Brunswick Mechanics' Institute - the first sixty years

In September 1867, The Age reported that - 

 A special entertainment, in aid of the projected Brunswick Mechanics' Institute and Public Hall, took place in the Assembly Rooms recently erected adjoining the Retreat Hotel, on Thursday evening last. The programme comprised selections from Dickens, Hood, Lord Brougham and other popular authors, and a selection of duets, songs and quartettes; Miss Lowcock presided at the pianoforte, and the entire entertainment gave every satisfaction to the large assembly present. (1)

The next report I can find of this institution is in July 1868 when £300 was itemised in the Chief Secretary's Department budget for the  purchase of a piece of land for a Mechanics' Institute, Brunswick. (2)  The building is on the  corner of Sydney Road and Glenlyon Road, next to the Retreat Hotel and opposite the Brunswick Town Hall. There is another source which notes that the land for the building was actually donated by Theodotus John Sumner, the first President (more of whom later). (3) It may be the case that Sumner sold the land for a discounted rate, I have no other information  on this. 

Some sources note that the building dates from 1868; the plaque on the building lists the establishment date as 1868, even though there was obviously a committee in 1867 working towards the projected building; so the dates in these early years are a bit murky. However, it wasn't until 1869 that an Architect, Mr T.A. Kelly, was appointed. He advertised for tenders to erect the building in November 1869. (4)

Tenders called for the erection of the Brunswick Mechanics' Institute in 1869.

The Argus, November 3, 1869 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5823975 

A few weeks later, the foundation stone of the Brunswick Mechanics' Institute was laid on Monday, December 20, 1869 and the Weekly Times had this report -

The laying of the foundation-stone of the Brunswick Mechanics' Institute, by the hon. the Chief Secretary, on Monday, as anticipated, caused considerable excitement throughout the borough. The various friendly societies assembled near the Quarry hotel, and formed in procession, headed by the band of the Pentridge Rifle Corps, and marched to the grounds of the Mechanics' Institute near the Retreat inn. Here a large number of people, including a very fair attendance of the fair sex, had assembled to inaugurate the event. On the preliminary arrangements having been got through, the mayor of the borough (Mr. J. W. Fleming) came forward and presented the Chief Secretary with a silver trowel, bearing a suitable inscription, and to be used for the occasion. Mr. MacPherson then used every precaution in seeing that the stone was "well and truly laid," after which he addressed the assemblage, and said that he was highly gratified to be present on this occasion, especially as, when a boy and living in the district, what is now known as Brunswick, he had ridden over the ground where he had that day laid the foundation-stone of such an important institution; also, that whilst a resident of Brunswick he became a member of Parliament, and subsequently Chief Secretary of the colony of Victoria. Three cheers were then given for the Chief Secretary, the president of the institute, and the mayor of the borough, after which a fruit soiree was held at the Retreat-hall, which was fairly attended. The president of the institute, Mr. T. J. Sumner, occupied the chair. Several addresses were delivered, and the proceedings were agreeably interspersed with vocal and instrumental music. (5) 

Theodotus John Sumner

The Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, June 17, 1873.  

State Library of Victoria image IAN17/06/73/96a

Theodotus John Sumner (1820-1884), the President of the Mechanics' Institute, lived at Stony Park, in Brunswick, and was well connected and wealthy.  In 1852, the same year that he married Sarah Peers, Theodotus became a partner with businessman Richard Grice (1813-1882). In 1876, Sumner’s daughter Annie married Grice’s son James and the firm became known as Grice, Sumner and Co; it was by then one of the oldest and foremost mercantile houses in the Australian colonies. The firm had large land holdings in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. (6). Alice Sumner, another daughter of Theodotus, married Charles Snodgrass Ryan and they became the parents of Maie, whose husband Lord Casey was the Governor General of Australia from 1865 - 1969, and the namesake of the City of Casey. Charles Ryan was the brother of the artist, Ellis Rowan. (7)  Grice senior, died in Fitzroy in 1882 and left a substantial estate valued at £320,000. Sumner's estate was a more 'modest' £194,883. (8)  

T.J. Sumner's Stony Park, which bordered the Merri Creek, in  Brunswick, in 1866.

State Library of Victoria image H656

The Stony Park Estate, on the corner of Glenlyon Road and Nicholson Street was sub-divided in 1923 and the new streets created were Sumner, Peers, Noel and Rupert - named for Sumner, his wife Sarah (nee Peers) and their grandsons - Noel Sumner Nash and Rupert Ryan. (9)

The Mechanics' Institute was opened on April 5, 1870 and the Weekly Times again reported on the event -
Something more than ordinary gaiety was evinced by the people of Brunswick on Tuesday, on the occasion of the opening of their Mechanics' Institute and Public Library. A tea meeting on a large scale in the new hall, followed by a concert, interspersed with various addresses by gentlemen notables, was chosen as the most agreeable mode of inaugurating this valuable institution. The tea and substantial accompaniments were provided by ladies of the borough, and was done ample justice to by some 800 persons. Upon the tea and tables being cleared away, the Hon. J. MacPherson, M.L.A., in the absence of the president of the institution, Mr. T. J. Sumner, took the chair, to preside over the further and more intellectual engagements of the evening. The Orpheus Quartett party furnished the principal harmony of the evening ; and complimentary addresses to the ladies and gentlemen of the borough for their energy in raising so commodious and handsome a building were delivered by his Honour Judge Bindon, the Hon. David Moore, Mr. E. Cope, M.L.A., and other gentlemen. (10)

The Australasian also had a report which had some interesting building details, including the fact that it was planned to have another storey, which was never built - 

