Local History Month - Nillumbik

Photo: Yarra Plenty Regional Library

October is local history month. While we cannot provide our usual annual program of speakers, walks and tours, you are invited to test your knowledge of your local area in this series of blog posts for Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea residents and invite you to visit some lesser known websites and resources for your local history research.

Lost Trades Festival

Our Seniors Fesitval Program's theme this year is lost trades so be sure to check out what is happening including an online conversation with 6th Generation Cooper George Smithwick who will discuss his career in this lost and forgotten art  Thursday, 22 October. 3.00pm-4.00pm. Join via Microsoft teams.

Do you know? (answers at bottom of post)

1. What former local government area retains its name as one of Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s branches?
2. What was the original name of Hurstbridge?
3. The Shire of Eltham Council offices were first located in what place?
4. There is a sculpture in front of Eltham Library.  Who does the sculpture represent?  What is the person significant for?  Who is the artist?
5. What was the Binni Shell (illustrated here) and where was it located?

Walking Trails

You can explore so much of your neighbourhood, when it is by foot.  Enjoy these walking trails to learn more about your local history

Hurstbridge Heritage Trail

An easy one hour walk around town

GAWA Trail

Short self-guided loop trail at Watsons Creek, with markers explaining how the Wurundjeri clan of about 50 people lived near the creek, and used the land to obtain bush foods, medicines, implements, shelter and clothes.

Smiths Gully- St Andrews Trail

The trail follows the Smiths Gully Creek to St Andrews through the Old Caledonia Gully alluvial gold diggings of the 19th-20th century.

Virtual tour

Montsalvat

Explore Eltham's Montsalvat in a new way, learn more about its history and what has and continues to make it such a unique fixture on the Australian cultural landscape. Montsalvat have developed this digital experience, taking you through the picturesque gardens populated with its stunning European-inspired buildings, so that you can continue to feel connected to Montsalvat from a distance.

Websites

WWII at Home: Response, Reflection and Rejuvenation 

Digitally explore 18 sites of significance that represent the transformative impact World War II had on Victoria through response, reflection and rejuvenation including the unique Eltham War Memorial Building Complex.

Stories from the Shire with Geoff Paine: Eltham District Historical Society

View this video of a brief history of the Eltham Justice Precinct, and the formation of the Shire of Eltham Historical Society (now Eltham District Historical Society) initiated with the relocation of Shillinglaw Cottage

Stories from the Shire withh Geoff Paine : Mudbrick Houses

A quick history of muddies in the Eltham district

Warrandyte Diary

With the loss of community papers, the Warrandye Diary can still be relied on for community news and they often feature stories of historical interest. Artist, Miner & Sapper: Penleigh Boyd and this tribute to local historian Mick Woiwod who recently passed away.

Jigsaw Planet

Have you discovered YPRL's very own online jigsaws showcasing photos from our collection?  This can get addictive!

Answers

1. Diamond Valley
2. Named for the homestead built here, the town was officially named Hurstbridge in 1924 after Henry Hurst who built the first log bridge across the Diamond Creek (Source:  Allwood Neighbourhood House)
3. The Shire of Eltham existed from 1856 until 1994. Council Offices were for a time in Kangaroo Ground until a fire in 1934 (Source andmore at  Advertiser, 9 Feb 1934) 
4. Alan Marshall, a writer most famous for his autobiography “I can Jump Puddles”. It was created by Matcham Skipper.
5. The Binni Shell was built as a community centre in Diamond Creek in 1979. The construction involved reinforced concrete raised using an internal balloon.

Want more?

Try this Quiz 

Visit Local History Month Banyule and Local History Month Whittlesea

#Askalibrarian and send us your questions