Our Eltham - Artistic Recollections by Jim Connor, EDHS newsletter No. 236 October 2017 The Eltham Cemetery Trust, established in 1858, selected the existing burial site at Mount Pleasant Road on high ground overlooking the village of Eltham. The first recorded burial took place in 1861 in the Church of England section. Headstones depict the names of many early and well known local families. In recent years the Trust has encouraged the use of creative artistic elements within the natural bushland environment in their landscaped grounds adjoining Montsalvat. Their ongoing vision has been to offer the local communty a fresh and unique relationship to the Cemetery. On Thursday 21st September 2017 their latest commissioned art project titled ‘Our Eltham - Artistic Recollections’ was unveiled. It is a collection of panels collaboratively created by artist Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma. The project was designed and constructed by Leigh Wykes using Australian stone with ironwork by Neil Carter. All contributors to this installation, located adjacent to the car park near Metery Road, are residents of the Eltham area. Our Eltham - Artistic Recollections is described as a celebration of life in the Shire since the opening of the Eltham Cemetery more than 150 years ago. Depicting scenes of life in and around Eltham, the collection offers deeper connections to the Eltham area through a series of visual narratives of Eltham’s past, environment and community. The project involves the artistic interpretation by Nerina Lascelles of historic and current images symbolically intermixed with locally indigenous flowers and plants. These are displayed on thirty-one ceramic panels by Linda Detoma, mounted within an iron fence by Neil Carter, upon an attractive rock wall constructed by Leigh Wykes. The Eltham District Historical Society is pleased to have contributed to this project. Russell Yeoman and Jim Connor from our Society have collaborated with Liz Pidgeon, Local and Family History Librarian at Yarra Plenty Regional Library on a selection of photographs, many from the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Collection we hold in partnership, located at Eltham Library. We also provided information on the images chosen. The Eltham Cemetery Trust has produced a booklet about this artwork, which can be viewed on the Cemetery website at: http://www.elthamcemetery.com/oureltham/#1 Our Eltham - Artistic Recollections is a significant monumental installation, which will encourage visitors to come to view this outstanding combination of local creative skills, set within the attractive grounds of the Eltham Cemetery. jim connor collection, eltham cemetery trust, montsalvat, our eltham artistic recollections, 2017-09-21

Pictorial guide to the artwork Our Eltham, a collection of 31 panels celebrating life in the Shire that were collaboratively created by artist Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist, Linda Detoma and commissioned by the Eltham Cemetery Trust. Our Eltham Artistic Recollections is a collection of panels that was commissioned by the Eltham Cemetery Trust as part of its vision to offer the community a fresh and unique relationship to the Cemetery. 31 panels were produced depicting historical images of Eltham and the nearby area with images of indigenous flowers and plants. A majority of the images were provided to the collaborating artists in digital form by Yarra Plenty Regional Library in partnership with Eltham District Historical Society who holds the significant Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection in partnership. EDHS and YPRL staff (Local and Family History Librarian) provided advice on which images to use and also provided assistance with the provision of information and editing services for this booklet, which is also available electronically. The collection of panels was collaboratively created by artist Nerica Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma. The project was designed and constructed by Leigh Wykes with Australian stone and Ironwork by Neil Carter. The panels were unveiled on September 21, 2017Artworks were based on images supplied by Eltham District Historical Society in partnership with Yarra Plenty RegionalLibrarySoftcover booklet; approx 66 pages, 20 x 15 cmnerina lascelles, linda detoma, eltham cemetery, artists, art works

Booklet with reproductions of the art panels depicting aspects of Eltham history, commissioned by the Eltham Cemetery Trust and located at Wisteria Walk South in the Eltham Cemetery42 p. colour illustrationseltham, eltham cemetery

Terrace wall section - Our Eltham Artistic Recollections at rearTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, art in public places, eltham cemetery, jim connor collection, our eltham artistic recollections

Our Eltham, Artistic Recollections 2017, Nerina Lascelles and Linda Detoma, Eltham CemeteryTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, art in public places, eltham cemetery, jim connor collection, linda detoma, nerina lascelles, our eltham artistic recollections

