'Fairyland' at 57 Malmsbury Street, Kew - the home and garden of Jim and Grace Tabulo - was a major local, state and international tourist attraction from the 1940s to the mid 1960s. The Kew Historical Society's collection contains original photographs, visitor books and items that were once displayed in the house by the Tabulos. Grace Tabulo died in 1973 and is buried with her husband Jim in the Boroondara General Cemetery (PRES B 1973). Following her death at the age of 88, the house was sold and its contents distributed. The cottage is now a private residence.

Large, original black and white print positive of the owner of 'Fairyland' Grace Tabulo, with two visiting children who watch a minor take food from Mrs Tabulo's mouth. The room, like the rest of the house (and garden) includes numerous mementos and decorative items.

Nil

grace tabulo, jim tabulo, fairyland, 57 malmsbury street

The heritage listed Fairfield Bridge was originally constructed for the Outer Circle Railway to bridge the Yarra River between East Kew and Fairfield stations. In the 1930s it was converted for vehicular traffic. In the 2010s a new concrete bridge was erected beside it to increase vehicular capacity.

Original colour print positive of the (former) Chandler Highway bridge in 2001. The point of view is from the Fairfield side of the river looking towards Kew. The heritage listed bridge was originally constructed for the Outer Circle Railway to bridge the Yarra River between East Kew and Fairfield stations. In the 1930s it was converted for vehicular traffic. In the 2010s a new concrete bridge was erected beside it to increase vehicular capacity.

Ink inscription on reverse: "Chandler Highway bridge / (Originally Outer Circle Railway Bridge) / From Fairfield side towards Kew / July 2001"

bridges -- kew (vic), fairfield bridge, chandler highway bridge, outer circle railway viaduct

The Alexandra Gardens in Kew face Cotham Road. The land on which the gardens were created was purchased from the owners of 'Madford' in Wellington Street by the Borough of Kew. The rotunda was built to commemorate the jubilee of Kew in 1910. Demolished in circa 1975, it was replaced as part of a Bicentennial project in 1988. The current single storey rotunda in a reinterpretation of the original.

One of the earliest photographs of the rotunda

A tiny gelatin silver photograph of the Rotunda in the Alexandra Gardens, Kew that was built in 1910 to commemorate the jubilee of the Town of Kew. The photo, one of the earliest of the rotunda/bandstand shows the elements of its construction. Ground floor of brick, first floor with wooden railing and gabled roof covered with tiles. The roof sports a flagpole.

Pencil reverse: "Kew Gardens"

alexandra gardens - kew, kew municipal band, bandstands, jubilee of kew

One of a number of items in the collection of sporting teams in the pre WW1 period.

Real photo postcard of an eight person [sic] Kew sports team in Kew in 1912-13. The formally dressed young men are posed in two rows. None of the individuals can be identified at this time.

Pencil on reverse "Kew VIC / VPC [sic] Xmas 1912-13 / SSC Easter 1913"

sports - kew (vic.)

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of W Class tram No.380 turning out of Barkers Road into High Street South, during a re-enactment in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. W Class 380 turning out of Barkers Road into High Street South"

kew tram depot, trams -- melbourne, a class trams

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of A Class tram 282 at Kew Depot, during a re-enactment in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. A Class 282"

kew tram depot, trams -- melbourne, a class trams

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of A Class tram 231 in High Street South, during a re-enactment from the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. A Class 231 in High Street South"

kew tram depot, trams -- melbourne, a class trams

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of Y1 Class 611, on the corner of Barkers Road and High Street South, during a re-enactment from the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. Y1 Class 611, turning out of Barkers Road into High Street South"

kew tram depot, trams -- melbourne, y1 class trams

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of Y Class 469, and A Class 231 in heritage colours of the M&MTB during a re-enactment from the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. Y Class 469, A Class 231 in heritage colours of the M&MTB"

kew tram depot, a class trams, trams -- melbourne, y class trams

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of trams in High Street South during a re-enactment from the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. A Class 231, Y1 Class, B11 & W2 Class 380 in High Street South"

kew tram depot, a class trams, trams -- melbourne, y1 class trams, w2 class trams

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of an A Class 231 in Doncaster Road, North Balwyn Village during a re-enactment from the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. A Class 231 in Doncaster Road, North Balwyn Village."

