SLV Digital Image Pool

Matcham Skipper, Montsalvat, Eltham
Date(s): 1943/1998
Creator: Tucker, Albert, 1914-1999 
Copyright status: No copyright restrictions apply.
State Library Victoria

Earlier this year State Library Victoria launched the first stage of their new digital object management system (DOMS). In this first phase, more than 170,000 non-culturally sensitive, out-of-copyright images in the digital image pool have new viewers, which offer:

• a fresh and more intuitive user interface
• a better experience on mobile devices
• advanced zooming and panning
• persistent URLs for easier sharing
• support for IIIF (International Image Interoperability Framework), to encourage creative re-use of images.
The new digital image pool also include maps and architectural drawings. To promote sharing and re-use, it will be limited to include only images that are not culturally sensitive, and are out of copyright.

To find other images and collections digitised by State Library Victoria, visit their catalogue 

Tour of Main Road Eltham 1968

Eltham District Historical Society welcome members and visitors to the first meeting of the year on Wednesday, 14th February 2018 at 8:00 pm at the Eltham Senior Citizen’s Centre.  The meeting will introduce Historypin.
50 years ago, in February 1968. Big changes to the Eltham township were afoot with the pending duplication of Main Road. A series of approximately 50 photos were taken in February 1968 by an unknown person of the section of Main Road planned for duplication, commencing at Pitt Street and travelling towards Research through the shopping centre, finishing at Elsa Court.
These images now form a showcase collections on Historypin, an online tool which combines with Google Street View to transition between views from ‘Then’ to ‘Now’.  A number of key images will be viewed with the opportunity to provide comments and personal recollections.

Eltham on display

Duck Pond, Alistair Knox Park, Main Rd. Eltham

Visit the Eltham District Historical Society exhibition at Eltham Library during June. The exhibition includes a photograph collection from the former Shire of Eltham from the 1980's illustrating people and places, including these lovely ladies enjoying a bite in the sunshine. If you were involved in this photographic project, recognise any of the people photographed and can relate any further information, we would love to hear from you.  Please speak with Library staff or email EDHS via their website.

Eltham District Historical Society is celebrating 50 years in 2017.

Eltham Memorials Walk

Over the the past two years the Eltham District Historical Society along with other similar  organizations has participated in the commemoration of the centenary of the First World War. Their next heritage excursion on Saturday 7th May is a further event in that commemoration.
Within the local area many memorials, honour boards and the like were installed after that war. New memorials and additions to the earlier ones were established after the Second World War and there have been subsequent conflicts that are also commemorated.
Within Eltham there are a number of memorials dedicated to locals who served Australia in times
of war. This walk will visit a number of memorials along Main Road, Eltham starting with the heritage listed Avenue of Honour. Along the way there will be stories of some of those who are honoured on the memorials. It will include a visit to the EDHS Local History Centre where there will be a display featuring memorials beyond the area of the walk.

Visitors are welcome to attend this excursion, which is about 2 km in length and will take 2 to 2.5 hours. It will start at 2pm at the car park in Wingrove Park near the intersection of Main and Mount Pleasant Roads. (Melway ref.21 J8). This is a one-­way walk finishing at the Eltham shopping centre.
Private arrangements are required to return to the start, such as bus or a return walk.
This free walk is open to the general public as well as Society members.
Dogs are not permitted on Society excursions.

Local History Book launch – A History of St Margaret’s Church Eltham Vol 3

A History of Saint Margaret’s Church Eltham Volume 3 – The Post-War Years 1945 to 2015  by Dr. Geoffrey A. Sandy will be launched on Sunday 22 May at 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

The book will be launched by historian, Dr Andrew Lemon and Jim Connor President of the Eltham District Historical Society with Professor Dr Harry Watson.  

The launch will be in the refurbished Mud Brick Hall 79-81 Pit Street Eltham. Parking is available in the hotel across the road or in Pitt Street. 

The 1861 Saint Margaret’s Church, together with its 1870 Vicarage, is Heritage Listed and both are significant buildings of Eltham.  Further details can be accessed at the Victorian Heritage register.  The Eltham Anglican faith community is vibrant and progressive and has significant connections with the wider Eltham community.

The Book will be available for purchase.  Refreshments will be served. All welcome.

