Postcard looking east along tree lined Collins St from Elizabeth Street with many now demolished buildings in the view. Buildings at the time include Block Court, Victour, Kodak, Souther Cross, Howey Court. Trams in the view are W2 224, W2 253 (Spencer Street Route 11) and three other W2 class trams. Appears to be an Inspector standing at the west end of the Safety Zone.Yields information about Collins Street early 1970s and the motor car traffic.Postcard - Collins St at Elizabeth St - John Hinde Studios 2 AUS 34trams, tramways, safety zones, traffic, w2 class trams, tram 224, tram 253, victour, kodak, block court, collins st

The dress and accessories worn by Mrs Margaret Scully for her wedding. Following their engagement in 1956, her husband built their home of 67 years in Box Hill South.'Juliet' style stiffened headpiece and hatpin. Hair piece is covered in same material as used in the bridal gown. Hat pin has top covered in the same material.Lille Couturier Block Court 288 Collins Street, Melbourne.

'Tennis' game. Consists of a wood block 'court', two die and two plastic pegs. No instructions or packaging Materials: Wood, Ink, Plastictennis

Black and white photocopied plan - Part of Crown Allotments 14A and 40A showing blocks in Sharps Court and Salsibury Court, Heathmont. Some blocks showing sale price.K.J. Noonan & Co. Licensed Land Surveyors, Suite 16 "Gloucester Lodge", 445 StKilda Road, Melbourne S.C.2, Telephone BM 1631. References to coloured easements etc., not evident from b&w photocopy.

Plan of Subdivision LP41463 - Part of Crown Allotment 43, Parish of Ringwood, County of Mornington. Map includes Bedford Road, Homebush Court, Vista Avenue and Vista Court, Heathmont. Allotments include LP201659, LP139446, LP115253, LP207494, LP216905, PS335874, LP206161, PS305345, PS300083, LP92899."Reaghill”; a 30 acre property in Bedford Road, Heathmont was bought from the Blood family about 1910 by Mr Seymour Davies as a weekend retreat from his busy life as a manager with the Glenferrie (or Hawthorn) branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank. He and his family came by train to Ringwood and then drove a pony cart up Bedford Road to a gateway at about number 139 and then a long drive, which wound up to the top of the hill. There was a wonderful view of Mount Dandenong which later became obliterated by tall eucalyptus trees. The land which became “Reaghill” was part of an 80 acre crown land sale to Mr Robert Blood on 12 March 1872. More information on the Blood family involvement with the area is given on pages 13-17 of the original 1974 edition of Hugh Anderson, Ringwood, Place of Many Eagles. Another section of this land was bought by Mr Frank L Walker and subsequently became "Wombalano Park". There is a quarry on the property from which stone was used for the long driveway. The garden was mainly left natural although we have two large Liquidamber trees which were planted by his wife Dora Davies (nee Hall). Surely these were some of the first to be planted in Melbourne gardens. A small weatherboard, galvanised iron roofed cottage was built on the top of the hill. At the time the house was built there was a strike of plasterers - as a result it was lined with timber, an unusual combination at that time. The Davies had a daughter and two sons - Dora (born 1897), Geoffrey (1900), John (1902). All studied medicine at Melbourne and practised, Geoffrey in Sydney, John in general practice Melbourne while Dora went to England in the 1930s and never returned. John and Dora married in 1933 and 1938 respectively and had families. Soon after the beginning of the 1939-45 war Geoffrey enlisted in the AIF as a Medical Officer and was in Singapore when it fell to the Japanese. He spent the remaining war years in various POW camps, including Changi and others in Malaya and Thailand. While there he earned the gratitude of his fellows by his innovative use of available plants to treat tropical diseases. After this war Geoffrey returned to Melbourne and worked as a pathologist at the. Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital while living for part of the time at "Reaghill". Seymour Davies died in October 19-35 and his wife, Dora, in February 1945. Of their children, John died in 1976, Dora in 1985 and Geoffrey in 1986. In July 1968 Geoffrey moved to East Ringwood and the two acre house block* and an adjacent one were sold to Dr James Hamilton Kelly, then of New York State, USA (Title Vol 8740 folio 991). As far as is known he never lived there. The house was let to a Mr and Mrs Ingamels for some years. The relatively fertile lower slopes on the south side of the land were cleared and farmed by descendants of the Blood family. At the time of the 1957 subdivision there were clear signs of the ploughed area. It was said that they used to grow strawberries in those paddocks. In about 1955 Dr Geoff Davies decided to sub-divide the property, he was unmarried and found it too large to maintain. Initially five of the seven normal house sized blocks fronting Bedford Road were sold and in about 1957 the remainder, was divided into 15 blocks (averaging nearly two acres) and put on the market. These were sold for £1000 ($2000) per acre. Homebush Court and Vista Court were formed to give access to- these blocks. The Homebush Court blocks have close access to Heathmont and the others to East Ringwood although all are lumped into East Ringwood by the municipal and postal authorities. The name "Reaghill" possibly comes from the Davies family's Irish origins. Homebush Court was named by Geoff Davies from the Sydney suburb of that name where he had lived in the 1930s. It was originally the name of a property owned by one of the early NSW Governors. Vista was a reminder to Geoff Davies of the once-grand views he remembered seeing from the hilltop. The earlier history in this article was recounted by my mother, a niece of Mr Seymour Davies, who remembered coming on a great outing to "Reaghill" as a child. Other recollections are from our own conversations with Geoff Davies. Ian and Margaret McKellar. 16 January, 1996

