In 1959 the Victoria Police purchased this house in Pryor Street to be refurbished as the Eltham Police Station. In 1961 the Police moved out of 728 Main Road and into the Pryor Street building following required modifications to bring it in line with the standards used for Police Stations throughout the State.The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street, police station

Owner: Mr and Mrs Warren Snr, parents of H.E. Warren of 30 Pryor Street. Sold 17 March 2001The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

This was the first house on Pryor Street which was located at the corner of what is now Commercial Place on the eastern side. Originally there was another house adjacent but it had been moved by the time of the 1951 aerial survey. The house was also the first home of Russell Yeoman who had been newly appointed to the Shire of Eltham and this house belonging to the council was vacant and made available to him for four weeks before it was relocated to Susan Street just south of the bowls club and was used a child care centre associated with the Living and Learning Centre (Russell believes). Russell then moved into another council owned house at the corner of Susan and Bridge Streets.Digital file only; created from original colour positive slide transparencyeltham, streets, houses, pryor street, susan street, fe holden sedan, russell yeoman collection

This was the first house on Pryor Street which was located at the corner of what is now Commercial Place on the eastern side. Originally there was another house adjacent but it had been moved by the time of the 1951 aerial survey. The house was also the first home of Russell Yeoman who had been newly appointed to the Shire of Eltham and this house belonging to the council was vacant and made available to him for four weeks before it was relocated to Susan Street just south of the bowls club and was used a child care centre associated with the Living and Learning Centre (Russell believes). Russell then moved into another council owned house at the corner of Susan and Bridge Streets.Digital file only; created from original colour positive slide transparencyeltham, streets, houses, pryor street, susan street, russell yeoman collection, fc holden sedan

Shows the carpark adjacent to the original Safeway store which was dug up July 2000.The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Colour photographic print eltham, houses, streets, pryor street, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection

Rear of Bunnings store, former McEwan's and Machet stores.The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Colour photographic print eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, mcewans, pryor street, franklins supermarket, carparks

The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street, police station

Owner 1940-1950: SagoThe Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

Owner 1940-50: Pauline and Ernie Harris. In late 1990s the house was demolished and units built.The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

Owner 1940-50: Mr and Mrs Barker; 1960s: Vera Barker and Colin Barker On 23 July 2019 this house and fence and garden was demolished. https://www.realestate.com.au/property/31-pryor-st-eltham-vic-3095The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

Owner 1960s: Alfred and Jean Chamberlain (Fairfield APM)The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

Owner 1940s-1960s: Herbert Edward Warren and Mable Warren (Warren's Woodyard)The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

Owner 1940s-1960s: Anderson (Train driver); 1960s Isobel Ellen AndersonThe Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

Owner 1940s-1960s: Arthur and Alice Altridge (Auto Electrician); 1960s: The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

Owner 1940s-1950s: Arthur and Alice Bennett; 1960s: Raymond and Ivy LiversidgeThe Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

Owner: Albert Parsons then daughter Oriel Glasgow who married Ron Glasgow. Was demolished in 2000 to make way for new Safeways storeThe Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street

Original Safeway store, demolished July 2000The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street, safeway store, carparks

Colour photograph of Pryor Street, Eltham at Commercial Placepryor street, commercial place, eltham

Five colour photographs showing Main Road at Pryor Street in Eltham Shopping Centre looking southmain road, pryor street, shops, eltham

View through the Pryor Street carpark which ran between Luck and Pryor streets. The original Safeway supermarket is visible in the background off Pryor Street. Cars in the immediate vicinity are a Morris 100, and HD/HR Holden wagon and an HQ Holden35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)eltham, pryor street, carparks, hd holden, hq holden, morris 1100, safeway supermarket, shopping centre, streets, hr holden, luck street

Construction of new concrete kerbing and footpath in Pryor Street, Eltham 18” tray and AG backing(?)Record of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.1955-09, footpaths and gutters, pryor street, infrastructure, shire of eltham

Owner: Mr and Mrs Warren Snr, parents of H.E. Warren of 30 Pryor Street. Sold 17 March 2001.margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street, houses, streets

Looking east across Pryor Street towards the Eltham Police Station. The Police purchased the residence at 23 Pryor Street in 1959 to move from the old town centre of the late 1800s to be closer to the new town centre that shifted as a result of the railway opening in 1901. The residential house was renovated to Police requirements and operations commenced from this location in 1961. Diretly opposite and to the left of the Police Station is now a busy shopping centre car park.35 mm colour positive transparency Mount - Agfacolor Service (Blue)eltham, eltham police station, pryor street, streets, houses

Construction of new concrete kerbing and footpath in Pryor Street, Eltham The truck on the left of the road is parked ouside the Eltham Police Station at No. 23. On the right is the present-day Woolworths carparkRecord of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.1955-09, footpaths and gutters, pryor street, eltham police station, infrastructure, shire of eltham

Looking down Pryor Street towards the intersection with Main Road, Mac's Liquor on left. Shows upgraded footpath area with new paving and planter boxes. Date based on other similar display panels visible in images of the Shire of Eltham display at the Eltham Community Festival, 7 November 1987.Colour photographeltham, main road, shire of eltham, infrastructure development, commercial place, display panel, eltham festival, mac's liquor, pryor street

