Contents: • The Carrucan Dairy by Russell Yeoman • Our Annual General Meeting • May Excursion – John Street Mud Brick Precinct • Empire Day by Ann Constable • . . . . More Than A Family Reunion by Irene Kearsey • Eltham Scouts • Eltham District Welfare Committee – a history by Jenny Ellis • My People: Alan Marshall talks about . . . Eltham in the early days • Alan Marshall • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Richard Pinn o William McMahon Ball o George Bird • Annual general Meeting • Vale – Dr Malcolm Harrop OAM • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society

Self guided heritage tour information produced by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society for 1978 Eltham Community Festival of 36 locations each numbered on accompanying map. Locations and detail provided current to 1978: 1. ELTHAM SHOPPING CENTRE Whilst very little remains in the centre of historical importance, this area has interest as the "village" which developed over many years following the opening of the railway from Melbourne in 1902. Previously the shopping centre had been spread out over a long length of Main Road to the south. Shops have been continuously demolished or remodelled and the majority of buildings date from the 1950's or later. The recently erected Post Office replaced the "old" Post Office opened on the same site only in 1958. 2. WOOLWORTHS ELTHAM VILLAGE Part of the site of this modern shopping development was occupied by the former Eltham Shire Offices and Hall. The hall was paid for by public subscription whilst the Council raised a loan for the offices. The combined building was opened in 1941. It served as office and Council meeting place until 1965 and as the hall until its demolition in 1970. 3. ELTHAM WAR MEMORIAL The complex of buildings adjoining the present Shire Offices were financed by public subscription as a Memorial following World War II. Their construction and for many years their operation was organised by the now disbanded Eltham War Memorial Committee. The original buildings were the; Infant Welfare Centre, Children’s Library (now War Memorial Hall and Dental Clinic) and Kindergarten. In later years the Elderly Citizens Club was built at the rear. 4. ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES These offices were opened in 1965 and extended in 1971 to provide additional office accommodation and the Eltham Library. They represent the last of a long line of offices and meeting places of the Eltham Shire Council and its predecessor the Eltham District Road Board. The building occupies the former site of Shillinglaw Cottage. The three tall cypress trees which stood in front of the Cottage have been retained as a feature of the office surrounds. 5. OUR LADY'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL The Catholic Church and School complex opposite the Shires Offices shows a number of stages in the development of Eltham township. The recently constructed church adjoins its predecessor (now the parish centre). Many years ago the Catholic Church was located opposite Wingrove Park and the present central site follows the northerly drift of the township. 6. SHILLINGLAW COTTAGE The Cottage was built in 1859 by George Stebbing, a local builder who was responsible for a number of other prominent buildings in the area. Its removal from the site of the Shire Offices and re-erection on the present site was financed by public subscription. It is built of handmade bricks laid in Flemish Bond with an unusual design featuring burnt "leader" bricks over the whole facade. The Cottage is occupied by Eltham Fleececrafts and will be open during the Festival and at other times during weekends. It is classified by the National Trust. 7. RAILWAY BRIDGE The timber trestle bridge over the Diamond Creek was built in 1901. Whilst all of its timbers have been replaced at various times over the years the only change to its character has been the addition of pylons and wiring for electric trains in 1923. It is one of very few similar bridges remaining in the metropolitan area. In 1976 a proposal to replace the bridge with an earth embankment and large culvert pipes was abandoned following community protests. The bridge, however, remains under threat because of the necessity for future deuplication of the railway line. 8. ELTHAM CENTPAL PARK The area between the railway and the creek has for many years been used as a park which included Eltham' s main football oval. The access road, Panther Place is named after Eltham's team playing in the Diamond Valley League. In recent years a large area extending to Bridge Street and locally known as the Town Park has been landscaped and added to the area. The excellent blending of the park with the natural landscape of the creek valley has earned a National Trust Landscape Classification. 9. OLD BAKERY On the southern corner of York Street and Main Road is an old house with a shop front which was for many years the local baker's shop. The brick bakery at the rear is of somewhat later vintage than the house. 10. BRIDGE STREET CUTTING Before reconstruction of Main Road this intersection had deep cutting embankments on all four corners, forming a distinctive feature of the entrance to Eltham. Roadworks and private development have levelled the land on the low side of the road. A memorial to the Eltham soldiers of World War I which was located at the north-western corner is now situated at the Eltham R.S.L.   11. HILLTOP MILK BAR For many years this was the site of the Eltham Post Office under the control of the Hunniford family and later their descendants the Burgoynes. It was transferred to this site in 1855, although at that time the building apparently fronted Bridge Str e et. The site contained Eltham's first telephone exchange. The post office was relocated in 1954 but the shop was operated until recently by the Burgoyne family who still own the surrounding land. 12. UNITING CHURCH and former C.B.A. BANK The former Methodist Church was built in 1880 by George Stebbing. The Sunday School extension was built in 1929 and there have been more recent extensions. The adjoining opportunity shop was built as a bank in 1874 and purchased by the Methodist Church in 1954. 13. R.S.L. HALL, TELEPHONE EXCHANGE These relatively recent buildings occupy the site of a row of shops forming part of the early ribbon of business development along Main Road. In front of the R.S.L. building is the World War I Memorial relocated from the corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. 14. ELTHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE Australia's first mudbrick "community building" was opened in April this year. Part of the site of the building was purchased in 1856 by Henry Dendy (of Brighton fame). At the rear of the land near the creek was a steam flour mill whilst Dendy's house was at the Main Road frontage of the land. His purchase totalled about 2 Ha (5 acres) and included land on the opposite side of Maria Street (Main Road). Dendy became a prominent member of the Eltham community and served one term as President of the Eltham District Road Board. In 1867 Dendy sold his land and business to William Ford of Malmsbury and shifted to Walhalla. The avenue of trees leading past the Community Centre to the creek may well have bordered the track to the mill. 15. ELTHAM HOTEL The original part of this hotel was built in 1927 following the burning of the former Watson's Eltham Hotel on the same site. The car park on the opposite side of Main Road was also the site of a hotel variously known over the years as; the Fountain of Friendship, the Fountain and the Evelyn Arms. As the Fountain of Friendship it was the first meeting place of the Eltham District Road Board in 1856. 16. ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH, PITT STREET In 1860 Henry Dendy was appointed Chairman of a committee to establish a church of England in Eltham. He donated part of his land in Pitt Street and in 1861 the church was opened. It was built by George Stebbing and remains in a well preserved state today. Th adjoining old vicarage is now named Dendy Hou se. A new mudbrick church hall is under construction on the site. The church and Dendy House are now listed on the Register of Historic Buildings. 17. NO. 86 PITT STREET Cottage built by George Stebbing and believed to be his home for some years in the 1850s. 18. LIVING AND LEARNING CENTRE The house was built in the 1850s with the kitchen at the front being added about 40 years later. By the creek below the house a number of early Eltham industries were located. These included a tannery and a brewery. 19. ELTHAM COURT HOUSE A Court of Petty Sessions was established in Eltham in 1858 and the present building dates from 1860. It is the oldest public building remaining in Eltham. In its early days the building was used as the meeting place and office of the Eltham District Road Board and as an overflow classroom for the local school. The Court House has been classified by the National Trust. The citation states that it is an example of the simple form of early brick Court House with gabled roof and porch. 20. LANDS DEPARTMENT OFFICE This building is the former police station and is probably of about the same age as the Court House. The lockup at the rear has been demolished but the old stables remain as garages. A licence was first granted for a police station at Eltham in 1856. 21. JARROLD COTTAGE The old Cottage opposite Dalton Street was formerly owned by the Jarrold family. Early records indicate that this was the building leased from the Jarrolds as a temporary police station prior to construction of the building on the corner of Brougham Street. The small building on the corner of the property was used as a boot repairer's shop. The elevated studio at the rear is a more recent construction by the present owners. 22. STATE SCHOOL RESIDENCE Erected in 1891 23. WINGROVE COTTAGE This building fills an important place in the history of Eltham and is now used as a medical clinic. It was built in 1858 for Charles S. Wingrove who was Secretary to the Eltham District Road Board and Shire Council from 1858 to 1904. During part of this period he was also Shire Engineer and was Secretary to the Heidelberg Road Board. The house was used as the office of the Board and Council for many years. Wingrove is buried in the cemetery at St. Helena.   24. WINGROVE PARK The parkland opposite Wingrove Cottage has been named after Charles Wingrove. The old Manna Gums are an outstanding feature of the park. 25. ELTHAM FRI.MARY SCHOOL NO. 209 The school first opened in the slab building in 1855 and operated from the present site since 1857. The oldest part of the present school is the stone building erected in 1876. The first school teacher, David Clark remained at the school until 1888. This school is the government township and has always been known as the Eltham School. An earlier school (no.371) known as Little Eltham School operated in Swan Street from 1853 to 1872. 26. "SHOESTRING" This house was built for school teacher David Clark. It has been extensively extended in recent years but the extensions do not detract from the character of the older part of the building. 27. ELTHAM CEMETERY The cemetery contains the graves of many of the district's pioneers . 28. MONTSALVAT This unique complex of buildings was commenced in 1935 by the late Justus Jorgensen and its development has extended over many years. Montsalvat has exerted a significant impact on Eltham The earth and stone construction of many of the buildings has influenced local architecture to a great extent and it has served as a "nerve centre" of the local artistic community. Montsalvat is open to the public for a small charge. 29. MAIN ROAD BRIDGE This location has been the main crossing of Diamond Creek since the earliest days of settlement. The present concrete bridge was erected in 1925 .and was preceded by a number of timber bridges. 30. ELTHAM LOWER PARK This park, being an unusually large flat area for Eltham, was originally the local racecourse. Horse races were held here from 1855 and the area was gazetted as a reserve for a racecourse and recreation reserve in 1857. The park is well known as a venue for school "bird days" and more recently as the site of the Diamond Valley Railway. This miniature railway features scale models of modern and old locomotives and rolling stock and has operated on this site since 1961 . Before that the railway operated at Chelsworth Park, Ivanhoe.   31. FALKINER HOUSE Frederick Falkiner was one of the earliest settlers in the Eltham township area and occupied a substantial leasehold prior to the first land sales. Early records show that Falkiner was the subject of a number of complaints from his neighbours but he has nevertheless been considered a prominent enough citizen to have a street named for him. This house was the home of Evelyn (Ely) Falkiner a member of Frederick's family. 32. WEST HOUSE Behind the large house on the hill is an early house built by the West family. This was relocated from a site near the front of the land by the present owner Mr. Fabbro. 33. FALKINER HOUSE This very old house is believed to have been the home of Frederick and may have been Eltham's first post office. Falkiner was the first post master for a short period. in 1854/55. 34. WITHERS HOUSE This house was the home of famous artist Walter Withers who shifted here from Heidelberg in 1903. 35. ELTHAM HIGH SCHOOL This school celebrated its jubilee this year, having commenced as the Eltham Higher Elementary School 50 years ago. 36. DIAMOND CREEK FOOTWAY If returning from the High School to the town centre the footpath by the bank of the Diamond Creek provides a pleasant route to finish your walk. The creek is a major tributary of the Yarra River. Together with its own major tributaries Arthurs Creek and Running Creek it commences on the southern slopes of the Dividing Range at Kinglake. It gives the name Diamond Valley to an area extending well beyond its actual drainage catchment.Recognition of the significance of various landmarks to the history of the Eltham community as of 1978‘shoestring’, 1978, bridge street cutting, burgoyne store, c.b.a. bank, diamond creek trail, eltham cemetery, eltham central park, eltham community centre, eltham community festival, eltham court house, eltham festival, eltham high school, eltham hotel, eltham lower park, eltham primary school, eltham railway trestle bridge, eltham shire offices, eltham shopping centre, eltham state school no. 209, eltham village, eltham war memorial, falkiner house, heritage trail, hilltop milk bar, jarrold cottage, lands department office, living, living and learning centre, main road bridge, montsalvat, old bakery, our eltham artistic recollections, our lady help of christian’s church, our lady help of christian’s primary school, pitt street, post office, r.s.l. hall, shillinglaw cottage, st margaret’s church, state school residence, stebbing cottage, telephone exchange, uniting church, west house, wingrove cottage, wingrove park, withers house, woolworths

