Contents: 1. A brief history of the Eltham War Memorial, Harry Gilham, 1999 2. Abbreviated notes of the Eltham War Memorial Trust, Harry Gilham, February 1997 (Extracted notes from Eltham War Memorial Trust minutes) 3. Summary; A history of the development of the War Memorial Complex situated at 903-907 Main Road, Eltham by Harry Gilham (Prepared by Harry Gilham for submission to Nillumbik Shire Council when the council considered selling the War Memorial site for development) 4. Eltham War Memorial Trust; Notes for History by Harry Gilham (Prepared by Harry Gilham for submission to Nillumbik Shire Council when the council considered selling the War Memorial site for development) 5. Abbreviated notes of the Eltham War Memorial Trust, Harry Gilham (Extracted notes from Stanley S. Addison's history of the Eltham War Memorial Trust) 6. Volunteers - a Libraries focus by Harry Gilham, c.1997 (A brief history of the Eltham Library starting with the Children's Library developed by the Eltham War Memorial Trust)Six documents (15 pages), A4 photocopy pages, typed with hand written notes in ink and various handwritten notes on lined pagesarthur street, brinkkotter home, children's library, dudley street, eltham library, eltham public hall, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, eltham war memorial, friends of the library, harry gilham, heidelberg regional library, helen ziebell, jo ilian, library review working party, minute book, mrs. beatrice morrison, mrs. bow, mrs. currie, nina christesen, prof. mcmahon ball, somerville morrison, volunteers

The new Eltham Library was opened 22 May 1994 and celebrates its 30th anniversay in 2024. This audio recording, presented by Harry Gilham, President of Eltham District Historical Society at the time of the opening is a summarised history of the Eltham Library service to 1994. Eltham Library Service 1930s - 1994 Originally collated by Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society Inc (1993-2009) (edited 2022) In the Eltham township area, in the early 1930s, library books for adults were available from E J Andrew's newsagency in Main Road. In the newsagency come haberdashery, some shelves were set aside for a lending library of adults' books. In 1935, Mr & Mrs JC Rains purchased the newsagency and continued the lending service until the late 1940s. At this time the business was extended from haberdashery to sell ladies' and men's clothing. The library section was discontinued. In the 1930s a mobile book library was also run by a Mr Foster of Bible Street, Eltham. In the 1950s adult books were available from racks in the foyer of the Eltham Shire Offices which was then located beside the Eltham Hall on the comer of Arthur Street and Main Road. In the early 1950s a referendum of ratepayers was called to seek public opinion on the issue of raising money for a public library for which the rates would have to be increased - the motion was defeated. On 11 November 1965 Eltham Shire Council, in conjunction with the City of Heidelberg and the Shire of Diamond Valley, met to form the Heidelberg Regional Library Service. Eltham was represented by Councillors Charis Pelling and John Lewis. The first library service for the Shire of Eltham from this group came in the shape of a bookmobile van which had, amongst others, a central stopover near the Shillinglaw trees outside the newly opened Shire offices at 895 Main Road, the original site of Shillinglaw Cottage and the former Shillinglaw farm. Present-day Wingrove Park was another stopover and the many recorded requests for this service can be read as denoting the areas of population or gathering points at that period throughout the Shire. 1968 saw the Shire convert the ‘Brinkkotter’ house in Dudley Street to house both adult and children's books. This library was originally staffed from the City of Heidelberg Library and records of committee meetings range from borrowing Heidelberg's old library shelving to trying to increase the Government's subsidy to a dollar for dollar basis. Book loans in the period 1966-67 totalled 30,400 and the following year ran to 52,113. With 2 books plus 1 paperback the limit per person, it was overcrowded and unable to house the range of other services which had become common library stock. Planning to extend the Shire Offices by the addition of the south wing was an opportunity to re-house the Shire's Library. The opening of the library in the extension was carried out on 17th August 1971 by the Hon R J Hamer ED, MP, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Cr Geoffrey Dreverman officiated as the Shire President. The Heidelberg Regional Library Service continued until September 1985 when it disbanded. On 21 November 1985 the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. At that time Eltham was represented by Councillors Mary Grant and Robert Manuell. By 1987, over-crowding of the Eltham Library and an inability to house the range of other services yet again rose to prominence. At a Council meeting held on 1 June 1987, the Councillors supported a resolution which threatened to close the library on 30 September 1987. Council's frustration arose from yet another re-run of the annual State Government versus Council Library funding and records show first arose in Eltham Council in 1967 with the Government of 1he day. After prolonged public anger and petitions the motion to close the library was rescinded in August 1987. Council, considering the community's concern, set up a ‘Library Review Working Party’ which a year later became the Library Occasional Committee with direct access to Council. This Committee investigated the workings of the 386 square metre library and found inadequate space for storage and display, lack of equipment, out-of-date furniture together with an increasing patronage which resulted in queues of borrowers becoming longer no matter when the library was open. Community consultation took the form of 1,000 questionnaires sent to users and non-users along with noticeboard reminders of what was planned. Council developed a strategy to set aside capital funds from 1988 on an annual basis so that preliminary planning and consultative expenses could be met, and construction could be completed early 1997. The Committee visited metropolitan libraries which were catering for a similar population as was projected for Eltham. Australia-wide Federal Government funding grants under the Local Capital Works Program became available from October 1992 for community projects endorsed by local Councils. The Eltham Council submitted a proposal, based on library findings and requirements accumulated by the Library Occasional Committee, to the Federal Grants Committee to build a new Eltham Library. The Federal Grants Committee supported the funding request allowing commencement of the library project three years earlier than planned. With finance finalised, the Council set up its Eltham Library Re-development Special Committee which was given the task of overseeing what could be the last major expansion of the Shire's Library Service as Eltham's population nears its projected maximum. The new library was designed by Gregory Burgess and Peter Ryan of Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd. Construction of the library commenced in 1993 and was officially opened May 22nd, 1994. The library building was designed to reflect its parkland setting. External features include: the roof which includes interesting aspects when viewed from Main Road; verandahs which provide ramp access and give a sheltered entrance to the building; walls which feature locally made mudbricks, conventional bricks and copper panels; and space for an outdoor courtyard/reading area which will be developed later. Internally there are several features. The building includes a foyer with a fireplace suitable for displays including artwork, a community multi-purpose room suitable for meetings or functions and an outdoor cafeteria. The ceilings are lined with Victorian Ash. The shapes for the ceiling give a free-flowing form to the building. Brush Box has been used for the circulation and information desks. The tree trunk columns are Grey lronbark from New South Wales. Arches and various-shaped windows add interest to the internal structure. The carpet design reflects the Eltham environment and compliments the natural colours and timbers used in the building. Tiles by artist Felix Bosari feature in the building and additional art by local artists added externally and internally to the building. Since 1994 the library has undergone a major extension to cater for children’s services and others. See also EDHS_02111Digital file only recorded from Audio Cassette tape on loan Converted to MP3 file; 11.1MB, 0:08:49eltham library, opening, harry gilham, harry gilham collection, 1994, audio cassette, audio recording

