Hilda Elizabeth Foster (1890-1982) was commissioned as a Deaconess in 1914 giving a lifetime of service to the church particularly in the social care aspect of the Gospel. She was also a double certified nurse. Deaconess Hilda Foster began her work as a Deaconess in South Melbourne and then served for 13 years with the Presbyterian Sisterhood in North Fitzroy caring for unmarried mothers and their babies. In 1933 she was appointed Matron of the Presbyterian Girls' Home in Elsternwick where she worked for 15 years. She retired in 1948 when it was noted "In complete dedication matron has given herself to this care of souls". Deaconess Foster was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work in the Queen's birthday honours in 1981. Deaconess Foster was one of the first qualified Mother Christmasses in Australia. [Minutes of the Sixth Synod, Oct 1982]Six pairs and four odd assorted cuff studs in a green plastic box with a clear lid which bears an inscription."Where are those darned studs? RIGHT HERE WITH BEST WISHES FROM"deaconess hilda foster, sunday school council of victoria, australian inland mission, deaconess hilda elizabeth foster, mother christmas, presbyterian girls' home elsternwick

A photo of the mothers at a Christmas Party for junior legatees and the Melbourne Legacy Leadership Group. The photo shows the mothers with Santa Claus (who may be a Legatee). Location is not known. The children were given gifts of sleeping bags by Santa Claus. The photos were mounted in an album of events that happened for Junior Legatees in 2001, including a trip to the Aquarium, a trip to Luna Park, horse riding and fishing and a Melbourne Legacy Leadership Group Christmas party. Melbourne Legacy arranged many events for Junior Legatees to experience. A record of the outings provided for Junior Legatees organised by Legacy.Colour photo of the mothers at the Christmas Party for Junior Legatees and the Legacy Leadership Group 2001.Yellow label printed 'Christmas Party 2001'.junior legatee outing, junior legatees, christmas party, widows

Photos from the 2004 Melbourne Legacy Christmas party for junior legatees. There was a Santa and pinata for the young children. It appears to be run by the Melbourne Legacy Leadership Group. The Leadership Group was formed by junior legatees who had become adults. They ran functions for junior legatees in a spirit of service that emulated the work of Legatees. There are more photos of the event, a note with the photos say it was 'JL 2004 Christmas Party'.A record of adult junior legatees helping Legacy provide experiences for the junior legatees.Colour photo x 3 of a mother at a Legacy Christmas party.Printed on the back 'No.016, 034 and 035' which is the image number.junior legatee outing, leadership group, christmas party

This is one of a series of books put out by the Govt during and just after WW2, all services. "Gordon" ex Eaglehawk, 2nd AIF. Sent this home to donor's mother for Christmas. He was her first boyfriend. It is believed "Gordon" never returned from active service.1. Book - hardcover khaki buckram. Printing is in dark brown ink. In the corner of the cover is a soldier, armed in full kit. His rifle is horizontal. The soldier has no head dress. The book has 129 pages of stories, photos, drawings and paintings. 2. The original postage box for above. Khaki cardboard, label in centre. Printing on box is in black ink. price was 3d in Sydney. The box is badly torn.2. On the cover of the box: - To Miss Melva Yarwood, Bright St, Eaglehawk, Bendigo, Vic Australia. "Best wishes from Gordon".ww2, book, history

A photo of a group of young junior legatees and their mothers at a Legacy Christmas party in 2001. Location is not known. The photos were mounted in an album of events that happened for Junior Legatees in 2001, including a trip to the Aquarium, a trip to Luna Park, horse riding and fishing and a Melbourne Legacy Leadership Group Christmas party. This Christmas party appears to be different to the one for the Leadership group, who were much older children. Melbourne Legacy arranged many events for Junior Legatees to experience. A record of the outings provided for Junior Legatees organised by Legacy.Colour photo of a Christmas Party for Junior Legatees in 2001.Yellow label printed 'Christmas Party 2001'.junior legatee outing, junior legatees, christmas party

