At the beginning of the 1890s, the Kew businessman and Town Councillor, Henry Kellett, commissioned J.F.C. Farquhar to photograph scenes of Kew. These scenes included panoramas as well as pastoral scenes. The resulting set of twelve photographs was assembled in an album, Kew Where We Live, from which customers could select images for purchase.The preamble to the album describes that the photographs used the ‘argentic bromide’ process, now more commonly known as the gelatine silver process. This form of dry plate photography allowed for the negatives to be kept for weeks before processing, hence its value in landscape photography. The resulting images were considered to be finely grained and everlasting. Evidence of the success of Henry Kellett’s venture can be seen today, in that some of the photographs are held in national collections.It is believed that the Kew Historical Society’s copy of the Kellett album is unique and that the photographs in the book were the first copies taken from the original plates. It is the first and most important series of images produced about Kew. The individual images have proved essential in identifying buildings and places of heritage value in the district.A panoramic photograph of the junction of High Street and Cotham Road. The photographer centres the point-of-view on the Kew Post Office and adjacent Court House. These were designed in the Queen Anne style by the Public Works Department's architect J Harvey and completed in 1888. The complex is important because it demonstrates a departure from the contemporaneously favoured High Victorian Classical to the Queen Anne style in the design of civic buildings. The earlier Jubilee Fountain in front of the Post Office was erected by the Kew Borough Council to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. It was created to a design of the architects Reed, Henderson and Smart. The fountain was later relocated to the Alexandra Gardens to make way for the Kew War Memorial. The tram tracks in High Street were used by the horse tram, which ran from the Victoria Street Bridge to the Boroondara General Cemetery. The tram was replaced by an electrified service in 1915.The Post Officekew post office, kew illustrated, kew where we live, photographic books, henry kellett

1879 - The Argus, Friday 11 July 1879, page 4. The Kew Borough Council having decided to initiate a fire brigade, invited volunteers to send in their names. About 40 complied with the invitation and met at the Town-hall to choose 12 of their number to form the brigade. The 12 elected then chose their officers as follows :— Councillor Gray, captain ; Mr. Thomas Greenhill, foreman ; and Mr. H. Loxton, secretary. The brigade decided to apply to the council for uniforms and a bell; and after adopting rules for their guidance the meeting separated. The brigade now possesses a reel and 500ft. of hose, and a shed is being erected in Little Walpole-street for a station. The council have applied for six additional fireplugs in the Main-road, so that the brigade may now be considered fairly established. The Volunteer Fire Brigade was replaced in 1891 by a detachment of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and a new Fire Station in Walton Street constructed in 1893; subsequently demolished in 1941.The certificate includes the only known image of the first fire station in Kew. It was donated by Mrs L. Bray. The donor's father, Mr. A. Wood, was a member at time of the Brigade's 'disbandment'.Kew Volunteer Fire Brigade: Certificate of Membership, 1886. Testifying that Herbert Woollard was an active member of the Kew Volunteer Fire Brigade between 4th May 1883 and 2nd July 1886. Signed with pen and ink H. Kellett (Captain) and F.G.A. Barnard (Hon. Sec.). The certificate is believed to include the only picture of the first Kew Fire Station.The certificate lists the original members of the brigade on the left side as: Captain H. Gray, Lieutenant T. Greenhill, and Secretary H. Loxton; [Members} F.G.A. Barnard, W. Cleverdon, L. Gurzanscky, T.G. Jellis, J.A. Kay, H. Kellett, H. Kirby, D. McLachlan; (Honorary members) W. Atkins, W. Cleverdon, H. Gray, T. Greenhill. At the right is a list of members at the time of disbandment: Captain H. Kellett, Lieutenant H. Burmeister, Sub-Lieutenant A. Wallis, Secretary F.G.A. Barnard; [Members] J. Burke, W. Gardner, L. Gillman, F. Kay, H. Kirwood, W. MacKenzie, C. Wallis, A Wood; [Honorary members] G. Hinchcliffe, T. G. Jellis, J. A. Kay, D. McLaughlan.Troedel & Co. Lith [printer].kew volunteer fire brigade, h. woollard, brougham street -- kew (vic.)

