Back to Moorabbin Shire was held from 6th to 13th October 1934.Early settlers of the new City of Moorabbin were keen to celebrate their achievements as a Shire to encourage residents during the Depression years Gold badge with a blue shield with a god letter "M" in the centre. On the bottom is blue enamelling with the words "Shire of Moorabbin". At the top is a boomerang shape with the words "Welcome".Welcome Back to M - Shire of Moorabbinmoorabbin shire, back to moorabbin shire

Cheltenham Tennis Club was established 1883 when Shire of Moorabbin released land in Cheltenham Park for recreational use. 1924 The Shire of Moorabbin gave permission for the development of extra Courts.Cheltenham Tennis Club 1883 was one of the first Tennis Clubs established in Melbourne.A black and white photograph of men and women seated and standing in and around the Cheltenham Tennis Clubhouse in Cheltenham Park, Cheltenham in 1920. Letter Handwritten 1883 Shire of Moorabbin, South Brighton , release of land in Cheltenham Park for the development of Tennis Courts. Letter Typed 1924 Shire of Moorabbin, permission for extra Courts, signed by the shire secretary, Alexander Chalmers Smith.PHOTO ; written on back : Cheltenham Tennis Club 1920 / Cheltenham Park Letter ; signed John Keys Shire of Moorabbin South Brighton Logo 1871 Letter ; Shire of Moorabbin Logo 1924charman road, cheltenham, 1920, tennis club. charman stephen, gettens mary, spring grove, charman road, balcombe road, nepean road, dairy farmers, market agrdeners, poultry farmers, methodist church, keys john, shire of moorabbin, colsamix, cheltenham park melbourne, sabbath victorian law article 26, cheltenham golf club

The O'Maras, of Sandringham fishermen. Early mud brick house. Located in Moorabbin and was still there in 1940. The house was situated in Reserve Road, almost opposite Wangara Road, (formerly Cemetery Road). About twelve years ago, (* the writer states no year), there was a vacant block where the house used to be - it was next to a electrical factory. 2x Black and White Photographs. (i) An 1898 photograph showing two men with a fishing boat on the beach. A beach house / shed , paling fence and tall tea-trees are seen in the background. (ii) A large early mud brick house with a tin roof, chimney and a water tank sitting on a block of grassed landWritten on back (i) The O'Maras / Sandringham / fishermen 1898 (ii) Mud brick house at Moorabbin ( house was there in 1940) / Situated in Reserve Road almost opposite Wangara Road / ( formerly Cemetery Road ). About 12 years ago there was a vacant block where the house used to be and it was next to an electrical factory. unsigned undatedthe o'maras, sandringham fisherman, 1898, mud brick house, moorabbin, wangara road, reserve road, electrical factory, early settlers, pioneers, shire of moorabbin, sandringham, beaumaris, mentone, fishermen, dairy farmaers, poultry farmers, market gardeners,

The memorial service held at the Bentleigh Recreation Reserve on Sunday, December 8, 1918. It was largely attended. The president of the Sire, Cr. D. White, was introduced to those present, by Cr T Marriott. Mr O. R. Snowball, M.L.A., unveiled the memorial tablet, which was inscribed as follows :-- “To the memory of Bentleigh boys who died for their country in the Great War 1914.18,. Greater love hath no Man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” OUR FALLEN HEROES Austin, R J, (M.M.); Mitchell, R A; Baker, O R; Manfield G S; Bevis, D E; Norris, H; Crutchfield, C; Odgen, A.; Dodson, H E; Perry, L.; Dunigan, F J; Sharpin, G; Hill, G; Searle, J H; Jones, C; Smith, E R Bentleigh residents remembers the "Bentleigh Boys" that were killed in World War One, the sons of pioneer familiies of the districtFour page Programme, for the Memorial Service and unveiling of memorial Table to the Shire of Moorabbin's fallen Soldiers.world war one, wwi, memorial, bentleigh recreation reserve, moorabbin, bentleigh, shire of moorabbin, austin, mitchell, baker, manfield g s, bevis, norris, crutchfield, odgen, perry, dunigan, sharpin, hill, searle, smith, dodson