Visit of USA Fleet

This photo is part of the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.  American President Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet, 16 battleships and four destroyers of the United States Navy, all painted white, visited Melbourne (then the federal capital) from Saturday 29 August 1908 until the following Saturday. The Automobile Club of Victoria took 100 officers to Black Spur via Eltham, Kangaroo Ground and Yarra Glen. This photo was taken near Research and illustrates a group of women waving to the cars as they drive by in a cloud of dust.

This photo appears in "Pioneers & Painters" by Alan Marshall. page 86-87, with the caption: Feminine reception near Research for the US Fleet, on their visit to Melbourne in 1908.

The Evelyn Observer reported on September 4, 1908

"In connection with the visit of the American Fleet, the Automobile Club of Victoria will take 100 officers to the Blacks' Spur to-day (Friday). It was originally intended to make the up. trip via Lilydale, returning via Kangroo Ground, but owing to a portion of the road between Lilydale and Yarra Glen being under water, the route may be changed. An Inspector was sent up yesterday morning, and upon his report the committee will decide the route. Should any deviation be made it will be after passing through Surrey Hills, when, upon gaining the White Horse road, a turn to the left will be made until Burke road is reached, then along Burke road, across Bulleen or Doncaster road to Heidelberg, thence via Eltham, Kangaroo Ground, to Yarra Glen, It is intended to start the trip from Melbourne at 8.30 am, and if the deviation is decided upon the cars should pass through Kangaroo Ground about to 10 a.m. but if the original route is stuck to it will be evening before they pass through."

Sources: Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection No 507

Evelyn Observer September 4,1908

Laughing Waters Road, Eltham

On Saturday 30 January, there will be a book launch and exhibition of Laughing Waters Road: Art, Landscape and Memory in Eltham.

Since 2001 more than one hundred artists have participated in the Laughing Waters Artist in Residence Program hosted by Nillumbik Shire Council and Parks Victoria. In Laughing Waters Road: Art, Landscape & Memory in Eltham by Jane Woollard, their experiences and art making are woven together with Wurundjeri, European and local family histories to create an evocative account of a special place in a bushy outer suburb of Melbourne.

In addition to the launch event there is a more intimate event ‘On the Couch with Jane’ to be held on Saturday, 6 February from 2pm at Montsalvat where author, Jane Woollard, will sign copies of the book, have a reading and be available to answer any questions.

Nillumbik memorials

The Hurstbridge Memorial Park interpretative signage was launched this week by Mr Andrew Giles MP, Federal Member for Scullin with Nillumbik Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Helen Coleman.

The Hurstbridge Avenue of Honour plaque was also dedicated to local soldiers by Cr. Coleman.

Local students from the Hurstbridge Learning co-operative and Hurstbridge Primary School read the poem and story behind “In Flanders Field”.  One student, Mia read out a poem she had written herself “Lest We Forget”.  The audience were told about the recent Anzac Day commemorations at the Primary School which included crafting poppies and planting an Oak Tree – a descendant from a tree at Gallipoli.

The Memorial park was originally developed by the community’s horticultural group and consisted of 50 trees, three of which still remain.  Only 26 names were registered.

Today’s event follows the launch last month of the markers at the historic entrance to the Eltham Gateway and site of the original Avenue of Honour where about 100 trees were planted and cared for by the local community following World War One.

These Anzac Centenary Projects were funded by Federal and State government funds.  It is hoped that these new projects not only honour – but create conversations about –  local WW1 enlistments, and  the communities on the home front and indeed those who worked tirelessly to first build memorials and plant avenues of honour so that Lest we Forget..

Eltham Commemorative Service

A commemorative service to mark the centenary of the August offensive, that includes the Battles of Lone Pine, The Nek and Hill 60 will be held at the St Margaret’s Church, Pitt Street, Eltham on Saturday 1 August at 2.00pm.
The service will remember the supreme sacrifice of Geoffrey Treacher Grant who was killed in action in the Battle of the Nek on the 7 August 1915.
Geoffrey Grant is one of the enlistees on the Eltham Honour Roll which hangs on the south wall at the back of St Margaret’s Church.
The Montmorency / Eltham RSL will be providing a display of World War One memorabilia. The new renovated church and hall will be open from 1.00 pm. All welcome.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library continues to gather local Anzac stories for publication in 2016. Contact the Local and Family History Librarian for details.

