The Orford family, a pioneer family remained continuously living and working in Eltham for 170 years from 1854 to 2024. James and Sarah Orford arrived in Sydney in 1839 aboard the ship “Orestes”; they had several children there before settling in Eltham in 1854. Three children, James Mathias, Sarah Amelia and Thomas Henry initially remained in the Eltham area. James eventually moved to Brunswick. Sarah married Arthur Butler Young and finally lived in Bunyip. Thomas who was six years old when the family arrived in 1854 remained in Eltham, married Helen Logan who died, leaving a large family. They lived in a slab hut by the Yarra at Laughing Waters and Thomas managed the Panton Park Estate, a selection owned by Magistrate Thomas Panton. Thomas’s son, Ernest Orford was born 1892 at Pitt Street, Eltham and also lived his entire life in Eltham working as a labourer, orchardist and later as a gardener and grounds keeper for Sir William Irvine, a former Chief Justice and Premier of Victoria. Ernest married Kate Thomas; their two sons Ron and Doug stayed in the area. Another of Thomas' sons, Arthur, also lived in Eltham. Four Orford generations attended Eltham schools. Doug Orford was born on the kitchen table (reference, son Ted Orford) of the family home at the corner of Reynolds Road and Mount Pleasant Road. Doug married Gwen and they established a family however Gwen died at a young age from cancer. Doug eventually remarried another Gwen and they lived for several decades in Napoleon Street, Eltham. Doug was actively involved in EDHS over many years, including serving as a committee member and vice president. Contributions by Doug and Gwen, his wife, assisted EDHS to continue to develop as a not-for-profit group intent on promoting and preserving our local history. Both Doug and Gwen were made Life Members of EDHS. His significant work with assisting to establish our valued Local History Centre helped develop our home base and supported the continued growth of our society. Doug’s local knowledge, suggestions and family connections were highly valued, Until recent times, he continued to regularly attend our Collections Team workshops providing his insights and historical information about photographs and society records. Doug died peacefully July 8, 2024, and represents the last link in the Orford Eltham chain which spanned 170 years. His funeral was held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Le Pine Funerals, 848 Main Road, Eltham. Contents: Typed notes, no date: Memories of Ernest Orford [taped 1979] about his school days. Handwritten notes, no date: History of Ernie Orford Typed notes, no date: History of Thomas Henry Orford and family. Photocopy: Shire of Eltham General Rate Receipts. Received from D Orford 7 June 1923 and Received from E F Orford, 4 August 1924. Letter, no date: Nillumbik Shire to Russell Yeoman, Gwen Orford to receive Volunteer Recognition Award. Newsletter article: "The Orford Family, Eltham", Shire of Eltham Historical Society, No.80 September 1991. History of Orford family. Handwritten notes: 21 March 2011, genealogy of George Orford. On reverse Melways map makred with Orford and other land ownerships. Newspaper advertisement, 21 March 2011: "264 Reynolds Road, South Eltham", property for sale [land in ownership of Orford family]. Letter: St Margaret's Anglican Church Eltham to Doug Orford, 17 November 2011, Extracts from church records relative to Orford family. Newspaper article: "Timely facelift at war memorials', Diamond Valley Leader, 30 April 2024, Nillumbik war memorial will have some work and a bronze plaque will be installed at the Eltham Avenue of Honour, Wingrove Park; photograph of Doug Orford Newsletter item: "Welcome home medal", Eltham District Historical Society newsletter no.216 May 2014, World War I two 'Welcome Home Medals' in ownership of local men, being Harry Gilham and Doug Orford. Order of Service, Le Pine Funerals (Eltham), In Loving Memory of Douglas Frederick Orford 22nd August 1929 - 8th July 2024Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdoug orford, harry gilham, welcome home medal, eltham avenue of honour, nillumbik war memorial, wingrove park, henry dendy, alfred armstrong, james orford, 264 reynolds road south eltham, george orford, george joseph orford, maryanne george joseph, thomas henry orford, ernest orford, e f orford, eltham cemetery, helen orford, joseph panton, panton park, gordon lyon, banyule estate heidelberg, james matthias orford, wurundjeri, constable peter lawlor, george hill, franklin street eltham, ronald orford, eltham primary school, john brown, robert gamble school inspector, sarah orford, mary ann orford, james mathias orford, sarah amelia orford, james peet, arthur butler young, watsons creek victoria, kangaroo ground victoria, helen logan, william orford, jane orford, arthur orford, frederick orford, florrie orford, victor orford, chem orford, sunnymede eltham, panton hill estate, sir william irvine, gordon lyons, kate thomas, north eltham gospel church, harold clapp, eltham cricket club, research primary school, dalton street school eltham, keith banks, betty banks, benjamine boyd, laughing waters road eltham, freddie gilsinen, douglas frederick orford, eltham district historical society, funeral service, le pine funeral home, life member, order of service

Contents: • Welcome Home Medal by Jim Allen and Jim Connor • Next Meeting • Heritage Excursion – The 1901 Eltham Railway Walk • May Meeting – Maps, Manuscripts and Menus; telling stories via heritage collections (Liz Pidgeon) • May Excursion – The 1901 Eltham Railway Walk • Subscriptions • Vera Addison • Vale John Cohen OAM 19/9/1919-18/3/2014 • Mayoral Chain of Office • Eltham Library – 20th Anniversary • St Margaret’s Church Eltham • Office Bearers 2014-2015 • And Also • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

Medal presented for their service to their country and local district to returning local servicemen from the Great War (First World War) by the Shire of Eltham Welcome Home Committee. This medal was presented to W.H. Orford. Spr. W.H. Orford From Eltham We Honour You Great War 1914 - 1919 Whilst the war ended in 1918, many servicemen did not return home till 1919. ORFORD William Henry - Munitions Worker Number 542 William Henry Orford enlisted 1 Feb 1916 and embarked for France 25 May 1916. He was a Tunneler and was part of an operation of a group of British miners (known as "Claykickers" or “Manchester Moles”) recruited during World War I to tunnel underneath no man's land and set bombs below the German front at the Battle of Messines in June 1917. 10,000 German soldiers were killed instantly after the detonation of explosives beneath their lines. The story was depicted in the film "The War Below". Doug Orford, William's nephew recalls William saying they could hear the Germans as they tunnelled below them within metres. A month later He was wounded in action with a gun shot wound to the scalp and face in July 1917. He disembarked back in Melbourne on September 5, 1919.ww1, 1919, aif, battle of messine, great war, medal, shire of eltham, tunneler, welcome home committee, william henry orford

The idea, development and maintenance of an Avenue of Honour followed the suggestion in 1918 to "memoralise the brave deeds of our soldiers" in World War One. It was planted in Main Road, formerly Maria Street, Eltham. Folder contains photocopies of transcribed newspaper articles 1918-1925, photocopy from Eltham Shire Council correspondence, 1921, copy of list of residents from the Shire of Eltham who enlisted in World War One, minutes of "Welcome Home Committee", 1919. Photocopies of photos of Avenue over time. Photocopy: Welcome Home Committee minutes of 14 August, 1919. Fund raising, including a novelty night for medals and engraving to be given to volunteers. From Book 6 - Item 610. The Eltham Council on August 3 1921 to take over the care and maintenance of the Avenue of Honour at Eltham Harry Gilham Collection booklets HG 79, 101 and 10224 pages A4harry gilham collection, avenue of honour, eltham, 1914-1919, homefront, world war 1, ww1, world war 1914-1918, fundraising, welcome home committee

All photos relate to the collection of "Francis William (Dinky) DEAN" BEM VX93960 2nd AIF, 3742 1 RAR 1943 - 1975. Refer Cat No 124.2 for his service history. (.1) The soldier on the left standing is Frank Dean. The soldier sitting is wearing a “DCM” being Bruno Flematti No 54679 1 RAR, awarded the DCM over 4 actions in Vietnam 1968/69. On the rear stamped in purple “Nov.69.H” (.2) The soldier centre is Bruno Flematti, soldier on the right is Frank Dean. (.3) Soldier centres is Frank Dean. On the rear in black pen “The terrific trio”. (.4) The man on the left is possibly Max (Dad) Kelly, centre is Frank Dean, the man on the right also appears to be wearing a BEM. (.5) Frank Dean is 2nd from the right, the man on the left also appears to be wearing a BEM. (.7) On the rear in black pen “1999” All photos are in colour. (.1) Group of 5 people, 3 standing, 2 sitting, 3 are in uniform, 1 man and 1 female and a dog. (.2) Group of 3 soldiers, 2 Sgt’s and 1 Staff Sgt. (.3) Group of 3 soldiers in Mess Dress. (.4) Three men in civilian clothes wearing medals, 2 wearing hats. (.5) Four men in civilian clothes wearing medals. (.6) Barracks scene across gardens with large banner “Welcome home Diggers”. (.7) Parade showing a large banner with details of 1 RAR’s service and Battle Honours. photography, military, reunions, francis william dean

