Historical information

Postcard sent from Ernest and family to Joe, 3 May 1936. Original photo estimated to be circa 1920.

Looking west across the original Main Road Bridge and the Diamond Creek from near the intersection of Antoinette Boulevard.

To the right of the bridge appear to be orchard trees in flood waters.

The long wooden suspension bridge over the Diamond Creek on Main Road at Eltham collapsed during flooding of the Diamond Creek on October 13 and 14, 1923. The original bridge was built around 1840 for the coach road when Cobb & Co.'s coach was the only conveyance between Eltham and Melbourne. Widespread damage was done in Melbourne and surrounding areas by floods resulting from the overflow of the Yarra at many points along its banks. A temporary bridge rigged up was severely damaged by the flooding of the creek and was closed to vehicular traffic in April 1924. A new concrete bridge was constructed to replace it and by May 1926 all the concrete piles and abutments had been completed. The bridge was finally completed and opened for traffic in September 1926, almost three years after it initially collapsed.

The Rose Series P. 4346

Postcards scanned from the collection of Michael Aitken on loan to EDHS, 13 Feb 2018

Physical description

Digital file only
Postcards scanned from the collection of Michael Aitken on loan to EDHS, 13 Feb 2018