Street parade with floats travelling north along Station Street, Box Hill, near the intersection of the north corner of Bank Street, watched by many people. Sign contractors, Alan Signs, are in view, followed by some marching girls.B&w photofestivals and celebrations, station street, service clubs, chamber of commerce, box hill, bank street, alan signs, sign contractors, marching girls, clothing and dress

Book produced from Research Project by Alan Jackson (2419) in 2007-2008. The book published in 2015 for Centenary of the Duckboard RSL. History of the Duckboard RSL, Melbourne.Khaki coloured, hard cover with grey dust jacket, full width photographs across front & back. RHS has 4 uniformed soldiers walking along a duckboard walkway across a desolate battleground. Cover photograph is sepia. Dust jacket photograph is coloured. Acknowledgement card (16.5 x 14.7). 218 pp. Author, Alan Jackson.Inside: “To Pearl, Alan Jackson (signed) 10.8.2015” books-military-history, duckboard

Document issued to all Swanston Tram employees detailing the change in management structure following the resignation of Alan East. Signed by Russell Nathan as Managing Director. Has an organisation chart dated 10-12-1999.Yields information about the formal Swanston Trams Dec. 1999 Organisation Structure.Document - 2 A4 pages stapled in top left hand corner printed on yellow paper.tramways, swanston trams, senior management, organisational structure

Single page A4 photocopy of a Interoffice Memo dated 8/2/1984, from the Running Sheds Engineer to Depot staff titled "Failure of Motor Armature Bearings", sign Alan Nolan. Describes the problem with the failure of bearings, inspection requirements, and looking for burnt wool or burnt wool smells. trams, tramways, w class trams, bogies, overhauls, maintenance, bearings

Laminated A4 size certificate dated 28/5/1981 certifying that Collingwood Technical College Amateur Radio Club has been elected to membership of the Wireless Institute of Australia. Certificate is numbered 13354 and signed by Alan R. Noble, President, VK3BBMcollingwood technical college, amater radio club, nmit

The Met - Metropolitan Transit Authority Certificate of Service for Dean (Dino) Bernardini who joined the MMTB as a Conductor in Jan. 1960 and retired as Manager Fleet Operations Centre in Sept. 1993. Lists the various positions held during his tramway career. Signed by Alan East as Manager Traffic Operations.Demonstrates a Certificate of Service issued by The Met and the career of Dean Bernardini.A4 sheet - photocopied tramways, certificate, employment, the met, mmtb

At the top of the page is a shield with a fruit tree inside it and the words 'Founded 1804' and 'Incorporated by Royal Charter 1809'. The certificate reads as follows: The Royal Horticultural Society Certificate of International Registration This is to certify that Rhododendron 'Tilly Aston' 'Apricot Gold' x 'Lem's Cameo' was officially registered by Olinda Nurseries, PO Box 55, Olinda Victoria with the Royal Horticultural Society acting as International Registration Authority for the genus Rhododendron Registrar (signed) Alan C Leslie Date 31st December 19961 cream page with maroon border and gold scrollingassociation for the blind, awards

Document issued drivers at Kew and South Melbourne depots 14/11/1994 concerning the right of way for trams at the 'Port Melbourne Y Junction" - all trams to stop at the compulsory stops and Port Melbourne trams must give right of way to St Kilda Beach LRVs. Signed by Alan East, Manager Operations Support, Met Tram.Demonstrates instructions issued re the operation of the Port Melbourne Y junction or Port Junction.Document - 1 A4 pages photocopied fax message.tramways, port melbourne, st kilda light rail, drivers, notice, instruction

Document, Sheet Music, Take Me Back To Bendigo, By Alma Gray Phenomenally Successful Australian Song, written by Alan Rattray & Bert Rache. Signed on front; With all good wishes from Alma Gray,. On the back are the words & music to a song written and composed by Jack Russell titled 'Only a Leaf From the Tree of Life'''.The front has a label -W.H. Paling & Co LtdW.H.Paling & Co Limited, Sydney- Brisbane-Newcastledocument, names of bendigo pioneers, bendigo

Book, centre stapled, 40 pages + card cover, printed on gloss paper full colour, titled "Public Transport Corporation - 1993 Annual Report", providing a report to the Victorian Government on the performance of the PTC for the year 1992 - 1993. Includes a Executive Review, attracting customers, changes and improvements, performance indicator, statutory information and Financial statements. Signed by Alan Reiher as Chairman. PTC Chief Executive - Ian Dobbs. Alan Brown was the minister at the time.trams, tramways, ptc, annual reports, melbourne

Flavour of Eltham: recipes and other things was collected and published by the Friends of Shillinglaw Cottage in 1964. The original cottage once stood about 100 metres away from its current location in Panther Place, Eltham. Built in the 1870’s, it is one of Eltham’s earliest buildings. In 1963 it faced demolition to make room for the Eltham Shire offices. But local residents came together to save the cottage. It was the first time that an early settler’s brick building was removed and reconstructed. A fundraiser was the resident’s compilation of loved recipes into the cookery book Flavour of Eltham. It also includes illustrations and advertisements for local buisnesses. The foreword of the book states: “This book is about Eltham. But more than that it is about intention. It originated when the people of Eltham, the first in Australia to preserve the reconstruction an historical building, removed and rebuilt a cottage that reflected the spirit of a period. The shilling law cottage was first built in 1859 and was rebuilt in 1964. It has beauty and is rich with the past. The people of Eltham stand for something. There is, in this community, a firm resolve to preserve for their children the natural beauty of the district; to establish a centre whose allegiance is to aesthetic values rather than to commercial ones. Eltham already has this reputation, a reputation that is known beyond the borders of Australia. Its desire is to increase it. This book is a step forward in that direction.” October 1964. Signed Alan Marshall The chapters include: Old time, Restaurants, are you in a hurry, Advance action, Serve it cold, Tea time tanstalizer, Pickles and preserves, Fabulous fare and Ne Buvez Jamais L’eau. The cover illustration was drawn by Peter Glass, First Edition: November 1964, Second Edition: January 1965, Third Edition: August 1965, Fourth Edition: August 1968 Additonal souce: Marshall, Marguerite, Nillumbik Now and Then, MPrint Publications, 2008Paperback; 116 p. : ill. ; 18 x 23 cm.shillinglaw cottage, cooking, recipes, cookery, friends of shillinglaw cottage

Events and information concerning the 1983 Eltham Festival including advertisements On page 37 the article "Force behind the revival" is about how Alistair Knox was the instigator of the revival of the Eltham Festival in 1975 and discusses the history of four earlier festivals held in the early 1960s. Advertisers and people noted include: AAAA Display Signs, Alan Leake, Alan Marshall, Alistair Knox, Allan Leake, Ansell and Muir, Australian Film, Barry Maddock, Beverley Sheehan, Bimbi World, Brian Jeeves, Brian Wright, Briar Hill Glass centre, Briar Hill Swimming Pools Pty Ltd, Briar Hill Timber, Bryan Payne, Bush band, Cal Martin, Central Park, Country Art Store, Cr. Horsley, David Baker, David Sadedin, Dawn Mack, Diamond Valley Big Band, Diamond Valley Drapes, Diamond Valley Dutch Social Club, Diamond Valley Society, Dr Peter Reichenbach, Dr Rob Moffitt, Eastern District Bottle Company, Eccacentre, Eltham Central Cellars, Eltham Community Centre, Eltham Concert Band, Eltham Festival, Eltham High School, Eltham Jazz festival, Eltham Little Theatre, Eltham Living and Learning Centre, Eltham Newsagency & Toyworld, Eltham Orchestra, Eltham Pharmacy, Eltham Phoenix Club, Eltham Shire Council, Eltham Sports & Tennis, Eltham Wiregrass Gallery, Eltham Yamaha, Five and a Zack, Franciscus Henri, Frank Gow, Gavin Gray, George Barker, Graham Coyle, Graham Taylor, Greensborogh Hire service, I Can Jump Puddles (film), Ian Orr, Ian Walkear, International Communications Year, Janice Dadd, Jerry Clements, John Adams, John Higgins, John Murray, Kenton Shoes Eltham, Kings, Lazy Ade Monsbourgh, Leisure Footwear Pty Ltd, Lower Plenty Sports Centre, Mal Harrop, Matcham Skipper, Maurie Dann, Michael Poore, Montsalvat, MontsalvatValma Brundell, Myra Skipper, Panton Hill Hotel, Pats, Penna Guardian Chemist, Pine Canection, Purdy's Furniture, Ralph's Eltham Meat Supply, Ranger, Roller City, Ron Blyth, Ron Mack, Rotary Club of Eltham, Second Life decor Pty Ltd, Shire of Eltham Historical Society, Shire President, Skippers Marine Greensborough, Society for Growing Australian Plants, Squeaker's Mate (film), Storyville Allstars, Strings 'n Things, Style Interiors, T.J.'s Hair & Beauty Centre, The Eltham Chicken Shop, The Printing Works, The Prize (film), Thompson's Pharmacy, tim burstall, Todaro Coiffure, Tony Figgins, Tony Floyd, Travel Affair, Two Roads Boutique, Valley Door Centre, Warrandyte Hire, Warren Fordham, Wonderland Plant Nursery, Woolworths ArcadeNewsprint - 12 page newspaper insert1983, eltham festival, alistair knox

This large wooden sign was originally attached to the barge D26 which was one of the 4 barges used to carry logs behind the PS Adelaide. The D indicated that it was the fourth barge to be built in 1926 by Murray River Sawmills. The number represented the year it was built.This original timber piece, salvaged from the D26 barge is an important relic from an original outrigger logging barge from the early 20th century, one of the last logging barges built as the Murray River timber trade was declining. The barge was restored by the Port's chief shipwright Kevin Hutchinson with assistance from Laurie Rendle and Alan Battsch. and the PS Adelaide is also a significant feature in the Port's collection. Large red gum timber signD 26d26, barge, logging industry, murray river sawmills, ps adelaide

The photo is in the region of “Berchtesgadener in Germany”, item was sent around Christmas 1945. Part of the collection re Frederick Gardner Davey DFC RAAF. Refer Cat No 3536P for his service records.Post card, rectangular shape, white edge around with a B & W photo of a building in a forested mountain region, in white on the bottom RH corner acknowledgement of the photographer, on the back is a hand written letter in blue ink and space for a stamp.On the rear in blue ink,” Wishing the recipient a happy Christmas and offering a description of the region where the photograph was taken, signed by Alan Fi”postcards, germany, souvenirs

Allan Kenneth NAISMITH DCM, VX 4838, 2/7th Bn. Refer Cat No 1421 for his service details.Notification of the award of the “Distinguished Conduct Medal” to VX4838 Alan Kenneth Naismith, paper pasted to a sheet of cardboard, coat of arms in blue at top, No 99907, giving details of the award under and signed at the bottom.notification, award, dcm

The item may have a part missing at the bottom, it’s use is unknown at present. Item relates to "Alan Walter Mason" VX 140967. Refer Cat No 3979.2 for his service details.Card, brown water proof with section for personnel details and a numbering system from 1- 40 with an area to be signed by an authorising Officer. Black printed with hand written in black.2/10 Aust Port OP Coy AATnC VX 140967 "Pte Mason A.W".authorisation, military, alan walter mason