Embroidered silk postcards gained popularity during and after World War I, particularly in France. These cards were often hand-embroidered on strips of silk mesh, and then mounted on postcards. A cottage industry arose around 1915 to meet the demand, with women working in their homes to produce the embroidery. Many postcards were sent by British troops serving in France and Belgium.10 beautiful hand embroidered silk postcards from WW1 sent home to loved ones. The themes covered include: Australian themes, general greetings, Darling or Mother, Sister, birthday greetings, Christmas and New Year, Think of me, flags, France and Belgium. They are mounted on white embossed card with handwritten messages on the back. In the second photo there are two Christmas cards with plastic pictures glued onto the front and handwritten messages inside. Both are tied with coloured cotton thread on the left front folds.'So far and yet so near' is printed on one of the folded cards. 'To wish You a Happy Christmas' is printed inside the other folded card. As stated above the embroidered postcards have various messages on the front.postcards, cards, ww1, greeting cards, birthday cards, christmas cards

1. Card sent by "Alfred W. Baron" VX29810, 14th Anti Tank battery, A.I.F. to his mother. 2. Card sent by Alfred W. Baron, VX29810 to his mother. Part of the Cooper Collection.1. Illustrated Christmas/New Year card. Front cover has word "Greetings" in blue and red type. Below is a drawing of a cannon above a colour patch. Across the bottom 'Darwin 1941' are printed in black type. Inside type in blue below a red coloured Rising Sun badge. Card tied with blue and red cord on LHS. 2. Black and white illustrated Christmas/New Year card folded into four quarters. Front illustration features a Kangaroo and joey. Inside illustrations feature a soldier in uniform and two cannon crews. Text in black type. In unfolded section - hand drawn illustration and message in black ink.1. Handwritten on inside: "Your Loving son, Alf". 2. Handwritten illustration in black ink. Handwritten message in black ink: "To my Dear Mum from your ever loving son, Alf xxxxxxx"cooper collection, alfred w baron, christmas card, ww2, 14th anti-tank battery

Part of the "Robert H Baron", No 3596 and Cooper Collections. See Catalogue No. 1981P for details of Baron's service.1. Four page illustrated Christmas/New Year card. Front cover has two cut outs allowing Union Jack and Australian Flag to be visible. Embossed gold coloured Rising Sun on bottom RH corner. Text in grey type. Pages secured on LHS with blue ribbon. Flags on second page in silk on a cream background. Text on inside in grey type. Handwritten message in black ink. 2. Four page illustrated Christmas/New Year card. Front cover has colour picture of two cats in front of a fire. Text in black font including "Keep The Home Fires Burning". Inside text in grey type. Pages secured with red ribbon on LHS.1. Handwritten in black ink: 'To my Dear Mother, Her loving Soldier Son. Wishing you all a Merry Xmas n a bright new year. 2. Handwritten in black ink 'To Myrtle, Elsie, Alfred dear little Fred, FROM There Loving Soldier Brother Bob. Hoping you have a lovely time at Xmas & the New Year, Bob'robert h. baron, cooper collection, christmas card, ww1

The Worland family has played a significant role in the life of the parish for many generations. James (church warden) and Elizabeth Worland had 10 children and at least 3 sons went on to become very involved in the church, holding some form of office. Henri became Town Clerk of Warrnambool, others involved in their own business in Warrnambool. Ernest Thomas Worland the 4th child, born at Portland on Sept 30th 1877, but lived most of his life in Warrnambool. He became a church warden in 1926 and remained so for approx. 40 years and vicar's warden for approx 15 years. Ernest married Margaret White in May 1902 and they had 6 children. Ernest worked in his father's tannery and took over the business on his father's death in 1918. His trade was listed as a 'currier'. He later turned to dairying when the business was destroyed by fire. Ernest and his wife lived on the corner of Henna and Lave Sts for over 40 years. His main interest was in Christ Church. Ernest died on 27th December 1963 aged 86 years and is buried in the Warrnambool Cemetery. His wife Margaret died on 2nd December 1967 aged 92 years. On his death the Vicar of Christ Church, Rev Gordon Brown, said "Mr. Worland had an outstanding record of service with Christ Church, Warrnambool. He was utterly devoted to his church and served with distinction as vestryman, church warden, vicar's warden and synod representative." This stained glass window was presented by the family some time after their mother passed away (in 1967) in memory of both parents.Stained glass lancet window, east wall, bell tower, depicting the visitation of the three magi/wise men with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myhrr for the Christ child.To the Glory of God/in memory of/Ernest Thomas Worland/ Church warden - 1926 - 1963. Died 1963./and his wife Margaret. Died 1967/Given by their family.christmas, magi, three wise men, worland

Card relates to George Ross FREEMAN No 2485, 57th Battalion AIF. Refer Cat No 3251P for Freeman's service details.Christmas card, folding, white background with black printing. Front has cartoon characters in uniform re Christmas & 57th Battalion Signals. Printed on front cover: "With sincerest wishes for a Merry Xmas and a Bright New Year" Handwritten inside: "From Ross To Mother"xmas, new year, 57th, cards

