Update of 1st editon by Jock Ryan published in March 2003. 2nd edition (Revised) Nillumbik Historical Society December 2017 Brief history of the agitation and eventual extension and opening of the Hurstbridge Railway line from Eltham to Diamond Creek, Wattle Glen to Hurstbridge, which was opened in June 1912. Includes details of events thereafter including Wattle Day and Railway accidents. Profusely illustrated with black and white photographs from the collection of the Nillumbik Historical Society (Diamond Creek). Agitation for a railway extension began in 1888 when a meeting was held at Arthurs Creek to press for the construction of a railway line from Heidelberg to Kinglake. The Chairman Mr Charles Draper said this was necessary because this was the best fruit growing district in Victoria. Mr Cameron M.P. pointed out that whatever route the line took it would have to follow the Diamond Valley from Eltham. At the same time another meeting was pressing for the line to be extended to Queenstown (St Andrews). However when detailed surveys were made it was discovered that the only possible route was to Hurstbridge because of the hills. In 1912 the railway was opened terminating at Hurstbridge. Bound with orange covers. Text with black and white illustrations. 30 pages.hurstbridge railway line,diamond creek,wattle glen,hurstbridge, nillumbik historical society

Passengers hang out the windows of the vintage steam train as it travels along the Hurstbridge Railway Line. Regular trips travelled from Montmorency to Hurstbridge and return as part of the Shire of Eltham centenary program. The train also stopped at Eltham, Diamond Creek and Wattle Glen stations on the afternoon of Sunday 18th April 1971. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire of eltham, shire of eltham centenary, centenary celebrations, steam train

A large group of men of varying ages stand on or beside the first steam train to Hurstbridge. Two hold children on their laps. A small group of seven boys also gather for the photo. The line opened on 2 January 1912 and was officially opened in June.The photo commemorates the culmination of many years of community and political agitation for the extension of the railway line. 100 years later the Hurstbridge railway line remains a vital part of Melbourne's public transport network. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image Also black and white copy of original mounted photo (broken) printed on glossy photographic paper 30.5 x 40.5 cm; image size approx. 18.5 x 28 cm (One of 36 photos (5 with duplicate prints) from Kevin Patterson of Nillumbik Historical Society, no captions, subjects largely unknown but mostly of Diamond Creek area and people.)sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, hurstbridge, steam train, railroads, group, hurstbridge railway line, steam engine, diamond creek, wattle glen, railway line

Labourers excavate a cutting for the new railiway extension from Eltham to Hurstbridge. Men are working with shovels and buckets, dropping dirt into horse and carts. A pile of newly cut sleepers sit on the sidelines waiting to be laid. The new extension is approx. seven miles in length and opened on 2 January, 1912.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, diamond creek, hurstbridge, wattle glen, railway line construction, railroad construction workers, railroad construction