The ticket is signed for use by Spr Mason A.W by the issuing Officer who appears to “DAWSON MAJOR”. Alan Mason VX 140967, refer Cat No 3979.2 for his service details.Railway Ticket NSW, cardboard, black printed, entries in black pen, double sided No 12243, large letter “30” on both sides, 2nd class.For Soldiers in uniform only, expires 31 December 1942, Military fortnightly ticket.tickets railways, military, alan walter mason

Items relate to Alan Walter Mason VX 140967. Refer Cat No 3979.2 for his service details.1) Reciept, yellowed paper, black printed with hand written in pencil relating to a receipt for Blankets G.S 2 signed by A.W Mason. .2) Receipt, yellowed paper, black printed No G 109714 with hand written in pencil relating to the receipt of a number of items of kit..1) VX 140967 Pte Mason A.W, D Vic, 2, 21/11. .2) M VX104967 Mason A.W Spr.kit, issue, military

Item re "Alan Walter Mason" VX42855 140967. Refer cat No 3979.2 for his service details.Australian Military Forces Driving Licence A.A.F.G 11 No 122812, canvas covered, brown folding 3 ways with details re the driver, type of licence held, signed and stamped by relevant authority.V245099, Spr Mason Alan, 17 Aust Mot Regt.military, licence, driving, alan walter mason

Items re Alan Walter Mason VX140967. refer Cat No 3979.2 for his service details..1) Record of Service book, A.A.B 83, 18 pages with details of clothing issued, inoculations, physical, courses attended as as a photo ID, original cover is missing. .2) Demobilization Procedure book A.A.B 87, No 180171, 30 pages, details of all examinations, record checks, rehabilitation and all sections signed and stamped off prior to discharge. .1) Written on the front; VX140967 Pte Mason A.W, A.A.B 83. .2) VX140967, Pte Mason 2/10 Aust Port Op Coy AA TN C, Alan Walter, 25 Queen St Bendigo Vic.records, personal, military

The document is signed in English and Japanese by “Commander Second Japanese Army” and “General Blamey C in C Australian Military Forces” on Morotai. Alan Mason collection, refer cat No 3979.2Document, rectangular shape, off white colour, all print in black, “Lithographic copy”, top has “C in C - Australian Military Forces Seal”, followed by sections A, B, C then signed off.“Signed at Morotai on the Ninth day of September 1945”japanese surrender, morotai, documents

Alan Kenneth NAISMITH DCM, VX4838, 2/7th Batt 2nd AIF. Refer Cat No 1421 for his service details.Certificate, framed. Appreciation Certificate from Shire of Rochester to Alan Kenneth Naismith DCM. Rendered by Alan Kenneth Naismith as a member of empires fighting forces which preserved our freedom in world war 2, 1939 -1945. Signed by President, Councilor and Shire Secretary 24th April 1946. Wooden gold frame, glass front. White background with gold and blue decorative boarder. Blue printing with red seal.“Donated by A.K. NAISMITH” , Sticker L.H.S. bottom “W. MOORE” “Picture framer View Street Bendigo” - sticker on back.documents - certificates, frames, shires ww2

