Glen Eira Historical Society Newsletter

Number 10, July 2016 ISSN 2201-5647 Editorial Then and Now GEHS Future Dates Glen Eira's Camden Cinema Details are available on our Cultural Heritage South Caulfield website at www.gehs.org.au The Camden opened on 25 Wednesday 28 September 2016 Welcome to the tenth October 1935 and closed on 11 General Meeting 7.30pm Newsletter which looks at our August 1962. It became the Boyd Room, Carnegie Library cultural heritage. Brunswick tenpin bowling alley A history of the Salvation Army in before the Southern Indoor Bowls Australia by Yasmin van Gaalen- The word heritage can be used Club was founded in 1969. Prentice. in a number of ways. 1 October 2016 We can talk about the many Newsletter Issue 11 Deadline. heritage buildings and features 3–20 November 2016 in Glen Eira and elsewhere. Glen Eira Gallery Exhibition. The City of Glen Eira is Wednesday 30 November 2016 experiencing rapid change. General Meeting 7.30pm We are seeing our houses and History of organs in Glen Eira's mansions and churches by John streetscapes being transformed Maidment. by residential developments of Photo courtesy of CATHS varying scales, and major level Camden Cinema in 1936 GEHS Past Events crossing works. Friday 22 April 2016 Glen Eira College In this context at least, we need Anzac Day Service. to know, identify, record and Saturday 21 May 2016 highlight the heritage of our Rippon Lea 60th Open Day. natural and built environment. We also need to consider the people, places, groups and ideas which have contributed to the rich cultural history of the area Southern Indoor Bowls Club in 2016 we call Glen Eira.

In this issue, we consider some Where and what is it? GEHS members at Rippon Lea aspects of our cultural heritage. L to R: Peta van Horick, Claire Barton, If you feel we have missed some Anne Kilpatrick rear, and Carol Stals aspect, please contribute to our Wednesday 25 May 2016 next Newsletter. Deadline is 1 Rosalind Mearns spoke on Rippon Lea. October 2016. Saturday 2 July 2016 Geoffrey Paterson Glen Eira Storytelling Festival. and Carol Stals Wednesday 27 July 2016 Annual General Meeting This object is attached to a tree. Dr Judith Buckrich We acknowledge that the What is it, what does it commem- The Village of Ripponlea. Boonwurrung People are the orate and where is it? traditional owners of the area Issue 9 solution We thank David Southwick MP known as Glen Eira. The tower is at Caulfield State for kindly donating the printing School 773 in South Caulfield. of this Newsletter. The Glen Eira Historical Society Inc is proudly sponsored by Glen Eira City Council Community Grants and Bendigo Bank Murrumbeena 2 President’s Column Contributors for GEHS meetings and events this Edition of Return to Labassa damage to the interior, he added our Newsletter toilets and partitions to the have identified Project: the 20th century interior for flat conversion. Robert a plethora of social history of Labassa Hannon consequently purchased buildings, environs and human activities mansion Labassa from Sergeant in 1923, they personally value across Glen Wednesday 23 March 2016 and eventually managed in Eira. What a rich cultural and Talk by Vicki Shuttleworth 1926, to convert the stables into community heritage this shows, Ontario Flats. The demography with opportunities ourselves to Vicki started of the residents who moved into be involved in any number of by giving an Labassa Flats included genteel organisations and interests on overview of widows of independent means, a volunteer or paying basis. As Labassa's 150 teachers, company directors, and a local volunteer-run/not-for- years from its one policeman – Senior Detective profit community organisation, conception as Sylliot Hill in 1862, Percy Lambell who arrested we recommend actively following to its present day as Labassa. Squizzy Taylor. Flats were whatever interest draws you in. Alexander Robertson of Cobb and advertised at three pounds and ten In news, one of our valued Co. fame was the second owner shillings per week. Committee members, Secretary in 1890, and his refurbishment Ailsa Hunt, has recently stepped The Willas flats were built in brought the home up to mansion down due to family reasons. Ailsa 1936 by William and Sarah (Sal) has been a mainstay as Secretary standards. Labassa had gone O’Callaghan, who bought the for some years now. We thank from an initial eight roomed property in 1933. After Sal died, Ailsa for her massive contribution home on eight acres, to 35 rooms William moved out. The former and wish her and Lindsay all the and 15 acres, with a tennis court laundry was the home of James very best. Filling this important (13 Manor Grove – now donated and Emily Brearly, caretakers vacancy, member Alice McInnes back to Labassa), a two-storeyed of the property for many years. has been appointed as Secretary stable and two conservatories. After James passed away, Emily by the Committee pending the One conservatory survives and continued to live there until July elections. has been restored. Robertson her death in 1964. She was See inside for an update on died in Caulfield in 1896 after a instrumental in fundraising for progress of the submission about long illness. The property was the World War 2 war effort, and the Montgomery Rest Home to tenanted until John Boyd Watson kept the spirits up of the many the Heritage Council of . bought the house in 1904. The migrant families who moved in. And finally, our sincere boom and bust of 1896 had also appreciation goes to the Bendigo set in. Labassa had a very multicultured Bank Murrumbeena for the clientele over the years, including grant of $4500 to complete a When John Watson moved from bakers, butchers, designers, “Significance Assessment” of our St Aubins in Orrong Road in furriers, radio broadcasters, Collection. 1904, he renamed the property eventually ending with the arty Labassa, possibly after a village Anne Kilpatrick bohemian tenants of the 1960s, in Fiji the family had visited. 1970s and early 1980s. He acquired his wealth through his mining magnate father. The The National Trust eventually Watson family didn’t enjoy the bought the property when it went property for long, and by 1911 up for public auction in 1980, Watson had died. His wife put with the help of Alcoa Australia. Report by Claire Barton Sue Foley of Bendigo Bank Murrumbeena the property up for sale in 1912, presents the $4,500 cheque to GEHS President but had no luck. By Anne Kilpatrrick at the 25 May General Meeting. 