Slower Connections If using a slower connection please allow images time to load fully.
Click on images to view larger size if available.

Monday, February 29, 2016

Aerial view of Dandenong in the 1930's.

There is nearly an uncountable number of changes since this aerial was taken, but some buildings do remain, can you spot them?

Below Except From: "Reminiscences Of Early Dandenong"

In 1858 the Government undertook the formation of a road from Melbourne to Sale, and made an allocation of £30,000 for the section from Melbourne to Bunyip. This road started from the old Star Hotel, Windsor, which was then a celebrated hostelry, and gradually it crept through the bush on its way to far-off Gippsland. Messrs. Cox and Bennett were the contractors, and a first-class job they made of it.

I remember well the piece from the (now) intersection of the Cranbourne and Berwick roads towards Hallam. It was an atrocious quagmire in winter, and an appalling gridiron in summer. The countless droves of bullocks from Gippsland had made ridges across the track, and these in time had become so deep that the cattle had to step high negotiating them. Vehicular traffic, represented by bullock drays, could not travel over it, but had to make other tracks through the adjacent bush. Tho difficulties that the contractors had to face and overcome were stupendous. But surmount them they did, and the road-bed, as it shows up in places to this day, testifies to the thoroughness of (the work of these pioneer road-malcers.

But this is getting on too fast.

When the squatting runs which embraced Dandenong and district were cut up and thrown open to the selectors, the question of a main road through to Gippsland was one of much talk and of great Importance. Even so early in the History of the colony as this (1854) there was that procedure which was then inelegantly termed "duck-shoving,” meaning that underground influence was brought to boar on the question of running the line of road along the course most favored by, and of most benefit to, the persons who had the power to so direct it. That applied to the road through the township.

There were three routes surveyed from Melbourne as far as Dandenong. One went through Brighton, and is that now known yet as the “Brighton road," the existing line being almost identical with that of the original survey. In those days Brighton was regarded as a sort of semi-terminus to the road from Melbourne, in the direction of Gippsland.

Tho second track took ‘‘the route of the hills,” by way of Prahan and Caulfield, and then diverged through the flats between the latter place and Dandenong. But this was soon abandoned, on account of the heavy, sticky country through which it led, it being literally a series of glue pots.

The third was a continuation of the hill route, diverging from the “glue pots” at Caulfield, and so on through Oakleigh and Springvale, and is the main Gippsland road to-day.

The intention at that time of the surveyors, and the wish of' those who had axes to apply to the grindstone, was that the main road should go to Gippsland straight along McCrae street; and, anyone coming into the town from Melbourne will see at once the fitness of that decision; but the wire-pullers got to work, and, instead of a straight and good road over suitable and firm country, the track was swerved around the corner opposite the market, past the hotels, through a swamp from Walker street to the creek, and so on to the intersection of the Berwick and Cranbourne roads.

The swampy ground was filled in at enormous cost, and which fact possibly in small measure contributed to the crushing burden which our beautiful little town has carried since its infancy, and is still carrying.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

State Electricity Commission, 195 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, Early 1930s.

Few people who walk down the brightly lighted streets of Dandenong on the weekly shopping night, or notice the humming activity of the township’s many factories, pause to consider how it's been since the first electric lamp shed its brightness in the district.

Only a few months before the beginning of the first world war did Dandenong enjoy the advantages of its first electric service. In March, 1914, this was established by the India Rubber, Gutta Percha and Telegraph Works Co. Ltd, who secured the rights to generate and distribute electricity within the township.

The generating station consisted of two 50 h.p. suction gas engines which were erected in a power house in Clow street, Which b 1933 was being used as a Garage. Seven years later, in June, 1921, the Shire Council purchased all rights of the undertaking from the company, and continued to generate it's own requirements until November, 1922, when electricity was purchased in bulk from the State Electricity Commission. On October 1, 1923, the Council handed over control and distribution of Electricity to the Commission.

Since this date the development and use of electricity in Dandenong was very rapid, and the township became one of the most important distribution and administrative centres in the electrical network of the state. By 1925 the expansion of the Electricity Commission's system east of Melbourne required the establishment of an Eastern Metropolitan District, and by virtue of it's geographical position Dandenong was selected as the District Administrative Centre.