The inhabitants of Brunswick were called together on Tuesday, to celebrate the opening a mechanic's institute by the holding of a tea-meeting and concert afterwards. The building, which is of brick, is to have, when completed, a handsome frontage rising to two stories in height, ornamented with rusticated pilasters on the ground floor, and Ionic columns above, the whole to be surmounted by a handsome cornice and open balustrade. The ground floor will be devoted to the purposed of library, committee, and retiring rooms, while above will be the reading and class rooms. The architects are Messrs. Kelly and Beswicke, who estimate the total cost at about £2,000. The only portion at present constructed consists of the concert hall 60ft. by 30ft., and 22 ft. high, the inside of which presents a fine and imposing appearance, with a coved ceiling rising from a moulded cornice. The ventilation with Watson's cupola vents and the lighting with ornamented sun lights are very perfect, while the acoustic qualities of the hall, which were well tested last evening, were considered first-class. This portion has cost a trifle under £700, Mr. B. Crooke being the contractor....[after the refreshments] The hon. treasurer read a report, from which it appeared that the sum of £250 was still required to complete the present contract, but confident hopes existed that the amount would shortly he forthcoming. (11)  

The Mechanics' Institute, 1905

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works detail plan. no. 1882, Town of Brunswick, 1905

State Library of Victoria  http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/128706 

Kelly and Beswicke, the Architects were Thomas Anthony Kelly and John Beswicke. Thomas Kelly was listed in the 1870 Sands McDougall Directory at 100 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne  He was noted for his design of many Catholic Churches in the 1860s and 1870s - including - St Brigid's, Fitzroy; the church of St Peter and St Paul in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill); St Augustine's in West Melbourne; St Monica's in Footscray - where The Herald noted that - The architect is Mr. T. A Kelly, of Elizabeth street, to whose taste and skill so many churches recently erected in the colony testify. ; Sacred Heart Geelong;  St Mary's in Echuca; a Sisters Of Mercy Convent and School in Kilmore and St Mary's in Sorrento.  He also designed the Footscray Town Hall. (12) Thomas Kelly had married Catherine Bullen in February 1873.  He died in Goulburn, NSW in 1923, aged 71 (13).

John Beswicke is listed in Sands McDougall in 1875 at Harcourt Street Hawthorn. He designed hundreds of buildings including the Hawthorn Town Hall; Australian Buildings at the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders Lane; the Kronheimer Wing at the Austin Hospital; the Queen's House at 360 Collins Street and many private  houses including his own, Rotha in Harcourt Street. Beswicke was also in partnership for a time with Ralph Wilson with whom he designed the Presbyterian Church in Alma Road, St Kilda; Essendon Town Hall and the Malvern Town Hall. (14) He married Mary Hannah Parsons in 1877 and died in April 1925 aged 78. (15)

Brunswick Mechanics' Institute, 1949. Photographer: Colin Caldwell.

State Library of Victoria image H84.276/2/13D

The Victoria Government Statistical Registers provides  the following information about the Brunswick Mechanics Institute -  in 1874 they had 1,450 volumes and the opening hours were 7.00pm to 10.00pm;  1877 - 1,750 volumes, same opening hours; 1880 - 3,000 volumes, same hours; 1884 -  2,000 volumes, same hours; 1887 - 3,000 volumes same hours. Three years later in 1890, the collection was  2,749 volumes, the opening hours were 10.00am to 5.00pm, 7.00pm to 10.00 pm and there were  41,000 visits that year. In 1894 - 3,150 volumes, same opening hours and 57,000 visits. (16)  It is possible that the extra statistics provided to the Government about visits were due to the new Librarian, Arthur Goding, who was employed in 1889. Mr Goding, then living at 12 Duckett Street Brunswick, retired in 1919 and he died in June 1926 aged 84. (17)

The Mechanics' Institute, 1960s. Photographer: Alf Wesson.

Image courtesy of the Wesson Collection, Mechanics' Institute Resource Centre, Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria.

In 1912 the Library had 3,736 volume and 45 members, not including life members. (18) The Coburg Leader of February 16, 1912 published this unfavourable report on the Institution, and supported the idea that the Council should take over the building -
The Brunswick Mechanics' Institute is unquestionably not an evidence of the progress of the municipality. It is conservative in its very being, and represents the ideals of a past age when free libraries as they are known to day did not exist. In many up country townships similar establishments to the Brunswick Mechanics Institute are to be found. The so called "free liberry " turns out to be a small portion of the library room shut off from the rest and furnished with very ancient copies of illustrated papers. When the visitor unwittingly seeks to look at the contents of the larger quarter where the books are ranged on shelves and more up to-date journals and magazines are to be read, he is repelled by the notice "For subscribers only" or by the warning voice of the librarian. It is under these circumstances that the name of "Free" or "Public Library " becomes a misnomer. The places are merely institutions for the convenience of those ratepayers who subscribe to their funds and the free library or public reading room is merely retained in order to save the situation in the event of Government making inconvenient inquiries. Cr. Hickford carried a motion at the Brunswick council the other night that the council wait upon the Minister of Education and request to be informed whether Government will lend assistance towards the erection of a technical school provided the council acquires possession of the property. Crs Fleming and Methven both opposed any such transfer protesting that the institute was private property and as such would be free from any interference by the municipal council. It would be beyond all question a benefit to the community the throwing open the library to the public and letting them share in what was always intended to be for the public good. People talk largely on keeping our boys off the streets yet what sort of attractions do the miniature rooms with the out of date periodicals offer? Were the resolution moved and carried by Cr Hickford to become law the council would have to take over the ground on which the institute stands and without a doubt there is room for a row of shops which should certainly be easily let on advantageous terms. Altogether the idea is one that commends to all reasonable people and it is to be hoped the public will not let the matter drop. Once the council assumed control of the Mechanics' Institute the rest would be easy. (19)