At a public meeting in January 1917 the residents of the Shire of Moorabbin decided to appeal for funds for the purpose of erecting a memorial to the memory of the late Councillor William George Burgess, who died on 29 November 1916. The committee that was formed to oversee this project described Mr Burgess and his accomplishments: “Mr Burgess served the Shire of Moorabbin in the that capacity faithfully and will for upwards of 35 years. Mr Burgess was a resident of the shire since early boyhood and all through life either initiated or identified himself closely with every movement for the advancement of the district. The acquisition of the Bentleigh Reserve is evidence of his untiring energy and zeal, and it is now proposed to erect a brick pavilion thereon as a monument to the memory of one who had striven to leave the world, and the district in which he resided, a little better than he found it.” The “Burgess Memorial Pavilion” was opened on 13 October 1917. The pavilion was built of brick, with tiled roof, containing two rooms, one 12ft x17ft, the other 12ft x 9ft, a spacious verandah, supported by brick pillars was provided on two sides of the building. Unfortunately the Burgess Pavilion burnt down in June 1928. William Burgess was a Councillor for the Shire of Moorabbin for over 35 years, during which he was the President for five terms. William was a market gardener in Mackay Road, Bentleigh. His family settled in the district in 1855.Two paper documents: One a copy of a resolution re the opening of a bank account ; two a letter from the Southern Cross Press which accompanied a donation for the Burgess Memorial Fundwilliam burgess, the burgess pavilion, bentleigh recreational ground, fundraising, sport, shire of moorabbin

J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations. Herbert John Higgins ran a dairy farm with 40 cows on some acres fronting Jasper Rd ( Higgins Rd today ) he grew corn crops to feed his herd and also bought grain from J L Smith.Herbert Higgins , Dairy farmer, along with the Allnutt, and Long families were members of the Methodist Church Bentleigh from 1880s and involved in community organizations, J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Black & White photograph showing an upended Ford truck that has been overloaded with bags of grain with Herb Higgins and 2 men and a boy. They are outside J L Smith Chaff & Grain Store Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1926 higgins,herbert, dairy farmer, allnutt victoria (queenie), smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, methodist church bentleigh, milk,

The, horse drawn metal scoop ,guided by a man, was used to clear earth for road making. Well before the introduction of motorised, mechanical graders and trucks the painstaking, labour-intensive work was undertaken by large teams of sturdy men using strong horses such as the draught horse. Roads were needed by the market gardeners to transport their produce to market. Later as the heavy wagon loads continually caused ruts and general degradation of the roadways a Plateway system was installed so that the wagon wheels could roll along the rails thus protecting the roadways. August 31st 2021 Ron Nash, from WA, informs us "The men and horses pulling earth scoops in the photo are not moving earth for road making - they are excavating an "earth tank", or dam, as described in common nomenclature today. This skill was known as "tank sinking", and tank sinkers were active in many rural and remote areas in the 1800's and early 1900's, establishing sizeable dams for important water reserves for community and farm and railway use. With the advent of mechanised equipment such as bulldozers, the trade of tank sinking was still carried out, but on a faster basis. I am a former tank sinker and earth moving contractor, now long retired." Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire had to build the roads, plateways, drains, as the settlement of the land, in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton, spread and market gardeners need to transport their produce to market. Their most valuable possession was the draught horse that was used for ploughing, drawing carts and these scoops.Black & White photograph showing many horses pulling metal scoops guided by men to move earth for road making in Moorabbin Shire c 1900Back Handwritten Informationplateway, roadworks moorabbin shire, draught horses, metal scoops, paviers, box alonzo, smith j l; chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The large, early, manual, ‘Punch-Clock’, (also known as a Time Clock), used by the Shire of Moorabbin employees to “clock-on and off” each working day circa late 1800s early 1900s.This 'Punch-Clock' was used by employees of the Shire of Moorabbin circa 1880 - 1900 and was donated to the City of Moorabbin Historical Society by the now defunct Moorabbin City Council in 1984.The large manual, ‘Punch-Clock’, (also known as a Time Clock), used by the Shire of Moorabbin employees to “clock-on and off” each working day circa late 1800s early 1900s. The clock face is exposed and the internal mechanism is encased in a wooden cupboard with two glass framed side panels. Right side panel is a door that accesses the clock mechanism.Around Centre of Clock face " DEY TIME REGISTERS LTD"/ "HOWARD BROS./ made in USA/ 75 Queen Victoria St./ LONDON E.C."/ On Brass plate at base are Patent registrations moorabbin, clocks, wages, punch clock

