The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Digital photograph of Norma Madeline Watters (left) and fellow student at MacRobertson Girls High c 1939norma watters

Copy of a black and white photograph, laminated.1948 W.H.S. Girls Hockey Team Metropolitan Premiers 1948. This is a photograph of the two teams, Williamstown High School and MacRobertson Girls High at University High School. Front row: Norma Eden, Joan Broadway, Moya McCracken, Mary Sheriffs 2nd row: Evelyn Philipps, Gwen Helmer, Lois Finlayson, Margaret Allen, Enid Broadbent, Mavis Govan. 3rd row: Centre behind Margaret Allen, Jean Simpson (Capt). All the rest are MacRob girls.williamstown high school, hockey, 1948, metropolitan premiers, macrobertson girls high

A Legacy ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance. Probably one of the annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students" events, usually held just prior to ANZAC Day. Students from Melbourne High and MacRobertson Girls High School provided the choir. The photos shows the boys and girls choirs on the steps of the Shrine. Date unknown.A record of a ceremony at the Shrine.Colour photo x 4 of a school students ceremony at the Shrine. White paper label.Handwritten in black ink on the back E19, E20, E21 and E22. Label says "Students from Melbourne High and MacRobertson Girls High School provided the Choir.anzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony, choirs

Colour slide in a mount. MacRobertson Girls’ High School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. (Architects: Normal Seabrook of Seabrook and Fildes.)Made in Australia / 3 / Encircled 3 (Handwritten) / R (Handwritten)slide, robin boyd

1922 August Rietmann was commissioned to sculpt a bust of Sir MacPherson Robertson 1859-1945, confectionery maker, ( famous for Freddo Frogs and Cherry Ripe chocolate bar). The Bust was installed at Mac Robertson Girls High School for which he had donated funds for the building. 'MacRob' also funded the bridge over the Yarra River and the herbarium in the Botanical Gardens that all bear his name. August Rietmann (1877-1951) of Lustdorf ,Switzerland, married Maria Frieda Oesschlager (2/2/1878- 22/7/1942) of Baden Baden, Germany on 6/8/1910 In August 8th 1915 August and his wife Frieda migrated to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia sailing on the Steam Ship ‘Osterley’ from Marseilles to Melbourne They leased Box Cottage, Ormond in 1917 and raised two children, Stefanie (1918 -2006) and William (1920- 1997). 1935 August purchased the property and the family used the Cottage during the day and slept in the Front House. August was a monumental mason, potter and sculptor, and was employed at Corbens Ltd Clifton Hill, to carve war memorials in Victoria post WW1 c 1915-1922. During the 1920's August set up his own business in pressed cement making pot plants, columns,paving slabs and lampstands. He continued to carve headstones and figures and took contract work for Artists eg Paul Mountford. He built a workshop in the Barn and used the Cottage for plaster moulding. His son William joined the business and and the family continued to use the site after August died in 1951. Rietmann Landscaping Ltd moved to Bay Road Highett in 1953 and later to Carrum. The land, containing the Box Cottage, was sold to Lewis Timber Pty Ltd in 1970 and Mr Lewis proposed that Moorabbin City Council should preserve the heritage Cottage. In 1984 the Cottage was dismantled and reconstructed in the adjacent Joyce Park. The Rietman family is an example of the diverse nationalities that lived and worked productively in Moorabbin Shire 1871–1933 , the City of Moorabbin 1934-1994 and continues today in the Cities of Glen Eira, Kingston, Bayside, and Monash. August, a sculptor and stone mason, was employed by Corben Pty Ltd Clifton Hill to carve WW1 Memorials before establishing his own successful masonry business in the Box Cottage during the latter 1920s. After becoming interested in pressed cement casting, he took on apprentices (1930s Depression) and among his products were garden furniture, pots and also street lamp standards, some of which were installed in St Kilda Road. After August’s death in 1951, his family continued the business ‘Rietman’s Landscaping Ltd.’, at Highett and Carrum.Photograph x 1 Black & White Sculptured bust of Sir MacPherson Robertson c 1922; b) Letter, printed , typed from Sir MacPherson Robertson to August Rietmann (Richman) with payment for the Bust - £65-5-0 - ; c) Envelope, printed, typed addressed to Mr Rietmann { Richman) at Corbens Ltd.; d) reverse of envelope printed a) 1922; b) printed letter MacRobertson Pty Ltd ; c) printed envelope MacRobertson Ltdmacrobertson chocolate ltd., macrobertson girls high school, fitzroy town hall, rietmann august, rietman august, rietmann frieda, rietman frieda, stonnington city town hall, war memorials, world war 1 1914-1918, rietman stefanie, rennick stefanie, francis stefanie, rietman william, rietman ray, mountford paul, malvern city town hall, box cottage museum ormond, box william, box elizabeth, joyce park ormond, rietman's landscaping pty ltd, bay road highett, macrobertson pty ltd, coleraine soldier memorial 1921, box cottage ormond, freddo frog chocolate, cherry ripe chocolate bar, cadbury schweppes ltd., robertson sir macpherson 1859-1945, confectionery, chocolate