Captain John Marshall was born in Dundee, Scotland c.1833. Within eleven years of his arrival in Melbourne in 1852, he had established an important colonial shipping company, Anderson & Marshall, and married Mary Austin, the eldest daughter of Thomas Austin Esq of Clifton Villa in Cotham Road. Elected to the Kew Borough Council in 1869, he remained an active member until 1875. During this period, he was elected Mayor of Kew in 1872. A Scottish Protestant by birth and conviction, John Marshall was, with David Beath, a member of the inaugural committee that began planning for a separate Presbyterian Church in Kew, lending the Committee the funds to purchase land on the corner of Cotham Road and Highbury Grove. John Marshall lived at his home, 'Maryfield', at what was then 239 [now 197] Cotham Road until shortly before his death at the age of 70 in January 1903. He was buried on 14 January in Grave 493, Presbyterian Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.Family portrait of an important civic figure in Kew in the 19th century who was also a notable businessman and shipowner in the Colony of Victoria.Albumen Silver photograph on card of Captain John Marshall and family, Mayor of Kew 1872-73.The inscription was added by the family and at one stage modified. In addition to the title, the sitters' names are inscribed beneath the photograph on the mountCaptain John Marshall and family / Mayor of Kew 1872-73 Webster - Maud - Austin - Mary Marshall - John Marshall - May - Andrew - Polly / Residence “Maryvale” 197 Cotham Road. john marshall, maryvale (cotham road, kew), maryfield (cotham road, kew), webster marshall, maud marshall, austin marshall, mary marshall, may marshall, andrew marshall, polly marshall

Captain John Marshall was born in Dundee, Scotland c.1833. Within eleven years of his arrival in Melbourne in 1852, he had established an important colonial shipping company, Anderson & Marshall, and married Mary Austin, the eldest daughter of Thomas Austin Esq of Clifton Villa in Cotham Road. Elected to the Kew Borough Council in 1869, he remained an active member until 1875. During this period, he was elected Mayor of Kew in 1872. A Scottish Protestant by birth and conviction, John Marshall was, with David Beath, a member of the inaugural committee that began planning for a separate Presbyterian Church in Kew, lending the Committee the funds to purchase land on the corner of Cotham Road and Highbury Grove. John Marshall lived at his home, 'Maryfield', at what was then 239 [now 197] Cotham Road until shortly before his death at the age of 70 in January 1903. He was buried on 14 January in Grave 493, Presbyterian Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.Family portrait of the relatives of an important civic figure in Kew in the 19th century who was also a notable businessman and shipowner in the Colony of Victoria.Albumen silver photograph on card of the Marshall family grouped in three rows in a garden setting. The twenty-three members of the extended family do not include John Marshall so the photograph presumably dates from after his death in 1903. His wife, Mary Marshall, is in the middle row, five from left. marshall family, john marshall -- mayor of kew

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Newspaper report in The Sentinel reporting the death of Cr Sir Henry Kellett in 1924mayors of kew (vic), sir henry de castres kellett

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Original Marriage Certificate of Henry de Castres Kellet and Joan Harrosn, in Richmond on 9 November 1880mayors of kew (vic), sir henry de castres kellett

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Original official document from a noted event in Kew's historyOne page undated, handwritten letter of condolence to Lady Kellett on her husband's accidental death in 1924 while serving as a Kew Councillor. The latter is signed by his fellow councillors, the Mayor and the Town Clerkmayors of kew (vic), sir henry de castres kellett

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Original artwork by Arthur Wills, descendent of a noted pioneer family, and former mayor of Kew.Two sided illustrated humorous vignettes featuring two noted Kew citizens: Henry de Castres Kellet and Arthur Wills. The latter is the illustrator. The item was illustrated in 1920.mayors of kew (vic), sir henry de castres kellett, arthur wills, willsmere, wills family

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Newspaper report from 1924, providing an obituary of Sir Henry de Castres Kellettmayors of kew (vic), sir henry de castres kellett

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Printed extract from Lodge's Peerage, Baronetage, Knightage and Companionage listing KELLETT, Sir Henry de Castres Bart.mayors of kew (vic), sir henry de castres kellett

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Rare portrait of a Kellett ancestorCarte de Visite of Captain RJ Napier Kellett, an ancestor of Sir Henry de Castres Kellett.CAPN RK NAPIER KELLETT / RIFLE BRIGADE / WATERLOO MEDAL / CAPN ROYAL 42ND HIGHLANDERS THOS NORTH PHOTOGRAPHER / 71 GRAFTON STREET DUBLIN sir henry de castres kellett, cape rj napier kellett, battle of waterloo

