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