Souvenir token issued to acknowledge the return of Australian troops from the South African (Boer) War in December 1900.Two sided circular copper coloured disc struck as a souvenir to welcome home troops from the South African War. The device has a profile of a woman's head surrounded by flags & a crown. Under the head are words: British Transvaal 1899-1900. The reverse has two hands joined. Surrounded by words. A hole has been drilled in the top to take a chain.Obverse side: “British Transvaal 1899-1900” Reverse side: “Return of troops from South Africa Dec 1900. Welcome home Australians”numismatics - medals - commemorative, metalcraft - copperware, souvenir, boer war

Frank Wright was born at Smeaton, lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner, and his large family was musical, winning many awards in the singing and instrumental areas. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and by the age of 18 was the Australian Open Cornet Champion. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and as conductor Frank won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. He became well known and respected as a conductor and adjudicator of band competitions at very high levels in Australia and New Zealand. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, as well as at Ballarat’s South Street and in Australia and New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia. A printed card programme that has been folded in half to make four pages. The programme includes the toast list and performers and was held at Smeaton Hallfrank wright, smeaton, b s righetti, f w redman, a e pickering, r lemke, j c rowe, daryl lindsay, a w cosgrave, mizzeni, brass bands

Coloured poster with red, blue and yellow print. Army helicopter hovering over palm trees. There is a light shining onto soldiers. Map of Australia with Sydney Harbour Bridge and an Army Medal. In large print are the words "Welcome Home Conert" Date of concert and parade were from the 2nd - 4th October 1987List of activities: Unit Smokos, Parade through Sydney, Unit reunion, Free concert in Sydney Domain, 11am startposter, welcome home parade

Coloured poster in a black frame with a glass front ith a wooden back. Red, blue and yellow print. Army helicopter hovering over palm trees. There is a light shining onto soldiers. Map of Australia with Sydney Harbour Bridge and an Army Medal. In large print are the words "Welcome Home Conert" Date of concert and parade were from the 2nd - 4th October 1987List of activities: Unit Smokos, Parade through Sydney, Unit reunion, Free concert in Sydney Domain, 11am startposter, welcome home parade

War and family memorabilia collated by Betty Thornton, daughter of local Thomas Thornton. WW1 & Family Memorabilia - Thomas Thornton contains: ~ 2 x leather-bound photo albums containing b&w photos of family members, some labelled with hand-written notes ~ Sample of small stones containing copper ~ Several sized detachable buttons used on WW1 service uniforms (cuffs, collars, shirts) ~ Small purple-coloured cardboard box containing a number of service medals, fund-raising badges, royal family medallions ~ B&W photos of Thomas Thornton and comrades in uniform ~ Small leather-bound book containing information about servicemen known to Thomas Thornton (My Roll of Honour) ~Small white cardboard box containing plaster Welcome Home plaque in the shape of Australia. Lid has floral decoration, Auld Land Syne and Thomas Thornton written in the corner ~ Photocopies of Thomas Thornton's war records (AWM) ~ Homemade cardboard frame covered in clear plastic, containing some WW1 items of Thomas Thornton see photosthornton, ww1, copper, badges, medals, buttons

David Gordon Collection. The monument was created and erected by Mr. Barber of Dunolly in October 1919. It was unveiled by Brigadier General Brand C.B. C.M.G. D.S.O. at 2:30pm on Saturday November 8th, 1919. The Welcome Home Committee, formed 2nd July 1917, was largely responsible for commissioning the monument. Foundation members were Mrs. B. Patterson, Mrs J. Bock and the Misses P. Lemin, Violet Radnell, D. Dyer and Doris and Phoebe Bock. The Committee arranged 'Welcome Home' functions for each local soldier returning home after service in the First World War. Tarnagulla had a very large number of enlistments for its population. Angus M. Comrie is standing to the right of the Memorial with his daughter Mavis Comrie, and Nell Alexander. Mavis Comrie presented a new Union Jack flag to the Tarnagulla School on 25th July 1919 to commemorate Peace. Peace Medals were also distributed to the school students. The men in uniform at ground level are making up a Guard of Honour consisting of returned soldiers drawn from around the Tarnagulla district. They formed up at the Victoria Hotel, and there is a good photograph of them elsewhere in this collection. Original sepia photograph, mounted on card, depicting the unveiling ceremony for the Soldiers' Memorial monument in Tarnagulla. A large crowd is looking on, some spilling off the curb and onto the street, whilst several officials stand on a temporary platform. The obelisk monument is left of centre in the image.

Murray Comrie Collection. The Memorial was first unveiled at a Thanksgiving Service in 1918. It now commemorates Tarnagulla residents who served in WWI and WWII. This stone monument was created and erected by Mr. Barber of Dunolly in October 1919. It was unveiled by Brigadier General Brand C.B. C.M.G. D.S.O. at 2:30pm on Saturday November 8th, 1919. The Welcome Home Committee, formed 2nd July 1917, was largely responsible for commissioning the monument. Foundation members were Mrs. B. Patterson, Mrs J. Bock and the Misses P. Lemin, Violet Radnell, D. Dyer and Doris and Phoebe Bock. The Committee also arranged 'Welcome Home' functions for each local soldier returning home after service in the First World War. Tarnagulla had a very large number of enlistments for its population. Angus M. Comrie is standing to the right of the Memorial with his daughter Mavis Comrie, and Nell Alexander. Mavis Comrie presented a new Union Jack flag to the Tarnagulla School on 25th July 1919 to commemorate Peace. Peace Medals were also distributed to the school students. Monochrome photograph of the Soldiers Memorial monument in Tarnagulla. Unknown date. tarnagulla, war, military, service, soldiers, veterans, ww1, first world war, commemoration, school, war memorial, monument, comrie, radnell, lemin, dyer, patterson, alexander, bock, brigadier general brand

Murray Comrie Collection. The monument was created and erected by Mr. Barber of Dunolly in October 1919. It was unveiled by Brigadier General Brand C.B. C.M.G. D.S.O. at 2:30pm on Saturday November 8th, 1919. The Welcome Home Committee, formed 2nd July 1917, was largely responsible for commissioning the monument. Foundation members were Mrs. B. Patterson, Mrs J. Bock and the Misses P. Lemin, Violet Radnell, D. Dyer and Doris and Phoebe Bock. The Committee arranged 'Welcome Home' functions for each local soldier returning home after service in the First World War. Tarnagulla had a very large number of enlistments for its population. Angus M. Comrie is standing to the right of the Memorial with his daughter Mavis Comrie, and Nell Alexander. Mavis Comrie presented a new Union Jack flag to the Tarnagulla School on 25th July 1919 to commemorate Peace. Peace Medals were also distributed to the school students.Monochrome photograph depicting the unveiling ceremony for the Soldiers' Memorial monument in Tarnagulla. A large crowd is looking on, some spilling off the curb and onto the street, whilst several officials stand on a temporary platform. The obelisk monument is left of centre in the image. tarnagulla, war, military, service, soldiers, veterans, ww1, first world war, commemoration, school, war memorial, monument, comrie, radnell, lemin, dyer, patterson, alexander, bock, brigadier general brand

Murray Comrie Collection. The monument was created and erected by Mr. Barber of Dunolly in October 1919. It was unveiled by Brigadier General Brand C.B. C.M.G. D.S.O. at 2:30pm on Saturday November 8th, 1919. The Welcome Home Committee, formed 2nd July 1917, was largely responsible for commissioning the monument. Foundation members were Mrs. B. Patterson, Mrs J. Bock and the Misses P. Lemin, Violet Radnell, D. Dyer and Doris and Phoebe Bock. The Committee arranged 'Welcome Home' functions for each local soldier returning home after service in the First World War. Tarnagulla had a very large number of enlistments for its population. Angus M. Comrie is standing to the right of the Memorial with his daughter Mavis Comrie, and Nell Alexander. Mavis Comrie presented a new Union Jack flag to the Tarnagulla School on 25th July 1919 to commemorate Peace. Peace Medals were also distributed to the school students.Monochrome photograph depicting the unveiling ceremony for the Soldiers' Memorial monument in Tarnagulla, 1919. A large crowd is looking on, some spilling off the curb and onto the street, whilst several officials stand on a temporary platform. The obelisk monument is left of centre in the image. The Guard of Honour in uniform surrounding the forecourt are all returned soldiers from the Tarnagulla district. They were especially drawn together to form this Guard of Honour at the unveiling. Copy of an older original, Copy probably made in 1980s-90s. tarnagulla, war, military, service, soldiers, veterans, ww1, first world war, commemoration, school, war memorial, monument, comrie, radnell, lemin, dyer, patterson, alexander, bock, brigadier general brand