Contents: Formation of Eltham Public Hall Ladies Committee to assist general committee to raise funds for the hall, 21 September 1937 Minutes of Eltham Public Hall Ladies Committee, 21 September 1937 and 14 October 1937 Minutes Eltham Public Hall Combined Meeting, General and Ladies Committee, 6 April 1938 Annual Report, Eltham Public Hall Ladies Committee, 16 March 1939 Letter of thanks from Eltham War Service Committee to Eltham Public Hall Social Committee for donation of £16, 20 October 1939 Annual Report, Eltham Public Hall Ladies Committee, 14 March 1940 In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.7 pages (5 leafs) from exercise book, faint ruled both sides, hand written in ink approx 23 x 18 cmannual report, arthur street, e.m. dagnall, eltham public hall, eltham public hall general committee, eltham public hall ladies committee, eltham public hall social committee, eltham war service committee, main road, minutes, mrs ada lyon

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.The "Vana" Exercise Book, faint lined each page, approx. 70 pages; last approx 14 pages blank Minutes (incomplete) for 1947 meetings on loose pages torn out from a separate book and inserted loosely at endarthur street, eltham public hall, eltham public hall ladies committee, eltham public hall social committee, main road, minute book

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.The Ajax Exercise Book, faint lined each page, 24 pages with handwriting in ink; last six pages blank"Eltham Hall" written in ink on top of pencil stating "Mrs Lyon"arthur street, eltham public hall, eltham public hall ladies committee, main road, maria street, minute book

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Note Book; hard black covers with red fabric spine, faint lined each page, 56 pagesarthur street, eltham public hall, eltham public hall ladies committee, main road, maria street, minute book

Pre-printed paper form completed in pencilarthur street, eltham public hall, eltham public hall ladies committee, main road, receipt

Eltham Hall Committee appointed 10 Novemebr 1952 consisting of South Riding Councillors. Cr. Houghton and Cr. Brinkkotter. Minutes of meetings held: 14 April 1953 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Squire, Cr. Houghton 18 May 1953 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Squire, Cr. Houghton 10 August 1953 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Squire, Cr. Houghton, Cr. Griffith 12 October 1953 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Peake, Cr. Harmer, Cr. Griffith 14 December 1953 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Peake, Cr. Harmer, Cr. Griffith, Cr. Houghton 9 March 1954 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Peake, Cr. Harmer, Cr. Griffith 2 June 1954 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Peake, Cr. Harmer 9 August 1954 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Peake, Cr. Griffith 29 September 1954 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Peake, Cr. Harmer 13 December 1954 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Peake, Cr. Harmer, Cr. Bartlett 15 March 1955 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter, Cr. Peake, Cr. Harmer 20 June 1955 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter (Chairman), Cr. Houghton, Cr. Bartlett 26 March 1956 - Present - Cr. Brinkkotter (Chairman), Cr. Peake, Cr. Bartlett, Cr. Addison, Cr. Harmer, Cr. SmedleyBackground workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Note Book; semi-hard black covers, faint lined each page, 23 x 17.5 x 1 cm, 16 pages with notes, rest blankminute book, arthur street, main road eltham, eltham public hall, cr. brinkkotter, cr. squire, cr. houghton, cr. peake, cr. harmer, cr. griffith, cr. bartlett, cr. addison, cr. smedley

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Single pagearthur street, eltham public hall, fundraising, main road

117 p.; 21 cmnon-fictionExplores the early history of the town of Pearcedale, Victoria. It includes details about settlers, place names, and churches, offering a glimpse into the development of the community. The book is illustrated with photographs and provides historical context through documents and records. [AI generated text]pearcedale (vic.), pearcedale hall

Murray Comrie Collection. A page from The Weekly Times newspaper, of Sept 16, 1964 with article titled 'Tarnagulla Ball for Dunolly Hospital'. Images of Tarnagulla & district residents including Henry and Arthur Dyer, Mr & Mrs James, Mr & Mrs Hurford, Alex Freckleton and Robert Ousley (both of the Tarnagulla Hall Committee), John Shay, and others. tarnagulla, dunolly, murphys creek, maldon, people, hospital, fundraisers, hall, public hall, hall committee

