The Orford family, a pioneer family remained continuously living and working in Eltham for 170 years from 1854 to 2024. James and Sarah Orford arrived in Sydney in 1839 aboard the ship “Orestes”; they had several children there before settling in Eltham in 1854. Three children, James Mathias, Sarah Amelia and Thomas Henry initially remained in the Eltham area. James eventually moved to Brunswick. Sarah married Arthur Butler Young and finally lived in Bunyip. Thomas who was six years old when the family arrived in 1854 remained in Eltham, married Helen Logan who died, leaving a large family. They lived in a slab hut by the Yarra at Laughing Waters and Thomas managed the Panton Park Estate, a selection owned by Magistrate Thomas Panton. Thomas’s son, Ernest Orford was born 1892 at Pitt Street, Eltham and also lived his entire life in Eltham working as a labourer, orchardist and later as a gardener and grounds keeper for Sir William Irvine, a former Chief Justice and Premier of Victoria. Ernest married Kate Thomas; their two sons Ron and Doug stayed in the area. Another of Thomas' sons, Arthur, also lived in Eltham. Four Orford generations attended Eltham schools. Doug Orford was born on the kitchen table (reference, son Ted Orford) of the family home at the corner of Reynolds Road and Mount Pleasant Road. Doug married Gwen and they established a family however Gwen died at a young age from cancer. Doug eventually remarried another Gwen and they lived for several decades in Napoleon Street, Eltham. Doug was actively involved in EDHS over many years, including serving as a committee member and vice president. Contributions by Doug and Gwen (Treasurer/Membership Secretary), his wife, assisted EDHS to continue to develop as a not-for-profit group intent on promoting and preserving our local history. Both Doug and Gwen were made Life Members of EDHS. They also acted as EDHS delegates to the Eastern Region of Historical Societies. His significant work with assisting to establish our valued Local History Centre helped develop our home base and supported the continued growth of our society. Doug’s local knowledge, suggestions and family connections were highly valued, Until recent times, he continued to regularly attend our Collections Team workshops providing his insights and historical information about photographs and society records. Doug died peacefully July 8, 2024, and represents the last link in the Orford Eltham chain which spanned 170 years. His funeral was held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Le Pine Funerals, 848 Main Road, Eltham. Contents: Typed notes, no date: Memories of Ernest Orford [taped 1979] about his school days. Handwritten notes, no date: History of Ernie Orford. Typed notes, no date: History of Thomas Henry Orford and family. Photocopy: Shire of Eltham General Rate Receipts. Received from D Orford 7 June 1923 and Received from E F Orford, 4 August 1924. Letter, no date: Nillumbik Shire to Russell Yeoman, Gwen Orford to receive Volunteer Recognition Award. Newsletter article: "The Orford Family, Eltham", Shire of Eltham Historical Society, No.80 September 1991. History of Orford family. Handwritten notes: 21 March 2011, genealogy of George Orford. On reverse Melways map makred with Orford and other land ownerships. Newspaper advertisement, 21 March 2011: "264 Reynolds Road, South Eltham", property for sale [land in ownership of Orford family]. Letter: St Margaret's Anglican Church Eltham to Doug Orford, 17 November 2011, Extracts from church records relative to Orford family. Newspaper article: "Timely facelift at war memorials', Diamond Valley Leader, 30 April 2024, Nillumbik war