Questions Council right to sell property which was gifted to them by the community and references back to the Eltham Public Hall in Henry Street then Arthur Street as well as Shillinglaw Cottage3 pages, Legal Pad, handwritten in various coloured ink pensarthur street, eltham district historical society, eltham public hall, eltham village, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial garden, eltham war memorial trust, harry gilham, henry street, nillumbik shire council, shillinglaw cottage, stanley s addison

Harry Gilham, Convenor of the Advisory Committee of the Park and Tower. (Contained in an album originally put together by Harry Gilham. Photos subsequently relocated to photosafe archival storage.) [2001]Colour photographkangaroo ground, war memorial tower, rededication ceremony, harry gilham

A4 photocopies and Master sheets consisting of copies cut and pasted together for 2010 edition (pages 77 on) Also digital file of copy scanned from Council. Most pages from 77 on have page numbers added by hand not present on master sheets. Note: no page 63 (pagination error possible) First published 2002 The Tower of Remembrance and War Memorial Park on Garden Hill at Kangaroo Ground, Victoria, 1919-2001; Revised 2010. 109 p, : ill, ports., plans ; 30cm ISBN 0957719825 (2002) Eltham District Historical Society 2010

Harry Gilham standing in the field adjacent to the Memorial Park purchased by Eltham Shire Council in 1973 on the western side of the park. The Moor-rul Viewing Platform is behind the photographger's view. It was planned to utilise this field for improved access to the park and parkingColour photo inkjet print on glossy paper 15 x 21 cmkangaroo ground, shire of eltham memorial park, harry gilham, nillumbik shire council, moor-rul viewing platform

