Bacchus Marsh State School No. 28. The number of pupils in 1883 was 172. The school has undergone a number of name changes over the years. It began as the Bacchus Marsh National School in 1850 and at the time this photo was taken it was known as Bacchus Marsh State School. Since the 1970s it has been known as Bacchus Marsh Primary. It is officially recognised as the oldest government school in Victoria.This image is important as an early depiction of the first state school in Victoria, and is one of the two earliest images of this school. Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. Photograph of a six-gabled school building with a large assembly of pupils and teachers in an outdoor setting. There are four adults, probably the teaching staff.On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE. stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district, schools, bacchus marsh state school. no. 28.

The 1930 Back to Bacchus Marsh celebrations were held on 23 to 28 October 1930. The committee were Cr L.M. Gugdale (president), A.W. Bond (General secretary), W. Grant Morton, J.G. Wells, Dr E. McDonald, Charles Dickie, G.H. Anderson, F.M. Crisp, W.R. Vigor. Bacchus Marsh State School No. 28 was established in 1851 as a National School in a rented building on the right-hand side of Bacchus Marsh-Melbourne Road, just beyond Woolpack Inn. Several willow trees mark the site. H.G. Ball was the first Head Teacher of the school, and the enrolmen towas 34. In 1854 Governor Charles Hotham visited the school. In 1855 two new schools, East and West, were recommended. School No. 28 closed in 1862 and the sitre was sold. The present school site was purchased in 1865 for 67 pounds. The cost of the building was 782 pounds. (Visions and Realisations, Vol 3., 1973) A clock purchased by public subscription was placed in the front of the building to the memory of scholars who served during World War One. (Back to Bacchus Marsh, 1930)Brown covered book of 44 pages. Contents include Bacchus Marsh and its soldiers, Red Cross, Lerderderg Gorge, Werribee Gorge, Lerderderg Park, Coimadai, Darely Firebrick Co., Myrniong, Underbank, Balliang, Rowsley, Parwan, schoosl, churches, Shire Council, Federal Milk Pty Ltd, Bacchus Marsh Milk, Old Maddingley Bridge Images include: * Bacchus Marsh looking east, 1930 * Bacchus Marsh Looking West, 1872 * Bacchus Marsh Looking West, 1930 * Aerial View of Bacchus Marsh Township looking east * Aerial View of Bacchus Marsh Township looking south * Bacchus Marsh Agricultural Society & Pastoral Society, 1893 (named), * Original Bacchus Marsh State School No 28 * Holy Trinity Bacchus Marsh * Bacchus Marsh Baptist Church * St Bernard's Catholic Church * Bacchus Marsh Methodist Church * St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Bacchus Marsh * View of Maddingley Park, showing Original Courthouse, 1890 * Werribee Gorge * Underbank Stud Farm * Ballarat State School Number 28. Signed 'C. Hodgson'bacchus marsh, maddingley, maddingley park, underbank, lerderderg park, coimadai, darely firebrick co., myrniong, balliang, rowsley, parwan, schoosl, churches, shire council, federal milk pty ltd, bacchus marsh milk, old maddingley bridge, police, police paddock, maddingley gates, crisp, mccormack, cain, harkness, howe, bence, mcdonald, mcfarlane, cosgrave, flagg, burnip, scott, lodge, cameron, vallance, bacchus marsh state school, bacchus marsh state school no 28., geology, r.w. thompson, lederderg gorge, weribee gorge, comadai, darley firebrick company

A back to Bacchus Marsh was held from 12 to 20 October 1957.Brown covered book of 28 pages including the official programme for back to Bacchus Marsh, 1957. The book includes an historical essay, Maddingley Brown Coal, World war 11, Darley Military Camp, Darley Firebrick Co., industrial changes and numerous advertisements. Images include: * Grant Street Avenue *St Bernard's new Parish Hall and Schoolrooms * Maddingley No. 2 Cut * Terracing at Maddingley - part of the beautification scheme at Maddingley * Hospital entrance with War memorial Feature * Old Woolpack Inn * Jim Pyke * Infant Welfare and pre-School Centre, Young St * Bacchus Marsh Main Street looking East, 1872 * Andrew George Scott, alias Captain Moonlight * Grant Street Avenue * Ballarat State School No 28 featuring the World War One Memorial Clock maddingley brown coal, world war 11, old woolpack inn, darley military camp, darley firebrick, jim pyke, andrew george scott, captain moonlite, bacchus marsh, world war, bacchus marsh state school no 28, grant street avenue, bacchus marsh war memorial hospital, bacchus marsh avenue of honour, captain bacchus

