3 of 5 photographs of the Highett Gasworks c 1974 The Brighton Gas Company was established 1877 by local residents including Thomas Bent. Initially all went well for residents as gas light replaced kerosene lamps and street lights were installed. However disruption to supply, poor quality and failure to reach all house lead to dissatisfaction. Thomas Bent therefore began the Central Brighton and Moorabbin Gas Company 1885 and a price war ensued. This was unsustainable and the two companies amalgamated in 1877 supplying gas from the New Street Works site. 1930 this Company expanded to Highett where it had purchased 45 acres adjacent to the train line. 1927 a gas holder was built connected to the Brighton works 1936 construction began on a complete gas-making unit and the Highett Gasworks, Nepean Highway, began supply 1939. 1950 an extension program was completed. However by 1965 , with the discovery of Natural Gas offshore in Bass Strait, changes to Gas distribution were apparent. At first some of the facilities at Highett were used to distribute the gas piped from Sale, Gippsland. However after conversion of 450,000 homes to Natural Gas the Highett site was redundant. The gasometers were removed 1978. Moorabbin Council obtained part of the land for public recreation purposes. ( Dr. G Whitehead KCC Historian ) c2012 the Moorabbin Justice Centre / Magistrates Court of Victoria was built and further development of the area for apartments proceeds. The establishment of the Brighton Gas Company 1877 and the Highett Gasworks 1885 brought bright lighting to houses, businesses and streets in Moorabbin Shire and cooking ovens and heating improved the living conditions of residents. 3 x Colour photographs of the Highett Gasworks c1970bass strait gas, highett gasworks, brighton gasworks 1877, central brighton and moorabbin gas company 1885, whitehead dr. graham, magistrates court of victoria, 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

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest.Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS. Tom Sheehy, past President of CMHS, was an Historian and Author of ‘Battlers Tamed the Sandbelt’. A4 paper printed both sides x1. Issue 6 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in April 2008. Notice of Dr G Whitehead talk , titled ‘Murder” on April 27th and Subscription fees due. Another excerpt from the CMHS August 1963,, by Tom Sheehy, President, ‘This is the News of the early twentieth century…’.The ‘Moorabbin News “ began in April 1900. Tommy Bent was elected to State Parliament, horse races at Epsom Course Cheltenham, and the development of Cheltenham as many businesses set up ‘opposite the Station’. ‘The Mechanics Institute and Temperance Hall and the Exchange Hotel faced one another in defiance’ CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / APRIL 2008 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, chelsea, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, sheehy tom, whitehead dr graham, box cottage museum, highett, bent thomas, moorabbin news cheltenham, epsom race course cheltenham, victoria, fletcher n, fiander mrs., puttick george, moorabbin co-operative society ltd., hay h., freeman j.w., montanjees m., royal oak hotel, rose m.a., matthews j.t., hewett h., cope and dow builders, market gardeners and fruit-growers association, proudman e.w., benjamin m.e., edwards t.a., solicitors, pharmacy, butchers, bootmakers, bakers, hairdressers, barbers, house painters, grocers, publicans, drapers, craftsmen, members of parliament, valuers, moule w.h., argus newspaper, coachbuilders, cheltenham railway station victoria, thompson w., post office

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest.Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS. Tom Sheehy, a past President of CMHS, was an Historian and Author of ‘Battlers tamed the Sandbelt’, the Lawson family were early settlers, Dr Graham Whitehead, is Historian for Kingston CC and the Henry Lawson Society promotes the Poet’s works.A4 paper printed both sides x1. Issue 3 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in August 2007. Members of the CMHS are shown 3 photocopies of ‘quaint Account Overdue ‘ notices c 1940,. An excerpt from the 1962 Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter, edited by the President Tom Sheehy, describing the 1860’s decade that saw ‘the establishment of Edward Zorn’s Tomato factory in Clayton’s Road in 1862 and then Henry Comport’s Sauce factory in Cheltenham. ‘New settlers’ arriving in the area were William Highett , near Hampton, Mr McKinnon , an Oakleigh farmer, and Mr Stephen Tuck and wife to Cheltenham while Mr John Kingston was looking for land.. 60 children were enrolled at St Stephen’s Common School on Tucker Road. George Higginbotham., William Highett and Tommy Bent were confident of the years ahead.’ Upcoming events at CMHS were August 26th Mr Bob Lawson will talk about World War 1, on October 28th a talk by Dr G Whitehead titled ‘Murder’, and at the last meeting for year November 25th Frank Thatcher, CMHS, will welcome the Henry Lawson Society and Australian Natives Association who will again come to Box Cottage to celebrate their Bryan Kelleher Memorial Picnic Day. CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / AUGUST 2007 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, oakleigh, kingston, highett, hampton, clayton, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, sheehy tom, thatcher frank, tucker road, st stephen’s common school, henry lawson society, australian natives association, whitehead dr graham, lawson bob, lawson nan, kelleher bryan, comport henry, zorn edward, highett william, bent tommy, higginbotham george, kingston john, le roy tracy pty.ltd, sydney, tomato sauce factory