1913, 46 allotments were Glen Eira Historical Society Inc A0041700U auctioned from the Labassa published this Newsletter. Estate. By the 1920s, The Society’s street address is flat mania was taking 965 Glen Huntly Road, Caulfield, 3162. Postal address is PO Box 202, Caulfield place, and many mansions South 3162. Phone 9077 5395 were being demolished, Email [email protected] or converted into flats. Website www.gehs.org.au Lillian and Stanley Labassa, July 2016 The office is open Tuesday and Friday between 9 and 12 or by appointment. Sergeant – Sergeant was The deadline for the third Newsletter, one of the auctioneers published in November 2016, is 1 October of the property – bought 2016. We welcome your contribution. Labassa, and with minimal Photo G. Paterson 3 Save Ripponlea: sale of 35 splendid building buildings, formerly homes for allotments at the south-eastern nurses, and the old Glen Eira the 1960s fight to edge of the estate. However, as mansion fence which stands as a preserve Rippon Lea Rosalind Mearns, Community tangible reminder of the mansion House and Gardens Advocate, explained, it wasn’t (demolished 1965). This became until 1963 that public attention Australian Military Hospital Wednesday 25 May 2016 sought to halt these encroaches. No. 11, the largest repatriation Talk by Rosalind Mearns In 1952, the Australian hospital in Victoria at the time. Rippon Lea is one Broadcasting Commission Heritage Victoria’s of the National (ABC) had cleared land to recommendation still needs to Trust of Australia the south of the Rippon Lea be considered and decided on by (Victoria)’s key estate for construction of their the Heritage Council. We are properties. It was headquarters. After additional hopeful of a positive outcome but built and developed between 1868 land acquisitions in 1954, the our campaign is not over yet. We and 1903 by influential Victorian- Federal Government moved to will be writing a letter of support era architect Joseph Reed for compulsorily acquire a further to the Heritage Council and we Sir Frederick Thomas Sargood. four acres of the property’s formal encourage our members and other Today, it is one of Australia’s last gardens in 1963. This was the interested persons to do the same. grand estates to remain largely final straw for many including intact, thanks to the 1960s Louisa Jones. She immediately campaign, led by owner Louisa made her intentions to give Jones, to save it. Rippon Lea to the National Trust Rippon Lea has had four owners public, and within five days over the course of its history. the estate had been classified. The original occupant was Sir When Cabinet approved Frederick Sargood and his family recommendations for the ABC’s Caulfield House 2015 Photo Barbara Hoad who owned the property from four acre acquisition, there was 1863 until 1903. Upon his death an enormous public outcry. Montgomery it was purchased by Thomas On 21 April 1963, more than A couple of years ago the land Bent’s syndicate in 1903. The 10,000 people gathered in protest on which Montgomery sits was Nathan Family then purchased against the seizure of Rippon Lea. leased by the State Government Rippon Lea in 1910 with the For the five years that followed, to HammondCare to build an property passing to Mr Nathan’s complex negotiations ensued aged cared facility. daughter, Louisa, in 1935. allowing the gardens to remain On 24 May 2016, Glen Eira City Louisa Jones lived at the property untouched. Thankfully, the final Council approved a Planning until 1972 when she donated agreement saw the seized land Application from HammondCare the mansion and gardens to the returned to Louisa Jones and to develop an aged-care facility National Trust as part of her today Rippon Lea survives to be on the site with the condition campaign to save it. enjoyed by all. that Montgomery Rest Home is Report by Claire Barton retained. Watch this space! Heritage Watch Glen Eira's Aboriginal Heritage by Barbara Hoad Indigenous Life The former Caulfield Repatriation by Carol Stals Hospital has been recommended The Aboriginal people of this area for inclusion on the Victorian are the Ngaruk-Willam people Photo courtesy of the National Trust Heritage Register following a of the Bunurong (Boonwurrung) of Australia (Victoria) nomination by the Glen Eira group. They are members of the Over the course of its history Historical Society. The buildings Kulin Nation. Rippon Lea has undergone a have been described as the most Aboriginal people were moving number of changes. The interior intact remnant of Victoria’s through this area when the white of the house was significantly primary World War 1 repatriation settlers began arriving. Some modified in the 1930s, including hospitals. In fact, the former Red settlers befriended them and the additions of a new ballroom Cross Rest Home (now known were helpful, giving advice on and swimming pool and the as Montgomery) has been found childhood illnesses and also food eastern section of the property to be the only purpose-built Red parcels, while others were fearful was heavily subdivided between Cross Rest Home remaining in and kept their children inside. 1904 and 1963. This process Victoria. Also included in the The average English migrant began with Sir Thomas Bent’s recommendation are two brown wouldn’t have had any previous brick interwar Georgian Revival 4 contact with native people. As Boonwurrung country for quite area is often referred to as settlement increased, and land a time. This could account for a The Sandbelt. taken up, the people moved on. local street being named for her. 2. the day-to-day lives of the Recently Brighton Cemetery A list of street names will be two different families who identified three Aboriginal included in another Newsletter. occupied and/or owned the graves: for one man still living cottage dwelling from the a traditional existence, there is Glen Eira history remembered 1860s to 1970 These are a statement by William Thomas Box Cottage Museum market gardeners William the Aboriginal Protector in his by Fran Bader and Elizabeth Box from 1868– death inquest; the second was 1913, and artisan sculptor The three publicly accessible a little girl from an orphanage; August Rietman and his wife historic buildings in the City and another was a World War 1 Frieda, 1917–1970. of Glen Eira are Rippon