Miss Show Girl

Curator, Dr Annette Shiel from the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria was a special guest at Whittlesea Library this month as part of Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s Local History Month Program (in partnership with the City of Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Program).

Dr. Sheil shared her project to re-unite former Miss Show Girls from 1957 to 1996 and to gather and preserve their stories. The program evolved over the years. Winners from country Agricultural Shows would move on to the Miss Melbourne Show Girl. There were no set criteria for “winning”; each Agricultural Society would decide their own. One common factor, though, was appearance and entrants usually had to present themselves in “afternoon wear”. For many, this may have been a borrowed dress or hand-made for the occasion. One lady was cautioned for her glittery beads when she was advised that they were for night wear only. The event may also have included a short interview, including goals in life.

For many country winners, this was a first visit to Melbourne. Many girls often had the one outfit and would have to scramble for an array of good clothes to take with them to the City for the week of festivities which included being pampered with hair and makeup treatments and staying in Melbourne’s Premier Hotel at the time; The Southern Cross Hotel. They were expected to participate in the Show’s daily parade and present prizes to the various successful exhibitors including animals, crafts, preserves and more. For many, they were country girls who helped their families on the farm and were not used to stockings and heals during the day.

Within our audience on the day, four local women had entered the Whittlesea Miss Show Girl (two had won) and one lady entered and won Miss Eltham Show Girl. A number of photographs and original sashes were brought along. Recipients were encouraged to wear their sash and tell their story. Three friends attended together and had all entered in the late 1950s. We also heard from Miss Whittlesea Show Girl 1987 who unfortunately did not achieve her dream at the time to enter the army.

This was a wonderful afternoon, connecting our community with the lesser known stories in our local history and was a wonderful connection also of personal histories and reminiscences of times gone by.  Learn more at Royal Agricultural Association of Victoria website

The 159th Whittlesea Show 2018 is on this weekend 3rd and 4th November. 

Poppies for Remembrance

In recent years, members of our community contributed thousands of hand crafted poppies for the Centenary of World War One remembrance 5000 Poppies project.  This project is still going strong with major installations being planned towards the end of the year to acknowledge the end of the War in 1918.

Whittlesea Agricultural Society will be hosting its Whittlesea Agricultural Show 3-4 November.

In recognition of the end of the war, the home crafts pavilion will be decorated with handcrafted poppies.  These can take any form including knitted, crocheted, felted or paper poppies even paper- mache.

The community is invited to contribute to the display.  Please drop off your poppies to Whittlesea Library or direct to the Agricultural Society by Wednesday 31 October.

Whittlesea Courthouse 150th

The Whittlesea Courthouse celebrates its 150^th anniversary as part of the 2014 City of Whittlesea Cultural heritage Program.  Built in 1864, the Courthouse is one of the oldest functional buildings in the municipality.  Operating as a Court of Petty sessions until 1989, it was later restored and reopened to the public in 1996.  The site features a single-cell lockup, which was built in 1859 to serve the Yan Yean area.

The Courthouse played an important role in the daily life and development of the district.  Apart from court proceedings, meetings of the Whittlesea Roads Board were held here, and in 1875 hosted a meeting of the newly established Whittlesea Shire Council.

The Courthouse located on the corner of Church and Beech Streets, Whittlesea now houses the Visitor Information Centre where it provides local arts and crafts for sale. Historical and visitor information is also available. The courthouse is surrounded by picnic facilities within its scenic surroundings.

The Courthouse Association will be celebrating the 150^th milestone through a series of events and activities including historical re-enactments, displays,  coach rides and walking tours over a three week period from Saturday September 27 – Sunday 19 October.

Source: Cultural Heritage Program 2014

Photo: Whittlesea Courthouse ca 2000. Yarra Plenty Regional Library collection

Whittlesea Tapestry of history

The 2013 Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Program continues in November with the Whittlesea Historical Society presenting "Whittlese's Tapestry of History" event on Wednesday 13 November at the Civic Centre, Sth Morang.

Learn about the colourful past of objects in the Society's collection.

Find out:

how the township of Whittlesea got its name

Why there is an antique clock residing in the Whittlesea Post Office

What was showcased at the Whittlesea Agricultural Show in the 1880s

You will also hear about the work of the Society who advocate for the protection of local history.

Supper will be provided.

Further details available at the City of Whittlesea

Whittlesea Heritage Strategy

The City of Whittlesea is currently preparing their first Cultural Heritage Strategy to help protect and manage the City of Whittlesea’s unique cultural heritage for past, present and future generations.

The City has a wonderful Aboriginal, natural and cultural heritage that underpins its sense of identity.

Feedback is being invited to tell Council what heritage-related issues are important to you.

It is recommended that you read the Cultural Heritage Study Issues papers at the City of Whittlesea

which summarises information gathered so far and questions to consider.

Feedback can be contributed via email, phone or a short online survey via the above link.

Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Program launched

The City of Whittlesea has launched its 2012 Cultural Heritage Program.
This popular and successful program of events provides a fantastic opportunity to join together and celebrate our shared and special heritage.

Over a period of eight months, it offers events and activities that acknowledge the rich indigenous cultural heritage of the area, the unique natural heritage of the Plenty Valley, and the diverse histories and cultures which together reflect our development as a municipality and as a community.

Mayor Cr Stevan Kozmevski said he was proud to support such a fantastic program of events.

“The Cultural Heritage Program plays an important role in promoting awareness of our history and our heritage,” Cr Kozmevski said.

“It contributes to our sense of place and to our community and personal well-being, informs us about where we have come from and who we are.”

The booklet is produced by Council, with support from the Cultural Heritage Program Committee which includes Yarra Plenty Regional Library.

“It is through the support and hard work that this group offers that we are again able to present such a varied and program of events,” Cr Kozmevski said.

“I invite you to participate in the wonderful events on offer, to learn more and to truly appreciate the dynamic living culture and heritage of our municipality.”
Pick up a copy of the booklet at your local library or see the link at City of Whittlesea

Toorourrong Reservoir

Melbourne Water is planning on removing much of the old Clear water channels on the downstream side of the reservoir wall when carrying out an upgrade to the wall. "Unfortunately, this upgrade means we have to remove the bluestone and granite from the spillway structure that runs to Yean Yean Reservoir and outlet structure to the Clearwater Channel" they said.
No consultation was carried out before making the decision. Now Melbourne Water "will be hosting a series of open community forums" for residents.

Whittlesea residents have lodged an application with the National Trust for protection of the Toorourong Reservoir's historic bluestone and granite spillway. The 130 year old structure is situated at Jack's Creek Road, Whittlesea.

More information can be found on the Facebook page listed for those with Facebook access.

Whittlesea War Memorial

The Whittlesea RSL has received funding to restore the Whittlesea War Memorial.

Bear Castle

Tours of Bear Castle at Yan Yean this weekend have prooved very popular. They are being presented by the Whittlesesa Courthouse Association and supported by Melbourne Water as part of the City of Whittlesea Cultural heritage program.

An article on Bear's Castle is now hosted at Wikinorthia.net.au

Another article of interest recently posted includes: Whittlesea Councillors - 1875 to 1995