The Kew Presbyterian Church was located in Cotham Road, Kew on the corner of Highbury Grove. The Church Hall was located next door in Highbury Grove. On amalgamating with the Uniting Church the buildings became redundant and are now the Kew Chinese Baptist Church.Original photograph from 1924 that records the preoccupations of committed church goers in Kew in th e1920s.Posed photograph of Reunion of Past and Present Members of Kew Presbyterian Young Men's Bible Class. The men are seated in 5 rows on a raised wooden floor. Wooden board hanging on the wall behind the men reads Presbyterian Church of Victoria. Possibly the church hall with stage curtains On front Reunion Past and Present Members of Kew Presbyterian Young Mens' Bible Class. 1924" On reverse "Reunion Some of the Past and Present Members Oct 1924. Unclear ?YMBC"kew presbyterian church, presbyterian churches - kew (vic), bible classes

Group of 28 young women of the St. Cuthbert's Bible Class, posed with their leader Miss CooperB & W photographSt. Cuthbert's Bible Class Ballaratpresbyterian, bible class, miss cooper, st.cuthbert's

The bible class met at "Overton" the residence of Stanley Chapman at 33 Pakington Street Kew, There is a photograph of Overton on the State Library of Victoria websiteA commemorative collection of oval photos with names below arranged around a central photo of S Chapman Esq. E. Mitchell, W. Gall, A. Tonkin,B Keene, ____ , W Waugh, W A Blake, F Walsh, G Lamble, F Loxton, A Scott, A T Glasson, G Vimpani, W Wood, A Halloway, W A Robinson Hon Sec., W McCagheen, P Shier, ____ , ______, H Lamble, K Pearson,_____ ,_____, Reverse: "Donated to Kew Historical Society by Miss Y Dalton" [1990]overton, stanley chapman, bible classes, kew methodist church

Book with soft cover of True Stories for Boys and Girls.Illustrated by Gwen Bryce. Distribution by Missions, Bible Classes and Religious Instruction or Postal Sunday School Movement.

The Kew Presbyterian Church was located in Cotham Road, Kew on the corner of Highbury Grove. The Church Hall was located next door in Highbury Grove. On amalgamating with the Uniting Church the buildings became redundant and are now the Kew Chinese Baptist Church.Original photograph from the 1930s that records the kinds of social and spiritual actions of church goers in Kew.Group photograph of young men in attendance at a fancy dress social at the Kew Presbyterian Church Hall in 1925. The photo would indicate that the event was a young men only event. The Society has photographs of the event in 1922 and 1925.Later hand: "1925. Annual Fancy Dress Social. Kew Presbyterian Young Men's Bible Class"presbyterian church - kew (vic), kew presbyterian church - young men's bible class, churches - social activities - 1920s

Brown leather bound with a press stud fastening. Gold text on the spine and gilt edged pages. non-fictionpresbyterian deaconess hilda elizabeth foster, deaconess hilda elizabeth foster

The person to which this book prize has been awarded has been erased from the book plate.Presbyterian educators placed great value on a classical education matched with diligence in study. Book prizes were highly regarded and academic success admired. In the school’s early years prizes were ordered direct from London and had the school crest embossed in gold on the front or back cover. Many of the prizes given in early years were returned to the school to equip the Weatherly Library when it opened in 1936.Bound in blue cloth with gilt decoration and script on the front cover and spine. Gilt edges on paper, black and white illustrations throughout with one fold out color illustration. Slight detached spine with several detached pages.330 p.Book plate inside front cover: Clarendon Ladies' College,/ BALLARAT,/ First PRIZE./ Bible-Class I/ AWARDED TO/ R. KENNEDY,/ Principal/ December.book-prize, clarendon-ladies'-college

Book, Les Gillies Collection, A small red soft covered book titled '' The Kingdom Of God''. A plan of Study in 3 parts. Bible class Primers edited by professor Salmond, D.D.. Aberdeenthe name John Aitken on first pageles gilles, john aithen, kingdom of god