CONTENTS: BOX 1 04585-1 04585 History • 04585-1-1 An Outline History of the Eltham War Memorial Trust by Stanley S. Addison • 04585-1-2 Stanly Addison's notes for his Outline History of the Eltham War Memorial Trust • 04585-1-3-1 Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial Trust: Ready Now for Forward Movement; Acknowledgements £722; publication unknown, c.1946 • 04585-1-3-2 Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial Trust: "Garden of Remembrance"; Baby Health Centre First Building, The News: The Newspaper of the City of Heidelberg and of the Shire of Eltham, 11 April 1947 • 04585-1-3-3 Newspaper: The News: The Newspaper of the City of Heidelberg and of the Shire of Eltham; Friday, December 1, 1950 • 04585-1-3-4 Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial Trust by Stanley Addison, 1953 • 04585-1-3-5 Newspaper article: War Memorial Trust (publication unknown, n.d.) • 04581-1-4 Folder: A brief history of the Eltham War Memorial and Eltham Library, Harry Gilham, 1997-1999 • 04585-1-5 Newspaper article: Eltham's War Memorial; A Journey in Time, Nillumbik Mail, 5 July c.2001 04585-2 Eltham War Memorial Trust Minutes • 04585-2-1 Eltham War Memorial Trust Minutes, Book No. 2, 20 March 1951 to 4 June 1957 • 04585-2-2 Minute Book: Eltham War Memorial Trust Minutes, 2 July 1957 to 12 November 1973 BOX 2 04585-3 Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust • 04585-3-1-1 Minute Book: Minute Book No. 1, Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust, 10 May 1946 to 10 April 1952 • 04585-3-1-2 Minute Book: Minute Book No. 2, Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust, 12 June 1952 to 14 June 1956 • 04585-3-1-3 Minute Book: Minute Book No. 3, Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust, 12 July 1957 to 14 May 1959 • 04585-3-1-4 Minute Book: Minute Book No. 4, Women's Auxiliary, Eltham War Memorial Trust, 14 May 1959 to 12 August 1965 • 04585-3-2 Book: A favourite book of country recipes / compiled by the Women's Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust 04585-4 04591 Eltham Easter Show and Gymkhana • 04585-4-1 Minute Book: Eltham War Memorial Trust; Easter Gymkhana Committee Minutes, 19 Nov 1954-6 Jun 1958 • 04585-4-2 Folder: Eltham War Memorial Trust; Easter Gymkhana Committee Correspondence, 19 Nov 1954-6 Jun 1958 o 04585-4-2-1 Notice from Honorary Treasurer of Easter Gymkhana Committee regarding completion of 1954 event and expression of thanks and that committee is now going into recess prior to commencement of planning for 1955 o 04585-4-2-2 Notice of Easter Gymkhana Committee Meeting, Monday 24th October, 1955 at the Shire Hall, Eltham o 04585-4-2-3 Letter from B.T. Taylor, Hon. Secretary, Eltham Easter Show Committee regarding the sale of tickets (c.1957) o 04585-4-2-4 Letter from B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show Committee to Georges Ltd regarding the supply of The Georges Cup for the Eltham Easter Show, 11 April 1958 o 04585-4-2-5 Letter from Georges Ltd to B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show Committee with payment for the miniatures of The Georges Cup, 6 June 1958 o 04585-4-2-6 Letter from Eltham Shire Secretary to B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show Committee advising of new process regarding raffle, 5 May 1958 o 04585-4-2-7 Letter from Lilian Heath, Secretary, Judge Book Village Auxiliary to B.T. Taylor, Eltham Easter Show Committee, 24 May 1958 o 04585-4-2-8 Letter from Mrs R.J. Godfrey on behalf of M.A. Godfrey of Dandenong to B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show under threat of legal action requesting replacement of cheque for £10 (second prize Open Jumping Contest), which was lost, 24 May 1958 o 04585-4-2-9 Reply by B.T. Taylor, President, Eltham Easter Show Committee to Mrs R.J. Godfrey to her letter of 24 May explaining circumstances and denying responsibility to forward a replacement cheque as it was cashed at the Golf Club Hotel; 6 June 1958 • 04585-4-3 Folder: Easter Gymkhana Committee Minutes and other associated ephemera o 04585-4-3-1 Letter: Letter of donation to Shire of Eltham Historical Society of the Easter Gymkhana Committee Minutes and other associated ephemera, J.M. Peter Bassett-Smith, 31 October 1987 o 04585-4-3-2 Souvenir Program: Free Program; Eltham Easter Gymkhana and Light Horse Show also Dog Competition, Easter Saturday 9th April, 1955 at Eltham (Lower) Park o 04585-4-3-3 Program Schedule; Eltham Easter Gymkhana and Light Horse Show also Dog Competition, Easter Saturday 9th April, 1955 at Eltham (Lower) Park o 04585-4-3-4 Program; Monster Gymkhana in aid of Hurstbridge Hall Re-Building Fund, Hurstbridge Recreation Reserve, Sunday, September 18, 1955 o 04585-4-3-5 Record Crowd Came To Eltham Gymkhana, Sporting World, Diamond Valley Local, Thursday, April 14, 1955, p8 o 04585-4-3-6 Program; Eltham Easter Gymkhana Goat Show Schedule, Easter Saturday 31st March, 1956, Eltham Park o 04585-4-3-7 Official Program; Eltham Easter Horse Show and Goat Show, Easter Saturday April 20th, 1957, Eltham Park o 04585-4-3-8 Program Schedule; Eltham Easter Horse Show and Goat Show, Easter Saturday April 20th, 1957, Eltham Park o 04585-4-3-9 Young Rider to Judge at Show, The Age, Wednesday, April 17, 1957, p8 o 04585-4-3-10 Promotional window label, Eltham Gymkhana, Easter Saturday, 20 April 1957 o 04585-4-3-11 Entry form for the Skyline Drive-In “Soap-Box” Derby, to be held along Main Road between Panorama Avenue and Bolton Street, Easter Saturday, 20 April 1957 o 04585-4-3-12 Official Program; Eltham Easter Horse Show and Goat Show, Easter Saturday, 5th April, 1958, Eltham Park o 04585-4-3-13 Brief history of the Eltham War Memorial Trust and Women's Auxiliary, Peter Bassett-Smith, 1987 o 04585-4-3-14 Summary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust Easter Gymkhana Committee Minutes (1954-1956) 04585-5 Folder: Infant Welfare Centre (1952) 04585-5-1 Newspaper article: Eltham: “Memorial Baby Health Centre Opening”; District News, The News, 14 November 1952. (Single sheet newsprint printed one side with District News for Macleod, Kinglake, Watsonia, Wattle Glen, Diamond Creek, Panton Hill, Eltham North, Lower Plenty, Research, Eltham. On reverse in handwritten purple pencil to the President, somewhat indecipherable, about an item to be hung on the walls of the beautiful building.) • 04585-5-2 Eltham War Memorial Trust, Official Opening - Baby Health Centre, 15th November 1952; Timetable of proceedings (1 page handwritten) • 04585-5-3 Eltham Baby Health Centre; Official Opening - Baby Health Centre: Address by President, 15 November 1952 (9 pages handwritten) • 04585-5-4 Newspaper article: Infant Welfare Centre as War Memorial, 15 November 1952 • 04585-5-5 Souvenir Booklet: Eltham War Memorial Trust, 1954 • 04585-5-6 Eltham War Memorial: Address by Mrs Stanley Addison at the Annual Meeting of the Infant Welfare