Our Eltham, Artistic Recollections 2017, Nerina Lascelles and Linda Detoma, Eltham CemeteryTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, art in public places, eltham cemetery, jim connor collection, linda detoma, nerina lascelles, our eltham artistic recollections

Opening Dedication Ceremony of Our Eltham, Artistic Recollections 2017, Nerina Lascelles and Linda Detoma, Eltham CemeteryTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, art in public places, eltham cemetery, jim connor collection, linda detoma, nerina lascelles, our eltham artistic recollections

Opening Dedication Ceremony of Our Eltham, Artistic Recollections 2017, Nerina Lascelles and Linda Detoma, Eltham CemeteryTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, art in public places, eltham cemetery, jim connor collection, linda detoma, nerina lascelles, our eltham artistic recollections

Linda Detoma and Nerina Lascelles Opening Dedication Ceremony of Our Eltham, Artistic Recollections 2017, Nerina Lascelles and Linda Detoma, Eltham CemeteryTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, art in public places, eltham cemetery, jim connor collection, linda detoma, nerina lascelles, our eltham artistic recollections

Linda Detoma and Nerina Lascelles Opening Dedication Ceremony of Our Eltham, Artistic Recollections 2017, Nerina Lascelles and Linda Detoma, Eltham CemeteryTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, art in public places, eltham cemetery, jim connor collection, linda detoma, nerina lascelles, our eltham artistic recollections

Eltham Cemetery Trustee, Geoff Watt unveils the plaque at the Opening Dedication Ceremony of Our Eltham, Artistic Recollections 2017, Nerina Lascelles and Linda Detoma, Eltham CemeteryTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, art in public places, eltham cemetery, jim connor collection, linda detoma, nerina lascelles, our eltham artistic recollections, geoff watt

March Excursion - Eltham Cemetery Artworks Newsletter No 236 October 2017 contained a report on the unveiling of a significant new art project at the Eltham Cemetery. Titled “Our Eltham – Artistic Recollections” it features 31 ceramic panels containing artwork with a local history theme. The work is the joint creation of artist Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma, supported with stonework by Leigh Wykes and steelwork by Neil Carter, all skilled local Nillumbik artisans. The main purpose of our excursion on Saturday 3rd March 2018 at 2.00pm will be to view the panels and will include readings from the interpretive booklet published by the Cemetery Trust. There will also be the opportunity to inspect other artworks within the cemetery. - EDHS Newsletter No. 238 February 2018fay bridge collection, 2018-03-03, eltham cemetery, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, our eltham artistic recollections, public art

March Excursion - Eltham Cemetery Artworks Newsletter No 236 October 2017 contained a report on the unveiling of a significant new art project at the Eltham Cemetery. Titled “Our Eltham – Artistic Recollections” it features 31 ceramic panels containing artwork with a local history theme. The work is the joint creation of artist Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma, supported with stonework by Leigh Wykes and steelwork by Neil Carter, all skilled local Nillumbik artisans. The main purpose of our excursion on Saturday 3rd March 2018 at 2.00pm will be to view the panels and will include readings from the interpretive booklet published by the Cemetery Trust. There will also be the opportunity to inspect other artworks within the cemetery. - EDHS Newsletter No. 238 February 20182018-03-03, eltham cemetery, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, our eltham artistic recollections, public art, peter & elizabeth pidgeon collection

