Wild Men of Montmorency

“Diamond Valley footy in the 1970s and 1980s was hard and tough footy at its best and sometimes worst. It was physical, brutal, occasionally spectacular and thrilling, captivating fans and players alike.  In this tribal cauldron where suburb was pitted against suburb there was no room for the feint-hearted”.

The Wild Men of Montmorency and other tales by Andrew Brasier recently published by the Montmorency Football Club adds to the community history and more importantly the recreational and sporting history of the local area.The collection of profiles presented relies heavily on the experience and memories of the author’s own association with the Club but this helps to interweave the voices of his contemporary subjects, mainly players but also administrators throughout the book.  

The 1970s through to the 2000’s is the main time frame covered. Despite the Club’s history going back to 1924, this is not a typical local history with little reference to the early history – and what there is – is presented at the back of the book.  Hall of Famers, including players who rose to the VFL are well represented.  Contemporary and some older photographs help illustrate this easy read. 

Montmorency: the Farm on the Plenty

Local historian and author Maureen Jones has researched and written about Montmorency, a little known suburb in the City of Banyule, but with a rich indigenous and pastoral heritage.

At the June meeting for Heidelberg Historical Society Maureen will discuss her book Montmorency: the farm on the Plenty,  the history of the early settlers and how the suburb has evolved into the vibrant suburb it is today. 
This free talk will be held at Uniting Church Community Centre, Seddon Street, Ivanhoe on Tuesday 14 June at 8 pm.

Montmorency farm on the Plenty

Montmorency, for many, is still a hidden part of Melbourne.  Once situated in the Shire of Eltham, Montmorency is now part of the City of Banyule. For those who know it, the trees, the widening streets, hilly terrain, remnant bushland and Were Street with its environs, the suburb has special appeal.

A new book by local historian and resident  Maureen Jones is now in our collection. Montmorency is the author's tribute to this special place.  The history from its earliest years as a hunting ground for the Wurundjeri willam people, through its uptake by white settlers.  Ownership of the land remained in the hands of one family for over four generations spanning seventy years, before the land evolved through small farmlets into the suburb we now know.

This book uses land records combined with personal stories, photographs and newspaper articles to provide an up to date local history of this area.

Heritage walk of Montmorency and Briar Hill

Eltham District Historical Society’s regular excursions program continues in July with a visit to Montmorency and Briar Hill. It will comprise a short train journey and a walk of about 3km. The date is Saturday 2nd July. The plan is to catch the 2.01pm train from Eltham to Montmorency. Meeting in the foyer of the Eltham station 10 minutes before that time. Otherwise, wait at Montmorency station for the train to arrive at 2.04pm.

The walk will start by viewing the famous Were Street footpath mosaics that tell the anecdotes of early residents and traders in this village shopping strip. On the walk to Briar Hill we will talk about the subdivisions of the 1910s and 20s that established Montmorency as a suburb. Featured locations on the walk will include the site of the Briar Hill Timber Mill, Briar Hill overpass (the site of a former tiny road bridge over the railway) and St Faith’s Church.

This free excursion is open to Society members and the general public and will be for about two hours., returning to Eltham by train. The phone number for contact on the day is 0409 021 063.