Donald Clark Collection. Two copies of a colour photograph of the Tarnagulla Hall Committee posed on the stage of the Victoria Theatre in 1987. Standing (L to R): F.J. Chapman, J. Heather, W. Goltz, A.R. (Bert) Hurford, Robert (Bob) Le Messurier. Seated (L to R): John Shay, Les G. Williams, Barry Condick (Pres), Donald W. Clark (Sec), Doug A. Calder.tarnagulla, public hall committee

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Paper with ink printingarthur street, dance, eltham public hall, eltham public hall social committee, main road

Murray Comrie Collection. Information written by Donald Clark, (source Tarnagulla: A history of Tarnagulla and Districts website): The hotel was built on Commercial Road in 1859 and was opened on 26/12/1859. Festivities lasted for three days on opening. The building was of two storeys, built of brick and plastered throughout. It contained one bar, three parlors, billiard room, dining room, and four bedrooms with twelve others detached from the main building. Other out buildings consisted of kitchen etc. and stables to accommodate 30 horses. There was an underground tank capable of holding 3000 gallons of water. The licence was granted to Patrick McDermott at the Dunolly Court on 17/2/1860 and renewed on General Licensing Day on 12th June, 1860, and was transferred to William Hawkins in 1861. The premises became the headquarters of the Bet Bet Roads Board, following which it became the Council Chambers for the Borough of Tarnagulla, until 1915. The building was beyond repair and was removed by pulling the place down and storing the material for use of the Public Hall Committee. This took place on March 27th and 28th, 1981. This image must be after 1866, when the building was purchased for use as Council Chambers and the original heavy cornice was removed as that is not present in this image. This photograph is a reasonable copy created from an older original. Monochrome photograph depicting Company's Hotel in Tarnagulla. At the time of the photograph the old hotel is being used as the Mechanics' Institute. tarnagulla, hotels, company's hotel, companys hotel, burstall hall, businesses, commercial road

CONCERT AT ELTHAM. (1902, June 20). Mercury and Weekly Courier (Vic. : 1878 - 1903), p. 3. Retrieved November 22, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58580761 NEW PUBLIC HALL AT ELTHAM. (1921, December 2). Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate (Vic. : 1917 - 1922), p. 3 (MORNING.). Retrieved November 22, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57640472 ELTHAM HALL (1924, February 22). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 3 (AFTERNOON). Retrieved November 22, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56656807 THE Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser AND Diamond Creek Valley Advocate (1925, February 6). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 2 (AFTERNOON). Retrieved November 22, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56658074 ELTHAM PUBLIC HALL. (1927, January 21). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 3 (AFTERNOON.). Retrieved November 22, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57754280 ELTHAM. (1927, January 28). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 3 (AFTERNOON.). Retrieved November 22, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57754308 ELTHAM. (1929, February 15). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 2 (AFTERNOON.). Retrieved November 22, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57759218 ELTHAM PUBLIC HALL. (1929, March 1). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 3 (AFTERNOON.). Retrieved November 22, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57759343 Eltham Council; Items of Interest (1951, September), Heidelberger, p1 – Eltham Public Hall Committee granted Council approval to purchase two shop frontage blocks next to shire hall. Traces the earliest history of the Eltham Public Hall in Henry Streeteltham public hall, eltham shire hall, henry street, eltham rechabite hall, arthur street

