Stephen and Bridget Maher of Pakenham

On May 13, 1885 Stephen Maher married Bridget Catherine Ryan at St Patrick's Church in Seymour. Two years later Stephen joined the Victorian Police Force and when he retired in 1920 he was the oldest member of the whole Victorian force. Stephen and Bridget had ten children - five daughter and five sons - Rosaline (born 1886), Cathleen (1888), Florence Mary (1890), Olive Veronica (1893), Stephen Raymond (1894), John Thomas (1896), Thomas Francis (1899), Daniel Michael (1901) and Leonard Joseph (1903) Mary Monica (1905). (1) 

In April 1913 Stephen was posted to Pakenham and was there until his retirement. His duties were many and varied and one of his more interesting cases was reported in April 1914 -

Escape and Sensational Recapture of a Lunatic. A Trooper's Plucky Act.
For the last week a man named William Mountain, alias Hill, had been wandering in the Kooweerup Swamp declaring that he had come to organise a union for potato diggers, and imagined that he was holding and addressing meetings for that purpose. As his actions and conduct pointed strongly to madness and caused uneasiness to the settlers, Trooper Maher, of Pakenham, was sent for. On arriving there late on Thursday night he arrested the man, and after considerable difficulty lodged him in the lockup at Pakenham at 1.30 on Friday morning. Having had the man examined by Dr. White, he was brought before Mr Jas. Ramage, J.P., who after hearing the evidence of Dr White and the trooper, committed him to the Receiving House, Royal Park.

On Saturday morning Trooper Maher entrained with him at Pakenham. At first on leaving Pakenham he was somewhat violent, but soon became quiet. On the train leaving Clayton he suddenly dashed at the door, unfastened it and jumped out. Without hesitating Trooper Maher also jumped out; jumping with the train he miraculously escaped injury, and shouting to stop the train (which it fortunately did) he rushed up to his charge and found him badly bruised, but savage and threatening. After a struggle he secured him, and the train having backed up willing hands helped the trooper to get the man on board. On arrival at Spencer st. the trooper soon had him lodged safely in the Receiving House.

During the continued journey to Melbourne he became a little communicative and said to the trooper,"You're too smart for me. I'll tell you who I am, I am a lawyer, my name is Hill, I escaped from Mont Park Mental Hospital three weeks ago. I have also been five months in Beechworth Asylum and in Asylums in Adelaide and Newcastle, all of which I escaped from. Now I suppose I shall be shut up until I escape again." The man's actions showed him to be a lunatic, and that he is a dangerous one was evidenced by the fact that on being searched after arrest a large table knife, sharpened and pointed, was found secreted in the lining of his vest. Too much praise cannot be given to Trooper Maher for the brave and unselfish way in which he executed his duty in this matter, and the value and credit for it will no doubt be marked by the police authorities. (2)

Another interesting article was also published about Trooper Maher in 1914 -

Constable Maher has had his troop horse taken from him, the idea being to make this a bicycle station. It is probable this matter will be ventilated at the council meeting on Saturday, the general opinion is the idea is impracticable. (3)

Constable Maher loses his horse

Dandenong Advertiser, May 7, 1914 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88355315

In 1918 the Pakenham Gazette published this good news about Constable Maher -

Constable Maher, of Pakenham, has been notified by the head office that the following entry has been placed on his record sheet :-" Highly commended for zeal and intelligence displayed in the prosecution and conviction in a case of cattle stealing recently at Pakenham." Constable Maher has about a score of such entries, having obtained three during his residence in Pakenham. This record is one of which any police officer should feel proud, and speaks well for the energy and efficiency displayed by Constable Maher in the performance of his duties. (4)

Constable Maher retired on his birthday on July 4, 1920. The Pakenham Gazette had the following report of his retirement - 
Retirement of Constable Maher
Constable S. Maher, who has been in charge of the Pakenham police station for nearly eight years will reach the retiring age on the 4th on next month, and is leaving the police force after having seen 33 years service. He is at present the oldest member of the whole Victorian force. He joined the force on the 2nd of July, 1887, and his meritorious work soon gained him advancement. After two years’ service he was given charge of his first station. This was at Natimuk and Noradjuha in the Wimmera district. However, after a short stay here, finding the climate unsuitable, he applied for a change. This was granted, and in 1895 he was transferred to the Gippsland district, being appointed to Buchan, where he remained for 5 years.

His next transfer was to Cunninghame, but as the sea air did not agree with the health of his family he arranged to change places with a comrade at Heyfield, where he remained for six years. His next shift was to Sandringham, but as at Cunninghame, he had to leave on account of the sea air not agreeing with some members of his family. From this station he was transferred to Fern Tree Gully, where he spent about six years. While at Fern Tree Gully he filled the dual post of Inspector of Nuisances and Summoning Officer, and on leaving he was given the following letter, dated July 12, 1913, under the seal of the Council:-

“Constable S. Maher, Pakenham.- The council of the Shire of Fern Tree Gully desire to testify to the conscientious and efficient manner in which you discharged your duties as its officer for a period of five and a half years in the capacity of Inspector of Nuisances and Summoning Officer. The council tenders you its thanks for your energy and zeal in safeguarding the interests of the council at all times, and your attention at all times to matters affecting the health of the residents within the Shire.”

