The opening of the Whittlesea railway in 1889 saw stations established at South Morang, South Yan Yean and Yan Yean, the names causing considerable confusion (particularly between the latter two) The impetus for a change had been building for some years and a public meeting held in the Yan Yean Mechanic’s Hall on 7 October, […]
ReCollection – Farm life, adventure and strife
Edited transcript of the interview with Heather Cox. I was brought up with lots of animals. There were draft horses, a cow, geese, ducks, chickens, dogs, cats, and it was basically a farm. I was surrounded by aunts and uncles cousins and I had the best childhood ever. I was brought up in West Street […]
Robert Garrick Wilson
Despite being the highest ranking and the oldest serviceman connected from Whittlesea to die in service during the Great War (and the only full-time soldier), Robert Garrick Wilson for some reason does not rate a mention on any of the Memorials erected around the Shire. Even more surprisingly, his considerable contribution to Australia’s war effort […]
The Phantom Railway Network of Kinglake
Many will be aware that Whittlesea station became the terminus of the Fitzroy-Preston-Whittlesea when the full route was opened on 23 December, 1889; ditto Hurst’s-bridge (Hurstbridge) station opened on 25 June, 1912 as the terminus on the original Heidelberg line of 1887. The line north of Lalor station was closed on 29 November, 1959 ending […]
Memoirs of Early Ivanhoe
The following article was published by the Heidelberg Historical Society in one of their early newsletters in the late 1960’s. Samuel Grey King who came to Australia early in the 1850’s and founded the business of King, King & Co. – importers of Errol St., Nth Melbourne – was my grandfather. On the 31st […]
A Pioneer Woman’s story
I have a story of pioneer farming woman in the Strathewen area. I heard of this story, many years ago and it has stuck firmly in my memory bank ever since. I believe the event was told in a book by an Arthurs Creek man. I would like to give that long gone man, the credit […]
What’s In A Name? Yarrambat or Tanck’s Corner?
The name of Tanck’s Corner was altered following a meeting of ratepayers and residents in late January, 1929, a change having been considered for several years – a preferential ballot of those present actually opted for “Kanangra”, an aboriginal word apparently meaning “beautiful views”, “Yarrambat” was the second preference (again, aboriginal, “high hill”) and “Carawatha” […]
The White Family of Northcote : At War
The First World War provides us with many rich and varied stories, but rarely do these little scenarios spread across three conflicts. For the White family of Northcote, the curtain opens with an article in the Northcote Leader, 18 August, 1900 : “My husband is out on active service in South Africa and I won’t […]
Ellis Cottage Historical Precinct
by Nillumbik Historical Society The Nillumbik Historical Society’s aim is to preserve and share the history of Nillumbik. We have a large archive of photographs, artefacts and historical documents relating to people who have lived in the area and places in the district where they lived, farmed and mined, with particular focus on the wider […]
Migration stories – Glenroy conversation club
In October 2016 participants of the Glenroy library conversation club sat down and shared their stories of migration and home. Some were recent arrivals to Australia, while others have been here for many years. Syamala Syamala left her home in Bilaspur city, Chhattisgarh state, India to live with her daughter, son-in-law and grandson in […]