Late 1800s-early 1900s A horse-drawn furrow plough is an example of the type of farm implement widely used by pioneer market gardeners in the Moorabbin Shire following 'Dendy's Special Survey' of 1841 and the Crown Land Sale in 1852. Land allotments were bought by pioneer settlers who established or rented allotments for market gardens in the area. They supplied produce to the markets in St Kilda and Melbourne. During the gold-rush of the 1850s the rapidly increasing population of Melbourne saw a huge demand and a rise in prices for all foodstuffs, including the vegetables and fruit grown in the Shire of Moorabbin. This heralded a time of prosperity for market gardeners, and an equally rapid expansion of the numbers of vegetable and produce growers in the area. The 'knock-on effect" resulted in an increased interest and development of the community in the Shire of Moorabbin.Following 'Dendy's Special Survey' of 1841 and the Crown Land Sale in 1852, land allotments were bought by pioneer settlers who established or rented allotments for market gardens in the area and they supplied produce to the markets in St Kilda and Melbourne. During the gold-rush of the 1850s the rapidly increasing population of Melbourne saw a huge demand and a rise in prices for all foodstuffs, including the vegetables and fruit grown in the Shire of Moorabbin. Circa late 1800's to early 1900s. A horse-drawn furrow plough was the most common type of agricultural implement used by the pioneers of the 1800s and continued on into the 1940s when motorised tractors came into use. This plough is an example of a two furrow, mullboard plough which would most likely have been pulled by two horses. The long handle was used to lower the silver plates, (mullboards), to the chosen depth of soil. Painted yellow. Although this Box Cottage museum plough is unbranded, the most widely used plough in the Shire of Moorabbin was made by Oliver. This plough appears to be identical to that brand. brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, fruit, bentleigh, vineyards, vegetables, plough, market gardens, plow

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Black & White photograph of J L Smith Hay & Grain Store and Crushing Mill Jasper Rd / Centre Rd Bentleigh 1916. A veranda has been added to the store, new signage attached and a Gas light and hitching post are in foreground. 3 Horse drawn carts loaded with grain bags and drivers sitting on top of loadV. Smithgas street light, hitching posts, smith vic, photography, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 J L Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.2 x Black & White photographs showing horse drawn carts loaded with (a) Hay and (b) bags of grain outside J.L.Smith Grain & Chaff Store Centre Rd Bentleigh c1920smith frank, smith arch, smith tom, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Butcher Mr Bill Ellin delivering meat to Mrs J.L.Smith in front of the house Law Muir Den 510 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1915. Groceries, Ice, Milk, Bread, Eggs, Poultry were delivered to housewives by the traders in horse drawn carts, Also Hawkers and Pedlars plied their wares by visiting the cottages. John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.A Black and white photograph c 1915 showing the Butcher delivering meat to Mrs J.L Smith Bentleighsmith j l, smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, bent thomas, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, william ellin, butcher