memorial will have some work and a bronze plaque will be installed at the Eltham Avenue of Honour, Wingrove Park; photograph of Doug Orford. Newsletter item: "Welcome home medal", Eltham District Historical Society newsletter no.216 May 2014, World War I two 'Welcome Home Medals' in ownership of local men, being Harry Gilham and Doug Orford. Order of Service, Le Pine Funerals (Eltham), In Loving Memory of Douglas Frederick Orford 22nd August 1929 - 8th July 2024. Doug Orford Reminiscences (2002) in conjunction with Jock Read and Peter Bassett Smith; 4 pages - 3 typed, 1 handwritten possibly transcribed from an audio tape recording (location unknown). New word file and associated pdf created [\Dropbox\EDHS DATA\DOCUMENTS\COLLECTION CATALOGUE DOCUMENTS AND PDFs\2-2 Family Folders\EDHS_06110-2 Doug Orford reminiscences 2002.docx - 1 April 2025] Doug Orford Eulogy by daughter Kathryn Whiteside 2024 and associated PDF [D:\Dropbox\EDHS DATA\DOCUMENTS\COLLECTION CATALOGUE DOCUMENTS AND PDFs\EDHS_06110 Doug Orford Obituary 2024.docx] Gwen Orford (nee Best) Eulogy 2025 and associated PDF [D:\Dropbox\EDHS DATA\DOCUMENTS\COLLECTION CATALOGUE DOCUMENTS AND PDFs\EDHS_06110 Gwen Orford (nee Best) Eulogy 2025.PDF]Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdoug orford, harry gilham, welcome home medal, eltham avenue of honour, nillumbik war memorial, wingrove park, henry dendy, alfred armstrong, james orford, 264 reynolds road south eltham, george orford, george joseph orford, maryanne george joseph, thomas henry orford, ernest orford, e f orford, eltham cemetery, helen orford, joseph panton, panton park, gordon lyon, banyule estate heidelberg, james matthias orford, wurundjeri, constable peter lawlor, george hill, franklin street eltham, ronald orford, eltham primary school, john brown, robert gamble school inspector, sarah orford, mary ann orford, james mathias orford, sarah amelia orford, james peet, arthur butler young, watsons creek victoria, kangaroo ground victoria, helen logan, william orford, jane orford, arthur orford, frederick orford, florrie orford, victor orford, chem orford, sunnymede eltham, panton hill estate, sir william irvine, gordon lyons, kate thomas, north eltham gospel church, harold clapp, eltham cricket club, research primary school, dalton street school eltham, keith banks, betty banks, benjamine boyd, laughing waters road eltham, freddie gilsinen, douglas frederick orford, eltham district historical society, funeral service, le pine funeral home, life member, order of service, 1934 flood, 1939 bushfires, alcock & pierce, ansell, associated schools sports, blacksmith shop, boakes, bridge street, bryce family, bullock track, butcher, catholic church, cliff lester, cliffy green, daisy smith, dave lyon, diamond creek, diana bassett smith, dick tooth, dr. frank may, eltham higher elementary school, ernie andrew, fire station, flower stall, fodder business, fruit shop, furniture store, gahan family, garni burges, greensborough, harold norman, harry hawker, hat factory, hawker & owen, hay and com store, henry hawker, henry street, j .harry butherway, jack burgoyne, jack ryan, jock read, john lyon, junk yard, kevin gahan, kilpatricks, len parsons, lyon family, machine factory, mc leans, memorial, metery road, miss reynolds, monteith 's bus, mr. gadd, mrs. bird, mrs. morrison, napoleon street, peter bassett smith, peter's gahan, plenty river, plumridge, produce store, public hall, rechabite hall, reynolds road, roger bird, rutter family, ryan family, shoe factory., staffs produce store, studley cairn gahan, sweeneys lane, swimming pool, taylor street, tennis court, warren family, wooden bridge, yarra brae road

