Historical information

The Rose Series P. 4284 post card

Taken from near what would be present day CLC car park looking southwest across Diamond Street, present-day Andrew Park to the railway station and developing Eltham shopping precinct.

Arthur Street visible, Pryor and Luck Street not evident. Sunnybrook, the Taylor home is visible at the top of the hill in Bible Street.

Only three residences visible in Arthur Street on the southern side, two of these are the David Harbison Rest Home at 10 and 12 Arthur Street (built and opened in November 1919), present day site of Eltham Mall. There are none on the north side of the street. Based on 1945 aerial view there are 8 buildings on the northern side between Main Road and Bible Street which and given the extent of commercial development on Main Road, it is estimated this image is circa 1925.

Luther Haley was the first to build an open a baker and General Store in this location next to the railway station in 1902. However, it took nearly twenty years until the early to mid-1920s when a period of significant growth in the Eltham shopping centre happened with many businesses relocating their operations from the original town centre of Maria Street in Little Eltham as well as new businesses opening.

Other stores/buildings noted (L-R) are:

Stationmaster's House built circa 1910

Eltham Hardware Store opposite the railway station first opened on Main Road opposite the Railway Station around late 1922. An advertisement placed in the Hurstbridge Advertiser advised that the Hardware Store had just opened with a varied stock of Saws, Hammers, Nails, Shovels, Screw Drivers, and every article required in a house or on a farm. People were also encouraged to try their Jams, Pickles, Sauces, Cups and Saucers, etc.

Newsagency with 'Leader' advertising on awning - E. J. Andrew opened his newsagency shop opposite the station in March 1923, advertising for sale stationery, school requisites and periodicals.

Bird Brothers Cash Grocer & Fruiterer opposite the railway station offering summer drinks and confectionery a specialty with a full Stock of groceries of the best quality always on hand at city prices opened December 1921

William Capewell's Butcher shop at the corner of Dudley Street. Capewell previously had a small shop in front of the station opposite Luck Street. He enlisted in the AIF during WW1 and returned home in 1919. He re-applied for a slaughtering license in February 1920 and was advertising by October 1922 supplying all districts.

Not visible (or not yet identified) but in business by October 1922 were:

J.H. Fraser, Carpenter and Builder at Luck Street opposite the station

George A. Danslow, Hairdresser and Tobacconist opposite the railway station

Miss Barber's 'Blue Gum' Soda Fountain opened October 1922 opposite the railway station (hidden behind Stationmaster's House). It was so named due to its proximity to a tall Blue Gum tree

G.H. McDonald Boot Repairer opposite the railway station

In December 1923 the first portion of the main street to be formed from Dudley to Arthur streets was almost completed. This is the section in front of Capewell's Butcher shop though it is difficult to fully make out from the photo

Physical description

Digital file only
Postcards scanned from the collection of Michael Aitken on loan to EDHS, 2 Sep. 2022