The Peterson family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and established a market garden in East Boundary Road East Bentleigh. Vic Peterson and family loaded the crop - cabbages - onto the horse drawn wagon and set off to the Melbourne market using the Plateways that ran along Centre Road and Nepean Highway. The early settlers like the Petersons , in the Parish of Moorabbin County of Bourke after Henry Dendy's Special Survey Brighton 1841, established market gardens, fruit & flower gardens, poultry & dairy farms, vineyards as well as shop businesses, blacksmiths, chemists, nursing homes and schools & Churches.Black & White photograph showing Vic Peterson beside the horse drawn wagon loaded with 35dozen ( 12x 35) cabbages setting off to market c 1900 Original re-digitised by H Stanley 2005Back Hand written informationwagons, vulcan trucks, draught horses,, peterson vic, marriott dick, cabbage crops, vegetable crops, poliomyelitis epidemics 20thc , elster creek, plateways moorabbin shire, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Peterson family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and established a market garden in East Boundary Road East Bentleigh. Vic Peterson - waistcoat, with Dick Marriott seated - ( brother in -law ), 2 unknown men and 7year old Geoff Peterson - Poliomyelitis as a baby- sitting in front with his walking sticks. The crop is cabbages that would be harvested and sent to the Melbourne markets.The early settlers like the Petersons and Marriotts, in the Parish of Moorabbin County of Bourke after Henry Dendy's Special Survey Brighton 1841, established market gardens, fruit & flower gardens, poultry & dairy farms, vineyards as well as shop businesses, blacksmiths, chemists, nursing homes and schools & Churches.Black & White photograph of Vic Peterson and 3 men & boy on his market garden in East Boundary Road East Bentleigh c1925 re-digitised 2005back ; handwritten information unsignedwagons, vulcan trucks, draught horses,, peterson vic, marriott dick, cabbage crops, vegetable crops, poliomyelitis epidemics 20thc , elster creek, plateways moorabbin shire, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Peterson family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire and established a market garden in East Boundary Road East Bentleigh. Horse drawn wagons traveled along Plateways to take their crops to the Melbourne Markets . With the advent of the motorcar the market gardeners gradually purchased trucks to transport their crops. Roads were being surfaced but ruts and flooding caused upsets and bogging of these trucks. The journey was quicker but unlike the Horses, these trucks could not drive themselves back to the farm.The early settlers like the Petersons and Marriotts, in the Parish of Moorabbin County of Bourke after Henry Dendy's Special Survey Brighton 1841, established market gardens, fruit & flower gardens, poultry & dairy farms, vineyards as well as shop businesses, blacksmiths, chemists, nursing homes and schools & Churches.Black & White photograph of a Vulcan truck driven by Vic Peterson, loaded with Cauliflowers from his market garden in East boundary Road East Bentleigh c 1929.Back Handwritten information unsgnedwagons, vulcan trucks, draught horses,, peterson vic, marriott dick, cauliflower crops, vegetable crops, poliomyelitis epidemics 20thc , elster creek, plateways moorabbin shire, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Although the Railway line had been planned for some time Sir Thomas Bent MP was responsible for making it happen in order to revitalize the fortunes of the Moorabbin Shire that he had represented for so long. The train line opened in 1881with 8 Stations between Caulfield and Mordialloc.The first Steam engine carried dignitaries and local residents. Bent also ensured that the Station houses in his constituency were built in a distinctive decorative cottage style. Bent faced severe criticism for diverting the rail line through his local area and for the expenditure on the Stations. Local residents established and cared for Gardens at the Stations and Cheltenham was awarded Best Garden c1910. The arrival of the Railway Line saw the traders move from Point Nepean Rd to Charman Rd and by 1910 various shops and business were present. 2016 - current has seen large protest rallies against the destruction of Mentone Station and Cheltenham Station as the Victorian State Government proceeds to remove Railway Level Crossings. A compromise to retain the Station buildings whilst placing the Rail Line underground is desired.Cheltenham Railway Station is one of the original cottage style stations ordered by Sir Thomas Bent when the rail line was extended from Caulfield to Mordialloc 1881Photograph Black & White Postcard showing the entrance to Cheltenham Railway Station c1920Valentine &Sons Pub Co Ltd Melb railways, cheltenham station, mentone station, south brighton station, railway level crossing removal 2016 -19, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne. Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) The names written on the photograph show the pupils belong to many early settler families.1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne. These pupils belong to the early settler families in Moorabbin ShireBlack & White photograph of pupils in Grade 5 at Cheltenham State School No 84 c1910Front ; 1st Rodda - Millege - Lemkie, Orr / 2nd Moorhouse, McGregor, Marriott, N. Bodley, E. Howard / 3rd; K.Whelan,E.Ould, D.Kilburn, Moorhouse, Roberts, - - Tilly - Teagal,Miller, Primer. - Martin, Caulfield Back Mrs Taylorcheltenham primar school, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers, cancel

Early settlers established market gardens, farms and business in the East Brighton ( East Bentleigh) area of Henry Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton. The small communities established Churches and Schools. The Church of England opened St Stephen's Common School c 1850 in Tucker Road with 26 pupils. When the Government School opened 1878 the pupils were transferred to the new Centre Road building and it served the developing East Bentleigh Community until 1990. East Bentleigh State School no. 2083, Centre Road 1878 was closed c1990 due to the dwindling number of pupils enrolling following development of Valkstone SS East Bentleigh, Ormond East SS ( now McKinnon SS) and Tucker Road SS East Bentleigh Names of Pupils inscribed on back of original photograph show the children of the early settler families in Moorabbin Shire Back Row -Bessie long, Ruby Marriott, Irene Peterson, Jessie Gebuer, Grace Reid, Ella Marriott, Daisy Arnold, Lucy Hosking 2nd standing - Edie Roberts, Daisy Marriott, Elsie Strack, Ida Gouruly, Ephanie Bruce, Emma Thompson, Evelyn Marriott, Sarah Jackson, Lola G. 3rd kneeling - Lily Moore, Lizzie Sharman, Mag. Scotland, Em Ray, Elsie Claydon, Lily Marriott, ?? Day, ,Bessie Brewster, Eva Lindberg Front- Florrie D......ieson, Florrie ...i....ade, Ruth Goodrich, Lily Boles, Ettie Arnold, Bessie Marriott, Amie Jackson, Eileen Hosking The Government School opened 1878 in the new Centre Road building near Tucker Road, and it served the developing East Bentleigh Community until 1990. East Bentleigh State School no. 2083, Centre Road 1878 was closed c1990 due to dwindling number of pupils following development of Valkstone SS East Bentleigh, Ormond East SS ( now McKinnon SS) and Tucker Road SS East Bentleigh all situated along or near Tucker Road. Black & White photograph, reproduced c2005., of girl pupils at East Bentleigh State School 2083 c 1900east bentleigh state school no.2083c1900, marriott john, box jessie, pederson vic, long bessie, wong george, shephard hilda, mcneil annie, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne. Stephen Charman, 1821-1906 a market gardener, donated land for the first Methodist Chapel, Cemetery and School in Charman Rd Cheltenham 1855. The enrolment was 36 pupils with Mr Frederick Meeres as Teacher. 1863 the school is called Beaumaris Common School No 84 with 70 pupils and Walter Meeres as Teacher. 1869 another 2 acres in Charman Road were granted by the Education Board and brick building built . 1872 State School 84 Beaumaris was increasing enrollments and 1878 a new brick school was built to accommodate 174 pupils and the name changed to Cheltenham State School No.84 1894 Mentone State School No.2950 amalgamated with Cheltenham SS No.84. 1910 the buildings were in disrepair, overcrowding was increasing and renovations were made 1912 with further additions in 1925 and 1937. Post WW11 extra prefabricated Classrooms were added as enrollment increased to 1038 in 1955.. Cheltenham East State School 4754 was opened as housing development spread over the City of Moorabbin . (J.Larson Sandringham HS) Probably due to the Scottish heritage of many early settlers the Fife & Drum Band was established at the West Beaumaris (Cheltenham) State School . The Fife is similar to the piccolo, and usually made of wood, consisting of a tube with 6 finger holes and an embouchure hole that produces sound when blown across.The fife was used in folk music traditions to accompany dancing by all social classes. Also in the Military where drums accompanied the fife and originally these 'boy soldier ' bands were used to signal manouevres in the field for the infantry. Later Fife & Drum bands were used for marching bands in schools and community groups, 1855 Stephen Charman donated land to the Methodist Church so that a School could be established to educate the children of the early settler market gardeners and farmers in the Cheltenham area . Education was valued by the general community and as well as schools they established mechanics Institutes and Libraries in Moorabbin Shire. Cheltenham State School No. 84 was among the first schools in Melbourne.Black & White photograph of pupils at West Beaumaris (Cheltenham) State School No.84 in the boy's Fife and Drum Band c 1908Back Handwritten Mrs Whelan / Beaumariswhelan r, marriott geoff, meeres frederick, cheltenham state school no.84, education, keys robert, holloway josiah, king brothers, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

