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” as the third.
The names were then submitted to Heidelberg Council who agreed to comply with the request after consultation with the Postmaster-General.
The change became official on Empire Day, 24 May, “Kanangra” proving unacceptable after the Lands and Survey Department in Queensland objected that it was too similar to Kanungra, a postal district in that state.
(The Eltham and Whittlesea Shire Advertiser of 9 July, 1920 suggested “The name of Tanck’s Corner has recently been changed to Hilton”, but other than the alternate name appearing in four or five advertisements for the Methodist Church circuit up to April, 1921, there is no further trace of the name).
The first sighted use of the name came in September, 1877 when several Melbourne newspapers advertised tenders for the erection of wooden buildings at several schools, plans and specifications avaibale at No. 453, Morang, for Yan Yean; and at No. 203, Greensborough for Tanck’s Corner”.
Predictably, the name emanated from early settlers – Victorian registrations show the births of two children Annie and Lizzie Tanck in 1867 and 1869 respectively, the place of birth listed as Greensborough, parents Fredrick and Fredrica, nee HANKHAUS. Immigration records do not list either of the parents, but do show an Isador Tanck arriving from Germany in 1863, aged 18. Frederica died in 1905, Frederick in 1910, both deaths recorded as in Benalla.
The location of the corner itself remains a mystery, but probably remains today, the significance long forgotten.
The featured image shows the Yarrambat Post Office and General store, 1968.
Sources:
TANCK’S CORNER. (1929, February 1). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 – 1939), p. 4 (AFTERNOON.). Retrieved December 10, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57759134
YARRAMBAT. (1929, May 31). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 – 1939), p. 4 (AFTERNOON.). Retrieved December 10, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57759973