Centre, Thursday 21st October, 1965 (4 pages typed, carbon copy) 04585-6 Roll of Honour Board (1954), Eltham War Memorial 04585-7 Eltham Pre-School (1956), Eltham War Memorial • 04585-7-1 Newspaper article: Minister to open Eltham Pre-school Tomorrow • 04585-7-2 Program; Eltham War Memorial Trust: Opening of the Second Unit of the War memorial, The Pre-school Centre, on Saturday, December 1st, 1956 at 3 p.m. • 04585-7-3 Folder: Eltham Pre-School (1956) Papers donated by Gordon Pearce, 30 Apr 2021 pertaining to Eltham Pre-school and Eltham War Memorial Trust. Gordon was a former President of the Eltham Pre-school at the time the Eltham War Memorial Trust was disbanded by Eltham Shire Council in December 1973. o Articles of the Eltham War Memorial Trust (9 A3 photocopies of original foolscap pages) o President’s Report: Eltham War Memorial Trust, Committee of Management, Dec. 1973 in which it was advised that the Committee was to be disbanded. o Letter: Gordon J.J. Pearce, President Eltham Pre-school to C.J. Bock, Chief Administrative Officer, Shire of Eltham, 21 Nov 1973 expressing disappointment at the Shire wanting to disband the Committee of Management of the Eltham War Memorial Trust o Minutes: Eltham Pre-school Committee, 26 Nov 1973 o Minutes: Eltham Pre-school Committee, 17 Dec 1973 o President’s Report: Gordon Pearce, Eltham Pre-school, 4 Feb 1974 • 04585-7-4 Newspaper clipping: A humble beginning, Diamond Valley Leader, July 26, 2006, p35 04585-8 Children’s Library (1961) / Eltham War Memorial Hall (1966) • 04585-8-1 Letter: Hon. Secretary Eltham Shire Council inviting Lieut-General The Honourable Sir Edmund Herring to attend the opening of the Children's Library. 23 Aug. 1961 • 04585-8-2 Newspaper article: Third unit of Eltham's memorial opened; Diamond Valley News, 14 Nov 1961 (Ref: SEA_74_001-055) • 04585-8-3-1 Receipt to Eltham Historical Society for hire of Eltham War Memorial Hall, 23 June 1970 • 04585-8-3-2 Receipt to Eltham Historical Society for hire of Eltham War Memorial Hall, 6 July 1970 • 04585-8-4 A brief history of the Eltham Library, Harry Gilham, c.1994 04585-9 Eltham Enlistments for the Second World War 04585-1964 • Document: Photocopy of Certificate of Title, Eltham War Memorial Trust, Lot 2, Plan of Subdivision No. 63242, Parish of Nillumbik; derived from Vol. 7073 Fol. 498, 18 May 1964 04585-1996 (Eltham Town Focus Group) Documents relating to a focus group brought together by the Shire of Nillumbik Chairman of Commissioners in 1996 to provide advice on the best long term use for the buildings and land situated between the former Eltham Shire Offices and Country Fire Authority buildings. These buildings are known as the Eltham War Memorial buildings located at 903-907 Main Road, Eltham. In May 2020, the Heritage Council Victoria did not recommend the site for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register. Potential impact upon the Memorial Garden because of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street and Main Road • Notes concerning impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street, Eltham, 20 August 1996 • Draft proposal of a roundabout at Dudley Street and Main Road showing impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden, c. Sep. 1996 • Letter (copy): Harry Gilham, President, EDHS to Bruce Ruxton, President, Victorian RSL concerning impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street, Eltham, 1 September 1996 • Letter: Bruce Ruxton, President, Victorian RSL to Harry Gilham, President, EDHS, 20 Sep 1996 concerning impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street, Eltham, including copy of communication with Eltham RSL (T. Beaton, Hon Sec.) of 10 Sep 1996 • Letter: EDHS (H. Gilham, President) to Commissioners, Nillumbik Shire Council, 16 Sep 1996 advising not in support of roundabout at Dudley Street due to impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden • Photocopy: Editorial comment, Peter Doughterty, ArtStreams Dec 1996/Jan 1997 re Commissioners push for development in activity zone of former office site and Eltham War Memorial (see EDHS_04362) • Letter: Don Cordell, Chairman of Commissioners, Nillumbik Shire Council, 10 Dec. 1996 inviting Harry Gilham to join a Focus Group to advise him, chaired by Alan Field. Includes a list of focus group members and contact details. • Minutes of Meeting, Eltham Town Focus Group, 17 Dec. 1996 04585-1997 (Eltham Town Focus Group) Documents relating to a focus group brought together by the Shire of Nillumbik Chairman of Commissioners in 1996 to provide advice on the best long term use for the buildings and land situated between the former Eltham Shire Offices and Country Fire Authority buildings. These buildings are known as the Eltham War Memorial buildings located at 903-907 Main Road, Eltham. In May 2020, the Heritage Council Victoria did not recommend the site for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register. Investigating condition of and future use of the Eltham War Memorial Complex and redevelopment of the site • Letter: Alan Field to Harry Gilham. 8 Jan. 1997 advising date of 18 Jan. for next meeting of Eltham Town Focus Group • Minutes of Meeting, Eltham Town Focus Group, 18 Jan. 1997 with handwritten notes by Harry Gilham • Draft Report: A Community Vision for “The Eltham War Memorial Trust” Property, Main Road, Eltham, prepared at the request of Chief Commissioner, Don Cordell, 31 Jan. 1997, along with handwritten nots by Ross McDonald and accompanying note by Harry Gilham written in 2010 upon handover of EDHS presidency 04585-2000 • Notes used by Harry Gilham at Nillumbik Council Meeting of 21 March 2000 regarding proposed sale/development of the Eltham War Memorial property 04585-2004 Material covers Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan and a proposal by Council to sell the Eltham War Memorial site for commercial use • Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan Comments Sheet; Response by Harry Gilham, 22 June 2004 • Letter from Eric Mack to the Hon. Steve Herbert, Member for Eltham regarding draft Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, 22 June 2004 • Newspaper article: Protect war memorial, Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society; Letter, Diamond Valley Leader, June 30, 2004, p16 (Includes copy sent to paper 17 June) • Letter from Eric Mack to Nillumbik Shire Council CEO and Councillors regarding draft Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, 2004 • Copy of fax sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to Diamond Valley News, re his support for the appeal for protection of the Eltham War Memorial 3 July 2004 • Newspaper article: Sell-off a betrayal of trust, Ken Eckersall; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, 7 July 2004 • Newspaper article: Don't insult memory of fallen servicemen, John Cohen; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, 7 July 2004 • Newspaper article: Up in arms against sell-off, Dave Crosswaite, Diamond Valley Leader, July 14, 2004, p5 • Copy of letter from John Cohen to President and Executive of the Eltham RSL regarding the Eltham War Memorial, 16 July 2004 • Reply to Eric Mack from the Hon. Steve Herbert, Member for Eltham regarding his letter of 22 June, 27 July, 2004 • Notice issued by Cr Greg Johnson of 11 August