Black painted wooden handle and teak stained wooden block with directional pin. Wording on stamp: County Court Bailliff Bright, 3741stamp, police, county court, bailliff

Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham, Sussex in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1970 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death in 1913 owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a boy who could be a son of Henry Box 1839 -1913BENSEN & STEVENSON PHOTOS / 108 Elizabeth Street Melbourne/ COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME

Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1870 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death in 1913 owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a young girl and boy who may be 2 of the surviving 7 children of Henry Box 1839 -1913Goulter Prahran

Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1970 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of Henry Box 1839 - 1913Bensen & Stevenson Photos / 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne/ COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME

Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1970 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. William Ward JP was a prominent figure in East Brighton . William was elected to the Moorabbin Road Board in 1863, JP at Cheltenham Court, and Shire President 1875-82. He was appointed Post Master at East Brighton in 1865 and held the position until his death in 1908 Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a young woman who may be Elizabeth Emma Ward 1863 - 1921,the wife of Henry Box.1839-1913Stewart & Co ' Coat of Arms" Melbourne

In the mid 1900's land sales in Moorabbin began of the remaining market gardens which were being sub divided. Eldon Court was auctioned off in 1960Example of the progress of the Municipality of MoorabbinPhotocopy of advertising flyer for auction of real estate sales - plan of building blocks for saleEldon Court, Moorabbin - 7 Home sites - Saturday March 19 1960eldon court, moorabbin, real estate, auction

Kinrade Estate was not subdivided as shown in flyer. The land was purchased by Cyclone in 1950. Cyclone built a factory which manufactured wire material. This factory was closed in XXXX and a development firm purchased the land and subdivided the land into housing blocks.Example of the progress of the Municipality of MoorabbinAdvertising flyer for auction of real estate sales - plan of building blocks for saleleary avenue, charles street, peter leary, john joseph kinrade, tucker road, east boundary road, clover estate, kinrade estate, bentleigh, cyclone company, ardena court, bentleigh east

Set of 11 Black and White photos of the Block Buildings corner Adelaide St and Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood. Taken for Court - site inspection by Mr Justice Barber 6.8.1965. Part of the Eastland Compensation Litigation (See Reference below). (Renamed and recatalogued into this one item 2018). 381A: Adelaide St Shops 381B: Rear of Coffee Palace, Maroondah Hwy 381C: Adelaide Street Shops 381D: Side and Rear of Renong Chambers, cnr Civic Place and Adelaide ST 381E: Renong Chambers Adelaide St. )Reynolds Fish and Chip shop on ground floor) 381F: Back of the Coffee Palace 381G: Rear of Adelaide St Shops, off Civic Place. cf SS038k (Record #2832). Taken from Civic Place 381H: Maroondah Hwy, looking towards Adelaide St 381I: Cnr Maroondah Hwy and Adelaide St 381J: Old House, taken from laneway now Civic Place 381K: Coffee Palace, Maroondah HwyStamped on back: Peter Payens of Ringwood Studios. 86 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood

Hand-drawn map on cardboard backing.Formed road with concrete kerbing. Water available to each block. No. of subdivision A139880 73/419. Part of Certificate of Title Vol 5323 Fol 539. Real estate sales notations on some allotments include price. Heading also includes address and phone number of H. Willis, Fremont Street Ringwood - WU6073.

Double-sided A3 size advertisement for Peppermint Park, Heathmont, Victoria, advertising sale of ten homesites with diagram showing locality map, size of blocks and layout of streets within and around the subdivision.Subdivision layout includes Pleasant Drive, Swain Court and Barbara Court off Culverlands Road and Armstrong Road in Heathmont. Agents - Carter Real Estate Agency, 90 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood Vic 3134 (Telephone) 98706211. Auctioneers - Richard Carter & William Lyall - 0411823337. Handwritten price list notations included, and Stage 2 Plan digitally signed by Michael Herwald Hipfel, Licensed Surveyor, 10/2/1916.

This series of SS0380 photos are part of the "Eastland Litigation" launched in 1962 by the Whitehorse Traders Co-operative Association (WTCA), against the Ringwood Council's Interim Development Order of 1960. WTCA sought "orders from the Supreme Court of Victoria that the planning scheme was invalid" - See "The Eastland Litigation" chapter in "From Horse Shoes to High Heels - Ringwood Shopping Centre and Eastland 1858-2008" by Richard Carter, Bounce Books 2009.Written on back of photograph, 'Photo of the building fronting Adelaide St., buildings being portion of those known as 'The Block'. Photo showing shops on the west side of Adelaide St., near its junction with Maroondah Highway.. Fish and Chip shop" Stamped on photograph, 'In the Supreme Court 13 Aug. 1983' and 'Edwin G. Adamson...May 62'.

This series of SS0380 photos are part of the "Eastland Litigation" launched in 1962 by the Whitehorse Traders Co-operative Association (WTCA), against the Ringwood Council's Interim Development Order of 1960. WTCA sought "orders from the Supreme Court of Victoria that the planning scheme was invalid" - See "The Eastland Litigation" chapter in "From Horse Shoes to High Heels - Ringwood Shopping Centre and Eastland 1858-2008" by Richard Carter, Bounce Books 2009.Black and White PhotographWritten on back of photograph, 'Photo of the rear of buildings knows as 'The Block''. Also stamped, 'In the Supreme Court, 13 Aug. 1963' and 'Edwin G. Adamson....May 63'.