Self guided heritage tour information produced by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society for 1978 Eltham Community Festival of 36 locations each numbered on accompanying map. Locations and detail provided current to 1978: 1. ELTHAM SHOPPING CENTRE Whilst very little remains in the centre of historical importance, this area has interest as the "village" which developed over many years following the opening of the railway from Melbourne in 1902. Previously the shopping centre had been spread out over a long length of Main Road to the south. Shops have been continuously demolished or remodelled and the majority of buildings date from the 1950's or later. The recently erected Post Office replaced the "old" Post Office opened on the same site only in 1958. 2. WOOLWORTHS ELTHAM VILLAGE Part of the site of this modern shopping development was occupied by the former Eltham Shire Offices and Hall. The hall was paid for by public subscription whilst the Council raised a loan for the offices. The combined building was opened in 1941. It served as office and Council meeting place until 1965 and as the hall until its demolition in 1970. 3. ELTHAM WAR MEMORIAL The complex of buildings adjoining the present Shire Offices were financed by public subscription as a Memorial following World War II. Their construction and for many years their operation was organised by the now disbanded Eltham War Memorial Committee. The original buildings were the; Infant Welfare Centre, Children’s Library (now War Memorial Hall and Dental Clinic) and Kindergarten. In later years the Elderly Citizens Club was built at the rear. 4. ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES These offices were opened in 1965 and extended in 1971 to provide additional office accommodation and the Eltham Library. They represent the last of a long line of offices and meeting places of the Eltham Shire Council and its predecessor the Eltham District Road Board. The building occupies the former site of Shillinglaw Cottage. The three tall cypress trees which stood in front of the Cottage have been retained as a feature of the office surrounds. 5. OUR LADY'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL The Catholic Church and School complex opposite the Shires Offices shows a number of stages in the development of Eltham township. The recently constructed church adjoins its predecessor (now the parish centre). Many years ago the Catholic Church was located opposite Wingrove Park and the present central site follows the northerly drift of the township. 6. SHILLINGLAW COTTAGE The Cottage was built in 1859 by George Stebbing, a local builder who was responsible for a number of other prominent buildings in the area. Its removal from the site of the Shire Offices and re-erection on the present site was financed by public subscription. It is built of handmade bricks laid in Flemish Bond with an unusual design featuring burnt "leader" bricks over the whole facade. The Cottage is occupied by Eltham Fleececrafts and will be open during the Festival and at other times during weekends. It is classified by the National Trust. 7. RAILWAY BRIDGE The timber trestle bridge over the Diamond Creek was built in 1901. Whilst all of its timbers have been replaced at various times over the years the only change to its character has been the addition of pylons and wiring for electric trains in 1923. It is one of very few similar bridges remaining in the metropolitan area. In 1976 a proposal to replace the bridge with an earth embankment and large culvert pipes was abandoned following community protests. The bridge, however, remains under threat because of the necessity for future deuplication of the railway line. 8. ELTHAM CENTPAL PARK The area between the railway and the creek has for many years been used as a park which included Eltham' s main football oval. The access road, Panther Place is named after Eltham's team playing in the Diamond Valley League. In recent years a large area extending to Bridge Street and locally known as the Town Park has been landscaped and added to the area. The excellent blending of the park with the natural landscape of the creek valley has earned a National Trust Landscape Classification. 9. OLD BAKERY On the southern corner of York Street and Main Road is an old house with a shop front which was for many years the local baker's shop. The brick bakery at the rear is of somewhat later vintage than the house. 