McAuslan home with two family members out front1 russell place, williamstown, house, mcauslan

1. Letter: Russell Yeoman, EDHS to Geoff Edmonds, Nillumbik Shire Council, 10 January 2003 re naming of the roads surrounding the former Eltham Shire Office site.eltham, eltham district historical society, geoff edmonds, library place, nillumbik shire council, russell yeoman, shillinglaw trees

(Cancelled) Certificate of Title originally issued for Crown Portion 15, Section 5 to Robert David Taylor, of Eltham, County of Evelyn, Farmer, 13 March 1925. It is with this title that the land allotment was subdivided into 48 lots. The title shows the issuance to Robert David Taylor with encumbrance placed upon it by immediate former owner, Hugh Patrick Keogh, a former member for Gippsland and Melbourne Real Estate Agent. Following Taylor's death in 1934 the title passes to his Executors, sons Robert David Taylor of Bible Street, Eltham and William McLelland Vance Taylor of Northcote. The property is then sold to Frank Stokes who develops the Stokes Orchard. Compulsory acquisitions by the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works and State Electricity Commission show provisions of easemenst for town water supply and high voltage power transmission lines. Subsequent lots are then sold off with the development of the Stokes Orchard Estate residential development in the mid to late 1970s. A History of the Development of Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik – Stokes Orchard Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (CA15) is a square allotment of 158 acres or approximately a quarter of a square mile. It lies just beyond the eastern end of Pitt Street, south of Nyora Road to the northern end of Eucalyptus Road and extends east from Eucalyptus Road to Reynolds Road. The topography of CA15 is generally steep, sloping up to a hill near the centre of the land, the ridgeline passing through the properties along the southern side of Diosma Road. Eucalyptus Road is a straight north-south road with its northern end at the north west corner of CA15. Until the end of the 1970s this road was an un-named Government Road and was largely not open to traffic. With residential development in the 1970s the road was constructed, and the council allocated the name obviously in recognition of the predominant species of the local bushland. CA15 was purchased from the Crown by George D’Arley Boursiquot, a prominent Melbourne printer, on 28th October 1852. On November 23, 1922, former Member for Gippsland and Melbourne Real Estate Agent, Hubert Patrick Keogh purchased the allotment then sold it March 13, 1925, to local farmer, Robert David Taylor, a former Shire of Eltham Councillor (1911-1920) and Shire President (1919). Taylor had extensive land holdings stretching west towards Bible Street and Main Road. The Taylor home was situated at the top of the hill in Bible Street at present day 82 Bible Street. At the time of Taylor’s purchase in 1925, CA15 was subdivided into 48 lots that could be described as small rural properties or large residential lots. A typical lot size was one hectare or 2.5 acres. The subdivision created two roads, Nyora Road, and Diosma Road, each following an irregular alignment between Eucalyptus and Reynolds Roads. However, the lots were not sold off separately nor were the roads constructed. The land effectively remained as one parcel for many further years. Robert David Taylor died November 30, 1934, and probate was granted to his son of the same name, Robert David Taylor of Bible Street, Salesman and William McLelland Vance Taylor of 73 Emmeline Street, Northcote, Clerk, with the transfer of the land into their names on July 8, 1935. Frank Stokes worked as a qualified accountant at Kennons leather factory in Burnley, while living at 1 Thomas Street, Mitcham. He suffered from migraines and wanted to return to working the land (he had previously worked on farms and orchards since coming to Australia from England in 1926, both in WA and Vic.). He first travelled to the district by train in July 1942 to find land with the intention to establish an orchard. By chance he met Arthur Bird of Bird Orchard (bounded by Pitt Street, Eucalyptus Road, and Wattle Grove) and they got talking over their common interest. Arthur put Frank up for the night and pointed out the land, 158 acres- part of the Taylor Estate- £900, Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (CA15) somewhat diagonally opposite Bird Orchard. Stokes applied through the Riverina Agency to purchase the land who in turn applied for permission from Canberra to sell as there was a new government regulation introduced during the Second World War banning land sales except for immediate production. Stokes obtained a loan on his Mitcham house of £600 @ 5% and paid £450 deposit with quarterly payments of £15 spread over 5 years. Stokes was assisted and advised by Arthur Bird who farmed the neighbouring orchard. In early 1943 Stokes took possession and would catch the train out to Eltham on Fridays after work and began building a hut on the corner of Nyora Road and the Government Road (Eucalyptus Road) for shelter and to lock up tools. He established an orchard on the central western part of the land through the centre of which ran a natural waterway (part of the present-day linear park) and was able to pay a neighbour (Hawkins) to help with clearing and fencing 25 acres, and with a horse and single furrowed plough, planted approximately 2,500 fruit trees - cherries, peaches, plums, almonds, pears, apricots and lemons as well as a few apples and oranges; a massive task. Aerial photographs from the 1940s through to the 1990s clearly show the orchard with most of the larger CA15 site remaining as natural bushland. A huge problem was hares and rabbits eating all the new buds off the tiny trees. As well as laying poison he painted the trees with a mixture of cow manure and lime, often working by