The Fairlam family were early settlers in the region.

Black and white image of the Fairlam family, taken outside, presumably in their garden. From left to right: Richard William Percy Fairlam (Percy Fairlam), mother Elizabeth Fairlam, Eugenie Fairlam, father William Fairlam (Percy Fairlam), Fairlie (Addie) Fairlam

Elizabeth Shelby (Hollis) was appointed caretake in connection with Shire Hall Buildings in 1911. The role also included accommodation.

Black and white image of a seated woman who is looking to the side. The woman has tightly pulled back hair with a middle part and is wearing a long, dark coloured, dress with a short necklace and pendant over the top.

women, employment, moorabbin

William Fairlam's store was situated on Charman Road, Cheltenham. This image shows advertising which promotes the goods sold in the store such as tobacco and insurance, as well as providing a hairdresser and auction rooms.

Black and white image of a group of four men and a boy standing out the front of William Fairlam's store in Charman Road, Cheltenham.

shopping, commerce, cheltenham

The Institute movement came to Melbourne in 1839 with the establishment of the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute later known as the Melbourne Athenaeum. Adopting the principles of self help, social improvement and the recognition of the importance of useful knowledge, it maintained a library, a reading room and an art gallery, while also establishing classes and lectures in a variety of fields.

Various dates have been suggested for the founding of the Cheltenham Mechanics’ Institute with the range being somewhere between 1853 and 1856. The first Institute building erected on the tip of the land where Charman Road joined Point Nepean Road was of weatherboard construction. It consisted of a small hall, a reading room and a library. Later it was realized that the building was inadequate for community functions that attracted a large number of participants; consequently additions and modifications were needed. The Shire Council in 1888 voted £10 to the building fund but stipulated that the money would only be paid when the new building was commenced. Major contributors to the fund were the temperance societies who were regular users of the Institute’s facilities. As a result of their contributions the building was named Mechanics’ Institute Free Library and Temperance Hall with this title being proudly painted on its façade in ‘gold letters shaded with blue’.

Black and white image of a group of six men dressed in suits and wearing hats, standing at the front entrance of the Mechanics Institute, Free Library and Temperance Hall, Cheltenham

In the aftermath of World War I, calls for disarment rang out. Under the Treaty of Versailles, the 'peace treaty' signed in the Hall of Mirrors at Veresailles, Germany was declared the aggressor in WWI and restrictions were placed on the size of its military, the manufacture of armoured cars, tanks, submarines, planes and poisonous, and a demilitarised zone was put in place between Germany and France. The forced disarmament of Germany, it was hoped, would be accompanied by voluntary disarmament in other nations.

It's difficult to know if this photograph was taken at the close of World War I, or later, when 'world disarment' was being investigated and promoted (c. 1920). Either way, a float bearing a banner in support of disarment made its way down Charman Road, Cheltenham to garner support.

Black and white image of a wagon, drawn by four horses, with a group of men standing on the wagon.

protest, war, disarmament

The Melbourne Benevolent Asylum opened in 1851. Due to a lack of other institutions in the colony at the time it was established, the Benevolent Asylum initially accommodated a wide range of people in need. This included children, until 1857 when children were transferred to the Melbourne Orphan Asylum at its new site in Emerald Hill. As Melbourne established more charitable institutions the Benevolent Asylum focused increasingly on housing the aged poor. It relocated from North Melbourne to Cheltenham in 1911. In 1970 it was renamed the Kingston Centre.

A black and white image featuring five men standing in front of a table in the centre. Three of the men are wearing aprons, the other two are in shirt sleeves with vests.

The Cheltenham cycling club was formed in about 1903. The race used to take place on Wednesday afternoons.

Sepia toned image of a group of men standing side by side, each holding up a bicycle. It appears to be outside Cheltenham Cemetery.

Cheltenham Bowling Club officially opened on October 10, 1908 in the presence of over two hundred district residents.