With temporary offices being secured in the Boomerang Buildings. To provide accommodation for its staff, and facilities for handling of its stores and equipment, the Commission, in 1928 was obliged to build its own premises at 195 Lonsdale Street. By 1933 seven sub-stations in the township were necessary to reduce the electrical pressure of the main transmission lines to a voltage suitable to requirements of consumers within the townships boundaries, The main switching station being on Frankston Road (now Frankston-Dandenong Road).


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Ellis’s Store, 118 Walker Street, Dandenong, Late 1880's

In 1856 William and Edward Ellis (brothers) settled in Dandenong. Edward Ellis erected operated this store for some time, Built for him in the 1870's, it saw many modifications over the decades transforming it from the smaller building you see here to the larger building that was demolished in 1971, almost 100 years.

In 1877 the building was sold, by Thomas Rosling and Co. for £630, Mr. James Greaves being the purchaser. Hence forth it was known as Greaves Building. July 2nd 1946 saw the official opening of The Wessex in this building by Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Mills, hosting Receptions, Dances, Function and the such. being formally known as The Wessex Hotel at some point.

An ever popular venue for dances, weddings, parties, etc, for some years Mrs. I. Mills, proprietress at the time in 1954 wanted to convert the premises to let as offices. She already had two of the rooms let to suitable clients, She still maintained her own private residence upstairs Around this time the Main building (and possibly neighbouring ones) became known as the Wessex Buildings..


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Friday, February 26, 2016

Laurel Lodge, 51 Langhorne Street, Dandenong, in 1910.

Back when the tree's were still small.

Laurel Lodge is one of the few physical reminders of Dandenong in the nineteenth century. Built around 1869, it is one of the region's oldest buildings.

Laurel Lodge derives considerable local and regional significance from its association with its past owners, who were prominent citizens of the district, and have made important public contributions. These include: Early Dandenong pioneer Mrs Janet Bowman, Colonial architect Robert Huckson, District doctor Henry Ogle Moore, Flamboyant stock and station agent and auctioneer Joseph Clarke and Robert Woodcock the Secretary and Engineer of Dandenong Shire.

Laurel Lodge was also the site of an elite ladies private school between 1869 and 1884. Headed by Miss Matilda Shaw it was "one of the leading boarding schools in the colony", She later moved her school up the road to what became Merlin Private Hospital.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Scout Hall, Princes Hwy, Dandenong, Undated.

Built in 1930, The Armytage Own Scout Hall (Now known as The Castle) was on Princes Highway, Near Hemmings Park. The hill th hall sits upon sloping into Dandenong was known as Prospect Hill.

The first scout group in the Dandenong area was formed by 1909, Ted Swords, the first scout master formed the Armytage Own 1st Dandenong scout group in March 1928. On January 1935 the unveiling of the foundation stone occurred coinciding with the World Jamboree.

Up until 2004 the scouts continued to occupy the hall and use it for prop storage and set production, In 2005 the city of Greater Dandenong re-developed the hall into a venue with focus on music and youth.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Journal, 1 Scott Street, Dandenong, Undated


The Journals office at number 1 Scott Street, No date was provided, 1 Scott Street is now part of the Nu Hotel complex.

The following is from an article written by Narelle Coulter in the Dandenong Journal.