Nellie May Matthews received this book prize in 1896 for first prize in bible. Nellie enrolled in Clarendon Ladies' College in April of 1896 (D.O.B. 3/6/1978). In the original registry it states that father's name is George Browning, occupation Ironmonger and the residence as 98 Neil Street Ballarat. Nellie had a sister, Sarah Bertha Matthews (D.O.B 31/12/1883) who enrolled in the school on 8/2/1898.Presbyterian educators placed great value on a classical education matched with diligence in study. Book prizes were highly regarded and academic success admired. In the school’s early years prizes were ordered direct from London and had the school crest embossed in gold on the front or back cover. Many of the prizes given in early years were returned to the school to equip the Weatherly Library when it opened in 1936.Bound in black soft calf with gilt inscription on front and spine. Black end papers, red/gilt edges, black and white illustrations throughout, very slight foxing on pages, slight open tear on top of spine. 708 p.Book plate inside front cover: Clarendon Ladies' College/ BALLARAT./ First Prize./ Bible-Class III/ Awarded to/ Nellie May Matthews./ MRS. KENNEDY, / PRINCIPAL. /DECEMBER 1896nellie-may-matthews, book-prize, clarendon-ladies'-college, 1896, george-browning, 98-neil-street-ballarat, sarah-bertha-matthews

The Kew Presbyterian Church was located in Cotham Road, Kew on the corner of Highbury Grove. The Church Hall was located next door in Highbury Grove. On amalgamating with the Uniting Church the buildings became redundant and are now the Kew Chinese Baptist Church.Original photograph from the 1930s that records the kinds of social and spiritual actions of church goers in Kew. Group photograph of participants in a fancy dress social at the Kew Presbyterian Church Hall in 1922. It is believed that the group was the Young Men's Bible Class who held this event annually. The Society has photographs of the event in 1922 and 1925.Later hand: "Masked Fancy Dress Social, Kew Presbyterian Hall, November 1922"presbyterian church - kew (vic), kew presbyterian church - young men's bible class, churches - social activities - 1920s

This book, edited by Donald MacLeod, was given in 1883 as a prize to Annie Egerton by the Rev. W.H. Scott for Bible Knowledge. Annie Egerton was a pupil at the Allansford State School. John Jones was the Head Master at this school from 1867 to 1891. The school was opened in December 1856 as a National School and is still operating. No other details concerning Annie Egerton have been found.This book is of importance as it is a 19th century book given as a prize to a pupil of the Allansford School in 1883 for her Bible knowledge. It is particularly interesting that a prize for religious knowledge was given in the 1880s to a pupil at a secular State School. It is also interesting to note the type of book given to a primary school girl in the 19th century – a book with strong moral overtones and some heavy instructional articles. This is a hard cover book of 836 pages. It has a dark green and black cover patterned with an ornamental pattern and gold lettering contained within a square box on both the cover and the spine. The inside front and back pages have a mottled green flower pattern. The edges of the pages have a gilt finish. The book has a bookplate on the inside cover and the book contains an Index of Contents, short stories, articles on various topics and an Index of Authors. There are many black and white illustrations and sketches throughout the text. The first illustration has a piece of tissue paper in front of it. The cover is a little frayed at the edges and somewhat blotched. ‘Allansford State School No.3, 1st Prize given by the Rev. W. H. Scott awarded to Annie Egerton, Bible Class, Senior Division, for Bible Knowledge, 21st December 1883, J.E. Jones Head Teacher’. allansford state school, education in the warrnambool area, annie egerton, john jones, rev. w. h. scott

160 young men attended the second annual camp of the Methodist Young Men's Bible Class League. The first camp was held at Healesville in 1924. B & W photograph mounted on buff card of a group of men and boys at the Methodist Men's Easter Camp held at Rosebud in 1925. Three head and shoulder photographs have been inset. Inset: Rev Horton Williams (left), Rev A. Vincent Ballard (right). Man in centre tentatively identified as Edward Frederick Goodall Hodges, Healesville Shire President.methodist young men's bible class league, camp, rosebud, rev. horton williams, rev a. vincent ballard

This notebook has handwritten notes commenced in 1887 by Duncan McColl. The notes include lessons on the first 12 chapters of the Acts of the Apostles for the Grasmere Bible Class, other religious passages that appear to be copied from outside sources and some personal notes regarding McColl's potato growing and the medicine he is taking. The Grasmere Bible Class was perhaps associated with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Grasmere where a Sunday School had been established in 1887. Research needs to be undertaken regarding further information on Duncan McColl.This notebook is of interest as an example of the interest in religion by some of the residents of Warrnambool and district in the late 19th century. This is a small notebook with a black cover. There is a postage stamp on the inside front cover. The pages have printed blue and red lines originally intended for the keeping of accounts. The pages contain handwriting in black ink and have been bound with string.Duncan McColl Grasmere Feb.2nd 1887grasmere sunday school, duncan mccoll

Bendigo Advertiser "The way we were" from Saturday, July 31, 2004. Faithful: members of the Methodist Church Bible class Kangaroo Flat,circa 1900. Back row from left: Mr. Free, Clara Cuieritier, Mr. Yates, Jessie Bell, Mr. Jackson, Leenie Munro. Middle row: Lena Treblecock, Mrs. Uhey, Mr. Curnow, Mrs. Withburn, Rebecca Johnson. Front row: Harry McKeen.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

The Presbyterian Church owned three lots of land bounded by Pakenham Road and the northern side of Dorchester Road, between 1927 and 1964. Providence House opened in 1927 as a peaceful country rest home for “tired mothers” from the inner suburbs, and their children. It was also used, at different times, for kindergarten groups and in 1955 for a girls Bible Class for Easter “studies, fun and fellowship.”Cockatoo had several guest houses which took paying guests. Providence House did not charge fees, but is the best-documented of the large houses which provided accommodation.Framed regulations for the Presbyterian Church of Victoria's Providence House in Cockatoo.providence house, cockatoo victoria, presbyterian church, regulations,

The Presbyterian Church owned three lots of land bounded by Pakenham Road and the northern side of Dorchester Road, between 1927 and 1964. Providence House opened in 1927 as a peaceful country rest home for “tired mothers” from the inner suburbs, and their children. It was also used, at different times, for kindergarten groups and in 1955 for a girls Bible Class for Easter “studies, fun and fellowship.”Cockatoo had several guest houses which took paying guests. Providence House did not charge fees, but is the best-documented of the large houses which provided accommodation.Framed landscape design plan under glass, with detailed plant listings. Original watercolourDonated by Victoria & Digby Newcombe 2003presbyterian church, rest home, landscape plan, garden design, cockatoo victoria, providence house, black n.c,

Red hard cover book with a coloured images on the front and back. The book has black text on the spine. non-fiction"swanston street sunday school, sunday school prizes, mabel barnes 1904, rev robert tuck

This book was awarded to May Adelaide Anstis in 1895 for first prize in Bible. May entered Clarendon Ladies' College in 1891. On the original register father's name is listed as William and the residence as Neil St, Ballarat.Presbyterian educators placed great value on a classical education matched with diligence in study. Book prizes were highly regarded and academic success admired. In the school’s early years prizes were ordered direct from London and had the school crest embossed in gold on the front or back cover. Many of the prizes given in early years were returned to the school to equip the Weatherly Library when it opened in 1936. Bound in brown cloth with gilt and black illustrations on front cover and spine. Floral end papers, gilt edges, black and white illustrations throughout, foxing on pages. 214 p.Book plate inside front cover: Clarendon Ladies' College,/ BALLARAT./ First PRIZE./ Bible-Class II./ AWARDED TO/ May Adelaide Anstis/ R. Kennedy,/ PRINCIPAL./ December, 1895. "Clarendon Presbyterian ladies' college" stamped on fly leaf and title page. Book plate on fly leaf: Clarendon Presyterian/ Ladies' College/ Ballarat/ college crest/ Presented by:/ Miss Kimberly/ Date: 30/11/61may-adelaide-anstis, book-prize, 1895, clarendon-ladies'-college, william.