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Newspaper report from 1924 of the funeral of Sir Henry de Castres Kellett at Boroondara General Cemeterysir henry de castres kellett

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Letter to the Editor by Sir Henry de Castres Kellett regarding his Baronetcysir henry de castres kellett, kellett baronetcy

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Illustrated newspaper article from 1888, describing the elevation to the position of mayor of Kew by Cr Henry KellettHERALD 29/8/88sir henry de castres kellett, mayors of kew

Sir Henry de Castres Kellett (1851-1924) the son of a hereditary baronet, was born at Mt Gambier, South Australia in 1851. His English title had been created in Ireland in 1801, but the family was originally Norman with the later branches living in England and Ireland. Sir Henry Kellett assumed the title in 1906. Henry Kellett was a prominent Kew retailer, continuing his father’s newspaper and stationery business in Bulleen Road (now High Street). At various stages, he also acted as an insurance, postal and real estate agent. He lived in Walpole Street and later at Lota Begg (now demolished) in Westbrook Street, East Kew. In 1884, Henry Kellett was elected to the Kew Borough Council and served for 40 years; a remarkable example of public service. He was elected Mayor for a single term in 1888-9. Sir Henry de Castres Kellett died in St George’s Hospital in 1924 following a tragic car accident in Cotham Road, Kew while on Council business. The vehicle, in which he was travelling with fellow councillors and the Town Clerk, collided with a tram. Sir Henry Kellett is commemorated in the naming of Kellett Reserve and Kellett Grove.Illustrated newspaper article from 1924, describing the death of Cr Henry Kellettsir henry de castres kellett

On 19 July 1907, The Box Hill Reporter published an article on the Miniature Rifle Range. It stated: "Miniature Rifle Range for Kew. The Kew rifle club has made arrangements for the establishment of a miniature rifle range. The Kew borough council has provided a site in the yard at the rear of the town hall, fronting Brougham street. The site has been inspected by the military authorities, who have approved of the locality selected and the arrangements to be made to render the range absolutely safe. The plans are at present being prepared, and it is expected that the range will be completed within the next two months. The range will be under the direct control of the rifle club, subject to the supervision of a joint committee from the council and the club. The first committee will consist of Crs Wishart (mayor), Kellett, and Hiscock as representing the council, and Captain Argyle and Mr S. Abbott representing the rifle club. The range when completed will be available for the use of cadets, friendly societies, and other miniature rifle clubs in the district. Miniature rifle ranges are now occupying a great deal of attention in Great Britain, on the Continent, and in America. Lord Roberts, writing recently on the subject, remarks- "While I do not for a moment pretend that miniature rifle shooting is, in all respects, as useful as knowing how to shoot on a long range, I am satisfied that men can learn to shoot on miniature ranges, and that unless miniature ranges are very generally made use of, the greatest majority in this country will never learn to shoot at all." It is possible by this means also to divert the at present dangerous enthusiasm of uninstructed youths for the pea rifle into safer and more useful channels."Important early document identifying the specifications for a miniature rifle range in central Kew. Rifle clubs and rifle ranges were an important element in defending Victorians and Australians to outside threats. Single page plan (folded), created and approved in 1910, listing the approved specifications for a miniature rifle range in Brougham Street, Kew.Handwritten signature: J.M. / Staff officer for Works Victoria / 26-2-10rifle clubs - rifle ranges, miniature rifle ranges, rifle clubs -- kew (vic)

