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); 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

(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

Luna Park - a post card from 'your stony broke daughters'

This delightful postcard of five women in an aeroplane over Luna Park, St Kilda was written on January 3, 1914.

Luna park postcard, 1914

Whitney Bros., Electric Post Card Studio.

This is the letter on the back of the card -

3/1/14

Dear mum,

What to you think of this photo? Isn't it a brakeup? A friend of uncles took up us in an aeroplane last night. We went all over St Kilda, it is a bonza place. Got through all our money for goodness sake. Send us some money or else we won't come home, we will have to go to work. We are just going down to Hampton, Ethel is leaving for Sydney this afternoon. Love and kisses to Amy and yourself,  from your stony broke daughters. [I have added punctuation]

Reverse of postcard

Whitney Brothers Electric Post Card Studio

The postcard was produced by the Electric Post Card Studio. The Herald of December 10, 1913 had this report -

Inside Luna Park. Kaleidoscopic Features. 

Messrs Whitney Bros.' attractions are again a feature of the Big Show. The number of their concessions has been doubled, and only the most popular of their last year's list have been retained. They are introducing for the first time in this country their Automatic Shooting Forest, the most ingenious mechanical rifle range, ever brought to Australia; the Canadian Logwalk, an original and provokingly enjoyable conception ; the Melbourne Cup and Egyptian Palace of Fortune, both wonderful fun provokers; the Joy Club, Aunt Jemima's Washday, the Arabian Darts, Tip-'em-Over and Add-'em-up, the Plate Board, Giant Punch and Lift, the High Kick, and many other laughable novelties.

The Electric Photographic Studio is where sitters are snapped amid new settings, including an aeroplane apparently among the clouds at an elevation of 3000ft. above Luna Park, and the St. Kilda Beach, which are seen in miniature below. Apart from this clever photographic illusion, the post-cards are taken "while you wait," and delivered the same evening.

A delicious aroma of the pop corn crispettes greets one at the gates, and bridges over the interval since last year with many pleasurable reminiscences of the fun of 1912, and makes the old-time visitor feel at home again. Messrs Whitney Bros., are well satisfied with their move from America to Melbourne, where in their opinion Australian amusement seekers are more exacting than elsewhere, but none the less appreciative of a really good show. 

(The Herald, December 10, 1913, see here)

The Herald's full page promotion of St Kilda by the Sea and the main attraction - Luna Park.

The Herald, December 10, 1913  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page26289633

Luna Park first opened in December 1912. The is a short article on the origin of Luna Park and the people involved in Table Talk of October 3, 1912, see here and a report of the opening, also in Table Talk, of December 19, 1912, here.

Spion Kop, Domain Gardens, Melbourne

In February 1900, the Ovens and Murray Advertiser published the following paragraph about recruitment of Victorians to fight in the Second Boer War in South Africa -
The work of selecting the 300 men required for the Bushmen's Corps is being steadily proceeded with. On Thursday, fifty recruits were chosen after very severe riding and firing tests, and have been sent into camp at Langwarrin. The task of selection has been no easy one, 1500 men having presented themselves. The hill in the Government House domain, where the rough riding tests have been conducted, has been named "Spion Kop," so numerous have been the recruits who have come to grief. The firing has been done at Williamstown - 20 points at 400 yards with a magazine rifle being the regulation requirement. (1)

Spion Kop, was the location of a disastrous battle for the British during the Boer War, which led to a large loss of life. Richard Rhys Jones has written an account of the battle, which you can read in full on the Historic UK website here. 

On 24th January 1900 during the Second Boer War, in an area about the size of London’s Trafalgar Square, the flat top of a South African mountain became the killing field for hundreds of infantrymen from three Lancashire regiments. The carnage on the peak known as Spion Kop (spelt Spioenkop in Afrikaans, meaning Spy Hill) caused newspaper correspondents to describe it ”An Acre of Massacre.” 