Charles Gordon Watts-Phillips was born in 1849 at Forest Hill, Surrey, England, the son of Dramatic Author, Watts Phillips, and Lily Mariner. He departed England for Australia around 1874. His sister Roland was a favourite Australian actress of the early 1900s. Gordon as he was known, whilst residing in Goolwa, South Australia and working as a clerk met and married a widow, Jane Luxon (nee Miller) on the 7th August, 1876 at the Wesleyan Church in Strathalbyn, South Australia. Jane, Gordon’s elder by some 11 years was born in Ireland in 1838, the daughter of Robert Joseph Miller, a carpenter and Jane Miller. She had previously married Captain William Luxon in 1861 at Encounter Bay, South Australia at age 22 and they had four children: William (1864), George Robert (1865), Miriam Louisa (1867) and Harriet Jane (1869), all born at Encounter Bay. Gordon and Jane had two further children together: Caroline Roland Watts-Phillips (1877 Islington S.A.) and Charles Gordon Watts-Phillips (1879 Yatala, S.A.). At some stage, Jane then deserted her husband. Gordon obtained a master's certificate and was a part owner of a small trader. He had also been captain of one of the passenger boats on the Darling River. He was reputedly a popular coastal skipper. By 1891 Gordon was the Captain of the S.S Omeo operating around Sale, Victoria. In August of that year some of the heaviest flooding of the Thomson River ever experienced in twenty years occurred over the 3rd and 4th of August. Gordon, and others, rescued the lives of many families over that period for which he was awarded a Bronze Medal by the Royal Humane Society. By 1892 the S.S. Omeo had passed to another Captain and Gordon subsequently retired from the sea and moved to Melbourne. Whilst residing in Coburg, Victoria, Gordon met Mary Hilda Harvey Huxley who was living in Brunswick. Mary was born in Horsham, the daughter of George Harry Huxley, a miner, and Emma Deane. Having not heard from Jane for some years and believing her dead, Gordon and Mary marry at Carlton on Christmas Eve, 1900. Interestingly, an announcement of the marriage was not placed in The Age newspaper until September 1903, nearly three years after the event by which time Gordon and Mary had a son, Victor Gordon Watts-Phillips, born 8 February 1903 in Carlton. Within months of the placement of this marriage announcement, his former wife, Jane, makes a reappearance but apparently does not interfere and Mary and Gordon continue to live together as husband and wife. Around the same time in late 1903, Gordon’s brother, Basil Watts Phillip wrote from London to the Victoria Police seeking assistance to locate his brother. He had last heard from him in a letter dated Cunninghame, Gippsland, 1891. He indicated that about 1893 Gordon and Jane and their two children were living at Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park but the whereabouts of all was now unknown. He mentioned Gordon had also been awarded 21 guineas by Judge Boucaut on the 26th February 1884, also a silver medal, for arresting two ruffians who had brutally assaulted a jockey (in South Australia) and that he had been awarded the Royal Humane Society's medal, London, and in 1891, was presented with the Royal Humane Society's certificate of merit (Victoria). Basil also stated his brother had lost the sight of one eye through a stab he received in New York and had a scar on his temple, one on the wrist, two under the shoulder blade, and one on the thigh, and two bullet wounds in the leg. Basil’s quest was published in the Melbourne Herald and assistance was soon forthcoming to the Police. In June 1906 Gordon made his Will, leaving all his estate to his youngest son Victor. Mary was appointed Executrix and it was witnessed by Olive Huxley, married woman, and James Huxley, a pottery maker. James was subsequently killed in France in May 1918. Gordon and Mary have a second son, Basil Douglas born in Carlton in 1911 but he dies as toddler in 1913. At some point Gordon and Mary made their home at Eltham though official electoral roll records record them at Little Flinders Street Melbourne, employed as a caretaker and from 1906 in Brunswick as a decorator then painter. Eltham may have been a ‘holiday’ home but it seems Mary was actively engaged in the community as a newspaper report in the Advertiser in 1922 not long after Gordon’s death indicates Mary was one of the best known and best liked ladies of the Eltham district. She was actively engaged in all matters, tending towards the welfare of the district. At the time of Gordon’s death Mary was president of the Ladies' Public Hall Committee, responsible for the conduct of numerous, and successful entertainments. Gordon’s first and only legal wife, Jane Luxon Watts-Phillips nee Miller, died 6 November 1921 and was buried 8 November 1921 at Springvale Cemetery. Jane had lived 34 years in South Australia and 30 years in Victoria. With Jane now dead, Gordon was now officially a widower and just three weeks later, the retired master mariner of Eltham at age 55 remarried Mary, 42, of 174 Hickford Street, East Brunswick on the 29th November 1921 in the Parish of St Cuthbert, East Brunswick. Gordon died at their home, ‘The Rest’, at 174 Hickford Street, East Brunswick on February 9, 1922 and was buried at Eltham Cemetery on February 11. An interesting link is established with the heavy floods of August 1891 by the erection of a tombstone in the Eltham cemetery. The stone bears the inscription: - “In loving memory of (Captain) Gordon, dearly beloved husband of Mary Watts Phillips. Died 9th February 1922, aged 62 years." Beside the stone is a replica, carved in a marble scroll, of the Royal Humane Society of Australia's Certificate of merit. Part of the wording of this certificate is as follows:- “At a general court of directors holder at the offices of the society at Melbourne on the 6th day of September 1891, it was resolved that the courage and humanity displayed by Gordon Watts Phillips aged 30-years captain of S.S. Omeo, Sale, in rescuing many families from drowning during the heavy floods on Thomson River on 3rd and 4th of August 1891 call for the admiration of the court, and justly entitles him to the certificate of merit of this society, which is hereby awarded." Unbeknownst to Gordon, his second and subsequent legal marriage to Mary initiated a revocation of his Will of 1906, which had solely benefited his son Victor. Consequently, Mary had to apply for Letters of Administration and the only legal beneficiaries would be Mary and his two children by Jane. On June 18, 1940, at age 61, Mary married 70-year-old Arthur Ernest Fenn in Melbourne. Unfortunately for her, Arthur died a year later in July 1941 and was buried in the Cohuna Cemetery near Echuca. Mary lived a further 8 years, passing away suddenly July 4, 1948 in Carlton, and was buried July 7 with her beloved husband Gordon, at Eltham Cemetery. In Loving Memory of (Captain) Gordon Dearly beloved husbandof Mary Watts-Phillips Died 9th Feb. 1922, aged 62 years Also Mary Hilda Loved wife of above Died 4th July 1948 "At rest"Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, (captain) gordon watts-phillips, mary hilda harvey watts-phillips (nee huxley)