July 2010 annual luncheon of 25 Year Member Association of Yacht Squadron, organised by Past Commodore, Harry Leggett. Old used Squadron Burgee signed by many present including longest serving member at time, Bill O'Day (1939) and Bert Ferris (1943). Also signed by Commodore of the day Stuart Tait and several past Commodores. Image record of this event on hand and also of 2009 luncheon. Similar signed burgee on hand of Committee January 1998.Unique for signatures of attendees at event.Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron burgee in fabric of size flown above club house and with tail frayed away from use. Triangular flag red background with white cross set vertically. Seven pointed star set in top left quadrant. Crown in centre. Signed by members attending the 2010 25 Year members luncheon. Dated 2.7.2001 but actually 2010.The burgee is marked 25 year-member-association and signed by numerous people. "Bill-O'Day, Graham-Burton, Leslie-Norton, Michael-Morse, Janice-Kesterton, Jim-Holroyd, Lynette Holroyd, Ian-Ewing, Margaret-Ewing, A.W.-Ross, David-Allen, Ted-Montford, Brian-McDermott, Alan-Saunders, Ivor-Forsyth-Grant, John-Hooper, Ken-Simpson, Heather-Simpson, Russell-Nathan, Andrew-Kopp, Steve-Morrison, Stephen-Hawes, Harry-Russell, Leo-Perini, Ross-Morton, Ken-Dowdney, Nolene-Muller-Crosier, Harry-Leggett, Harry-Leggett, Murray-McCutcheon, Frances-Robertson, Jeff-mad-dog-Crozier, Dennis-Livingston, Stuart-Tait, Stephen-Aggro-Collis, Les Clough, Ross-Flood, Monica-Nurminen, Douglas-Faram, Michael-Sutton, Bill-Maude, Peter-Chapman, Mel-Mollison".flag royal melbourne yacht squadron, burgee squadron, royal melbourne yacht squadron bugree, 25 year member association, bill o day, graham burton, leslie norton, michael morse, janice kesterton, jim holroyd, lynette, holroyd, ian ewing, margaret ewing, a w ross, david allen, ted montford, brian mcdermott, alan saunders, ivor forsyth grant, john hooper, ken simpson, heather simpson, russell nathan, andrew kopp, steve morrison, stephen hawes, harry russell, leo perini, ross morton, ken dowdney, nolene muller crosier, harry leggett, murray mccutcheon, frances robertson, jeff mad dog crozier, dennis livingston, stuart tait, stephen aggro collis, les, clough, ross flood, monica nurminen, douglas faram, michael sutton, bill maude, peter chapman, mel mollison

Warrandyte artist, Clara Southern, features on the Artists Trail. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p189 Since early in the 20th century this district has attracted artists and other creative people. So much so, that Eltham has been compared to the Left Bank in Paris, New York’s Greenwich Village and London’s Bloomsbury. That is until the 1970s when Eltham rapidly expanded into a suburb. However many artists still flourish not only in Montsalvat, Dunmoochin and the Bend of Islands but elsewhere in Nillumbik. Some artists who have worked or lived in Nillumbik are well-known nationally and internationally. Artists are attracted to the hilly district’s subtle colours, unique light and the Yarra River and Diamond Creek. The railway’s extension to Eltham in 1902 brought artists to paint for the day or to camp. Then many settled in Eltham, perhaps also because the poor quality land, far from the city, was cheap. Following World War Two they found they could build houses and studios cheaply by making their own mud-bricks. The flexible material, with its warm tones blending into the bush, also satisfied their aesthetic sensibilities. As early as 1900, Will Longstaff, known for his painting The Ghosts of Menin Gate at the National War Memorial in Canberra, lived at Stanhope in Peter Street, Eltham, later to become the home of intellectuals Clem and Nina Christensen. Members of Australia’s first significant art movement, the Heidelberg School of Artists, painted in Eltham, Warrandyte and Diamond Creek. Walter Withers lived at the corner of Bolton and Brougham Street, Eltham and taught Sir Hans Heysen, who for a short while stayed with the Withers family. In Warrandyte were Clara Southern, whom Frederick McCubbin taught at the National Gallery School and Penleigh Boyd, who is represented in all Australian state galleries and the National Collection in Canberra. May Vale, daughter of politician William, lived in Diamond Creek. With Jane Price they feature on the Heidelberg School Artists Trail, part of which runs through Nillumbik. The trail includes signs each displaying a reproduction of a painting by an artist and located near where the artist lived or painted. In Nillumbik the trail includes parts of Warrandyte, Eltham in the Alistair Knox Park, Main Road shopping precinct and Wingrove Park, the Research walking track on Main Road and the Diamond Creek Reserve. In 1916 artist William ‘Jock’ Frater lived at the corner of Arthur and Bible Streets, Eltham. Before then, Frater, with other artists including Percy Leason (who moved to Eltham in the mid 1920s) painted in Eltham on weekends. They camped near Bible and Pitt Streets and along the Diamond Creek where the Eltham Retirement Centre now stands.4 In 1921, painter Peter Newbury (father to painter David Newbury, who was born in Eltham) moved to Cromwell Street, Eltham. Max Meldrum, the first Australian painter to formulate a consistent theory of art largely based on tone,5 taught local artists Alan Martin, Clarice Beckett, Peter Glass and Justus Jörgensen. Meldrum visited Eltham then rented a house there for 18 months opposite Wingrove Park. In 1934, artist and architect Justus Jörgensen and his doctor wife Lil and friends built Montsalvat, the artists’ colony. Montsalvat has played an important part in attracting artists to Eltham and its mud-brick, pisé, stone and recycled building materials has had a major influence on Eltham’s built environment. Jörgensen’s students who also helped him build Monstalvat included Arthur Munday, Lesley Sinclair, Helen Lempriere, Joe Hannan, Helen, Sonia and jeweller/sculptor, Matcham Skipper. Among artists who visited Montsalvat were Clifton Pugh and Angry Penguins’ artists Albert Tucker and Arthur Boyd. Some who painted after World War Two were Alan Martin of Eltham and Warrandyte artists Frank Crozier and Harry De Hartog6, one of Melbourne’s first painters influenced by Cubism.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, clara southern, main road, research (vic), heidelberg school artists trail