After receiving reinforcements until his army in Natal comprised 19,000 infantry, 3,000 cavalry and 60 heavy guns, General Sir Redvers Buller abandoned his plan to lift the siege of Ladysmith by fording the Tugela River at Colenso and instead moved 25 miles upstream to cross the river using pontoon bridges. Once they were over the Tugela river, the cavalry galloped forward to turn the Boer right flank while 16,000 British troops camped under the steep slopes of Spion Kop.

Winston Churchill, reporting for “The Morning Post,” believed that if the cavalry continued their attack they could have broken through the Boer lines and been followed by the main force over flat farmland to relieve Ladysmith 17 miles away. But Buller was reluctant to do so because he feared losing communications over a 30-mile front stretching from the cavalry on the left to the infantry at the base of Spion Kop on the right. Also, at any moment, mounted Boers could break through the extended Khaki Line and attack them from the rear. So, rather than use his cavalry in a wide turning movement, he decided to shorten the route to Ladysmith by pivoting on Spion Kop.

General Buller's decision led to a tragic loss of life - British losses on Spion Kop included 322 killed or died of wounds, 563 wounded and 300 taken prisoner, while the Boers counted 95 killed and 140 wounded. (2)

South slope of Spion Kop, the bloodiest batteground of the war, South Africa, c. 1901.

State Library of Victoria image H2006.149/13 - see full image here  http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/331875

It is interesting that less than a month after the Battle of Spion Kop, the hill in the Domain Gardens (3) was colloquially named after the battle. The Ovens & Murray Advertiser wasn't the only report of this hill we could find, but it was the first and the only one from 1900.  A year later in January 1901,  the Ballarat Star referred to it -

The Fifth Contingent. The Riding Test. 

Melbourne, Tuesday. (From Our Correspondent.) The military authorities were very busy to-day examining candidates for the fifth contingent. The riding tests at what is locally known as Spion Kop, in the Government Domain, attracted a large gathering of spectators as usual. The horses used were chiefly belonging to the police force, and they were not very good animals, some of them being pig headed, awkward brutes, and many of the riders had considerable difficulty with them, the falls brings rather numerous. Between ninety and a hundred candidates were tried and nearly 20 per cent were rejected as hardly being up to the standard. The shooting tests will be entered upon without delay. (4)

There were several other references to Spion Kop in January 1901 - 
The Herald  - The main interest, from a spectacular point of view, was centred in the riding test, which was being carried out in the Domain, on that hill familiar to the public when the Bushmen's Contingent were being got ready at Spion Kop. (5)
Bendigo Independent - The military authorities were very busy to-day examining candidates for the fifth contingent. The riding at what is locally known as Spion Kop in the Government domain attracted a large gathering of spectators as usual. (6)
The Herald -  For instance, a man who has passed the doctor and the shooting, but has failed in riding, may be given another chance to pilot a horse over the sticks and round the course on our own Spion Kop. (7)

Where was the exact location of Spion Kop in the Domain Gardens?  A report in April 1901 regarding a fireworks display noted that The site selected for the fireworks display in the Domain is the point of the hill about midway between St Kilda road and the Botanic-gardens. This is the highest spot in the vicinity. (8). I assume this was Spion Kop, but I still can't place the location on any map.

Government House and Domain Gardens, 1873.

Map designed by Joseph Sayce and lithographed by Joseph Bonney. 

Public Records Office of Victoria VPRS 8168/P0002 https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/83D433BB-F843-11E9-AE98-DFE0CCA56094?image=1

In May 1901, Spion Kop was the site of refreshments for the visitors after the opening of  Alexandra Avenue on May 17 by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall (the future King George V and Queen Mary). They were in Victoria to open the first Commonwealth Parliament, which took place on May 9 at the Royal Exhibition Buildings. Alexandra Avenue, was named for the Duke's mother, Queen Alexandra and it was designed by Carlo Catani (see here). The Argus reported -
This completed the ceremony, and, while invited guests continued to arrive, the Duke and Duchess drove on along the avenue towards the east, and, turning into Anderson-street southward, re-entered the Domain and drove back to Government house along the newly made roadways within the Domain. All the guests present and still arriving at the fountain then, at the invitation of Mr M'Culloch, ascended the hill known as Spion Kop, above the avenue, to a marquee when refreshments were provided. Many members of the state Commonwealth Parliaments were among the company, who numbered quite 200. (9)

