On January 18, 1875, Mr R.A. Nicholson opened Charlton's first school. On the first day of school he wrote to the education department stating that 42 children were in attendance and also sent in a request for the Minister of Education to supply the "much needed accommodation" which had been promised to him some time ago as there was only a bark hut 18 feet by 10 feet for present purposes. Three weeks later, Mr Nicholson wrote again to the Education Department, sending in the above photograph of the bark hut as a photographer had recently been in the area. He once again stressed his need for a more suitable building. Sepia photograph of students and their teacher Mr Nicholson standing in front of Charlton's first school in 1875.bark hut school, education, charlton

### Benjamin Green and the Charlton Band Rotunda The **Ben Green Memorial Rotunda**, located in Elliott Gardens, stands as a tribute to one of Charlton’s most active citizens. **Benjamin Green** was a solicitor who practiced law in the town from 1895 until his death in 1923. During his 28 years in the community, he held leadership roles in many of the organizations that shaped the town’s infrastructure and social life. #### Professional and Civic Work Green was a key figure in establishing essential services for Charlton. He was one of the originators of the **Electric Light and Power Company** and served as the solicitor for the **Water Trust**. His commitment to education was shown through his work as a "prime mover" in the creation of the **Charlton Higher Elementary School**. His community involvement also included: * **Sport:** He introduced golf to Northern Victoria and founded the **Charlton Golf Club** in 1900, serving as its President until his death. He also founded the **Plumpton and Open Coursing Club**. * **Veterans:** He took a strong interest in the welfare of returned soldiers and donated **£100** toward the town's war memorial. * **Culture:** He was an active member of the **Mechanics Institute**. #### The Memorial Rotunda When Green passed away in 1923, a public fund was started to build a band rotunda for outdoor music recitals in his memory. The structure was designed and built by **Folliott Gilmore**, a local builder and timber merchant. It was officially dedicated by his friend **Frank Tate**, the Victorian Director of Education. #### Historical Celebrations The rotunda became a central point for major community events. During a "Back-to-School" celebration held during Show Week, the town was decorated with **12,000 handmade paper flowers** created by local women’s organisations. These flowers covered the rotunda, the bridge, and the town entrances. The event was a significant historical bridge for the town; it was attended by nine original students who had attended Charlton's first **"bark hut" school** in 1875, allowing them to see the modern developments Green had helped achieve. Standard colour photographcharlton, elliott gardens, rotunda, parks, mechanics institure, golden grains museum, green ben

Granite War monument to the left, Brick rotunda in the center within Elliot Garden, Sign reads Elliot Gardens. The War monument unveiled by Premier Sir William McPherson KCMG on June 23rd 1923. Elliot Gardens named to honor General Harold 'Pompey" Elliot, named in 1940. ### Benjamin Green and the Charlton Band Rotunda The **Ben Green Memorial Rotunda**, located in Elliott Gardens, stands as a tribute to one of Charlton’s most active citizens. **Benjamin Green** was a solicitor who practiced law in the town from 1895 until his death in 1923. During his 28 years in the community, he held leadership roles in many of the organizations that shaped the town’s infrastructure and social life. #### Professional and Civic Work Green was a key figure in establishing essential services for Charlton. He was one of the originators of the **Electric Light and Power Company** and served as the solicitor for the **Water Trust**. His commitment to education was shown through his work as a "prime mover" in the creation of the **Charlton Higher Elementary School**. His community involvement also included: * **Sport:** He introduced golf to Northern Victoria and founded the **Charlton Golf Club** in 1900, serving as its President until his death. He also founded the **Plumpton and Open Coursing Club**. * **Veterans:** He took a strong interest in the welfare of returned soldiers and donated **£100** toward the town's war memorial. * **Culture:** He was an active member of the **Mechanics Institute**. #### The Memorial Rotunda When Green passed away in 1923, a public fund was started to build a band rotunda for outdoor music recitals in his memory. The structure was designed and built by **Folliott Gilmore**, a local builder and timber merchant. It was officially dedicated by his friend **Frank Tate**, the Victorian Director of Education. #### Historical Celebrations The rotunda became a central point for major community events. During a "Back-to-School" celebration held during Show Week, the town was decorated with **12,000 handmade paper flowers** created by local women’s organisations. These flowers covered the rotunda, the bridge, and the town entrances. The event was a significant historical bridge for the town; it was attended by nine original students who had attended Charlton's first **"bark hut" school** in 1875, allowing them to see the modern developments Green had helped achieve. Colour photograph of the Granite War monument to the left, Brick rotunda in the center within Elliot Garden, Sign reads Elliot Gardens.war memorial, elliott gardens, charlton, halls, parks, reserves