The Council did not take over control then and two years later, the Brunswick and Coburg Leader reported that there were still only 45 subscribers and that The place is rapidly falling to pieces through senile decay, sadly neglected, and altogether the institution presents an appearance of desolation which is beyond description. (20)

In 1915, the Brunswick Mechanics Institute and Free Library Bill was passed by the Victorian Parliament and the new committee of management was to consist of four members of the Brunswick Council and four members of the Institute. The local member Mr Jewell was happy with this bill as he noted -
I am very pleased that the Government has seen fit to bring in this Bill. The Institute has been established since 1868, and in later years it has become rather neglected. It is not a free library, because people have to pay so much a week for taking out books. For many years the Council contributed certain sums to the institute, but they did not care to provide very much, because they had no control over the funds. If the Bill is passed, it will be a great boon to the people of Brunswick, because the library will be free to every young man and woman in the district who cares to take books or to pass time in the institute reading the periodicals. (21)

Brunswick Mechanics Institute and Free Library Bill bill passes

The Age, December 17, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154904433

This new management did result in improvements - in 1923, membership was 216, library visits were 37,500 and book stock was 2,987, of which 444 were new. (22)  However, in June 1925, the building was described as an eyesore, by the Sun News-Pictorial - 

The Brunswick Mechanics' Institute is in a dilapidated condition, and has been a source or complaint for a number of years. With a view to renovating the institute, at a cost of £800, specifications have been prepared.  (23)

Sydney Road Eyesore - the Mechanics' Institute - the only photo I have before the renovations. The tree on the left is a Moreton Bay Fig, which was removed for the renovation works.

Sun News-Pictorial June 24, 1925 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article274663362

The Council made the decision to renovate the building and appointed the Architect, Charles Heath, to draw up plans for the renovations and additions. Charles Heath's other work includes designing the new Coburg Town Hall in 1923; the Parish Hall and Sunday School at the Holy Trinity Church in Coburg in 1926 and the Crematorium at the Fawkner Cemetery in 1927.(24).

In October 1925, Heath advertised for tenders for the additions and renovations to the Brunswick Mechanics' Institute. (25) 

Architect, Charles Heath, invites tenders for renovations

The Age, October 24, 1925 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155671592

The Sun News-Pictorial reported on the result of the tender process in December 1925 -

Brunswick Mechanics’ Institute, Sydney-road, is to be improved and renovated. The chairman (Cr. Holbrook) stated that the committee had accepted a tender of £865 for the work. “We intend to make the building, which is one of the oldest in Brunswick, a most up-to-date institution,” said Cr. Holbrook. “Recently we have improved the front by lawns and concrete groundings. Inside improvements will include a bigger reading room, and more shelves and books." (26) 

Sadly, these improvements to the front required the destruction of a  fine Moreton Bay Fig tree, planted nearly 70 years previous by Cr John Ward Fleming and the T.J. Sumner, as the roots were impacting the foundations of the Retreat Hotel and causing the wall of the Mechanics' Institute to crack. Another tree of the same age was also removed at this time (27)

In December 1926, the Annual Report noted that the building works expenditure was £1289 including £865 for the contractors Phillips and Greeney; £211 for extra items; £79 for linen; £63 for Mr Heath's fee and £20 for two stone tablets (you can see the stone tablets in the image below). Membership had risen to 264 and book stock to 4,411. (28) 

The Mechanics' Institute, 1960s, showing the two stone tablets which were purchased for £20.

Photographer: Alf Wesson. 

Image courtesy of the Wesson Collection, Mechanics' Institute Resource Centre, Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria.

The building provided library services until March 1976,when it closed and the library moved to a new location on the old Town Hall site. It is now an Arts and Cultural Centre.(29) 

Footnotes

(1) The Age, September 14, 1867, see here. 

(2) The Argus, July 6, 1868, see here. 

(3) The Age, September 30, 1936, see here. 

(4) The Argus, November 3, 1869, see here. 

(5) Weekly Times, December 24, 1869, see here. Another report of the laying of the Foundation Stone was in The Leader of December 24, 1869, see here.

(6) Richard Grice's entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography - https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grice-richard-3669

(7)  J.T. Sumner, born in England, married Sarah Peers in 1852. Their seven children were born in Brunswick (or Merri Creek) -

• Annie Ruth in 1855, married James Grice.
• Egbert Peers 1856, died in 1899 in Scotland. 
• Alice Elfrida in 1858, married Dr Charles Ryan.
• Ethel Stone in 1861, married James Traill.
• Kate Omerod, in 1862, married James Osborne.
• Maud Mary  in 1864, married Albert Nash. They owned Ballarto in Cranbourne.
• Winifred in 1868, married Andrew Chirnside. They lived at Edrington in Berwick.

His obituary - Illustrated Australian News, May 14, 1884, see here; Lady Casey - https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/casey-lady-ethel-marian-maie-12296 I have written more about the Lady Casey and family here https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2024/12/miss-fanny-dango-mr-sam-mackay-and.html and https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2021/12/laying-of-foundation-stone-of-childrens.html

(8)  Richard Grice 's estate -  https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/grice-richard-3669; J.T. Sumner's estate -The Australasian, July 19, 1884, see here.

(9) Advertisement flyer for the sale of  Sumner's Stony Park Estate, May 26, 1923 at the State Library http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/167840

(10) Weekly Times, April 9, 1870, see here.

(11) The Australasian, April 9, 1870, see here.  