This was the last reference to Spion Kop in 1901, however in 1910 The Australasian in their 'Notes & Answers' columns published the following, in answer to a query from a reader with the pen-name Spion Kop
"Spion Kop."-1. The first Victorian Contingent were in training at the Flemington Show-grounds. 
They were not tested in the Domain, but at the Police Depot, behind the Victoria Barracks. 2.The First Contingent was composed of one company infantry, one company mounted rifles; the infantry were trained in the Victoria Barrack square. All subsequent contingents, second, third, fourth, and fifth, were tested in the Domain before leaving for South Africa. (10). Surely, the pen-name is a reference to the Domain Gardens hill, known for a time as Spion Kop.

Other places named Spion Kop or Spion Kopje

There is a mountain, in the Bogong High Plains, named Spion Kopje, north of Falls Creek; it is 5,950 feet high. (11).  There is another one in the Baw Baws, out of Noojee, which is 3,000 feet high. (12) They are both taller than the South African Spion Kop, which is only 1,400 feet high. (13)

Another interesting location with the name was noted in The Age in February 1926 -  the report starts - Amongst railway men the hill between the Melbourne yards and Newmarket is known as 'Spion Kop,' and it has a sinister reputation for shunting accidents. (14)

Acknowledgment - It was my research colleague, Isaac Hermann, who altered me to the article on the opening of  Alexandra Avenue by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, and the refreshments on Spion Kop; and that led to this further research.

Footnotes

(1) Ovens and Murray Advertiser, February 17, 1900, see here.

(2) Battle of Spion Kop by Richard Rhys Jones - 

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Battle-Of-Spion-Kop/

(3) Domain Gardens - Alexandra Gardens and Alexandra Park, Queen Victoria Gardens, Linlithgow Reserve, the Shrine of Remembrance Reserve, the Myer Music Bowl Reserve and the King's Domain. It is this aggregation of public parkland traditionally referred to as the Domain -  Swanson, Rex Melbourne's Historic Public Gardens: a management and conservation guide (City of Melbourne, 1984), p. 81.

(4) Ballarat Star, January 9, 1901, see here. 

(5) The Herald, January 8, 1901, see here.  

(6) Bendigo Independent, January 9, 1901, see here; same report in the Geelong Advertiser, January 9, 1901, see here. 

(7) The Herald, January 22, 1901, see here. 

(8) The Argus, April 6, 1901, see here.

(9) The Argus, May 18, 1901, see here. 

(10) The Australasian, August 6, 1910, see here

(11) Brunswick and Coburg Gazette, October 17, 1930, see here.

(12) The Argus, December 1, 1923, see here; there was also a timber mill at Millswyn, out of Noojee destroyed by fire in January 1939, The Age, January 12, 1939, see here.

(13) See Footnote 2.

(14) The Age, February 5, 1926, see here. Other mentions of the Spion Kop railway hill - The Argus, November 24, 1914, see here; The Herald, December 28, 1932, see here; The Herald, December 19, 1933, see here.

Catholic Churches in the old Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne

The Catholic newspaper, The Advocate, is available on Trove from 1868 until 1954-
The Advocate was first published on 1st February 1868 by Samuel Vincent Winter and his brother, Joseph. Its goal was to “fairly and intelligently represent the Catholic and Irish section of the community, and, while defending their legitimate interests, would aim at promoting the prosperity of the colony, and cultivating a friendly feeling among all classes of the community.” In 1902, The Advocate imported a font of Irish type and became the first newspaper in Australia to be able to print the Gaelic language. In 1919, the ownership and management of The Advocate passed to the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne until it ceased publication in 1990. From 1868 -1990, The Advocate remained a “reliable record of Catholic life.” (1) 

In this post we will look at the type of local historical information we can find in The Advocate, concentrating on reports of the opening of Catholic Churches in the old Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne; but before we do here is a short overview of the Parish structure in the area. 