"The Dandenong Journal is one of the oldest and proudest community newspapers in Australia.
Founded as the South Bourke and Mornington Journal in 1865, it has been a reliable record of life in Dandenong and surrounding districts for close to 150 years.
When its Irish founder Harvey Roulston arrived in Victoria in 1853, Dandenong was a thriving settlement on the banks of the Dandenong Creek.
Roulston got ink under his fingernails learning the newspaper trade as a compositor at the iconic Argus.
He later struck out on his own, opening an office and printing works in Bridge Street, Richmond, where The Journal was first produced.
In 1875, Roulston relocated his business to Dandenong. Competition had sprung up in the form of the Dandenong Advertiser and he was determined that his paper would be the journal of record for the district.
To achieve that that he knew he needed to put himself and the paper at the centre of community life.
Roulston became an important and generous member of the community – setting a precedent of community involvement for Journal editors and proprietors throughout the next 100 years.
Such was the esteem in which Harvey Roulston was held that when he died in 1896, most businesses in town put up their shutters as a mark of respect.
Bill Roulston carried on his father’s legacy of passionate but fair community journalism, devoting 50 years of his life to running the newspaper.
Greg Dickson became editor and publisher when he bought The Journal on 1 August 1939. Dickson was a young reporter from Ouyen who learnt the newspaper business from his mother, one of the few female editors in Australia at the time.
He gave a teenage Marg Stork her first assignment, nurturing a career that has spanned more than 70 years. Now 90, Marg still writes for The Journal. See A Moment with Marg page 10.
Marg recalls customers patiently standing in line with threepence in their hands outside The Journal’s Scott Street office ready to purchase the paper.
Dickson modernised The Journal, building it up to 16 pages, scrapping the front page advertisements and introducing news headlines."

The complete article can be found here:
http://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/journal/2013-09-09/voice-of-our-community-lives-on/

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, Undated

During the Palm Tree years a Ford branded service station operated from the corner of McCrae and Lonsdale streets, The exact year is unknown You can see the Albion up the right still with it's Veranda, The air of country life is evident in the lack of pedestrian care for where the traffic flows, A book club was operating a few doors up from the Ford Station.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Eiffel Tower Motors, Corner Lonsdale and McCrae Street, Dandenong.. Late 1960's/1970's

Eiffel Tower Motors, Corner Lonsdale and McCrae Street, Dandenong.. Late 1960's/1970's

Image supplied by:  Brad Farrell

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Funeral Procession, Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

 In this undated photo you can see a funeral procession being led by one the the Garnars/Garners, they were well known for leading the processions as they wound their way through the streets.

Garnars, later W.J. Garmar $ Son, was owned and operated by James William Garner (1851-1913) the mortuary for Garnars was originaly located off Crump Lane, later the premises moved to 44 Walker St (There are also newspaper listings for 10 Walker street, near town hall, going by early 1900's numbering), the rear lane at this property (spelled Garner Lane, using original name spelling) provided access to the mortuary located on the rear of the property.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Garnars Undertakers, Walker St, Dandenong

Garnars, later W.J. Garmar $ Son, was owned and operated by James William Garner (1851-1913) the mortuary for Garnars was originaly located off Crump Lane, later the premises moved to 44 Walker St (There are also newspaper listings for 10 Walker street, near town hall, going by early 1900's numbering), the rear lane at this property (spelled Garner Lane, using original name spelling) provided access to the mortuary located on the rear of the property.

James William Garnar owned several businesses in Dandenong at the turn of the 20th century, including Garnars Undertakers, a business that involved all of his family. After James’ death in 1913, the business was run by his wife, Margaret, and was eventually run by James’ and Margaret’s eldest son, who along with his own son, changed the name of the business to W.J. Garnar & Son, who were well known for leading funeral processions down Lonsdale Street.

Mr. James Garnar was killed in the evening of Easter Sunday,March 1913, through a ferocious attack by a bull, from the particulars to hand it seems that the animal "broke out," as the saying goes and rushed, knocked down, and finally accounted for his death. The funeral took placeon the 26th March, when the remains were interred in the Dandenong cemetery.

In the 1930s, a severe flood hit the streets of Dandenong – and when Garnar opened his flood effected mortuary he discovered that two coffins, one empty and one occupied, had been swept away. They were later recovered from the creek in Mordialloc.

Although the family name was spelled ‘Garner’, James altered it to ‘Garnar’ in order to distinguish himself from other people associated with the ‘Garner’ spelling. The W.J. Garnar & Son business was sold to Le Pine Funerals in 1950. Garnar Lane in Dandenong is named after the family


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Promotional aerial view of central Dandenong in 1964.

So much has changed, Can you see the old location of the Showgrounds behind the market, the Dandenong Show was held here from 1907 until relocating to Greaves Reserve in 1967. This site would later be used for Council Offices and the local Library until their move the the present Lonsdale Street location.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Monday, February 22, 2016

Southern Aurora Hotel, Next to Dandenong Railway Station, in 1991.