The Baptist Chapel was first opened in March 1868 in Lerderderg Street, Bacchus Marsh, next to State School No. 28. The plans were prepared by James G. Pippett and the building was constructed by bricklayer J.F.Taylor and carpenter W. Nelson. When fire threatened its destruction in 1871, the townspeople assisted in saving the building by tearing off the roof and removing windows and flooring. Subsequently it was found that a solid silver Communion Service was missing as well as the contents of the Poor Box. The Chapel was renovated and used until 1898 when the building was moved to Main Street, next to the Post Office. Two rooms were added at the front when the building was rebuilt. It was demolished in 1985.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album, which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll. The photograph is of a substantial brick building with a shingle roof. The gable above the front entrance and the side of the building under the guttering are ornamented with rows of bricks laid horizontally. A round window sits in the centre of the gable. The central door and the front and side sash windows are topped by semi-circular brick arches. The ornamentation is continued with contrasting bricks down the corners of the building. An ornamental iron fence runs along the front of the building. A large fir tree stands in the grounds. On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE churches bacchus marsh, baptist chapel bacchus marsh

Mary Egan was one of Ballarat's best-loved and respected educators. Commencing her teaching career as a student-teacher at Bacchus Marsh, she undertook teacher training at Melbourne Teachers' College (1941-1942). She taught in the Mildura district before returning to Ballarat in 1953, teaching infant grades at Humffray Street State School. Mary Egan joined the Ballarat Teachers' College (BTC) staff in 1958, starting a 23 year career specialising in language curriculum (ie children's literacy and literature). She was still on staff when all teachers colleges became State Colleges during the early 1970s. Along with other members of the State College Victoria, Ballarat (SCVB) staff, Mary's lecturing career continued when SCVB merged with the tertiary section of SMB at Mt Helen, later known as the Ballarat College of Advanced Education (BCAE). Mary is known throughout the state for her work in teacher-training, particularly for the teaching of reading and language. A collection of specialist teaching books in the E.J. Barker Library is named as a memorial to Mary Egan,mary egan, melbourne teachers' college, humffray street state school, ballarat teachers' college, staff, ballarat college of advanced education, e j barker library, memorial, state college of victoria ballarat, scvb, literacy and literature, teacher-training, women of note

This blazer was worn by Tom Hill in 1947. He was educated at Digby Primary School and Hammilton High and was appointed principle of Paschendale P.S. and Kannagulk P.S. at the age of 17 before he entered the College at Dana Street. He graduated in 1948 and was appointed to the Myrtle Creek school. At the time of his retirement in 1986 he was principle of Bacchus Marsh P.S. The Ballarat Teachers' College was established after the Victorian State Government and the State Education Department decided to establish two provincial teachers' colleges, at Ballarat and Bendigo. On 04 May 1926 W.H. Ellwood (Principal), Miss A. Bouchier, and Mr A.B. Jones, welcomed the first enrolment of 61 students to undertake the one year course. In 1927 the College moved to the former Ballarat East Town Hall in Barkly Street, which was remodelled for their use. It closed in December 1931 due to the Great Depression. In 1946 Ballarat Teachers' College reopened and relocated to the Dana Street State School. It was originally planned to open as a women's college, for whom the residence at 130 Victoria Street was purchased, but the decision was made to admit resident men from Ballarat. Mr T.W. Turner was appointed as Principal in 1951 and directed the introduction of a two year course for the Trained Primary Teachers' Certificate. The former one year course was terminated at the end of 1951. In 1958 the College was relocated to a custom built facility at Gillies Street, in close proximity to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Numbers increased with the introduction of the Trained Infant Teachers' Certificate course under the guidance of Mary Egan. With the introduction of a three year Diploma Course in 1968 accommodation became cramped. The introduction of the Diploma of Teaching (Primary) led to the Trained Infant Teachers' Certificate being discontinued in 1969, and the end of the Trained Primary Teachers' Certificate in 1969. Secondary Art and Craft students began studies at Ballarat Teachers' College in 1969 under Mr Ted Doney. In 1971 Mr D. Watson was appointed Principal. The State College of Victoria was proclaimed by Order in Council on 24 July 1973, and Ballarat Teachers' College became a constituent college of the State College of Victoria, and was known as State College of Victoria, Ballarat. By 1975 the College moved to Mount Helen as part of the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. Pre service teachers currently undertake their studies on the Mount Helen Campus of Federation University. ("Ruffians Attempted to Carry of the School Tent: A History of State Education in Ballarat", 1974, p73-4.)Blue satin lined, wool gabardine Ballarat Teachers' College blazer with embroidered pocket. The jacket has two plain silver coloured buttons at the frontEmbroidered emblem of the Ballarat Teachers College.ballarat teachers' college, blazer, tom hill, thomas hill, costume, uniform, embroidery, textiles

