The Willis family were early settlers at Lower Plenty, just near where the hotel and old bridge are today. This is a chapter from Historical Records of Victoria / editor-in-chief, Michael Cannon ; [compiled by the Public Records Office]. Vol. 6. The Crown, the land, and the squatter, 1835-1840.Diary of James L Willis from 1837, portraying hardships suffered in the young colony of Victoria.24 page photocopy of chapter of a book. Digitised copy included.Handwritten inscription on front page: Willis family of Lower Plentywillis family, plenty river, yarra river, lower plenty, james willis

Covers the period from migration of the Willis family to Van Diemen's Land in 1823, later to squatting on the Plenty River area in 1837 at Lower Plenty and Mernda and afterwards in the Western District4 p., text and col. photographs. Also, later version August 2022.willis family, plenty river, lower plenty

Cutting from Nunawading Gazette on a history of Vermont entitled 'This is Vermont' by Tim Shambrook of Nurlendi Road. At the time Tim was 19 years old, a product of local schools, and his illustrated history began as an HSC assignment. A member of a pioneering Vermont family, Tim obtained much information from the recollections of his grandfather, Charles Shambrook. Many old Vermont names, still familiar today, appear in Tim's book.shambrook, tim;, charles, smith, l.l., dr., aumann family, schwerkolt family, fankhauser family, nethercote family, willis family, armstrong family, norman family, von mueller, ferdinand, vermont

Photo sourced from Heidelberg Historical Society reproduced on p63 of The Diamond Valley Story by Dianne H. Edwards, Shire of Diamond Valley 1979. "Willis Vale, Greensborough, situated on the north bank of the Plenty River at the end of Church Street. The home wasa built about 1840 by Jame Willis Mayger from bricks hand-made nearby. It was later passed to the Partington family and when this photo was taken the building was deserted. Vandals and finally a bushfire destroyed Willis Vale in the 1950s." Greensborough Historical Society has same image with more accurate information on the date/cause of fire damage https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/585b6c96d0ce2c1268f1c96b "House built by Edward Maygar, Robert Whatmough lived there mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River at Partington's Flat Greensborough. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough."Black and white copy of photo printed on glossy photographic paper 30.5 x 40.5 cm (12 x 16 inch); image size approx. 18.5 x 28 cmchurch street, diamond valley story, greensborough, james willis mayger, partington family, willis vale

Photo probably sourced from Heidelberg Historical Society, Similar photo reproduced on p63 of The Diamond Valley Story by Dianne H. Edwards, Shire of Diamond Valley 1979. Black and white copy of photo printed on glossy photographic paper 30.5 x 40.5 cm (12 x 16 inch); image size approx. 18.5 x 28 cmchurch street, diamond valley story, greensborough, james willis mayger, partington family, willis vale

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. From: Glen Eira Heritage Management Plan 1996 by Andrew Ward In 1856, John Allee, a builder from Brighton, purchased C.A. 37 on the south-west corner of Glenhuntly and Kooyong Roads. The land comprised just over 45 acres. By 1863, Francis John Sidney Stephen, a lawyer and cousin of J. Wilberforce Stephen, owned most of lot 37. By 1866, Stephen had a built a "small mansion" named ''Burreel". It was a brick house and Stephen lived there until 1882. By 1884, Mrs Buxton of Hillside Terrace, East Melbourne, had purchased the property. Richard Buxton, a gentleman was listed as occupant and the house described as "brick, eight rooms". NAV was £300. Richard Buxton continued residency in 1887 however in 1888, George Allen, music seller, became occupant. At that time the house had thirteen rooms on twenty-three acres of land. Twelve people lived there and NAV was £920. In 1900, Daniel Luxton, stock and sharebroker and the Honourable John Taverner, M.H.A. leased the property. Fourteen people lived there. Mrs Buxton continued as owner. By 1910, ownership had passed to Mrs Mary Neate, who converted the house to a nursing home. The land had been subdivided by 1913 and sold by ''Buxtons Estate". Burreel Avenue, Baxter, Buxton and Hoddle Streets were created. "Burreel" was rated to Burreel Avenue and stood on lot 13 with frontages to Burreel Avenue and Kooyong Road of 198' and 214'. The house had ten rooms. NAV was £60. Mary Neate, a nurse, continued as owner/ operator of ''Burreel" nursing home in 1927. At that time there were sixteen rooms and fourteen residents. NAV was £100. Mrs Neat remained there until 1947. In 1948, the house was turned into apartments. In the 1980's, the Alexander family purchased it and restored it to a private residence.Burreel 331 Kooyong Road, ELSTERNWICK VIC 3185 - Property No B4950 National Trust https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/65648 This is a large and substantially intact example of the grand villas of nineteenth century Melbourne. The bulk of the house most probably was built in 1866-1868 for Francis John Sidney Stephen, a prominent and highly regarded Melbourne solicitor and a member of an illustrious legal family. Stephen conducted a lucrative private practice and in 1845 was appointed first solicitor to the City of Melbourne; a position he held until his death in 1895. He took an active part in the development of Caulfield and was Shire President in 1874 and 1877. He was a resident at Burreel from 1868 to 1882. The house has evolved in stages, the rear wings possibly remaining from a house built during the 1850s. The existing ornate cast iron verandah was probably built between 1882 and 1888 during the residence of Richard Buckhurst Buxted, a notable boom period auctioneer and real estate agent. George Allan, the founder of Allan's music store, was another important occupier from 1888 to 1991. Bureel's essentially residential quality has been retained and the interior has been well preserved. The significance of this building does not rest in any single unusual outstanding architectural feature, or in its association with a particularly prominent member of society in the past, but rather in the consistent integrity of both the interior and exterior, which results in the survival of an outstanding example of this type of residential building and its associations with two notable citizens. Classified:11/08/1990Page 113 of photograph album with 1 photograph of Burreel in its garden.Handwritten: Bureel [top left] / 113 [bottom left]trevor hart, caulfield, caulfield north, kooyong road, thomas king, mansion, 1860's, bureel, burreel, francis john sidney stephen, city of melbourne, shire president, 1850's, verandah, nursing home, john allee, ornamented corner stones, new orleans manner, plaster rendered, mrs luxton, vincent willis, alexander family, victorian architectural style, ornate cast iron work, lawyers, brick houses, richard buxton, richard buckhurst buxton, george allen, george leavis allan, allans music, daniel luxton, john taverner, mary neate, buxtons estate, land subdivision, mary neat, gardens

Jessie Partington was born at Willis Vale in 1911 and worked around the farm; when older she and her sisters had to deliver milk around the area from the farm dairy. Jessie attended Greensborough Primary School and from age 4 had piano and singing lessons. She had a beautiful voice, singing in church and choirs. This photograph shows the house 'Willis Vale'Digital copy of black and white photograph.jessie may partington, willis vale, partington family

This photograph shows one of the out buildings at 'Willis Vale', a property owned and farmed by the Partington family from the 1870s. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough.The hoe of a pioneer Greensborough family.Digital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, partington family

Tom and Joe Partington working the horse and plough in the orchard fields at Willis Vale.A pioneer Greensborough family.Digital copy of black and white photograph.tom partington, joe partington, partington family, willis vale

Apple trees on Partington's Flat. Part of the Willis Vale farm and orchard owned by the Partington family. The 'picker' is believed to be Sarah Jane Price who was the mother of William Partington's first wife Mary Jane Price. William married Mary Jane Price in 1889. They had a daughter Eva in 1899, but Mary Jane died the following year, in 1900, during the birth of a second child.A pioneer Greensborough family.Digital copy of black and white photograph.partingtons flat, partington family, willis vale, apple trees

Painting of a barn at Willis Vale. 'Willis Vale' was owned and farmed by the Partington family from the 1870s. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough. Gary Partington thought the barn was probably associated with the bull yard. (Note: Only some abandoned stumps existed when Gary was very young in the mid to late 1940s) Digital copy of painting.willis vale, partington family

House built by Edward Maygar, Robert Whatmough lived there mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River at Partington's Flat Greensborough. The derelict Willis Vale house was vandalized later destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough. This photo was taken after the Partington's moved house in 1947 across the river where Alan built their new Alwyn house that had access to electricity.A pioneer home in Greensborough.Digital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, partington family, robert whatmough, maygar family

Willis Vale: House built by Edward Maygar, Robert Whatmough lived there mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River at Partington's Flat Greensborough. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough.Home of the Partington family.Digital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, partington family, maygar family, whatmough

