Historical information

Blacksmith Shop High Street Melton



Residence and Blacksmith Shop was continuously occupied from 1860 and demolished in 1966. Mr A.G. Macdonald operated the shop from 1923-1962 (39 years)

An early photo exists of the Blacksmith Shop. It stood on what is now part of the landscaped area of the Melton Community Hall. The three blacksmiths wearing aprons are from the left, W. Whittington, G. Macdonald and A Falconer.



MacDonald were employed by Whittington prior to each one in turn taking over the business, Falconer soon after selling the to MacDonald, died. He is buried in the Melton Cemetery.

The old Smithy [on the right] stood in what is now 8 High Street Melton.



The blacksmith and wheelwright was the forerunner of the modern motor mechanic, whose task it was and is, to keep the wheels of locomotion turning. According to the records there was a Blacksmith in Melton before 1850. In 1871, three blacksmiths, Messrs. A Blackwood, J MacPherson, and A Cameron were operating in Melton.



In 1872 Mr. J.B. Whittington commenced as a blacksmith in Toolern Vale.



On January 30th 1900, Mr Alexander Blackwood sold the property shown in the picture to J.B. Whittington where his son William Whittington conducted the business.

William’s three children attended Melton State School No 340

The family left the district in 1921 when they moved to Essendon. Mr William Whittington died in 1963 at the age of 94.

The next owner of the business, for a short period, was Mr. Ackland Falconer, who was succeeded by Mr A.G. Gordon MacDonald, in September 1923. Mr MacDonald raised a family of three. Thirty nine years later, in 1962, he retired, going to live with his son Robert in Sunshine, and the blacksmith shop finally closed its doors.



This part of Melton’s history was demolished in by order of the Housing Commission, in 1966.

Article research by Melton and District Historical Society Members.

note: spelling should be Macdonald.

History of the Melton Mechanics Institute. Mabel Rogers 1985

A.G. Macdonald Secretary 1927 – 1956 page 17.

Committee member for 41 years. He also held the position of caretaker

Physical description

Blacksmith Shop, High Street Melton. The three blacksmiths wearing aprons are from the left, W. Whittington, G. Macdonald and A Falconer.