Lea, soldier from a country area – a Labassa and the third is an early black digger. settler’s dwelling known as the Glen Eira has many streets Box Cottage Museum. Back in with Aboriginal names. Many 1984, it was relocated from Lewis are a mishmash, as they are Timber Yard and reconstructed interpretations of names as heard as a local heritage museum by white people. Others may in nearby Joyce Park, Jasper have come from other language Road, Ormond, then in the now groups but not the local language. former City of Moorabbin. The However, an effort was clearly museum was named after two of made to incorporate them. Port the cottage’s long-term owners, , an earlier settled area market gardeners William Box has no Aboriginal street names. World War 1 Memorial, Foyer Stonnington and his wife Elizabeth from Town Hall designed by Paul Raphael A famous song maker and Withyham, England. Montford, and carved by August Rietman local man was named Murrum ca 1930 in his Box Cottage studio workshop. Murrumbean. William Thomas The museum team encourages had many accounts of him and he visitors to come and explore our was widely respected. Derrimut region’s market gardening history was another outstanding man and heritage through permanent from the local group. and rotating displays that tell the Frederick Chapman (later Justice stories of our local community of the New Zealand Supreme through maps, images, clothing, Court) recollected a corroboree objects and artefacts, farm that took place in Hotham Street, Since 1994, the museum has equipment and tools. CMHS where Rippon Lea mansion now been supported and maintained also maintains a small library of stands. It involved hundreds by Glen Eira City Council and the area’s history and generally of Gippsland Aborigines. They volunteer members of City of acts as a resource for members welcomed white folk attending. Moorabbin Historical Society of the local and wider Victorian These were meetings for business, (CMHS), established in 1960, community. marriage etc. and just for manage and operate the museum. Some of us will remember that Box Cottage Museum is opened pleasure. When seen in the dark to the public between 2 and 4pm with just firelight the white clay in 1994, the former City of Moorabbin was devolved into on the last Sunday of each month markings on their bodies looked and by appointment during striking. the newly created Cities of Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston with a bit the week for groups and local Derek Ladd, Council Senior going to Monash. organisations. During 2016, the Arboreal Tree Management museum also opens on the 2nd Coordinator, confirmed for me CMHS collects, preserves and Sunday of each month. Entry that the area was once dense Red displays items and objects is by donation of $2+ which River Gum forest all the way to relating to: goes towards the upkeep of the Mordialloc. Boyd Park has a tree 1. the history and heritage of the museum. Children are free. At that is 150 years old; the new former Parish of Moorabbin the moment, Annual Membership Reservoir Park has one about 80– initially stretching from is only $10 and new members are 100 years old and Greenmeadows Warrein now North Road always welcome. Gardens still has one of two very as far south as Mordialloc, For more information visit our website: old trees. and east from Port Phillip http//home.vicnet.net.gov.au/~cmhsbcm Bay to the foothills of the Photos credits: BCM Collection. Box Cottage Truganini, although from Dandenongs. These days the courtesy Mario Mirabile; Memorial Ray Tasmania, travelled through the Rietman. 5 Exploring Glen Eira's heritage and were erected at his home site poles remain but seem to be no- Carnegie Walkers in Murrumbeena. one’s responsibility. At one time, by Tony Wissenden Another walk is to Mallanbool Glenhuntly Depot also provided Reserve, the pool with reeds, a service from Darling Road officially opened by the Glen terminus (now East Malvern) to Eira Council in March 2002. Point Ormond. The Council created an area The X Class tram was based similar to that which the Kulin at Footscray which was a Nation would have used before separate system until a link to the arrival of Europeans. There the Ammunition Factory was Photo courtesy of the author are wallaby grasses, common established during the war. X1 Christmas function 2014 heath, lomondras, rushes and Class trams were numbered The Carnegie Walkers was flax lilies in the more central 459 to 468 and newer X2 Class started about a decade ago areas, while the perimeters have from 675 to 680. Point Ormond by Keith Marshall, a retired eucalypts, she-oaks, acacias and occasionally had other single- metallurgist, and Beryl Brewer, tea-trees. Listening posts around truck trams as well as normal the wife of a local businessman. the reserve provide information eight wheel trams. Both are long-term Carnegie– on the Kulin Nation, and some Glenhuntly Depot was also home Murrumbeena residents with a boards have interesting graphic from many years to the L Class good general knowledge of the displays. Walkers have also trams (101 to 106) which were area and an interest in local noticed the upgrading and originally built for the Prahran history. extension of facilities at nearby and Malvern Tramways Trust. The philosophy of the group is Packer Park. Two of these trams are preserved. moderate exercise in a friendly Another walk is to Koornang Over the years, Glenhuntly Depot and encouraging environment. Park, originally known as the has never had modern trams – Everybody is welcome and the Old Sugar Works Paddock, the C, D or E Class trams. group has about 20 members, purchased by the then Council aged from about 50 to early 80s. in about 1913. Group members Among memorable trams we walk west past the Carnegie have seen at Glenhuntly was Walks on Wednesdays start at the the first W Class tram 219 plus Carnegie Library at 9am and last outdoor swimming pool and on to Lord Reserve, originally known 500, 606 and 777. The last SW6 about one hour, by which time door tram at Glenhuntly was participants have returned to the as the Sugar Works Swamp. They continue west towards the 958. The larger B Class trams Koornang Road shopping area for at Glenhuntly are not used on coffee and conversation. railway line and turn into Garden Avenue and visit the Garden the North Richmond route along One walk is to Boyd Park, Avenue Park, opened by the