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

Initially collated by Harry Gilham regarding the history of the cemetery and various developments and artworksarthur munday, cemetery gates, chappel terrace, eltham cemetery, gravedigger, james orford, justus jorgensen, lena cooper skipper, lily agnes jorgensen, mervyn g. skipper, svend erik kroyer-pedersen, vaults

Two colour photographsconstruction, eltham village, shopping centre

Two colour photographsconstruction, eltham village, shopping centre, carparks, coles store

Two colour photographsconstruction, eltham village, shopping centre

Two colour photographsconstruction, eltham village, shopping centre, carparks, coles store

Colour photographconstruction, eltham village, shopping centre, carparks, coles store

Colour photographconstruction, shopping centre, carparks, safeway store

Two colour photographsconstruction, shopping centre, carparks, safeway store

From a collection of 35 photos taken by Doug Orford at 35 specific locations along the exact boundary of the then Shire of Eltham.Colour photographbridges, diamond creek, hurstbridge - arthurs creek road, hurstbridge, monash bridge

From a collection of 35 photos taken by Doug Orford at 35 specific locations along the exact boundary of the then Shire of Eltham.Colour photographbridges, hurstbridge - arthurs creek road, hurstbridge, burkes bridge, arthurs creek

From a collection of 35 photos taken by Doug Orford at 35 specific locations along the exact boundary of the then Shire of Eltham.Colour photographbridges, hurstbridge - arthurs creek road, hurstbridge, burkes bridge, arthurs creek

From a collection of 35 photos taken by Doug Orford at 35 specific locations along the exact boundary of the then Shire of Eltham.Colour photographbridges, arthurs creek, lintons bridge, nutfield, doctors gully road

From a collection of 35 photos taken by Doug Orford at 35 specific locations along the exact boundary of the then Shire of Eltham.Colour photographbridges, arthurs creek, chapel lane, nutfield

From a collection of 35 photos taken by Doug Orford at 35 specific locations along the exact boundary of the then Shire of Eltham.Colour photographbridges, arthurs creek, arthurs creek road

From a collection of 35 photos taken by Doug Orford at 35 specific locations along the exact boundary of the then Shire of Eltham.Colour photographbridges, arthurs creek, eagles nest road

Arthur Henry Miers, pictured in the photograph played for cricket, football and baseball teams in Kew for a number of decades in the first half of the twentieth century. He was born on 22 November 1901, the son of Rodolph Theophilus Miers (1874-1951) and Margaret Frances (Margaretta) Fry (1875-1958). He had two brothers, Rodolph Cecil Miers (1904-80) and Charles Wilfred Miers (1906-88), and a sister Marjorie Elizabeth Miers (1911-84). Arthur Miers died in Kew on 25 January 1966, and after his body was cremated, his body was interred in the Mausoleum of Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery.Rare early photograph of a football club team in c.1918 MMTB Works Football Team, posed in front of a brick grandstand, mounted on card. The team was possibly from the Brunswick Depot.Donor notes: 1918 FOOTBALL PHOTO 8" X 6" OVERALL SIZE 12" X 10" / ARTHUR MIERS 3RD FOOTBALLER FROM LEFT BACK ROW / OXFORD PHOTOS COMO ST. ALPHINGTON N'COTE 1656arthur miers, football clubs