Contents 1. Draft chronology - Eltham Primary School Chronology 1856-1995; Harry Gilham (EDHS) 1995 127 pages, A4 photocopies This collection of memorabilia has a focus on the Eltham State School No. 209. It was prepared to help celebrate the 140th year of the school's existence on its original land grant of 1856, which appeared on the first surveyed land for the formation of the Town of Eltham, in the Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn, granted by the then Government of New South Wales. It is inscribed in Harry Gilham's writing on page 1 - "For Eltham P.S Chronology 209 - 150th Anniv. book; Harry Gilham Collection; Unpublished" and stamped "Eltham District Historical Society" Pages 3 and 4 missing. This manuscript was a major source reference for the book "We Did Open A School In Little Eltham; Eltham Primary School 209, 1856-2006, A History" Source references from Inspector's Register of State Schools; photocopies held by EDHS in A3 binders 2. Renovation of Eltham Primary School Residence; Application of a Grant from National Estate Grants program, 17 April 1989 10 pages A4 photocopy 3. Wayfinding In The Environment; The role of aesthetics research in participatory planning design by Victoria Sharp for the School of Environmental Planning, The University of Melbourne, February 1987 4 pages, A4 photocopy extracts copied include: Synopsis Spefic Design Concerns p37 (relative to Eltham Gateway) Summary p38 4. File Record, State School No 209 - Eltham; National Trust of Australia File No B3260; 29 March 2000 1 page A4 5. Notes by Harry Gilham concerning Eltham State School No 209 1 page handwritten lined pad sheet 6. Notes by Harry Gilham concerning Eltham State School No 209 and feedback on 150th Anniversary book 1 page, A4 green 144 A4 pages As noted150th anniversary, chronology, eltham gateway, eltham primary school, eltham state school, harry gilham, national trust of australia, planning, renovation, school residence, state school no. 209, victoria sharp

L-R (facing camera): Irene Gerard, - , David Essex, Faye Shepard, Peter Bassett-Smith, Harry Gilham. Wal Delaney on far right. 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the founding of Eltham District Historical Society (formerly Shire of Eltham Historical Society) in 1967Colour photo print 100 x 150mm40th anniversary, celebrations, david essex, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, fay shepherd, harry gilham, irene gerard, peter bassett-smith, wal delaney

L-R (facing camera): Irene Gerard, - , David Essex, Faye Shepard, Peter Bassett-Smith, Harry Gilham. Wal Delaney on far right. 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the founding of Eltham District Historical Society (formerly Shire of Eltham Historical Society) in 1967Colour photo print40th anniversary, celebrations, david essex, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, fay shepherd, harry gilham, irene gerard, peter bassett-smith, wal delaney

Victorian State Governor John Landy AC, MBE, re-dedicates the 75-year-old Memorial Tower of Remembrance at Kangaroo Ground with the unveiling of the cast bronze plaques which recognize the Australian participation in the Armed Conflicts of Korea 1950-1953, Borneo 1962-1966, Malaya 1948-1960, and Vietnam 1962-1973. (Contained in an album originally put together by Harry Gilham. Photos subsequently relocated to photosafe archival storage.) [2001]Colour photographkangaroo ground, war memorial tower, rededication ceremony, governor of victoria, john landy, harry gilham

A Golden Wattle tree was planted in memory of Eltham District Historical Society life members Harry Gilham (24 Mar 1928-25 Feb 2024; EDHS President 1993-2009) and Sue Law (27 Sep 1937-8 Aug 2023; EDHS President 1985-1993, Vice President 1993-1998 & 2009-2015). Close members of Harry’s and Sue’s families along with EDHS Committee members and life member Doug Orford joined in a dedication ceremony to commemorate their contributions, on Friday 12 April at 10.00am, in the rear yard at the Local History Centre, 728 Main Road, Eltham, on the corner of Brougham Street. EDHS President Jim Connor welcomed family members and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of both Harry and Sue over a long period of years. After unveiling of the plaque, attendees enjoyed some morning tea and sharing stories of Harry and Sue.Born Digital (15 images)activities, eltham district historical society, local history centre, main road, eltham, alison delaney, dedication, doug orford, gilham family, golden wattle, harry gilham, irene kearsey, jim connor, joan castledine, law family, peter & elizabeth pidgeon collection, plaques, richard pinn, robert marshall, russell yeoman, sue dyet, sue law

Contents: Volunteers - a Libraries focus by Harry Gilham, c.1994 (A brief history of the Eltham Library starting with the Children's Library developed by the Eltham War Memorial Trust)Six documents (15 pages), A4 photocopy pages, typed with hand written notes in ink and various handwritten notes on lined pagesarthur street, brinkkotter home, children's library, dudley street, eltham library, eltham public hall, eltham shire office, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, eltham war memorial, friends of the library, harry gilham, heidelberg regional library, helen ziebell, jo ilian, library review working party, minute book, mrs. beatrice morrison, mrs. bow, mrs. currie, nina christesen, prof. mcmahon ball, somerville morrison, volunteers

Planning application 293/2002/06P by Harry Gilham for the Moor-rul viewing platform, road entrance revisions, earthworks and coach parking bays at the Shire of Eltham Memorial ParkRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 1 strip, 2 framesKodak Gold 200-6eltham-yarra glen road, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, shire of eltham memorial park, harry gilham, nillumbik shire council, planning permit

Planning application 293/2002/06P by Harry Gilham for the Moor-rul viewing platform, road entrance revisions, earthworks and coach parking bays at the Shire of Eltham Memorial ParkColur photo print (4)eltham-yarra glen road, kangaroo ground, moor-rul viewing platform, shire of eltham memorial park, harry gilham, nillumbik shire council, planning permit