10. BRIDGE STREET CUTTING Before reconstruction of Main Road this intersection had deep cutting embankments on all four corners, forming a distinctive feature of the entrance to Eltham. Roadworks and private development have levelled the land on the low side of the road. A memorial to the Eltham soldiers of World War I which was located at the north-western corner is now situated at the Eltham R.S.L.   11. HILLTOP MILK BAR For many years this was the site of the Eltham Post Office under the control of the Hunniford family and later their descendants the Burgoynes. It was transferred to this site in 1855, although at that time the building apparently fronted Bridge Str e et. The site contained Eltham's first telephone exchange. The post office was relocated in 1954 but the shop was operated until recently by the Burgoyne family who still own the surrounding land. 12. UNITING CHURCH and former C.B.A. BANK The former Methodist Church was built in 1880 by George Stebbing. The Sunday School extension was built in 1929 and there have been more recent extensions. The adjoining opportunity shop was built as a bank in 1874 and purchased by the Methodist Church in 1954. 13. R.S.L. HALL, TELEPHONE EXCHANGE These relatively recent buildings occupy the site of a row of shops forming part of the early ribbon of business development along Main Road. In front of the R.S.L. building is the World War I Memorial relocated from the corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. 14. ELTHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE Australia's first mudbrick "community building" was opened in April this year. Part of the site of the building was purchased in 1856 by Henry Dendy (of Brighton fame). At the rear of the land near the creek was a steam flour mill whilst Dendy's house was at the Main Road frontage of the land. His purchase totalled about 2 Ha (5 acres) and included land on the opposite side of Maria Street (Main Road). Dendy became a prominent member of the Eltham community and served one term as President of the Eltham District Road Board. In 1867 Dendy sold his land and business to William Ford of Malmsbury and shifted to Walhalla. The avenue of trees leading past the Community Centre to the creek may well have bordered the track to the mill. 15. ELTHAM HOTEL The original part of this hotel was built in 1927 following the burning of the former Watson's Eltham Hotel on the same site. The car park on the opposite side of Main Road was also the site of a hotel variously known over the years as; the Fountain of Friendship, the Fountain and the Evelyn Arms. As the Fountain of Friendship it was the first meeting place of the Eltham District Road Board in 1856. 16. ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH, PITT STREET In 1860 Henry Dendy was appointed Chairman of a committee to establish a church of England in Eltham. He donated part of his land in Pitt Street and in 1861 the church was opened. It was built by George Stebbing and remains in a well preserved state today. Th adjoining old vicarage is now named Dendy Hou se. A new mudbrick church hall is under construction on the site. The church and Dendy House are now listed on the Register of Historic Buildings. 17. NO. 86 PITT STREET Cottage built by George Stebbing and believed to be his home for some years in the 1850s. 18. LIVING AND LEARNING CENTRE The house was built in the 1850s with the kitchen at the front being added about 40 years later. By the creek below the house a number of early Eltham industries were located. These included a tannery and a brewery. 19. ELTHAM COURT HOUSE A Court of Petty Sessions was established in Eltham in 1858 and the present building dates from 1860. It is the oldest public building remaining in Eltham. In its early days the building was used as the meeting place and office of the Eltham District Road Board and as an overflow classroom for the local school. The Court House has been classified by the National Trust. The citation states that it is an example of the simple form of early brick Court House with gabled roof and porch. 20. LANDS DEPARTMENT OFFICE This building is the former police station and is probably of about the same age as the Court House. The lockup at the rear has been demolished but the old stables remain as garages. A licence was first granted for a police station at Eltham in 1856. 21. JARROLD COTTAGE The old Cottage opposite Dalton Street was formerly owned by the Jarrold family. Early records indicate that this was the building leased from the Jarrolds as a temporary police station prior to construction of the building on the corner of Brougham Street. The small building on the corner of the property was used as a boot repairer's shop. The elevated studio at the rear is a more recent construction by the present owners. 22. STATE SCHOOL RESIDENCE Erected in 1891 23. WINGROVE COTTAGE This building fills an important place in the history of Eltham and is now used as a medical clinic. It was built in 1858 for Charles S. Wingrove who was Secretary to the Eltham District Road Board and Shire Council from 1858 to 1904. During part of this period he was also Shire Engineer and was Secretary to the Heidelberg Road Board. The house was used as the office of the Board and Council for many years. Wingrove is buried in the cemetery at St. Helena.   