Black and white image of members of the Cheltenham Bowling Club outside their clubroom at the corner of Centre Dandenong Road, and Wilson Street, Cheltenham. This image marks the official opening of green for season 1948-49

Gregg's Hotel in South Brighton was purchased by Barry Gregg in 1869 and continued to until 1925. Gregg had planned to create a health resort. This image first appeared in Alexander Sutherland's 'Victoria and Its Metropolis, Past and Present', 1888.

Colour image of a drawing of Gregg's Hotel in South Brighton. South Brighton is now called Moorabbin. The drawing shows stables in the background with a field and a house behind that. The train line can be seen in the distance, with a train running along the tracks.

Photographic portrait of Francis (Frank) Thomas Le Page. Frank is the oldest child of Nicholas and Rachel (nee Addy), who arrived in Melbourne in 1852 from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. Nicholas was a tailor and Rachel was a dressmaker. They originally made their home in Prahran and set up a business but about two years later decided to take up market gardening.

The Le Page family bought property in the Two Acre Village, Cheltenham. They had nine other children. At 14 years of age Frank was driving his father’s horse and dray to Melbourne with the vegetables they grew - standing backed in to the footpath in Little Collins Street, at the old Eastern Market. At 18 years of age, and the other members of the family growing up, Francis decided to seek work outside, and was employed as a gardener by Mr Budd, who conducted the Brighton Grammar School. It was whilst employed there that the late Sir Thomas Bent and he became friends, a friendship which lasted throughout their lives. Sir Thomas was then on the land also. Frank was an active member of social and sporting groups in the region. In 1876 Frank married Mary Geraghty and they made Cheltenham their home. He became a councillor for the then Shire of Moorabbin, a position he held for 25 years, and in 1902 was elected President of the Shire of Moorabbin. He was also a Justice of the Peace and occupied the bench at the Cheltenham Court. The next generation of Le Pages continued to be heavily involved in the civic life of the region with Frank and Mary's son Everest being elected mayor twice.

Black and white image of Francis (Frank) Thomas Le Page.

Black and white image of the Cheltenham Post Office, Mechanics Institute Hall and Billiard Room looking across the Nepean Highway.

The Market Gardeners' Picnic was an annual event, beginning in 1884 in association with the Market Gardeners and Fruit Growers’ Association. This image shows the committee who organised the picnic in 1930. Back Row: (left to right) N Woff, Unknown, W Sullivan, V Barnett, Unknown, C Baker, Unknown, C James. Middle Row: G Stayner, H Besant, E Le Page, B Kelly, Unknown, Unknown, A Bunny, Unknown. Front Row: T Marriott

Black and white image of three rows of men wearing suits. The front row is seated, the remaining two rows are standing, although it appears the back row is standing on a step.

Although barely visible in the image, the writing on the side of the wagon indicates it belongs to the Marriott family. The man seated at the front with the reins in his hands has been identified as Alfred Marriott. The wagon is loaded with vegetables including cabbages and (possibly) carrots. The young girl seated next to Alfred has been identified as Gladys Marriott.

Black and white image of horse drawn wagon, loaded with vegetables. Seated at the front of the wagon is a man, holding the reins, and a young girl. A young boy is visble, kneeling on the ground and peeking through the underside of the wagon

Everest Le Page became mayor of Moorabbin in 1940 and served a second term in 1952. His father, Francis Le Page, had been president of the Shire of Moorabbin, as it was previously known, in 1902. The Le Page family were prominent market gardeners in what is now Kingston and were active in many areas of civic life. This is Everest Le Page's official mayoral portrait.

Black and white image of Everest Le Page dressed in mayoral robes.

Black and white image of a horse drawn wagon with a lot of women and children seated or standing in the tray. There are three men sitting on the front bench, one of which is holding the reins. There is also a man standing on the ground beside the carriage. Printed on the side of the carriage are the words MARRIOT MACKIE RD BENTLEIGH

Funeral procession of Francis Thomas Le Page leaving Church of Christ, Chesterville Road, Cheltenham. Minister of church lead procession followed by members of the Star of Moorabbin Order of the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society wearing broad collars. F.T. Le Page was a councillor for 25 years and served as president of the Shire of Moorabbin in 1902/3. He died on 12 December 1927.