Southern Aurora Hotel Motel (‘K’s Dandenong Hotel P/L.) The owners were Mr and Mrs Karnhauser. Built on railway property the hotel adopted a name, which was synonymous with the railways (Southern Aurora express). It was believed to be the first privately owned licensed premises with residential accommodation to be built on railway property, in fact next to the Dandenong Station





Original Lounge and Function rooms had the names Observation Lounge, Pullman Grill, Club Car Lounge, Tunnel Room and Express Bar.





Nearby Kayes Lane is name after the former owners of Southern Aurora. It was demolished during the 1990's, The space is now part of the bus interchange and car parking adjacent.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

The Dandenong Creek sometime between 1920 and 1960.


Before they concreted most of it and realigned the rest within the town, Once Dandenong did have a real creek, But dubious council progress and time would turn it into nothing more than a channel for storm water.

Excerpt From "Reminiscences Of Old Dandenong":
“Well, the reader may imagine himself standing on Prospect Hill (say, about the site of the Scouts’ Hall), which was then virgin country, looking towards the rise upon which the churches now stand. There was then nothing but an expanse of green to be seen. On the left hand were the giant gums, interspersed with sheoaks, light woods, etc, in Walker’s paddock (more recently known as the Grange Estate).
In the valley at my feet was a pleasant park-like expanse covered with heavy timber, and, as one looked eastwards, to the slope, where now Langhorne, McCrae and other streets run, it was also heavily timbered with redgum, the minor trees consisting of sheoak, lightwood, wild cherry, honeysuckle and peppermint, the undergrowth being mostly 'bracken, with excellent kangaroo grass and dwarf scrub.
“Sloping toward the creek the peppermints became scarce, and the bracken, intermingled with heath, gave place to reeds and rushes, and, although here was not the rugged beauty that held me on the hillside, not the least being the abundance of maiden-hair fern with which the banks of the creek were clothed, compensation was made by the wealth of lovely smaller bushes, such as wild raspberries, wild black currants, native laurels, myrtles, silver wattles, and other pretty shrubs.
The raspberries and currants were found only on the creek’s banks, as were mostly the laurels and myrtles, but the latter were sometimes growing a short distance from the water, but not far. I doubt very much if raspberries or black currants could now be found anywhere in or near the park, even by the most careful searching.
As mentioned before, the creek side of the hill was not clothed with such heavy timber as was the other side, but it was a very pretty spot, nevertheless. At my back, and to the right, in the direction of the (now) railway station, “Prospect Hill" was similarly clothed as “Church Hill,” vistas of beautiful trees opening up in whichever direction the eye ranged.
It was all very lovely, and I can with truth say, Dandenong, as it was then, was as pretty a spot as could be found on this island continent of ours.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Friday, February 19, 2016

Albion Hotel, 329-333 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, Early 1900's.

The Albion Hotel stands on the site of Alexander Bowman’s store, which he started in 1852, possibly Dandenong’s first store. Bowman owned every street corner but one of Lonsdale Street in the very early days, and was said to have ‘owned half the township at one period’.

James Clarke bought the store erected by A. W. Bowman, and converted it into a hotel, which he named the “Mornington Arms.” Clarke took advantage of a rumor about the establishment of a permanent market to invest in this hotel, and it turned out to be a very profitable move. At first the house was merely a “beer shop.” However, Clarke did not live long to enjoy his prosperity, as, coming home from Melbourne one night, he was thrown from a cart and killed.

Alfred Pope (son of David Pope), conducted the house for a time, but was succeeded by Charles Dobson, who transferred from the “Shamrock Hotel" on the corner of Scott and Lonsdale Street. Charles Dobson purchased it in 1882 and re-named it the ‘Albion’ alter the hostelry in Bourke street, Melbourne, from whence the coaches left for Dandenong and Gippsland.