A chamber pot is a portable toilet, meant for nocturnal use in the bedroom. It was common in many cultures before the advent of indoor plumbing and flush toilets. A typical chamber pot used in City of Moorabbin c1950White enamel chamber pot c 1950chamber pots, toilets, nightcarts, iron maidens, septic tanks, sewerage, sandringham, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b. bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, early settlers, pioneers, post world war 2 estates, plateway,

A horse collar is a part of a horse harness that is used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wooden pieces, called hames, to which the traces of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling, essentially enabling the animal to push forward with its hindquarters into the collar. It is a padded appliance that conforms well to the shape of the horse's body and is constructed so that at all points of contact with the body of the horse it avoids the air passage.The early settlers in Moorabbin Shire depended on the draught horse to pull the equipment need to plough the fields, grade the roads, pull their wagons of produce and small carts for transport as they developed the land after the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841Horse Collar, 20thC mediumearly settlers, pioneers, draught horse, ploughs, farm equipment, saddles, leatherwork, blacksmiths, cheltenham, sandringham, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, horse drawn wagons, plateway, vegetables, poultry farms, dairy farms,

shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wooden pieces, called hames, to which the traces of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling, essentially enabling the animal to push forward with its hindquarters into the collar. It is a padded appliance that conforms well to the shape of the horse's body and is constructed so that at all points of contact with the body of the horse it avoids the air passage.The early settlers in Moorabbin Shire depended on the draught horse to pull the equipment need to plough the fields, grade the roads, pull their wagons of produce and small carts for transport as they developed the land after the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 Horse Collar small 20thCearly settlers, pioneers, draught horse, ploughs, farm equipment, saddles, leatherwork, blacksmiths, cheltenham, sandringham, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, horse drawn wagons, plateway, vegetables, poultry farms, dairy farms,

A horse collar is a part of a horse harness that is used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wooden pieces, called hames, to which the traces of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling, essentially enabling the animal to push forward with its hindquarters into the collar. It is a padded appliance that conforms well to the shape of the horse's body and is constructed so that at all points of contact with the body of the horse it avoids the air passage.The early settlers in Moorabbin Shire depended on the draught horse to pull the equipment need to plough the fields, grade the roads, pull their wagons of produce and small carts for transport as they developed the land after the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841Horse Collar large 20thCearly settlers, pioneers, draught horse, ploughs, farm equipment, saddles, leatherwork, blacksmiths, cheltenham, sandringham, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, horse drawn wagons, plateway, vegetables, poultry farms, dairy farms,

Early settlers had to clear the land of trees and shrubs to establish and maintain their farms and market gardens. Some settlers worked in the Gippsland region felling timber for transport by bullock wagons to Melbourne. Two-man crosscut saws were primarily important when human power was used. Such a saw would typically be 1 to 4 m (4 to 12 feet) long, and sometimes up to 5 m (16 feet), with a handle at each end. The technique in using a two-man saw involved a sawyer standing at each end and together the sawyers would alternate pulling the saw through the wood. If the kerf -slit- began closing, causing the saw to bind, wedges would be inserted behind the saw blade in order to keep the kerf open.Two-man saws were designed to cut in both directions. Careful tooth design was necessary to clear the sawdust during the cut. This is a typical two-man tree felling saw that was necessary to clear the land when the pioneers were establishing their market gardens and farms in Parish of Moorabbin c1850A long steel blade saw with 2 wood handles c1900tools, saws, axes, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, dairy farms, orchards, vineyards, timber mills, bullock wagons, tree felling, timber mills, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis,

Stephen Charman, aged 21 years arrived in Melbourne in 1842 as one of Henry Dendy's emigrants. He established purchased land in 1852 and established a market garden at Spring Grove Cheltenham with his 2nd wife Mary nee Gettens. Stephen died 1906 in Gippsland. He wrote letters to his brother Michael who had remained in England Stephen and Mary Charman were pioneer market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire 1842 and were involved in the development of Church, school and community in the area now called Cheltenham. Charman Road Cheltenham was a boundary of their land. Letter, handwritten from Stephen Charman to his brother Michael in UK 1853 x 3 pages Handwritten signed Stephen early settlers, pioneers, spring grove, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, charman mary, gettens mary, marigold flowers, pharmacy, methodist church, state schools, education, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardens,