View of Greensborough in the distance from Willis Vale and surrounding land: House built by Edward Maygar, The flowering Hawthorne Bushes were planted by William Partington. Note the prominent house on upper right where Robert Whatmough lived in the mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River across from Partington's Flat. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough. In 1946, Alan Partington built the Alwyn Farmhouse in place of the original Robert Whatmough home seen in this photo which became Whatmough Park circa 1976.Home of the Partington familyDigital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, partington family, maygar family, whatmough

Willis Vale: House built by Edward Maygar, Robert Whatmough lived there mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River at Partington's Flat Greensborough. Land use included farming and orchards. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough.Home of the Partington familyDigital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, partington family, whatmough, maygar

Willis Vale: House built by Edward Maygar, Robert Whatmough lived there mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River at Partington's Flat Greensborough. Land use included farming and orchards. The derelict Willis Vale house was vandalized in 1964 and destroyed when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough. This photo was taken after the Partington's moved house in 1947 across the river where Alan built their new Alwyn house that had access to electricity.Home of the Partington familyDigital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, partington family, whatmough, maygar family

Willis Vale: House built by Edward Maygar, Robert Whatmough lived there mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River at Partington's Flat Greensborough. Land use included farming and orchards. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough.Home of the Partington familyDigital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, partington family, maygar, whatmough

Photograph of horse drawn wagon at Willis Vale, home of the Partington family.Digital copy of black and white photograph.partington family, willis vale

Photograph shows visitors crossing the river to "Willis Vale" homestead, home of the Partington family. For many years this log bridge was the quickest way of reaching the Greensborough township from Willis Vale. [Thought to have been taken on or about 16/10/1903 during the funeral week of Ellen Partington.]Digital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, partington family, plenty river

Photograph shows visitors crossing the river to "Willis Vale" homestead, home of the Partington family. For many years this log bridge was the quickest way of reaching the Greensborough township from Willis Vale. [Thought to have been taken on or about 16/10/1903 during the funeral week of Ellen Partington.]Digital copy of black and white photograph.willis vale, partington family, plenty river

Photograph of the site of the 'Willis Vale' homestead, home of the Partington family. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough.Digital copy of colour photograph."This house is where Willis Vale homestead was on Partingtons Flat"partington family, willis vale

A brief history of how the Partington family came to Greensborough from England.The Partington family are Greensborough pioneersFamily history, 4 p., illus.charles partington, partington family, willis vale

House built by Edward Maygar, Robert Whatmough lived there mid 19th century and later sold to Partington family. It was located on the Plenty River at Partington's Flat Greensborough. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - was lit by two teenage boys and made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough.Willis Vale was one of the earliest homes built in the area.Black and white digital photograph.willis vale, partington family

This axle is believed to be from one of the vehicles (possibly a jinker) used by the Partington family on the Willis Vale property. It is shown after being uncovered near the Plenty River trail.From a Greensborough pioneer familyDigital copy of colour photograph.partington family, willis vale

Bricks from "Willis Vale' home of the Partington family of Greensborough. Built in 1840, Willis Vale was owned by the Partington family from 1878 to 1947. It was a 2 storey house overlooking the Plenty River and set in 150 acres of farmland. The Partingtons moved out in 1947 and the house was vandalised shortly after. It was destroyed by fire in the 1960s.The bricks are a link to pioneer homes and farms in the area.Hand made clay bricks, light red in colour. All faces are flat.. One brick is chipped. Accompanying note: Hand made bricks from Partington house in Greensborough. Donated by Alan Partington.willis vale, partington family, greensborough, alan partington, bricks

Family history of the MaygarsMaygar family lived at Willis Vale circa 1840-5916 pages, printed double sided. Contains copies of articles and photographs of the Maygar family.Pencil markings on front page of some family contacts, pencil markings throughout giving further detailsmaygar family, grimshaw family, willis vale

'Willis Vale' home of the Partington family is shown in this photograph as well as the area now known as Partington's Flat. The area was owned and farmed by the Partington family from the 1870s. The derelict Willis Vale house was destroyed in 1964 when a fire originating from North Plenty Gorge - Kurrak Road - lit by two teenage boys - made its way several kilometres down to Partington's Flat Greensborough.Photograph shows an early view of Greensborough in 1906.Professional photograph in sepia mounted on dark green card. Shows Greensborough township in background with Willis Vale homestead in centre. On back: A.M.Partington Greensborough 1906.willis vale, partington family, greensborough, alan partington