From Fern Tree Gully Constable Maher was transferred to Pakenham. During his 33 years’ service Constable Maher has seen some rough times, and had had to handle many important criminal cases, amongst the number being cattle stealing, house –breaking, safe-breaking, burglary, larceny, and numerous offences of lesser degree, and in many of these cases was successful in securing a conviction. As a result of his efficiency as a member of the force he has many creditable entries on his record sheet.

Since coming to Pakenham he was offered promotion, but decided to forgo it rather than go to the City. During his lengthy service he has done his work faithfully and well and has made many friends, receiving a valuable testimonial from every place at which he has been stationed. Constable Maher intends to settle in Pakenham and take up farming and grazing in a property he has secured since coming here. He has the very best wishes of his many friends for his future prosperity their midst. (5)

Stephen died on April 19, 1931 aged 70 and is buried at Pakenham Cemetery, with their daughter Rosaline who died in 1923;  and Bridget died on January 23, 1939 aged 77 and is buried at Box Hill cemetery (6).

Bridget Maher's death notice

The Advocate, February 9, 1939 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172029833

The Advocate published this informative obituary of Mrs Maher -
Mrs. Bridget Catherin Maher - The sudden death of Mrs. B. C. Maher at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Sherrin, 18 Victoria-street, North Richmond, came as a shock .to her many friends and relatives. She was born at Wallan, 1861, and was the eldest daughter of the late Michael Ryan, of "Westbrook," Avenel. She was married at Kilmore to Stephen Maher, of Seymour, and lived in many parts of the State, including Ferntree Gully and Pakenham, and since the death of her husband, with Mrs. Sherrin. Mrs. Maher was the mother of five sons and five daughters. One daughter is Mother Margaret Mary de Sion, Box Hill. Four sons enlisted in the Great War, three seeing active service. She was actively connected with all charitable work in St. John's parish. The funeral left St. John's, East Melbourne,after a Requiem Mass, and proceeded to Box Hill Cemetery. The chief mourners, besides members of the family, were Mr. R. Ryan (brother), "Victoria Park," Berrigan, N.S.W., and Mrs. McCoy, sister, Middle Park. R.I.P. (7)

It was whilst Stephen and Bridget were living in the police station at Pakenham that three of their sons enlisted in the AIF and served overseas - they were Stephen Raymond (called Roy on his enlistment papers), John Thomas  and Thomas Francis. Mrs Maher's obituary said that four sons enlisted in the Great War, three seeing active service so I presume that the fourth son must have been Daniel who was born 1901, but that would still have made him only 17 when the War ended, so not sure about that and Leonard would have been far too young.

Roy (SN 2228) enlisted on August 27, 1914 at the age of 20, occupation Labourer. He served in Gallipoli and France and Returned to Australia October 8, 1918. Roy died in 1976 in Western Australia and is buried at the Karrakatta Cemetery, in Perth. (8)

Roy enlists in the AIF in August 1914

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

John Thomas  (SN 1049) enlisted at the age of 21 on June 14, 1915. He is confusingly called Thomas on the Embarkation Roll. He Returned to Australia on July 3, 1919. John also served in World War Two (SN V22043)  he enlisted in December 1940 and was discharged in June 1944, when he was nearly 48 years old. John died in 1970 and is buried at the Tower Hill cemetery near Koroit. (9)

John enlists in the AIF in June 1915

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Thomas Francis (SN 50190) was an 18 year old student when he enlisted on October 22, 1917. Corporal Thomas Maher Returned to Australia on July 23, 1919 and was granted an 80 acre Soldier Settlement farm at Pakenham. Thomas died in 1966 and is buried at the Box Hill cemetery. (10)

Thomas enlists in the AIF in October 1917

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Roy sent a letter home to his parents in 1915, he makes it all sound rather pleasant as though he was on holiday and not just having survived Gallipoli,  but obviously was restricted in what he could write. It's a lovely letter and interesting letter and is transcribed it below. It was published in the Dandenong Advertiser (where they called him Ray)

At the Dardanelles.
Mrs Maher, wife of Constable Maher, Pakenham, has received the following letter from her son Ray, who is fighting the Turks and Germans at the Dardanelles.

I received your most welcome letter a little time ago. We are back again from the Dardanelles, as there is not space to get the horses off, and the mules can do better there, as the country is very hilly and rough. We have a nice camp out from Alexandria about nine miles, with a train running right through the camp, and the tram within 10 minutes walk. Best of all, the beach is only about a quarter of an hour's walk. We go down to swim the horses now and then, but go our selves every evening, It is where all the tourists come for their holidays, and there are a lot of English and French people there, so we have a good time with them. I only wish I could speak French; I can only speak a little of it, also a little Egyptian just enough to be understood.

The people here seemed to think Australia .only a little island, but they were surprised to hear that it is bigger than Europe, and that most of the inhabitants are white, instead of black, as they thought. I am writing this in the horse lines, as I am on stable guard, taking the place of my mate, who wanted to go to the races. The sun is about 200 in the shade - that is what it feels, at any rate; and the flies would drive a fellow mad.

Most of our chaps are at the Dardanelles, but a lot of us had to come back with the horses. Many of our men who were wounded are going back in a day or two; they are getting well again.

I think Italy will make a difference when she comes into the war; she will make the war end sooner. I must bring this letter to a close, with love to all at home from Ray. (11)

The Maher family were fortunate that their three sons returned from the War

Footnotes
(1) Marriage notice - The Age, May 18, 1885, see here; Pakenham Gazette, June 4, 1920 p.3.; Index to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages.
(2) South Bourke and Mornington Journal, April 30, 1914, see here.
(3) Dandenong Advertiser, May 7, 1914, see here.
(4) Pakenham Gazette, August 16, 1918, see here.