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest. Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS. Tom Sheehy, past President of CMHS, was an Historian and Author of 'Battlers tamed a Sandbelt'.A4 paper printed both sides x1. Issue 4 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in October 2007 Dr G Whitehead’s talk on October 28 has been cancelled because the official ‘Re-opening of Joyce Park’ will be at 2pm that day and large crowds are expected. More volunteers at Box Cottage will also be needed that day. The excerpt from the CMHS Newsletter of March 1963 by Tom Sheehy, President, continues with ‘Higinbotham and the reshaping political scene of 1890’s’ CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / OCTOBER 2007 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, sheehy tom, whitehead dr graham, lawson bob, bent tommy, higinbotham george, deakin alfred, box cottage museum, joyce park ormond

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest. Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS. The Lawson family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. A4 paper printed both sides x1. Issue 4 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in October 2007. Dr G Whitehead’s talk is rescheduled for April 27th. Nan Lawson, CMHS member and Volunteer for many groups over 3 decades has been awarded Medal of the Order of Australia. Information about Friends of Cheltenham and Regional Cemeteries group and recent publication of 'Glimpses of Chelsea' by Chelsea Historical Society. Reminder that subscriptions are due now. $3CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / FEBRUARY 2008 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, chelsea, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, sheehy tom, whitehead dr graham, lawson bob, lawson nan, box cottage museum, booker john, dendy henry, highett, cheltenham pioneer cemetery, friends of cheltenham and regional cemeteries, chelsea historical society

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin area residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. The approaching Centenary of the area as a Municipality in 1962 , - formation of the Moorabbin Roads Board 1862, - encouraged interest in the ‘History of Moorabbin’ and the Mayor Doug Clark was persuaded to call a public meeting for the formation of an Historical Society. Thirty citizens attended this meeting in November 1960 at which Mr Latham , Royal Historical Association, encouraged them to do so. Mr Tom .A. Sheehy, Author of ‘Battlers tamed a Sandbelt - Moorabbin 50 years a City ‘, moved for the formation of the ‘City of Moorabbin Historical Society’, and was seconded by Councillor E A Le Page. A vote was taken among attendees and Mr Tom A Sheehy was elected Foundation President, Cr E A Le Page Vice President, Mr J A Stretton Secretary and they and the other members “ began a programme of research in order to have reliable information available in time for the Centenary.” p148 Following a call for donations of items of Historical interest, the residents of the City of Moorabbin donated a wide variety of artefacts, photographs, household goods, farm machinery, letters, documents, clothing, and personal effects which have been carefully preserved by succeeding CMHS members and are displayed at Box Cottage Museum. Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newslletter is an important record of the activities of CMHSA4 paper printed both sides x1 This is the first of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in April 2007. An introductory paragraph is followed by notification of upcoming meeting in May 27th 2007 at which Ms Vicki Court, RVHS, will talk about small historical groups and on 28th October 2007 Dr Graham Whitehead, City of Kingston Historian, will discuss ‘Murder’ in Moorabbin Shire. A photocopy of an advertisement, in the ‘Cheltenham Leader’ September 17th 1887, by Chemist J.H.Niemann , of Middle Brighton.. On the reverse side of the Newsletter Helen provides quotes from a Box Cottage Museum library book “ The Colonial Child” describing ‘larrikins’ in the streets of Melbourne c1880 and the damage to roadways caused by the heavily laden horse-drawn lorries. A roster of members is given for attendance at Box Cottage monthly open daysCITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / APRIL 2007 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, sheehy tom a, le page e a, stretton j a, clark doug, stanley helen, court vicki, whitehead graham, neimann j a, chemists, pharmacy, druggists, melbourne, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, cheltenham leader newspaper, sharpe valma, sturt lesley, lawson nan, featherstone guy, the colonial child, box cottage museum, battlers tamed a sandbelt, moorabbin roads board, steel plateway, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire

Photoalgie graham, dispensor, bill sorrell, lab tech, dr phil griffiths, dr quinton whitehead, lawrie trudinger, medical supervisor, ewan evans, manager