then Chapel Street whose return Murrumbeena, which forms Council in 1912. Walkers cross destination was recently corrected part of the Outer Circle Railway the Glen Huntly Primary School to Balaclava via Prahran. land. In 1988, the Outer Circle precinct and on to Koornang Road I recommend a visit to the Linear Park was created and local shops. Friends of Hawthorn Depot residents proposed that a section Museum in the old Depot at 8 of it should be named Boyd Park Glen Eira's transport heritage Wallen Road Hawthorn which is in honour of the of Remembering our trams open on selected Saturdays. painters, musicians and writers. by Keith Stodden Springthorpe Gardens, also in In my dining room, Murrumbeena and near Boyd I have a photo of Park, is named after Dr J.W. Melbourne tram Springthorpe, who had an X2 Class 677 at important influence on medical Elsternwick Station, development in Australia. when there was The original lodge gates of the a level crossing. Royal Melbourne Hospital were 677 is about to presented to Dr Springthorpe, cross and shunt for the return trip to Point Ormond. This service was replaced by a bus in October 1960, though the tram Courtesy of Tramway Museum Society of Victoria from the collection of David Doyle. Photo shows the tram and shops on the Springthorpe Gardens, Murrumbeena corner of Glen Huntly Road and Rippon Grove, Elsternwick. Photo: G Paterson 6 Glen Eira cinemas – 1 seats were very old leather in Woorayl Street. It was built The Argosy/Capri and the ticket fee was 35 cents in 1920, operated as a theatre, Dean Brandum recalled a great then was used as an ice/roller Theatre, Murrumbeena community experience! skating rink for a few years in the by Jan Armstrong The Argosy/Capri venue, part 30s and then reopened again as The Argosy opened in the of Murrumbeena’s history, was a cinema operated by Hoyts. It Murrumbeena Public hall in 1932. sadly demolished in 1989 to make closed permanently in 1959. The It was founded by subscription way for the Spurway Nursing actual building is still there but is and administered by the Caulfield Home at 91 Murrumbeena Road. to be developed and apartments City Council. The Argosy was to be built. Glen Eira cinemas – 2 firstly controlled by Ron Dudgeon An older theatre in Carnegie and Tom McMurtie who operated To the movies . . . located in Rosstown Road an engineering business called in Carnegie and operated in the Memorial Hall Austral Argo. Ken Newell, Glen Huntly but only as a silent picture who worked at the Argosy in theatre between 1915 until 1934. the early years, said that this by Maggie Armstrong This is now the home of the Abel picture theatre did not use the In Melbourne in the late 1950s, as Tasman Dutch Club. normal newspaper advertising. television became more popular On the Glen Huntly Road and The Selleck Group placed the with more people purchasing Manchester Grove corner, where programs in the Independent sets, some people were saying TV Woolworths is now located, there Theatre column of The Herald. was just a fad. However, many was Hoyts Glenhuntly theatre Films records indicate that in suburban cinemas were closing as which was built in 1926. It closed the years 1947 to 1953 some 338 a result of dwindling attendances. for a short time in the 1940s seats accommodated movie goers. The picture theatres were very after a fire but reopened a few In 1971, this had decreased to popular in Glen Eira judging by months later. It eventually closed 182 seats. This hall changed its the number of theatres operating. permanently in 1958. name to the Capri in 1965. Some If you were living in Carnegie, notable screenings in the early All of these theatres operated there were a few cinemas to seventies were Midnight Cowboy, with one screen – very different to choose from. One Born Every Minute, Paint the multiplexes of today. Your Wagon and Darling Lili. The Carnegie theatre was located The Argosy/Capri picture theatre ran from 1935 to 1989. This Glen Eira Cinemas venue survived for a number of years after other nearby hardtop Bentleigh cinemas closed1. The Carnegie Hoyts Bentleigh 1926–1984 theatre, for example, closed in Carnegie Memorial 1915–1934 1958, Glenhuntly in 1959 and Rosstown 1915–1934 soon after Caulfield in1962 . The Carnegie 1920–1959 introduction of television meant Caulfield that signals were switched on Crystal Palace 1921–1959 around Melbourne which began Caulfield South the demise of suburban cinema Outdoor Camden 1935–1962 theatres. Elsternwick The Capri in the seventies Phoebe Hoyts Glenhuntly 1926 showed third and fourth run Renown 1916–1970 Classic, Esquire 1946– popular features along with more Glenhuntly routine flicks to extend a night’s Apollo Glenhuntly, Hoyts 1st entertainment. Sci-fi or similar 1915–1926 films became a feature to help the Hoyts Glenhuntly 1926–1958 cinema’s survival. Murrumbeena Argosy Murrumbeena Talkies, Fond memories of the Capri Argosy, Capri Rex 1932–1974 cinema include Greg Bristowe’s Ormond recall of the Saturday matinee Plaza Ormond Theatre with cartoon first, intermission, 1927–1958 Sources: Cinema and Theatre then a visit to the snack bar and Historical Society (CATHS) Database at www.caths.org.au the purchase of jaffas. “Some Photos courtesy of CATHS. yahoo was always rolling jaffas down the wooden aisle”. The Murrumbeena Argosy 1952 1 Hardtop refers to indoor not outdoor. 7 Glen Eira arts – 1 Glen Eira arts – 2 Following that meeting, other Caulfield Arts Centre, Glen Eira Artists Society artists were drawn in by personal contact and it was decided the Inkerman Road. by Heather Welsh direction of the Society would be Like so many other Rotary Clubs, by Carol Stals guided by the artists, but with the Rotary Club of Caulfield over Rotary Club of Caulfield support. The Caulfield Arts Centre opened various decades has held Art Right from the outset, the in 1975 and was possibly the first Exhibitions as fundraisers. But Club members realised that metropolitan Arts Centre to be beyond assisting artists through its role would be to provide established by a local council. It the sale of their works, Club administrative support, handle was set back from the street by members could not see how their grant applications, negotiate a deep garden providing a lovely involvement would really help the venue hire, and undertake other space around the building. development of individual artists. Jaqueline Hodges was appointed