This honor roll is held by the Bacchus Marsh RSLThe names on the honour board are: W. Blake; F.G. Blake; A.K. Cumming; A.V. Chapple; W.J. Cocherill; A.P. Cecil; C.R. Edwards; W.B. Edwards; R.W. Edwards; T. Hawkins; R.J. Lindsay; D.S. Lindsay; C.D. Cumming; N.H. Cumming; T.L. Cocherill; W.F. Hehir; N. McLachlan; J. McLachlan; S. Osborne; E.A. Smith; A. Ladhams; T. Phillips; J.A. Sweetman; R.H. Serjeant; W.T. Serjeant; T. Shannon; P. Triggs; C.M. Todd; M. Whelan; R. Watson; W. Watson.parwan, parwan state school, world war, world war 1, honour board, honor board, blake, cumming, chapple, cocherill, cecil, edwards, hawkins, lindsay, hehr, mclachlan, osborne, smith, ladhams, philips, sweetman, serjeant, shannon, triggs, todd, whelan, watson, bacchus marsh rsl, mmm

269 pages; 21 cm. With names and events index.non-fictionHistorical and biographical articles relating to the town and district of Bacchus Marsh. First published in regular installments in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper during the years 1913 - 1917. Written by William Williams, headmaster of Bacchus Marsh State School. The articles were later published in book form in 1936 by Crisp and Sons, owners and publishers of the Bacchus Marsh Express. The publication also includes separate articles, 'Recollections' by Charles Hegarty; 'Bacchus Family History'; and 'Some Early History of Mount Blackwood' by Robert Lidgett. This edition was reproduced as a facsimile edition by Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society in 2015. Printed by FRP Printing Pty Ltd.bacchus marsh vic. history, pioneers biographies, bmhds reprints

A printed book published in hardback and paper editions. 178 pages, with index, and black and white photographs. BMDHS Location: AR/SU4non-fictionAn account of the origins and development of public and private schools in the Bacchus Marsh district. The period examined stretches from the late 1840s through until 1920. This comprises almost 20 schools some of which have long faded from memory. Others such as the Bacchus Marsh Primary School and Saint Bernard's Catholic School continue to this day. Citation: The Early History of Bacchus Marsh Schools by Walter Stewart. Published by Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society, Bacchus Marsh, Vic., 1983.schools bacchus marsh, bacchus marsh primary school, bmdhs publication

Eldest daughter of Edna and Bon Barrie, born on 03 November 1943 in Melbourne, Victoria, Memoirs of Wendy Barrie, recalling the early formative years of life in Melton: In 1949 I started school at Melton State School no 430 and was driven the 2½ miles to there by my parents at first. Later we walked home in the afternoons or were picked up by car as we made our way home along the Western Highway. In 1956 I went to Bacchus Marsh High School. There were 4 students in grade 6 and 3 of us went to the High School. The students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School as far a fifth form. My parents drove me to the pick up point and during the five years of travel to High School. The bus travelled via Toolern Vale and later went through Exford and through Parwan. On the return journey in the afternoon the bus went in the reverse direction. The bridge at Exford was an old narrow wooden one, and the students had to get off the bus and walk across, with the driver crossing in the empty bus for safety reasons. There was a travelling allowance paid to parents and it was estimated from the distance the crow flies, a straight line. We lived a Ferris Lane, just where the Harness Racing entrance is now situated about 2 ½ miles by road to school too close to qualify for the subsidy. While at State School Melton we would walk home in a group with the Nixon and Gillespie children, along the main road over the bridge near the Shire Offices and down a hill. I was being dinked on Joyce Gillespie’s bike while holding onto the seat, toppled off the bike striking my chin and teeth on the bitumen and cracking my jaw. I was about 9 years old and stayed a couple of days in the Quamby Hospital in Bacchus Marsh, it seemed like and eternity at the time and quite traumatic being separated from my family. I can remember contemplating how I could get out of the window and run away but realised it was too far to walk home. Often we would cut across the Common on our way home from school picking up stray golf balls and collecting them from the creek when it dried out. We were warned about not accepting lifts from strangers passing along the Melbourne/ Ballarat Road. The only danger we faced was being swooped by the magpies particularly on the open ground on the Common. We were also fairly cautious when the Gypsies camped on the Common in the area just about opposite the small reservoir. “Mum” grandma Myers loved to have us call in on our way home, and usually would cut a slice of Jongebloed’s bread and spread it with home made butter. Sometimes we waited there until we were collected by car, usually driven by our mother. Margaret Nixon and Joyce Gillespie were a few grades ahead of me and Barbara Nixon was born just two months earlier than me. Our mothers were great friends for over 6o years, born in the same month three years apart. They lived within a few days of the same age as each other at the time their deaths. Dad and George Nixon attended Melton school at the same time. Sarah nee Hornbuckle Nixon and my grandfather Frederick Myers Snr were at school together at the same in the 1880s. The Nixon family lived in Keilor Road just past the Toolern Creek near the turnoff. Tom and Ann Collins lived on the southern side of the Western highway and Keilor road intersection. Jim and Ruby Gillespie’s house was further long Keilor road on the right. They backed onto the Myers who lived on the north side of Western Highway east of Myers Gully (Ryans Creek). The Bridge over the Toolern Creek as very narrow and as truck traffic increased there were accidents. One truck took out the side railing and plunged upside down into the bank and into the shallow water. Another fatal accident happened between a car and a truck right in front of the Myers house. Grandfather Fred had been a bike rider all his life, as far as the Riverina in his younger years, wryly made the comment about the drivers the speeding along the Ballarat Road were setting out to kill themselves. The road was busy particularly after the Races at Ballarat when the crowds were hurrying home to Melbourne. Train travel had changed very little from the time my mothers generation to mine. The timetable meant the usual rush to Melton South by bike in her case and if she was running late the train pulled up on the crossing. I was driven to the Station from home past Keith and Mary Gillespie’s house near the Ferris Road rail crossing to Bridge road to Melton South for the 7.32 train. While attending Sunshine High School in 1961 I would meet up with three other students, two of whom I knew from Bacchus Marsh High School days. We usually got into the same compartment on the train, it was a typical country train with a corridor along the side and compartments with a door, roof racks and sometimes heated metal containers for the feet in the winter. Some of the trains came through from Horsham and Ballarat, and the Overland from Adelaide passed through in the evening, we could hear it in the distance from the Ferris Lane home. The carriages had 1st and economy class compartments showing photographs of county scenes and holiday destinations. The engine was the large A class diesel. They are still running to Bacchus Marsh 50 years later, due to the need for the greatly increased number of commuters travelling to work in the city. Sometimes the carriages were pull by a Steam engine, these were a problem in the summer time because the sparks caused fires along the train lines and then quickly spread into the dry grass, crops and stubble. The Motor Train left Spencer Street at 4.23 pm and was the best train for me to catch. Ferris Road was a designated stop and train pulled up on the road crossing. It had steps at the door and rungs to hold while alighting to the ground. The ballast along the tracks was rough and uneven and awkward to land on. The train was painted blue and yellow with the letters VR pained on the front. This saved may parents the afternoon trip to collect me from the Station. On the walk home on the gravel road I would pass Uncle Tom and Aunty May’s house before reaching home. Melva Gillespie was studying at Sunshine Technical School and we sometimes both got off the train at the same time. On other occasions the Motor Train was replaced with a diesel engine with carriages, it was also required to stop and the driver had to be notified in advance. This meant getting into the guards van a Rockbank. It was more difficult alighting from the carriage as the gap was greater and more precarious to swing out and land on the ground. A few times in my last year of study at Melbourne Teachers College in Grattan Street Carlton. I managed to catch the 2.30 pm train to Serviceton, it was express to Melton and was very quick trip. The last train, was the 5.25 pm diesel to Ballarat and I usually caught this train to Melton South Station. On one occasion after being held up on the tram in Bourke street I had to make a mad dash to the platform chasing the train as it was just moving off and yelling to the guard, fortunately I was noticed and the train ground to halt. I scrambled into the end door and took most of the journey home to recover. After the last year at High School I continued to travel on the train, 2 years to Prahran Technical School changing at North Melbourne. There were a lot school children travelling to private schools and some at the primary level and mainly from Bacchus Marsh. Rockbank children also travelled by train from the beginning of their high school years, quite a few went to Sunshine High School. During my third year of teacher training I travelled to Flinders Street to RMIT for ceramics classes and Grattan St Teachers College located in the grounds of Melbourne University. There were many teachers being trained at the Secondary Teachers College due to the baby bulge creating a great shortage of teachers. Sunshine High School was very well represented amongst the different courses in Primary, Secondary and Art and Crafts. I attended Melbourne University lectures, studying a Fine Art subject. Bernard Smith was the most notable of the lecturers. he replaced Professor Joseph Bourke who had taken leave for the years. In 1962 he published the art book “Australian Painting”. The secondary art and craft student teachers from the College were in the majority, taking this subject and were well regarded due to their practical art and craft methods and their teaching round experience. In December 1964 I graduated as a Trained Secondary Teacher – Art and Crafts. The graduating ceremony was held at Wilson Hall. I received my appointment to work at Maryborough High School. Uncle Max and Aunty Rosemary Myers arranged my accommodation. Uncle Max was a teacher at the Maryborough Technical School fat the time. The appointment was suddenly changed when just before the school year was about to start when I received notification that I was now required to move to Warracknabeal High School. I was subject to a bond for the three years of training and three years of teaching and was under an obligation to comply with the directive of the Education Department. My father stood as guarantor when I was accepted as student at the Melbourne Teachers’ College, thus enabling me to receive my teacher training, and a 5 pounds a week allowance for expenses. After teaching for two years at Warracknabeal High School I was fortunate enough the gain a transfer to Sunshine West High School, returning to live at home in Melton and travelling by car to work with a fellow colleague, Jock Smith who lived at Station road Melton. I completed bond obligation and resigned at the end of the year. The employment regulations at that time did not allow the option of leave of absence for, indefinite overseas travel. I returned to Australia in October 1969. Visiting Arthur Hart the Principal of Sunshine High School he arranged with the Education Department for my re-employment at Sunshine High School until the end of the year. In 1970 I was transferred, and returned to Sunshine West High School where I worked for the next three years. In January 1968 I sailed on the “Oriana” to South Hampton with two teaching friends from Warracknabeal High School on a travelling and working holiday. Doreen Kiely, a former Bacchus Marsh High student and fellow train traveller from Bacchus Marsh, was already working in London, had arranged our accommodation at the London Travellers Club Hotel, Braham Gardens, Earls Court SW5. We based our stay at this address in London and travelled around Scotland, Ireland and England. In the summer we took a four month trip around the Continent and the Mediterranean. I registered with The Royal Borough Of Kingston Upon Thames as a Supply teacher, and worked at Chessington School form autumn to spring the following year and living with Mrs Rose Gillies at Kinross Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey. In the spring of 1969 visiting Norway, Sweden and Finland joining an organised camping group to the Artic Circle, entered Russia at Leningrad (St Petersburg) Moscow, Minsk, to Poland and Czechoslovakia. In August returning to Worcester Park for the flight to Montreal to stay with cousin Lynette and husband Jurgen. A side trip was taken to Toronto, Niagara Falls and New York. The flight home from Montreal to Melbourne took 52 hours. A ½ day break in Vancouver before boarding the Qantas boeing 707 via San Francisco, Honolulu, Fiji, Sydney to Melbourne. Around the world in 21 months. Photographs of Wendy local identities

There were no high schools in the area pre 1975, and students from Melton, Melton South and Toolern Vale State Schools went by bus to Bacchus Marsh High School. In 1975, Melton High School opened its doors. Coburn Road named after Coburns, early settlers family and George Coburn Councillor and 1935 Shire PresidentEarth works undertaken for the development of Melton High School, Coburns Road, Melton Westeducation

My Story by Bruce Myers – June 2001 Arthur Bruce Myers was born on Wednesday morning on the 29/4/1925 at Kelvin Grove Hospital Bacchus Marsh. Background Information: Prepared by Niece Wendy Barrie. The early life of Bruce Myers “Burnbank” Ballarat Road Melton. The family home was built by his grandparents Ann nee Dowling and Henri Miers in 1867. His father Frederick was born in 1877 in Melton the youngest of four boys. Bruce the fourth son of Frederick and Martha, brother Frederick the eldest was followed by Marjorie and Edna. His brother Max was the youngest child. Father Frederick Myers attended Melton State School No 430 enrolling in 1881 and leaving in 1888 gaining his Merit Certificate No 116343. Bruce enrolled in July 1931 and completed and gaining his Merit Certificate in 1937. In 1938 he travelled to Melbourne Boys High School. Bruce was taught piano by his sister Marjorie, a respected Melton music teacher. He entered many Piano competitions and at the age of 10 winning the radio cup in the Junior Cavalcade at 3AW at Latrobe Street. At Melbourne Boys High School during his lunchtime was allowed to practice the piano in the basement for his recreation. He was pestered by another boy (name I have forgotten) a teacher intervened telling him to leave Myers alone. As a young child when listening to music he was able to on hearing it identify the key it was written in, due to his perfect pitch. I remember “Mum” Myers telling about the time they went to see Artur Rubeinstein at a concert, when Bruce was a small boy, it may have been on this occasion that he had noted the key of the piano composition. Bruce writes – In my early teens Max and I frequently accompanied the Williams boys, Wally and Jim on expeditions up the Toolern Creek near where the Gisborne exit now crosses it. The dogs would chase the rabbits into their burrows after placing nets over the burrows a ferret would be let in to burrow, much excitement would be involved in the rush to grab the rabbits as they bolted into the nets. In the same area I used too accompany Dad on an evening rabbit shoot (summer time). After the heat of the day the rabbits would emerge from their burrows at dusk. We would his behind the tree in silence, a mark contrast to the ferreting scene. Dad with the shotgun cocked would wait until 2 or 3 rabbits were close together then fire (Bang!). Hopefully killing two rabbits. They would have to be killed outright, otherwise they would run back into their burrows. Needless to say, one deafening shot ended the event, also it only cost one cartridge. Our only swimming pool was hole in the Toolern Creek at its junction with the blind creek at the eastern entrance to Melton. Dad swum there in the 1880’s teaching many of the youngsters to swim. Females never swum there to my knowledge. The dressing shed consisted of a 4 corrugated iron nailed to a wooden frame about 4 metres by 3 no floor or roof. We always walked the kilometre in our bathers anyway. The swimming hole once dried up leaving about 2 ft of mud. We Melton boys had so much fun fossicking around with our hands and feet and yanking out numerous eels, some very bid. I don’t know what happened to them all. No doubt Dad would have skun one or two for Mum to cook after cutting them up into short lengths. They used to jump around the pan when they were cooking. Dad accompanied by Max and I, frequently fished for eels in the Gillespie’s waterhole just below our place using a rod, line, sinker, hook baited with a worm, and a white floater so as to easily see when an eel was on the hook, so that it could quickly be pulled before it could anchor itself on and under water snag such as a tree root making it impossible to catch, or causing the line to be lost. At about the age of 8, I suddenly discovered amazingly easily means of movement. One day when I was riding the bike on rough bluestone road near the Presbyterian Church [Uniting Church] in Melton when the front fork broke and I landed on my right knee and right eye gashing both, the knee severely. I have carried the scars ever since. I started getting mobile by riding a scooter with good leg on the scooter and swinging the right leg, keeping is straight because bending it was too painful.Childhood photo of Brucelocal identities

Past students of Melton State School 430. Frederick John Watson MYERS was born on 01 October 1908 in Melton, Victoria,Australia.He died on 07 February 2001. Marjorie Gretchen MYERS was born on 21 February 1912 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.She died on 10 September 2004 in Frankston, Victoria, Australia. Eva Edna MYERS was born on 15 October 1918 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.She died on 31 January 2008 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Arthur Bruce MYERS was born on 29 April 1925 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 26 March 2015 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Maxwell Douglas MYERS was born on 10 August 1927 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 03 May 2005 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.Frederick Thomas Myers and Martha Mary Watson's children at Melton Primary School 125 year anniversary, 1995local identities, pioneer families, education

Information from research by Mabel Rogers from the first meeting in August 1939 – 1969 Notable Events of the CWA The document contains information about meetings and events and numbers of members who attended. December 2013 – a selection of some of the items of interest have been extracted by Wendy Barrie NOTABLE EVENTS Page 1 1938 August 10th 1938 Minutes of inaugural meeting of Melton Branch Country Women’s Association. Cr Coburn introduced Mrs Toose, Ballarat G.P. [Group President] 42 ladies were present, including visitors from Bacchus Marsh and Smeaton Branches. September – Miss A Raleigh was elected Magazine Secretary October- 26 members present. Penny Collection for Million Members Fund November December – Mrs Swan gave demonstration of basketry, using stringy bark, Eucalyptus bark and reeds 1939 February 1939 – 18 members present. Branch total 50. Donation towards Pedal Transmitting Set. Inquiries made of Shire Council re permission to fence War Memorial March April – cost of fence material beyond Branch Funds May- 24 members present June, July, August – birthday celebrations. September 25 members present October – Meeting hled at Toolern Vale Bird Sanctuary 36 members present November – 1st Annual Meeting December – Owing to harvest operations, only 11 members present. 1940 February electric kettle and urn to be purchased for Mechanics Institute. Also to install a power point. [Electricity was connected to Melton in December 1939] April end of page 1 Page 2 May – Council Permission to be sought, to plant trees on oval below Shire Hall P.M.G. to be asked to supply a seat outside telephone booth for convenience of callers after P.O. was closed. June- Wives of A.I.F. soldiers be made honorary members. “1d per week drive” for gift for the Empire. July, September, October November – Group President stressed the importance of keeping Branches together during time of war. Collection of sheep skins to be made into vests for fighting forces worthy of consideration. Group President, Mrs Morgan-Paylor. December 1941 February 30 members present March – Eight members attend Ballarat Group Conference. Approach Council re fencing and preparation of land for tree plantation May – Mrs Swan demonstrated making of slippers from pieces of sheepskin June – Empire Gift Scheme of 1d per week to be continued for another year or duration of the war. July – Demonstration on making camouflage nets August, September Group Conference at Smeaton, October, November meetings held 1942 February- Enquiries to be made as how to help with A.R.P. work March, April, May, June,- Headquarters busy on war work. July end of page 2 Page 3 August, September. October – 15 Camouflage Nets forwarded to Headquarters November- Mrs Glasson Group President presided at Annual Meeting. Meetings to be held at 3 monthly intervals. Overseas link, enquiries be made of Melton Mowbray had a C.W.A. Branch 1943 February- Overseas link to be Lampeter, Cardiganshire, Wales May- 7 Camouflage Nets to Headquarters. American overseas link Nov 5th Annual Meeting, letters received from Wales and America 1944 May – Approach to be made to Council re formation of Baby Health Centre July – Ball held for Baby Health Centre effort. Admission 3/- 1945 February- Mrs Lemke present at meeting May August- Miss Strahan of Womens Hospital gave a talk on “Work of Almoner Departments in Public Hospitals” November Annual meeting. eight food parcels sent to Britain, 2 to Lampeter 1946 meetings held every two months May- Congratulations to Mrs Swan, Group President Elect June – 20 members present. August- 8th Birthday celebrated with a Social Evening Music was supplied by Mrs E.W. Barrie September - Scone competition 1. Mrs Beaty, 2. Miss Robinson 3. Mrs Exell November- Eggs sent to Somers House 1947 February – Demonstration of Glove-making March – revert to monthly meetings April - decided to have an auto tray made for the Branch May – Branch decided to plant a tree for Princess Elizabeth’s 21st Birthday.. Council to be asked if agreeable to continue arrangements in 1940, to fence C.W.A. Plantation end of page 3 Page 4 June - Food parcels sent to Overseas Link July – Invitations to birthday celebrations sent to Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Sunbury, Mt Egerton August September - Collection of silver coin taken a donation from Branch towards wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth … forwarded to H.Q. November – C.W.A. together with Red Cross and Bacchus Marsh C.W.A. to provide afternoon tea and luncheon at Eynesbury sale. 1948 February – Food parcels sent to ex-Prisoner-of-war. Publicity agent appointed April – Decided to apply for trees to be planted in area already chosen a beauty spot May – Additional listeners to Broadcast Session were appointed June July – Gift of books received from Overseas Link. I was decided to stat a Library . Miss Raleigh to at a Librarian. August – 5 pound donation from Branch funds to “Save the Children” Appeal. September, October, November 1949 January – At Group Conference, delegates to vote in favour of resolution that State School children be allowed to sit for exams in own school March – Decided to contact Council for permission to fence off Water Reserve April, May – Another parcel to be sent to Ret. British P.O.W. Association June July – Fancy Dress Children’s Ball to be held for Annual Effort August – 11th Birthday September – Bank Balance November – 11th annual Meeting. Members agree to supply small gifts to Ballarat Mental Hospital 1950 February – Five books were received from Lampeter March – Branch to support idea of holding a Music Drama Festival in Group April – Miss Smith elected Group President May – C.W.A. Science Van visited Melton June – Demonstration of Macrame work - July August – 12th Birthday Celebration end page 4 Page 5 September, October November 12th Annual Meeting, Miss Smith Group President. Melton's Country Women's Association Choirlocal special interest groups, local identities

Lynette Nee Butler Kutschewski 1942 –1987 As a young musician Lynette had beaten Roger Woodward in piano competitions, before deciding to specialise in singing she trained as an artist in Melbourne. Given the choice of distinction in three different careers Lynette chose the most difficult, that of a singer. The repertoire in which Lynette chose to specialise – the period of the Baroque and above all the works of Johann Sebastian Bach – demanded a high degree of technical virtuosity, fine musicianship and elegance of style, in all of which she excelled. Yet she equally at home in Grand Opera, Lieder, and Operetta and gave some of her most memorable performances in the most diverse aspects of the vocal repertoire. Her own special quality was one of inner radiance when she sang, which added to the beauty of her voice, made her performances especially moving, and which led to her being sought out as a performer of the great German works within Germany itself. It seems so fitting that Lynette’s last public performance should have been in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, with its magnificent “Ode to Joy”. This took place in Paris in the Salle Pleyel on October 25th 1985. In the series of Concerts that season, Lynette’s name stood beside those of Danial Barenboim and Jessie Norman, Rostropovich, Nicholas Harnoncourt and Zubin Mehta. At this last performance Lynette truly stood at the peak of her profession This was part of Lynette Nee Butler Kutschewski Eulogy by Mary Ryan 30 – 10 –1987 Family history of Lynette Nee Butler Kutschewski: Herbert Vivian Butler 1915 - 1999 Bert grew up living on the family farm at Rockbank. He walked three miles to school and was one of 12 students. He attended Essendon High School and after the culture shock of being a country bumpkin, he soon earned respect of his peers through his sporting ability and academic excellence. Bert became Head Prefect in his final year at Essendon High School. He became a Primary School teacher working in inner suburban schools while living in Hawthorn. During the war years he went to Melbourne University at night obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree. His main teaching methods were geology and geography. In 1939 Bert married Marjorie G Myers of ‘Burnbank Melton. Marjorie was already a talented pianist in her teenage years achieving her L.Mus.A. her fourth qualification by the age of 18 years. She attended the Conservatorium of Music Melbourne studying pianoforte and later with a singing scholarship and won numerous competitions from Ballarat to Bendigo She started her teaching career after leaving Melton State School. She taught many students throughout district including Edna Butler, the young sister of Bert. While living in Hawthorn their children Adrian and Lynette were born. Their son Max was born in Bacchus Marsh while Bert was teaching at the High School and in 1950 was appointed to Numurkah HS. In 1953 the family moved to Frankston HS. In 1958 he was appointed foundation Principal of Ashwood HS at the age of 43, the youngest to achieve this level of seniority. He was also Principal at Huntingdale, Mordialloc/Chelsea, and Mornington until his retirement in 1975. Football - Melton aged 17 - 3 seasons. Carlton signed in1935. Played forward pocket 2nd rover in1938. During the war years Carlton 2nd s Captain, played his last senior game in 1944. In 1944 he was Captain coach of Bacchus Marsh Team, a President and Life Member. Club Champion for three years for Numurkah. Marjorie Gretchen Myers Born at Melton on the 21st of February 1912 Attended Melton State School No 430 1917 and left school to become a music teacher. A pupil of Miss Ross the Music teacher at Melton she advanced rapidly and achieved her A.L.C.M. (Associate of the London College of Music) at the age of 12 years. At 14 years she gained her L.L.C.M. (Licentiate of the London College of Music). At the age of 16 she was awarded a part scholarship in 1928 to the to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music studying pianoforte under Miss Elsie Fraser. She gained her A.Mus.A. at the age of 17 and her L. Mus. A. at the age of 18 years. In 1935 she won a full scholarship given by Madame Elsie Ashton for singing. The “Australian Musical New” Mr Thorald Waters the adjudicator found her outstanding qualities as a musician an added reason for singling out Miss Myers with her voice being the most promising of those heard. Cousins Wendy Barrie and Lynette Butler in the backyard of Butler's houselocal identities

Agnes Ross Riddell came to Melton as a girl with her twin sister. She taught Marjorie G Myers until she went to the Conservatorium of Music at age 16, she was then taught by Elsie Fraser. Melton for 30 years. Her mother, Annie Ross was the Post Mistress at Melton for 30 years, and her daughter Zan married Ron Durham of Bacchus Marsh. A pupil of Miss Agnes Ross, music teacher at Melton State School.local identities, education

Marjorie was a talented pianist in her teenage years achieving her L.Mus.A. her fourth qualification by the age of 18 years. She attended the Conservatorium of Music Melbourne studying pianoforte and later with a singing scholarship and won numerous competition from Ballarat to Bendigo. She started her teaching career after leaving Melton State School. She taught many students throughout district including Edna Butler, the young sister of her husband Bert Butler. While living in Hawthorn their children Adrian and Lynette were born. Their son Max was born in Bacchus Marsh while Bert was teaching at the High School and in 1950 was appointed to Numurkah HS. In 1953 the family moved to Frankston HS. In 1958 he was appointed foundation Principal of Ashwood HS at the age of 43, the youngest to achieve this level of seniority. He was also Principal at Huntingdale, Mordialloc/Chelsea, and Mornington until his retirement in 1975. Photographs pf Marjorie Butlers at Melton Cemetery local identities, pioneer families

Bacchus Marsh celebrated 100 years of white settlement in 1936. The centenary celebrations committee comprised of L.M. Dugdale (President), A.W. Bond (Hon. Secretary), Charles Dickie, W. Grant Morton, W.R. Vigor, C.J. McFarlane, G.H. Anderson, T.J. Shea, F.C. McC Crisp, Dr E. McDonald, Robert Elliott (treasurer), R.H. Lambert (Decorations manager)Brown covered book of 28 pages. The book includes an historical essay, official centenary programme, Electric Light Plant, Patriotic Bacchus Marsh, milk industry, Pioneer Women's Memorial Avenue, Bacchus Marsh Gas Works . The book includes numerous advertisement, some illustrated. Images include: * Bacchus Marsh Flats from Anthony's Cutting; * Manor house; * Scene in Maddingley Park * Werribee Valley; * Werribee Gorge * Maddingley Park lake; * ANA Hall and Post Office * Shire Hall and Soldiers' Memorial Hall, * State School No 28 * At Werribee Gorge ** The Gas Supply Co, Bacchus Marsh * Bacchus Marsh Shire Council, 1935-6 (named) Images depicted in the book were supplied by H.J.M. Vallancebacchus marsh, merrimu guest house, anthony's cutting, captain bacchus, manor house, maddingley, maddingley park, werribee gorge, bacchus marsh shire, bacchus marsh shire council

Coimadai is a rural community located 10km north of Bacchus Marsh. The Coimadai School was opened in 1862. It was at first entirely funded by the local residents in the area. In these early years it was known as the Pyrete School after the nearby creek of that name. The building shown in this 1883 image was constructed in 1872 and replaced an earlier wooden structure. Over time the Coimadai School became a government funded and administered school. A famous pupil to attend the school was John Cain Senior, Premier of Victoria in the 1940s and 1950s, who attended the school for one year in 1893. This school still operates as a state primary school.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. The image is a large group portrait of the pupils of the Coimadai State School and their two male teachers. There are about 60 pupils. The older children are standing in rows and a younger group of pupils is seated on forms or benches in front of them. One teacher stands on the right of the group of pupils and the other is on the left. The School building can be seen in the background.On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE schools, schools coimadai vic., stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district