1879 - The Argus, Friday 11 July 1879, page 4. The Kew Borough Council having decided to initiate a fire brigade, invited volunteers to send in their names. About 40 complied with the invitation and met at the Town-hall to choose 12 of their number to form the brigade. The 12 elected then chose their officers as follows :— Councillor Gray, captain ; Mr. Thomas Greenhill, foreman ; and Mr. H. Loxton, secretary. The brigade decided to apply to the council for uniforms and a bell; and after adopting rules for their guidance the meeting separated. The brigade now possesses a reel and 500ft. of hose, and a shed is being erected in Little Walpole-street for a station. The council have applied for six additional fireplugs in the Main-road, so that the brigade may now be considered fairly established. 1886 - Globe (Sydney), Tuesday 16 March 1886, page 8 The Kew Fire Brigade, which obtained the pride of place at the recent fire brigades' demonstration, at Sandhurst, was met on their return at Spencer-street Railway Station by the Mayor and Councillors of that suburb, and were subsequently entertained at the Greyhound Hotel. 1886 - South Bourke and Mornington Journal, Wednesday 17 March 1886, page 2 It may be, deemed remarkable, but nevertheless a fact, 'that the Kew Fire Brigade, comparatively a new one, has gained premier place at the recent contest of brigades held at Ballarat, winning two first prizes and two second. On returning they were met at the station and escorted to Kew, preceded by the Borough banner. Certificate awarded to the Kew Volunteer Fire Brigade as an award for winning 'the best average time' in competition at Sandhurst. Surrounding the team's photo are a series of individual oval named portraits of the team. This framed version of the certificate, (there are two in the collection) is less faded than the framed version.The photograph without the mount (2016.0097a) has been digitally enhanced. Inscription: "Kew Fire Brigade U.F.B.D. Sandhurst. Kew 1886: Best Average Time, 16 points"kew volunteer fire brigade

1879 - The Argus, Friday 11 July 1879, page 4. The Kew Borough Council having decided to initiate a fire brigade, invited volunteers to send in their names. About 40 complied with the invitation and met at the Town-hall to choose 12 of their number to form the brigade. The 12 elected then chose their officers as follows :— Councillor Gray, captain ; Mr. Thomas Greenhill, foreman ; and Mr. H. Loxton, secretary. The brigade decided to apply to the council for uniforms and a bell; and after adopting rules for their guidance the meeting separated. The brigade now possesses a reel and 500ft. of hose, and a shed is being erected in Little Walpole-street for a station. The council have applied for six additional fireplugs in the Main-road, so that the brigade may now be considered fairly established. 1886 - Globe (Sydney), Tuesday 16 March 1886, page 8 The Kew Fire Brigade, which obtained the pride of place at the recent fire brigades' demonstration, at Sandhurst, was met on their return at Spencer-street Railway Station by the Mayor and Councillors of that suburb, and were subsequently entertained at the Greyhound Hotel. 1886 - South Bourke and Mornington Journal, Wednesday 17 March 1886, page 2 It may be, deemed remarkable, but nevertheless a fact, 'that the Kew Fire Brigade, comparatively a new one, has gained premier place at the recent contest of brigades held at Ballarat, winning two first prizes and two second. On returning they were met at the station and escorted to Kew, preceded by the Borough banner. Certificate awarded to the Kew Volunteer Fire Brigade as an award for winning 'the best average time' in competition at Sandhurst. Surrounding the team's photo are a series of individual oval named portraits of the team. This version of the certificate, (there is two in the collection) is unframed and has a badly torn mount. It is also more faded than the framed version.The photograph without the mount (2016.0097a) has been digitally enhanced. Inscription: "Kew Fire Brigade U.F.B.D. Sandhurst. Kew 1886: Best Average Time, 16 points"kew volunteer fire brigade