meeting by Council's Policy and Services Committee to consider a proposal to sell the Eltham War memorial and old shire office properties, 6 August 2004 • Minutes for the policy and Services Committee of Nillumbik Shire Council held Wednesday 11 August 2004 • Newspaper article: Shire plan 'sacrilegious' by Dave Crossthwaite, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, August 19, 2004, p1 • Newspaper article: Our say on sale of land; Have you say, Diamond Valley Leader, August 18, 2004, p22 • Newspaper article: School hall is not ratepayers' worry; Have your Say, Diamond Valley Leader, August 18, 2004, p23 • Copy of letter sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to the CEO, RSL Victoria requesting their opposition to sale of the Eltham War Memorial, 19 August 2004 • Newspaper article: Clash over land sale by Dave Crossthwaite, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p1 • Newspaper article: Mayor beset over arts agenda claim by Dave Crossthwaite, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p5 • Newspaper article: A lot of work has gone into shire structure plan; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p10 • Newspaper article: Public assets are not for sale; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p11 • Copy of letter sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to Brigadier J.R. Deighton, State Secretary, Victorian RSL re his comments in Diamond Valley Leader regarding the Eltham War Memorial, 27 August 2004 • Handwritten notes prepared by Harry Gilham in preparation of presentation to Council pertaining to draft Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan, c. Sep. 2004 • Newspaper article: Don't let a dream stay hijacked; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, September 1, 2004, p11 • Ordinary Meeting of Council Agenda, 15 September 2004, p55 with notes on vote for motion that any reference to the sale of the War Memorial be removed • Copy of letter sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to Brigadier J.R. Deighton, State Secretary, Victorian RSL advising the War Memorial had been removed from the wider proposal of the Eltham Activity Centre, 16 September 2004 • Newspaper article: Future of memorial site on hold until poll by Caroline Gonzalez, Diamond Valley Leader, September 20, 2004 • Fax from Catherine Dale, CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council to John Cohen re Renovation and Maintenance of Victorian War Memorials, 6 October 2004 • Letter from Cr Tony Raunic, Mayor to Harry Gilham regarding Eltham Major Activity Centre Structure Plan advising the removal of any reference to sale of the War Memorial and detailed consultation to be held with stakeholders regarding the former Shire of Eltham Office site; 8 October 2004 • Letter from Barry Rosewall, President, Eltham RSL to John Cohen advising the sub-branch strongly opposes the sale of the Eltham War Memorial, 20 October 2004 • Fax from Bill Forrest, Interim CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council to John Cohen re Renovation and Maintenance of Victorian War Memorials, 8 November 2004 • Copy of letter from John Cohen to Bill Forrest, Interim CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council re Maintenance of Eltham War Memorial, November 2004 04585-2007 • News article: The spin starts here; Brian Murray, Nillumbik Ratepayers’ Association, Valley Views, Diamond Valley Leader, 13 June 2007 suggesting Council proposing to bring back Shire Offices to Eltham with potential loss of Eltham War Memorial • News article: War memorial fear-mongering; Harry Gilham, Heidelberg Valley Weekly, 26 June 2007 • News article: Consultation is no spin; John Cohen, Former Shire President, Valley Views, Diamond Valley Leader, 27 June 2007 • News article: Troops enlist for campaign by Fiona Willan, Diamond Valley Leader, 18 July 2007 04585-2010 • Newspaper article: Hall 'scruffy' - war vet, Diamond Valley Leader, 17 February 2010, p2 04585-2011 Cultural Significance Assessment • Cultural Heritage Significance Assessment; Civic Building Complex, 903-907 Main Road, Eltham, September 2011 DRAFT • Feedback to Nillumbik Shire Council by Eltham District Historical Society in response to September 2011 Draft Cultural Heritage Significance Assessment of the Eltham War Memorial Building Complex, 3 November 2011 • War Memorial Building Complex, 903-907 Main Road, Eltham: Cultural Significance Assessment, November 2011 prepared for Nillumbik Shire Council by Samantha Westbrooke Pty Ltd in association with Peter Mills PhD, Architectural Historian 04585-2014 Proposed extension to Cenotaph War Memorial Terrace championed by Montmorency-Eltham RSL and its impact upon the Memorial Garden and Eltham War Memorial buildings complex. • Draft Landscape Concept Plan by Henry Architects for Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace, 14 July 2014 (Note: Senior Citizen’s Building correctly identified. Every subsequent plan incorrectly shows this building as the former Children’s Library, which was the War Memorial Hall building) • Letter: Eltham Gateway Action Group to Stuart Burdack, Shire of Nillumbik (undated) offering comment on Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace with handwritten notes • Letter: Jim Connor, President, EDHS to Adrian Cully, Manager Community Participation, Learning and Culture, Nillumbik Shire Council, 18 Aug. 2014, encouraging Council not to support proposed extension to War Memorial Terrace due to significant impact upon the Eltham War Memorial Complex as supported by the Cultural Significance assessment conducted by Council in 2011 • Notices of Motion, NOM.001/14 pertaining to memorials Advisory Committee and Montmorency-Eltham RSL to upgrade the Eltham War Memorial site in time for ANZAC Day 2015, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 26 August 2014 • Notices of Motion, NOM.001/14 pertaining to memorials Advisory Committee and Montmorency-Eltham RSL to upgrade the Eltham War Memorial site in time for ANZAC Day 2015, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 26 August 2014 • Media Release: Support for cenotaph expansion, Nillumbik Shire Council, Sep 2014 • Eltham War Memorial Park (Stage 2), Nillumbik Shire Council, c.2014 • Email (copy): Summary of advice from Samantha Westbrooke (2 Sep. 2014) regarding proposed impact of landscaping around the cenotaph as identified in the significance assessment conducted Nov. 2011 by herself and Dr Peter Mills. • Policy and Services reports, PSD.034/14 Eltham War Memorial Building Precinct - Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 9 September 2014 • EDHS presentation to NSC Policy and Services meeting 9 September 2014 regarding the Montmorency-Eltham RSL proposal to expand/upgrade the Eltham War Memorial with handwritten notes from Harry Gilham for his submission at Council meeting • Newspaper article: Plan to expand memorial; growth in ANZAC Day services inspires RSL proposal by Megan Bailey, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, September 10, 2014 • Agenda: User Groups and Stakeholders Meeting, Proposed Extension to Memorial Terrace, 11 September 2014 • Email: Jim Connor, EDHS, regarding option to seek a heritage protection overlay for the Eltham War Memorial Building complex similar to that for the cenotaph, 15 Sep. 2014 • Newspaper article: Council defers RSL war memorial upgrade to seek consultation, Diamond Valley Leader, September 17, 2014 • Letter: Harry Gilham to Local Press, 20 Sep. 2014 regarding the Eltham War Memorial and moves by the RSL to take expand the War Memorial Terrace further into the orginal Memorial Garden • Letter: Alan Field, President, The Eltham Veterans War Memorial Preservation Society Inc. to CEO and Councillors, Nillumbik Shire Council protesting at perceived injustices and ‘veteran bashing’ regarding their previous efforts to relocate ‘their Obelisk and Cenotaph’ to the Eltham War Memorial complex and their frustration in their attempts to further expand upon the Memorial Terrace. Areas of letter are highlighted with handwritten markups and notes. Also notes on loose card and paper with definitions of Memorial, Obelisk, Cenotaph, commentary on establishment of Eltham War Memorial, The Eltham War Memorial Trust and RSL involvement and current actions by RSL in respect to claims in the letter (written by Harry Gilham ?). • Newspaper article: Residents say no to memorial upgrade; Mayor says feedback will be considered at next meeting by Megan Bailey, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, October 1, 2014 • Policy and Services reports, PS.038/14 Eltham War Memorial Building Precinct - proposed extension to the Eltham Cenotaph Terrace, Nillumbik Shire Council Policy and Services Committee Meeting, 14 October 2014 • Newspaper article: Centenary dawn service moves to Petrie Park; Diamond Valley Leader, October 22, 2014, p5 • Newspaper article: Upset over upgrade; war memorial plans get culled; Diamond Valley Leader, October 29, 2014, p3 • Newspaper article: Memorial to be extended; expected to be finished before ANZAC Day ceremony by Megan Bailey, Diamond Valley Leader, December 17, 2014 04585-2018 Proposal by Nillumbik Shire Council to sell off former Eltham Shire Office site and Eltham War Memorial site for commercial use and community reaction. • Newspaper article: Site of contention; Conversations, Diamond Valley Leader, September 5, 2018, p10 • Motion to Councillors: Carlotta Quinlan, Eltham Community Action Group, [October 2018] following a Community Town Hall Meeting held October 13, 2018 regarding proposed development and sale of part of 895 and 903-907 Main Road, Eltham • Things you should know about the Eltham War Memorial, author unknown, c. Oct. 2018 • Email: Greg Johnson to Sue Dyet 16 October 2018 regarding Assessment Criteria discussed at 25 September 2018 Council meeting concerning proposed development and sale of part of 895 and 903-907 Main Road, Eltham • Newspaper article: War memorial assurance; RSL involved but no-confidence motion passed on council by Brittany Shanahan, Diamond Valley Leader, October 17, 2018 • An essay addressed to the Councillors of Nillumbik Shire, October 2018: About the Eltham War Memorial and the adjacent community-owned sites in Eltham that the Council threatens to sell, Andrew Lemon Nov. 2018 • Report: Request for proposals - For the development and sale of part of 895 and 903-907 Main Road, Eltham; Prepared for Nillumbik Shire Council by Maddocks; 2 November 2018 (229 pages) • Notice: Duncan Duke, President, Montmorency Eltham RSL, to Members, 5 December 2018 – statement regarding “proposed redevelopment of the Eltham War Memorial Buildings and potential impact of the proposed redevelopment on our (sic) Cenotaph and Memorial Site.” 04585-2020 Community motions to seek Heritage Council Victoria registration of the Eltham War Memorial precinct • Eltham War Memorial Buildings: Recommendation of the Executive Director and assessment of cultural heritage significance under Part 3, Division 3 of the Heritage Act 2017; 18 May 2020 • Newspaper advertisement: Heritage Council Victoria, advising the Eltham War Memorial Buildings have been recommended NOT for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register; The Age, May 22, 2020, p34 • Correspondence: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Nillumbik Shire Council for the Heritage Council Victoria; 29 May 2020 • Correspondence: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Nillumbik Shire Council for the Heritage Council Victoria; 5 June 2020 • Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Eltham Community Action Group for the Heritage Council Victoria; 17 July 2020. Also included: o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Catherine Johnson of Pryor Street, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 17 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Andrew Barras of Silver Street, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 10 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Graham Fildes of Elouera Close, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 11 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Eltham District Historical Society for the Heritage Council Victoria; 17 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Julie Willis of Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne for the Heritage Council Victoria; 17 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Ms Zheng Wu of Wynton Ct, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 16 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Jenny Daw of Black Cameron Road, Smith Gully for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Eltham Pre-School for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Jo-Anne Barker of Treloar Ave, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 18 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Prof. Hannah Lewi of Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne for the Heritage Council Victoria; 18 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Janet Boddy of Kerrie Cres, Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Rosemary Aitken of Kent Hughes Rd., Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 18 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Sue Dyet of Leonard Cres., Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Lynnsay Prunotto of Lavender Park Rd., Eltham for the Heritage Council Victoria; 19 July 2020 o Submission: Eltham War Memorial Buildings; prepared by Felicity Bing of Eltham Pre-School for the Heritage Council Victoria • Draft Report: Eltham War Memorial Building Complex, 903-907 Main Road, Eltham, prepared by CONTEXT, (Survey Date: Dec. 2020) Also contained in Box 2 is EDHS_04586 – Eltham Obelisk   EDHS_04586 - Eltham Obelisk The Eltham Obelisk was originally located at the corner of Bridge and Main Roads in 1919. It commemorated the memory of the Eltham Soldiers who fell in the First World War and complemented the Eltham Avenue of Honour established in 1917 to those that served. In 1943 (WW2) the local community commenced plans to establish the Eltham War Memorial, a living memorial to benefit the children as opposed to a one in stone as per the obelisk. The Eltham War Memorial Trust was established in 1945. In 1947 the Trust intended for the Obelisk to be relocated from Bridge Street and Main Road to the Garden of Remembrance which was planned as part of the Baby Health Centre which was to be the first of three buildings of the Eltham War Memorial to be built in 1951. In 1951 the Eltham RSL was invited to be represented on the Eltham War Memorial Trust. During the period of Jun through October 1956 the original wooden bridge over the Diamond Creek in Bridge Street was replaced with a new concrete structure. At the same time the intersection of Bridge Street at Main Road was revised necessitating the relocation of the Eltham Obelisk. It was ‘temporarily’ relocated to the front garden of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch on Main Road for safe keeping. In 2007, a suggestion was proposed by Harry Gilham (President, EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) to claim a special site along with the historic Shillinglaw trees on the now vacant former Eltham Shire Office site adjacent to the Eltham War Memorial precinct for relocation of the obelisk. In 2010 following the financial collapse and sale of the Eltham RSL Sub-Branch property and amalgamation with the Montmorency Eltham RSL sub-branch, the location of the obelisk was again in immediate jeopardy and in conjunction with Nillumbik Shire Council, supported by the RSL, the obelisk was relocated in front of the Eltham War Memorial buildings in preparation for the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2012. The new location resulted in significant impact upon the Eltham War Memorial Garden. Council’s preferred location was near the Eltham Library however that would have cost $39,000. The Eltham War Memorial Garden was subjected to further intrusion in 2014 with a proposed expansion of the War Memorial Terrace. Contents: 1. Newspaper article: Eltham, The Advertiser, 15 Nov 1918 2. Newspaper article: Eltham, The Advertiser, 18 Nov 1918 3. Newspaper article: An Obelisk at Eltham, The Advertiser, 11 Jul 1919 4. Newspaper advertisement: Unveiling of Obelisk at Eltham, The Advertiser, 1 Aug 1919 5. Newspaper article: Eltham Soldiers’ Memorial; Unveiled by Sir William Irvine, The Argus, Monday, 4 Aug 1919, p8 6. Newspaper article: Memorial to the Fallen; Unveiled at Eltham, The Age, Monday, 4th August 1919 7. Newspaper article: Eltham Memorial to Fallen Soldiers, Diamond Creek Valley Advocate, 8 Aug 1919 8. Newspaper article: Programme - Presentation of German Machine Gun at the Obelisk, Eltham on Sunday, 8th August 1920, at 3.30 P.M. 9. Newspaper article: article about presentation of a war trophy, a heavy machine gun placed beside obelisk, The Advertiser, 13 Aug 1920 10. Newspaper article: Eltham: ANZAC Services, The Advertiser, Friday, May 2, 1924 11. Newspaper article: Eltham War Memorial, The Advertiser, Oct 26, 1928 12. Newspaper article: Obelisk honors their memory, Diamond Valley News, March 30, 1971, p11 13. Newspaper article: Eltham Obelisk of 1919, Harry Gilham, August 2000 as well as draft submitted dated 22 Aug 2000 14. Newspaper article: Names renewal, thanks to Barry, Diamond Valley Leader, 18 Apr 2007, p3 with picture featuring Eltham RSL president John Haines and Gwen Rosewall 15. Handwritten note from Harry Gilham (President EDHS) to John Cohen (ERSL) regarding history of Eltham RSL site and 1947 newspaper article "Eltham War Memorial Trust "Garden of Remembrance" referencing relocation of Obelisk to the proposed Garden of Remembrance at the Baby Health Centre (Eltham War Memorial), 24 December 2000. 16. Minutes of Eltham RSL and Community Meeting held at 29 Nyora Road, Eltham, 23 June 2010 (Community meeting re closure of Eltham RSL sub-branch and relocation of the WW1 Obelisk) 17. Newspaper article: RSL branch has a fight on its hands by Alana Schetzer, Heidelberg & Valley Weekly, 3 August 2010, p7 18. Newspaper article: Locals battle state RSL over building, Diamond Valley Leader, 4 August 2010, p7 19. Newspaper article: Move war memorial: RSL, c. Dec. 2010 20. Officers' reports, 11.113/10 Relocation of Eltham RSL Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 21 December 2010 21. Newspaper article: New home for cenotaph; Councillors support proposal for relocation to Eltham's War Memorial Hall, Diamond Valley Leader, 12 January 2011 22. Newspaper article: CFA hot for RSL site; MP presses for 'fast-track' purchase, Diamond Valley Leader, 23 February 2011, p1 23. Email Correspondence: EDHS President to NSC General Manager Community and Leisure re RSL Obelisk (Cenotaph) proposed relocation, 24 May 2011 24. Officers' reports, OCM.091/11 Interim Relocation site for the Eltham Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 23 August 2011 25. Newspaper article: New home for cenotaph delights war veterans, Diamond Valley Leader, 31 August 2011, p9 26. Newsletter Extract: Eltham RSL and War Memorial, EDHS Newsletter 14 Sep 2011 27. Officers' reports, OCM.004/121 Interim Relocation of the Eltham Cenotaph, Nillumbik Shire Council Ordinary Meeting, 31 January 2012 (includes Funding agreement between NSC and Montmorency-Eltham RSL Sub-branch Inc) 28. Newspaper article: Memorial move lags, Diamond Valley Leader, 1 February 2012 29. Site history of Obelisk and Wall Memorial Hall, Montmorency-Eltham RSL, March 2012 draft 30. Open Letter to the Residents of ELTHAM and MONTMORENCY [And their Surrounding Districts]; Montmorency-Eltham RSL, 19 March 2012 (including drafts) 31. Newspaper advertisement: Open letter to the residents of Eltham and Montmorency, Montmorency Eltham RSL, Diamond Valley News, 21 March 2012 32. Newspaper advertisement: Open letter to the residents of Eltham and Montmorency, Montmorency Eltham RSL, Banyule & Nillumbik Weekly, 27 March 2012, p7 33. Newspaper article: New dawn for tribute, Diamond Valley Leader ca April 2012 34. Email (Copy): Alex Smith (MERSL Ast. Sec.) advising that contractor (Malcorp) will relocate obelisk Monday, April 2, 2012 35. Newspaper article: Memorial Moved, Banyule/Nillumbik Weekly, 10 April 2012 36. Newspaper article: Eltham cenotaph move goes 'like clockwork', Diamond Valley Leader, 11 April 2012 37. Newspaper photo: Veterans (l-r) Alan Field, Max Lowerson and John Cohen will join piper David Cretney to commemorate fallen Diggers, 2012 (standing beside relocated obelisk in front of the Eltham War Memorial complex), c. 11 April 2012 38. Advertisement, Program for Eltham Dawn Service, Diamond Valley Leader, April 2012 39. Program for Montmorency Anzac Day March 2012 (incomplete, some pages duplicated, some pages upside down). 40. Newspaper article: RSL site nets $1.8m, Diamond Valley Leader, 9 May 2012 41. OCM.076/13 Amendment C84 Eltham Cenotaph; 11. Officer's reports, Ordinary Meeting of Council Agenda, 25 June 2013, pp42-44 and Attachment; Amendment C84 Eltham Cenotaph; Citation - Eltham War Memorial (4 pages) 42. Newspaper article: Council seeks to protect cenotaph, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, July 3, 2013, p5 43. Newspaper article: Future safe for war memorial, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, November 13, 2013, p5 44. Handwritten notes in pencil (2 pages) by Harry Gilham, Items form the Eltham and Whittlesea Shires The Advertiser newspaper 7 June 1918 - 1919 providing a summary of the formation of the Peace Celebration Committee leading to the establishment of the Avenue of Honour and the Eltham Obelisk and seeking information in lead up to WW1 Centenary, 2013 45. Newspaper article: Memories of our heroes, Diamond Valley Leader, 25 Apr 2018 – also Veteran saluted, featuring article on Army veteran, Glen Ferrarotto. eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial trust, eltham infant welfare centre, eltham pre school, honour roll, eltham war memorial hall, children's library, eltham obelisk

Charles Gordon Watts-Phillips was born in 1849 at Forest Hill, Surrey, England, the son of Dramatic Author, Watts Phillips, and Lily Mariner. He departed England for Australia around 1874. His sister Roland was a favourite Australian actress of the early 1900s. Gordon as he was known, whilst residing in Goolwa, South Australia and working as a clerk met and married a widow, Jane Luxon (nee Miller) on the 7th August, 1876 at the Wesleyan Church in Strathalbyn, South Australia. Jane, Gordon’s elder by some 11 years was born in Ireland in 1838, the daughter of Robert Joseph Miller, a carpenter and Jane Miller. She had previously married Captain William Luxon in 1861 at Encounter Bay, South Australia at age 22 and they had four children: William (1864), George Robert (1865), Miriam Louisa (1867) and Harriet Jane (1869), all born at Encounter Bay. Gordon and Jane had two further children together: Caroline Roland Watts-Phillips (1877 Islington S.A.) and Charles Gordon Watts-Phillips (1879 Yatala, S.A.). At some stage, Jane then deserted her husband. Gordon obtained a master's certificate and was a part owner of a small trader. He had also been captain of one of the passenger boats on the Darling River. He was reputedly a popular coastal skipper. By 1891 Gordon was the Captain of the S.S Omeo operating around Sale, Victoria. In August of that year some of the heaviest flooding of the Thomson River ever experienced in twenty years occurred over the 3rd and 4th of August. Gordon, and others, rescued the lives of many families over that period for which he was awarded a Bronze Medal by the Royal Humane Society. By 1892 the S.S. Omeo had passed to another Captain and Gordon subsequently retired from the sea and moved to Melbourne. Whilst residing in Coburg, Victoria, Gordon met Mary Hilda Harvey Huxley who was living in Brunswick. Mary was born in Horsham, the daughter of George Harry Huxley, a miner, and Emma Deane. Having not heard from Jane for some years and believing her dead, Gordon and Mary marry at Carlton on Christmas Eve, 1900. Interestingly, an announcement of the marriage was not placed in The Age newspaper until September 1903, nearly three years after the event by which time Gordon and Mary had a son, Victor Gordon Watts-Phillips, born 8 February 1903 in Carlton. Within months of the placement of this marriage announcement, his former wife, Jane, makes a reappearance but apparently does not interfere and Mary and Gordon continue to live together as husband and wife. Around the same time in late 1903, Gordon’s brother, Basil Watts Phillip wrote from London to the Victoria Police seeking assistance to locate his brother. He had last heard from him in a letter dated Cunninghame, Gippsland, 1891. He indicated that about 1893 Gordon and Jane and their two children were living at Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park but the whereabouts of all was now unknown. He mentioned Gordon had also been awarded 21 guineas by Judge Boucaut on the 26th February 1884, also a silver medal, for arresting two ruffians who had brutally assaulted a jockey (in South Australia) and that he had been awarded the Royal Humane Society's medal, London, and in 1891, was presented with the Royal Humane Society's certificate of merit (Victoria). Basil also stated his brother had lost the sight of one eye through a stab he received in New York and had a scar on his temple, one on the wrist, two under the shoulder blade, and one on the thigh, and two bullet wounds in the leg. Basil’s quest was published in the Melbourne Herald and assistance was soon forthcoming to the Police. In June 1906 Gordon made his Will, leaving all his estate to his youngest son Victor. Mary was appointed Executrix and it was witnessed by Olive Huxley, married woman, and James Huxley, a pottery maker. James was subsequently killed in France in May 1918. Gordon and Mary have a second son, Basil Douglas born in Carlton in 1911 but he dies as toddler in 1913. At some point Gordon and Mary made their home at Eltham though official electoral roll records record them at Little Flinders Street Melbourne, employed as a caretaker and from 1906 in Brunswick as a decorator then painter. Eltham may have been a ‘holiday’ home but it seems Mary was actively engaged in the community as a newspaper report in the Advertiser in 1922 not long after Gordon’s death indicates Mary was one of the best known and best liked ladies of the Eltham district. She was actively engaged in all matters, tending towards the welfare of the district. At the time of Gordon’s death Mary was president of the Ladies' Public Hall Committee, responsible for the conduct of numerous, and successful entertainments. Gordon’s first and only legal wife, Jane Luxon Watts-Phillips nee Miller, died 6 November 1921 and was buried 8 November 1921 at Springvale Cemetery. Jane had lived 34 years in South Australia and 30 years in Victoria. With Jane now dead, Gordon was now officially a widower and just three weeks later, the retired master mariner of Eltham at age 55 remarried Mary, 42, of 174 Hickford Street, East Brunswick on the 29th November 1921 in the Parish of St Cuthbert, East Brunswick. Gordon died at their home, ‘The Rest’, at 174 Hickford Street, East Brunswick on February 9, 1922 and was buried at Eltham Cemetery on February 11. An interesting link is established with the heavy floods of August 1891 by the erection of a tombstone in the Eltham cemetery. The stone bears the inscription: - “In loving memory of (Captain) Gordon, dearly beloved husband of Mary Watts Phillips. Died 9th February 1922, aged 62 years." Beside the stone is a replica, carved in a marble scroll, of the Royal Humane Society of Australia's Certificate of merit. Part of the wording of this certificate is as follows:- “At a general court of directors holder at the offices of the society at Melbourne on the 6th day of September 1891, it was resolved that the courage and humanity displayed by Gordon Watts Phillips aged 30-years captain of S.S. Omeo, Sale, in rescuing many families from drowning during the heavy floods on Thomson River on 3rd and 4th of August 1891 call for the admiration of the court, and justly entitles him to the certificate of merit of this society, which is hereby awarded." Unbeknownst to Gordon, his second and subsequent legal marriage to Mary initiated a revocation of his Will of 1906, which had solely benefited his son Victor. Consequently, Mary had to apply for Letters of Administration and the only legal beneficiaries would be Mary and his two children by Jane. On June 18, 1940, at age 61, Mary married 70-year-old Arthur Ernest Fenn in Melbourne. Unfortunately for her, Arthur died a year later in July 1941 and was buried in the Cohuna Cemetery near Echuca. Mary lived a further 8 years, passing away suddenly July 4, 1948 in Carlton, and was buried July 7 with her beloved husband Gordon, at Eltham Cemetery. In Loving Memory of (Captain) Gordon Dearly beloved husbandof Mary Watts-Phillips Died 9th Feb. 1922, aged 62 years Also Mary Hilda Loved wife of above Died 4th July 1948 "At rest"Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, (captain) gordon watts-phillips, mary hilda harvey watts-phillips (nee huxley)