Nicholas and Rachel (nee Addy) Le Page migrated from Geurnsey to Australia in 1852 with their young son Francis, who was less than a year old. They first lived in Prahran, setting up their own business and after about two years decided to move to Cheltenham and take up market gardening. The Le Page family has been associated with region ever since and have taken on many roles of prominence including local politics.

Black and white image of a group of men, standing in two lines, all with hats off. They are standing in front of a line of cars. The first car in the line appears to have flowers on the roof which possibly indicates it is carrying the coffin in this funeral procession.

The first Methodist church built in Cheltenham was a wooden structure which burnt down in 1893. While the exact cause of the fire was never ascertained, it was believed that a spark from a passing train ignited dried leaves in the eaves. The original church was replaced by a brick building, with the foundation stone laid in 1894. This image shows the replacement building.

Black and white photograph of the brick Methodist Church in Cheltenham with a white picket fence and gate at the front.

This image shows the group of men who formed the committee for the Cheltenham and Moorabbin Show. The men have been identified as: Seated (left to right) Mr R L Amess (Hon Sec), Cr George Brownfield (President), Mr Harold Irwin (Hon Treasurer). Standing (left to right) Messrs P White, F Wilson, E T Fenny, J H Butler, G Wells, R Mills, H F North, G T Allnutt, J Shields, F Reynolds. Seated (in front) Messrs F Moorhouse, E Marriott, A Hewitt, CD Scullin, R Potts.

The Moorabbin Horticultural, Poultry and Dog Society Show became an annual event in 1898, following a 35 year tradition of Brighton Horticultural, Poultry and Dog Society annual exhibition.

Sepia toned image of the Committee of Cheltenham and Moorabbin Show. Five men are seated on the ground in the front row, with hats resting on their knees or on the ground. Three men are, presumably, seated behind them on chairs, with the man on the left reading a document or book. Ten men are standing at the rear.

The Mentone Life Saving Club was formed in 1920 when the newly created City of Mordialloc (now the Kingston City Council) donated two bathing boxes to the newly formed Mentone Swimming and Life Saving Club on the site to the south of the former Mentone Pier. The Life Saving Club raised funds to build a new Clubhouse on the site and this was officially opened in December 1928 with the first Carnival Day of January 1929.

The booklet contains black and white photographs of members and officials of the club. Each page is sponsored by a local business and provides a business record of the district as well as a social insight of activities of the citizens of Mentone and district.

Booklet describing the club's activities during 1958-1959. Includes text and photographs, awards, honours, stories of personalities.

lifesaving clubs, mentone life saving club

The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.

This advertising brochure includes information about the contributions required in order to ensure children are included in the health insurance coverage. This is a broadening of eligibility from, initially, men to later include women and then to include all members of the family. This coincides with social changes in the interwar years, leading into an economic depression.

A4 size sheet of paper, folded in half to form four (4) faces. The front page has a picture of a young girl and boy sitting with their backs to each other. The remainder of the brochure is filled with information about Friendly Society membership benefits. Has been professionaly printed.

The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.

The book contains the minutes for the meetings of the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division, from October 1917 to February 1931.

Blue hard cover book with red leather spine. A red sticker with black printed text and black border has been adhered to the front of the book, labelling it a 'minute book'.

temperance, friendly societies, cheltenham, moorabbin

This pamphlet appears to be the wording for the initiation ceremony of a new member of the Sons of Temperance. The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.

Sitting in the back cover of the 1903 minute book of the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division, this pamphlet gives insight into the formal, ritualised manner of gatherings, particularly the initiation ceremony. The inclusion of 'Presiding Sister' in the script suggests this was created after 1918, when the movement officially accepted women into its ranks. However, it was placed within a minute that was discontinued in October 1917.

Heavy card with black printed text, surrounded by border in a sort of chain link pattern.

The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.

The book contains the minutes for the meetings of the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division, from 20 August 1903 to11 October 1917.

Hard covered book, lined in green fabric with red leather corners and spine used as a minute book for the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division.

temperance, friendly societies, cheltenham

The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.

The book contains the minutes for the meetings of the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division, from 6 July 1882 to 6 July 1903.