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) plans were produced from the 1890s to the 1950s. They were crucial to the design and development of Melbourne's sewerage and drainage system. The plans, at a scale of 40 feet to 1 inch (1:480), provide a detailed historical record of Melbourne streetscapes and environmental features. Each plan covers one or two street blocks (roughly six streets), showing details of buildings, including garden layouts and ownership boundaries, and features such as laneways, drains, bridges, parks, municipal boundaries and other prominent landmarks as they existed at the time each plan was produced. (Source: State Library of Victoria)This plan forms part of a large group of MMBW plans and maps that was donated to the Society by the Mr Poulter, City Engineer of the City of Kew in 1989. Within this collection, thirty-five hand-coloured plans, backed with linen, are of statewide significance as they include annotations that provide details of construction materials used in buildings in the first decade of the 20th century as well as additional information about land ownership and usage. The copies in the Public Record Office Victoria and the State Library of Victoria are monochrome versions which do not denote building materials so that the maps in this collection are invaluable and unique tools for researchers and heritage consultants. A number of the plans are not held in the collection of the State Library of Victoria so they have the additional attribute of rarity.Original survey plan, issued by the MMBW to a contractor with responsibility for constructing sewers in the area identified on the plan within the Borough of Kew. The plan was at some stage hand-coloured, possibly by the contractor, but more likely by officers working in the Engineering Department of the Borough and later Town, then City of Kew. The hand-coloured sections of buildings on the plan were used to denote masonry or brick constructions (pink), weatherboard constructions (yellow), and public buildings (grey). MMBW Plan No.1577 includes some of the most significant houses in Kew: Herbert Henty’s ‘Roxeth’ (now part of Trinity Grammar), ‘Butleigh Wooton’, ‘Bokara’ and ‘Harrow’. It also includes the streets that have since changed their names. That part of College Parade linked to Glenferrie Road is now named College Place, College Parade now extends further north, and Charles Street did not yet reach Barkers Road. Roxeth is one of a number of Henty houses in Kew. Herbert Henty made his home here and was elected a member of Kew Municipal Council in 1864 and mayor in 1868-69. Walter Henry Serle, of Harrow served in the First World War. He was awarded the Military Medal ‘’For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On 29th September near BELLICOURT he showed the greatest bravery and determination when his platoon was attacked by enemy bombing parties. It was due largely to his personal efforts that all the attacks were repulsed. Until wounded, his utter disregard of personal safety and boldness in dealing with the attacks were the means of saving the situation and were an inspiring example to his men.’melbourne and metropolitan board of works, detail plans, maps - borough of kew, mmbw 1577, cartography

The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed on 19 December 1860, then upgraded to a Borough (1863), a Town (1910) and finally a City (1921). From 1865, its offices were based in the former Athenaeum Hall in Walpole Street, which, although extended in 1883, inevitably became inadequate. Plans for a new purpose-built Town Hall were first mooted in the late 1880s, but fell prey to six subsequent decades of debate. During that time, many sites were considered and rejected, and several schemes prepared. Finally, in 1945, it was resolved to build a new civic centre as a war memorial. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street – first mooted as a possible Town Hall site two decades earlier – and plans for a civic precinct were drawn up by John Scarborough. The project stalled until 1957, when a Town Hall Committee was formed and a new architect appointed: Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett. He also proposed an entire civic precinct, of which a large public hall would constitute Stage One. Designed to accommodate almost any public or official function, the space had had a small stage at one end for intimate theatrical productions, a larger stage at the other (with operable sunken orchestra pit) for musical performances, plus the most up-to-date equipment for live TV transmission. The building, befitting its original intent as a war memorial, was also to include a sculpted monument, for which a separate design competition was held. First prize went to George H Allen (1900-1972), long-time head of the Sculpture Department at RMIT and a former war artist himself (the only one, in fact, to have worked in the medium of sculpture). At the time of the Kew project, Allen was best known for his Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance (1955) and a controversial abstract sculpture at Hume House in William Street (1957). Tenders for the new hall were called and the contract (worth £104,986) was awarded to H F Yuncken. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. Completion (initially scheduled for October) was delayed by the unavailability of certain materials; it was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. The war memorial was unveiled two days later (Anzac Day) by Bolte's deputy, the Hon A G Rylah. Fittingly, that year also marked Kew's municipal centenary, and many celebratory events were held in and around the new civic centre in December, including a special council meeting (attended by the Prime Minister), a tree planting ceremony and a youth ball. Source: Survey of Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage Two (Built Heritage Pty Ltd., 2010)Plaque commemorating the opening of a new town hall in KewMetal plaque recording the official opening of the Kew City Hall, 23rd April 1960. This plaque was given to the Kew Historical Society in 1991 by the former City of Kew.Kew City Hall / Opened by / The Hon. H.E. Bolte M.L.A. / Premier of Victoria / 23rd April 1960 / Cr. H.G. Ferguson J.P. - Mayor.kew city hall, foundation stones - kew (vic), sir henry bolte, local government -- kew (vic.)