(12)  Churches -  St Brigid's - Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, August 14, 1869, see here; St Peter and St Paul -  The Australasian, November 13, 1869, see here;  St Augustine's - Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, July 16, 1870, see here; St Monica's - The Herald, July 7, 1873, see here;  Scared Heart -  The Advocate, May 30, 1874, see here;  St Mary's Echuca - Riverine Herald, March 9, 1876, see here; Kilmore - The Advocate, April 21, 1877, see here;  St Mary's Sorrento - The Advocate, March 13, 1880, see here;  Footscray Town Hall, Williamstown Chronicle, July 17, 1875, see here.

(13) Marriage notice -  The Argus, February 26, 1873, see here;  Death notice -  Sydney Morning Herald, July 18, 1923, see here 

(14) Hawthorn Town Hall - The Argus, August 8, 1888, see here; Australian Buildings - Weekly Times,  May 19, 1894, see here;  Kronheimer Wing - Leader, May 28, 1904, see here;  Queens Buildings - The Herald, May 4, 1916, see here. Houses -  https://www.landscape.net.au/john-beswicke/  https://www.hawthornhistoricalsociety.com.au/history/  St Kilda Presbyterian Church -  The Argus, January 28, 1885, see here; Essendon Town Hall - Essendon & Flemington Chronicle, February 12, 1886, see here;  Malvern Town Hall - The Argus, July 27, 1886, see here.

(15) Death notice - The Argus, April 29, 1925, see here.

(16) Victoria Government Statistical Registers - available here on the Victorian Government Library Service website

(17) The Herald, February 12, 1919, see here; Brunswick and Coburg Leader, June 11, 1926, see here; The Age, June 11, 1926, see here. 

(18) Coburg Leader, March 22, 1912, see here. 

(19) Coburg Leader, February 16, 1912, see here. 

(20) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, March 13, 1914, see here.

(21) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, December 24, 1915, see here; The Age, December 17, 1915, see here. 

(22) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, November 21, 1924, see here.

(23) Sun News-Pictorial, June 24, 1925, see here.

(24) The Age, September 20, 1923, see here; The Herald, October 1, 1926, see here; The Herald, June 15, 1927, see here. 

(25) The Age, October 24, 1925, see here.  

(26) Sun News-Pictorial, December 29, 1925, see here.

(27) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, July 17, 1925, see here.

(28) Brunswick and Coburg Leader, December 10, 1926, see here.

(29)  These Walls Speak Volumes: a history of Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria by Pam Baragwanath and Ken James (published by the authors in 2015), pp 110-111.

Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery Office and Solon Alonzo Peck

The office at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery was built 110 years ago in November 1915. The Cheltenham Seaside News reported on the new offices - 
The new offices erected in the cemetery will doubtless prove as useful as they are ornamental. The building is built of brick and white stone, about 25 x 15. The windows are gothic, with lead lights, the whole building being in conformity with the same style. The first meeting of the trustees was held in the new building on Wednesday last, when Mr R. Mills presided, those present being Messrs G. Brownfield, E. McSwain, J. Sheedy and G. Stayner. Satisfaction was expressed by the trustees at the completion of the building, and a vote of thanks accorded Mr. Brownfield for his personal supervision of the work. The plans of the structure were prepared by Mr S. A. Peck free of charge, who was also accorded the thanks of the trustees. In connection with the cemetery it is interesting to note that the present Secretary (Mr T. Chandler) was appointed on 1st January, 1871. Consequently he has held the position for nearly 45 years. At that time 154 burials had taken place, whilst to-day the total reaches 3270. (1) Mr Chandler passed away in 1918, you can read his obituary in footnote 2. (2) 

Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery Office, designed by Solon Peck.

The original office was extended in the 1960s and part of this extension was built over the graves of  17 burials in the Methodist section. These burials had taken place between 1865 and January 1876; the names are listed in footnote 3 (3) 

The architect of the 1915 building, Solon Alonzo Peck, was a resident of Mordialloc, who lived at Koetong, 7 High Street, Mordialloc. Solon was born on November 28, 1870 in Flemington to John Murray Peck and his wife Louisa Ellen Roberts. He was the sixth of their eight children. (4) 

His father was an American and this excerpt from his 1903 obituary tells us something of his interesting life -

Mr. Peck was born, at Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States, and coming to Melbourne in 1853 with Mr. Hiram Cobb, he entered into partnership with that gentleman in conjunction with Messrs J. Swanton and J. Lambert, and founded the famous firm of Cobb and Company, whose name subsequently became a household word throughout the state. In 1857 Mr. Peck visited the United States, and returned, bringing with him the first shipment of the "Jack coaches," which were run by Cobb and Company mainly on the Mount Alexander road. Shortly after Mr. Peck's return from the States, Mr. Cobb retired from the partnership, and the Victorian Stage Company was formed, consisting of 13 partners, who were all Americans or Canadians, and in June, 1880, that company sold their coaching business to Messrs. Watson and Hewett, who were subsequently succeeded by Messrs. Robertson and Wagner. After managing the business on the Mount Alexander road for his successors for a year, Mr. Peck visited New Zealand, and on his return in 1862 he entered into the stock and station agency business, first as a cattle salesman, and in 1870, in conjunction with Mr. William Hudson, of Ardmillan, Moonee Ponds and the late Mr. T. R. Raynor, under the style of Peck, Hudson, and Raynor. That partnership was dissolved in 1887, on the formation of the present firm of Messrs. J. M. Peck and Sons. (5)

Solon started his architectural career in 1889, being articled to Architect William Urban Billing,  who was at one time the Secretary of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects (R.V.I.A) and also a councillor for the Shire of Nunawading.  Solon become a partner in the firm with William Billing and after Billing's death in 1896 he continued the practice. Solon later joined in partnership with George Alfred Kemter. Kemter had previously undertaken his articles with Solon. Solon was made a Fellow of the R.V.I.A in August 1929. (6)