Rear view of Eltham Library showing loading dock and ramp to the front of the building. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, for which he won the 1995 Royal Australian Insitute of architects (Vic.) Merit Award in the New Institutional category. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p183 Award-winning Eltham Library, with its earthy tones blending into the nearby parklands, celebrates some of the best of Eltham’s spirit. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, the library at Panther Place, won him the 1995 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Vic) Merit Award in the New Institutional category.1 The design is typical of Burgess’ work, emphasising natural materials and forms, and the integration of building and site.2 In its distinctive architectural character, Burgess celebrated the spirit of Eltham’s artist/architect Justus Jörgenson and mud-brick builder Alistair Knox. However this library, which opened in 1994, follows decades of efforts to acquire a suitable library for local residents. It was only in 1971 that Eltham acquired its first purpose-built library. In the 1930s books were borrowed from a mobile library run by Mr Foster of Bible Street. From the 1930s to the early 1950s, adults borrowed books from the newsagency and general store in Main Road (still a newsagency) near Arthur Street. As late as the 1950s, adults borrowed books in the shire office foyer, then in Main Road near the corner of Arthur Street.3 In the early 1950s the ratepayers voted for lower rates rather than a library, in a referendum to build a public library financed by higher rates. Children depended on volunteers for their library service until 1966. In 1946 the inaugural meeting of the Eltham War Memorial Trust’s Women’s Auxiliary, decided to support the Trust by raising funds to buy land and build a Children’s Library, Baby Health Centre and other facilities. The auxiliary formed the Children’s Library Committee, which included Mrs Morrison, Mrs Bow and Mrs Currie. They ran a library service in the stage area of the Eltham Hall, at the corner of Arthur Street and Main Road. In 1952 the books were relocated to a room in the newly opened Baby Health Centre on Main Road. Then in 1961, the Children’s Library received its own hall beside the Eltham Pre-School Centre on Main Road. From there, each month, volunteers delivered books to every school in the shire. In 1966 the Children’s Library closed after 17 years of service, following the transfer of the Trust land and buildings to the Shire of Eltham. The books were donated to nine schools in the shire and to Community Aid Abroad. An important boost to the library service came in 1965, when the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was formed by the City of Heidelberg with the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley. Its first library service for Eltham Shire was a bookmobile van. Books for children and adults were finally housed in one building in 1966, when the shire converted the Brinkkotter house in Dudley Street, into a library. At last in 1971, the Eltham Library moved to new premises attached to the shire offices near Panther Place. However these were demolished in 1996, by State Government appointed commissioners during council amalgamations. Meanwhile the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was disbanded in 1985 and the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. The burgeoning population brought pressure for a bigger library. Eltham was one of several municipalities in the 1970s and 1980s, battling with the State Government for adequate funding for public libraries. Funds were so tight, that in 1987 Eltham councillors threatened to close the library. However public petitions persuaded them to set aside funds to replace the cramped library facilities. In 1992 the Federal Government gave $887,496 towards the $3 million cost of the 1560 square metre library.4 The result is a light and spacious building with surrounding verandas, made of sustainable natural materials including earth and recycled and radially sawn timbers. It includes a gallery and function areas. In 2004 Mr Burgess won Australian architecture’s highest accolade: the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal. He has received more than forty professional and community awards.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, eltham library, panther place