As early as the 1840s Priests from Melbourne used to visit the area - Pakenham, Nar Nar Goon and the Western Port region. In 1853 the Brighton Mission was established, a very large area that covered the south east part of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast and West Gippsland. In April 1883 the Dandenong Parish or Mission was established which covered nearly all of the Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne (the Casey Cardinia region), plus Dandenong, Phillip Island, down to Wonthaggi and the Mornington Peninsula. This Parish was eventually split up with the Iona Parish being created in 1905, Koo Wee Rup in 1946, St Mary's North Tynong (or Maryknoll) in 1950 (combined with Iona in 1968), Pakenham in 1954, Berwick (including Cranbourne) in 1956, Doveton in 1962, Cranbourne in 1973, Endeavour Hills in 1980 and Narre Warren in 1982. This information and some of the information in the rest of this post comes from A Parish carved from the bush: the centenary history of the Dandenong Parish, 1883-1983 (2)

St Agatha's Church,  Cranbourne

Back to The Advocate - the first Catholic Church in the area was St Agatha's at Cranbourne which was opened on February 6, 1861, by Archbishop Goold (3);  so a bit too early to be reported in The Advocate. However, the second St Agatha's which was opened on January 20, 1929 had a full page report, which you can read here. This church was opened by Archbishop Mannix; it was designed by Architect, Mr P.J. O'Connor and the contractor was Mr Taylor. The church cost £3131/5/.

The current St Agatha's was built in 1981. This Church was partially funded by a generous bequeath of $492,000 from Mr Eddie Donnelly who passed away in 1979. You can read more of the history on their website http://www.stagathas.org.au/

The opening of St Agatha's Church at Cranbourne in 1929 with the original 1861

weatherboard Church next to it.

The opening of St Agatha's in Cranbourne in 1929

The Advocate, January 24, 1929 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article171655207

St Patrick's Church, Pakenham

The next church to open was St Patrick's in Pakenham which opened in 1871. The existing Church was built in 1976. The original Church is still standing and is now part of the St Patrick's School. The Advocate published this report on construction of this Church - 

New Church, Pakenham - On the Gippsland road, about 35 miles from Melbourne, in the wilds, we may say, of the Australian bush, a beautiful little church is being built. It is so situated, and both in material and design is so pleasing, that more eloquently and impressively than all the churches in this crowded city it will bear testimony to the Christian character of the people of Victoria. On the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul the Rev. J. P. O'Sullivan turned the first sod for the foundation in the presence of several members of the Catholic congregation in the district. Since that time the building operations have been rapidly progressing. (4)  

 

I can't actually find an opening date for the Church, but A Parish Carved from the Bush notes that the first wedding which took place was on October 2, 1872, between Johanna O'Brien and  Phillip Boland. (5)

Marriage of Johann O'Brien to Matthew Boland, at 

The Australasian, November 2, 1872 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137575458

An early photo of St Patrick's at Pakenham.

Source: North of the Line: a pictorial record published by the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society in 1996.

St Michael's Church, Berwick
The first Berwick Catholic Church was officially opened by Archbishop Goold on March 31, 1878. It was originally known as St Joseph's, but later changed to St Michael's. The name change seemed to gave occurred around 1910 - I found references to St Michael's in 1910, even though St Joseph's was still be used as late as 1914, presumably by long-term parishioners. (6)

The Advocate had a report of the opening - 

Church of St Joseph, Berwick - This handsome and commodious edifice was solemnly opened and consecrated to divine worship on Sunday, 31st March, by his Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Goold, Archbishop of Melbourne. The Archbishop was assisted by Rev. M. Carey, pastor of the district, and Rev. W. Kelly, S.J., who preached a very eloquent and impressive sermon on the occasion. He took his text from Galatians iv., and read in the Mass of the Sunday, " we are children of promise." The rev. preacher dwelt on the promises of God, through Christ, pointing out that the material temple in which they were assembled was the memorial and manifestation of men's best and highest hopes, and that it was by turning to good account the grace that would be so largely conferred within these walls that  our hopes of pardon, perseverance, and final bliss were to be realised. After the sermon his Grace addressed the congregation, urging in highly and well chosen words, the importance of complying with the paschal obligations of confession and communion. The attendance was very numerous, considering the very extreme inclemency of the weather, and must be regarded as highly creditable to the zeal and earnestness of the Roman Catholic, pastor and people of Berwick. (7)  