The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed on 19 December 1860, then upgraded to a Borough (1863), a Town (1910) and finally a City (1921). From 1865, its offices were based in the former Athenaeum Hall in Walpole Street, which, although extended in 1883, inevitably became inadequate. Plans for a new purpose-built Town Hall were first mooted in the late 1880s, but fell prey to six subsequent decades of debate. During that time, many sites were considered and rejected, and several schemes prepared. Finally, in 1945, it was resolved to build a new civic centre as a war memorial. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street – first mooted as a possible Town Hall site two decades earlier – and plans for a civic precinct were drawn up by John Scarborough. The project stalled until 1957, when a Town Hall Committee was formed and a new architect appointed: Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett. He also proposed an entire civic precinct, of which a large public hall would constitute Stage One. Designed to accommodate almost any public or official function, the space had had a small stage at one end for intimate theatrical productions, a larger stage at the other (with operable sunken orchestra pit) for musical performances, plus the most up-to-date equipment for live TV transmission. The building, befitting its original intent as a war memorial, was also to include a sculpted monument, for which a separate design competition was held. First prize went to George H Allen (1900-1972), long-time head of the Sculpture Department at RMIT and a former war artist himself (the only one, in fact, to have worked in the medium of sculpture). At the time of the Kew project, Allen was best known for his Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance (1955) and a controversial abstract sculpture at Hume House in William Street (1957). Tenders for the new hall were called and the contract (worth £104,986) was awarded to H F Yuncken. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. Completion (initially scheduled for October) was delayed by the unavailability of certain materials; it was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. The war memorial was unveiled two days later (Anzac Day) by Bolte's deputy, the Hon A G Rylah. Fittingly, that year also marked Kew's municipal centenary, and many celebratory events were held in and around the new civic centre in December, including a special council meeting (attended by the Prime Minister), a tree planting ceremony and a youth ball. Source: Survey of Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage Two (Built Heritage Pty Ltd., 2010)Historically significant commemorative plaqueMetal plaque relating to special Council meeting to mark centenary of Kew, 13th December 1960. This plaque was given to the Kew Historical Society in 1991 by the former City of Kew.A Special Meeting Of The / Kew City Council Was Held In / This Hall On 13th December 1960 / To Commemorate / The Centenary of Kew / Cr. W.H.S. Dickinson, M.B.E., J.P., / Mayorkew city hall, foundation stones - kew (vic), cr. w.h.s. dickinson, local government -- kew (vic.)

Gift of the City of Kew 1988Archival recordsProvenance orderReproduced minutes on microfiche of the local government instrumentality - initially the Municipality, then Borough, Town and City of Kew.municipality of kew - council minutes, borough of kew - council minutes, town of kew - council minutes, city of kew - council minutes, local government - kew (vic)municipality of kew - council minutes, borough of kew - council minutes, town of kew - council minutes, city of kew - council minutes, local government - kew (vic)

This is one of eight embroidered panels, completed during the 1988 Australian Bi-Centennial, and carried out under the auspices of City of Kew Council and the Kew Historical Society. Nearly 600 residents, including many children, participated in their production by adding a few or more stitches. A book records their names and the panels upon which they worked. Artist: Joy Stewart / Co-ordinator: Dorothy Benyei.8. Kew. City of Parks and Gardens. A framed embroidery created by adults and children of the City of Kew as a Bicentennial project, based on a design by the artist Joy Stewart. Five of the six completed embroideries created in the project are/were displayed in the Kew Library. [The five embroidered panels have now been temporarily removed for conservation reasons].Inscription: "KEW: City of Parks and Gardens / Proclaimed a Municipality December 1860 / Created a Borough 1st October 1863 / Gazetted a Town 14th December 1910 / Declared a City 9th March 1921." Embroidered signature of the artist: "(c) JStewart, 1988"bicentennial project (kew), joy stewart, charles grimes expedition, australian bicentennial

Edward Augustus Atkyns was born in Wiltshire, England in 1840. His family emigrated to Australia in 1852. As a young man he was a keen cricketer and played at the first cricket ground in the district, located between Barkers Road and Hawthorn Grove, on the site of the future Barker railway station. Atkyns was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1861, initially working in his father’s practice. He sat as a local magistrate in both Kew and Hawthorn and acted as solicitor for several shire councils. Elected to the Hawthorn Borough Council in 1863 at the age of 23, he served in that municipality as mayor in 1866-67. By 1877, he had moved to Kew where he lived at Neama in Studley Park Road, a property later incorporated into the St Paul’s School for the Blind.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant house in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of the main house of 'Neama', colloquially known as the 'farmhouse'. Photographed by Stewart West in April 1978 (it was later demolished by the Villa Maria Society).Annotated reverse: "Front view of Neama / Farmhouse on St Paul's School for the Blind Children / Fernhurst Estate"st paul's school for the blind, neama, studley park road -- kew (vic.), historic houses -- kew (vic.), villa maria society