Pryor Street looking west to Main Road, 1950prior street, eltham, main road

Formerly Burges Blue Gum Cafe being demolished, cnr Pryor Street and Main Road, Eltham, Sept. 1960. A new two story brick building was erected on site approximately 1961 for Mr Millet - visible in 1962 aerial photos Film poster is advertising The Blob (1958) and "I married a monster from outer space" (1958) which both appear to have been screened in Australia in 1960 and 1961 1922 Originally opened in October 1922 by Miss Barber, it was known as the Blue Gum Soda Fountain. It was named after a prominent Bluegum which stood on the property. 1928 It was taken over by W. Jim Burges in 1928 and by 1929 was known as the Blue Gum Café but also as the Blue Gum Tea Rooms from around August 1931. 1935 In August 1935 Jim Burges sold the Blue Gum Café to Mr and Mrs L.H. Herring of Kallista. The Herrings maintained the name Blue Gum Café 1938 In July 1938 the Herrings sold the business as the Eltham Confectionary And Soda Fountain to Misses Robinson and Pringle effective from August 1st. 1939 In April 1939, Misses Robinson and Pringle sold the Eltham Confectionary And Soda Fountain to Mr Herbert Eugene Borner and Miss Edith Florance Borner, (brother and older sister), formerly of Yarra Glen and it became known as H.E. Borner’s Shop. It is not known when the Borners sold the shop. Both were recorded there in the 1949 Electoral Roll. However, it is noted that Herbert Borner of Blackburn, late of Eltham, died as a result of an accident in August 1952. Sister Edith married railway employee John Stephens in in 1962. She died December 1978. So it is most likely they sold it possibly sometime between 1950 and 1951. 1950 The ownership between 1950 and 1954 is unknown but at some time during that period, the business was acquired by John Henry Millett and his wife, Esther. In 1949 they are listed in Footscray North and are recorded in the 1954 Electoral Roll as shopkeeper, Main Road, Eltham. It is possible they purchased it from the Borners between 1950 and 1951. It was advertised in the 1955 Easter Gymkhana Program as The Blue Gum, J. Millet, Proprietor. c. Aug. 1960 OLD LANDMARK GOES EDHS_05531 ELTHAM’S GROWTH HAS BEEN RAPID IN RECENT YEARS Possibly Diamond Valley News c.August 1960 Perhaps the most famous landmark in Eltham's' business section disappeared last Wednesday when the towering blue gum in Pryor Street at the rear of Main Road shops was felled. The tree, stated to be more than 80 feet high, was the one for which the adjoining café was named, when that business was Eltham’s only provision store, long before the turn of the century. Mr. J. Millett, who now owns the property on which the tree stood, deeply regretted its removal, but was mindful of the need for expansion in the business area. The "Old Blue Gum" was removed by Mr. A. Wilson, expert tree feller, from Heidelberg. Its proportions might be assessed by these facts – it took a gang of experienced men two days to completely fell and clear the tree, and, falling sections being brought down by cable tipped electricity wires on the opposite side of Pryor Street. Sep. 1960 The original store was demolished in September 1960 to make way for a new two-story brick building which became known as Millett’s Foodland. Aerial imagery shows that this was erected by 1962. 1968-1985 The name Blue Gum did not disappear but was reincarnated a few doors up some years later as the Blue Gum Milk Bar at 1006 Main Road (present-day Vyve Beauty & Wellness building on the northern side of Pryor Street one premises up from Westpac bank) “As a lifelong resident of the Diamond Valley, Ian Chesser (Chess) is a well-known face within the local community due to his involvement with numerous sporting clubs, and for being the “kid from the Blue Gum Milk Bar” many years ago” “From the time he was a child, Ian would assist his parents Graeme and Shirley at the Blue Gum Milk Bar working behind the counter.” "Ian Chesser - Barry Plant - Eltham." realcommercial.com.au https://www.realcommercial.com.au/agent/ian-chesser-1704490 Accessed 18 Nov. 2025. - Research by Peter Pidgeon, EDHS, May 2026Colour photograph copy of originalColour photograph copy of original. Possibly donated by Peter Bassett-Smith, noted as Sept 19601960, blue gum milk bar (eltham), butcher, coca cola, eltham shopping centre, eltham shops, estate agency, fire, four n twenty, i married a monster from outer space (film 1958), main road eltham, milk bar, noon pies, peters ice cream, pryor street, staffs general store, summer, the blob (film 1958), eltham, shops, blue gum café, blue gum milk bar, blue gum soda fountain

Eltham Plumbing Supplies (Lennie Whiteway Plumbing) located on the right side of the street. It later became the Eltham Bookshop and sold cane ware as well. On the corner with Main Road is the local branch of the State Bank of Victoria. The building still stands and is the present day Westpac bank branch. The Railway Station Master's house on opposite side was later demolished to make way for a carpark. 27 Aug 1963: Pettion for Bankruptcy re Jeanette Patricia Whiteway of 88 Napoleon Street, Eltham, house duties, and lately carrying on a business at Pryor Street, Eltham in partnership with another as a plumber under the names Eltham Plumbing Supplies and L. & J.P. Whiteway 1963 'SEQUESTRATION ORDERS AND FIRST MEETINGS', Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 - 1973), 12 September, p. 3259. , viewed 10 Jul 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241015035 Orders for discharge of bankruptcy suspended till 23 March 1967 for Leonard Whiteway and Jeanette Patricia Whiteway of 5 John Street, Eltham 1967 'NOTICE OF ORDERS OF DISCHARGE', Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 - 1973), 11 May, p. 2427. , viewed 10 Jul 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241040009Black and white photograph prints (x3) Negative (copy) 4x5 large format Black and White (x2)Shire of Elthampryor street, eltham plumbing supplies, main road, eltham, eltham bookshop, jeanette patricia whiteway, lennie whiteway plumbing, leonard whiteway, state bank of victoria, station masters house, westpac bank

jim connor collection, commercial place, cycling, eltham shopping centre, jock & eddie, pryor street

jim connor collection, commercial place, eltham shopping centre, pryor street