kew tram depot, a class trams, trams -- melbourne

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of two A Class Trams Nos 237 and 231, with a Y Class 469 in the background at a re-enactment in the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. A Class 237 231 Y Class 469"

kew tram depot, a class trams, y class trams, trams -- melbourne

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of an A Class tram No.237 in High Street South taken at a re-enactment from the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot. A Class 237 in High Street South"

kew tram depot, class a trams - melbourne

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of a Class A 231 & X2 Class 676 in High Street South taken at a re-enactment from the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. Class A 231 & X2 Class 676 in High Street South"

kew tram depot, class a trams - melbourne, x2 class trams - melbourne

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event from the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of a K Class 217 (Birney Car) in Doncaster & North Balwyn Village taken at a re-enactment from the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. K Class 217 (Birney Car) in Doncaster & North Balwyn village. Original location of East Kew Depot"

kew tram depot, k class trams, birney safety car

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event at the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of an 'S Class' tram No 164 in High Street South, taken at a re-enactment at the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. S Class 164 in High Street South."

kew tram depot, s class trams -- melbourne

This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event at the Kew Tram Depot. Birney Safety Cars were first imported by the M&MTB in 1924.

Laminated colour enlargement of a 'Birney Safety Car', taken at a re-enactment at the Kew Depot in 1990.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. Model of Birney Car."

kew tram depot, birney safety cars

The original route of the Kew Horse tram extended from Victoria Bridge to the Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery. This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event at the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of a horse-drawn tram in High Street South after leaving the Kew Tram Depot in 1990. The printed word 'Kew' was presumably added for the event.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. Horse tram in High St. Sth followed by V Class 214"

kew tram depot, kew horse tram

The original route of the Kew Horse tram extended from Victoria Bridge to the Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery. This colour photograph, with 15 others are enlargements gifted to the Society by Mel Lawrence in 2016. They were taken at a commemorative event at the Kew Tram Depot.

Laminated colour enlargement of a horse-drawn tram leaving the Kew Tram Depot in 1990. The printed word 'Kew' was presumably added for the event.

Annotation reverse: "Kew Depot 1990. Horse tram re-enactment (unsure about origin of tram car)"

kew tram depot, kew horse tram

The former Deep Rock Swimming Pool was about 500 yards [457 metres] above Dight’s Falls. It was there that the Deep Rock Swimming Club was established in 1906. This initial club was expanded in 1916 to incorporate a life-saving club. In 1918, John Wren, the president of the club offered the club £1000, and undertook to sponsor a patriotic carnival in March 1918, at which swimming champions would take part. The ‘pool’ was to achieve fame as the venue for a world record-breaking ‘swallow dive’ of 205 feet 9 inches [63 metres] by ‘Prince Wickyama’, [aka Alec Wickham], a Solomon Islander. The dive from a special platform on the west side of the Yarra was reputedly viewed by between 50,000-100,000 spectators, with funds going to the State War Council. The Herald, 25 March 1918, claimed that the wide area occupied by spectators made more precise estimates impossible. In the 1980s, the construction of the Eastern Freeway, and the consequent re-routing of the Yarra River led to the site of the Deep Rock Pool being obliterated. A small cairn and plaque on the Fairfield side of the river now marks its former site.

Very rare early photograph off the Deep Rock swimming pool. The pool and its built structures are historically and socially important to the people of Collingwood, Fairfield and Kew.

Small, faded, Gelatin Silver print positive photograph of the Deep Rock Swimming Pool situated on the Yarra at Collingwood and Fairfield. The famous diving tower is at the right of the photo. The built structures were constructed for the Deep Rock Swimming and Life Saving Club. People are sitting on the terraces above the river.

"Bathing Club. Deep Rock on the Yarra. Studley Park Melbourne. Please credit E.J. Thomasson Collection"

deep rock swimming pool, deep rock swimming club, deep rock lifesaving club, swimming -- river yarra, river yarra

An electrified tram route from Melbourne along High Street replaced an original Horse Tram that terminated at the Kew Cemetery. This new tram only reached the bridge over the Outer Circle railway at the Harp Junction. The line was later extended to North Balwyn.

Black and white print positive showing the view west along High Street, Kew (formerly Bulleen Road). In the centre distance is the Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery. In the foreground, the road crosses the Outer Circle railway. The photograph reflects the level of urbanisation in Kew during the First World War.

"Looking towards Kew from Strathalbyn St / High St corner, about 1916. Courtesy Mrs E Bennett, Kew East / Property of Miss Foley"

trams -- kew, trams -- kew east, mmtb, m&mtb, tramways, harp junction

An electrified tram route from Melbourne along High Street replaced an original Horse Tram that terminated at the Kew Cemetery. This new tram only reached the bridge over the Outer Circle railway at the Harp Junction. The line was later extended to North Balwyn.