This postcard is part of an album of postcards which date from late 19th century to mid 20th century.This postcard is in an album of postcards dating from the late 19th century to mid 20th century and, as such, indicate the popularity of postcards during that time.Print postcard depicting floral arrangement.On front: 'Handwritten under flowers: 'A merry christmas and a happy new / year' On back: 'To Mother / from Maggie / Xmas 1887'postcard, christmas, 1880s, new year, "green postcard album"

These cards were issued by the Army to all it's soldiers.White paper folded Christmas Card with picture of a Kiwi soldier on the front and at bottom, "2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, Middle East 1943" in red print. Surrounding soldier is a series of cards listing conflict areas they had served in . On page 3 is a brief letter from "Don" to his Mother wishing her good health and a Happy Christmas.Letter dated "8th Oct 1943". His Unit is “2 Ammo Coy” A signature is on the back.christmas card, ww2, nz expeditionary force

8th Battalion embarked from Melbourne on board Transport A24 Benalla on 19th October 1914. Temple was awarded the Military Cross in mid 1918, and Bar to Military Cross in mid 1919. He returned to Australia in July 1919, and later (1920?) returned to France to marry and live.Collection of Alfred Temple (938 - 8th Battalion, H Company) includes 8th Battalion Christmas card, letter signed by General Birdwood congratulating Lieutenant Temple on being awarded the Military Cross, wedding invitation to the Paris wedding (on 26/2/20) of Lt Temple, and a letter dated 5 December 1941 from Temple - in occupied France - to his mother via a neutral source in USA.military cross, ww1, letters, 8 battalion, alfred douglas temple, general birdwood

Refers to the service of:- James Thomas Holl, No 2432. Enlisted 1/6/1916 age 39, in the 60 Bn, 5th Reinforcements. Embarked 25/8/1918, for England. Embarked 30/12/1918, for France. Hospital 17/6/1917, Influenza. Rejoined unit 8/3/1918. Hospital, Trench fever 29/4/1918. Rejoin unit 16/7/1918. Transfer to 59 Battn, 25/9/1918. Discharged 2/11/1919. These 'plates' were beaten out of "Fritz's" dixies. (Mess tin). These items could be classed as a type of trench art..1) This is a rectangular piece of flat aluminium. It is not perfectly square, it shows signs of having been panel beated. Words, drawings and numbers are hand engraved on both sides. The animal on this "card" is a kangaroo. .2) This is a flat rectangular plate of flat aluminium. It is not perfectly square, across the middle is a 'dint" that appears to have been a flattened out corner. Plate One: Side A. Kangaroo motif - engraved on this side: A souvenir of Peronne. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 1918-1919. From France J.T.H. Side B - Engraved as per a postcard:- Carte postage France 14/10/18. Correspondence: Dearest Mother and Sisters, Just a card to say I am well. This is a bit of a xmas card. Love to all Jim. Addressee: Mrs Holl. "Holliston" Healesville, Victoria, Australia. Plate Two: Kookaburra Motif. Side A; Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year 1918-1919. A souvenir of Peronne, France - marked. (This side has the remains of some sort of official number - top right corner). Side B: Correspondence: My Dear wife and Family. A few lines to say I am well when writing this. This is a piece of Fritz's dixie. Love to all, Jim. Addressee: Mrs J.T. Holl, C/- Mrs Briggs, 103 Mollison Street, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. Carte Postal - Stamp 6/10/18 France.christmas, aluminium, souvenirs

Part of the collection of "Thomas Edward Silk". Refer 9615.4 for details.One page cream Christmas card with flowers and a message embroidered in the middle. A separate piece of white paper tied to the back with an address half cut off.Message: "A Happy Christmas", "Far from you and thinking of you". Cut off address: "FRA ..., To M..., With .., Mother". france, ww1, christmas card, thomas edward silk

Hand written inside. "Murray, I will never forget you, how are you? I hope you are always well! My regards to your mother. I hope to one day see you again in V.Nam. Sister Augustine". The card relates to Geoff Murray No 3411521, 3 Cav Regt Vietnam 27.11.67 to 22.10.68, Survey Corp Vietnam 15.10.69 to 15.10.70. On his 2nd tour with Survey Corp Geoff procured a lot of food etc for the Baria Orphanage. Refer 610.2P, 611.8, 1866.3 re the Orphanage and Sister Augustine also 638P.Christmas card with river scene painted on front. .1) Heavy card outer pages. .2) Fine tissue paper inner pages..1) "Greetings" .2) "Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year"cards, xmas, vietnam