This old apple tree situated beside the Plenty River Trail at Greensborough has been associated with Melbourne Founder John Batman. The concrete block is inscribed with the date 1841, when the tree was thought to have been planted. Known as Batman's Tree, this apple tree is on the bank of the Plenty River near Leischa Court, Greensborough. It is said that Melbourne Founder John Batman may have planted the tree and later signed his treaty here with the Aboriginal people. It still bears fruit and its recorded on the National Trust's Register of Significant Trees, as the oldest apple tree in Victoria. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p7This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, greensborough, john batman tree, plenty river trail

Original document produced by Ian McDonald (Eltham Shire Council) 1970. During the period 1969-1971 photos were being collected for a proposed publication on the history of the Shire of Eltham as part of its centenary celebrations in 1971 (managed by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society and Alan Marshall). The publication was Pioneers & Painters (1971), edited by Alan Marshall. The document titled "Shows area sold to Woolworths" consisted of a panorama of three B&W photo prints creating a panorama of the frontage along Main Road (SEPP_0744) and a single B&W photo print of the Shire of Eltham offices and Hall on the corner of Arthur Street and Main Road (SEPP_0737) along with typed and hand written notes by Ian McDonald. The panorama (SEPP_0744) was captioned in typewritten text "Old Shire Office and Hall, etc - Frontage of 285 feet along Main Road" and in pencil the date "4-1-68" The single image of the shire offices (SEPP_0737) was captioned in typewritten text "Main Road and Arthur Street Corner" In addition, the following handwritten notes in pencil: " I took these photos from the new fire station - the building in the middle is the old fire station - Moved to Research for the Scouts 1970" and signed "IMcD"This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Paper with four photos adhered in two groups with notes in typewritten text and handwritten in pencilsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, main road, arthur street, dudley street, barber shop, cinema, commercial bank of australia, eltham fire brigade, eltham hall, eltham shire hall, eltham shire office, fire station, hardware shop, municipal offices, photographer shop, pph, produce paint and hardware centre, shire hall, shire offices, woolworths

Manna Gum is a species of a small to a very tall tree that is endemic to south-eastern Australia. These particular trees are part of the Gawa Wurundjeri Resource Trail at Watsons Creek. Signs share information about how the Wurundjeri people lived near the creek and used the land to obtain bush foods, medicines, tools, shelter and clothes. The trail introduces visitors to the indigenous flora and fauna, including manna gums, Lomandra (used to weave baskets) and wombat burrows. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p3This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, gawa wurundjeri aboriginal resource trail, manna gums, watsons creek