(5) Pakenham Gazette, June 4, 1920 p.3
(6) Death notice - Stephen The Age, April 23, 1931, see here; The Advocate, February 9, 1939, see here.
(7) The Advocate, February 9, 1938, see here.

(8) Roy - Service record -
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8211787
(9) John - Service record -
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8214389
(10) Thomas - Service record -
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8211804

Soldier Settler farm file - 

https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/D19A6A0C-F8CE-11E9-AE98-45C4B221BB30?image=12
(11) Dandenong Advertiser, July 15, 1915, see here.

This is a revised and expanded version of a post, which I wrote and researched, that appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.

Charles Plummer - International Harvester Agent in Pakenham

Charles Plummer's International Harvester Agency traded in Pakenham for many decades.  A 1956 article in the Pakenham Gazette reported that after being in Pakenham for a few years, Charles William Plummer took over the Austin agency in 1936.  Three years later in 1939 he was appointed the International Harvester Company dealer for  the area. (1)  However, the advertisement I could find was from December 1943 (2),  but that's neither here nor there. The business was originally located in Main Street, Pakenham, but in 1947 moved into a new building in Station Street, on the corner of Henry Street.

Charles had married Queenie Viola Baxter in 1933 and they had two sons, Bruce and Charles (1939-1984). Charles senior died on April 25, 1969, aged 63;  and Queenie on October 5, 1989, aged 84. They are buried at the Pakenham Cemetery. (3) The business was later known as Plummer Brothers until it closed around 1983/84. (4)

This is  first advertisement I could find in the Pakenham Gazette.

Pakenham Gazette, December 24, 1943,  page 3

In 1946 this short report appeared in the Dandenong Journal, foreshadowing the erection of a new building for Mr Plummer's business - The Building Directorate advised that a permit had been issued to C. W. Plummer, Main St., Pakenham East, to erect a factory in Station St. comprising an area not exceeding 4,000 square feet at a cost of £2,500. (5)

New premises for Mr Plummer

 Dandenong Journal, July 24, 1946  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214794714

The new premises open

The new factory opened on Monday April 21, 1947 and the Pakenham Gazette (6) had the following report.

200 Residents at Official Opening of new I.H.C. Service Station

Fully 200 people, drawn from all parts of the district, accepted the invitation of Mr C.W. Plummer, of Pakenham, to be present last Monday at an informal afternoon which marked the official opening of his new business premises at the corner of Station and Henry Streets.

The buildings, intended to serve as a showroom and service station for International Harvester Company and McCormick-Deering farm machinery – for which Mr Plummer is the district agent – have a floor space of 4000 square feet and are a decided acquisition to the town.

The building has been made a fire-resistant as possible, the only woodwork being the doors and internal fittings. The framework is of steel on a concrete base and walls and roof are of cement sheets. Of modern design, the building provides the maximum of natural light and ventilation. Offices, spare parts department and workshop have all been carefully planned.

Big as are the buildings, they have been designed to allow for future expansion and accordingly are set back from the street line. At some later date, when building conditions return to normal, it is proposed to add to the southern section a show-room extending along the Station St. frontage.

Opening proceedings, Mr A. Broad, who is block manager for the I.H.C., said from a small beginning Mr Plummer had built up this very fine enterprise. The new building and equipment were necessary to give the farmers more and better service. “I believe that this establishment is something any community might be proud of.” continued Mr Broad. “Apart from provision for selling machinery and equipment it is designed to give any assistance and service which may be required from time to time. Mr Plummer must have wonderful confidence in the future of the district to set up such a building and plant in a small community. Every man he employs is resident in Pakenham and gets his living here. That tends to make for a sound organization within the town.” Mr Broad briefly outlined the afternoon’s programme, which he said would be made a as interesting as possible.

A start was made with a thorough inspection of the premises and plant. Men in charge of the various departments explained in detail the arrangements for supply of spare parts and for servicing farm and orchard equipment and trucks. Interested groups gathered, too, around the tractors, pick-up baler, trucking and various implements on view in the show room.

After a break for afternoon tea, an adjournment was made from the main building to an adjoining machinery shed which had been temporarily converted to use as a picture theatre. By courtesy of the I.H.C. a particularly interesting programme of education films was run through.

“It’s More Than Hay” and “Salute to Agriculture” showed many phases of primary production and left no room for doubt as to the important contribution the man on the land is making to the national well being. An interesting sidelight was the evidence of how modern power machinery has increased the farmer’s efficiency and lightened his labors.

Perhaps the most striking of the three films was “Under Western Skies,” depicting stages in the battle against soil erosion. Although the scenes shown had an American setting, the lessons they taught were just as applicable to Australia, for this problem of soil erosion is practically worldwide. Various preventative measure were illustrated – such as conservation of belts of timber and scrub, steps to prevent over stocking, special grasses for binding the soil together, plowing in of stubble, etc – but the most striking feature shown in the anti-erosion campaign was the move for contour or “round the hill” farming, with alternating belts of different crops and grass land, to check soil drift.

Altogether the afternoon was very instructive as well as enjoyable and many a hearty “Thank you” was tendered to Mr Plummer before they dispersed.