The scrapbook, compiled by Edith E Hitchcock, displays a variety of newspaper clippings with photographs relating to ships, sailors, their hobbies, Padre Oliver. Page 1 - Map of the British Empire Page 3 - Newspaper clipping with photographs: "Happy Sailors Lads" onboard the CB Pedersen C.1935 Page 5 - Photograph depicting three children watching of a ship at sea Page 7 - 1937: article: with photograph"Sea Captain and Artist": Captain A.C.G. Dreillek, Swedish ship Yngaren (similar photo published in 1937 in the Courier Mail Brisbane) Page 9 - 1935: "Reunited": Dog Patsy with ship Pegasus crew members / "Sydney Harbour Bridge": Phillip Vanderhill, Cook of the Kota Inter and its sitar creation Page 11: Mr G. Gatty and Tim, the cat from the Esperance Bay / Herbert the hen, pet on the ship King Arthur / Frank Simpson, quartermaster and painter from the ship City of Dieppe. Page 13: Conway Seymour and shipmate aboard the Orford. Page 15: 3 photographs of French sailors from the cruiser Rigault de Grenouilly in 1936. Page 16: Photograph of A.J. Kramer working on a ship model aboard the Dutch ship, Kota Inten. Page 17: 1936: Photographs of sailors from the French ship Rigault de Grenouilly and the American ship: California State berthed in Prince's Pier. (plus two large loose clippings with portraits of same sailors). Page 18: 1934: Ball on the Manunda to raise funds for the Mission: photograph of Captain Robert Sunter, Padre Oliver, Moira Oliver, Mrs Harold Clapp. Page 19: Photograph of French sailors from the Rigault de Grenouilly in a bus en route to the Dandenong Ranges. Page 21: Photographs of a shipwreck (probably Kakariki in 1938, see next page). Page 23: Aerial photograph of the shipwreck Kakariki in Hobson's Bay in 1937 Page 25: Photograph of the shipwreck Kakariki in Hobson's Bay in 1937. Page 26: Photograph of the shipwreck Kakariki in Hobson's Bay in 1937. Page 27: Photograph of the survivors from the shipwreck Kakariki in the Mission in 1937: A. Bunyard, W. Fisk, J. Greene, L. Tarlington, J. McInnes, G. Coote, G. Sugar. Page 28: Photograph of the survivors from the shipwreck Kakariki in the Caradale in 1937: W. Fisk, T.W. White. Page 29: Missioneers talk to Firemen: Padre Oliver and his assistant, L.V. Owen talking to ship's firemen.(the Argus, 24 July 1931) Page 31: 3 articles with photographs: American cadets from the California State / Governor's Surprise Visit: Lord Huntingfield visiting Padre Oliver in the Mission (the Argus, 19 May 1936) / Sea Scouts on Liner: Padre Oliver on the P&O Cathay (the Argus, 16 June 1936) Page 33: Harbour Lights: padre Oliver, Lord Somers and Rev. R. Kerdell / Visit of the Duchess to the Mission (the Argus, 26 february 1945). Page 34: Photograph titled "An old salt still yearns for the sea- 369 miles away". Page 35: two clippings : Presentation of cheques for Merchant Navy: Betty Raymond giving a cheque to Padre L.L. Elliott / A cheque for the Seamen's Mission: Photograph of Padre Oliver with a cheque. Page 37: 4 clippings with photographs: Padre Oliver playing the piano for the cadets of the C.B. Pedersen / Miss Gladys Grant with parcels (from the Age 10 November 1943) / All Nations' Dance / Christmas at the Flinders Street mission, Padre Oliver cutting the cake (The Age, 15 December 1942) Page 39: Unveiling of the Memorial window to Captain Robert Sunter in 1936. Page 41: 2 clippings: At the Seamen's Mission: photographs of J. W. Neill and Padre Oliver / Married: Albert Robertson and Beryl Landrigan / Postcard of the St Peter Chapel. Page 43: 2 postcards: The Cloisters / The Mission view from Flinders Street. Page 45: Postcard of the windvane. / clipping of Sailors from the Zealandic. Page 46: 2 clippings: Virtually a Man without a country: Frans Nobel on the ship Milleeta / Seaman, Soldier, Waiter, Singer, Cook Finds Peace (Frans Nobel).(1939) Page 47: That Land Looks Good: two seamen from the tanker British Fame Page 48: large clipping of the C.B. Pedersen "Like a page from the past".(april-May 1935) Page 49: Photograph of Padre Oliver in his army uniform.This scrapbook is significant because it makes reference to contemporaneous events related to the Mission to Seafarers. On the inside cover is the name Edith E. Hitchcock.edith e. hitchcock, scrapbooks, c.b. pedersen, hobbies, ship models, painting, frank leslie oliver, mv manunda, captain robert sunter, windvane, rigault de genouilly, french, german, california, kakariki, ship pegasus, sydney harbour bridge, sugar, kota inten, philip vanderhill, lord somers, reverend r. kerdell, r.m.s. moldavia, victoria dock, ww2, pets, bird, dog, cat, gladys grant, alphonse polo, eugene emonin, raoul gannson, esperance bay, g. gatty, captain a. macwhirter, frank simpson, city of dieppe, conway seymour, orford, a.j. kramer, dutch, moira bird oliver (nee good), mrs harold clapp, caradale, 3uz radio, betty raymond, l.l. elliott, j.h. bustard, merchant navy patriotic fund, g.h. martin, j.w. neill, albert robertson, beryl landrigan, zealandic, frans nobel, milleeta, british fame