This series of SS0380 photos are part of the "Eastland Litigation" launched in 1962 by the Whitehorse Traders Co-operative Association (WTCA), against the Ringwood Council's Interim Development Order of 1960. WTCA sought "orders from the Supreme Court of Victoria that the planning scheme was invalid" - See "The Eastland Litigation" chapter in "From Horse Shoes to High Heels - Ringwood Shopping Centre and Eastland 1858-2008" by Richard Carter, Bounce Books 2009.Black and White PhotographWritten on back of photographs, 'Photo of toilets in Civic Place, used by occupiers of 'The Block''. Also stamped on photographs, 'Edwin G. Adamson...May 63' and 'In the Supreme Court, 1 Aug. 1963'.

This series of SS0380 photos are part of the "Eastland Litigation" launched in 1962 by the Whitehorse Traders Co-operative Association (WTCA), against the Ringwood Council's Interim Development Order of 1960. WTCA sought "orders from the Supreme Court of Victoria that the planning scheme was invalid" - See "The Eastland Litigation" chapter in "From Horse Shoes to High Heels - Ringwood Shopping Centre and Eastland 1858-2008" by Richard Carter, Bounce Books 2009.2xBlack and WHite PhotographsWritten on back of photograph 2838-1: 'Photo of the toilets in Civic Place, showing doors broken off. See pan exposed to public view'. Stamped on photograph, 'Edwin G. Adamson...May 62'. Written on back of photograph 2838-2: 'Photo of the toilets in Civic Place, showing doors broken off where pans slide into toilets. Pans open to air, flies, etc. Used by occupiers of 'The Block'. Stamped on photographs, 'In the Supreme Court 13 Aug 1963' and 'Edwin G. Adamson...May 63'.

Two A3 page photocopy of official document with handwritten description of 640 acres of land in Ringwood purchased as Section 23 on 16th November 1954 by Charles Heape of Melbourne for the sum of £640. Summary of Section 23 land (transcribed as written without punctuation): "Bounded on the North by Section 20 bearing East eighty chains on the East by a line bearing South sixty one chains on the South East by the Mullum Mullum Creek on the South by Section twenty eight bearing West sixty seven chains and on the West by part of Section twenty seven and Section twenty four bearing North eighty chains seventy links reserving and road one chain fifty links wide passing through this section being the land put up to sale by auction as lot no.72 in pursuance of the Proclamation of the twenty ninth day of April 1854 and subsequently selected by the said Charles Heape under the Regulation of the first day of March 1843." (Research Note, July 2026: "... Block 23 (is) bounded by present-day Oban, Warrandyte, Plymouth and Kalinda Roads. This block and the one adjoining on the west, each of 640 acres, were purchased by Charles Heape in August 1854." - Page 20, Ringwood, Place of Many Eagles - Hugh Anderson.) Signature of witness - Sir Charles Hotham, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Lieutenant Governor of Our said Colony and its Dependencies, at Melbourne, Victoria, 15th November 1854. Entered on Record in the Register of Land Purchases, No.33 page 148, 4th December 1854. (Signed by Colonial Secretary and Registrar). Page 2: "Enrolled in the Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of the Colony of Victoria in Register No. 27 of Land Purchases, Victoria, Folio 212 this twenty second day of January 1857. (Signed by Registrar).