Criticism of the state of Albert Park, Melbourne, preparation of a current map, the need for a Master Plan of buildings, plantings, furniture. Criticism of buildings. Suggests a plan to plant and paint.This appears to be a lecture.Typewritten with pencil edit and notes, quarto, 4 pages. (Two copies)Small paper square included with Monday, January 24 calendaralbert park, macrobertson girls high school, planting, building, furniture, robin boyd, manuscript

A Legacy ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance. One of the annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students" events, usually held just prior to ANZAC Day. Students from Melbourne High and MacRobertson Girls High School provided the choir. The photos shows the boys and girls choirs on the steps of the Shrine, similar photos were published in The Answer June 1996.A record of a ceremony at the Shrine.Colour photo x 2 of the School Commemoration Anzac service in 1996 and an article in The Answer.Printed on the back "

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Digital photograph of Norma Madeline Watters (right) and Ellen Patricia Watters (left) with unidentified male in middle. Back garden during WW2 norma madeline watters, ellen patricia watters

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Watters children. Norma (bumblebee), Bob junior (fireman), Patsy (maiden) c 1928norma madeline watters, ellen patricia watters, bob watters junior

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Robert (Bob) Cornelius Watters in front of palm tree c 1928 bob watters junior, robert cornelius watters

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Robert (Bob) Cornelius Watters at controls of radio at home c 1937bob watters junior, robert cornelius watters

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Robert (Bob) Cornelius Watters in front of Williamstown Road home in Melbourne High School uniform 1935bob watters junior, robert cornelius watters, education - secondary schools

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Robert (Bob Junior) Cornelius Watters with cornet in band c 1930bob watters junior, robert cornelius watters

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Watters family in St Vincents Gardens c 1927. Norma and Bob standing mother Ellen and Patsy sittingbob watters junior, ellen watters, patsy watters, norma watters

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Digital photograph of Ellen Watters (nee Oakley) outside her home at 124 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400) ellen patricia watters

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Band at Royal Children's Hospital benefit c 1928. Bob Watters junior with bugle second row. Patsy Watters nurse on left. In St Vincents Gardenswatters, bob junior, patsy, st vincents gardens

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Digital photograph of Norma Watters outside her home at 124 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400) 1932norma watters

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Digital photograph of Norma Watters dressed in school uniform outside her home at 124 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400) 1935norma watters, education - secondary schools

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Digital photograph of Norma Watters dressed in school uniform outside her home at 124 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400) 1935norma watters

The Watters family moved from Albert Park to Garden City Port Melbourne circa 1934 buying a Bank House at 128 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400). The family consisted of Bob Watters senior and his wife Ellen (nee Oakley), children Patsy (b 1920), Bob Junior (b 1922) and Norma (b1924). The children attended Albert Park Primary, Middle Park Central School and then MacRobertson Girls High School and Melbourne Boys High School.Digital photograph of Norma Watters dressed in school uniform outside her home at 124 Williamstown Road (later renumbered to 400) 1935norma watters