Congratulatory Speeches at Dinner
At night Mr Plummer entertained members of his staff and representatives of the I.H.C., the district residents and the builders at a dinner at Kennedy’s Hotel.

In proposing a toast to Mr Plummer, Mr W.W. Killough, manager of sales in Australia and a director of the I.H.C. said it was very fitting that the opening of Mr Plummer’s new service station should coincide with the commencement of buildings for the manufacture of trucks and tractors in Australia.

Supporting the toast, Mr J.J. Ahern congratulated Mr Plummer on his enterprise in bringing an up to date and efficient service to the front door of the farming community.

Mr G. Fitzwater, Deputy Controller of tractors in Victoria, referred to his early recollections of the Swamp area to the south of Pakenham, and spoke of the marked progress the district had made following the installation of the drainage system.

Responding to the toast, Mr Plummer thanked the various speakers for their kind remarks, and voiced appreciation of the good wishes tendered him in a budget [sic] of telegrams. He also took the opportunity to pay a tribute to his staff. He expressed supreme confidence in the future development of Pakenham district, and in this connection he mentioned a project in which he was particularly interested – the proposed establishment of a Consolidated school.

Following the dinner, the party adjourned back to the service station for supper.

(Pakenham Gazette, April 25, 1947, p.7)

A £3,850 extension

In 1949, Mr Plummer was granted a permit for the erection of the front section of his spacious showrooms, offices, etc., in Station St., at a cost of £3,850. (7)

Mr Plummer's new showrooms

Dandenong Journal, March 2 1949 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222209146

Some good advice from Mr Plummer

Pakenham Gazette, September 30, 1949, p.3

Employees of Mr C.W. Plummer, motor and general engineer, in 1952.

Weekly Times, January 16, 1952 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224023172

Museums Victoria photographs

There are photographs of Mr Plummer's business on the Museums Victoria website. The photos are part of the International Harvester Company collection of material relating to the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries.  They were taken on April 24, 1947, just after it was opened. If you are searching for the photos then you will need to spell Pakenham incorrectly as Packenham, as that is the way they were catalogued.

C.W. Plummer International Harvester Agency, Pakenham, April 24, 1947.

Image: Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1469858

C.W. Plummer International Harvester Agency, Pakenham, April 24, 1947.

Image: Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1469859

C.W. Plummer International Harvester Agency, Pakenham, April 24, 1947.

Image: Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1469860

C.W. Plummer International Harvester Agency, Pakenham, April 24, 1947.

Image: Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1469861

C.W. Plummer International Harvester Agency, Pakenham, April 24, 1947.

Image: Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1469862

C.W. Plummer International Harvester Agency, Pakenham, April 24, 1947.

Image: Museums Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1469863

Footnotes

(1) Pakenham Gazette, January 13, 1956, p.1

(2) Pakenham Gazette, December 24, 1943, p. 3

(3) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and marriages; head stone photos here - http://www.ozgenonline.com/%7Eaustralian_cemeteries/vic/cardinia/pakenham.htm

(4) Date of closure - On January 3, 2018, I posted a photo of the business on the Casey Cardinia Heritage Facebook page.  There were two comments from Dave Whitty - Sadly I was the last mechanic standing 3 year into my apprenticeship and Sadly, l think it was about 1983 /84 when it closed. In response Pete Atkins wrote -  Mick's Atkinson was an 84 model, would have been one of the last Charlie sold I would think; to which Dave Whitty replied -  That sounds about right. 

The closure coincided with the death of Charles Plummer, junior on March 29, 1984, aged 44; he is buried at the Pakenham Cemetery.

(5)  Dandenong Journal, July 24, 1946, see here.  

(6) Pakenham Gazette, April 25, 1947, p.7

(7) Dandenong Journal, March 2 1949, see here.  

This is a revised and expanded version of a post which I wrote for my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to Our Past

Pakenham Consolidated School - a short history

I went to Pakenham Consolidated School on the Grenda's school bus, Bus 7, from Vervale from 1964 until 1970. My two sisters and my brother also went there. We spent at least two hours a day on the school bus, and we would have been the most easterly students who attended the School. This is a short history of Pakenham Consolidated School. 

In the 1940s and 1950s there was a movement to consolidate small rural schools into one larger, central school. This was partly a response to a shortage of teachers, due to many male teachers enlisting during the Second World War. The War also caused a shortage of materials and labour and many school buildings fell into disrepair. Consolidation was also seen to give advantages to students - the schools would have specialist Infant teachers and specialist subject teachers such as Art and Physical Education and would also allow the students a wider choice of friends from the different localities. The first consolidated school opened in Murrayville in January 1944; in 1946 Manangatang and Tongala; 1947 Woomelang and Patchewollock and in 1948 Timboon. In the 1950s newly built consolidated schools included Red Hill, Pakenham, Boisdale, Edenhope, Cobram, Kaniva, Kiewa Valley and Lockington and so by 1958, 32 such schools had opened. (1)

The schools would offer a general for children to the age of fifteen (which for some children was the end of Form 3 and for others it was Form 4) and Schools within 5 miles or 8 kilometres would be closed and beyond that, the Schools would have an option to close and join the new school. (2)  

Pakenham was selected for consolidation as early as 1946 and the new school would be built on the site of the Pakenham State School, No.1359, in Main Street. (3)

Pakenham selected as a site for a consolidated school

The Age, September 6, 1946 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206373527

One of the issues faced by communities in the consolidation catchment zone was the retention of the existing school building for community use, rather than have them relocated to the new school site. This was especially important in areas which didn't have a hall. As reported in The Age in May 1947 -