A Trove search records a fatal mining accident that occurred in Eaglehawk on 27th January 1895 concerning 23-year-old William Schofield who was the support of a widowed mother, and it can be assumed this is the son of the Mrs. Schofield mentioned in the letter. 28 Jan 1895 - FATAL MINING ACCIDENT. - Trove (nla.gov.au) The Age Newspaper p.6The item is a condolence letter behind glass in an carved and embellished timber frame. The letter is addressed to Mrs. Schofield from members of the Young Men's Bible Class at the Eaglehawk Wesleyan Sabbath School. The letter is handwritten in a copperplate style and surrounded by a black and white floral watercolour painting by the artist C.G. Darvatt. The frame consists of a gold painted inner timber frame with a decorative outer wooden frame. The wording in the letter to Mrs Schofield states: 'Eaglehawk. 14th February 1895. Dear Mrs Schofield, Permit us as members of the Young Bible Class in the Eaglehawk Wesleyan Sabbath School to express our deepest sympathy with you in the recent bitter experience you have had to undergo in the removal from your side of one so helpful and affectionate, and from our circle a classmate whose presence was so genial and counsel so beneficial. Words fail to express the depth of our grief at a loss so great or to measure the sympathy of our hearts. We can only commend you to the loving care of our Heavenly Father who has promised "To bind up the broken-hearted, to give joy for Mourning and the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness". That a life so full of hope and promise of usefulness should by the Will of the Great Ruler of the Universe be so quickly ended is an enigma too difficult for us to solve but we may rest-assured the Judge of all the Earth will do right. In simple trust that the God of consolation will reconcile you to His ever-ruling Providence is the prayer of his Teachers and Classmates.'william schofield, mining accident, 1895

Brunswick Presbyterian 80th Anniversary Souvenir History 1834 to 1934. Illustrated. 48 pp. Photos (in the order they appear) – First Church, Second Church, Old Manse, Present Church, Rev C Hay Hunter MA, Present Manse, WW1 Honour Roll boards, Rev Allan McVean, memorial tablet to Rev a McVean, Rev W Hewitson BA, Rev Thos Tait MA BD, Rev John A Crockett, Kirk Session members (1904), Rev John Alexander, Rev E H McLean Shugg BA, D Tough, Mr M L Hutchinson, Evander McIver, interior view showing McIver memorial window and pipe organ, memorial table to McIver, Kirk Session members (1934), Board of Management (1934), Sunday School Teachers’ Association and Bible Class Leaders (1934). Published in 1934, this illustrated history of Brunswick Presbyterian Church (now Brunswick Uniting Church, Sydney Road, Brunswick) features the following images (in the order they appear) – First Church, Second Church, Old Manse, Present Church, Rev C Hay Hunter MA, Present Manse, WW1 Honour Roll boards, Rev Allan McVean, memorial tablet to Rev a McVean, Rev W Hewitson BA, Rev Thos Tait MA BD, Rev John A Crockett, Kirk Session members (1904), Rev John Alexander, Rev E H McLean Shugg BA, D Tough, Mr M L Hutchinson, Evander McIver, interior view showing McIver memorial window and pipe organ, memorial table to McIver, Kirk Session members (1934), Board of Management (1934), Sunday School Teachers’ Association and Bible Class Leaders (1934).churches, brunswick uniting church, brunswick presbyterian church

Mr John P. Adam was a member of the Kew Presbyterian Church. He was born in Scotland and came to Australia at the age of 13 when his father was appointed Professor of Divinity at Ormond College. John Adam studied law and commenced practice in 1924. He served on the Council of the Law Institute of Victoria and was President in 1949. He gave a lifetime of service to the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and Australia. He was law agent of the Victorian Church for 20 years and was foundation Convenor of the Donald Cameron Homes Committee for elderly people. He was a member of the Council of Presbyterian Ladies' College for 20 years and Chairman from 1958 to 1965. He was also a member of the Ormond College Council. He was an active member of the Kew Presbyterian Church , serving on the Board of Management and Session for 47 years. John Adam was also Superintendent of the Sunday School for 19 years and a leader of the Young Men's Bible Class. He died aged 78 on 11 March 1973.B & W head and shoulders photograph of Mr John P. Adam wearing a dark suit and buttonhole in his lapel.john p. adam, scotland, ormond college, law, law institute of victoria, presbyterian church, kew, donald cameron homes committee