Edward Augustus Atkyns was born in Wiltshire, England in 1840. His family emigrated to Australia in 1852. As a young man he was a keen cricketer and played at the first cricket ground in the district, located between Barkers Road and Hawthorn Grove, on the site of the future Barker railway station. Atkyns was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1861, initially working in his father’s practice. He sat as a local magistrate in both Kew and Hawthorn and acted as solicitor for several shire councils. Elected to the Hawthorn Borough Council in 1863 at the age of 23, he served in that municipality as mayor in 1866-67. By 1877, he had moved to Kew where he lived at Neama in Studley Park Road, a property later incorporated into the St Paul’s School for the Blind.Rare colour photograph of what was once a significant house in Kew.Original colour positive photograph (Kodak print) of the secondary building at 'Neama', colloquially known as the 'hall'. Photographed by Stewart West in April 1978 (it was later demolished by the Villa Maria Society).Annotated reverse: "Timber hall on Fernhurst land / Transported there approx 1878."st paul's school for the blind, neama, studley park road -- kew (vic.), historic houses -- kew (vic.), villa maria society

In Kew’s Civic Century (1960), Cr. W.D. Vaughan described William Dickie Birrell M.B.E. (1899-1974) as follows: “Mr. W. D. Birrell, who had been on the staff of the Country Roads Board after his return from active service with the First A.I.F., was appointed assistant town clerk on February 15, 1921. On Mr. Harrison’s retirement he was appointed town clerk and city treasurer, and has given outstanding service. His knowledge of municipal administration has been acknowledged by the Government calling on his services to advise on amendments to the Local Government Act. He is a past president of the Town Clerks Institute, and on the nomination of that body was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen in 1958 with the award of the M.B.E. He still occupies the position and is held in the highest esteem not only by the Kew Council, but also by local government administrators throughout the metropolitan area.” (page 132) He died on 7 May 1974, and his ashes were interred at the Boroondara General Cemetery. This portrait is one of a series of mounted and framed photographic portraits of Mayors and Town Clerks of the former Borough, Town and City of Kew, for the period 1863 to 1969. The portraits were transferred by the City of Kew to the Kew Historical Society in March 1989. A Significance Assessment in 2018, funded by the National Library of Australia confirmed the historic, and often artistic significance of the series. Framed portrait of W. D. Birrell - Town Clerk of the City of Kew from 1936 -. The mounting and framing of the photograph follows a typical layout or style in that it each is framed in dark wood, glazed, and laid down on an inscribed board. The inscription identifies the name of the town clerk and the year/s that he served.W.D. BIRRELL / TOWN CLERK 1938-town clerks - kew (vic), w.d. birrell, photographers - stuart tompkins studios - camberwell (vic), kew (vic.) — municipal collection

Cr. W.D. Vaughan in his civic history of Kew includes a chapter (XXXII, pages 132-3) to Town Clerks and Surveyors. He states that H.H. Harrison began his career with the Borough of Kew in 1888 as his predecessor's assistant, becoming Town Clerk on the latter's death in 1901. On his retirement, The Herald on 30 Jul 1938 reported that: "H.H. HARRISON, Town Clerk of Kew, was entertained last night by members of the Metropolitan Institute of Town Clerks and presented with a walking stick and case of pipes, on the occasion of his retirement after 50 years' service with Kew City Council. He began his municipal career as a youth with the Bendigo City Council, and in 1888, was appointed Assistant Town Clerk at Kew. Appointed Town Clerk in 1901, he has held the office for 37 years."This portrait is one of a series of mounted and framed photographic portraits of Mayors and Town Clerks of the former Borough, Town and City of Kew, for the period 1863 to 1969. The portraits were transferred by the City of Kew to the Kew Historical Society in March 1989. A Significance Assessment in 2018, funded by the National Library of Australia confirmed the historic, and often artistic significance of the series. Framed portrait of Henry Hirst Harrison, Town Clerk of the City of Kew from 1901 to 1938. The mounting and framing of the photograph follows a typical layout or style in that it each is framed in dark wood, glazed, and laid down on an inscribed board. The inscription identifies the name of the town clerk and the year/s that he served.H.H. Harrison, Town Clerk 1901-1938h.h. harrison, town clerks - kew (vic), kew (vic.) — municipal collection

