Historical information

EDHS Newsletter No 187 July 2009
JULY MEETING
Our Society's collection of documents contains a wide variety of historical information relating to the Eltham district and the former Shire of Eltham.
There are files relating to local people and families, localities, particular places, events and much more. There are a number of files relating to particular subjects or projects and included in these is an extensive collection relating to research by Harry Gilham on a wide range of subjects. Harry has also been largely responsible for the wall displays at our Local History Centre featuring photographs, maps and historical information.
Many of our files are not properly catalogued at this stage and that job is an on-going task. Few of the files are well known to members and this is a situation that is worth correcting, not just at one meeting but perhaps on the basis of one such meeting each year.
At the July meeting there will be aseries of short talks by members of the Society's Committee telling stories selected from our files. Subjects chosen by the speakers include:
• The 1934 fire at the Eltham Shire Offices, Kangaroo Ground;
• Reminiscences of R. D. Taylor of Eltham;
• The David Harbison Home for Boys;
• The land purchases of Henry Stooke, local pioneer;
• Murder at the Eltham Bakery.
Each subject will be illustrated with digital slides, arranged by Jim Connor. The wide variety of subject matter and the varying approach of the different speakers should provide an entertaining and informative meeting.