tasks needed to be done which Community Arts Officer. Amongst its members, the Club would enable the artists to do had an exhibiting artist and other what they were in the Society for Their first purchase was a Fred members who were interested – to create art! Williams painting forming the in art. It also had an artists’ Thus began an extraordinary basis of the Caulfield Permanent model who had worked for a relationship of sponsorship which Art Collection. considerable number of art groups extended well beyond the mere Between 1975 and 1987, it and individual artists. She had provision of funds. From the became a prominent focal and listened to what artists said was Society’s incorporation in 2009 resource facility. Unfortunately, lacking in support for them and until 2015, the Club provided an it was not central within Caulfield also in professional development Administrator and sponsored the or close to public transport. opportunities. Society’s Exhibitions – helping However, those of us who were So, in 2008 the Club decided out in very practical ways able to access it did so with glee. it would ask local artists what from assisting with Exhibition What a wonderful range of classes they wanted and help them to preparations to deinstalling they held. establish a group as a Rotary Exhibitions. Club cultural and vocational I attended yoga, several different It also led to a warm and fruitful project, including providing on- areas of Antique Furniture relationship with the 4th going support where needed. studies, decoupage, and many Caulfield Scout Group whose Hall This did not happen easily. more. It was such a stimulating in South Caulfield has been the and active centre. In May 2009, the Club publicised Society's home since 2009. that it would hold a Cafe Sadly, it closed and was sold The Society’s first major event Conversation with artists. No in 1988 when the Caulfield was Paint in the Park in 2010 artists turned up! The Club Arts Complex opened at the held at Caulfield Park on the first was asking through the wrong Town Hall. The gallery there Sunday after Melbourne Cup networks. Not giving up, the holds regular well-attended art Day, when everyone expected it to artist in the Club invited two local exhibitions. These are going be warm. It wasn’t! It bucketed artists whom she knew to her from strength to strength, but the rain but the intrepid artists home together with the artists’ wonderful buzz of classes has not painted on – despite a small dog model who had worked for one been replaced. walking over a painting which of these artists. One artist was Reference had been blown off an easel, interested, the other one wasn’t G. Solomon, Caulfield’s Heritage another dog wagging its tail City of Caulfield, 1989. at that time, but subsequently did against a wet work changing the join the Society. It was this small Glen Eira Historical Society Newsletter landscape with each wag of Issue 10 July 2016 group of three which became the its tail, and a bold goose removing Editors Carol Stals and Geoffrey founding group of the Glen Eira Paterson thank these people who the lunch from an artist’s contributed to, or assisted with, this Artists Society. Newsletter: Sam Abdulhak, Jan Armstrong, Maggie Armstrong, Fran Bader, Valerie Barnett, Cinema and Theatre Historical Society, Claire Barton, Lois Comeadow, Judith Buckrich, Andrea Casey, David Hardham, Barbara Hoad, Ailsa Hunt, Anne Kilpatrick, Colin Kirkham, Rosalind Mearns, Tim Neve, Elena Rieck,Vicki Shuttleworth, David Southwick, Keith Stodden, Peta van Horick, Heather Welsh, Tony Wissenden, and Stephen Wong. Photo courtesy of the author. Rotary members assisting at the Annual Paint in the Park Day. 8 backpack, who was completely so that there is now a specific Glen Eira performing arts – 1 unaware that this was happening Grants Officer who handles all The Glen Huntly behind him. Undaunted, the Grant Applications to maintain artists then held their first consistency and continuity and Community Singers Exhibition of works from the the Administrator is now an by Carol Stals event at the Glen Eira Gallery Artist. To maintain liaison with Many of us will remember with Community Gallery. the Rotary Club of Caulfield, the a sense of nostalgia the days of As more artists joined, the position of Vice-President is now Community Singing, which were Society's development came held by a Rotarian. held in halls throughout Victoria. at a rapid pace. Sessions and The Society is unique in that it This form of entertainment was activities were run as artists has a Community Engagement made so very popular during the perceived a need. This included program which enables members 1930s by radio entertainer Mr evening Life Drawing sessions, all to participate in community Charlie Vaude, and it was soon day Studio Art, Portraiture held public art projects. These have being organised by local groups in each other’s homes, monthly included assisting with artwork both in Melbourne and Country en plein air in parks at historic at several Festivals, primary Districts. homes or other places of interest. schools, an aged care facility We are indebted to Mrs There were also an annual major and over a period of eight Carmel Finn of Coolangatta, Exhibition at Glen Eira Gallery, months at Anthony Breslin’s Queensland, for the following the annual Paint in the Open at Community Garden Art project history of Community singing either a park or an urban area, at Koornang Uniting Church in Glen Huntly. Her mother, with a subsequent exhibition at at 115 Murrumbeena Road, Mrs Nina Finn, was President of Glen Eira Gallery Community Murrumbeena, which is an Committee, and Conductor of the Gallery, and Art Development ongoing project. This project Glen Huntly Community Singers. Master Classes presented by involved a temporary communal established artists. Mentoring art studio on the stage of the “The Glen Huntly Community sessions assisted artists in Church Hall which resulted in Singers held their weekly preparing works for the Society’s very happy interactions between Community Singing programme annual major exhibition, and the artists, Church guests from in the Public Hall, on the corner an Art & About Program was Yooralla, members of the Church of Royal and Rosedale Avenues conducted where artists visit and other community groups Glen Huntly, (which has now galleries and art events as a involved in the project. been