This old apple tree situated beside the Plenty River Trail at Greensborough has been associated with Melbourne Founder John Batman. Known as Batman's Tree, this apple tree is on the bank of the Plenty River near Leischa Court, Greensborough. It is said that Melbourne Founder John Batman may have planted the tree and later signed his treaty here with the Aboriginal people. It still bears fruit and its recorded on the National Trust's Register of Significant Trees, as the oldest apple tree in Victoria. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p7 Was This John Batman's Tree? An apple tree on the bank of the Plenty River near Leischa Court, Greensborough, is believed to have belonged to Melbourne’s founder, John Batman. It could also stand where John Batman signed his famous treaty with the Aboriginal people.1 Known as Batman’s Tree, it still bears fruit and is recorded on the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees, as the oldest apple tree in Victoria. It is ‘Believed to have been planted by either John Batman, (c1837) or Martin Batey (1841)’.2 In 1966 a Horticultural Adviser, Mr Rolfe, after extensive questioning of aged Greensborough residents, wrote: ‘it thus seems fairly certain that the old tree on the banks of the Plenty River is an original Batman apple tree’. Mr Rolfe said that the tree stood on a spot formerly called Wattle Bend: ‘one of the sites claimed to be where John Batman signed his famous treaty with the aboriginals. ‘My main source of information has been interviews with people who attended school in the Greensborough area from 70 to 80 years ago. Their parents were close to the days when Melbourne was founded so information passed on by word of mouth.’ Around 1920 the tree was struck by lightning and a concrete block was placed in the split. The concrete is inscribed with the date 1841 when the tree was thought to have been planted. Not everyone agrees with Mr Rolfe however. Former secretary of the Nillumbik Historical Society, Kevin Patterson, said there was no written evidence to support the claim. But he said the tree had been known to locals for decades as Batman’s Tree. In the 1920s a holiday resort in the area advertised: ‘Come to Greensborough and see John Batman’s tree’. Mr Patterson said it was thought that when Batman died in 1839 his land was sold and a Greensborough man Frederick Flintoff bought seedlings from his orchard for £1 each. This was the only one left.3 Mr Rolfe said: ‘If planted in 1837, or even a few years later, it undoubtedly is the oldest living apple tree in Victoria. Title records of the property on which the tree grows show that the land was a crown grant of F D Wickham in 1840. Mr Wickham was reputed to be a friend of John Batman. All the early settlers prior to the crown grants were squatters, by virtue of Batman’s treaty. This treaty was revoked by the then New South Wales Government, so it is likely that Wickham or an agent was in occupation before 1840. ‘According to Mrs Mavis Latham (John Batman – Great Australian Series, Oxford University Press) when Batman came to Port Phillip in 1835 he brought fruit trees with him. He failed to get a crown grant for his selection on Collins Street, which included 20 acres (eight ha) of orchard and cultivation. His residence became the Government Office and Melbourne grew from wild bushland in 1835 to a town of over 20,000 people by 1841. It is possible Batman visited Wickham and presented him with a tree.’ However a Flintoff descendant in 1933 said Frederick Flintoff ordered his bailiff Martin Batey to transplant the Batman Tree from the Spencer Street orchard to its present site as a memorial to his friend Batman.4 Mr Rolfe spoke to many people, including descendants of the Bateys and Flintoffs and pupils at the Greensborough Primary School. Many had gained their information from a ‘very highly respected’ head master Lewis Amiet at the Greensborough School from 1895 to 1917. He must have gained this information from residents in the district and had this information been incorrect, the parents of the children would have promptly corrected him.’ One woman who attended the school before Mr Amiet’s appointment, said the previous teacher also taught that the tree on the Plenty River was a Batman tree, Mr Rolfe said.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, greensborough, john batman tree, plenty river trail