The original wooden Church at Berwick

Image: Church on the hill: a history of St Michael’s Parish Berwick by Maree Chapman (St Michael’s Catholic Parish, 1996)

The second Church at Berwick was opened on January 24, 1937 by Archbishop Mannix. The Advocate had full report, including photographs, which you can read here. The old wooden church was removed having been sold to Dan Cunningham of Nar Nar Goon, but burnt down before he could use it (8) The current St Michael's Church was opened in 1984.

St Michael's Berwick

The Advocate, January 28, 1937,  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article171926375

Archbishop Mannix at the opening of St Michael's in Berwick in 1937.

The Advocate January 28, 1937  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article171926375

St Joseph's Church, Iona
St Joseph's at Iona was the next Church to be opened, which took place on December 16, 1900. Iona was known as Bunyip South until 1905. The Advocate reported - 

The Dandenong Mission - Last Sunday a new church was opened at Bunyip South by the Very Rev. M. J. Maher, C.M. (Malvern), who also delivered the dedicatory discourse, his theme being the excellence of the August Sacrifice of the Mass. The custom of offering sacrifice to a Supreme Being was traced from the earliest history of the world down to our own day. Fr. Maher was assisted in the function by the pastor of the Dandenong mission, in which the new church is situated (Rev. J. Gleeson). The building is of wood, and is considered very good value for the sum of £250, the contract price. The preacher concluded with an appeal on behalf of the debt on the new structure, and a generous response was made, the sum £48 being received. (9)  

St Joseph's Church, Iona, 1922

The Advocate November 16, 1922 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page20363246

The current St Joseph's Church was opened on April 14, 1940. The comprehensive report in The Advocate started with - 

A new church was blessed and opened at Iona on Sunday afternoon by his Grace the Archbishop, who was accompanied from Melbourne by Right Rev. Dr. P. F. Lyons, V.G., Adm. Built of multi-red brick, with a tower rising to a height of 60 feet, and with seating accommodation for 450 people, the new church is one of the best country churches in the Archdiocese. It has been well furnished and the High Altar, altar rails and pulpit are of Mt. Sommers (New Zealand) stone. The site is most central, but, because of the treacherous state of the ground, the foundations were specially strengthened. The cost of erecting the church was £5300, and it was designed by Mr. W. P. Conolly and built by Mr. Donald McLennan. Messrs. Lodge Bros, executed the stonework.  (10)   

St John the Baptist Church, Koo Wee Rup

The first decade of the twentieth century continued to be a busy time for the Dandenong Mission with three other Churches  established. Two years after Iona, another Church, St John the Baptist, was opened on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, at Koo Wee Rup, on August 24, 1902. The Advocate reported -

A new Catholic Church was solemnly opened and blessed at Koo-wee-rup, in the Dandenong Mission, on Sunday last, 4th August. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a large congregation had assembled to witness the opening ceremony, the entire seating space being taken up. After the blessing of the new church, Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. J. Hagarty, C.M., of Malvern, who also preached the sermon, after which a collection was taken up, which realised upwards of £50, including a donation of £25 received from His Grace the Archbishop. The pastor (Rev. J. Gleeson) assisted in the function.  (11)  

The current Church, built in Modernist Design, was opened on December 23, 1962, by the Bishop of Sale, the Most Reverend P.F. Lyons.

St John the Baptist Church, Koo Wee Rup, 1930s.

Image: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society

St James' Church, Nar Nar Goon Catholic Church opened on May 29, 1904 -

A new church recently built at Nar-Nar-Goon at a cost of between £300 and £400, on land given by
Mr. James Kelly, of Nar-Nar-Goon, was formally opened on Sunday by the Very Rev. J. T. Colgan, S.J. The choir from Pakenham assisted. There was a large congregation. (12)  

The current St James' building was opened on March 13, 1971. 

St Mary's Church, Lang Lang

On September 14, 1908 the Lang Lang Church was opened, it is called St Marys. The Advocate reported - 

The Vicar-General's Visit to Lang Lang - New Church opened and Blessed - Last Sunday the Very Rev. Dean Phelan, V.G., visited Lang Lang (Iona Mission) for the purpose of solemnly blessing and opening a new church. It being the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, the church was placed under the invocation of Our Blessed Lady under that title. There was a large congregation people attending from all parts of the mission, and not a few of our separated brethren were present.

After the ceremony of blessing the church, in which the Dean was assisted by the respected pastor (Rev. James Byrne), and previous to delivering the occasional sermon, he congratulated Fr. Byrne and the parishioners on the wonderful progress made during the few years he had been in charge of the district. Four churches had been erected in the parish, and a fine presbytery and Catholic Hall at Iona. Over £2000 had been paid off during the past four years, leaving but a small debt on the parish. Considering the growing needs of the place, the Dean told the congregation that at Fr. Byrne's request he would send him an assistant priest within the next couple of months. In future, the Vicar-General said, you will have Mass every Sunday at a fixed hour in each of the four churches. This announcement gave pleasure to the people of the Lang district, who, in the past, had Mass only on week-day.

The Dean preached on the necessity of a church as a home for the Blessed Eucharist, and touched on the Sacrifice of the mass and the Doctrine of the Real Presence as a reason why Catholics erected churches. The collection made after Mass was a very generous one, and realised over £150. There remains, in consequence, a debt on the building of only £120. Amongst the larger donations received were:—Dean Phelan, V.G., and Fr. Byrne, £10 each; Messrs. P. Kennedy, £15; J. O'Connor, £11; P. Doyle, £8 8s.; J. Glasheen, T. Lonergan, and M. Coghlan, £6 each; R. Gray, £5 5s. Fr. Byrne, in announcing the result of the collection, thanked the Dean for his presence and generosity, the people for their earnestness in building the church, and the many non-Catholics who were present and contributed generously to the building fund. (13)   

The Church is still in operation.

St Peter's Church, Tooradin

The  Tooradin Catholic Church  opened on December 3, 1922 and, as befits a fishing village, it was named St Peters, after the Patron Saint of Fishermen. The Advocate published this report -

St Peter's - of Tooradin. New Church for Fishing Village. Opened and Blessed Last Sunday.

A fine spirit exists amongst the handful of Catholics in the fishing village of Tooradin, one of the outer parts of the Dandenong parish, and this has found expression in the erection of a large wooden church in the district. Situated on Westernport Bay, about 36 miles from Melbourne, Tooradin is a long way removed from Dandenong, the centre of a very extensive parish. In such a scattered place, where the Catholics are few and far between, the visits of a priest from Dandenong are not very frequent and Mass has only been celebrated at irregular intervals. Despite these drawbacks, the district Catholics pressed their claim for the building of a church,, and expressed their readiness to shoulder the responsibilty. The Rev. F. A. Merner, P.P., knew the genuine spirit that prompted the people to ask for a church, and now their wish has been acceded to. 

The new church, which is dedicated to St. Peter, is practically completed, and it is a credit to the district. Designed by Mr. Fritsch; it has been built by Messrs. Claude and Len McCarthy, whose work is most thorough. The site is an admirable one, and commands a good view of a wide expanse of country. With many natural advantages, and enjoying a well-earned reputation as an established fishing ground, Tooradin is bound to progress in the near future. With the development of the place, it will become more and more apparent what a wise step has been taken in erecting the church. Future requirements, in a spiritual sense, have indeed been well provided for. 