demolished), originally to raise money to purchase parcels group. City of Glen Eira Council has for the Australian Troops. Members were encouraged to been tremendously supportive enter competitions and did so through its staff and Community The successfully,winning quite a few Grants Program. Community Singing awards. Artists were helped to Bendigo Bank (Caulfield Park) Group gain exhibition confidence to start is a sponsor, assisting with commenced holding their own exhibitions at funding activities while Bendigo during late private galleries as individuals Bank (Murrumbeena) assists by 1938 and or in small groups, provided with allowing Committee meetings was first opportunities to gain experience to be held at its Meeting Hub conducted by as educators, encouraged to in Murrumbeena. The Rotary Mr. Doug Elliott, until 1940, obtain commissions, and to look Club of Caulfield is the major when he left to join a Melbourne at different ways of selling their Exhibition sponsor also funding Radio Station work or utilising their creative People’s Choice Award prizes for skills to obtain funding while both the Annual Major Exhibition After the resignation of Mr. developing their professionalism. and the smaller Annual Paint in Elliott, a committee of local ladies An online presence was the Open Exhibition. continued to organize and conduct the Community Singing, which established through a quarterly The Society is a friendly group of proved to be extremely popular, seasonal e-news sent to a artists who pride themselves on both with local residents and database of supporters as well as their inclusiveness, welcoming visitors. members, a Facebook page and fellow artists who wish to develop website. It also began liaising their work in any medium, During the War Years (1939– with other art groups for mutual whether it be 2D or 3D work. 1945), the Committee of local benefit and forged a strong bond ladies and Patrons worked Glen Eira Artists Society contacts with Carnegie's Breslin Gallery. tirelessly for the war effort, are 9568 7190, email glenart2@ As the number of members grew, raising money to send food gmail.com and website they began taking on more of the parcels and goods to Australian www.gleneiraartistssociety.org organisational responsibilities, Troops, both here and overseas. 9 Post-War, the Glen Huntly Glen Eira performing arts – 2 weekly shoots. Community Singers continued St Stephen's Players After Sir Frederick's death in to raise money for many 1901, and the disbandment of local charities, and they were by Andrea Casey This was the name given to the the club, Mr Allen purchased supported by most of the local drama group associated with all the material and established traders, who donated weekly St Stephen’s Uniting Church the Kooyong Archery Club which prizes, which enabled all proceeds in Balaclava Road before it was met at Kooyong, the home of to be given to those in the taken over by an Indonesian Mr Richard Allen, in Gladstone community who were in need of congregation. Parade, where Wesley College assistance. Elsternwick is now situated. The The words of the songs were club kept up its activities there projected on to a screen which until Mr Allen's death in 1929. was erected on the stage, and the Many well-known women were music was played by a regular members of this archery club, and pianist, who usually knew all the Mrs C. R. Smibert, a daughter songs, without referring to the of Mr Allen, has many amusing sheet music. and interesting stories to tell of The words and music, and the Photo courtesy of the author the women who shot their arrows singing of the audience, were The St Stephen's Players take a bow in 1993. with a no less steady aim because co-ordinated by Mrs. Nina Finn their skirts were sweeping the The group was patiently coached who conducted the singers during ground, and their hats decorated for a twice yearly performance the time the Group was operating with flowing masses of flowers by Mrs Gladys Hilton, long- from 1938–1970. Well known and plumes. time secretary of the Victorian Guest Artists were engaged, Drama League and dramatist- Those women who were members including Stage and Radio in-residence at St Stephen’s (she of the club at Rippon Lea, wore personalities, who gave their died at 102). costumes of Lincoln green, cut for services without charge. the ease of movement, and very Glad’s efforts at recruiting Original Committee Members smart, according to the fashions players were instrumental in of the Glen Huntly Community of the day, with plain tailored keeping several people involved in Singers include Nina Finn, green felt hats, many decorated church life, the writer included. Beatrice Cohen, Lorna Tattersall, with a jaunty feather. We were usually nearly word Ruby Farmer, Lottie Eagle, Ruby Some men also wore Lincoln perfect by the final dress Lang-Cowan, Tiny Mann, Olive green jackets with golden buttons, rehearsal and with Glad in the Mathewson, Thelma Pearce. but uniforms were the exception wings to prompt us, we were able This Community Singing Group rather than the rule among the to carry our lines without the entered into several competitions, members, particularly when the audience realising our ad-libbing. winning Silver Cups on 25th. club moved to Mr Allen’s home, October 1938, and again at the Each season consisted of three and then became known as the Assembly Hall, contest on 23rd. performances: Friday night, Kooyong Club. 1 Saturday matinee and Saturday February 1948.” Members were of all ages and evening after which the cast We are indebted to the family of at the age of over eighty years, repaired to Mergellina’s for Mrs Nina Finn for their generous Mr Allen could shoot as straight supper. It was a fun time. donation of these cups to the as an arrow, while his daughter Caulfield Historical Society. They Glen Eira recreation was also a very active member. are sincerely appreciated. Toxolphilite Society Mr Allen was a member of the 1 Caulfield Historical Society Newsletter, by Claire Barton Royal Toxolphilite Society of Number 31, April 1988, pages 4–5. Like cricket and other games of Great Britain, which was founded skill, archery demands a large in 1781, and taking the idea amount of self-control, patience, of contests staged in England, perseverance and judgement, and Mr Allen and his club members gives a healthy exercise to the frequently issued body, all of which are strong challenges to their friends who recommendations. were ardent golf enthusiasts, for a match between a team of archers The original archery club in and a team of golfers. Victoria was formed by the late Sources: The Australasian, The Argus, Sir Frederick Sargood, and both and The Age, 1895–1928. women and men members met in the lovely grounds of his home, The Argus 13 August 1952, page 6. Rippon Lea, Elsternwick to hold 10