On September 11, 1895 Solon married Henrietta Evelyn 'Eva' Mitchell in Sydney. She was the daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (nee Stuckey) Mitchell, of  Bringenbong Station, Upper Murray, near Corryong. Table Talk reported on the wedding -

Peck-Mitchell - A very interesting marriage was celebrated at St. Stephen's Church, Phillip-street, Sydney, on Wednesday afternoon, September 11, the contracting parties being Miss Eveline Mitchell, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Mitchell, of " Bringenbong" Station, Upper Murray, and Mr. Solon Peck, architect, of Melbourne, youngest son of Mr. Hugh Peck, of " Lebanon," Pascoe-Vale. The church was exquisitely decorated with floral arches and foliage. The Rev. John Walker officiated. The bride entered the church at three o'clock on the arm of her brother-in-law, Dr. W. Chisholm, who afterwards gave her away. There was only one bridesmaid, Miss Alison Rose, and Mr. Walter Mitchell acted as best man. The bride wore a lovely gown of white figured silk, the bodice being finished with a fichu of white chiffon; and a Parisian hat of fine gathered lace. She wore a handsome diamond brooch and very long gold antique chain. A shower bouquet composed of orchids, azaleas and fern completed the toilette. Miss Alison Rose looked very pretty in her bridesmaid's dress of pale blue muslin relieved with a white chiffon fichu, the combination of the two shades having a very fresh and cool effect. She wore a large rustic hat trimmed with pink carnations and chiné ribbon bows. She wore a handsome chain ring with heart pendant (the gift of the bridegroom), and carried an artistic posy of pink roses with blue satin ribbon streamers. After the wedding, the bridal party repaired to Dr. Chisholm's house at Macquarie-street, where a reception and wedding tea took place. Among those present were Mrs. Alex. McCracken and Mrs. W. A. Blair (of Essendon, sisters of the bridegroom), Mr. J. W. Chisholm, Mr. and Mrs. T. Gilchrist, Dr. and Mrs. Fairfax Ross, Dr. and Mrs. McCormick, Dr. and Mrs. P. D. Bray, Miss Morehead, Miss M. Morehead, Mrs. Rose and Miss Mary Jones. Later in the afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Solon Peck left for " Springwood," where the honeymoon is being spent. The bride's travelling dress was of fawn covert coating, and a fawn hat to match, relieved with pink flowers. A number of beautiful presents were received. (7)

Solon and Eva had three daughters - Shirlie Evelyn in 1896; Wilga Mary Doreen in 1898 and  Yolanda Oriel in 1906, who lived only 15 weeks. The Pecks originally lived in Essendon where two eldest girls were born, but around 1903 they moved to Koetong, the only house on the north side of High Street between the Nepean Highway (also called Main Road) and John Street.  The previous owner of the house was Charles H. Ross, who named the house Teirrah (Harriet backwards) after his wife Harriet Sophia Gibson. The Pecks renamed Teirrah to Koetong; Koetong is a town west of Corryong, so in the general area of Henrietta Peck's childhood home of Bringenbong Station. (8)

Solon Peck's house, Koetong, in High Street Mordialloc (circled in red). Main Street/Nepean Highway is on the left, John Street is on the right. The building top left is the Epsom Hotel. Two doors down from this is Lissadell, donated by the Monahan family to the Catholic Church, for use as a Presbytery for St Brigid's Catholic Church, which was built in 1956 on the other corner of High Street - Main Street/Nepean Highway, where the garden is. This land was also donated by the Monahan family.  (9)

Image: Mordialloc, showing Albert and Main Streets and Railway Station, c. 1925-1940. Photographer: Charles Daniel Pratt. State Library of Victoria image H91.160/1605

See full image here - http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/20335 

Koetong, 7 High Street, Mordialloc

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works detail plan. no. 4285, 

Municipality of Mordialloc 1938.

State Library of Victoria. See full map here - http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/133336

Shirlie Peck married racehorse trainer Bert Scott Price in 1931 in Sydney and they lived at Koetong until at least 1943. Doreen married Stirling Rogers in 1922; he was a builder who worked on the construction of the Capitol Theatre in Melbourne in 1924; the Ambassadors Theatre in Perth in 1928 and many other projects. Stirling started his career in the Public Works Department in Melbourne, working under Carlo Catani, and I have written about his career here. After Doreen and Stirling separated she also lived at Koetong, with her sister. (10)

Solon Peck, on left, with his brother-in-law, Alec McCracken, then President of the 

Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

The Australasian, September 4, 1909 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139685808

At the races in March 1927 - Solon's second wife, Hilda; Solon's sister Mary McCracken; Miss B. Madden; Solon's daughter Shirlie Peck and Miss J. Flexman.

Table Talk, March 17, 1927  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146470537

Another trip to the races - Solon Peck's daughters - Doreen Rogers and Shirlie Price; his second wife Hilda and a Miss Burns. 

Table Talk, July 14, 1932 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147287939

Eva Peck, died on May 8, 1914 at the age of 41. Solon remarried in 1926 to Hilda Jane Burns. He died on November 21, 1930 and is buried at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery with Eva and their little daughter Yolanda. (11)  The Argus published this short obituary -  

Mr Solon A. Peck of the firm of Peck and Kemter, architects, of Collins street died at Mordialloc yesterday morning after a short illness. Mr Peck, who was aged 59 years was born at Ascot Vale. He practised his profession in the city for many years. He carried out important city and other works. Mr Peck had lived at Mordialloc in recent years, and in his leisure hours he was an ardent golfer. He leaves a widow and two daughters. The burial took place at the Cheltenham cemetery yesterday afternoon. (12)

Solon Peck's work

The Cheltenham Cemetery building was one of the smallest of Solon's projects, here are some his many other works.