Retention of old school buildings for, community centres, in areas where consolidated schools have been established, will not be permitted by the Education Department unless removal of the buildings to other sites for department use is uneconomic. This decision was given yesterday by the Minister for Education, (Mr. Field) when he was approached by two deputations from the Pakenham area with requests that the old school buildings in Pakenham South and on Army-road should not be removed, but should be sold to the district for use as public halls. Mr. Field said that if it could be shown that removal of the buildings to other sites for use in craft work and non-academic studies was not an economic proposition, the buildings might be handed over. On the information he had at present, he could not grant the request. (4)  Pakenham South did retain their hall in the community, however Army Road did not. (5) 

Cora Lynn, where my father, uncle and aunties attended school, was happy to voluntarily consolidate - as local Councillor Dan Kinsella reported - 

Cora Lynn -  the people were anxious to be brought into the Consolidated School scheme and at a public meeting had decided to request this. There had only been two dissentients. If the Department agreed there was no question that the Cora Lynn school would be moved. If the Department had a use for these buildings as schools, he did not think they should try and influence it politically. (6)  As a matter of interest my aunty who was born in 1941 was at Cora Lynn State School until May 1951 and  when it became part of Pakenham Consolidated School, she then did the rest of Grade 5 and Grade 6 there; then Form 1 and Form 2 at Drouin Central, because that is as far as that school went at the time, and finally went on to Form 3 at Warragul High in 1955. (7)

There were four different contracts for the construction of the Pakenham Consolidated School, with the one contractor K. G. Hooker and Co., of  Thistlethwaite street, South Melbourne, being the successful contractor each time. The total cost of the construction was around  £100,000.  I cannot find when the first tender was advertised, however local M.L. A., Matthew Bennett was reported as saying in May 1947 that the plans for the school had been completed and that tenders would be advertised in two weeks.  The first tender I can find advertised was for the removal, re-erection and repair of the existing building and the construction of the Junior Wing in November 1947. This was to relocate the existing building towards the back of the block (nearer to MacGregor Road), so the new buildings could be erected facing Main Street. (8)

First contract for Pakenham Consolidated School advertised

The Argus, November 7, 1947 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22518382

In January 1947, the Pakenham Gazette could report that - 

A further move is being made towards the establishment of  the Consolidated School at Pakenham. Mr C.H. Pobjoy, correspondent of Pakenham State School Committee, has been asked to ascertain what temporary classroom accommodation could be arranged whilst the existing Pakenham school building was being moved to a new site further back on the block. He is submitting particulars of arrangements which it is hoped to make for the temporary accommodation of the children at the Mechanics' Hall or Scout Hall.  Mr Pobjoy said yesterday that he understood that the existing Pakenham school rooms were to be moved practically immediately to make way for the junior wing of the Consolidated School. (9). The Pakenham Gazette the next week said that the Scout Hall and the Recreation Reserve Pavilion  would be used as temporary school accommodation (10) so I am not actually sure which facilities were used as the temporary classrooms. 

News on the establishment of the school

Pakenham Gazette, January 23, 1948, p.9

The tender of  £12,742, for the Junior Wing was accepted in September 1948 and work was started on the new building at the beginning of October. (11)  The next tender of £15,999 for the construction of the wing housing the Cookery room, Cafeteria and staff room was accepted in January 1950 (12).  The final section was the Administrative block, and the tender of £14,977 was accepted in April 1950. (13) 

Last tender let for the School

The Sun News-Pictorial, April 29, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article279632268

One of the last contracts to be signed was for the bus service, which was awarded to Grenda's buses of Dandenong. (14)

Bus contract

Dandenong Journal, May 23, 1951 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222352474

This is one of the Grenda's buses parked at Main Drain Road, Vervale (corner of Dessent Road) and it did the Cora Lynn run. The bus driver was Eddie Plumb, who rented the house, which was owned by my great-aunt, Lucy Rouse. The photo was taken, during a flood, after 1951 and before February 1956; when my newly married parents bought the house from Lucy to live in. There is another photo of  the Grenda's buses at the end of the Public Records Office of Victoria photos, below. 

In May 1951, the Pakenham Gazette could report that the school had opened and that  four buses conveyed 130 children from surrounding districts to Pakenham Consolidated School. At present there are 258 pupils attending the School, and it is hoped that in September several other schools will be consolidated, raising the attendance to over 400 children. (15)

However, the official opening by the Minister of Education, Mr A.E. Shepherd, did not take place until November 18, 1953, in front of a crowd of 500 people, including the Director of Education, Mr Ramsay. At this time there were 550 students at the school and a staff of 21. (16)  In 1966, when I was in Grade 2, the school population was 550 (plus 94 post-primary students) and there was a space shortage because my classes that year were conducted down the street at the Anglican Church hall. In 1970 there were 600 students. (17) 

The first Head Master was Charles Hicks. The schools that formed the Consolidated School were 

Army Road No. 3847 (closed April 1947) 

Cora Lynn No. 3502 (closed May 1951)

Koo-Wee-Rup North (Five Mile) No. 3198 (closed November 1959)

Mount Burnett No. 4506 (closed October 1949)

Nar Nar Goon North No. 2914 (closed October 1951)

Nar Nar Goon South No. 4554 (closed May 1951)

Officedale No. 4242 (closed May 1951)

Pakenham South No. 3755 (closed September 1951)

Pakenham Upper No. 2155 (closed January 1952)

Rythdale No. 4231 (closed September 1951)

Toomuc Valley No. 3034 (closed September 1951)

Tynong No. 2854 (closed April 1951)

Tynong North No.4464 (closed December 1951)  (18)

In 1967 Pakenham High School was established at the Pakenham Consolidated School site and it moved to its existing location in 1970. (19)  Pakenham Consolidated School moved from Main Street to Rundell Way in 1997 and the Main Street site was sold. Some of the old school buildings that had come from the closed schools were shifted to Beaconhills College in Pakenham.

