Historical information
Armitstead's woodyard was on the site later occupied by the Chandler Room of the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. Stephen Godfrey Armitstead started the woodyard in 1921, taking over from Long's woodyard. Taken over by Stephen's son, Leo Godfrey, it closed in the 1970s. After Leo's death it was managed by Hec Whitworth.
The Armitstead family lived at 79 Croydon Road.
1931 electoral roll: Catherine Isobella, Ellen Florence, Leo Godfrey (woodworker), Stephen Godfrey (wood merchant) and William Ginchrist (joiner) at this address. Leo later lived at 75 Croydon Road.
Stephen Godfrey Armitstead birth - Father's Name: Stephen Armitstead; Mother's Name: Emily Benbow; Birth Place: Hotham, Victoria; Registration Year: 1879; Registration Place: Victoria; Registration number: 23856.
Spouse Name: Isabella Jane Cath Miller; Marriage Place: Victoria; Registration Place: Victoria; Registration Year: 1904; Registration number: 4534.
Stephen Godfrey Armitstead death - Surrey Hills, Victoria; Age: 90; Father's Name: Stephen; Mother's Name: Emily Benbow; Registration Year: 1969; Registration Place: Victoria; Registration number: 27747.
Geoffrey Armitstead, grandson of Stephen, visited the site in 2002 whilst in Melbourne from Brisbane. He recalled that during his summer school holidays that he delivered ice to household icechests. His cousin Marcia Davis, daughter of Ellen Armitstead, accompanied him and provided the family photos for copying and related her knowledge of the family history.
The weighbridge and scales were moved in 2023 from their original position when the forecourt of the Neighbourhood Centre was upgraded by Council. The carved poles were also moved; they were repositioned as a group adjacent to 151 Union Road.
Physical description
Colour photo of Geoffrey Armitstead standing next to the scales in the Armitstead Courtyard of Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. In the foreground is the weighbridge that was also part of the woodyard operated by his grandfather, Stephen Armitstead. In the background is part of the Chandler Room of the Centre and two of the carved poles which illustrate elements of the history of Surrey Hills.