1913 - Royal Oak Hotel, 123 Swanston Street - The plan prepared for the new Royal Oak Hotel in Swanston street for Mr J. C. Dillon by Messrs Billing, Peck and Kemter will make a picturesque addition to the fronts in that part of the city. (13) The Royal Oak Hotel was delicensed in 1925 and demolished in 1926 and replaced with the Aeolian Hall, a seven storey concrete building, also designed by Peck and Kemter. (14)  The Aeolian Hall building still exists.

Royal Oak Hotel, demolished in 1926 and replaced by the Aeolian Hall.

Punch, April 23, 1914 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129698652

The Aeolian Hall, the replacement for the Royal Oak Hotel, also designed by  Peck and Kemter.

The Herald, September 8, 1926 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243698211

1923 - State Savings Bank building at the corner of Collins and Spencer Streets, designed by Peck and Kemter and built for a a cost of  £70,000. (15)  The building still exists. 

State Savings Bank building at the corner of Collins and Spencer Streets

The Argus, March 23, 1923 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1885149

1924 - Reconstructed Talma Buildings at 119 Swanston Street. This was part of the Howey Estate. The new building is five stories high and provides for a cafe in the basement, which has been recently excavated, tea rooms on the ground floor, private offices on the two higher floors. The building is described as practically fire-proof.  (16)  The building is still there.

The Lord Mayor, Cr W. Brunton, cutting the ribbon to open the new Talma buildings. Solon Peck, is in the middle of the photograph, holding the other end of the ribbon.

The Argus, February 1, 1924 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1927741

From right - The Manchester Unity Building, Capitol House and Theatre, the Talma Buildings and the Aeolian Hall. The Capitol building was designed by  Walter Burley Griffin, in conjunction with Peck and Kemter; and the Talma building and Aeolian Hall by Peck and Kemter.

Capitol House, Swanston Street, Melbourne, c. 1950.  Photographer: Lyle Fowler. 

Harold Paynting Collection, State Library of Victoria image H92.20/3395

1924 - Kinnear's Building built on the corner of King and Little Collins Streets for G. Kinnear & Sons Pty Ltd. (17) The building has been demolished.

G. Kinnear & Sons Pty Ltd building.

The Argus, June 5, 1924 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4335124

1924 - Capitol Theatre and Capitol House, Melbourne. Designed by Walter Burley Griffin, in conjunction with Peck and Kemter. Solon's son-in-law, Stirling Rogers worked on the construction of this building. (18) The Capitol Building still stands.

From the drawings of the Capitol Theatre and Capitol House, Swanston Street, Melbourne, 

by Walter Burley Griffin. 

See plans here http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/185751

State Library of Victoria image H96.120/1

Capitol House and Theatre, Swanston Street, 1950.

Photographer: Lyle Fowler. State Library of Victoria image H2009.21/64

1927 - The Strand, 64 Elizabeth Street. The building was 12 storeys high and there were three passenger lifts which could travel at 450 feet per minute - the maximum speed permitted by the building by-laws. (19).  The building has been demolished.

The Strand, 64 Elizabeth Street

The Herald, December 14, 1927 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243974124

Solon Peck is long gone; his house Koetong has been demolished but some of his buildings still remain, including the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery Office, now the home of the Friends of Cheltenham Cemeteries.

Footnotes

(1) Cheltenham Seaside News, November 13, 1915, see here 

(2) Mr T. Chandler of Cheltenham - Many old residents of the Brighton-Moorabbin districts will regret to hear of the death of Mr. T. Chandler, boot-maker, of Cheltenham, which occurred at his residence, Charman road, on Monday, after a brief illness. Mr. Chandler, who was born in Hampshire, England, in 1838, arrived with his parents in Victoria, at the age of 27 years. The family first resided in Brunswick, where Mr. Chandler assisted his father in a boot-repairing business, which was started in Sydney road. After a few years' residence in the Northern suburbs, the family removed to Nepean road, Moorabbin, opposite the State school, where a similar business was conducted, and is still being carried on by the late Mr. Chandler's brother. In 1875, Mr. Chandler moved to Cheltenham, and for 16 years conducted the post office and store, at what is now known as Fairbank's corner. Mr. Chandler did a considerable banking business amongst the gardeners, and it was that fact that induced the State Postal Department of those days to create an official post office, the transfer being made at a moment's notice. The change had a considerable effect on the office revenue, for the officials kept to the strict banking hours, which caused the gardeners to transfer their accounts to private banks at St. Kilda the revenue of the office having dropped by £300. Mr. Chandler also established the local news agency, with a circulation of six papers. On the transfer of the postal business, Mr. Chandler obtained a block of land in Charman road, and was one of the first to erect premises in that thoroughfare. Whilst residing at Moorabbin, he joined the volunteer rifle corps at Brighton, and it was quite a common thing for him to walk across to the old Elwood Butts, and be on the range by 6 o'clock in the morning. He was, for 10½ years, a member, having joined in May, 1865, and one year was cup winner. He obtained promises from 40 residents in Moorabbin to form a separate detachment, but it was not sanctioned by the authorities, as there were no officers available for instruction. Mr. Chandler, in his early days, took an active interest in sport, which he maintained right up to the time of his death. He was possessed of a wonderful vitality, and up to within a few days ago, he was to be seen engaged at his trade, whilst he also took his customary Sunday walk to the beach and home again, via Mentone. He was a trustee of the Mechanics' Institute and the Methodist Church, and for over 40 years was secretary to the local Cemetery Trust, which position has now been offered to and accepted by his son, Mr. A. Chandler. About a fortnight ago, Mr. Chandler contracted a chill, which developed into pneumonia, and he passed away on Monday. The funeral took place the following day, and was largely attended, the service at the graveside in the Cheltenham Cemetery being conducted by Rev. W. Bridgborn. Deceased leaves a widow and a grown-up family of three sons and two daughters. The funeral arrangements were by Messrs. Rose Bros., of Cheltenham.