Band Rotunda in gardens erected in 1926 in memory of Benjamin Green (Charlton benefactor and solicitor). Red tiled roof and brick base. Steps lead up to the base. ### Benjamin Green and the Charlton Band Rotunda The **Ben Green Memorial Rotunda**, located in Elliott Gardens, stands as a tribute to one of Charlton’s most active citizens. **Benjamin Green** was a solicitor who practiced law in the town from 1895 until his death in 1923. During his 28 years in the community, he held leadership roles in many of the organizations that shaped the town’s infrastructure and social life. #### Professional and Civic Work Green was a key figure in establishing essential services for Charlton. He was one of the originators of the **Electric Light and Power Company** and served as the solicitor for the **Water Trust**. His commitment to education was shown through his work as a "prime mover" in the creation of the **Charlton Higher Elementary School**. His community involvement also included: * **Sport:** He introduced golf to Northern Victoria and founded the **Charlton Golf Club** in 1900, serving as its President until his death. He also founded the **Plumpton and Open Coursing Club**. * **Veterans:** He took a strong interest in the welfare of returned soldiers and donated **£100** toward the town's war memorial. * **Culture:** He was an active member of the **Mechanics Institute**. #### The Memorial Rotunda When Green passed away in 1923, a public fund was started to build a band rotunda for outdoor music recitals in his memory. The structure was designed and built by **Folliott Gilmore**, a local builder and timber merchant. It was officially dedicated by his friend **Frank Tate**, the Victorian Director of Education. #### Historical Celebrations The rotunda became a central point for major community events. During a "Back-to-School" celebration held during Show Week, the town was decorated with **12,000 handmade paper flowers** created by local women’s organisations. These flowers covered the rotunda, the bridge, and the town entrances. The event was a significant historical bridge for the town; it was attended by nine original students who had attended Charlton's first **"bark hut" school** in 1875, allowing them to see the modern developments Green had helped achieve. Standard colour photo, not mounted.charlton, rotunda, elliott gardens, green b, mechanics institure

Built in 1926 the Ben Green memorial Rotunda was named after a local citizen of Charlton. Ben Green was a solicitor and member who supported many school prizes for literature. Ben was also president of the Charlton Club and of the Charlton Coursing Club. Ben was a keen tennis player, winning Victorian Championships in 1892, 1893, and 1984. The garden in which the Rotunda stands also contains the Boer War, World war I and II memorial and a bust of Harold "Pompey" Elliott. ### Benjamin Green and the Charlton Band Rotunda The **Ben Green Memorial Rotunda**, located in Elliott Gardens, stands as a tribute to one of Charlton’s most active citizens. **Benjamin Green** was a solicitor who practiced law in the town from 1895 until his death in 1923. During his 28 years in the community, he held leadership roles in many of the organizations that shaped the town’s infrastructure and social life. #### Professional and Civic Work Green was a key figure in establishing essential services for Charlton. He was one of the originators of the **Electric Light and Power Company** and served as the solicitor for the **Water Trust**. His commitment to education was shown through his work as a "prime mover" in the creation of the **Charlton Higher Elementary School**. His community involvement also included: * **Sport:** He introduced golf to Northern Victoria and founded the **Charlton Golf Club** in 1900, serving as its President until his death. He also founded the **Plumpton and Open Coursing Club**. * **Veterans:** He took a strong interest in the welfare of returned soldiers and donated **£100** toward the town's war memorial. * **Culture:** He was an active member of the **Mechanics Institute**. #### The Memorial Rotunda When Green passed away in 1923, a public fund was started to build a band rotunda for outdoor music recitals in his memory. The structure was designed and built by **Folliott Gilmore**, a local builder and timber merchant. It was officially dedicated by his friend **Frank Tate**, the Victorian Director of Education. #### Historical Celebrations The rotunda became a central point for major community events. During a "Back-to-School" celebration held during Show Week, the town was decorated with **12,000 handmade paper flowers** created by local women’s organisations. These flowers covered the rotunda, the bridge, and the town entrances. The event was a significant historical bridge for the town; it was attended by nine original students who had attended Charlton's first **"bark hut" school** in 1875, allowing them to see the modern developments Green had helped achieve. Standard colour photograph.charlton, elliott gardens, rotunda, parks, green ben