Lyon Bros Eltham Motor Garage originally opened as an old tin shed garage in 1923 alongside Dave Lyon’s weatherboard home, a Californian bungalow at present-day 856 Main Road, Eltham in the dip between York and Henry Streets - there was a wood yard and garage at the back. That house remains standing today (2026). It later became a Chiropractor’s practice now operating as Eltham Cosmetic Clinic. Earliest advertisements for the business date from March 1923 – advertise that they have opened a motor garage near the post office, where a car or petrol may be procured day or night, and repairs effected. (The Advertiser, 2 March 1923) Between May 1942 and December 1945 [based on a newspaper article "Eltham Killed in Brownout" (1942, May 15). Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser (Vic. : 1940 - 1942), p. 3. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57496549 and aerial photos taken in December 1945], the brothers relocated the business to 283-287 Main Road Eltham, opposite Arthur Street. The garage was an official RACV Road Service Station and offered vehicles for hire in addition to conducting repairs. It was also an Agent for Shell petrol. During the war Dave was working in the garage one night with a motor running. He was almost unconscious, and Jack Burgoyne happened to stop off with his truck and went and dragged him out. John Lyon used to live on the comer of Bridge Street and Main Road on top of the cliff. He was later killed in an accident at Rosanna railway crossing 29th Feb, 1960 [Source: Doug Orford]. This photo is dated circa 1964 and the address is clearly 283-287 Main Road however by 1971 street numbers had been revised to present-day numbering and by the time the site had been redeveloped as Lyon Bros. Ford the address was 953 Main Road. Community memories after posting this photo on Facebook include: "I can remember my dad putting 2 shilling pieces into a bowser to get petrol after hours."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.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg953 main road eltham, 1963, automobiles, businesses, eltham, eltham lyon, eltham motor garage, lyon bros. garage, main road eltham, motor vehicles, racv road service station, shell service station, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection

Lyon Bros Eltham Motor Garage originally opened as an old tin shed garage in 1923 alongside Dave Lyon’s weatherboard home, a Californian bungalow at present-day 856 Main Road, Eltham in the dip between York and Henry Streets - there was a wood yard and garage at the back. That house remains standing today (2026). It later became a Chiropractor’s practice now operating as Eltham Cosmetic Clinic. Earliest advertisements for the business date from March 1923 – advertise that they have opened a motor garage near the post office, where a car or petrol may be procured day or night, and repairs effected. (The Advertiser, 2 March 1923) Between May 1942 and December 1945 [based on a newspaper article "Eltham Killed in Brownout" (1942, May 15). Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser (Vic. : 1940 - 1942), p. 3. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57496549 and aerial photos taken in December 1945], the brothers relocated the business to 283-287 Main Road Eltham, opposite Arthur Street. The garage was an official RACV Road Service Station and offered vehicles for hire in addition to conducting repairs. It was also an Agent for Shell petrol. During the war Dave was working in the garage one night with a motor running. He was almost unconscious, and Jack Burgoyne happened to stop off with his truck and went and dragged him out. John Lyon used to live on the comer of Bridge Street and Main Road on top of the cliff. He was later killed in an accident at Rosanna railway crossing 29th Feb, 1960 [Source: Doug Orford]. This photo is dated circa 1964 and the address is clearly 283-287 Main Road however by 1971 street numbers had been revised to present-day numbering and by the time the site had been redeveloped as Lyon Bros. Ford the address was 953 Main Road. Just featured is an XL Falcon manufactured 1962-1964 Community memories after posting this photo on Facebook include: "I can remember my dad putting 2 shilling pieces into a bowser to get petrol after hours." A similar photo is featured in the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection, SEPP_0664Black and white photograph of Lyon Bros. Eltham Motor Garage 283-287 Main Road Eltham c.1960953 main road eltham, 1963, automobiles, businesses, eltham, eltham motor garage, ford xl falcon, george w. bell collection, lyon, lyon bros. garage, main road eltham, racv road service station, shell service station