Folder includes letter confirming invitation to speak at the Probus Club of Montmorency. A list of community groups, charity funds and other organisations operating in the Shire of Eltham in the 1950s. Notes on discussion on what is local history and reference to local places including bridges and examples of change of names and meanings of place names10 pages, 9 of handwritten notesHG Booklet 18harry gilham collection, shire of eltham, community groups, harry gilham

Folder/Booklet of various documents, mainly A4 size photocopiesharry gilham collection

Colour photographsenior citizen's hall, library place, eltham, association of eastern historical societies conference, activities, harry gilham

Colour photographactivities, eltham cemetery, harry gilham

Colour photographactivities, eltham cemetery, harry gilham

Ellis home, 71 York StreetColour photographactivities, harry gilham, jenny ellis, mudbrick, russell yeoman

Victorian State Governor John Landy AC, MBE, re-dedicates the 75-year-old Memorial Tower of Remembrance at Kangaroo Ground with the unveiling of the cast bronze plaques which recognize the Australian participation in the Armed Conflicts of Korea 1950-1953, Borneo 1962-1966, Malaya 1948-1960, and Vietnam 1962-1973 - on the memorial's 75th anniversary to those who served in Armed Conflicts between 1948 and 1972. Harry Gillham, President of EDHS and Convenor of the Nillumbik Shire Council's Advisory Committee for the War memorial at Kangaroo Ground was for some years working on the refurbishment of the Tower of Rememberance and the surrounding park. The Committee decided to produce plaques to commemorate the armed conflicts in Korea, Malaysia, Borneo and Vietnam. The plaques were funded by public donations and cost $10,000. The community donated via donation boxes placed at Eltham Library. NL 140 Sept 2001 Governor John landy and other digniaries attended the event for the unveiling of the plaque. Gov Landy unveiled the plaque which was attached to the historical tower in November 2001. Colour photographkangaroo ground, war memorial tower, rededication ceremony, governor of victoria, john landy, harry gilham

Colour photographeltham, eltham living and learning centre, living and learning centre, pavilion, harry gilham, shire of eltham

Opening of the new Pavilion, Living and Learning Centre, Eltham, 10 October 1994Colour photographeltham, eltham living and learning centre, living and learning centre, pavilion, harry gilham, shire of eltham

Eltham District Historical Society, Local History Centre, 728 Main Road, ElthamLow-resolution copy of colour photographblanche shallard, eltham district historical society, local history centre, opal smith, harry gilham

Eltham District Historical Society, Local History Centre, 728 Main Road, ElthamLow-resolution copy of colour photographblanche shallard, eltham district historical society, local history centre, harry gilham

The new home of Eltham District Historical SocietyRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, harry gilham, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre

The new home of Eltham District Historical SocietyRoll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, eltham, eltham district historical society, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre, harry gilham

The new home of Eltham District Historical Society.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 6 of 7 stripsFuji 100eltham, eltham district historical society, harry gilham, main road, opening ceremony, local history centre, russell yeoman

Material covers Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan and a proposal by Council to sell the Eltham War Memorial site for commercial use Contents: • 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 51 pages of various types, A4, printed, handwritten notes, letters and newspaper clippingscr. greg johnson, diamond valley leader, eltham district historical society, eltham leisure centre, eltham major activity structure plan, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham war memorial, eric mack, harry gilham, john cohen, ken eckersall, letters, nillumbik shire council, protests, steve herbert mp, wurrundjeri

This 1954 Roll of Honour board was an action of the WW2 Eltham War memorial Trust, for hanging in their Child Welfare Centre building on their property in Main Road, Eltham. The Johnstons Furniture Production Company made up the board and had the names of the local Eltham enlistees applied in gold lettering at a total cost of £13.10.00. The names were copied by the Eltham RSL from the obelisk which was first erected by the WW1 Eltham Peace Celebrations in August 1919 at the northwest corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. During road widening plans by the Council, the obelisk was moved to the garden area of the refurbished RSL branch building in Main Road for safekeeping. The Honour Roll Board was sent to the Eltham RSL sub-branch around 1999. Following the merger of the Eltham and Montmorency sub-branches and sale of the Eltham property, the obelisk was relocated to a location in front of the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll Board was retrieved by former Eltham District Historical Society President, Harry Gilham in September 2004 who arranged for it to be hung in the Eltham War Memorial Hall (former Children's Library). It is attached to the brick wall face of the west (rear) wall of the Hall.Colour photo print and 18 photocopied and hand written mixed media pages1953, briar hill timber, cr. e.j. andrew, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, ernie andrew, harry gilham collection, honour roll, johnstons furniture production company, johnstons furniture productions, meeting minutes, minute book, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council, roll of honour, stanley s addison collection, stanley simpson addison