MABEL nee ABRAHAM ROGERS 1920 - 2004 Publications: The First One Hundred Years 1870-1970 Melton State School No 430 Co Author with Edna Barrie The Mechanics [Melton] 1985 Mabel Abraham was daughter of Herbert G Abraham, Butcher of High Street Melton. She attended Melton State School from 1928 qualifying for her Merit certificate in December 1928 and continued her education at Melbourne Girls High School [soon after known as MacRobertson Girls High School] She studied piano and elocution as a school girl. Mabel was associated with many activities in the Melton community. She was a natural writer and interested in research and was committed to documenting and preserving Meltons History. Mabel produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skilfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. Mabel was a member of the C.W.A. holding position of Secretary. She was a member of the Melton and District Historical Society at its inception in 1968 and was a Member of The Willows Committee of Management. She was supporter of the first historical display and the Mechanics Hall and the Historical Society Annual Art and Craft shows from 1974 until 1982. In 1961 she was involved with Melton Development Association and in 1969 with the establishment of the first “Carols by Candlelight” held in Melton. Mabel was a member Anglican Church and Committee. She was a member of the Melton Mechanics Institute and made a Trustee and Life Member in 1965. She was a member of Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was Guide Leader, member of the Red Cross and School Committee. In November 1982 she was a recipient of the Annual Rotary Community Service Award for outstanding service to the Community of Melton over a prolonged time. Mabel married Eric Rogers in August 1944 the wedding reception was held at the Melton Mechanics Hall. Their are children John, Ron, Francis and Judy. The family lived in High Street Melton between the Mechanics Institute and earliest Shire Hall eastern end. Eric was grader operator on the district roads. In their latter years Mabel and Eric lived in Bacchus Marsh. Eric died in Bacchus Marsh in July 2007. Country Women's Association Melton Branch lyrics from Mabel Roger's handwritten noteslocal identities, local significant groups

Book, brown cover patterned (Deer skin?), titled "The Garden City of Australia / Twenty-four views of Melbourne" with 24 pages (smaller than cover) printed pages stapled inside. Inside front cover is a map of Melbourne, with specific buildings marked, inside rear cover - Where to go in Melbourne, General Information and Sight seeing tours. On rear cover is printer details. Page Photo details by 1 Skyline of the City of Melbourne from Yarra Bank Victorian Railways 2 Collins St from Spring St (with trams) ditto 3 Princes Bridge, River Yarra ditto 4 St Kilda Rd from Flinders St Station ditto 5 St Pauls Cathedral ditto 6 Bourke St Shopping Centre - with double deck buses no details of photographer 7 Elizabeth St - with trams and buses Victorian Railways 8 Swanston St with modern skyscrapers (Collins) ditto 9 Aerial view, city of Melbourne ditto 10 Parliament House ditto 11 Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery ditto 12 St Kilda Rd, Looking towards the City trams 772 and W2 ditto 13 Kings Domain - Pioneer Monument ditto 14 Royal Melbourne Hospital - with back view inset ditto 15 Alexandra Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance ditto 16 Alexandra Gardens and Government House ditto 17 Captain Cook's House - Fitzroy Gardens ditto 18 Albert Park Lake no details of photographer 19 Melbourne Boys School, MacRobertson's Girls High School and Melbourne Uni - no details of photographer 20 Scene in the Botanical Gardens Victorian Railways 21 Aerial view of St Kilda with Brighton in background Victorian Railways 22 Melbourne Cricket ground, taken during the testimonial match to Sir Donald Bradman - no details 23 Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital and Exhibition Buildings and Aquarium - Victorian Railways 24 Dandenong - Showing Silvan Dam Victorian Railways The testimonial match took place in Melbourne during December 1948 (Reference Sir Donald Bradman Museum). Possibly arranged by the Victorian Government Information Bureau given the number of Victorian Railways photographs.trams, tramways, melbourne, st kilda rd, swanston st, bourke st, victorian railways, flinders st station, gardens

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities