Chapman,Mr.R.J. Sebire,Mr.L Salvatore,Mr. Swann,Mr.John F. Lethbridge, mr.A Egan,Mr.J.J. Don,Mr.A.S.

Ticket for St Mary's Annual Parish Ball - Two orchestras, dancing 8-2, sit down supper and Belle of the Ball.Buff coloured card with green printing and deckled edge. Ringwood Town Hall. Tuesday, August 10, 1948. Two orhestras - Dancing 8 to 2. Sit Down Supper. Belle of the Ball. Ladies: 5/6 Dr. J.E. Mahon, Pres. Mrs. N. Madden, Mr. B. Clarke, Joint Secs.

This is a program for two plays staged by The Arcadians in 1934. This drama group was originally known as the Warrnambool High School Ex-Students’ Dramatic Society and was founded in 1925 by Colonel Langley, the Head Master of Warrnambool High School and his wife, Edmee. The Arcadians drama group was still operating in 1947 and proceeds from the productions went to the Warrnambool High School, funding many school projects including a tennis court, a Senior English prize and Watson Hall. By 1934 a special project was the funding of the ‘Langley Library’. Notable among The Arcadians performers were Colonel George Langley (in the early years of the group), Horace Jones, an English teacher at the school, Syb Carpenter, Bill Earle, Mary and Ron Mack and Nancy Humm. This programme is of particular interest as an example of the plays staged by the well-known Warrnambool drama group, The Arcadians.This is a programme made of two sheets of green paper folded in two to make eight pages. The printing is in black. The sheets were originally stapled but the metal staples have been removed. The inscription is handwritten in blue ink. ‘N. J. Absalom’ the arcadians, warrnambool high school, colonel and mrs langley

Five items about this church. 1.Detailed inscription of foundation stone. 2.Photograph, date unknown. 3.Pamphlet of Inaugural Service Diamond Jubilee Celebration 1912 to 1972. 4.Information on the window installed by Mrs Agnes M Beck. 5.A photocopy of a typed document titled ‘The Methodist Heritage of the Murrumbeena Uniting Church’.daws c.k. rev, cain j.h. rev, johns w. rev, blakemore john rev, foundationstones, white h.g builder, murrumbeena, methodist church, st giles presbyterian, festivals and celebrations, architect browning and bladen, delascombe rohan sir, murrumbeena road, delacombe lady, fox mrs, fox emc mhr, scanlon a mr mla, arden f.a. mrs, moran mrs, moran b mr, moyors, councillors, town clerks, beck agnes m mrs, windows, monuments and memorials, doble allan, brown bob rev, presbyterian church, inglis robert mr, mcdonald hall, parish magazine ‘encounter’, reid jack, arden f.a, kindergartens, religious groups, fusion, demmler pty ltd, mcdonald hall, pollock lex. rev, plaques, bruce mrs, monkhouse mrs, holbern mrs, ladies league, sunderland h. rev, armstrong w.j., secomb w.e. rev, dandenong road, belgrave road, harwood c., tally ho auxiliary, women’s auxiliary, murrumbeena men’s methodist movement, methodist men’s society, hartley f. rev, manzoney w.s. rev, sholton h.t rev, eldridge l.b rev, wilcock s.c rev, bye r. rev, slattery k. rev, archbold b. rev, sunderland h. rev, blanksby a. rev, mcdonald n. rev, porrih d. rev, lukies j. rev, reid g. rev, orton a. rev, young men’s club, methodist babies home, assisted migrant scheme, harris l.b., reid pris, reid will, davey eric, field jack, st giles centenary, encounter no.2. 1990, encounter no.3. 1991, mcdonald edua, don anne