Before we look at some photographs of Pakenham Consolidated School, here is an overview of the history of the Pakenham State School, No. 1359. The School had opened on a 2-acre site adjoining the Toomuc Creek in January 1875.  The successful tenderers for the school building were the firm of Lane, Orviss and Fanning and the contract price was £252/19/0; this was gazetted in the Victoria Government Gazette, October 9, 1874. The School operated half-time with the school named Pakenham South, No. 2139 (later called Cardinia) in Bould Road, Cardinia until April 1879. (20)

Lane, Orviss and Fanning won the contract  to erect the original Pakenham State School, on the Toomuc Creek.

Victoria Government Gazette, October 9, 1874, p. 1823 https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1874/V/general/64.pdf

The original Pakenham State School which opened in 1875 on the Toomuc Creek.

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 14517/P0001/28, L579 

In 1891, the school moved to the Main Street Pakenham site into a new building, the builder for which was A. Goad; the tender price was  £170 and it was accepted in February 1890 (21).  An extension was added in 1908, which could accommodate 40 children and  which had been built with all the latest improvements. (22)

The tender for the Pakenham State School in Main Street

The Argus, February 28, 1890 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8591776 

The original building on the Toomuc Creek was moved to Lardner in 1892 and was totally destroyed by fire in May 1912. (23)

The original Pakenham School building moves to Lardner.

Warragul Guardian, October 18, 1892 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68729329

Photographs from the Public Records Office of Victoria

What follows are photographs from the Public Records Office of Victoria, taken in the 1950s and 1960s. You can access more of these photographs here https://prov.vic.gov.au/explore-collection/explore-topic/education/publication-branch-photographs-dept-education

The 1891 Pakenham State School building, which was relocated towards the back of the block in 1948 to became the Infants School (Preps to Grade 2)

Exterior of old school,  PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/10, F225

The 1891  Pakenham State School building during the construction phase.

Construction scenes and exterior shots  VPRS 14517/P0001/55, C148

 

Opening Ceremony, November 18, 1953. The Office was where the flagpole is, the building on the left is the Cafeteria.

Opening ceremony at Pakenham Consolidated, VPRS 14517/P0001/54, B996

Opening Ceremony, November 18, 1953

Opening ceremony at Pakenham Consolidated, PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/54, B997 

Opening Day, November 18, 1953. I wonder who this girl is?

Opening of Pakenham Consoldiated School 1953 by the Honorable A.E. Shepherd, M.L.A., Minister of Education, PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/54, C86

The muddy yard before asphalting and lawns

Construction views, PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/55, C176

View towards the original Pakenham School, love the little girl looking through the window of a class room in the junior wing. 

Construction views, PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/55, C173

The classroom wing, the junior wing, on the west side, against Dame Patty Avenue; this is the front of the buildings shown in the photograph, above

Front exterior, Pakenham Consolidated, PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/19, H740

 These are all the new buildings. On the far left are the senior classrooms, the next wing was the Art room and Library, then the Cafeteria wing and the Offices.

Exterior of playground, Pakenham Consolidated, PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/19, H739

Playground

Exterior of playground, Pakenham Consolidated, PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/19, H738

The houses for the teacher. The building on the right is the corner of the Cafeteria. 

Teachers' residences, PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/54, B975

The existing Pakenham State School building was used as the Infant School (Preps to Grade 2) and new buildings to house the rest of the school population were constructed at a cost of £100,000. As well, some of the closed school buildings were transported onto the site, and some are shown below.

Nar Nar Goon North No. 2914.

Construction scenes and exterior shots,  PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/55, C146

Other school buildings, the little one in the middle is Nar Nar Goon South, No. 4554.

View of old building,  PROV  VPRS 14517/P0001/55, C259

Some of the old schools, the one on the left is Toomuc Valley School, No. 3034.

Old classrooms, PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/54, B986

Children wait for buses, this was a bit before my time, but how well I remember waiting for School buses. Many of the children are wearing gumboots, you can see how muddy the yard is.

PROV VPRS 14517/P0001/54, C85

Footnotes

(1) Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake (Education Department of Victoria, 1973), v. 1, pp. 403-408. Some of the information in this paragraph comes from the paper written by Ron Smith, in 1974, Consolidation, with particular reference to Pakenham Consolidated School. 

(2) Country Children to Get Better Education in the Weekly Times, March 6, 1946 see here - a good overview; Vision and Realisation, v. 1, op. cit., p. 407. I was actually a bit unsure whether the Consolidated school went to Form 3 or Form, but the photo below shows a Form 4 student.

Form Captains in 1964, the year I started at Pakenham Consolidated School, pictured are some from From 1 to Form 4.

Pakenham Gazette, June 26, 1964, p. 8

(3) The Age, September 6, 1946, see here.  

(4) The Age, May 15, 1947, see here. 

(5) Bunyip & Garfield Express, May 16, 1947, see here;  Dandenong Journal, June 28, 1950, see here;  Dandenong Journal, February 26, 1947, see here. 

(6) Dandenong Journal, June 28, 1950, see here.

(7) More about local High Schools here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2019/04/local-high-schools.html

(8) Dandenong Journal, May 7, 1947, see here; The Argus, November 7, 1947, see here.

(9) Pakenham Gazette, January 23, 1948, p.9 

(10) Pakenham Gazette, January 30, 1948, p.1

(11) Dandenong Journal, September 15, 1948, see here. 

(12) Dandenong Journal, January 11, 1950, see here.    

(13) The Sun News-Pictorial, April 29, 1950, see here. 

(14) Dandenong Journal, May 23, 1951, see here. 

(15) Pakenham Gazette, June 8, 1951, p. 1.

(16) Pakenham Gazette, November 13, 1953. p. 1 and Pakenham Gazette, November 20, 1953. p.1. 

(17) Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake (Education Department of Victoria, 1973), v. 3, p. 1191.

(18) Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake (Education Department of Victoria, 1973), v. 3.

(19) Vision and Realisation, v. 3, op. cit., p. 1352.

(20) Vision and Realisation, v. 3, op. cit., pp. 1190-1191; Victoria Government Gazette, October 9, 1874, p. 1823 https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1874/V/general/64.pdf             

(21) The Argus, February 28, 1890, see here;  one report has his name as A. Good, but I believe Goad is correct.

 (22) The Argus, September 25, 1908, see here

 (23) Warragul Guardian, October 18, 1892, see here; Vision and Realisation, v. 3, op. cit., pp. 1197-1198. The Vision & Realisation entry on Lardner doesn't mention that the school was moved from Pakenham, they note that Lardner No. 1711, acquired a new school building in 1886. It is possible that the Warragul Gazette report is incorrect and I can find no information about a tender. Around the same time the school known as Pakenham East was relocated to Harkaway. This was School No. 1279, it opened in 1874 and was then called Nar Nar Goon, renamed Pakenham East in 1889 and closed August 1891, with the building being moved to Harkaway, No 1697.

The Argus, September 30, 1892 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8463926

  

This post is a very much enlarged version of a post I wrote and researched on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past.

Robinson's Grocery Store at Pakenham

If you grew up in Pakenham or shopped at Pakenham in the 1950s to 1980s then chances are that you would have shopped at Robinson's Grocery shop or Robinson's 4 Square or Robinson's SSW -  so this is a look at the history of Robinsons in Pakenham, who took over the McAfee Brothers' business.

McAfee Brothers' Store, Main Street, Pakenham, c. 1910, later Robinsons.

Image: Not sure where this came from originally.

Stanley Clarke Robinson was born in 1891 to Edward Walton and Emma (nee Basham) Robinson. In the 1914 Electoral Rolls they are listed at Leongatha - Edward is a ‘boot dealer’, Emma, home duties and Stanley is listed as a grocer. In 1914, Stanley married Mary Ellen Knox. They had five children and sadly their two daughters died young and a son was killed in World War Two. The children were -  Errol Gordon (1916-1989);  Nancy Mary (1918-1924, aged 5); Joan (1922, died aged one day old); Jack Stanley (1924-1945) and Alan Edward (1927-2011) (1)

In 1924, the Electoral rolls show they were still at Leongatha  - he was grocer and Mary Ellen’s occupation was Home duties but in 1925 they are both listed at Main Street, Pakenham East, as it was known at the time (2).

We can fairly accurately pinpoint when they arrived in Pakenham in 1925 by a series of advertisements in the Pakenham Gazette.  

Pakenham Gazette March 27, 1925, p. 2.

In the March 27, 1925 issue we have the McAfee Bros advertisement as usual. I have written about Patrick O'Halloran, whose advertisement appears above McAfee's, here. 

Pakenham Gazette April 3, 1925, p. 2.

The next week, April 3, 1925 we have this intriguing ad – ‘Watch this space’

Pakenham Gazette April 10, 1925, p. 2.

One week later, April 10 1925, we see that S.C. Robinson has taken over McAfee Brothers and he is advertising ‘The House for Good Value’ - grocery, drapery, boots and shoes, produce and ironmongery.

 

Mr Robinson takes over from McAfee Brothers

 Pakenham Gazette April 3,  1925, p. 3.

A small article from the Pakenham Gazette of April 3 1925 confirms the purchase, even though the information about Mr Robinson being ‘late of Sunbury’ does not tally with the Electoral Rolls, however is confirmed by his obituary in the Pakenham Gazette in 1957, which is published below.

Shire of Berwick Rate Books, 1948/1949. Click on image to enlarge.

The Shire of  Berwick Rate Books (see above) show that Stanley Robinson leased a shop, grain store and house from David McAfee (or family members) from 1925 until 1949. In 1949 the properties were purchased in the names of Stanley, Mary Ellen and Errol Robinson.

The new Gift Shop

Pakenham Gazette,  June 19, 1953, p. 3

S.C. Robinson operated as a general store keeper and in June 1953 (3) he expanded to include a gift shop.   

Another advertisement for S.C. Robinson

Pakenham Gazette October 16, 1953, p. 10

In October 1953,  E.G. Robinson and A.E. Robinson advertised that they are taking over the General Store which had been conducted by their parents for the past twenty years. Stanley continued operating the Gift Shop.

Errol and Alan take over the business from their parents

Pakenham Gazette, October 30 1953, p. 10

E.G & A. E. Robinson, General Merchants

Pakenham Gazette, January 14, 1955, p. 10

Blinds at city prices at Robinsons.

Pakenham Gazette, August 9, 1957, p. 10

In the Pakenham Gazette of October 24, 1958, E.G and A.E Robinson advertise themselves for the first time as a 4 Square Grocery Shop. 

Now a 4 Square Grocery Store

Pakenham Gazette, October 24, 1958, p. 10.

In the May 15, 1968 Koo Wee Rup Sun, Robinsons announce they were becoming an SSW Store. 

Robinsons become an SSW

Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 15, 1968 p. 5.

Robinsons SSW Store, late 1970/early 1980s

Shire of Pakenham photographer

Robinsons SSW Store, late 1970/early 1980s. The two storey brown brick building, on the right,  is the Pakenham Hotel.

Shire of Pakenham photographer

Robinsons SSW Store, late 1970/early 1980s. The white building on the right is the Post Office. I have written about the Post Office, here. 

Shire of Pakenham photographer

Robinson's SSW Supermarket was later taken over by Safeways, which operated for a time in the Main Street building,  but moved to its new building behind Main Street around 1984 (4).  This was the beginning, in my mind, of Pakenham's transition from being a country town to a suburb, when people no longer did all their shopping at small, independently owned businesses in the Main Street.

Back to Stanley Robinson who started it all. Stanley died on September 19, 1957. This is his obituary from the Pakenham Gazette (5) -
With feelings of the deepest regret we record the death of Mr. Stanley Clarke Robinson, who for thirty-two years has played a leading part in the business and public life of Pakenham. Mr. Robinson who was 66 years of age, had not enjoyed good health for some months and over the past few weeks he became more seriously ill. He passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning. The heartfelt sympathy of the whole community goes out to his wife and two sons (Errol and Alan), and his sister (Mrs Williams of Kongwak) at this sad time.

Mr. Robinson was born at North Brighton and as a boy of two went with his parents to Korumburra. He spent his early life there and at Leongatha, later moving to Sunbury. In 1925, with his wife and family, he came to Pakenham, taking over the general store which is now conducted by his two sons. Apart from a short period when he was at Frankston, Mr. Robinson continued to conduct his business until a few years ago, when he retired, keeping on as an interest a gift shop on an adjoining property.

Over all these years he won for himself a reputation for integrity and straight dealing. Although his business interests allowed him little time for an active part in public affairs, he yet found time to give assistance to many organizations and he was most liberal in his patronage.

For many years he was a member of the Board of Management of Pakenham Presbyterian Church. He was also actively associated with the Masonic Lodge.

No one will ever know the full extent of the good work done by Mr. Robinson, for he delighted to give assistance in a quiet, kindly way. Pakenham is very much poorer by the death of this fine man, whom we and many others were proud to call "Friend."

A service will be held at the Pakenham Presbyterian Church at 9.15 this morning and afterwards the funeral will proceed to Springvale Crematorium, arriving there about 10.30.

There is a  Memorial stained glass window at the Uniting Church in Pakenham, commemorating Mr Robinson, dated 1960, placed there when the new Presbyterian Church was opened on October 1, 1960. His son, Errol, was the Session Clerk and Chairman of the Building Committee at the time of the construction of the new church. The Pakenham Gazette reported that the dedication ceremony was on the Saturday and the furnishings were dedicated at the service the next day. The list in the Gazette includes the window in memory of Mr S.C. Robinson and a pew in memory of Nancy Robinson. The lectern was donated by Mrs E.G. Robinson.  There is also a pew in memory of  Flight Sergeant Jack Robinson. (6)

Jack was the second of Stanley's sons to enlist to serve in World War two - Errol enlisted in the Air Force in August 1941 and was discharged in September 1945; Jack enlisted in February 1942 in the Army and then in 1943 he transferred to the Air Force. He died on January 19, 1945. He was a member of Beaufighter crew engaged in non-operational flight which crashed in a heavy snow storm in Lincoln in England. Alan enlisted in May 1945 and was discharged in January 1947. (7) 

Mrs Mary Robinson, the daughter of Robert and Mary (nee Vance) Knox  died On April 3, 1968, aged 79. She, like her husband, had her ashes interred at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery. (8)

Sadly, the day of the small owner operated grocery store is nearly over and this market segment has been taken over by the two big players, Coles and Woolworths, so there would be very few people who could these days list their occupation as 'grocer' like Stanley Robinson could.

Footnotes
(1) Electoral Rolls;  Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Ryerson Index https://ryersonindex.org/
(2) Pakenham East vs Pakenham - I have written about this here  https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2021/12/identical-post-offices-pakenham-east.html
(3) First Advertisement  - Pakenham Gazette,  June 19, 1953, p. 3
(4) The 1984 date is what my sister, Karen, remembers.
(5) Pakenham Gazette, September 20, 1957, p. 1.
(6) Pakenham Gazette, October 7, 1960, pages 1 & 12.
(7) World War Two Nominal Rolls https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/ww2 ; Jack's obituary Pakenham Gazette, January 26, 1945, p.1 and Dandenong Journal, January 24, 1945, see here.
(8) Death notice The Age April 4, 1968. p, 17, from Ancestry.com

This is an updated and expanded version of a post which I wrote in 2015 for my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past