Centenary of St. John's Presbyterian Church Forest Street, Bendigo 1872-1972. List of former Ministers of St. John's Church. A brief account of the history of the church is given. Extracts from minutes of Presbytery Church of Castlemaine 2/7/1872 states that they had not yet held any Sabbath Services in Sandhurst a grant not exceeding Twenty Pounds to meet the expenses of such Services necessary to establish a Second Charge in Sandhurst. Services were conducted in the Albion Hall, collections were obtained were liberal, Memorial signed by 104 members and adherents who expressed their desire to be recognized as a Congregation. St. John's first met at the Orderly Room (site of the Art Gallery), then at the Albion Hall (site of the Royal Princess Theatre), they then moved to St. James Hall (now Myer Store). In 1874 a weatherboard church in Forest St. was erected seating 550 persons, and named St. John's Presbyterian Church. It then became known as St John's Free Church and in 1880 it was admitted into the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and named Chalmer's Church. History accounts goes on to explain the further changes which happened within the church to 1972. Many other details have been included in the book such as the costs of the pews the 'Ladies Work Committee', a monthly church paper, Anniversary platform, securing a Manse, the year of the 'black-out', food parcels, the purchase of a building, the pioneering of religious films in church services, renovations, Sunday School, Stewardship Campaign, electronic organ. The history goes on detailing the growth of the organisations in the church; Choir, Sunday School Sunday School Ladies Auxiliary, PWMU, Afernoon Fellowship, Ladies Guild, PGF, Men's Club and Brotherhood, Bible Class, Sporting Clubs, PFA, Mission Band, Creche, Cradle Roll, Board of Management. A list of 'Memorials and Other Gifts Through the Years' from 1904 to 1972. Present 'Office Bearers of the Church'. Photo of present church on front cover, on rear cover is the church erected in 1897. With Indexchurch, centenary, st john's bendigo, st john's presbyterian church forest street bendigo centenary

Draft articles for RHSV (Bendigo) Newsletter, May 1972. 1. ''Golden Square Methodist Church'' by Lydia Chancellor - memories of church services, Sunday School and Bible classes. Mention of (Minister?) Mr Robert Saunders. Also - Rev B W Heath; Mr Crump, Rev Henry Worrall; reference to Jubilee of church in 1923. 2. Article submitted by Mrs E M Checcucci re the 'White Works' (clothing factory making underwear at the top of Wattle Street) - visited by Prince of Wales in 1920; 3. Handwritten and typewritten version of ''Extracts from the 'Sandhurst Library Almanac 1858', published by P M Sparkes, Bookseller and Stationer (four doors from Shamrock Hotel). Names listed of officers of the 40th Foot (Captain's detachment); Location of two cemeteries; Municipal Council of 1858 - Chairman and councillors and meeting times and place; Police Department - names listed of officers of department, Sandhurst Municipality, 'The District' and Eaglehawk Township (names for the last being only on the handwritten copy); 4. Article (w Perry) ''Australian Aboriginals on the Bendigo Gold Field’’ reference to ''King Charlie'' and finding of gold by him (reference to this in the Bendigo Advertiser 1856 & 1857). The gold purchased by a Mr Bannerman; 5. Article on introduction of gas in Bendigo (by I Hendry). Ref to ''Spotlight'' article in Advertiser of Oct 13, 1950. Mention of Mr Dondy (first user of gas in Bendigo); early use and price of gar; poor gas pressure in Eaglehawk; 6. Handwritten article submitted by John O'C Hattam re 'Indian Hawkers in Bendigo': with request to members to join him in further researching this interesting project; mention of accommodation in Hopetoun Street in terrace houses of the same design as Specimen Cottage (''now occupied by ' Glover??? Mills - but referred to in printed Newsletter of April/May 1972 as ''a site occupied by a clothing factory''); mention of hawkers by name - Rajah Singh, Mahonett Betth, Mahonett Shang, Rajah Bouth, Mahoety Bux, Abdul Rahman (last hawker)document, names of bendigo pioneers, bendigo advertiser