In February 1965, Staffs Railway Store, the oldest business premises in the Eltham shopping district was demolished. Formerly a self-service grocery, restaurant and electrical repair shop, the building for many years housed Eltham’s only ‘family’ grocer and feed store. Earlier it had appeared to have been the town’s bakery. The building had been purchased in late March 1939 by Mr Eric N. Staff. At the time of E.N. Staff’s purchase there were huge bakers’ ovens located at the rear and the building also had a well and four toilets for employees. When the ‘pictures’ came to Eltham with the opening of the Eltham Public Hall across the road in 1941, Mr E.N. Staff extended the business and opened a milk bar and sweet shop. Further extensions re-established the tea rooms of days gone by. Mr E.N. Staff conducted business for about 15 years before handing over the reins to his son, Ray Staff. When his son Ray took over, the milk bar and tea rooms were closed for several years but the milk bar and was later re-opened and subsequently became a greengrocers and later again, a restaurant. The tea rooms section was converted to an electrical repair shop about 1955. Electoral Roll records for 1967 record Raymond Charles Staff at 929 Main Road, Eltham, grocer, and in 1968 at Lot 4, Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham, taxi truck operator. So it would appear that Ray continued to run the business for approximately two years after the original store was demolished and a new supermarket was built. Today, 929 Main Road is the Nongkhai Thai Restaurant and is precisely where the original Staffs store stood. Even though the facade has been modified at eye level with new larger windows, the upper facade is identical to that of the new Eltham Big Star Food Centre of 1965/66. But how did the original building, the oldest premises in the 1965 era shopping centre come about? On August 12th, 1902 at the Eltham Courthouse, appearing before T. Smallman, Esq,. Police Magistrate, and Messrs. W. Duncan and W.J. Taylor, Justices of the Peace is Luther Haley, baker. Wilfred Henry Johnston, by his agent Stanley Ernest Elder had applied for a warrant of ejectment under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1890 against Luther Haley from the bakery premises at the corner of Main Road and York Street. From the evidence presented we learn that Mrs Burgoyne of Eltham had purchased the property some months earlier from Mr Johnston, which consisted of a store and bakery establishment at Eltham occupied by Mr. Luther Haley, and whose lease expired some little time back, and up to the present time, Mr. Haley was not prepared to leave. He informed the court that he is unable to secure at Eltham a suitable house in which to carry on his business, but was building a place near the railway station which he expected to be done in about three weeks time, and he is then prepared to give up possession of the premises he now occupies. Mr Smallman informed the defendant, Luther Haley, that he will have to quit the premises in three weeks from the present date, and that a warrant of ejectment would be issued. However he also informed Mr Haley that he would order the warrant to lie in the office for three weeks from that date. The premises under construction referred to by Luther Haley in court were situated on the western side of Main Road, near the railway station slightly opposite present-day Arthur Street. It was opened around September 1902 as a General Store, Bakery and Tea Rooms. This was the original building in the present-day shopping precinct. At the time the only thing nearby was the railway station. Luther Haley’s business appeared to prosper and he would have catered to not only the locals abut also day visitors by train on Sundays coming up from Melbourne, offering fresh baked produce, tea rooms and summer drinks. The fields across Main Road running between present day Arthur Street and Luck Street were known as Haley’s Paddock and at times were used for community festivities and picnics. A newspaper report on the annual State schools picnic held at Haley’s Paddock on March 11, 1904 described it as “quite close to the railway station, and is quite capable of holding comfortably 10,000 people. With its ample shade and hilly surroundings, it is an ideal place for any gathering.” Luther Haley successfully ran his general store, bakery and tea rooms until 1917 when he and his family departed the district and moved to Westgarth Street in Northcote where he changed careers and became a publisher. It was then taken over by Hannah Lloyd and became known as Lloyd’s Railway General Store from 1917 to 1920. From then it had a succession of owners, one as short as two months until March 31, 1939 when the Grocery Business formerly carried on by Mr. T.K. White of Eltham for the previous eight years was purchased by Mr Eric N. Staff of Research and became known as E.N. Staff’s Railway Store. The ownership timeline for the store is as follows: Luther Haley Sep 1902-1917 Hannah Lloyd 1917-c.Feb 1920 Messrs J.R. & N.E. Lee 1920-Sep 1922 A. & E. Copeland Sep 1922-Sep 1925 Mr Price Sep 1925-Nov 1925 Mr Warren Nov 1925?-Nov 1926 A.W.J. Edwards Nov 1926-1931 T.K. White 1931-Mar 1939 Eric Staff Apr 1939-c.1954 Ray Staff c.1954-Feb 1965 then demolished Ray Staff Eltham Big Star Food Centre c.1965-1967 Digital file only from scan of copy on loan to EDHSa. copeland, a.w.j. edwards, big star food centre, e. copeland, eltham, eric staff, general store, hannah lloyd, j.r. lee, lloyd's general store, luther haley, main road, n.e. lee, price, ray staff, staffs general store, supermarket, t.k. white