Peter McQuade was the proprietor in 1889 and the McQuades replaced the early one-storey timber building with the present two-storey building in 1891. Peter James McQuade was born in Ireland, and when he first arrived here, he farmed at Flemington before taking up land at Springvale, where he worked for fifteen years. He ran the Bridge Hotel 185-195 Lonsdale Street in 1887, and from 1889 owned and ran the Albion Hotel.

The hotel had been in the possession of varying members of the McQuade family continuously from 1889 until at least 1993 (Present ownership not known to us). The magnificent verandah as seen in this photo has been removed but the façade has remained largely unaltered, with an extension into a small retail premises next door.

The hotel has a near intact upper level, with timber sash double hung windows, but the ground level façade has been altered. Here the former face brick wall has been rendered and the original five openings (windows, doors) have been revised but the paneled Victorian-era timber door, with its top light, resembles the original.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Dandenong State School, 174-182 Foster Street, Dandenong.

Interestingly this undated photo includes the fence missing in most images, which leaves us curious of the date range for the quaint wooden fence.

The first Dandenong state school was built at the corner of Robinson and Foster Streets and officially opened its doors on 4 May 1874. Not long after the Railway was built to Dandenong, safety became an issue with the schools proximity to the station, so it moved to its present site on Foster Street in 1881 and welcomed about 200 students.

The Gothic-inspired building took nine months to construct and at the time its ornate style was considered to add significantly to the township’s architecture. It had three rooms – one for boys, one for girls and a gallery – and modern fittings for the day including a porch, a hat rack and ventilation.

But not everyone was pleased with the new school. Joseph Harris, the St Kilda MP at the time, said that although the building was pleasing, he felt the expenditure on school buildings in the colony was too lavish. He said that if more unpretentious buildings were erected, surplus finance could be used to open schools in more sparsely-populated districts.

A classroom, head teacher’s office and lavatory were added in 1901 and another four classrooms were completed in 1909. Further classrooms were added in the 1940s and 1950s to cope with expanding enrollments, which topped 760 pupils in 1960. The school today has over 300 students from families representing 45 different nationalities.


Image courtesy of D.D.H.S.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Shamrock Hotel, Corner Scott and Lonsdale Streets, Dandenong, About 1880

Gregory Keighery, who had a boot shop on the south corner of Scott and Lonsdale streets, in 1864, built a two-storied brick front to his place, in 1866, and opened it as the “Shamrock Hotel.’’ He also built a billiard room, and installed a first-class table.

He sold out after a few years, and built a two-storied wooden house, near the creek, which lie opened as a wine store. He also conducted a bootmaker’s shop there. Charles

Charles Dobson became licensee of the “Shamrock," and retained possession for a long term. He eventually transferred to the “Albion,” but when the gold boom in Western Australia broke out he sold to Mr. P. J. McQuade and left for the Golden West.

The Shamrock was still standing in the 1920's, but at some point was demolished and replaced by the Club Hotel (later known as The Pub), which in turn would be demolished and replaced by the former NAB building, now home the Chisholm.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Stone Bridge, Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, in 1904.

Looking into Dandenong towards Foster street.

Over the years ‘the rapids of Dandenong’, so described once by the poet Adam Lindsay Gordon, have swept away more than one bridge in the area. The first bridge over Dandenong Creek was constructed in 1840. A flood swept this away ten years later and it was replaced.

The stone bridge, built in 1866, probably by Robert Huckson, lasted 52 years. Part of it was granite, quarried locally from the vicinity of Wedge and Power Streets.

This bridge was replaced in 1919 by a ferrous metal single-span bridge, with concrete deck, known as the ‘Peace Memorial Bridge’. It was designed by R. H. Woolcock, shire engineer,once described as ‘one of the best engineers in Victoria’. Part of the bridge still carries portion of the Princess Highway over the Dandenong Creek. Modern concrete bridges now span the local creeks at many points.


Image courtesy of D.D.H.S.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

The Commercial Bank 209 -211 Lonsdale Street, 1964

This photo was taken at the time of demolition of the old Commercial Bank, One can see the old stables still visible in the rear of the property before these too were demolished.