Built in 1926 the Ben Green memorial Rotunda was named after a local citizen of Charlton. Ben Green was a solicitor and member who supported many school prizes for literature. Ben was also president of the Charlton Club and of the Charlton Coursing Club. Ben was a keen tennis player, winning Victorian Championships in 1892, 1893, and 1984. The garden in which the Rotunda stands also contains the Boer War, World war I and II memorial and a bust of Harold "Pompey" Elliott. ### Benjamin Green and the Charlton Band Rotunda The **Ben Green Memorial Rotunda**, located in Elliott Gardens, stands as a tribute to one of Charlton’s most active citizens. **Benjamin Green** was a solicitor who practiced law in the town from 1895 until his death in 1923. During his 28 years in the community, he held leadership roles in many of the organizations that shaped the town’s infrastructure and social life. #### Professional and Civic Work Green was a key figure in establishing essential services for Charlton. He was one of the originators of the **Electric Light and Power Company** and served as the solicitor for the **Water Trust**. His commitment to education was shown through his work as a "prime mover" in the creation of the **Charlton Higher Elementary School**. His community involvement also included: * **Sport:** He introduced golf to Northern Victoria and founded the **Charlton Golf Club** in 1900, serving as its President until his death. He also founded the **Plumpton and Open Coursing Club**. * **Veterans:** He took a strong interest in the welfare of returned soldiers and donated **£100** toward the town's war memorial. * **Culture:** He was an active member of the **Mechanics Institute**. #### The Memorial Rotunda When Green passed away in 1923, a public fund was started to build a band rotunda for outdoor music recitals in his memory. The structure was designed and built by **Folliott Gilmore**, a local builder and timber merchant. It was officially dedicated by his friend **Frank Tate**, the Victorian Director of Education. #### Historical Celebrations The rotunda became a central point for major community events. During a "Back-to-School" celebration held during Show Week, the town was decorated with **12,000 handmade paper flowers** created by local women’s organisations. These flowers covered the rotunda, the bridge, and the town entrances. The event was a significant historical bridge for the town; it was attended by nine original students who had attended Charlton's first **"bark hut" school** in 1875, allowing them to see the modern developments Green had helped achieve. Standard colour photographcharlton, elliott gardens, rotunda, parks, mechanics institure, golden grains museum, ben green