24. WINGROVE PARK The parkland opposite Wingrove Cottage has been named after Charles Wingrove. The old Manna Gums are an outstanding feature of the park. 25. ELTHAM FRI.MARY SCHOOL NO. 209 The school first opened in the slab building in 1855 and operated from the present site since 1857. The oldest part of the present school is the stone building erected in 1876. The first school teacher, David Clark remained at the school until 1888. This school is the government township and has always been known as the Eltham School. An earlier school (no.371) known as Little Eltham School operated in Swan Street from 1853 to 1872. 26. "SHOESTRING" This house was built for school teacher David Clark. It has been extensively extended in recent years but the extensions do not detract from the character of the older part of the building. 27. ELTHAM CEMETERY The cemetery contains the graves of many of the district's pioneers . 28. MONTSALVAT This unique complex of buildings was commenced in 1935 by the late Justus Jorgensen and its development has extended over many years. Montsalvat has exerted a significant impact on Eltham The earth and stone construction of many of the buildings has influenced local architecture to a great extent and it has served as a "nerve centre" of the local artistic community. Montsalvat is open to the public for a small charge. 29. MAIN ROAD BRIDGE This location has been the main crossing of Diamond Creek since the earliest days of settlement. The present concrete bridge was erected in 1925 .and was preceded by a number of timber bridges. 30. ELTHAM LOWER PARK This park, being an unusually large flat area for Eltham, was originally the local racecourse. Horse races were held here from 1855 and the area was gazetted as a reserve for a racecourse and recreation reserve in 1857. The park is well known as a venue for school "bird days" and more recently as the site of the Diamond Valley Railway. This miniature railway features scale models of modern and old locomotives and rolling stock and has operated on this site since 1961 . Before that the railway operated at Chelsworth Park, Ivanhoe.   31. FALKINER HOUSE Frederick Falkiner was one of the earliest settlers in the Eltham township area and occupied a substantial leasehold prior to the first land sales. Early records show that Falkiner was the subject of a number of complaints from his neighbours but he has nevertheless been considered a prominent enough citizen to have a street named for him. This house was the home of Evelyn (Ely) Falkiner a member of Frederick's family. 32. WEST HOUSE Behind the large house on the hill is an early house built by the West family. This was relocated from a site near the front of the land by the present owner Mr. Fabbro. 33. FALKINER HOUSE This very old house is believed to have been the home of Frederick and may have been Eltham's first post office. Falkiner was the first post master for a short period. in 1854/55. 34. WITHERS HOUSE This house was the home of famous artist Walter Withers who shifted here from Heidelberg in 1903. 35. ELTHAM HIGH SCHOOL This school celebrated its jubilee this year, having commenced as the Eltham Higher Elementary School 50 years ago. 36. DIAMOND CREEK FOOTWAY If returning from the High School to the town centre the footpath by the bank of the Diamond Creek provides a pleasant route to finish your walk. The creek is a major tributary of the Yarra River. Together with its own major tributaries Arthurs Creek and Running Creek it commences on the southern slopes of the Dividing Range at Kinglake. It gives the name Diamond Valley to an area extending well beyond its actual drainage catchment.Recognition of the significance of various landmarks to the history of the Eltham community as of 1978‘shoestring’, 1978, bridge street cutting, burgoyne store, c.b.a. bank, diamond creek trail, eltham cemetery, eltham central park, eltham community centre, eltham community festival, eltham court house, eltham festival, eltham high school, eltham hotel, eltham lower park, eltham primary school, eltham railway trestle bridge, eltham shire offices, eltham shopping centre, eltham state school no. 209, eltham village, eltham war memorial, falkiner house, heritage trail, hilltop milk bar, jarrold cottage, lands department office, living, living and learning centre, main road bridge, montsalvat, old bakery, our eltham artistic recollections, our lady help of christian’s church, our lady help of christian’s primary school, pitt street, post office, r.s.l. hall, shillinglaw cottage, st margaret’s church, state school residence, stebbing cottage, telephone exchange, uniting church, west house, wingrove cottage, wingrove park, withers house, woolworths