The new church was blessed and opened on Sunday afternoon by his Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne (the Most Rev. Dr. Mannix). Sultry, conditions in the early part of the morning gave way to a cool change later, and in the latter part of the afternoon light rain fell. There was a fine gathering at the function, many having come from Melbourne, lona, Koo-wee-rup, Pakenham, Lang Lang, Dandenong, and other parts. Irish and Australian flags were placed at the entrance to the church grounds, which will be planted with buffalo grass, later. When his Grace, who motored from Melbourne arrived with Fr. Merner, he was greeted with rousing cheers by the men of the district, who formed a guard, of honour in and about the church grounds. His Grace's visit was regarded as a most important event in the district, and it was quite a sight to see the large collection of motors and vehicles drawn up in the grounds.

After the blessing ceremony speeches were delivered in the church building. It was intended to have an outdoor demonstration, but the showery conditions necessitated the change of plans. In addition to his Grace, there were present the Rev. F. A. Merner, P.P.; Rev. J.Carroll, Rev. W. M. Collins, D.D., and Rev. L. Hartnett. The proceedings were of an enthusiastic character, and his Grace's address was followed with close Interest. (14)  

The Church was closed and the building was moved to St Peter's College in Cranbourne in 2003 where it is used as a Chapel.  

St Peter's Tooradin in 1923

The Advocate, July 19, 1923 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article171251501

Sacred Heart Church, Gembrook

A few weeks later, on December 31, 1922 Scared Heart Catholic Church at Gembrook was blessed and opened by Archbishop Mannix - and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus according to the beautiful and inspiring formulary prescribed by the Roman Ritual.

The Advocate report commences with -

New Church at Gembrook. Blessed and Opened by the Archbishop. On Sunday 31st December, within the Octave of the Nativity of Our Lord, his Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne (the Most Rev. Dr. Mannix,) who motored from Melbourne accompanied by the Very Rev. Dean Carey. P.P., visited Gembrook for the purpose of the solemn blessing and opening of the new Church at Gembrook. There was a very large assemblage, many coming from Pakenham, Nar Nar Goon, and every part of the parish, not a few journeying from the metropolis.

As explained by Father Little, the Church was originally to have been opened in July  - 

Fr. Little, who was cordially received, said that a well-known expression rose to his mind on that occasion, "All things come to those that wait." The blessing and opening of the church was originally intended for July; adverse weather caused the function to be postponed till 15th October, and the same reason was responsible for a third postponement to that day. There had been, of course, much disappointment. However God had blessed them and gave a beautiful day for the function. (15) 

This Church was described as - The new church, of timber construction, is pleasing in appearance, and was built by contract for £825, according to the design Mr G. Vanheems (16).  

Gembrook was in the Fern Tree Gully Parish and the Church is still in operation, read more about it here - https://pol.org.au/Portals/30/ParishData/Id39/Uploads/Type3/Gembrook.pdf

Sacred Heart, Gembrook, 1922

The Advocate, October 5, 1922  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article176522966

Holy Family Church, Maryknoll

On September 3, 1950 at St Mary's Rural Settlement at North Tynong (as Maryknoll was originally known) the Holy Family Church was blessed and  opened by Archbishop Mannix.  The original Church was designed by Smith and Tracey, architects, Sydney-road, Brunswick. 

The comprehensive Advocate report began - 

The widespread interest in St. Mary's community settlement, Tynong North, was shown last Sunday, when more than 3000 people attended the blessing and opening by Archbishop Mannix of a church-school and presbytery for Rev. Father Pooley and his pioneer co-operators at St. Mary's. Visitors came in hundreds of private cars and some fifty parlour coaches and vans from Melbourne and its suburbs, from nearby country centres and from towns as far apart as Geelong and Sale. So large was the concentration of cars on Tynong North that a special mobile police squad directed the traffic......A large tract of bush land at Tynong North is being converted into a Catholic rural settlement for 150 families. Fine work has already been done in clearing the land and home building is now in progress. Each family will have a holding of two or three acres to grow its own vegetables and fruit and keep poultry. There will be a community dairy farm and craft shops and later, it is hoped, a fruit cannery (17)

The Church was enlarged at a later date. I have written  more about the history of the settlement here. 