The Melbourne suburb of Kew gained independence from the Boroondara Roads Board in 1860, being declared a Municipality in that year. Kew became a Borough in 1863, a Town in 1910, and a City in 1921. The former City of Kew became part of a newly declared City of Boroondara in 1994. This very fragile document records the following information about streets in Kew - Name, Total Width, Width of Carriageway, Description, Government Gazetted - Year & Page.While the name of a street was formally acknowledged and published in the Victorian Government Gazettes, this document, compiled by a public officer, probably in the Town Clerk's Department, is the earliest known local record listing street names in the Borough, later Town, then City of Kew. The front page indicates that in 1865, the responsibility for an initial 36 streets in Kew was taken over by Council. The final annotation in the document was made in 1937. The document is an important record for researchers seeking to understand the dating of streets in the district.27-page document compiled by officers of the Borough, Town and City of Kew, listing the names of streets taken over by Council, and providing details of their proportions and gazettiing. The document covers the period of 1865 to 1937. Handwritten documentborough of kew, streets -- kew (vic.)

Streets and drains were the basic infrastructure problems for Kew in the 1880s. Decent streets and drains were fundamental to the quality of life of the residents. Without drainage, streets became muddy, boggy and sometimes impassable. Pools and puddles of stagnant water became smelly. The run off water, mixed with human and animal wastes, because there was no sewerage, became a health hazard. Streets and drains then became what were known as 'a nuisance'. Kew suffered from bouts of typhoid fever during the 1880s. Derrick Street was a private street on the margin of the business district of Kew and a well-used thoroughfare. We hear first about Derrick Street when the ratepayers applied to Council to have the street 'taken over' in January 1881. The Council agreed, after much debate, but ratepayers had to pay half the costs. The argument of the majority of the Council was that there was an established policy that ratepayers of private streets either had to hand over the street fully-formed or pay half the costs if Council did the work. It was felt that to make an exception for Derrick Street would create a precedent for ratepayers of other private streets. On the other hand the ratepayers, and a minority of Council, believed that there were extenuating circumstances in the case of Derrick Street. They believed that the costing by the Borough Surveyor was excessive. They felt the Council was partly responsible for the state of the street due to a channel on Bulleen Road, which deposited sand in the street. The Council had also put in some kerbing at the entrance to the street. Finally, the ratepayers believed that the street had become an important and convenient thoroughfare in Kew, and thus should be an exception to the policy on private streets. In the end a decision was delayed to allow the ratepayers to drain and form the street themselves. And there the matter stood till September 1882, when Miss Reilly complained about rubbish on a block of land in Derrick Street. So, in October 1882 the Council agreed to take over and form the street with the ratepayers paying half the costs. The ratepayers did not want to pay, so the argument continued in Council into 1883. There was a standoff for a further 18 months, until the problem could no longer be ignored. In October 1884 the Inspector of Nuisances and the Health Officer reported that Derrick Street was a health hazard as there was no drainage outlet for waste water. These reports changed the status of the problem of Derrick Street. It became an issue of public health, and thus the Council, acting as the Local Board of Health, had power to prepare plans and order the ratepayers to drain the street and pay all the costs, or let the Council do the work and charge ratepayers half the costs of the works. By April 1885, the time for ratepayers to complete the works themselves had expired, so the Council proceeded with the work and required ratepayers to pay for their share of the costs. All ratepayers had paid by the end of April except Mr Whiddycombe, who refused to pay. Mr Whiddycombe was warned to pay in October 1885. Legal action was taken against him in November. The Council lost the case on technical grounds. The Council, acting as the Local Board of Health, relaunched the legal action and won. The last we hear of Derrick Street is that seven day’s notice was given to Derrick Street ratepayers to pay for the drainage works in May 1887. We presume that Mr Whiddycombe paid. (Research: Andrew Frost)Rare and historic publication issued by the Board of Health in the Borough of Kew in 1885 to residents of Derrick street regarding the need for proper drainage for the purpose of improving public health.Printed formal notice sent by the Board of Health of the Borough of Kew to landowners in Derrick Street, Kew. The notice advised the owners that they were required to form and drain the street according to the levels and specifications approved by the Board. The letter was sent on January 23rd 1885, and signed by the Inspector of Nuisances.borough of kew -- greater melbourne (vic.), council notices -- public health, derrick street -- kew (vic.)