Audio Recording of 11 October 2017 Society meeting. Description from Newsletter No. 236, Oct. 2017 : A 50th Anniversary Panel of EDHS Members As this meeting is close to the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, on 24th October 1967, we will appropriately look back on our own history. This will include a panel of members who will highlight some of our experiences and achievements along the way. As a special 50th anniversary treat we will have the opportunity to view, for the first time, a video reflecting on the first 50 years of our Society. This video, produced by Gerald Ashcroft from www.storiestobetold.com.au, is based around interviews with Russell Yeoman and Doug Orford about their recollections. The first speaker is meeting MC Jim Connor, EDHS President who gives a report on current EDHS bussiness and past and upcoming events of interest. The second speaker is Secretary Russell Yeoman. Topics include new panel artworks "Our Eltham Artisitic Recollections" at Eltham Cemetery and Shillinglaw farm walk and other business. The history presentation starts about 15 minutes into the recording. 1:24:45 duration Digital MP3 File 30 MB society meeting, 50th anniversary, audio recording, meeting, eltham district historical society, jim connor, russell yeoman, our eltham artistic recollections, doug orford

Opening of 'Our Eltham: Artistic Recollections'Born Digitaleltham, montsalvat

Opening of 'Our Eltham: Artistic Recollections'Born Digitaleltham, montsalvat

Opening of 'Our Eltham: Artistic Recollections'Born Digitaleltham, montsalvat

Opening of 'Our Eltham: Artistic Recollections'Born Digitaleltham, montsalvat

Opening of 'Our Eltham: Artistic Recollections'Born Digitalmontsalvat, eltham cemetery, eltham cemetery trust, art in public places, nerina lascelles, linda detoma

Opening of 'Our Eltham: Artistic Recollections'Born Digitalmontsalvat, eltham cemetery, eltham cemetery trust, art in public places, nerina lascelles, linda detoma

Heritage Excursion - finding out about the proposed art installation "Our Eltham: Artistic Recollections"; 31 panels to be created by artist Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma featuring historical images and flora in a celebration of life in the Shire for over 150 years; a project designed and constructed by Leigh Wykes with Australian stone and ironwork by Neil Carter.Born Digitalactivities, art in public places, artists, eltham cemetery, eltham district historical society, geoff watt, heritage excursion, linda detoma, nerina lascelles, eltham cemetery trust

Contents: • The Times They Are a Changin by Jim Connor • 11th October Meeting – A 50th Anniversary Panel of EDHS Members • Heritage Excursion – Saturday 4th November - Shillinglaw Farm Walk • The Easter Rooster Lunch by Ann Constable (Vaughan Johnson) • Vale – Don Kinsey AM by Jim Connor • Eltham District Historical Society by Jim Connor • Peter and Diana Bassett-Smith • Commemorative Service at St Margaret’s Church, Eltham by Kathleen Toal • Eltham in Victorian Railways Weekly Notices by Richard Pinn • Wellers Hotel of Kangaroo Ground – Part 2 by Jim Allen • Monash Bridge at Hurstbridge – 100 years old in 2017 by Pam Lawson • Our Eltham – Artistic Recollections by Jim Connor • Eltham and District Community Bank • Our Sponsors • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

The Eltham Cemetery Trust, established in 1858, selected the existing burial site at Mount Pleasant Road on high ground overlooking the village of Eltham. The first recorded burial took place in 1861 in the Church of England section. Headstones depict the names of many early and well known local families. On Saturday 5th March 2016 Harry Gilham again lead members and visitors on a heritage excursion through parts of the cemetery, while providing background information on selected individuals buried there. Harry’s cemetery walks have always been popular, and members and visitors were encouraged to come along and experience the tranquil surroundings of this picturesque cemetery. We were also able to view the recently installed sculpture titled ‘A Currawong Takes Flight’ by Michael Wilson located at the highest point of the fence-lined border between Montsalvat and the cemetery. It is close to the last bronze sculpture by Matcham Skipper, titled ‘Young Man Awakening’, commissioned by the Eltham Cemetery Trust to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the cemetery in 2008. As an addition, we also met the artists and stonemason and given a brief background into the Trust’s newest art project installation titled “Our Eltham – Artistic Recollections” which will feature ceramic panels containing artwork with a local history theme. The work is the joint creation of artist Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma, supported with stonework by Leigh Wykes and steelwork by Neil Carter, all skilled local Nillumbik artisans.fay bridge collection, 2016-03-05, eltham cemetery, geoff watt, jim connor, leigh wykes, linda detoma, nerina lascelles, young man awakening, harry gilham