Glen Eira's gastronomic heritage – 1 Glen Eira's gastronomic heritage – 2 Glen Eira's gastronomic heritage – 3 Frank's Bakery Wong’s Café, Gabriella Pizza 291 Glen Huntly Road 404 Glen Huntly Road 146 Koornang Road Elsternwick Elsternwick. Carnegie This café, an icon in local eating Opened in 1966 in the same for years, had a recent facelift to premises, Gabriella has been a the frontage and counter. The local favourite for years. There large round tables have also gone were three previous owners; Sam but apart from that it appears as Abdulhak is the current one. He it used to in the 70s. worked there prior to taking it Wong’s opened in 1959. Several over in 1989. generations have managed it. Basically the place is original in The menu seems unchanged and appearance, the same retro/rustic traditional. All the old favourites tables, which he wants to keep Photo courtesy of Frank's Bakery are served in a quiet atmosphere and the original ice-cream cabinet Frank and Elena Rieck arrived with well-spaced tables and the with the full range of Italian in Australia from Bavaria in lighting is subdued. traditional frozen delights. 1959. He was the son of a baker A copy of the original menu is in in his homeland. His first job the window, and it seems that in Melbourne was baking sliced only the prices have changed. bread for Tip Top Bakers, when white bread reigned supreme. Sam has installed a new slide oven, better and faster than He wondered whether other the stacker, and a new coffee migrants longed, as he did, for the machine. He is a charming host nutritious filling bread that they and the business is very busy. had left behind in Europe. Photo courtesy of Steven Wong There is a Trattoria in the back He opened his own Bavarian Interior of Wong's Cafe section but not for this weather. style of bakery, nearly 48 years It was very busy the day several Take a bottle of red wine and step ago. His second-hand equipment of the GEHS workers went for back into the past. included a brick hearth oven, lunch. his pride and joy being a 1932 one arm dough mixer, which Remember the days when you was made in Germany. His took your saucepans and lids employees numbered just two to get your take away? What initially, with about 70 kilos of a pity for the environment flour needed per week. that this doesn’t still happen. Chinese restaurants sprang up He continues to make bread the in the Ballarat and Bendigo gold old way, without commercial diggings and their popularity cultures, artificial yeasts spread to every country town. or chemical improvers. His Carol Stals visited signature bread is a dense Glen Eira had a large Chinese Extract from an earlier Wong's Cafe Gabriella Pizza menu and Gabriella Pizza sourdough rye made to traditional population after the gold rush showing prices charged. and they ran a variety of shops, while Claire Barton Bavarian recipe, it keeps for Image courtesy of visited Frank's Gabriella Pizza. days. The range includes seven services and market gardens. Bakery. varieties of rye, multigrain, wholemeal, white and special Glen Eira religious heritage – 1 weatherboard church and hall breads for various days of the Ormond were erected facing Arnott week. Every Wednesday, Frank Church of Christ Street. sells Kibble ryebread and on by Ailsa Hunt Following a tent mission in 1925, Fridays, it’s challah – egg loaf a foundation membership of 54 The Ormond Church of Christ – for his Jewish customers. He attended the first service in the began in 1923 when several still makes traditional Bavarian new Church on Sunday 14 June families were meeting for style pretzels, sprinkled with rock 1925. The Church debt was worship in a private home. The salt. Frank is once again back to £1,728. two bakers, as demand is not as Home Mission Department high, as people tend to do one stop and Properties Corporation of A choir was formed in 1926, shopping. His prices are much the Churches of Christ bought together with a Sunday School, the same, and his son-in-law land on the North Road and quickly followed by junior and works in the shop with him. Arnott Street corner and a senior boys and girls clubs, a 11 cricket and tennis club, and later Sunday school anniversaries and Glen Eira education heritage on a basketball club. picnics were always the highlight Heritage in photos of the year, and the church With the Church buildings facing GEHS member Valerie Barnett adopted many projects to help Arnott Street, a tennis court was has kindly provided these photos others locally, within Australia erected on the front corner. and captions of people and places and overseas. With growing numbers, the associated with Murrumbeena State School. kindergarten hall was extended Glen Eira religious heritage – 2 by 10 feet in 1937. The Sunday Girls' Friendly Society School closed for three months in 1938 due to the paralysis by Andrea Casey epidemic. This organisation In 1951, the Bethany Nursery was one of the School commenced with ladies groups associated of the church volunteering their with St Mary’s time for morning and afternoon Church of sessions. England, Caulfield in the 1950s. The tuck shop run by Mr Hano The equivalent for boys was was over the road from the school. Plans were put in place to erect Church of England Boys’ Society. It was always very busy with a new Church building, and on lunch orders. Pies were 1/6. I the 8 October 1955 the present The GFS motto was: Bear ye one another’s burdens and used to pick bags of lollies for 6d, brick Church facing North Road 3d and a penny. I remember the was opened at a cost of £12,000. so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2. juggles for 6d – I think they are Church ladies worked to provide called sunny boys now. the furnishings and stained glass The objects of the society were: windows were donated by church To unite girls and women in a families. Fellowship of Prayer, Service, and Purity of Life, for the Glory of God. In 1958, the Sunday School attendance was 256 with 32 The Society offers friendly comradeship and opportunities teachers and it was agreed to of service for others, through replace the old weatherboard hall introductions from Branch to with a new building. Branch, and one country to The Easter Parade in the 30s was The new Christian Education another. It also encourages loyalty, held at the back of the school. Centre was opened on 19 May faithfulness in work and home life, There was a prize for the best 1969 at a total cost of £38,852. and self-control in all things. dressed. This was in my aunt's photographs. In 1976, a combi bus was The meetings were weekly in one purchased to pick up Sunday of the rooms in the church hall. School children and also elderly About six of us gathered around Church members. the leader (Miss Linard) and we started by praying the GFS A drop in centre was commenced prayer. I don’t remember much in 1978 catering for aged and about gatherings; I think we lonely folk, again church ladies knitted squares at some stage. volunteering their time. I received a small blue member’s In 1983, the small front porch card when I was seven, in 1952, was replaced with a larger more and in 1956 I received a Junior My grandfather was Father serviceable one with the entrance GFS card with the prayer and Christmas in the 40s at the on to Arnott Street. motto on it. school. He was on the Committee During the 70s and 80s, the in the 20s when the school got I have a card saying that in 1958 Church had purchased, and the swimming pool. It was the I entered an Exhibition in the eventually demolished, several only one at that time with a pool. Melbourne Diocese and gained old houses in Arnott Street. In My grandfather also judged the 2nd prize for sausage rolls. I partnership with the Community decorated bikes competition. suspect the sausage roll prize was Care department, 12 self-care Photos supplied by the author. about the end of my association units to be named Bethany Close with this group as I was of an Geoffrey Paterson were built and opened on age when there were much more 1 December 1990. Next General Meeting interesting things in life than Wednesday 28 September 2016 In 1997, a vote was taken to use making sausage rolls and knitting at 7.30pm the name Ormond Community squares. Boyd Room, Carnegie Library. Church of Christ. See page 1 for details. 12 This book is the story of Book review Ripponlea, the many decades, Judith Buckrich. people, schools and landmarks The village of Ripponlea. condensed into but 70-odd pages, Lauranton Books, Gardenvale, 2015. and cannot cover everything ISBN 9780994250711 we may have wanted to know. As such, it may inspire you to Do you know the history of While I think the print should research something specific more Ripponlea Village? Judith have been bigger with all the deeply. Even if all it does is make Buckrich has written this little nuggets of information you interested in, or love, the history from the earliest days spread out more (and expanded Ripponlea area more, then I think of Melbourne settlement to upon where possible), The Village Buckrich has done her job well. the 1960s, with a little about of Ripponlea is a wonderful Reviewed by Peta van Horick contemporary village life at the introduction to the social and end. cultural history of the Ripponlea Protecting our Heritage This easy-to-read narrative is surrounds, taking us away from the well-known mansion to the by Geoffrey Paterson thematically arranged, while At the May General Meeting, a suburban fabric of the nearby also providing the reader with brief survey was distributed. a chronological account of village. The survey asked respondents to Ripponlea, originally Owensville. Almost every page is filled with identify a feature in Glen Eira We learn about the early pioneers lush photographs, in both colour they felt had heritage value. such as Sargood, Monahan and and black and white, which Brunning, the 1890s, World War provide us an image of Ripponlea The replies identified trees at 1 and the shops in the area, the surrounds, its houses, residents Murrumbeena Station (see changes wrought by the 1920s, and marketplaces. For me, below), Balaclava Road tram the large and thriving Jewish these photographs, a peek into a shelter, Glenhuntly Station community, Los Angeles Court past otherwise out of our reach, building, bluestone laneways, and finally, the changes brought provided the most tantalising shopping centres and interwar about in the 1950s and 60s that details and questions into the rich residences. make Ripponlea the diverse, history of Ripponlea. If you would like to name your flourishing little hub it is today. feature of heritage value, please send details to the Editors and Selected Glen Eira authors and artists include the feature's name, Authors who live or lived in Glen Eira location and why you value this ; Frank Dalby Davison, Eliot Perlman, Martin Flanagan, feature. George Johnston, Danny Katz and Katharine Susannah Prichard. Murrumbeena Station trees Authors who are buried in Brighton Cemetery Thomas Alexander Browne aka Rolf Boldrewood, Margaret Browne – author Mrs Boldrewood, Adam Lindsay Gordon and Caroline Dexter/Lynch. Artists who live or lived in Glen Eira Ida Outhwaite, Martin Boyd, Sir William Dargie, Erica McGilchrist and Max Meldrum. Artists who are buried in Brighton Cemetery , Guy Boyd, William Merric Boyd, Theodore , Ambrose Dyson, Jessie Evans, Emanuel Phillips Fox, Harold Freedman, Frederick McCubbin and . Public art in Glen Eira These trees are located in the station carpark on the south side Artist Sculpture title Year Location of the railway line. They were Phillip Cannizzo Park figures 1975– Corner of Balaclava preserved when the carpark was 1990 and Hawthorn Roads established and are at least 50 Ailsa O’Connor Ourselves when years old. It would be a significant young 1979 Glen Eira Town Hall loss if these trees were to go as a Donna Leslie Mosaic pavement 1981 Boyd Park result of the imminent Caulfield– Guy Boyd Swimmer entering Oakleigh rail works. the water 1984 GESAC entrance Glen Eira Historical Society Upper photo: Adam Dan Wollmering Xanthe 1988 Glen Eira Town Hall Newsletter Issue 11 is a Lindsay Gordon's Jacki Staude Japanese bench seat 1993 Glen Eira Town Hall General issue. We welcome grave. Lower: Xanthe your contribution. sculpture at Glen Eira Deadline is 1 October 2016. Town Hall. Pamela Irving Goldie 1994 Garden Avenue Reserve