Brighton Southern Cross September 14, 1918, see here. 

(3) The graves under the Cemetery Office - Charles Warwick Walker (buried 1865); Helen Abagail Bodsworth (1866); May Charlotte Allan (1867); Alan Ernest Blencowe (1867); Elizabeth Hughes (1867); George Anseer (1868); Rachel Allan (1868); Benjamin Ruse (1870); unnamed baby Hinck (1870), Frances Mary Flowers (1870); Charles Anderson Allan (1872), James Arthur Musgrave (1872); John James Simpson (1872), John Johnston (1872), Mary Musgrave (1874), Frederick William Allen (1875) and Arthur Henry Simpson (1876). Source: The Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery: Where History Rests by Travis M. Sellers (Friend of Cheltenham Regional Cemeteries, 2015) pp. 102-103.

(4) Solon Peck Birth notice - The Argus, November 29, 1870, see here. John Murray Peck married Louisa Ellen Roberts in 1859. They had the following children: Harry Huntington - birth registered at Gisborne, 1890; Mary Elizabeth - Flemington, 1863, married Alexander McCracken in 1884; Richard Oren - Flemington, 1865;  Minnie Waters - Flemington, 1867, married William Allison Blair in 1888; Lilly - Flemington, 1869, died aged 13 days; Solon Alonzo;  Fanny Huntington - Flemington, 1873, died 1875 aged 2; John Murray - Flemington 1875, died 1885 aged 9.

(5) The Argus, November 20, 1903, see here.

(6) Journal of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects.Vol. 27, No. 6 (January 1930). http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-404960921 p. 14; Journal of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects.Vol. 27, No. 4 (September 1929) http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-404911981, p. 11. Obituary of William Billing - Box Hill Reporter, August 21, 1896, see here.

(7) Table Talk, September 20, 1895, see here.

(8) Terriah - under Ross in the Birth notice - The Argus, October 11, 1899, see here; Index to the Victorian Births, Deaths and marriages; Sands & McDougall's Melbourne, suburban and country directory; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com.

(10) History of St Brigid's Church - https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/mordialloc-vic-st-brigids-catholic and https://www.melbcatholic.org/s/articles/a192w0000008A4hAAE/history-of-st-brigids-and-st-louis-de-montfort

(10) Peck/Price wedding - The Herald, March 17, 1931, see here. Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Stirling Rogers - https://carlocatani.blogspot.com/2020/12/stirling-rogers-carlos-engineering-pupil.html

(11) Eva Peck death notice - Leader, May 16, 1914, see here; Solon Peck death notice - The Argus, November 22, 1930, see here;  Friends of Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries database - https://www.focrc.org/ 

(12) Obituary - The Argus, November 22, 1930, see here.

(13) The Herald, May 29, 1913, see here;  The Herald, October 30, 1913, see here; Punch, April 23, 1914, see here

(14) The Herald, September 15, 1925, see here; The Herald, September 8, 1926, see here.

(15) The Argus, March 23, 1923, see here;  The Argus, August 10, 1923, see here  

(16) The Herald, October 25, 1922, see here; The Argus, February 1, 1924, see here;  The Argus, February 1, 1924, see here. 

(17) The Argus, June 5, 1924, see here. 

(18) The Argus, October 11, 1924, see here; The Argus, November 8, 1924, see here.

(19) The Herald, December 14, 1927, see here. 

Sheila Mildred Jowett attains her Merit Certificate

In December 1929 Sheila Mildred Jowett received her Merit Certificate having completed satisfactorily the Course of Study prescribed for the first two years in High School at the Elwood Central School. Attainment of the merit certificate often marked the end of formal schooling for children in the past. 

Sheila Jowett's Merit Certificate

I bought this on Ebay.

Sheila was born on August 2, 1916  in Liverpool in England to John Edwin Jowett and his wife, Mildred Grace Davies. Sheila had an older brother, John Mellor Jowett, who was born on September 26, 1914. Sadly, their father John Edwin, a painter,  who had enlisted in the Cheshire Regiment was Killed in Action on September 2, 1918. This left Mildred, who before her marriage had worked in a milliner's shop, a widow with her two young children. (1)

John's death was reported in the Port Melbourne Standard as some of the Jowett family had already migrated to Melbourne and were living at 275 Bay Street, Port Melbourne.  They were his parents Mellor and Mary Ann (nee Midgley) Jowett, his sisters Annie and Millicent;  his brother Jonas and his wife Esther and their two children. Mellor was a builder and Jonas was a carpenter. (2)

Mellor Jowett's advertisement, the first of his advertisements I could find.

Port Melbourne Standard, January 16 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91166133

In November 1917, the Port Melbourne Standard published the following advertorial, promoting Mellor's skills -

House Renovator and Builder. Mr. Jowett, house renovator and builder, invites residents contemplating embellishing their homes, or building new ones, to consult him. He is making a speciality of this enterprise, and has just completed the rebuilding of a dwelling at 99 Nelson-road, converting it from a four to a seven roomed house, and ornamenting it with a modern rough cast front and bay windows. Another work recently finished is the renovation of five houses in Nott-street. (3)

Mellor Jowett's advertisement

Port Melbourne Standard, Janaury 10, 1920 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165261457

The Port Melbourne Standard published this obituary of John  Edwin Jowett - 

Killed in Action - Mr. Jowett, of Bay-street, this week received from England a cable advising him of the death in action of one of his two soldier sons, Pte. John Edwin Jowett, who was at soldier in a