moonlight. Procurement of wire and wire netting was difficult because of the war but after much effort he obtained a permit from the Agricultural Department for supplies in March 1944. In February 1945 Stokes applied for a permit to build a “packing shed” as no house building was allowed. It was to be 33 feet x 21 feet and cost £312. It was constructed mostly from second-hand materials, which were hard to obtain, especially iron for roofing. Stokes finished work at Kennons on October 31, 1945, and in March 1946 he sold the family home at Mitcham for £1,230 plus £170 for furniture. On May 15, 1946, title to the CA15 property was issued to Frank Howard Alfred Stokes, Orchardist and Gladys Ethel Stokes, Married Woman, both of Pitt Street, Eltham. The family of five then moved into the very unfinished “packing shed” at Eltham, which was a struggle to weatherproof. Eventually rooms were divided off and lined with hessian bags and whitewashed. Their income was firewood (cut and sold), selling rockery stones and cut Sweet Bursaria. (It was discovered during the 1940s that Sweet Bursaria contained the sunscreen compound Aesculin. The RAAF utilised this compound from Sweet Bursaria during WW2 for pilots and gunners.) The orchard’s first fruit sale was a half-case of Le Vanq peaches in December 1947 for the price of 8 shillings. In 1956 plans for house were drawn and Glen Iris bricks purchased (1956 Olympic Rings variant). The building of the house commenced in 1957 - 12 feet of original packing shed was removed – and was completed in 1959. Water was connected from newly built pressure storage on the property at the end of 1959 and the electricity connection for the first time at 3pm on April 29, 1960. The house remains to present day (somewhat modified) at 1 Nyora Road, home to Nyora Studio Gallery. On occasions, spare remnants of the 1956 bricks have been known to be unearthed in gardens on the estate as they were utilised by Frank Stokes to fill in rabbit holes. On May 26, 1950, a parcel of land was compulsorily acquired by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works on the hilltop to establish an easement for a high-level service reservoir to augment Eltham’s water supply. The project also included pipe tracks for the necessary water mains. The reservoir has now been superseded by higher level water tanks east of Reynolds Road and its former site is now a public reserve. On November 27, 1964, the State Electricity Commission served notice to compulsorily acquire a further parcel through the eastern part of the land for a major electricity transmission line that augmented supply from the La Trobe Valley to Melbourne. The easement was registered February 11, 1966. The easement was widened July 18, 1969 for a second transmission line to be constructed. In 1971 Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme amendments adopted Nyora Road as the boundary between a residential zone to the north and a rural zone to the south. This determined the future development of the land. In the mid-1970s the Shire of Eltham divided the orchard into numerous rate-able parcel lots, the 48 lots having been established in 1925 and the subsequent rates assessment proved unsustainable for Stokes. He commenced selling lots outside the boundary of the orchard, north of Diosma and South of Nyora. However shortly later the land between Nyora and Diosma Roads and west of the electricity easement was sold and subdivided into residential lots, a housing development by Macquarie Builders and marketed as the Stokes Orchard Estate. New streets were created, and most were named after trees, although one, Stokes Place, commemorates the former owners. The development was undertaken in two stages; Stage 1 (1975) encompassing Scarlet Ash Court, Ironbark Close and Peppermint Grove bounded by Nyora and Eucalyptus roads and Stage 2 (1978) encompassing Stokes Place, Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout bound by Nyora and Diosma roads. The developer, Macquarie Builders went bankrupt shortly after the release of Stage 2 leaving many purchasers to fend for themselves and arrange for their own independent builders. There were also difficulties with sewerage for the land immediately south of Diosma Road and so the conventional residential lots were abandoned in favour of larger lots. The development of Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout did not proceed as planned and the proposed lots were incorporated into five-acre parcels instead. These included a low-density group housing development by the Graves family and the award winning Choong House (1983) with Gordon Ford developed garden immediately next door situated on the ridge of the hill nestled amongst the original bush, Eucalypt trees and Sweet Bursaria. In 1994, Nillumbik Shire Council applied Significant Environment and Significant Landscape overlays upon the properties on the south side of Diosma Road to ensure protection of this natural bush garden environment. With the arrival of the sewer along Diosma Road in the 1990s, most of these five-acre parcels have since been subdivided multiple times. The Choong house presently sits on a 2.7-acre property, which in 2022 Nillumbik Council nominated for Cultural Significance Heritage protection and is considered potentially significant at State level. The Stokes family were also associated with the Eltham Christian Church. In the 1970s this church had met in temporary premises in Eltham. Lots of the original 1925 subdivision remained south of Nyora Road and a number of these lots were utilized for the Eltham Christian School, which was established by the Eltham Christian Church in 1981. The school operated on this site until 2000. The premises are now used by The Vine Baptist Church. By the mid-1980s the whole of CA15 had been developed for residential and school purposes, except for the sections north of Diosma Road and between the transmission lines and Reynolds