This record is the Parent Record for researching the subdivision of Reaghill, 139 Bedford Road, Ringwood, compiled by Richard Carter. "Reaghill" is part of an older larger holding of sixty acres which came to comprise Vista Avenue, Vista Court, Homebush Court, Rawson Court and Wombalano ParkTranscript: Researching “Reaghill" The property “Reaghill” originally stood at 139 Bedford Road, Ringwood East before the property was subdivided in the 1950s and took a new address and frontage to Vista Avenue, Ringwood East. The purpose of these notes is to trace the origins of the property from the year 1900 to the present day. Information in the notes is sourced from the archives of Carter Real Estate, from Land Titles Office records and from the book of the history of Ringwood, “Ringwood, Place of Many Eagles” by Hugh Anderson. “Reaghill” is part of an older larger holding of sixty acres. It Is the story of those 60 acres, which now comprise Vista Avenue, Vista Court, Homebush Court, Rawson Court and Wombalano Park, which Is the subject of these notes. Earlier Times A convenient starting point for these notes Is the year 1900. On 11th June 1900 Wallace Bruce of 68 High Street, Windsor became registered as the proprietor of “sixty acres or thereabouts” (24.28 hectares) being part of Crown Allotment 43 Parish of Ringwood County of Mornington. That title. Volume 2773 Folio 485 did not name the streets to which the property abutted but clearly they were Canterbury Road at its intersection with Bedford Road. Title records a lease of the property from Wallace Bruce to Thomas Oates, with the lease endorsed on title on 22 July 1903 and removed 16 June 1908. Wallace Bruce subsequently subdivided the land Into three parcels, two of which he sold to Dora Stanisforth Davies during 1909 and the balance he sold to Frank Leslie Walker in 1914. The Era of the Davies Wallace Bruce firstly sold the western portion of the property, containing twenty four acres three roods and 20 perches (24.875 acres or 10.0667 hectares) on 6 October 1909. The new title, Volume 3381 Folio 021, records the new proprietor as “Dora Stanisforth Davies, wife of Seymour George Pilkington Davies of Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Bank Manager”. Shortly thereafter, Wallace Bruce sold a further parcel of “ten acres or thereabouts” (4 hectares) being the north eastern portion of his original holding. That title, Volume 3384 Folio 795, showed the purchaser once again as “Dora Stanisforth Davies, wife of Seymour George Pilkington Davies of Burwood Road Hawthorn, Bank Manager”. It is noteable that the second, title which is dated 8 December 1909, had no abuttal to any road, nor was it at any time (even when subdivided in the 1950s) consolidated with Davies' adjoining title. Both titles then recorded that Dora Stanisforth Davies died on 19 February 1945 with probate of her will being granted to John Seymour Davies of 69 Grantham Street West Brunswick, Medical Practitioner, and Hugh Percival Hall of 339 Collins Street Melbourne, Solicitor. Almost two years later, on 6th December 1946, both parcels of land were transferred by the Executors to Geoffrey Francis Seymour Davies of 20 Albert Road Strathfield N.S.W, Medical Practitioner. From this chronology it could be surmised that one of Dora Davies’ executors, John Seymour Davies, was probably her son. Was Geoffrey Francis Seymour Davies another son, or was he her grandson? In any event Geoffrey Francis Seymour Davies set about subdividing what was then the property “Reaghill” and its 34.875 acres (14.11 hectares). The Subdivision of “Reaghill The subdivision of “Reaghill” was made more viable by the subdivision in 1931 of the property to the north and the creation of Scenic Avenue, Vista Avenue and Grandview Avenue, all of which abutted “Reaghill’s” northern boundary. In fact Geoffrey Francis Seymour Davies bought the freehold to Grandview Avenue, Scenic Avenue and Vista Avenue in July 1955 for £84-9-0 to give him legal rights over those roads. Title to those roads and the newly created Vista Avenue, Vista Court and Homebush Court remain in his name to this day. It is particularly interesting to note that whilst those streets had typical allotments of about 1000 square metres, the subdivision of Reaghill was into blocks of one to two acres or more (4000 square metres to about one hectare) except for the blocks fronting Bedford Road. That speaks volumes about Davies’ attitude to the land, its natural beauty, its topography and vegetation. “Reaghill” was subdivided into twenty two lots by Plan of Subdivision LP 41463. The first eleven lots came off Vista Avenue and formed an extension of Vista Avenue and a newly created Vista Court. Lot sizes ranged from 1 acre 1 rood 1½ perches (5097 square metres) to 2 acres 3 roods 21½ perches (1.167 hectares). A further four lots came off Homebush Court, a newly created court off Bedford Road. Those lots ranged from 1 acre 1 rood 29 perches (5792 square metres) to 2 acres 1 rood 39 ®/io perches (1.01 hectares). Seven further lots, parallelogram in configuration, fronted Bedford Road and had a typical area of 1518 square metres. The names of the streets (“Vista” Avenue/Court and “Homebush” Court) give an insight into the elevation of the land, the views it offered and the bushland it featured. The Covenant As evidence of Davies’ desire to maintain the bush setting of the property, covenants were imposed on the transfers of Lots 1 to 15 (the acreage lots). That covenant allowed for only one dwelling house to be erected on each of those lots for a period of 15 years from sale. Effectively it froze subdivision for 15 years. But 15 years came around quickly. The Sales “Reaghill” 139 Bedford Road, Ringwood was offered for Private Sale as “22 Excellent Residential Allotments” by estate agents Anderson & Hickling of 239 Collins Street Melbourne (telephone Central 25!), with a “protective covenant” of one dwelling house only on lots 1-15 for a period of 15 years. Solicitors for the vendor were Messrs Meares, Duigan & Hall of 139 Collins Street Melbourne. Sales commenced in 1955 and went through to 1967. Prices were typically from £1350, the price paid for Lot 13 in 1957. The Role of Frank Leslie Walker These notes have so far recorded that of the sixty acres originally owned by Wallace Bruce in 1900, some 34.875 acres were sold to Dora Davies in 1909 and subdivided and sold by her descendants. The balance of Wallace Bruce’s land was sold on 6th April 1914 to Frank Leslie Walker. This is the land at the south east corner of Bruce’s holding fronting Canterbury Road and which now comprises Rawson Court and Wombalano Park. Frank Leslie Walker “of Albany Chambers, Collins Street Melbourne” was described as an Art Decorator. In “Ringwood - Place of Many Eagles” he is shown as living on his land “in a house which was surrounded by a four foot high brick wall and the long drive of rough cream-coloured Lilydale gravel was entered through handsome wrought iron gates obtained from some building wrecker”. The “old rambling house" had been extended and renovated using secondhand doors, windows and timber. “Every inch of wall space seemed to be crammed from floor to ceiling with oils, watercolours, etchings and drawings of all sorts by well known artists”. On 13th August 1954 Frank Leslie Walker transferred an area of 12 acres 3 rood 21 perches (5.213 hectares) to The Mayor Councillors and Burgesses of the Borough of Ringwood for no consideration as a Gift “for the providing of pleasure grounds on places of public resort or public recreation”. That is now Wombalano Park. The balance of his property, containing 6 acres 1 rood 5 perches (2.54 hectares) and including the original homestead (named Wombalano?) was gifted by Frank Leslie Walker to his nephew on 25 November 1955. It was later subdivided as Rawson Court in 1956. The house no longer survives. The “Reaghill” Homestead The original homestead on Wallace Bruce’s holding, as has just been described fronted Canterbury Road in the area which is now Rawson Court. The age of the house is unknown but is described in 1914 as being “old and rambling”. The “Reaghill” homestead is likely to have been built by the Davies and was retained on Lot 11 of their subdivision. Its date of construction is not known but might have been soon after the Davies bought the land in 1909. Lot 11, with “Reaghill” was not sold in the 1950s as part of the land subdivision and sale. It remained as the family home of Dr. Davies until its sale in 1968 (without the 15 year covenant) to James Hamilton Kelly of New York, USA for $15,000. In time, Lot 11 was resubdivided. The house today remains on a reduced site of 7112 square metres, still on the highest point in the locality with fine views. Further Subdivisions Once the 15 year time frame of the covenant expired, the various owners of the lots, having built homes, proceeded to subdivide their surplus land. Lot 1 was first, followed by Lot 7. Only four of the original 15 acreage lots have not been subdivided. Some subdivisions were less respectful of their environment and neighbourhood than others. Maroondah City Council's planning scheme provides for a minimum lot size of 864 square metres in the locality. But the horse has already bolted. Summary “Reaghill” in its heyday, and the acreage properties which later surrounded it, contributed some of the finest and most exclusive properties in Ringwood East. Notably, the locality was home to a significant number of local medicos over the years. Its location dose to the newly relocated Tintern CEGGS gave it added exclusivity. Subdivision over the years has impinged on the beauty and the environment. However it is still a most important part of Ringwood East, with a rich history. R.A Carter January 2005