Separated from Dunbar’s Hotel with vacant treed land, the imposing and ornate Commercial Bank was built in 1869. The Commercial Bank also remained with its original façade until it was demolished. ) Its replacement was a two storey brown brick building typical of architecture in the 60’s

The Commercial Bank was the first bank to open a branch in Dandenong,in 1869 and continued throughout the years to support major developments in the town. As the pioneer of banking in Gippsland,it enhanced the central position of Dandenong in the region. The Commercial closed its doors in 1893 despite a public meeting expressing its support.

Tho first manager of tho Commercial Bank was Hector M. Sutherland, For fifteen years Mr. Sutherland occupied bachelor quarters at Dunbar’s Hotel, and I think that in those days everybody in the town and district knew “Mr. Sutherland’s room.” It was situated off the. main entrance, and long after Mr. Sutherland married and took up his life on tho bank premises the room retained its old name.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Lonsdale Street, from Clow street, Dandenong, in 1971

Looking from the Clow Street intersection towards the Town Hall. With the Albion Hotel on the right and Waltons up the left, Old Dandenong was alive with the colours and movements of the early 70's.

Photo courtesy of D.D.H.S.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Temperance Dining Rooms, Clow and McCrae Streets, 1870's

Henry Rodman’s ‘Temperance Hotel and Dandenong Dining Rooms’
was between the old market site and the present market site,
on the corner of McCrae and Clow Streets.

This places is on the corner of the present carpark from the former Woolworths, Temperance Home was still located here in the 1890;s, but mention of the establishment after this seem to be non existent.

Note the local characters sitting under the mighty Red Gum in the foreground, Such a tree would be a worthy landmark for the local area today.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Dandenong Market, On a Market Day (Tuesday) 1924.

This was before the Market moved to it's present location. The growth and prosperity of Dandenong were closely linked to the success of the markets from the earliest days. The markets originally operated from a site at the corner of Lonsdale and McCrae Streets.

Originally they provided a direct outlet for livestock including beef and dairy cattle, poultry and horses, for fresh market garden and dairy products, and for a wide variety of household, craft and industrial goods and services

The Produce and Goods market, which we know today as the Dandenong Market, moved to its present location on Clow Street around 1926. A sketch plan of the Dandenong Market 1869 showed that there was a produce market at this date. The Produce Market was set between the cattle yards, calf pens, and pig yards with Lonsdale street on one side and McCrae St on the other. Most of the stallholders came from Melbourne suburbs to take advantage of the lucrative trade in bringing city goods to the country market.

Stallholders displayed their wares and the general market day on Tuesdays changed Dandenong from a sleepy town. The streets around the market were cluttered with motor cars, horses and drays, and the pavements and shops were crowded with people busy buying all their weekly requirements.

In 1964 an extra market day proposal was met with antagonism from local retailers. Forty years earlier, shops had been statically placed near the market, but now the market was considered as both old-fashioned and as competition.

The Clow Street site, in the early 1960s was still the location of both the Produce Market and the Showgrounds. For some years the Agricultural Society had been anxious to move to larger grounds. Greaves Reserve, on the other side of Bennett Street from the new livestock market had been allocated for this purpose. The shift was completed by 1967.

The Clow Street site was subsequently redeveloped as a civic centre with municipal offices and council chambers opening officially on 10 February 1968.

--
Information courtesy of Jenny Ferguson's Thesis, Thank you Jenny


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Monday, February 15, 2016

Dandy Discounts, 282 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

The original building was built around 1951, it has seen many uses from Ford Motor Showroom (Garage), A Chrysler Dealer, Dandy Sound, Brashs, Dandy Discounts, and more recently the former Bendigo Bank, along with numerous others. Modifications were made along the way creating a second floor storage area. Presently this site is vacant.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Dandenong Telephone Exchange, Walker and McCrae streets Around 1985


This photo shows the old traffic lights and intersection that existed during the Telecom day and age. McCrae street beyond this picture is now a pedestrian only plaza.

Picture found at: http://www.glenneaton.net/

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Aerial of Doveton, circa 1950s/1960s.


The area has it's origins as part of the Eumemmerring pastoral run. The part pictured became the Grassmere estate, which was subdivided into smaller holdings in the 1880s. The small farming community was served by a hotel and school. There was also a racecourse.