Black and white print positive of the Tram Terminus in High Street, Kew at the Harp of Erin hotel.

"Harp of Erin Tram Terminus about 1916. House on left still standing behind delicatessen [in 1978]. / Courtesy Mrs E Bennett, Kew East / Property of Miss Foley."

tramways, mmtb, tram terminus, no 48 tram route, harp of erin hotel, trams - kew, trams - kew east

Arthur Henry Miers played for cricket, football and baseball teams in Kew for a number of decades in the first half of the twentieth century. He was born on 22 November 1901, the son of Rodolph Theophilus Miers (1874-1951) and Margaret Frances (Margaretta) Fry (1875-1958). He had two brothers, Rodolph Cecil Miers (1904-80) and Charles Wilfred Miers (1906-88), and a sister Marjorie Elizabeth Miers (1911-84). Arthur Miers died in Kew on 25 January 1966, and after his body was cremated, his body was interred in the Mausoleum of Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery.

Group portrait of a cricket club team in Sydney, standing in front of or sitting on the steps of a monument. The individuals in the photograph are posed in three rows. It is posited by the donor that the probable photographer is Bob Galley.

Back Row - ? Tilley : ? : Frank Littlefield : Jack Fox Middle Row - Arthur Miers : Jack Lauries : ? : ? Front row - ? : 'Dad' Richards : ? : Beres Galley : ? : Jack Simonton : Bill Young I assume Bob Galley may have taken the photo - A trip to Sydney comes to mind - 1930s?

kew cricket club, arthurv miers, frank littlefield, jack laurie, 'dad' richards, jack simonton, bob galley, beres galley

Arthur Henry Miers played for cricket, football and baseball teams in Kew for a number of decades in the first half of the twentieth century. He was born on 22 November 1901, the son of Rodolph Theophilus Miers (1874-1951) and Margaret Frances (Margaretta) Fry (1875-1958). He had two brothers, Rodolph Cecil Miers (1904-80) and Charles Wilfred Miers (1906-88), and a sister Marjorie Elizabeth Miers (1911-84). Arthur Miers died in Kew on 25 January 1966, and after his body was cremated, his body was interred in the Mausoleum of Boroondara General (Kew) Cemetery.

Black and white original print positive of M&MTB Roster Clerks, posed leaning over a desk with print rosters. L-R. Eddie Blatchford, Arthur Miers and G Marks.

Stamped: "Copyright / Not for reproduction / Herald Sun Feature Service / Melbourne Australia"

mmtb, m&mtb, melbourne and metropolitan board of works, arthur miers, eddie blatchford, g marks

James Robbie Mathers was born in Pleasant Creek [Stawell] in 1867 to James Allen Mathers, a storekeeper and former councillor. He was later to become a storekeeper in Gippsland and then at Heywood, near Portland. Following a move to Melbourne, he established a real estate business. He initially lived in Hawthorn, before moving his business to Kew where he traded as Mathers & McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, and later at 283 Burke Road. For a short time, the family resided at Landene, in Cotham Road. They were to finally move to Rosalea, in Dale Street, Deepdene. Following the death of Cr Henry Kellett in 1924, Mathers was elected unopposed as representative of College Ward. Elected Mayor in September 1930, he convened a meeting of citizens in the Town Hall in Walpole Street to form a local unemployment relief committee. His social initiatives included handing over council-owned premises in Brougham Street, the building re-purposed as a workshop for the unemployed, who were also granted free use of the Kew Municipal Baths. The Mayoress, Jean Mathers, set to work raising funds through charity balls, and also raised funds for St Anthony’s Orphanage in Wellington Street. James Robbie Mathers died on 8 April 1945. He was buried at Box Hill Cemetery.

This rare civic testimonial is historically significant, especially locally, as it contains the signatures of all present councillors and parliamentarians representing the City of Kew as well as the names and signatures of leaders of local churches, schools, public officials and leaders of community groups.

Boxed presentation folder and correspondence presented to the retiring Mayor of Kew, James Robbie Mather, in 1931. The book is leather bound with gilt lettering on the front. The 4 page testimonial includes and hand written statements about his contribution to Kew and its civic life. Other pages are signed by councillors, parliamentarians and community leaders.

james robbie mathers, mayors of kew, civic testimonials

In 1960, at public events commemorating the Centenary of Kew, the Mayoress, Mrs Doris Dickinson wore an evening dress, elbow-length white kid gloves and a scrolled silver necklace studded with cubic Zirconias. The Historical Society now hold all three items in its collection. The dress and gloves were donated by Judith Goodes, and this necklace by Janet Webster, twin daughters of Doris and William (Bill) Dickinson. Janet Webster recounts that she had purchased the necklace at a store in Collins Street and loaned it to her mother to wear at these civic events.

An item of costume jewellery that derives its significance from its provenance and the context in which it was worn by a mayoress of Kew

Necklace, with ten cubic zirconias mounted on scrolled silver links. Encased in original padded box.

Nil

jewellery, doris dickinson, mayoresses -- kew (vic.), centenary of kew, costume accessories, necklaces

In an era predating the computerisation of equipment on public transport, where trams in Melbourne were driven by drivers and conductors sold fares, destinations were shown at the front and rear of the tram within a glazed box. A driver adjusted the roll to select each new trip destination. Given the length of rolls, in this case approximately nine metres, this could be a time consuming process. In addition to the named destination roll, each tram included a separate roll listing the route numbers.

The roll was purchased at a Leski Auction in Armadale as part of a large group of tramways memorabilia including tram 'rolls' from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The auction house described the collection as "The collection of destination blinds or rolls that forms the core of the Railways Trams & Buses Section (Lots 655 – 732) is the best we have ever offered and represents a life-time of collecting by an Adelaide enthusiast, now deceased."

Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board Tramways Destination Roll. Black and white paint on linen roll. Forty-eight named destinations including four depots - Camberwell, Hanna Street, Hawthorn, Kew. Multiple destinations in what is now the City of Boroondara (Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell); including East Kew, Kew, Kew Post Office, Kew Depot, and Cotham Road.

Named destinations beginning to end: “Olympic Park / Special / Football / Racecourse / Richmond / Burnley / Riversdale / Wattle Park - Warragul Rd / Wattle Park - Elgar Rd / City / Burwood / Hartwell / Bowen St / Camberwell Depot / Camberwell Jucn / Leura Grove / Gardener / Glenferrie Rd / Chapel St / St Kilda Rd / Camberwell / City / Lonsdale St / University / City via William St / Domain Rd / Hanna St Depot / South Melb & St Kilda Beach / Prahran / North Richmond / Windsor / Hawthorn Depot / Hawthorn / Spencer St / Toorak Rd / Swan & Church St Cnr / North Balwyn / City Flinders & Spencer Sts Corner / City - Market St / Swanston St / Simpson St / East Kew / Kew / Kew Post Office / Kew Depot / Cotham Rd / Malv Tn Hall"

melbourne & metropolitan tramways board

Nita Green was a member the Society and owner of Reno in St John's Parade, Kew. She was clearly a skilled photographer from the examples of photographs taken by and processed by her.

Front fences of two two-storey houses at the south end of Highbury Grove. The cast iron pickets have since been replaced by high brick walls.

"Front entrance to home Highbury Grove opposite former Presbyterian Hall & Manse / Donated by and taken by Nita Green, 1979"

houses -- highbury grove -- kew (vic.), fences -- kew (vic.)

Nita Green was a member the Society and owner of Reno in St John's Parade, Kew. She was clearly a skilled photographer from the examples of photographs taken by and processed by her.

Double fronted weatherboard house at 47 Derby Street, taken in 1979 before modifications to the facade had occurred. The front of the house is dominated by a large elm tree. The house has a central portico and door with sash windows on either side.

"47 Derby Street / Donated by Nita Green 1979 / taken and processed by her"

47 derby street -- kew (vic.), houses - derby street (kew)

Rifle competitions were popular activities for men in the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century. The Kew MUIOOF was based in Union Street, Kew and as a friendly society competed in competitions locally and in neighbouring municipalities.

Monochrome print positive mounted on card. The photo shows the Kew MUIOOF rifle team which won the Kennon Challenge Shield in 1925. In the studio portrait, taken by Glen Studio (Glenferrie), the five team members are posed, two in front with rifles with the Kennon Challenge Shield positioned at front centre.

"Hawthorn District Friendly Societies Competition / Kew MUIOOF Rifle Team, Winners of Lennon Challenge Shield, 1925. Score 2182 / FT James PG; PG Gallop PG / JG Harle PG; Bro EA Harrison / WR Harle PG / Glen Studio, Carnegie"

muioof, kew muioof, rifle competitions, friendly societies -- kew (vic.)