Edward Gadd’s coach building and blacksmith shop was on the western side of Main Road, just south of Arthur Street and alongside Hannah Lloyd’s Railway General Store. The site was later home to the Eltham Produce Store, then a BP Petrol Station and in present-day home to Healthability at 911-917 Main Road. https://maps.app.goo.gl/az9GzxmVYFRGgYa39 Note with photo: "Man with hammer is Mr Gadd; always wore leggings and played violin at local dances. On his left is Harold Norman of Research. (Sam Howard played banjo). Mrs Read (Jock's mother) played piano by ear. Research called Normantown because no one could remember who was related to who." Note the school children; one of whom may be Jock Read. In April 1922, E.Gadd took over the West Bros. blacksmithing business at Eltham. He had many prior years’ experiences with horses and their ailments, such as diseased feet and bad breath. He advertised that he kept horse medicines in stock and was prepared to undertake clipping. [THE Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser AND Diamond Creek Valley Advocate. (1922, April 7). Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate (Vic. : 1917 - 1922), p. 3 (AFTERNOON.). Retrieved July 31, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57640818] A poster on the exterior wall of the shed promotes protection of vineyards from Prohibition by voting No. This would date this photo around March 1930. A vote was being held by the Victorian government which the vineyard growers were opposed to due to the ramifications it would have upon the wider industry for dried fruits and table grapes, etc as well and how it was in direct conflict with the federal government's actions of WW1 Soldiers Settlements on vineyards as it would ruin them. [HOW VINE GROWERS WOULD BE PENALISED (1930, March 28). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 4 (AFTERNOON). Retrieved July 31, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57762063] Edward Gadd died of pneumonia, July 1937. He had operated his coach building business in Eltham for 15 years (1922-1937). He lived in Research and left a wife and three sons. He was actively involved with the Research Hall and was largely instrumental in its establishment. [Death of Mr. Edward Gadd. (1937, July 23). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 1. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56845399] Following Gadd’s death, P. Sloan of Warrandyte took over the business, which he advertised as 'Eltham Shoeing Forge'. [Advertising (1937, July 30). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 6. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56845470] The photo was taken around March 1930 and Gadd operated his business between 1922 and 1937. This would suggest the shed would be visible in the November 1931 aerial photograph. Looking past the shed to the left the topography is relatively flat. The most probable location for the blacksmith shop, being a coach builder, would be near or on the main road. The only area in Eltham relative to other businesses that has a flattish topography with hills in the distant is around the railway station. E. Gadd’s Blacksmith shop was situated on the western side of Main Road, between Arthur and Dudley Streets and does appear to be visible in the 1931 aerial photo held by the Society. A map drawn up by Doug Orford of businesses and homes along Main Road in the 1930s shows the Gadd blacksmith shop in this precise location, just south of Staff’s general store. (See EDHS_05122). Other photos show the blacksmith shop adjacent to the Railway store and it had “Electrine Candles” advertising painted on the roof facing the southern approach along Main Road (SEPP_0611) and is just visible to the left of Lloyd’s Store c.1916-c.1922 (EDHS_02160). The rear of the shop facing the railway line is visible in EDHS_05593 Panorama at Eltham c. 1925. - Research by Peter Pidgeon, EDHS, July 2026 Sepia photographcoaches, dance band, edward gadd, eltham, harold norman, jock read, mrs read, prohibition vote, research (vic.), sam howard, vineyards, industry, school children