Built in 1926 the Ben Green memorial Rotunda was named after a local citizen of Charlton. Ben Green was a solicitor and member who supported many school prizes for literature. Ben was also president of the Charlton Club and of the Charlton Coursing Club. Ben was a keen tennis player, winning Victorian Championships in 1892, 1893, and 1984. The garden in which the Rotunda stands also contains the Boer War, World war I and II memorial and a bust of Harold "Pompey" Elliott. ### Benjamin Green and the Charlton Band Rotunda The **Ben Green Memorial Rotunda**, located in Elliott Gardens, stands as a tribute to one of Charlton’s most active citizens. **Benjamin Green** was a solicitor who practiced law in the town from 1895 until his death in 1923. During his 28 years in the community, he held leadership roles in many of the organizations that shaped the town’s infrastructure and social life. #### Professional and Civic Work Green was a key figure in establishing essential services for Charlton. He was one of the originators of the **Electric Light and Power Company** and served as the solicitor for the **Water Trust**. His commitment to education was shown through his work as a "prime mover" in the creation of the **Charlton Higher Elementary School**. His community involvement also included: * **Sport:** He introduced golf to Northern Victoria and founded the **Charlton Golf Club** in 1900, serving as its President until his death. He also founded the **Plumpton and Open Coursing Club**. * **Veterans:** He took a strong interest in the welfare of returned soldiers and donated **£100** toward the town's war memorial. * **Culture:** He was an active member of the **Mechanics Institute**. #### The Memorial Rotunda When Green passed away in 1923, a public fund was started to build a band rotunda for outdoor music recitals in his memory. The structure was designed and built by **Folliott Gilmore**, a local builder and timber merchant. It was officially dedicated by his friend **Frank Tate**, the Victorian Director of Education. #### Historical Celebrations The rotunda became a central point for major community events. During a "Back-to-School" celebration held during Show Week, the town was decorated with **12,000 handmade paper flowers** created by local women’s organisations. These flowers covered the rotunda, the bridge, and the town entrances. The event was a significant historical bridge for the town; it was attended by nine original students who had attended Charlton's first **"bark hut" school** in 1875, allowing them to see the modern developments Green had helped achieve. Standard colour photograph.charlton, elliott gardens, rotunda, parks, green ben

Taken in Beechworth 1865, this photograph depicts the view of the Spring creek with the Beechworth township in the background. This photograph was taken 13 years after the discovery of Gold at Spring Creek. Within eleven months of the discovery in 1852, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard.Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: BMM6925 / BEECHWORTH FROM SPRING CREEK 1865 beechworth, spring creek, gold rush, titan's field, 1865, prospectors

This image was taken in 1865 overlooking the diggings at Spring Creek, Beechworth. Gold was discovered in this area in 1852 and within eleven months of this discovery, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: 7771 / BEECHWORTH / FROM SPRING CREEK / 1865 spring creek, diggings, beechworth, 1865

This image was taken of the diggings at Spring Creek. In February 1852 gold was discovered at Spring Creek, Beechworth. Within eleven months of this discovery, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: BMM6926 / BEECHWORTH FROM SPRING CREEK 1865 spring creek, beechworth, burke museum, 1865, gold rush

This was taken in 1865 of Spring Creek, Beechworth. Gold was discovered in this area in 1852 and within eleven months of this discovery, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Revese: 97.22.95 / 7772 / 25/1 / beechworth, burke museum, gold rush, 1865

ELTHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS (EDHS Newsletter No. 170 September 2006) On 12 August the school celebrated its 150th anniversary with a most successful open day. Many former students, teachers and parents attended, together with local members of parliament and councillors. A congratulatory message from Premier Steve Bracks and Education Minister Lynne Kosky was read to the large crowd assembled to listen to the various speakers. Our members Jock Read and Geof Braithwaite were there as two of the longest surviving former students. Jock joined the youngest present day student in cutting the large birthday cake. Displays included historical information on Eltham and the school arranged by our Society and photos of school groups arranged into decades. The celebrations included the launch of a book to commemorate the event and titled "We Did Open a School in Little Eltham". The title is taken from a line in a letter from first head teacher David Clark who opened his first private school in a bark hut. This excellent publication of some 262 pages far exceeds the standard of most school commemorative histories, both in content and presentation. The three joint writers are all parents of students at the school. Ian Anderson, Barry Carozzi and Tarja Fellowes have spent many months researching and writing and are congratulated on the outcome. In the book they acknowledge the contribution of our President Harry Gilham and of Peter Cuffley, great grandson of Eltham pioneer Thomas Sweeney, Many of the photographs were provided by our Society. The stone building is the earliest building remaining on site today. It was built in 1875 and was the second school building replacing the original 1856 building of stone walls with wooden shingles on the roof. That building needed to be replaced after the stone walls collapsed outwards. In August 1912 the school issued a requisition for remodelling of the school concerned with replacement of the existing windows with larger and wider windows to allow additional light into the school rooms and the erection of a wooden partition in the centre of the room. An extension to the building at rear and skylights in the roof were added in 1921. Only two low wooden stairs were originally provided to enter the porch. These were rebuilt by 1928. A steel mud grate was introduced 1930s/1940s and an infant shelter shed circa 1945.fay bridge collection, eltham, 150th anniversary, 2006-08-12, eltham primary school, eltham state school no. 209