Doveton as a town came into existence in the mid 1950s when the State Housing Commission purchased a large area of land to provide low cost housing for returned soldiers and workers employed in the new factories near Dandenong. The early Commission housing was around the Autumn Place shopping centre. A lace factory had commenced operations on the Princes Highway in 1950. On the southern side of the highway, first International Harvester, then General Motors-Holden and then Heinz established large factories. These were followed by many smaller factories.

Doveton was named after F.C. Doveton, a Goldfields Commissioner and Police Magistrate, who had earlier lived in the area. By 1962, there were 1500 homes. At first, there were few community facilities, and there was a pressing need for schools. By 1969 there were seven schools:

The Doveton North technical school became part of Endeavour Hills when the Mulgrave Freeway divided it from Doveton in 1972, and the area south-east of Eumemmerring Creek (with its own school opened in 1977) became the suburb of Eumemmerring in 1981. Most of the schools had high enrollments within a few years of opening (Doveton West had over 1050 pupils in five years). In 2011 the State schools had been reduced to one, centred on the site where Doveton primary opened in 1956.

Image courtesy of: Victorian Places

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Friday, February 12, 2016

Arakana Building, 163 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.


Most people remember it as Arkana, But do you know it was not a single building, but four or fives smaller shops, renovated and joined by a new facade? There is more history to the building than Arkana.

The Cosy Corner building at 163 Lonsdale Street may have been built in 1912 for John McLeod. It was described in 1911-12 rate books as a wood yard, dwelling and store. By 1912-13 it was leased by Smith, a storekeeper and in the next year Turner, a fruiterer. The adjoining shops along Foster Street were built between 1919 and 1921, after Russell acquired the land, and are hown on the 1935 plan. It is possible that Russell may have refurbished the corner shop in this development. Walter McConchie was an early owner-occupier of the corner shop after initial occupation by Russell. Thomas Blain was another long term occupier of 126-128 Foster St.

The adjoining shops at 157-159 Lonsdale Street were built between the mid-1930s and the mid-1950s: they are not shown on the 1935 Detail Plan. By the 1950s, near half of the row (159-163 Lonsdale, 134 Foster) was owned by Russell’s estate and another major part (130-132 Foster) was owned by Eleonora Crosby.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Butter Factory, Stud Rd, Dandenong - 1920

From 1920, the Dandenong Butter Factory was operating in Stud Road, ‘one of the more picturesque industrial buildings'. Tragically the old butter factory was demolished in 1972. Extensions were made to the factory in the early 1930's, lending to increased demand.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Stables, Dandenong Police Station - Built 1888/9

The original police building no longer exists on this site. In 1857 a fence was erected around the three acres of land (on the corner of Langhorne and Wilson Streets) the site of the first police camp and current site of the police complex.

The first building, built in 1859 comprised of officers’ quarters, a watch house and a lean-to, which was used as a stable. The original stables were built around three acres of land as part of the original police complex. The stables were repaired in the late 1870s but it wasn’t until the late 1880s that the stables building in question was built.

Works to the “Police Buildings at Dandenong Township” were tendered out on the 1 August 1859. The works were due to be
completed on the 25 December 1859. An extension of eight weeks was granted.

In 1888/89 a contract, was let to Mathews a O’Halloran for the construction of new Police Quarters and Stables. This would indicate that the current stables (pictured) were constructed around this time.

Information and photo courtesy of Greater Dandenong Heritage Study


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Part of a larger aerial view of Dandenong in the 1950's

Part of a larger aerial view of Dandenong in the 1950's, What can you see in this section?

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Dandenong Bowl-o-Matic (Ten Pin Bowling) approx 1965, 151 Thomas St, Dandenong

This was prior to it being split in half between Bowl-o-Matic and Gala Cinema (Gala operated between 1969 and 1977) and eventually back again. Part of the Cinema was converted after closure to a video arcade called Factory of Fun.