This collection of items belonged to Emma Eliza Jane Watson's (bPhillips) son and daughter-in-law, John Richard and Edith Emma Watson (b Yung). Emma married Thomas William Watson at St Paul's Anglican Church , 11/11/1865.They lived in Sebastapol, Ballarat North and lastly at "Gracedale" Yendon - a small farm. They had 10 children and also brought up three grandhildren. .7 Emma Eliza Jane Phillips was born on 25th April 1844 in Barrabool (Geelong), the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Anne Phillips (b Goodenough). Sometime in the 1850"s after the death of Richard and the breakup of her marriage to Anthony Beck, Elizabeth moves to Ballarat with her children. The eldest boy Richard William Phillips would have been in his late teens. Elizabeth died on 4th August 1858 (aged 42?) before any of her children married. Emma married Thomas Watson in Ballarat. .1 Black memorial card with gold ink for Henrietta Tierney who was the wife of Daniel Tierney of the Victorian Police. Henrietta died April 28, 1905, aged 25 years. .2 Black and white photographic post card of two girls (Florence and Esma) addressed to Mrs Watson from Maurice H. It was sent from Mascoffs, High Street, Rushworth. c 1910-1915. .3 Black and white photograph of two children (Alma and Ida Watson) sent as a 1920 Christmas Greeting to Auntie Edie and Uncle Jack (Watson) from Ted and Jean Watson. Sent from "Kia Ora", Olinda Court, Bendigo. .4 Embossed presentation folder containing a black and white photo of two women and a man who is in an air force uniform. Inscription - "With love to mother from Bill 6th May '42" (possibly Beatty family NSW - connection through Richard Henry Watson's wife Margaret Alison Pike. Richard (Harry) was the son of this collection's owner Edith Emma Watson) .5 Post Card addressed to Jack and Edith .6 Sepia photograph of Ethel, 1890 .7 Sepia photograph of a small child sitting on a cushion . G.L. Massingham. Geelong. Frank Lauder (Hand written in biro) Verso: Gran Emma Eliza Jane Watson b Phillips in Geelong (Barrabool) .8 Two army officers seated on rocks between large cactus plants, possibly overseas in WW1. .9 Black and white photograph of three sisters .10 Black and white photograph of Reverend Stubbings, Mrs Stubbings and their daughter Jackie Stubbings.watson, emma eliza jane phillips, elizabeth anne goodenough, richard phillips, g.l.massingham, geelong, barrabool, reg. g evans, post card

souvenir of Cairo prior to WW1 Photo Souvenir, issued prior WW1Album 32 Views - Souvenir of Cairo, the Outer cover is pink in color made of heavy ornate design with the photograph of a tribesman with the Pyramids in the distance. Inside is a series of 32 photographs of Cairo and surrounds.Inside back cover contains an inscription which states "To Mother, with Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From Jack, Egypt 1915

Christmas Greeting card produced by the Shillinglaw Cottage Preservation Society as a fundraising effort towards relocating and preserving the Shillinglaw Cottage. The card was sold for a shilling.On the inside in blue pen: "To Sadie, Wal Margaret & Elizabeth with lots & lots of love & best wishes from Mother"marg ball collection, greeting card, peter glass, shillinglaw cottage, shillinglaw cottage preservation committee

Notes by Jock Read who donated painting to the Society: “Site of present-day Eltham Mall The property was owned by a Mr David Harbison who was connected to one of the Melbourne daily newspapers who donated the property to the City Newsboys Society to be used as they required. The property consisted of two building blocks with one four roomed house known as the Cottage. The Secretary of the City Newsboys Society decided to use the property as a Rest Home for mothers of newsboys who needed a rest and could not afford a holiday. Miss Onians added another four roomed dwelling to the home which was known as the Bungalow. Another three roomed residence was erected at the rear of the cottage for the use of the Caretaker. The rear of the property was used as a camp area for the use of Troop of Boy Scouts known as the 13th Melbourne Troop which met at the Newsboys Society Hall in Little Collins Street. Later the name of the troop was changed to City Newsboys Troop who held their Christmas camps at Eltham and Hurstbridge alternating years. In 1930 the caretaker (Mr. Francis) became ill and resigned that position. I had been a member of the scout troop and offered the position as Honorary Caretaker which I held for eight years. The Homes were used regularly as such until the death of Miss Onians. It was sold later and used as private homes until the Eltham Mall was built.” Further research has determined that apparently, Harbison left £1,000 in his will for the City Newsboys Society and the Secretary, Miss Edith Onians built the rest home from these funds. It was opened on November 12, 1919. David Harbison Rest Home, Jock Read, City Newsboys Society, 13th Melbourne Troop, Boy Scouts, City Newsboys Troop, Miss Onions, Mr Francis, Arthur Street, Eltham, Eltham Mall, David HarbisonN.D. 16 x 36 cm Oil on Masonite board UnsignedInscribed on back "The David Harbison Rest Home
10 & 12 Arthur St. Eltham"

Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker, panton hill, tosch property

Len Parker's Bedford truck is featured in one of the public art mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency. The little girl is Grace de Visser's sister. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker

Len's Bedford truk is featured in one of the Montmorency Were Street shopping precinct mosaics. Mr Parker by Grace de Visser (EDHS Newsletter No. 249, December 2019) Len Parker was a regular sight around the district for almost 40 years, selling fruit and veggies from the back of his truck to his regular customers between 1939 and 1978, first in a 1927 Chevy then a 1949 Bedford truck. Len’s connection to the Eltham district started long before he was born. His father Fred first came through the district in the early 1900s. With horse and cart buying and selling what was available at the markets using his mothers’ home in North Melbourne as his base. Fred settled and developed a market garden in the rich soil along the creek at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills in 1903. Ada Watson was almost five years old and one of eight siblings aged two to sixteen, when her Grandfather and Father both named Christopher Watson brought the Eltham Hotel and they moved from Richmond. Ada’s mother was formerly Emily Silk whose parents Martha and John Silk had been farming in Eltham around 1858 and much later a dairy farmer in Fitzroy. In 1917 at St Margaret’s Church Eltham, Fred aged 44 married Ada aged 35 who was still living and working at the Eltham Hotel. Six years later Ada died from cancer leaving Fred with two small children, Rose five and Len three. Len as a young boy, like his father before him worked the land with horses, growing vegetables, mainly potatoes, cabbages, pumpkins, beans, and tomatoes, selling the excess at the market. Len took over from his ageing father Fred, who had established similar rounds selling door to door with a horse and cart. Len preferred mechanical horsepower to the real kind! In 1939 at the age of eighteen Len brought an old 1927 Chevy Truck. He was taught how to drive it and two weeks later got his driver’s Licence. The Chevy truck had an old wagon on the back with no doors, only hessian bags to keep the wind out! Len had paid 75 pounds for it, kept it for ten years and sold it for the same price! Len’s blue 1949 Bedford was brought new in 1950 for 900 pounds with only a tray back on it. Straight away Len had a wooden frame covered with canvas added, with a roll up front and back. In later years, more solid sides replaced the canvas. Benches were added to hold the boxes of fruit and vegetables, with room to move in the middle, a fruit shop on wheels. Len had large scales attached to a box for weighing the fruit and veggies and many a district baby was also weighed on them. Len would stop at customer’s homes, take their orders and with his big cane basket on his arm deliver their order to their door. On his rounds he always wore a big soft back leather apron and a black or navy beret. If it was cold, he wore a ‘bluey’ jacket on his tall slender frame. Len would go to the markets early Thursday morning, only buying what was not grown at home or brought from his brother in law’s orchard. On his way home Len would start his ‘rounds’ in Lower Plenty and then Montmorency and parts of Eltham. Friday’s regulars were in Research, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill. Saturdays were Panton Hill and Christmas Hills. When Len retired in 1978, due to changing social times, women were working more and supermarkets starting to take over; his ageing truck was retired too. In 1999 his son Jim had the Bedford restored, Len was very happy to see ‘Beddy’ all shiny and new once again with just a tray back, like when it was new. Jim still drives the ‘Beddy’ to Heritage Truck shows twenty years on. Len married, had five children and lived most of his life, (except during World War 2 when he served in New Guinea), at Watsons Creek, Christmas Hills dying there in 2006 and is buried at the Kangaroo Ground cemetery with his wife of 64 years, Stella nee Tosch 1917 - 2007. Grace de Visser, the author of this article, is the daughter of Len Parker and a descendant of the two former owners of the Eltham Hotel, both named Christopher Watson. bedford truck, len parker