Written by Michael Anderson on RDHS Facebook on March 2016 CITY ROAD, RINGWOOD 1959 My family moved to City Road in 1959. At that time, it was a narrow rutted dirt road, with a large drain running on the northern side, and a wide nature strip complete with big wattle trees on the southern side, ideal for playing cricket and other games. There was no Salvation Army Citadel, nor was there a Lutheran Church. As you proceed from Wantirna Road towards Jubilee Park, there were no houses on the right hand side at all until you reached our house, 14 City Road, which at the time was Lot 51. On the corner where the Lutheran Church now stands, there was an old rusty farm gate, attached to a very weathered wooden post. This indicated that at some stage, City Road had been a private road. This rusty old gate was never closed, but it was a remnant of bygone days. Ireland St, Regina St, and Greenwood Avenue south of Haig Street were all narrow dirt roads as well. Jubilee Park Oval was fairly new, and there was no grandstand. The players and staff had to make do with a small wooden building that looked like a garden shed. Just beyond the southern end of the oval were growing many wild pumpkins, and I understand that the land had been a rubbish tip in the not so distant past. The park also had a couple of tennis courts. There was no road from Jubilee Park to Reilly St, and Reilly St didn't go all the way through from Wantirna Road to Great Ryrie St. It was broken by a creek. Aquinas College was an orchard. As you proceed up City Road from Wantirna Road, The Salvation Army church is on the left corner. The Hobbs family lived on that corner, in an old house on a block which was bordered by a huge hedge. The house next door in Wantirna Road, which is also Salvation Army land now, was owned by the Bayliss family. Mrs Bayliss was a teacher at Ringwood High. The first house in City Rd proper was at no. 1 to 5. The Roberts family lived there in an old weatherboard house on an acre of land. Mr Roberts was a carpenter who had built our house at No. 14, and he lived there with his wife and two sons, Graeme and Max. Eventually, they wanted more space, so they moved to the acre. Next door to the Roberts was Ted O'Regan at no. 7 to no. 9. He appears to have been a widower, and he lived by himself in an old wooden house which was surrounded by a large veranda on about 2/3 acre. Next door to Ted O'Regan lived his brother Jack O'Regan at no. 11 on about 1/2 acre, with his wife Edna, his son Alan, and his Daughter Judith. Barney Meadows lived on about 1/2 acre at no. 13. Barney was an old widower, and his front garden had a huge palm tree in it. Next to Barney lived the Reeves at no. 15, and finally there was the McDonald family at no. 17, which is on the corner of Regina St. From then on, City Rd, was a bush block down to Greenwood Ave, and the bush continued up Greenwood Ave to the Williams house, one house block from Haig St. On the right hand side of City Road it was all paddock to Ireland St, and another paddock which ended at our house was over the other side of Ireland St. Both paddocks were developed in about 1961/62, and there are about 12 houses there now, plus the Lutheran Church. When we first moved there, there was a horse and a cow grazing in the paddock beside our house. For the first couple of years, there was a huge bonfire in "our" paddock to mark Guy Fawkes day. It was a lot of fun, although I concede that it might have been a tad dangerous, with 3d. bungers and all that! Next door to us at no. 16 was the Goessling family. From now on the house blocks were normal sized. The Goesslings had one baby girl who was about 9 months old when we first moved in, but they ended up with 4 kids, all of whom would be middle aged now. They were observant Lutherans, but they were there before the church. Next door to the Goesslings at no. 18 was the Weir family on the corner of Regina St. On the other side of Regina St. at no. 20 was the Gowland family, and the last house in the street at no. 22 was owned by Arthur Johnston and his family. Arthur was an Ambulance Driver. Of course, many other people moved in and moved out in all those years. There was one particularly bad week for the street in June 1969. My brother Peter was killed in a work accident on Saturday 7th June. The next Wednesday 11th June Ted O'Regan, who lived diagonally opposite us died. Then on the next Saturday the 14th June, Ted Bell, who lived next door to us at no. 12 died from a heart attack at the age of 47. Three deaths in one week was a bit too much. It was eerie! Our old house is still standing, but I doubt for much longer. It was bought by people who wanted to develop it. Their plans were knocked back, so they sold it again. I would bet that in the not too distant future the house will be a piece of history. City Road was a paradise for kids when we moved in. We had lived in the inner suburbs, so the space and freedom were amazing for us "city slickers." I don't know where you could move to now if you wanted to bring up your children in a similar environment. Somehow, I don't think it would be possible.

Written by Michael Anderson on RDHS Facebook on March 2016 CITY ROAD, RINGWOOD 1959 My family moved to City Road in 1959. At that time, it was a narrow rutted dirt road, with a large drain running on the northern side, and a wide nature strip complete with big wattle trees on the southern side, ideal for playing cricket and other games. There was no Salvation Army Citadel, nor was there a Lutheran Church. As you proceed from Wantirna Road towards Jubilee Park, there were no houses on the right hand side at all until you reached our house, 14 City Road, which at the time was Lot 51. On the corner where the Lutheran Church now stands, there was an old rusty farm gate, attached to a very weathered wooden post. This indicated that at some stage, City Road had been a private road. This rusty old gate was never closed, but it was a remnant of bygone days. Ireland St, Regina St, and Greenwood Avenue south of Haig Street were all narrow dirt roads as well. Jubilee Park Oval was fairly new, and there was no grandstand. The players and staff had to make do with a small wooden building that looked like a garden shed. Just beyond the southern end of the oval were growing many wild pumpkins, and I understand that the land had been a rubbish tip in the not so distant past. The park also had a couple of tennis courts. There was no road from Jubilee Park to Reilly St, and Reilly St didn't go all the way through from Wantirna Road to Great Ryrie St. It was broken by a creek. Aquinas College was an orchard. As you proceed up City Road from Wantirna Road, The Salvation Army church is on the left corner. The Hobbs family lived on that corner, in an old house on a block which was bordered by a huge hedge. The house next door in Wantirna Road, which is also Salvation Army land now, was owned by the Bayliss family. Mrs Bayliss was a teacher at Ringwood High. The first house in City Rd proper was at no. 1 to 5. The Roberts family lived there in an old weatherboard house on an acre of land. Mr Roberts was a carpenter who had built our house at No. 14, and he lived there with his wife and two sons, Graeme and Max. Eventually, they wanted more space, so they moved to the acre. Next door to the Roberts was Ted O'Regan at no. 7 to no. 9. He appears to have been a widower, and he lived by himself in an old wooden house which was surrounded by a large veranda on about 2/3 acre. Next door to Ted O'Regan lived his brother Jack O'Regan at no. 11 on about 1/2 acre, with his wife Edna, his son Alan, and his Daughter Judith. Barney Meadows lived on about 1/2 acre at no. 13. Barney was an old widower, and his front garden had a huge palm tree in it. Next to Barney lived the Reeves at no. 15, and finally there was the McDonald family at no. 17, which is on the corner of Regina St. From then on, City Rd, was a bush block down to Greenwood Ave, and the bush continued up Greenwood Ave to the Williams house, one house block from Haig St. On the right hand side of City Road it was all paddock to Ireland St, and another paddock which ended at our house was over the other side of Ireland St. Both paddocks were developed in about 1961/62, and there are about 12 houses there now, plus the Lutheran Church. When we first moved there, there was a horse and a cow grazing in the paddock beside our house. For the first couple of years, there was a huge bonfire in "our" paddock to mark Guy Fawkes day. It was a lot of fun, although I concede that it might have been a tad dangerous, with 3d. bungers and all that! Next door to us at no. 16 was the Goessling family. From now on the house blocks were normal sized. The Goesslings had one baby girl who was about 9 months old when we first moved in, but they ended up with 4 kids, all of whom would be middle aged now. They were observant Lutherans, but they were there before the church. Next door to the Goesslings at no. 18 was the Weir family on the corner of Regina St. On the other side of Regina St. at no. 20 was the Gowland family, and the last house in the street at no. 22 was owned by Arthur Johnston and his family. Arthur was an Ambulance Driver. Of course, many other people moved in and moved out in all those years. There was one particularly bad week for the street in June 1969. My brother Peter was killed in a work accident on Saturday 7th June. The next Wednesday 11th June Ted O'Regan, who lived diagonally opposite us died. Then on the next Saturday the 14th June, Ted Bell, who lived next door to us at no. 12 died from a heart attack at the age of 47. Three deaths in one week was a bit too much. It was eerie! Our old house is still standing, but I doubt for much longer. It was bought by people who wanted to develop it. Their plans were knocked back, so they sold it again. I would bet that in the not too distant future the house will be a piece of history. City Road was a paradise for kids when we moved in. We had lived in the inner suburbs, so the space and freedom were amazing for us "city slickers." I don't know where you could move to now if you wanted to bring up your children in a similar environment. Somehow, I don't think it would be possible.

Photos taken by Hans Gregory who along with partner Pauline Steele, rented the original old 1860s William West Cottage situated behind the Fabbro family home. Hans was employed as a Youth officer with the Shire of Eltham at the time and was the last tennant on the property. The property was sold and in 1995 was developed for residential housing as the Riverview Park estate. Guido Quarto Fabbro was born 21 August 1891 at Treppo Grande in the far northeast of Italy, the son of Giacomo Fabbro and Anna Geruzzi. Regina Moretti was born 6 March 1893 at Treppo Grande, Italy, the daughter of Giovanni Battista Moretti and Maria Teresa Coletti. Guido and Regina married about 1917 and they had two sons, Giacomo (John c.1918) and Maurie (c.1920). In 1925 Guido Fabbro departed his homeland from Genoa, arriving in Fremantle, Western Australia in June, travelling 3rd class aboard the ship, Caprera. Regina and their two boys followed a year later along with other family members arriving in Fremantle from Genoa 4 July 1926 aboard the Moncalieri. The Fabbros arrived in Eltham in 1933 and purchased a block of land from William West on the western side of Falkiner Street, extending to Ely and Porter Streets which had formerly been part of the West family orchard and dairy farm. As there was no fencing dividing the two properties, West served notice on Guido in December 1934 to bear half of the cost of £6. When payment was not forthcoming, West sued Guido in the Eltham Court in January 1935. Guido failed to appear and was not represented, and costs were ordered in West’s favour. Guido and Regina built a large Italianesque house on their property. The original 1860s cottage was relocated to the back of the block and was rented out (once to Alistair and Margot Knox). Guido also purchased land extending to the Diamond Creek on the eastern side of Falkiner Street and on the eastern side of Bell Street (opposite Eltham High School). The riparian soil was suitable for market gardening: Guido grew mainly tomatoes, but also pumpkins, cauliflowers, cabbages, peas, beans, lettuce, beetroot and zucchinis. Even the land surrounding the house was used. The produce was carted to Melbourne overnight for sale at the market. Guido died in 1970 and is buried in Eltham cemetery. Regina died 1986. She and their son John Patrick (Giacomo) Fabbro who died in 1984 are also buried at Eltham Cemetery. Guido’s son Maurie continued in his father’s footsteps until 2007, principally growing artichokes in later years. He died in 2009. The land on the eastern side of Falkiner Street now forms part of a Council reserve called “Barak Bushland”, the land on the western side having been sold off for residential subdivision. The Bell Street land is now public open space managed by Nillumbik Shire Council and called “Fabbro Fields”. There have been recent proposals to develop the site for sporting purposes or as a dog park or community garden. Provides an insight into early settler's farmhouses and farming property of the Eltham district.guido quarto fabbro, regina fabbro (nee moretti), william west, maurie fabbro, fabbro's farm, hans gregory, west family orchard, west dairy farm

Photos taken by Hans Gregory who along with partner Pauline Steele, rented the original old 1860s William West Cottage situated behind the Fabbro family home. Hans was employed as a Youth officer with the Shire of Eltham at the time and was the last tennant on the property. The property was sold and in 1995 was developed for residential housing as the Riverview Park estate. Guido Quarto Fabbro was born 21 August 1891 at Treppo Grande in the far northeast of Italy, the son of Giacomo Fabbro and Anna Geruzzi. Regina Moretti was born 6 March 1893 at Treppo Grande, Italy, the daughter of Giovanni Battista Moretti and Maria Teresa Coletti. Guido and Regina married about 1917 and they had two sons, Giacomo (John c.1918) and Maurie (c.1920). In 1925 Guido Fabbro departed his homeland from Genoa, arriving in Fremantle, Western Australia in June, travelling 3rd class aboard the ship, Caprera. Regina and their two boys followed a year later along with other family members arriving in Fremantle from Genoa 4 July 1926 aboard the Moncalieri. The Fabbros arrived in Eltham in 1933 and purchased a block of land from William West on the western side of Falkiner Street, extending to Ely and Porter Streets which had formerly been part of the West family orchard and dairy farm. As there was no fencing dividing the two properties, West served notice on Guido in December 1934 to bear half of the cost of £6. When payment was not forthcoming, West sued Guido in the Eltham Court in January 1935. Guido failed to appear and was not represented, and costs were ordered in West’s favour. Guido and Regina built a large Italianesque house on their property. The original 1860s cottage was relocated to the back of the block and was rented out (once to Alistair and Margot Knox). Guido also purchased land extending to the Diamond Creek on the eastern side of Falkiner Street and on the eastern side of Bell Street (opposite Eltham High School). The riparian soil was suitable for market gardening: Guido grew mainly tomatoes, but also pumpkins, cauliflowers, cabbages, peas, beans, lettuce, beetroot and zucchinis. Even the land surrounding the house was used. The produce was carted to Melbourne overnight for sale at the market. Guido died in 1970 and is buried in Eltham cemetery. Regina died 1986. She and their son John Patrick (Giacomo) Fabbro who died in 1984 are also buried at Eltham Cemetery. Guido’s son Maurie continued in his father’s footsteps until 2007, principally growing artichokes in later years. He died in 2009. The land on the eastern side of Falkiner Street now forms part of a Council reserve called “Barak Bushland”, the land on the western side having been sold off for residential subdivision. The Bell Street land is now public open space managed by Nillumbik Shire Council and called “Fabbro Fields”. There have been recent proposals to develop the site for sporting purposes or as a dog park or community garden. Provides an insight into early settler's farmhouses and farming property of the Eltham district.guido quarto fabbro, regina fabbro (nee moretti), william west, maurie fabbro, fabbro's farm, hans gregory, west family orchard, west dairy farm

Photos taken by Hans Gregory who along with partner Pauline Steele, rented the original old 1860s William West Cottage situated behind the Fabbro family home. Hans was employed as a Youth officer with the Shire of Eltham at the time and was the last tennant on the property. The property was sold and in 1995 was developed for residential housing as the Riverview Park estate. Guido Quarto Fabbro was born 21 August 1891 at Treppo Grande in the far northeast of Italy, the son of Giacomo Fabbro and Anna Geruzzi. Regina Moretti was born 6 March 1893 at Treppo Grande, Italy, the daughter of Giovanni Battista Moretti and Maria Teresa Coletti. Guido and Regina married about 1917 and they had two sons, Giacomo (John c.1918) and Maurie (c.1920). In 1925 Guido Fabbro departed his homeland from Genoa, arriving in Fremantle, Western Australia in June, travelling 3rd class aboard the ship, Caprera. Regina and their two boys followed a year later along with other family members arriving in Fremantle from Genoa 4 July 1926 aboard the Moncalieri. The Fabbros arrived in Eltham in 1933 and purchased a block of land from William West on the western side of Falkiner Street, extending to Ely and Porter Streets which had formerly been part of the West family orchard and dairy farm. As there was no fencing dividing the two properties, West served notice on Guido in December 1934 to bear half of the cost of £6. When payment was not forthcoming, West sued Guido in the Eltham Court in January 1935. Guido failed to appear and was not represented, and costs were ordered in West’s favour. Guido and Regina built a large Italianesque house on their property. The original 1860s cottage was relocated to the back of the block and was rented out (once to Alistair and Margot Knox). Guido also purchased land extending to the Diamond Creek on the eastern side of Falkiner Street and on the eastern side of Bell Street (opposite Eltham High School). The riparian soil was suitable for market gardening: Guido grew mainly tomatoes, but also pumpkins, cauliflowers, cabbages, peas, beans, lettuce, beetroot and zucchinis. Even the land surrounding the house was used. The produce was carted to Melbourne overnight for sale at the market. Guido died in 1970 and is buried in Eltham cemetery. Regina died 1986. She and their son John Patrick (Giacomo) Fabbro who died in 1984 are also buried at Eltham Cemetery. Guido’s son Maurie continued in his father’s footsteps until 2007, principally growing artichokes in later years. He died in 2009. The land on the eastern side of Falkiner Street now forms part of a Council reserve called “Barak Bushland”, the land on the western side having been sold off for residential subdivision. The Bell Street land is now public open space managed by Nillumbik Shire Council and called “Fabbro Fields”. There have been recent proposals to develop the site for sporting purposes or as a dog park or community garden. Provides an insight into early settler's farmhouses and farming property of the Eltham district.guido quarto fabbro, regina fabbro (nee moretti), william west, maurie fabbro, fabbro's farm, hans gregory, west family orchard, west dairy farm

Photos taken by Hans Gregory who along with partner Pauline Steele, rented the original old 1860s William West Cottage situated behind the Fabbro family home. Hans was employed as a Youth officer with the Shire of Eltham at the time and was the last tennant on the property. The property was sold and in 1995 was developed for residential housing as the Riverview Park estate. Guido Quarto Fabbro was born 21 August 1891 at Treppo Grande in the far northeast of Italy, the son of Giacomo Fabbro and Anna Geruzzi. Regina Moretti was born 6 March 1893 at Treppo Grande, Italy, the daughter of Giovanni Battista Moretti and Maria Teresa Coletti. Guido and Regina married about 1917 and they had two sons, Giacomo (John c.1918) and Maurie (c.1920). In 1925 Guido Fabbro departed his homeland from Genoa, arriving in Fremantle, Western Australia in June, travelling 3rd class aboard the ship, Caprera. Regina and their two boys followed a year later along with other family members arriving in Fremantle from Genoa 4 July 1926 aboard the Moncalieri. The Fabbros arrived in Eltham in 1933 and purchased a block of land from William West on the western side of Falkiner Street, extending to Ely and Porter Streets which had formerly been part of the West family orchard and dairy farm. As there was no fencing dividing the two properties, West served notice on Guido in December 1934 to bear half of the cost of £6. When payment was not forthcoming, West sued Guido in the Eltham Court in January 1935. Guido failed to appear and was not represented, and costs were ordered in West’s favour. Guido and Regina built a large Italianesque house on their property. The original 1860s cottage was relocated to the back of the block and was rented out (once to Alistair and Margot Knox). Guido also purchased land extending to the Diamond Creek on the eastern side of Falkiner Street and on the eastern side of Bell Street (opposite Eltham High School). The riparian soil was suitable for market gardening: Guido grew mainly tomatoes, but also pumpkins, cauliflowers, cabbages, peas, beans, lettuce, beetroot and zucchinis. Even the land surrounding the house was used. The produce was carted to Melbourne overnight for sale at the market. Guido died in 1970 and is buried in Eltham cemetery. Regina died 1986. She and their son John Patrick (Giacomo) Fabbro who died in 1984 are also buried at Eltham Cemetery. Guido’s son Maurie continued in his father’s footsteps until 2007, principally growing artichokes in later years. He died in 2009. The land on the eastern side of Falkiner Street now forms part of a Council reserve called “Barak Bushland”, the land on the western side having been sold off for residential subdivision. The Bell Street land is now public open space managed by Nillumbik Shire Council and called “Fabbro Fields”. There have been recent proposals to develop the site for sporting purposes or as a dog park or community garden. Provides an insight into early settler's farmhouses and farming property of the Eltham district.guido quarto fabbro, regina fabbro (nee moretti), william west, maurie fabbro, fabbro's farm, hans gregory, west family orchard, west dairy farm