The Holy Bible was used in Sunday School at the Kergunyah Presbyterian Church. Sunday school was held in a little 16 foot square wooden building which came from Rocky Valley after it was no longer needed there. Ewen Wallace's father initiated and organised the move. C 2011 the building was knocked down because of white ants. The Presbyterian Church will be 125 years old in 2015.Historical: Religious Education: This book was used by the students at Kergunyah Presbyterian Church, Sunday School classes. Religion: Presbyterian Church at Kergunyah, in the Kiewa Valley, celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2015 after being handed over to the Uniting Church in the 1970s.Small, thick, hard covered brown book. Front cover has an embossed border of 4 lines. Spine - in gold - top and bottom thick decorated line. Top - in gold - title under which 'Revised Edition' . At Bottom 'Oxford'. Cover and 1st leaf is black and torn in half vertically at front. Pages are very thin.First page - back of - torn - ..'ah Church' written in pencil. (Presumably 'Kerguny" is the part of the word missing because torn off.religion, bible, ewen wallace, kergunyah, church, presbyterian, sunday school, religious education

Students attended Sunday School classes at the Kergunyah Presbyterian Church. Sunday school was held in a little 16 foot square wooden building which came from rocky Valley after it was no longer needed there. Ewen Wallace's father initiated and organised the move. C2011 the building was knocked down because of white ants. The Presbyterian Church will be 125 years old in 2015.Historical: Religious Education: This book was used by students who attended the Sunday School classes at Kergunyah Presbyterian Church. Religion: Presbyterian Church at Kergunyah, in the Kiewa Valley, celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2015 after being handed over to the Uniting Church in the 1970s.Very small thin yellowish book with drawing, in black, of a gate on which is the title at the top, 'Old Testament' on the next 'shelf'. Then 3 shelves of books with titles (of the Old Testament) then 'New Testament on the next 'shelf'. Then 1 shelf with lots of books with titles (of the New Testament). Underneath the 'gate' are the words, also in black, "Memorise Them"In pencil on cover top left '118mx', top right 3 (pence)religion, old testament, new testament, bible, ewen wallaace, kergunyah, sunday school, presbyterian church

Students attended Sunday School classes at the Kergunyah Presbyterian Church. Sunday school was held in a little 16 foot square wooden building which came from Rocky Valley after it was no longer needed there. Ewen Wallace's father initiated and organised the move. C2011 the building was knocked down because of white ants. The Presbyterian Church will be 125 years old in 2015. Historical: Religious Education: This book was used by students who attended the Sunday School classes at Kergunyah Presbyterian Church. Religion: Presbyterian Church at Kergunyah, in the Kiewa Valley, celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2015 after being handed over to the Uniting Church in the 1970s.Brown hard covered book with coloured pictures. Title at top - 1st letter of each word R,B,L is decorated & in gold followed by black print shaded in red. Circular picture seemingly behind it and coming out across the book (gold figures, black background). Shepherd in colour bottom right and church bottom left. Title in black with gold background on spine.(Kergunyah Sabbath School / Library) stamp on inside front cover and back coverreligion, bible, kergunyah, sunday school, sabbath school, ewen wallace, presbyterian church

Percival Bird WETHERALL Regt No 6903 enlisted in the 19th reinforcements 23rd Bn on 13.1.1917 age 20 years. Prior to embarking he writes a letter to his CO asking for 5 days leave to get married and have a honey moon. Embarked for England 11.5.1917, embark for France 16.2.1918, WIA 22.3.1918 GSW shoulder severe and transferred to 1st Eastern General Hospital Cambridge, discharged to furlough 2.8.1918, embark for Aust 25.1.1919, hospital on board ship with Influenza and Cong (congealed?) Lungs, disembarked at Suez and hospitalised in 14th AGH on 8.2.1919, embark for Aust 1.4.1919 classed Debility, discharged from the AIF 6.6.1919 medically unfit.Small bible with brown cover. Front cover has "New Testament" written on it. Belonged to Percival B. Wetherall.6903 Pte. P.B. Wetherall 23rd Battalion A.I.F. Abroad 1917-1919, 1914-1918.books-religion-christian, new testament