Hard covered book, lined in blue fabric with red leather corners and spine used as a minute book for the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division.

temperance, cheltenham, friendly societies

The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.

The book contains the minutes, including naming office bearers, for the first meeting of the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division, which occurred on 30 September 1868. Minutes continue to be recorded in this volume until October 1873. Several pages at the rear of the book have been used to maintain a list or 'roll' of membership.

Hard covered book, lined in green fabric with red leather corners and spine used as a minute book for the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division.

temperance, friendly societies, cheltenham

The Sons of Temperance was founded in New York in 1842 and brought to New South Wales by the Baptist minister, Dr William Hobbs, a short time later. Division, or local branches, grew quickly so that in October 1864, a provisional Grand Division was formed with a commitment to spread the word on temperance throughout the country, and the advantages gained by joining a temperance benefit society. It was reported that by 1869, in New South Wales, there was a National Division, two Grand Divisions, and one hundred and seven Divisions, with a total membership of 5970. While a distinct part of the temperance movement, the Sons of Temperance was also a 'friendly society'. Friendly societies were fraternal organisations established to assist members and their families cope with unemployment, sickness and death. No government unemployment or hospital benefits were available to individuals when the societies were initially formed. In each society, members contributed financially to a common fund which could be drawn upon in times of need. In 1868, members of the Church of Christ, Cheltenham, initiated a meeting to form a Division of the Sons of Temperance, which was subsequently called Star of Moorabbin Division, No 29. The meeting was held at the Cheltenham Temperance Hall on 30 September, with office bearers appointed and the larger membership acknowledged.

This minute book records the minutes of the meetings of the Star of Moorabbin Division of the Sons of Temperance. It also records the first office holders. Additional members and some financial information is also recorded.

Hard covered book, lined in brown fabric with red leather corners and spine used as a minute book for the Sons of Temperance, Star of Moorabbin Division. Inside pages are unlined, although a red margin has been printed. Additionally, the fly sheet of the book has printed text, which has been completed in handwriting.

Handwritten in blue ink on the inside of the front cover: J.W. Hall G.S. / Brighton Cottage / Freeman Street / North Carlton The fly sheet has printed text which has been crossed out with handwritten edits: Star of Moorabbin Division / No 29 / Instituted: September 30th 1868

friendly societies, societies, temperance, cheltenham, moorabbin

The availability of reliable regular and frequent public transport was very important to the land speculators of the 1880s. Charles H James, an early land speculator, had large holdings in the Shire of Moorabbin at Black Rock, Sandringham and Mentone. In 1884 he was advertising the auction of 109 blocks of land at ‘Picnic Point’ in the Brighton Southern Cross.[1] He provided free railway passes and conveyance to the grounds to prospective buyers. A proposal to extend the Brighton Railway to Sandringham and Black Rock seemed remote in 1884 so James acted to resolve the lack of public transport by forming his own tramway company. From the discussion between the Council and James it was agreed that the Council would apply for permission to construct a tramway on Beach Road. By February 8, 1889 the horse drawn trams were running from Cheltenham Station to Rickett’s Point and from Sandringham Station to ‘Blackrock Corner’. Although stricken with financial problems for its entire existence, Beaumaris Tramway Company continued until 1915.

Black and white image of two horses. harnessed to a double decker tram, being pulled along the tram tracks laid in the street. There are men sitting on the top level of the tram, in the open air. Other trams are lined up behind this one, although with no people in them. The tram belongs to the Beaumaris Tramway Company.

Handtinted colour image looking east across Mordialloc Creek towards the Bridge Hotel. A row boat is moored in the foreground and lush gardens are visible in front of the hotel on the other side of the creek.

Black and white image of Norman McSwain (1838-1908), Councillor of Shire of Moorabbin 1882-1893. Norman was born in Skye Scotland and arrived in Australia with his parents Ewen and Margaret (nee McLeod) McSwain & five brothers & sisters on the 'Miltiades'. He married Margaret Mary Macdonald, daughter of Isabella and Alexander McDonald, and later in their marriage, they moved to Western Australia.

Norman McSwain standing between a chair and a table, dressed in a three piece suit.