RHSV Training Day for WHS Thanks to a generous donation by the Whittlesea Bowls Club, seven members of the Whittlesea Historical Society (WHS), as well as two guests from neighbouring historical societies, attended a morning of workshops at the RHSV in A’Beckett St, Melbourne on Wednesday the 10th of June. The day began with a presentation by Jillian Hiscock, Collections...
Thomastown’s 19th Century Scottish Landowners and Residents By Rob WuchatschThe Scots were influential in Thomastown’s development from the beginning of European settlement, either as landowners, occupation licence holders, graziers or farmers. Most of Thomastown’s land was owned by the Campbell and Brock families until the early 20th Century and Colonel Joseph Anderson, who owned Section 21 from 1850-64 and William...
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Electricity – The spark that ignited development By Barbara Miller We take it for granted that electricity is connected to our homes, available at the flick of a switch when and where we need it. This has obviously not always been the case, but that convenience is still a relatively recent innovation for some. It’s worth considering that we accept...
My Kitchen Table Talk By Margaret Mann On Sunday 10 June, the Whittlesea Historical Society held the event “My Kitchen Table Talk” in the old Wollert Uniting Church, at the historic Carome Homestead at Mernda. In this beautifully restored old building, there were tables set out for attendees to place their old, treasured kitchen items, that were used in times...
State Electricity Commission of Victoria – Thomastown Terminal Station (1924-2024) By Robert Wuchatsch As you drive north along High Street and cross the intersection of Mahoney’s Road and Keon Parade, the Thomastown Terminal Station dominates the landscape on your left. This Thomastown landmark, which commenced operations in 1924, has now served Melbourne and Victoria for a century. On 6 December...
PRESIDENTS REPORT – Barbara Miller Two exciting WHS events took place in March, beginning with the Yan Yean bus tour with Ross Mugavin as presenter. Twenty seven attendees enjoying an informative and social day, touring various historical locations in the Yan Yean area, and stopping for lunch at the Caretaker’s Cottage at Yan Yean Reservoir. If you missed out on...
Well-informed day for Whittlesea Historical Society By Barbara MillerGuest speakers, Peter Nankervis and Julie Nankervis were the star attractions at the Whittlesea Historical Society’s general meeting on the 19th of May. Peter had invited WHS to hold their meeting at the Arthur’s Creek Hall, which is the original Mechanics Institute. This renovated building has found an exciting new purpose in...
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Carome Homestead in Mernda By Barbara Miller In 1840, Arthur Serjeantson (also written Sergeantson) purchased Section 19, Lot 11, in the Parish of Morang, a total of 842 acres for the price of 1,326 pounds. This large property covered as far north as Bridge Inn Road. He named the property Sergeantson Hall, although it soon became known as Carome, which...
Yan Yean, its hidden history By Barbara Miller It is generally accepted that the name ‘Yan Yean’ originated in the 1850s from the aboriginal tribes which frequented the swampy, fertile lands around the Plenty River. The waters were rich in fish, eels and birds, which provided an abundant food source for the inhabitants. Two scar trees were noted in the...
‘Heatherley’ at Whittlesea By Vance Bebbington The farm now known as ‘Castle Hill Farm’ was previously called ‘Heatherley’. Our grandparents Joseph and Edith Bebbington purchased the property in 1933 and moved there in September 1934. At that time, it consisted of 180 acres (72 hectares) with an additional 76 acres (30 hectares) being leased. The family sold the farm in...