Welcome
East MelbourneWelcome to the East Melbourne Historical Society.
East Melbourne is a tiny suburb adjoining the city of Melbourne bounded by Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens to the west, Victoria Parade to the north, Hoddle Street to the east and Yarra Park to the south, home of the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. East Melbourne was included in Robert Hoddle's original 1837 plan for the city but the first private house was not built until 1853.
The suburb today reflects a history of Victoria with its beautiful gardens, grand houses of the gold rush era and workmen's cottages. Cast iron lacework adorns the houses, bluestone cobbled lanes lead to old coach houses and brick dunnies. Artists, scientists, politicians, judges, educators, priests, explorers, entrepreneurs, courtesans, philanthropists and social activists lived here and many a tale is told of characters wild and exotic.
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Site statistics
Recent news
Yarra Park - MCG Responds
Our continuing campaign to improve the well-being of Yarra Park has achieved some modest improvements of late. Construction vehicles have been causing quite a bit of damage plane trees to the south-western corner near the hump-backed bridge. The cabman's shelter has also been under threat. (See our recent photographic study.)
In response to telephone calls and emails to the MCG executive office there has been a higher level of consciousness of the issues and some immediate actions to protect some areas. We are hoping for continuing improvements, especially as the footy season gets under way.
Protection of Yarra Park
Is Yarra Park being managed appropriately in accordance with its registration on the Victorian Heritage Register?
The southern corner of Yarra Park is taking a particular beating from car parking this summer. Our new photo record tells the story.
Military History and Heritage Victoria
If you have a strong interest in military history you may be interested in joining Military History and Heritage Victoria which currently has two vacancies on its executive committee. MHHV provides a forum for people and groups who are passionate about military history and heritage in Victoria. It promotes research, preservation, education, and commemoration of Australian and Victorian military history and heritage. Amongst others, MHHV is supported by the City of Melbourne, the RSL and the Shrine of Remembrance. More information can be obtained fron the MHHV web site. If you are interested in joining MHHV or serving on its committee please use the contact form on their site.
EMHS and Planning Applications
EMHS members are invited to contribute their thoughts on the Society's involvement in planning and heritage issues. Follow this link to join the forum.
Pandora's Box
Pandora's Box is to acquire some new contents. And it relates to you! The East Melbourne Historical Society has agreed to a request from the State Library of Victoria for our website to be periodically archived on PANDORA, the web archive of the National Library of Australia. This will improve the accessibility of our website and ensure its continuing availability for future generations - even after your current committee has joined Pandora in Never Never Land.
News from the State Library of Victoria
Forthcoming activities
Holy Trinity Musical Afternoon - Castle of Dreams
Cordia Trio
Richard Keuneman (violin)
Julia Monsbourgh (horn)
Anna Carson (piano)
Castle of Dreams by Gordon CARR
Also featuring works by:
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Victorian Town House Gardens
Helen Page is a foundation member of the Australian Garden History Society since 1980 and Chair of the Victorian Branch 1994-2004. She played an important role in saving the garden at Bishopscourt from subdivision and development in 1998, and has led a team of enthusiastic volunteer workers in restoring and maintaining the garden ever since.
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Recent acquisitions
Mercy Hospital in East Melbourne - Helen Monkivitch, 2012
Selection of images shown in a presentation to the East Melbourne Historical Society on 18 April 2012 by Sr. Helen Monkivitch A.O.
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Property Valuations in vicinity of proposed Mercy Hospital - 1951
A letter dated 26 April 1951 from C.H. Beauchamp, valuer, to Mr. Bernard Nolan, solicitor, reporting valuations of three properties on Clarendon Street from the Grey Street to Gipps Street.
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People of Mercy - A History of Mercy Hospital for Women 1971-2004
A book by Lesley Alves giving a history of the East Melbourne Mercy Hospital for Women from 1970 to 2004.
Contents:
Beginnings
Structures and Restructures
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Balcombe family of the first Eastcourt, 122 George Street, East Melbourne
Brochure provided by "The Briars", Mt. Martha, giving the history of the Balcombe family who built and lived in the first Eastcourt at 122 George Street, East Melbourne.
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Aerial view of St. Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne - 1945c.
Postcard of aerial photograph of St Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne circa 1945. Scanned by the State Library of Victoria from a glass negative.
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