Historical information

Doug Orford, was a life member of the Eltham District Historical Society (EDHS), whose family has resided in the district since 1854.

Doug was actively involved in EDHS over so many years, in so many ways, including as a committee member and vice president. Contributions by Doug and Gwen, his wife, assisted EDHS to continue to develop as a not-for-profit group intent on promoting and preserving our local history.

His significant work with assisting to establish our valued Local History Centre helped develop our home base and supported the continued growth of our society. Doug’s local knowledge, suggestions and family connections were highly valued, Until recent times, he continued to regularly attend our Collections Team workshops providing his insights and historical information about photographs and society records.

The Orford family arrived in Sydney, NSW, aboard the ship Orestes in 1839.

Thomas Orford arrived in Eltham at the age of six in 1854. He lived all of his life in Eltham, living in a slab hut by the Yarra at Laughing Waters and managing the Panton Park Estate, a selection owned by Magistrate Thomas Panton.

Thomas’s son, Ernest Orford was born 1892 at Pitt Street, Eltham and also lived his entire life in Eltham working as a labourer, orchardist and later as a gardener and grounds keeper for Sir William Irvine, a former Chief Justice and Premier of Victoria.

Ernest’s son, Doug, was born on the kitchen table of the family home at the corner of Reynolds Road and Mount Pleasant Road and apart from a couple of years he too lived most of his almost 95 years in Eltham, the most recent decades in Napoleon Street.

Doug died peacefully July 8, 2024, and represents the last link in the Orford Eltham chain which spanned 170 years. His funeral was held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Le Pine Funerals, 848 Main Road, Eltham.

Physical description

Paper card, colur print double sided, single fold

Subjects