Road. Sewerage issues had been resolved for the section north of Diosma Road and in 1987 it was in the process of being subdivided into residential lots. The development coincided with the discovery of colonies of the rare and endangered Eltham Copper Butterfly on the site. This resulted in a community and political campaign to save the butterfly habitat. With the co-operation of the land developer the subdivision was altered to create two bushland reserves in the critical butterfly habitat areas. In the late 1980s the State Government was investigating options for establishing a metropolitan ring road link between Diamond Creek and Ringwood. The chosen route was adjacent to Reynolds Road and so this created a freeze on development of CA15 between Reynolds Road and the electricity easement. The ring road proposal was eventually abandoned, and this part of the land was subdivided into low density residential lots. Diosma Road has been discontinued at the electricity easement and the eastern part incorporated into View Mount Court with access from Reynolds Road. The whole of CA15 has now been developed for residential or associated purposes, ranging from conventional density to quite low density south of Nyora Road. Some remnants of the orchard remain, a few cherry trees on the Graves property and a lone apple tree in Stokes Place. The butterfly reserves comprise significant areas of remnant bushland. Linear reserves through the estate link with central Eltham via the Woodridge linear reserve and with Research along the electricity easement. CA15 as it exists today has a complicated history of rural use, Government acquisition, urban development, and community action. References: • “Stokes Orchard, an incomplete history”; Russell Yeoman with Doug Orford • Correspondence, Beryl Bradbury (nee Stokes) • Aerial Photographs, 1931-1991, Landata (landata.vic.gov.au) • Certificate of Title, Vol. 4930 Fol. 985900 • Plan Number LP 10859 neil webster collection, diosma road, eltham copper butterfly, eucalyptus road, ironbark close, nyora road, peppermint grove, power transmission lines, reynolds road, scarlet ash court, stokes orchard estate, stokes place, woodridge estate, frank stokes, certificate of title

Material pertaining to the production of a history of the Shire of Eltham, "Pioneers & Painters: One Hundred Years of Eltham and its Shire" in recognition of the shire's centenary in 1971 Item Title Caption 04766-1 Background to publication of a Shire Centenary book from another shire, 7 February 1969 04766-2 Outcomes of Annual General Meeting held 11 February 1969, Shire of Eltham Historical Society, Advising office bearers for 1969 as well as notice for next meeting to be held 11 March 1969 at the Eltham War Memorial Hall where guest speaker Alan Marshall will talk on a proposal to compile a history of the Shire of Eltham to be published for the centenary of the Shire in 1971 04766-3 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society to the Shire Secretary, Shire of Eltham seeking financial support for the publication of a history of the shire to celebrate its centenary in 1971, 21 February 1969 04766-4 Carbon copy Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society inviting Shire Councillors to next Historical Society meeting, 21 February 1969 Enclosed copy of letter sent to Shire Secretary, Shire of Eltham seeking financial support for the publication of a history of the shire to celebrate its centenary in 1971 04766-5 Notes following meeting with Alan Marshall regarding the publication of a history of the Shire of Eltham, 1969 In Russell Yeoman's hand writing 04766-6 Letter: M.B. Watson, Eltham Shire Secretary to Shire of Eltham Historical Society expressing support for the publication of a history of the Shire, 11 March 1969 04766-7 Alan Marshall's notes for talk to members of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society (March 1969) re research for Shire history publication, c.March 1969 04766-8 Minutes of the meeting of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society held 11 March 1969 04766-9 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society to F. Endacott, President of Healesville Historical Society seeking information for the publication of a history of the shire to celebrate its centenary in 1971, 10 June 1969 Areas of Healesville were initially part of the Shire of Eltham 04766-10 Letter: Page 1 of letter from F. Endacott, President, Healesville Historical Society, to Russell Yeoman regarding the history of the Shire of Eltham extending beyond Healesville, 21 June 1969 04766-11 Notice to members of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society regarding publication of a history of the Shire to be edited by Alan Marshall and advising next meeting to be held 24 June 1969 04766-12 Letter: RHSV to Shire of Eltham Historical Society agreeing to place any source material at the disposal of the society for the upcoming publication on the history of the Shire of Eltham, 30 June 1969 04766-13 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works seeking material for a history of the Shire. c.1969 Specific mention regarding the Maroondah Aqueduct 04766-14 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Peter Cuffley of Hamilton seeking material for a history of the Shire. 8 July 1969 Specific mention regarding Sweeneys 04766-15 Letter: Rev. Donald Longfield to Russell Yeoman regarding potential sources of information and photographs for a history of the Shire of Eltham, 9 July 1969 04766-15-2 Letter: Rev. Donald Longfield to Russell Yeoman regarding potential sources of information and photographs for a history of the Shire of Eltham, 9 July 1969 04766-15-3 Letter: Rev. Donald Longfield to Russell Yeoman regarding potential sources of information and photographs for a history of the Shire of Eltham, 9 July 1969 04766-16 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Royal Historical Society of Victoria seeking assistance on material for a history of the Shire. c.1969 Specific mention regarding the Maroondah Aqueduct 04766-17 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to the Editor, RHSV Newsletter on the Society seeking material for a history of the Shire. 24 July 1969 04766-18 Notice and Agenda for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 26 August 1969 Peter Basset-Smith to show his films of Eltham & District in the 1930s 04766-19 Letter: L.J. Corben, Acting Assistant Secretary, Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works to Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society regarding availability of material on the Maroondah Aqueduct and Dam in support of a publication on the history of the Shire, 29 August 1969 Specific mention regarding the Maroondah Aqueduct 04766-20 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 23 August 1969 Peter Basset-Smith to show his films of Eltham & District in the 1930s 04766-21 Notice of cancellation for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held October 1969 04766-22 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 25 November 1969 04766-23 Notes regarding Shire of Yea's plans to publish a book on the shire's history for its centenary in 1969 04766-24 Draft notice for call-out of historical photographs and documents in support of a publication on the history of the Shire of Eltham, 1969 04766-25 Notes from meeting of Shire of Eltham Historical Society, History Publication Committee meeting, c.1969 04766-26 Note to Russell Yeoman advising sources of printed material, photographs, etc for Pioneers & Painters - A History of Eltham Shire, c.1969 04766-27 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Heidelberg Historical Society seeking material for a history of the Shire. c.1969 Specific mention regarding floods in the area and the Heidelberg School of Painters 04766-28 Letter: Russell Yeoman, Secretary , Shire of Eltham Historical Society to Doncaster Historical Society seeking material for a history of the Shire. c.1969 Specific mention regarding Warrandyte and recent Fitzsimons Lane bridge 04766-29 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 27 January 1970 04766-30 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Annual General Meeting to be held 24 February 1970 04766-31 Notice of Office Bearers elected at the Shire of Eltham Historical Society Annual General Meeting held 24 February 1970 and notice of next meeting to be held 24 March 1970 04766-32 Notice for Shire of Eltham Historical Society Meeting to be held 28 April 1970 04766-33 Notice from Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society to members advising on progress of the History Publication Committee, c. 1970 Also noted, the Society has a new P.O. Box address; P.O. Box 37 Eltham Vic. 3095 04766-34 Letter: Draft copy of letter from Russell Yeoman, Secretary, Shire of Eltham Historical Society expressing appreciation to Cr. Charis Pellis for chairing the committee which led to the publication of Pioneers & Painters, 23 August 1971 04766-35 Letter: Mrs Stella Graham of Diamond Creek to Secretary Shire of Eltham Historical Society, 1971; requesting the return of her personal papers lent in conjunction with the compilation of the history of the Shire of Eltham 04766-36 Letter: Mrs Stella Graham of Diamond Creek to Alan Marshall, 3 Aug. 1971; requesting the return of her personal papers lent in conjunction with the compilation of the history of the Shire of Eltham 04766-37 Letter: Margaret Orford of Nhill to Alan Marshall, 7 Feb 1970; advising she cannot help with any photos. Her Uncle who Alan Marshall had interviewed had all memorabilia however she definitely wanted to buy a book when available.The idea to develop a book on the history of the Shire of Eltham to be edited by noted author, Alan Marshall in celebration of the shire's centenary was initiated in 1969. The Shire of Eltham Historical Society undertook significant research in conjunction with Alan Marshall locating material at various institutions and other societies; interviewing longer term residents and a public campaign through the local press to acquire photographic material for duplication and use in the book. The public campaign received generous response and the material collected became the genesis for the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection now held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library).Miscellaneous notes, copies of letters and minutes of the Shire of Eltham Historical Societyalan marshall, apted, arthurs creek, bridge street, burgoyne, cr. charis pelling, cracknell, dan glasgow, donald longfield, doncaster historical society, elsie reynolds, ethel williams, fitzsimons lane bridge, floods, frank berkery, heidelberg historical society, history publication committee, joslyn, kath stephenson, maroondah aqueduct, minutes, mmbw, motschall, panton hill, pioneers and painters, research (vic.), rev. jock ryan, rev. ken briarty, rev. longfield, rhsv, royal historical society of victoria, russell yeoman, shire of eltham historical society, shire of eltham, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, smith, stella graham, sweeney, yea shire council, margaret orford

L-R: Phyllis McDonald, Dolly Smith, Russell Yeoman, Joyce McMahon, Opal Smith, Brian Smith, Lu Robertson, Jack Shallard [from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographheritage excursion, main road, eltham, 150th anniversary monument, 20th anniversary, activities, eltham community centre, pitt street, plaques, time capsule

L-R: Doug Orford, Russell Yeoman [from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographheritage excursion, activities, doug orford, russell yeoman, eltham courthouse

Contents: • Every place has a history by Jim Connor • Annual General Meeting - 11th April 2018 • May Excursion - Edendale Environs • Eltham 1950s – Childhood Reminiscences – Part 3 by Ann Constable • Eltham Trestle Bridge by Richard Pinn • My Early Eltham Recollections – Part 2 by Alex Smith • Connect with us • Eltham Community Centre Opening by Russell Yeoman (Newsletter No.1, May 1978) • Annual General Meeting Notice • Hamish Knox and Associates • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society

A copy of an Anzac Day Address at the Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students in 1939, given by the Eric Russell, President of Legacy. It was stored with documents about the building of the Shrine and another speech from a students' service. Legatee Russell had served in World War 1 so was very close to the events he was talking about. The ceremony provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain an appreciation of the Anzac spirit, the significance of the Shrine and the meaning of Anzac Day. The ceremony is usually attended by representatives from schools throughout the state and the Governor of Victoria. The text says: 'Over twenty years have passed since the events that we are commemorating today took place. As time goes on, our memory of incidents grows dimmer, but our understanding of the whole war and of the tremendous efforts that were made at Gallipoli grows clearer. Particularly do we realise, when we look back, that Australia grew to be a nation during those years of anxiety and endeavour, of which Gallipoli was for us the beginning. . . . "A record of a ceremony at the Shrine for school students. The text of the speech is significant in that it was written by a man who had served in World War 1 and knew first hand what it meant to be part of the first Anzacs. Text of a speech at the Annual Anzac Commemoration Service for Students in 1939, typed on foolscap size paper in black ink as well as the original palm cards that were typed on smaller squares of buff colour card. Plus two notes from Legatee Frank Doolan who gave the speech to the Archives committee.anzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony, speech, gallipoli

Material relating to the Shire of Eltham War Memorial located at Garden Hill, Kangaroo Ground. Also known as The Eltham Shire War Memorial Tower, Shire of Eltham Soldiers' Memorial and Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park. Includes photocopies, newspaper clippings, correspondence and more beginning from early history 1919-2009. Contents: Archive Box 1 Folder 1 (Publication Proofs) The Tower of Remembrance and War Memorial Park On Garden Hill at Kangaroo Ground, Victoria 1919-2010 Folder 2 (Up to 1960) 1. Binder with plastic pockets. Photocopies. Minutes of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Bazaar Committee, 1922-1926 EDHS Newsletter No. 123 November 1998 PRESIDENT'S REPORT ACQUISITION FROM NILLUMBIK SHIRE'S MEMORABILIA Recently found in a storage box of old Shire of Eltham items was a school size, blue lined black covered writing book. It is recognized as the minute book and cash receipt book of the period 1922-1926 when the Memorial Park Committee, who it seems were part of the Shire of Eltham Soldier's Memorial League, was requested to raise funds for building the Shire of Eltham War Memorial Tower at Kangaroo Ground. History tells us that the tower, which is currently being refurbished, was officially opened by the Governor General of Australia, Lord Stonehaven on 11.11.26. The ladies invited to the first meeting at the Shire Hall did so on 21st September 1922. The minutes book reads: Present: Mesdames Bell, Bourchier, McMahon, Gosling, Cockcroft, Wraight, E Coutie, R Rogers, A Jones, AH White, Davies, Everitt and the Misses Lacey, Harris, N Weller, Gosling, Bell and D and G J Bourchier. These people became the Kangaroo Ground Memorial Bazaar Committee along with others named at further meetings. They conditionally accepted the role of raising funds, their condition being that the Bazaar Committee be given representation on any committee empowered to deal with the memorial in proportion to the amount of money raised by the bazaar'. The Andrew Ross Museum has the original book. We at Eltham District Historical Society have two photocopies for public perusal. 2. Transcriptions of newspaper articles 1919-1920. 6 pages. 3. Photocopy of program for thanksgiving service July 6th, 1919 held at Public Hall, Panton Hill. 4. Photocopies: a. Kangaroo Ground, The Advertiser, 17 Oct 1919 (working bee) b. The Advertiser August 1920 – advertisement for coach between Eltham and KG. c. Anzac Memorial Service, The Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser & Diamond Creek Advertiser, April 14, 1922 and April 28, 1922 d. Anzac Day services. April 27, 1923 e. Photocopy Anzac Commemoration, local newspaper, May 2, 1924 f. Shire of Eltham Memorial Service, The Advertiser April 23, 1926 g. Eltham Shire War Memorial Advertiser August 13,1926 h. Eltham Shire War Memorial The Advertiser October 26, 1926 i. Eltham The Advertiser, December 17, 1926 j. Kangaroo Ground April 26, 1929 5. Photocopy. Eltham War Memorial Tower article, The Advertiser, November 19, 1926 6. Typed transcription of parts of newspaper articles for three titles, November 1926 7. Transcription. Public Notice, October 16, 1926 8. Photocopy Kangaroo Ground Armistice Day local newspaper, November 25, 1927 9. Photocopy Kangaroo Ground Armistice Day local newspaper, November 16, 1928 10. Photocopy Kangaroo Ground, local newspaper, April 26 1929 11. 3 Original Copies. One Hardback. Dedication of memorial official brochure, 1951 original but damaged 12. Photocopy with notes from G.G. relating to the land transfer/acquisition/contract via White and Gepp. Folder 3 (1961-1970) 1. Original newspaper article: Place with a view at Kangaroo Ground, The Age, May 11, 1963, p18 Folder 4 (1981-1990) 1. Newspaper article, Memorial a fire watch. Diamond Valley News, March 16, 1982, 2 original copies. 2. Newspaper article. An Obvious Monument by Russell Yeoman article with photo: Network Nov/Dec 1984, p14. Folder 5 (1991-2000) 1. Original newspaper article: “Kangaroo Ground Tower is top spot”. Thought to be from a tourist information free newspaper, Mountain Country, Summer [1993] p39. 2. Newspaper article with reference to quoins – a contrasting edging or corner stone on the façade of a stone or brick house. Age August 2000 3. Program. Service program for Remembrance Day commemoration ceremony, 1996. 4. Speech by Harry Gilham for Remembrance Day commemoration ceremony, 1996 5. Newspaper article: Remembrance, Diamond Valley News, 20 November 1996 6. Word Document. A Tower of Strength by Dean Stewart April 1997 7. Newspaper articles: Tower group needed, Diamond Valley News, September 17, 1997, p3 and advertisement “Nillumbik, Nominations for Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower and Grounds Advisory Committee”, Diamond Valley News, September 17, 1997 8. Newspaper article: Council apology; scaling new heights, 1997 about Aboriginal Reconciliation. Probably Diamond Valley News ca 1997. 9. Photocopy / Newspaper Article: Two newspaper clippings, “Memorial with a view” 30 April 1997 and “Funds boost to restore tower to its former glory”, Diamond Valley News, 3 December 1997. 10. Newspaper article: Kangaroo Ground Tower of Remembrance Nillumbik Mail, 9th August 2000 and Research notes (July 2000) by Harry Gilham pertaining to photo in August 2000 newspaper article. 11. Photocopy. Newspaper article: New lease of life for tower (Concept plan) Nillumbik Mail, September 27, 2000 12. Photocopy: 4 pages, War Memorials of Victoria; a pictorial record, c.1994 Folder 6 (2001-2010) 1. Newspaper article: $10,000 to start refurbishment, Nillumbik Mail, Feb 21, 2001 2. Circular. KG War Memorial Advisory committee circular August 2001 3. Newspaper article: Tower group retained 4. Program for re-dedication of the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Tower 8th November 2001 with copies of pages 65-70 of from The Tower of Remembrance and War Memorial Park 1919-2001 (see Folder 1) - Speaking notes from the day from Nillumbik Shire Mayor, Cr. Sigmund Jorgensen and Harry Gilham and Speech by John Landy, Governor of Victoria 5. 2 pages of Harry Gilham notes – Draft of ‘book’ notes ‘Thank you’ for rededication ceremony to be held Thursday, Nov 8, 2001 - list of invitations, notifications and acknowledgements. 6. Proposed running sheet. Re-dedication of KGT. November 8, 2001 7. Newspaper article (2 copies) Century of war service, DVL November 14, 2001 page 6 8. Letter. Gov. John Landy to Harry Gilham. Thank you for visit. [2001] 9. Newsletter Clipping: Governor of Victoria re-dedicates KG War memorial Tower, Nillumbik News (NSC) Christmas 2001 10. Newspaper article: War Memorial to be restored: DVL November 19, 2003 11. Newspaper article: Memorial Facelift Sept 29 2004. 12. Folder. Collection of maps and context Yarra Water proposal to build water tanks 13. Newspaper clipping. Pressure on with new tank. Re installation of water tank near site. DVL March 2, 2005 14. Folder of emails and designs from Dennis Ward re poppies and prostrate rosemary for formal garden around base of tower April 2005 15. Folder. Letters and paperwork re the Victorian Government “Community Cabinet” and invitation for community groups to speak directly with a government minister. Actual submission not included in folder. 16. Newspaper clipping. Time to remember among the poppies, Diamond Valley Leader, 9 November 2005, p1 and 17. Newspaper clipping. Lone pine company for souls. DVL 9 November 2005 18. Folder. Restoring Community War Memorials Grants Program. Application and associated paperwork 2005/2006 January 2006 19. Newspaper article. Shared views. Valley Weekly, June 21 2006 20. Newspaper article: Kangaroo Ground, Restoration on schedule, DVL October 2006? 21. Newspaper article. Towering over the terrain. The Age August 8, 2009 22. Photocopy. Nillumbik Shire Council. Policy and service report re lease of land to Victoria Police for police radio communications and re-building of radio tower. December 9, 2009 23. Schematics: A3 photocopies, Kangaroo Ground memorial Tower, front and rear view, Tom Manley, 17 Apr 2001 Folder 7 (2011 on) 1. Magazine article and cover. Cover story – The Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower, The Genealogist, March 2010 2. Newspaper article. (2 copies) Photo and caption. Diamond Valley Leader, July 14, 2010 3. Newspaper notice: Notice of application for a planning permit to construct radio communications tower, DVL, October 10, 2012 4. Copy. Reference enquiry to National Film and Sound Archive. 10 September 2012 5. Copy letter. Quotation/estimate for Shire of Nillumbik on renovation and underpinning of old care takers cottage, KG. 30 September, 2012 6. Story. The Kangaroo Ground Tower of Remembrance by Amy Shaw. Yarrambat Primary School Year 6 History speech, 2014. 7. Program: Remembrance Day service, 11th November 2014 8. Newspaper article. Tribute to bravery DVL, November 19, 2014. 9. Minutes. MAC meeting. 2 September 2016. Folder 8 (Interpretative Signs Grant 2000-2001) 1. Folder. Various including Letters. EDHS Grant project: Kangaroo Ground Park and Tower of Remembrance interpretative signage from Parks Victoria 2000-2001. Folder 9 (Miscellaneous) 1. Folder Gilham collection. Google earth images of Tower, Extract describing history of Tower, including honour roll for WW1 and WW2, 8 pages, Extract describing history of Tower, including honour roll for WW1 and WW2, 3 pages, 2002 and 2004; Kangaroo Ground Tower; Southwell-Keely M.; WAR MEMORIALS IN AUSTRALIA; 8 pages, https://web.archive.org/web/20080722161554/http://www.skp.com.au/memorials2/pages/30054.htm) 2. Letter. Undated, unsigned re application to council to proposed work to police radio masts behind caretaker’s cottage. 3. Brochure: Heritage Nillumbik. Includes cover photo and other information about site. Published by Nillumbik Shire Council. About 2006. 4. Folder of notes and photocopies of various Certificates of Title for property 5. Inward loan documents. Two. Andrew Ross Museum inward loan for collection items from “War Memorial Tower” 2003 6. Photocopies of postcards of Soldiers War Memorial: One taken c.1926 before completion around base, on colour print on paper (enlarged) of Soldiers War Memorial postcard c.1930s prior to gun placements with typed text pasted on and additional detail version mounted on card with handwritten explanatory notes by Harry Gilham. 7. Photocopy of photo of tower 1944 with guns in place from Gordon and explanatory notes plus A4 photo paper print of image (photoshopped cleaned up). 8. Miscellaneous photocopies of photos taken by Harry Gilham of Memorial Park entrance, model tower in font of tower entrance, caretaker’s cottage, spiral staircase, Menin Gate sign and possibly planting of Lone Pine. Folder 10 (Fire Spotting Operations) 1. Biographical notes on Herman Motschall 1969-1981 2. Newspaper article, Memorial Tower top site for fire spotter, Diamond Valley News, May 15, 1973. 3. Proper Officer's report on an addition to the Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower for Fire Spotting purposes: "This report covers the history of the tower, its uses, and reasons why it should be put to greater use, benefiting the Shire Council and ratepayers" Includes detailed commentary around the proposal to use the Shire of Eltham War Memorial at Kangaroo Ground for fire spotting. From Shire of Eltham archives. H. J. Masefield Property Officer. 4. Eltham Shire Council meetings 14 and 24 September 1973 references to fire watching facilities. Summary of end of season reports from spotters 1965-1973. 5. Newspaper clipping; Memorial a fire watch by Marguerite Marshall Diamond Valley News 16 March 1982 6. Letter: Cover letter from Dennis Ward 20 Feb 2006 architect for CFA Cabin design and Proposal to upgrade the fire spotting cabin, 2007 including a cost and concept plan dated 7 February 2009. 7. Newspaper article. From that first puff of smoke – horror. Diamond Valley Leader, Feb 25, 2009, p. 7 8. Invitation: State Government announcement of refurbishment of KGWM Fire spotting tower 19 October 2009 9. Newspaper article. Tower– up, Black Saturday watch. Cover and page. Diamond Valley Leader, October 28, 2009 10. Invitation. Opening of newly upgraded fire spotting tower, 11 April 2010 11. Newspaper article. Incredible luxury at fire spotting tower, Diamond Valley Leader, April 21, 2010, p, 5 12. Printout of plan of base of tower including comms cabinet and ladder to CFA cabin. Dated 17/6/2010   Archive Box 2 Folder 11 (Moor-rul Viewing Platform) 1. Agenda. Planning and building committee 12 March 2003 Application for construction of a viewing platform and road entry refurbishment and coach parking bay. 2. Envelope. Letters, paperwork and emails, mainly from Dennis Ward re roof design for the viewing platform and order for poppy seeds. 2005 3. Newspaper article (enlarged and laminated). Stolen Red gum seats sap new project’s momentum. (Local paper), April 3, 2007 4. Convenor’s Notes – Opening of the Viewing Platform at Kangaroo Ground, Shire of Nillumbik 5. Folder. Nillumbik Reconciliation Charter. Opening of the Moor-rul viewing platform 17.4.2008. Compiled by Harry Gilham. Includes newspaper clipping, speech, photocopy of photos with captions. 6. Newspaper article. View from the hill is a thrill. Heidelberg and Diamond Valley Weekly, April 22, 2008 7. Newspaper article. A platform towards reconciliation. Diamond Valley Leader, 23 April 2008. 8. Newspaper article: 6 reasons to visit Hurstbridge, The Age, Jun 6 2012 9. Article: Aboriginal cultural values and heritage management issues 10. Folder: Material relating to design and construction of viewing platform Folder 12 - Shire of Nillumbik Advisory Committee 1. 2011 Diary, Harry Gilham, Kangaroo Ground Advisory Committee 2. Photocopy. Newspaper clipping. Nillumbik Council seeking nominations for new Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower and grounds advisory committee. DVN 17 Sept 1997 3. Letter. From NSC to Dean Stewart re heritage listing status. 12 July 1998. 4. Business paper for NSC Council meeting: KG Memorial Tower and Grounds advisory committee, 12 March 2002. Includes Terms of Reference Folder 13 - Friends of Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park Inc. 1. KG Tower and land occupational health & Safety (guidelines) for volunteers 2. Supplementary notes (not related to fire spotting) from Friends group or advisory group of Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park including design of seating, proposed budget for works, hand written notes from meeting by H.G. about 1999. Folder 14 - Soldiers. 1. Folder of material pertaining to men from the Shire of Eltham who enlisted in WW1 and for whom the Shire of Eltham War Memorial was dedicated. 2. Folder on residents from Shire of Eltham who died in WW2 1939-1945 with listings of each from Commonwealth War Graves Commission, WW2 Nominal Roll for Eltham 3. Newspaper article: Mates join to recall past, Diamond Valley News, November 16, 1994 4. Newspaper article: Board replaced, Diamond Valley News, September 2, 1998 about Hurstbridge RSL Honour Roll Board 5. Newspaper article: Keeping the memories alive; VP Day honoured, Valley Weekly, August 17, 2005 6. Newspaper article: In our hearts; Tributes for war heroes, Diamond Valley Leader, November 9, 2005, p1 7. Newspaper article: Service honoured, Diamond Valley News, Leader, April 23, 2008 8. Newspaper article: Salute to last men standing, Diamond Valley Leader, April 20, 2011, p1 and Last of the world warriors, pp8-9 9. Newspaper article: We will remember, Diamond Valley Leader, April 25, 2012, p3 10. Newspaper article: Family legacy builds whole town, Diamond Valley Leader, Oct, 2013, p15 11. Photos and details of Honour Boards in the shire 12. Miscellaneous notes by Harry Gilham Folder 15 – Welcome Home Committee Meeting Minutes. 1. Extracts from Welcome Home Committee Meeting Minutes 18 August 1917 to 14 August 1919. Folder 16 – World War One Local Enlistments. 1. Lever arch binder containing records of local enlistments by name from the Diamond Valley including extracts from Commonwealth War Graves Commission records. Includes Newspaper article clipping "Digger's marker of respect: Temporary cross a poignant find after eight decades in dusty garage"; Sunday Herald Sun, November 10, 2024, p33 concerning Private Harry Conway who died April 1918 and whose tempory grave marker cros now housed at Montmorency-Eltham RSL. Archive Box with documentsharry gilham collection, fire spotting, kangaroo ground, shire of eltham war memorial, masefield h. j., cfa, kangaroo ground war memorial park, shire of eltham soldiers' memorial, eltham shire war memorial tower, harry conway, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch

Postcard photo of W2 637 at the corner of Collins and Russell St Melbourne with the T&G life society building and a FJ Holden Taxi in the view. The tram has the destination of Kew Depot, Route 42. In the background is the Town Hall and the National Mutual building. Possibly mid to late 1950's. Divided back with places for stamp, address, correspondence and details with makers details "Vic Post Card"?, Series 1/12.trams, tramways, collins st, route 42, russell st, tram 637

A wide range of invoices and business letters from 1913 from 66 companies (predominantly Melbourne based companies) addressed to J.H. Abbott 1913 Company correspondence from 61 companies/organisations addressed to Mr. J.H. Abbott: A John Perry, Timber Bender, Spoke & Nave manufacturers - 6 letters and invoices B James Miller & Co, Rope, Twine & Mat Manufacturers - 2 invoices C Dalgety Company Limited, general merchandise - 6 invoices D Gibbs, Bright & Co., Melbourne - 2 letters E Thomas McPherson & Son (McPhersons Pty. Ltd.), Iron & Machinery Merchants - 2 correspondence & 1 invoice F Bickford, Smith & Co., manufacturers of Safety Fuse, Melbourne - 3 letters G Hopkins Bros & Odlum, Machine Belting Manufacturers, Melbourne, H Stewart & Lloyds (Australia) Limited, Glaasgow - 6 letters I The Federal Manure Co., The Australian Explosives and Chemical Coy. Ltd., Melbourne - 8 letters J Ullathorne, Hartridge Co. Ltd., Melbourne - 2 letters & 2 invoices K Richard Linton, Melbourne - 1 letter & 1 invoice L George Russell Prop. Ltd., Iron & Steel Merchants, General Hardware Importers, Melbourne - 1 invoice & 8 letters M J. Kitchen & Sons Ltd., Candle & Soap Manufacturers Glycerine Refiners & Tallow Brokers, Melbourne - 10 letters N G. G. Crespin & Son, Melbourne - 4 letters O Noyes Bros. (Melbourne) Propy. Ltd. - 3 letters P The Eagle & Globe Steel Co., Melbourne - 4 letters & 1 memorandum Q C.S. Green & Son, 368 & 370 Post Office Place, Melbourne - 1 invoice & 1 memorandum R Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co. Proprietary Limited., 382-384 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne - 4 business letters S R.W. Cameron & Co.,34 Queen Street, Melbourne (agent for The Texas Co.) - 2 business letters T Joyce Bros. Ltd., 475 - 481 Flinders Lane (West), Melbourne - 2 business letters U Keep Bros. & Wood, importers of Carriage Materials, 100 Franklin Street, Melbourne - 2 business letters V Lycett Agency Manufacturing Co., P.O. Box 643 G.P.O., Melbourne - 3 business letters W Currie and Richards, Galvanised Iron Merchants, Importers and Spouting Manufacturers, 3 locations Melbourne - 2 business letters X James Outen, Saddlery Goods and Patent Horse and Cow Rugs, 184-186 Queen Street, Melbourne - 2 business letters Y Standard Oil Company of New York, Branch office Australasia, Melbourne - 5 business letters Z Jas. Henty & Co., Manufacturers of Soap, Starch, Candles, Soda Crystals, etc., 95 & 97 William Street, Melbourne - 7 business letters AA John Sanderson & Co., Mercghandise Department 111 William Street, Melbourne - 9 business letters AB Gargoyle Oil Company Pty. Ltd., 90 & 92 William Street, Melbourne - 3 business letters AC Dunlop Rubber Co. of Australasia Ltd.,108 Flinders Street, Melbourne - 3 business letters AD Perry's Australian Fuse manufacturing Company, manufacturers of Safety Fuses for Mining and Other Purposes, Ballarat Road, Footscray - 6 business letters AE Morris & Meeks, Little Collins Street, Melbourne - 4 business letters AF Brown & Dureau Ltd., Mercantile Brokers, Commission and Manufacturers'' Agents, Import and Export, 9 Queen Street, Melbourne - 6 business letters AG Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co. Proprietary Limited, Tanners, Curriers, Leather & Grindery Merchants, Saddlers' Ironmongers, Manufacturers of Glue, Doe Hair & Neatsfoot Oil, 385-384 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne - 2 letters AH Marwald, Son & Lemon, Indenting Agents and Importers, 201-3 William Street Melbourne (Sydney Brisbane, London, Wellington NZ, Fremantle) - 2 business letters AI 32 individual suppliers' invoices and business letters from companies in Bendigo, Melbourne and London (covering a wide range of supplies - glass, rubber, oils, hides, accountants, harvesters, etc.)company invoices and business correspondence

Photograph shows part of the preserved cable grip car number 1 and trailer car number 1 in a large glass covered display case in Russell Street behind the (then) Melbourne Museum and State Library. The photograph shows the trailer car's draw bar inserted into the grip car's socket held in place with a pin. It also shows the car and grip secured with a safety chain. The trailer coupling was guided into the socket by a chain worked from the trailer platform through a pipe fastened inside the end apron.Yields information about cable tram componentsBlack and white photograph with note on rearIn ink "28" and "K McC"cable trams, russell street, melbourne museum, state library, draw bar, tie rod, pin, safety chain, trailer coupling