Walter Withers (1854-1914) was born in Handsworth, Warwickshire, England. He migrated to Australia in 1882 and in time was to become one of the country's most famous painters. In 1887/8 he spent a year in London and Paris during which time he married Fanny Flinn. When he returned to Melbourne he was engaged by publishers doing black and white illustrations. In the late 1880's he became associated with artists who formed the renowned "Heidelberg School" and in 1890 moved to "Charterisville" at Eaglemont. He lived in the Heidelberg area until 1903 when he purchased a house on two and a half acres (one hectare) at the corner of Brougham and Bolton Streets, Eltham. He had long been attracted to the Eltham area, but needed access to Melbourne for his painting classes. The extension of the railway in 1901 made the move possible. He remained in Eltham until his death and is buried at nearby St Helena. Many of his important paintings were painted during these later years. There are important collections at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Geelong Art Gallery. His Eltham house remains and his name is honoured by a small park at the corner of Bible and Arthur Streets. Source: Information panel produced for EDHS exhibition in 1990. john withers collection, artist, sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photo collection, walter herbert withers, walter withers

Built by artist and cartoonist Percy Leason in 1927 in what was then New Street but renamed Lavender Park Road in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p121 Said to be a genius, cartoonist Percy Leason’s career was at its peak when in 1925 to 1926 he built his home at New Street (now Lavender Park Road) Eltham. The Herald newspaper owner, Sir Keith Murdoch, had hired Leason for his newly acquired Melbourne Punch magazine at a salary of £1750, making him ‘one of the highest paid cartoonists in the world’.1 With this salary and financial help from Murdoch, Leason was able to build his lovely home in Eltham. At the crest of a sweeping drive, the home now two-storey in white brick with a gabled grey slate roof and dormer windows is flanked by an extension built by another owner in the 1980s. Leason lived in the home with his wife, Isabel and children, until 1937, when he left for the United States of America, where he lived until his death in 1959. The four-bedroom house and garden would have been well-suited to bringing up his family and to entertaining their friends in style. Large airy rooms have high ceilings with moulded plaster, timber floors and several are brightened with bay windows. Leason made friends with many of the artists and personalities who gravitated to Eltham. Around 1931 Justus Jörgensen, founder of the Montsalvat Artists’ Colony, helped Leason build his large studio at the back of the house. Another friend was journalist Mervyn Skipper, father of jeweller and sculptor Matcham, and artists Helen and Sonia. Leason’s teacher, artist Max Meldrum, also visited and rented accommodation in Eltham, opposite Wingrove Park. Punch folded in 1925, but Leason continued as cartoonist for Table Talk. In 1926 Leason began the cartoons of a mythical Australian town Wiregrass, which were inspired by Kaniva, his home town. The art gallery in Main Road Eltham was named Wiregrass in Leason’s honour. Leason completed 1000 drawings from 1919 to 1937, which author Garrie Hutchinson claimed, were technically unsurpassed and had regional and universal interest. Leason’s acute observations of country life stemmed from his childhood in Kaniva in Victoria’s western Wimmera, where he was born, the son of a selector, in 1889. Meldrum claimed that Leason could name every plant and the habits of every animal.2 Leason also painted 28 portraits of the last full-blooded aboriginals in Victoria at Lake Tyers in Gippsland, most of which are in a private collection. In Sydney Leason illustrated Henry Lawson’s Selected Poems and worked for The Bulletin. Leason had begun his career at 13 as an apprentice lithographic artist at Sands and MacDougall. He attended night classes at the National Gallery and the Victorian Artists Society. Leason first visited Eltham in 1910 to paint with fellow artist William ‘Jock’ Frater. They camped near Bible and Pitt Streets and along the Diamond Creek on the site of the present Eltham Retirement Centre. Despite his success as a cartoonist, Leason wanted to be recognised as a serious painter and for his anthropological work.3 He was also conservative and felt uncomfortable with the modern art scene in Melbourne.4 So he left for the United States of America to work as a painter. Ironically his time in New York saw the burgeoning of modern art, notably by artists such as Jackson Pollock. But Leason found his niche by running an art school, painting society portraits and illustrating books and magazines.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, landscape, lavender park road, percy leason, new street