North Staffordshire Regiment. As well as rending asunder a fond family tie, the loss of his son shatters a prospect that Mr. Jowett had of prevailing upon the young man, who was a highly skilled worker in house decorations, joining him in business in Melbourne after the war. Nevertheless, sorrowful as the loss is of one of their own family circle, and disappointing the vanishing of the possibilities of a reunion around this soldier son in this life, reflection upon the nobility of the sacrifice he has made is a consolation to the deeply grieving father, mother, sisters, and a soldier brother. The late Pte. John Edwin Jowett leaves a widow and two children in Liverpool (England). Pte. Jonas Jowett, Mr. Jowett’s other son, is a returned wounded soldier now in Sydney. (4)

Jonas Jowett had enlisted in the A.I.F in February 1916 and served in France, however he suffered from bursitis in the right knee and this led to his medical discharge in October 1917. Jonas, Esther and their children then moved to Sydney, where he remained until his death in 1964. (5)

At some time, I can't find an exact date, Mildred and young John and little Sheila moved to Melbourne. It was interesting that Mildred moved to be with her in-laws in a new country as she was one of ten children, so left a big family behind in England. Perhaps it had been their dream to move to Australia and she wanted to continue to achieve that goal. She was supported by the Jowett family as in 1921 Mildred was living with her parents-in-law and her sisters-in-law, Annie and Millicent at 519 Chapel Street, South Yarra; then from 1922 until 1927 they were at 29 Martin Street, South Yarra. Annie, who married James Barnes in 1923 and Millicent who married George Diggins in 1925, were both dressmakers. (6)

It was perhaps through Annie and Millicent that Mildred met dressmaker Marie Eugenie Ford and in 1928 was living with her at 97 Carlisle Street St Kilda. Marie was the daughter of  Frances and William Schultz, who had lived at the same address. Marie had married Richard Ford in 1898, had a son Richard in 1901 and a daughter Nancy in 1910, but the  marriage ended in divorce in 1922, due to Richard deserting the family. Marie worked throughout the marriage as a dressmaker.  In  August 1927, Frances Schultz died (William having died in 1892) and  Marie relocated her business from her Collins Street premises to 97 Carlisle Street. I presume that Mildred, who had worked in a millinery business in England, helped Marie with the dressmaking. (7)

Marie Ford's advertisement advising of her relocation to 97 Carlisle Street

The Argus, January 31, 1928, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3907283

It was whilst Mildred was living at Carlisle Street that Sheila attended Elwood Central School and attained her Merit certificate. By 1931, Mildred, who was then 42 years old, had moved to 53 Pender Street in Thornbury. She later moved in with her son John and his wife Clara at 186a Murray Road in Preston and died on June 24, 1952, aged 63. (8)

Sheila married Russell Robert Wilson at St Mark's Church of England in Fitzroy on September 15, 1937; she was 21 and he was 22. His occupation was a Secretary and her occupation was a Hosiery folder. The couple made their home at 208 Murray Road in Preston (11 doors down from her brother John and her mother) and they had four children - Robert, Margaret, Patricia and David.  (9)

Sheila and Russell had a long term connection to St Mark's in Fitzroy and Russell was interviewed in 1950 in  The Age on the occasion of the 97th anniversary of the Church - 

Mr. Russell Wilson, of Preston, who is secretary of the church and a member of the choir, had his wife, his sister and two children in the choir last night. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were married  and their children christened in this church. (10)

Russell Wilson, St Mark's parishioner.

The Age, July 3, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206394913

Around 1950 Sheila and Russell moved to 75 Marshall Street in Ivanhoe, which is where they were living where Russell died on July 10, 1968. When Sheila died on October 16, 1989, at the age of 73,  she was living in Mont Albert. Sheila and Russell were both cremated and their ashes are interred at Fawkner Cemetery. (11)

I wonder what memories Sheila had of her time at Elwood Central School?  I also have to admire her mother Mildred, who had only four and a half years of married life before her husband John was Killed in Action and who then moved across to the other side of the world to start a new life for herself, her son John and daughter Sheila.

Footnotes

(1) Mildred birth -  Liverpool, England, Church of England Baptisms, 1813-1919 on Ancestry.com; John birth - WW2 Nominal Rolls - https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/ ; John Edwin Jowett - enlistment - UK, British Army World War I Service Records, 1914-1920 and UK and Commonwealth War Graves, 1914-1921 and 1939-1947 on Ancestry.com; 1911 English Census from Ancestry.com

(2) Port Melbourne Standard, October 12, 1918, see here; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com - the first listing of the Jowetts, which I can find is in 1915, so I assume they arrived in Melbourne around this time.

(3) Port Melbourne Standard, November 10, 1917, see here.

(4) Port Melbourne Standard, October 12, 1918, see here.

(5) Attestation papers, National Archives of Australia - https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=7360978;  Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Index to NSW Deaths.

(6) 1911 English Census from Ancestry.com lists Mildred's parents and her seven surviving siblings; Electoral Rolls - 1921 was the first time Mildred appeared in the Electoral rolls; Index to Victorian marriages. 

(7) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Frances Schultz death notice The Argus, August 10, 1927, see here; Divorce of Marie Eugenie Ford and Richard Stafford Ford - Public Records Office of Victoria https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/24848DBB-F384-11E9-AE98-3BC75BD137D7?image=1 ;  The Argus, January 31, 1928,  see here.

(8) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Mildred's death notice - The Herald, June 25, 1952, see here.

(9) Marriage certificate; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; children listed in Russell's death notice  in The Age, July 11, 1968 

(10) The Age, July 3, 1950, see here. 

(11) Electoral Rolls; Russell's death notice in The Age, July 11, 1968; Sheila's death certificate; Fawkner Cemetery records https://www.gmct.com.au/deceased