Caption: This is Holy Family Church-School, opened by Archbishop Mannix of 

St. Marys Rural Settlement, Tynong North, on September 3. The building was erected from a design by Smith and Tracey, architects, Sydney-road, Brunswick, who also prepared the large-scale map of the settlement which appeared last week. The erection of the first seven permanent homes is now being undertaken and these will be occupied by settlers, at present housed in temporary quarters in the vicinity.

 The Advocate, September 14 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172514072

Other Catholic Churches in the area

There are other Catholic Churches in this region which were opened after 1954 - The Holy Family Church at Doveton was opened in 1960. On October 21, 1962 St Kevin's at Hampton Park was opened - this was in a building that had been transported to the site - the old St Leonard's Church from Glen Waverley.  They appear to have  a newer building now, but I don't have any details on it. Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church at Narre Warren was opened in February 1980; and the St Paul Apostle Catholic Church at Endeavour Hills was opened on August 14, 1983. (18)

St Kevin's, Hampton Park

Image: A Parish carved from the bush: the centenary history of the Dandenong Parish (St Marys) 1883-1993, 

compiled by Greg Dickson (St Marys Centenary Committee, 1983)

Sources -

• 100 years of a faith community: St Joseph’s Iona 1905-2005 by Damian Smith (St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 2005)
• A Parish carved from the bush: the centenary history of the Dandenong Parish (St Marys) 1883-1993, compiled by Greg Dickson (St Marys Centenary Committee, 1983). Also covers the Catholic Parishes of Iona, Koo Wee Rup, Pakenham, Berwick, Cranbourne and Narre Warren.
• Church on the hill: a history of St Michael’s Parish Berwick by Maree Chapman (St Michael’s Catholic Parish, 1996)
• Parish of St John the Baptist Catholic Church: 50th anniversary as a Parish 1946-1996 (St John’s Catholic Church, 1996)
• St Agatha’s Parish Cranbourne Silver Jubilee 1973-1998 (St Agatha’s Catholic Parish, 1998)
• St Patrick’s Pakenham, 1840 - 2016 by Patrick Ferry (St Patrick’s Parish, 2016)

Footnotes

(1) https://melbournecatholic.org/uploads/documents/MDHC-Summary-of-the-Advocate-1868-1990.pdf 

(2) A Parish carved from the bush: the centenary history of the Dandenong Parish, 1883-1983, compiled by Greg Dickson and  published by the St Mary's Centennial Committee, 1983.

(3) A Parish carved from the bush, p. 16.

(4) The Advocate, July 29, 1871, see here.

(5) I have written about the O'Brien family in an article about the Nar Nar Goon Hall, here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2022/05/mechanics-institute-soldiers-memorial.html

(6) Yarragon Settlement News, July 21, 1910, see here; The Argus, July 7, 1914, see here.

(7) The Advocate, April 6, 1878, see here.

(8) Chapman, Marie Church on the hill: a history of St Michael’s Parish Berwick by Maree Chapman (St Michael’s Catholic Parish, 1996)

(9) The Advocate, December 22, 1900, see here.

(10) The Advocate, April 18, 1940, see here

(11) The Advocate, August 30, 1902, see here.

(12) The Advocate, June 4, 1904, see here.

(13) The Advocate, September 19, 1908, see here.

(14) The Advocate, December 7, 1922, see here, report continues here and here.

(15) The Advocate, January 4, 1923, see here.

(16) The Advocate, June 29, 1922, see here.

(17) The Advocate, September 7, 1950, see here.

(18) Opening dates - A Parish carved from the bush; Hampton Park - The Age, March 23, 1962, p. 11; The Age, October 19, 1962, p. 17; 

The opening of St Kevin's, Hampton park

The Age, October 19, 1962, p. 17 from newspapers.com

Narre Warren - not sure where this date came from;  Endeavour Hills - https://www.melbcatholic.org/s/articles/a198w00000000tfAAA/parish-history

A shorter version of this post, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to Our Past