Located on the corner of Main Road and John Street, the church first served the community as the Eltham Wesleyan Church since 1881. It became the Eltham Methodist Church in 1902, the year it united with the Primitive Methodists. Eltham Wesleyans first worshipped together in the home of William and Mary Crozier, on 24 acres bounded by Mount Pleasant Road and Pitt Street. From there they moved to a slab and bark hut in 1855 (this later served as the first school run by David Clark prior to the building of a new school in Dalton Street) and the members then built a chapel in 1858 on Lot 20, Henry Street (later to become the Rechabite Hall and Eltham Public Hall). The present church on John Street was designed by architects Crouch and Wilson in the Early English Gothic style with biochrome brick window frames, buttress heads and pinnacle. Church member George Stebbing built the church, the foundations were constructed with stone from the walls of the first Eltham State Primary School (No. 209) building which collapsed in 1874 and were purchased by Robert David Taylor. Stebbing was also responsible for building St Margaret’s Church and Shillinglaw Cottage. The Roll of Honour, which presently hangs in the church hall (which also doubles as the Opportunity Shop) lists 27 members of the congregation who served in the First World War, 11 of whom never returned. The red-brick Church Hall was opened in 1931 and in 1971 further additions linked the hall and church, including a foyer, vestry, meeting room and toilets reflecting the Eltham style of that time with its simplicity, extensive clear glass, reused baked clay-bricks from the 1881 church, heavy ceiling beams and compressed straw ceiling. On June 26, 1977, the church became part of the new Uniting Church in Australia consisting of the former Methodist and Congregational and most of the Presbyterian Churches. Following of declining numbers of worshippers, the church merged with the Montmorency Uniting Church on June 23, 1996. In 2023 the Uniting church approved a plan to renovate the church. It is understood that the historic church and the hall will be retained, and the building added in 1971 is to be demolished, to make way for a new purpose-built Opportunity shop. The proposed areas to be demolished include the current foyer, toilets, crèche, etc, including the area between the hall and the former RSL. Works are expected to commence mid to late July 2023. The Society was invited by a church member to take photographs of these areas to document them prior to demolition works commencing. Ref: “Nillumbik Now and Then” by Marguerite Marshall (2008)jim connor collection, 2023-07-10, eltham-montmorency uniting church, john street, methodist church, opportunity shop, uniting church, uniting church hall

The 150th celebrations of Eltham Primary School included the launch of this book to commemorate the event, titled "We Did Open a School in Little Eltham". The title is taken from a line in a letter from first head teacher David Clark who opened his first private school in a bark hut. This publication of some 262 pages far exceeds the standard of most school commemorative histories, both in content and presentation. The three joint writers are all parents of students at the school. Ian Anderson, Barry Carozzi and Tarja Fellowes have spent many months researching and writing. In the book they acknowledge the contribution of EDHS President Harry Gilham and of Peter Cuffley, great grandson of Eltham pioneer Thomas Sweeney, Many of the photographs were from the collection of EDHS. Cover includes the 3rd and 4th Class, with assistant teacher Catherine Clarke, c.1886Paperback; 1vISBN 0975179632 [written on flyleaf] Donated to the 2006 Committee by & from the School Councileltham state school, eltham, eltham primary school, social customs, schools, catherine clark

Initially a slab hut with a bark roof was built in 1860 by Dr Backhaus. St Monica's church was built in 1864 and was initially used as a church school. The bricks of the church were made from clay in the church grounds. In the 1920's the school was run by the Sisters of Mercy.Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Wednesday, April 17, 2002. Class act: St Monica's school, Kangaroo Flat, circa 1941. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were