Eltham Pioneers Collection

Photo: SEPP_0049 Loading fruit for market, Kinglake (Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection)

Eltham District Historical Society kicks off its 2015 program of events on Wednesday 11 February highlighting photos from the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection.  This collection of over 400 photos in total includes a large geographic area extending from Kinglake to Lower Plenty.

It is hoped that interested audience members will share their own memories, recollections and further insight about the photos that will be shown.  All welcome.

EDHS meets at the Eltham Senior Citizen’s Centre, Library Place, Eltham.  Wednesday 11 February at 7.30 pm.

Eltham mudbrick tour

The annual Eltham Mudbrick Tour held  each October is on again for 2014.  This project raises funding for the Eltham High School Music program.

This year’s tour will include Alistair Knox’s own home in King Street, and the home of Tim and Betty Burstall which was built not long after WW2. It also includes another couple of mudbrick homes in the vicinity of the Burstalls’ home that were built around the same time. One of them belongs to writer Morag Fraser and philosopher Frank Jackson. This one has an extraordinary extension designed by Macgregor Knox.

Sunday 19th October 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

A regular shuttle service will operate from Montsalvat 7 Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham throughout the day.

Find the Eltham Mudbrick Tour on Facebook. 

Tickets are available via Trybooking
Please note this is not a library event.

About Walter Withers

Art Historian Andrew Mackenzie OAM will be guest speaker at the next meeting of the Eltham District Historical Society to commemorate the death, at Eltham in October 1914 of Walter Withers, the well-known Heidelberg School artist. 

Andrew is a recognised expert on the life and paintings of Walter Withers having studied his work for over 30 years.  He will show photographs of Withers sketches of Eltham and memorabilia from the Withers collection including recently discovered photographs.

Eltham District Historical Society will meet on Wednesday 10th September at 8.00 pm at the Eltham Senior Citizen's centre, Library Place, Eltham.

Photo: Walter Withers from the Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collection.

Book Launch = A History of St Margaret's Eltham

Book Launch of A History of Saint Margaret’s Church Eltham Volume 1 – Beginnings to 1888 by Dr. Geoffrey A Sandy will take place this Sunday February 23 2014 -  3 pm.
The 1861 church and 1870 Parsonage are heritage listed. The church has been a significant in Eltham’s history.  Bishop James Grant, Patron of the Anglican Historical Society and Jim Connor President of the Eltham District Historical Society will undertake the launch.
Refreshments will be served.
The launch will be in the Mud Brick Hall 79-81 Pit Street Eltham. Parking is available in the hotel across the road or Street. The history book will be available for purchase at $29.95 and the author will sign all purchased copies.
Please contact the Parish Office by email  parishoffice@stmargaretseltham.org.au  or phone 94399238  to RSVP by 16  February for catering purposes and to pre-order a copy(s) of the book to assist with printing requirements.
Copies will be accessible at Yarra Plenty Regional Library in coming weeks.

Laughing Waters walk

The Eltham District Historical Society’s next walk is along Laughing Waters Road, Eltham to its eastern end and returning partly over the same route – a total distance of about 2.5km. On the way the tour will access the two artist in residence properties to view the houses (from the outside) that are associated with Alistair Knox, Gordon Ford and others in the local mud brick and artistic community.

The walk on 7th September will start at 2pm at the corner of Laughing Waters and Overbank Roads Eltham (Melway Ref. 22 F9). There is limited parking at this location so please park carefully.
The walk is along a well-formed bushland road but parts of the short driveways are a bit steep and rough. This free walk is open to the public as well as Society members. It should take about 2.5 hours. Dogs are not permitted.

Tim Burstall’s Eltham Characters

The Memoirs of A Young Bastard
Years before he became one of Australia’s best-known film directors, Tim
Burstall lived with his wife Betty in Napier Crescent, Montmorency. Betty
was also to become famous in her own right as the founder of “La Mama”
experimental theatre. The Burstalls were heavily involved in the Eltham
social scene that included the Montsalvat community.

“Tim Burstall’s Eltham characters” are part of a panel discussion at the next meeting of the Eltham District Historical Society Wed 11 September at the Eltham Senior Citizen’s Centre. All welcome

Eltham then and now

The next meeting of the Eltham District Historical Society will take place in the multipurpose room of Eltham Library this Wednesday 10th July.

The presentation will include a review of  a range of photographs taken by an unknown person as they walked along Main Road in Eltham in 1968. These provide an interesting snapshot of the precinct at that time and on the night will be compared with current photographs of the same locations. 

Eltham District Historical Society General Meeting – Edendale Farm

Eltham District Historical Society General Meeting – Edendale Farm

Wednesday 13th February 2013 8.00pm

Eltham Senior Citizens’ Centre Library Place, Eltham

The area known for many years as Edendale Farm was purchased from the Crown in 1852 by pioneer Eltham farmer Henry Stooke. He initially purchased 51 acres and later expanded his holdings by purchasing another three adjacent Crown allotments.

While he worked and cleared the land he did not actually reside on the site. The existing Edendale homestead was constructed in 1896 after the 51 acre holding was purchased by Thomas Cool, who used Edendale as his Eltham residence but did not farm the land. There has been an interesting history from the time Stooke established the property through to the current day.

At our meeting on 13th February our president Jim Connor will cover this story, as well as touch on future plans for Edendale, which is now owned and operated by the Nillumbik Shire Council.

Eltham mudbrick houses

The Eltham Mudbrick Tour is becoming an annual institution in Eltham operating each October, organised as a fundraiser by the Eltham High School Music Program. It was recently promoted as world class architecture in design and construction.     In 2012 Eltham Library featured as part of the tour.  Basic Illustrated booklets have been produced to accompany tour participants as they tour the builidings and they provide (unsourced) descriptions of the houses and their histories. 

Eltham’s local history collection now holds these guides for the last three years.  Some loan copies are also available.

Eltham Gateway northern walk

Join the Eltham District Historical Society for a heritage excursion Saturday March 3rd. Meet at 2.00 pm at the Local History Centre, 728 Main Road, Eltham.

The Eltham Gateway is the name adopted for the section of Main Road Eltham leading from the roundabout at Fitzsimons Lane to the Eltham town centre.

The name has its origin in a 1987 planning report for Eltham Shire Council that identified this precinct as having special characteristics that warrant special planning protection. The area includes historic and other "Eltham character" buildings, significant parkland and extensive canopy tree cover. The land fronting this section of Main Road now has its own special planning controls that are intended to preserve the character that is so important to Eltham and its residents.

This part of Main Road has been the main entrance to Eltham from the earliest times of European settlement. Originally the only access was through Lower Plenty but 50 years ago the Fitzsimons Lane Bridge over the Yarra River was opened, providing alternative access. This joined Main Road at Eltham South and from there the traditional road into Eltham was followed.

Part of today’s Main Road follows Maria Street of Josiah Holloway’s 1851 subdivision of Little Eltham. It is well known local history that before the coming of the railway in 1902 the Eltham "town centre" stretched along Maria Street, generally between Brougham and Bridge Streets. The remaining buildings from this period provide a significant character component of today’s Eltham Gateway.

The Eltham District Historical Society's Eltham Local History Centre at 728 Main Road (cnr. Brougham Street, Melway ref. 21 J7) is about halfway along the Gateway and so provides a convenient starting place to walk the northern part. The walk is on Saturday 3rd March, starting at 2pm. The length is about 2km. There are many stops along the way so it will take about two hours. There is no charge and the walk is open to Society members and the general public.

The walk will extend northerly as far as the Eltham Library. It will pass many old Eltham Township buildings and we can look at photos of how they appeared in earlier times. In Alistair Knox Park we can see modern sculptures and signs on the Heidelberg School Artists’ Trail. The return walk is along the Diamond Creek path.

The Local History Centre will be open at the conclusion of the walk for those who want to view the displays, have a cuppa or a chat.

Please book with Russell at edhs1@bigpond.com

Eltham Cemetery Walk

Eltham District Historical Society has an upcoming heritage walk of interest.

The Eltham Cemetery is the custodian of more than 150 years of Eltham’s history. Harry Gilliam’s research on the cemetery includes information on Eltham pioneers from those early years, as well as details of interesting and important locals buried there in more recent times.

Harry will lead a further tour of grave sites on Sunday 13th November. It will include many sites not visited on previous cemetery visits.

The tour will start at 2.00 pm. Enter the cemetery from Mt Pleasant Road (Melway Ref. 21 K9) and proceed to the car park near the south western corner. This tour is free and is open to the general public as well as Society members.