John Hitchen was the manager of the first Cheltenham Post Office that opened 1/8/1857 in a boot and shoe store. Mail was transported to and from St Kilda to Cheltenham by coach 6 days a week and an additional service twice weekly to Tootgarook via Frankston also by coach. 1868 Post office Savings Bank began operation and the Telegraph office was established at the Railway Station 1885. A new building was built 1891 in Point Nepean Road for the official Cheltenham Post Office and a new manual telephone exchange began 1899 with 24 subscribers. By 1909 100 subscribers, 1951 there were 1700 and in 1974 12,000 subscribers . Hence this new building was designed by Oscar A. T. Gimsey & Assoc. and built by T W Morris & Sons Mordialloc. Mr G Clayton Federal MP Isaacs, opened the Post Office with Moorabbin City Council Mayor C.R McHutchison, Mr WJB Pollock, Director Posts and Telegraphs, and hands the Key of the post Office to Mr L De Longville Postmaster.The Post Office was an integral part to the development and prosperity of the Cheltenham area as the area grew from pioneer settlers in the 1850's to flourishing market gardens c1900 and industrial diversity of 1974.Program for the 'Official Opening of the Cheltenham Post Office' November 29th 1974 with a black and white photo of the building.city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, post office, telegraph, st kilda station, tootgarook, frankston, clayton g mhr, mchutchison r.p mayor, pollock w j b mp, market gardens, early settlers, horse coach, de longville l postmaster

Harry Smith, aged 7 years, received this Certificate from the Bentleigh Methodist Church Sunday School 1908. The Smith family managed the Grain and Chaff cutting store on the corner of Centre Road and Jasper Road Bentleigh.The family of Harry Smith were early settlers in Bentleigh and managed a Grain and Chaff cutting store. Certificate awarded to Harry Smith, aged 7 years, by the Bentleigh Methodist Church 1908'Ministering Children's League'city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, smith harry, stanley helen, early settlers, pioneers, chaff cuters, bentleigh

Harry Smith aged 7 years had an item exhibited in the Victorian State Schools Exhibition 1906. He was a pupil at East Bentleigh (East Brighton) State School No 2083. In 1912 Harry was awarded him first prize for his workmanship in making a small chip-carved table.J.L. Smith was an early settler in Bentleigh ( East Brighton) who established a Grain and Chaff cutting Store in Bentleigh Harry was a his son who attended the local school, East Bentleigh State School No 2083.Paper Certificate for Harry Smith, aged 7 years, an exhibitor in the Victorian State Schools Exhibition 1906printed certificateeast bentleigh state school 1906. smith harry, smith j l, grain and chaff stores, bentleigh, stanley helen, early settlers, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b., bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis

Mary Ellen Dunbar nee Johns 1873 - 1936, Mary was born in Walhalla, married Hugh Dunbar at Traralgon 1900 and had 3 sons. Hugh's daughter from his 1st marriage, Ada was blind and she was well cared for by Mary Ellen and later her brothers.After Hugh died 1910 she moved to Bentleigh ( East Brighton) and joined the Methodist Congregation Mary was appointed Trustee of the the Bentleigh Recreation Ground 1914 - the other Trustees were men. The family moved to a farm in Carlsruhe near Kyneton 1920. Mary is buried in Kyneton. The family sold the farm in 1970 .Mary Ellen Dunbar was a well respected and accomplished woman in Bentleigh and was appointed the only woman Trustee for the foundation of the Bentleigh Recreation Ground 1914A Black and White photograph of Mary Ellen Dunbar and family c 1917bentleigh methodist church, bentleigh recreation ground, walhalla, traralgon, dunbar hugh, dunbar mary ellen, johns mary, johns william, smith j l , stanley helen, the pines bentleigh, , city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis,