Originally situated on the northwest corner of Ely and Porter streets, Eltham. Incorrectly titled by the artist as "Old School House" Newsletter No. 189 November 2009 Donation: Lesley Rickards of South Australia has made a donation to the Society of a painting by her father Ronald Coudrey, who was a well-known artist in that state. The water colour painting reproduced below, is titled "Old School House, Eltham" but has been identified as an old cottage that once stood in Ely Street Eltham near the Eltham High School. In the late 1970s and early 80s this building was the subject of a campaign by our Society with the objective of its preservation. It had been identified as having associations with Eltham pioneer Frederick Falkiner. Suggestions that it was an old school building shifted to this site were not supported by any evidence. The land developer donated the cottage and a small area of land to the Eltham Shire Council. However, due to its poor condition and vandalism, it was decided that the cottage could not be retained and ultimately it was demolished. The land on which it stood has recently been sold by Nillumbik Shire Council. The Society has a number of photos and another painting of this building, but this recent donation is an important addition to our collection and we are grateful for the donation.art, falkiners cottage, ronald coudrey

Black and white photograph of Falkiner Cottage, Eltham with Shire of Eltham Historical Society members (Ron Smith, Joh Ebeli and Russell Yeoman), September 1982f falkiner, houses, eltham, ely street, ron smith, joh ebeli, russell yeoman

View of Falkiner Cottage (also known as Maynard Cottage) off Ely Street at the rear of Eltham High School Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill.Signed lower left "db '74" Artist information on label adhered to back with title hand written and datedartwork, cottage, don brown, early settlers, eltham, eltham high school, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Black and white photograph of Falkiner Cottage, Eltham with Shire of Eltham Historical Society members (Ron Smith, Joh Ebeli and Russell Yeoman), September 1982.Black and white photographeltham, early settlers, ely street, falkiner cottage, joh ebeli, maynard cottage, ron smith, houses, russell yeoman

Contents: • Next meeting – Examination and collation of historical photographs • Former Falkiner Cottage • Other Council matters o Former Lands Department building o Development of Council Pound site o Maroondah Aqueduct 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 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

Contents: • Next meeting – “Something for everyone” • Membership cards • Kangaroo Ground Presbyterian Church • Former Falkiner Cottage • Requests for information o Victorian Mounted Rifles o The Status of Rivers • Victoria’s 150th Anniversary 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 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill.Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 2 stripsKodak Safety 5063cottage, early settlers, eltham, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage, houses

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill.Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 2 stripsKodak Safety 5063cottage, early settlers, eltham, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage, houses

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill.Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 2 stripsKodak Safety 5063cottage, early settlers, eltham, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage, houses

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill.Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 2 stripsKodak Safety 5063cottage, early settlers, eltham, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage, houses

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill.Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 2 stripsKodak Safety 5063cottage, early settlers, eltham, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage, houses

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill.Roll of 35mm black and white negative film, 2 stripsKodak Safety 5063cottage, early settlers, eltham, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage, houses

Contents: • Next meeting; Discussion evening led by Russell Yeoman; Our local heritage – places to visit • Annual General Meeting • Subscriptions • Falkiner Cottage – Ely Street • Literary Guide to Australia • Kyneton trip by Bettina Woodburn 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 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

Contents: • Next meeting guest speaker, Jack McLean: The Hurstbridge Line; a brief history • Falkiner Cottage, Ely Street, Eltham • Subscriptions • Hurstbridge Bank Building • St Andrews School – 125th Anniversary • Kinglake National Park • New Committee member • “Donald Thomson in Arnhem Land” 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 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches.16 black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Falkiner Cottage, also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. This site was classified by the National Trust but there is no citation available. The Cottage has since been demolished. Located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill. Photographer: Alan Baker Refers File 550258 and 1903 7 photos 3.5x5 inches and 5 photos 8x10 inches. Twelve black and white photographsearly settlers, eltham, houses, cottage, ely street, falkiner cottage, maynard cottage

Viewed from the western boundary at the rear of Eltham High School looking southwest across part of what would be become the Cronus Court housing development. Aerial photos for 1976 reflect the undeveloped landscape as viewed. By 1981 the estate was well established with all houses built. Falkiner Cottage was also known as Maynard's Cottage. Falkiner was the original owner and Maynard the last owner. The cottage was located on the north side of Ely Street where present day #19 is situated. The cottage ran in a north-south orientation with an easterly aspect down the hill.david taylor collection, eltham, eltham high school, cronus court, ely street, falkiner cottage

Image No. 1 Brocksopp House erected about 1860 Originally known as Souters Cottage Eltham's first mud brick building Falkiner's Cottage The Alistair Knox Collection The Alistair Knox Collection is a series of mounted enlarged photos of mud brick houses and related subjects. The collection is understood to have been put together by Alistair Knox although it is the work of several unacknowledged photographers. For some years it was held by the Building Department of the former Eltham Shire Council and was then passed to our Society for safekeeping. Some of the photos have been used in Knox's books and from time to time some of them have been part of various historical displays. As far as we know there has not been a public display of the whole collection which numbers about forty photographs. The collection has been copied on to slides for the purpose of this meeting and to be retained as part of the Society's pictorial collection. Alistair Knox 1912 - 1986 is acknowledged as the founder of Eltham's mud brick building movement. Many of the buildings shown in the collection are of his design and he was also involved with the construction of several of them. Others are the work of his contemporaries and associates such as Peter Glass, Gordon Ford, and John Harcourt. (EDHS Newsletter No. 145 July 2002)Handwritten notes in pencil re details of building, year of construction, owner, designer, builder, etcbrocksopp house, falkiner cottage, houses, mud brick construction, souters cottage, alistair knox collection

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

Harriet Falkiner was the daughter of Frederick Edward and Fanny Falkiner. Frederick was Eltham's first postmaster and settled in the district on the Diamond Creek and Yarra River around 1848 where he established an orchard and grazed cattle. The original family home was a pioneer settler's cottage built by Frederick Falkiner in Ely street.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 stripsKodak GC 400-9alexander richard falkiner, eltham cemetery, evelyn falkiner, frederick edward falkiner, gravestones, harriet agrita falkiner