The ten pin bowling facilities later moved into premises on Princes Hwy, The premises were eventually occupied by The Grand International, until the building along with others was demolished in the mid 2000's,

Presently Halpin Way runs across the right side this site from Thomas street to the station area, All buildings on the right to Walker street were demolished for the new Government services building, the shop on the left still remains.

Photo supplied by  Brad Farrell

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Lonsdale Street looking towards Town Hall, Early 1920's

Lonsdale Street looking towards Town Hall, Early 1920's

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Dandenong Park in the 1950's

Dandenong Park in the 1950's, Pultney Street runs up the left side with a small portion of Foster Street and the old Garage in the bottom. Established over 100 years ago, it is one of the most significant parklands in the municipality, having strong historical and cultural links with Dandenong.

The park has a large range of well established exotic tree species throughout the reserve, including a significant oak in front of the Lawn Bowls Club, which was planted in the 1880s. There is also some mature River Red Gums, which are indigenous and a part of the original landscape.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Walker street as it intersects with McCrae and Clow streets.

Badly titled as Dandenong East, undated, looking up Walker street as it intersects with McCrae and Clow streets.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Monday, February 8, 2016

Dandenong Train Station, late 1800's.

This wonderfully preserved and clear photo shows horses, having just arrived via train, being herded into pens to await claim. You can see an old station building in the background.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, Between 1922 and 1929

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, Between 1922 and 1929
Found: http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/252981

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Friday, February 5, 2016

Grenda’s Bus Company commences in 1945 from 9 Foster St

In 1925 George Grenda started a milk carrying company. G. F. Grenda Milk Carrier collected milk in cans from farms around the Dandenong area and delivered it to metropolitan dairies. The family business continued to grow and was operating 12 trucks by 1945. George bought this property to house and operate the four bus routes, with the six buses (one pictured) he had bought.

He purchased six small buses, four bus routes (from Shaves Bus Service in Dandenong), and the primary foundations of a bus depot (pictured in 1945) that collaboratively would become Grenda's Bus Services. Grenda was purchased by Ventura Bus Lines in 2013.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

117 Foster Street, Dandenong, 1937 and 1972


First picture is 1937, Second picture is 1972.

Kingsbury Lane (to the left of the shop) is named after Kingsbury Plumbers and Tank Makers (est. 1856), who made tanks and windmills. Later they turned their business to bicycles. Kingsbury Bicycles were then located in Foster Street (still visible sign writing).
In 1929 Alex Kingsbury built an arcade of shops which ran through from Foster to Lonsdale Street possibly through the Cassels Garage. Kingsbury’s nephew Frank set up in one of the shops to run a bicycle and pram business. In 1932 Frank was joined by his brother Gilbert; both served in the air force during the second world war. Upon their return Frank opened his own business in Frankston leaving Gilbert to manage the Dandenong shop.
Kingsbury’s sold motorbikes, push bikes and baby craft including
prams and nursery furniture. The lane was under 2 feet of water in the 1934 flood. In 1962 a local newspaper advertisement boasts modern new showrooms, by the 1970's he still owned the building and was operating a baby supply shop in half of the building, renting the other half out.
By coincidence Richard Wolters chose the other side to run Progressive Motorcycle which he owned between 1971 and 1975, not knowing of the connection until one day someone dropped in and told me that it was a coincidence that I had chosen this shop.

These images were supplied by Richard Wolters
https://www.facebook.com/richard.wolters.140

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Temperance Hall, 2–12 Walker St, Dandenong.

The hall was opened in 1871 and saw a long run in Dandenong before being demolished in early 1981, Up the back of the right side one can spot the side of the Masonic Hall on Mason street. To the left is the corner of Walker and Mason streets.

This site is now being developed as Quest Apartments, The tall building will be a long way from the hall that once stood.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Town Hall, Lonsdale and Walker Streets, Dandenong, Undated.

The view shows the brick extensions which were demolished to make way for the Drum Theater redevelopment of the early 2000's. This is how most of us remember the Town Hall.

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Anzac Day Parade, Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, 1963.

Withe the National Bank, Rockmans, Ewarts, Vanity Court, Woolworth and Coles all within one view. The history and the atmosphere of the day collide in one beautiful scene.

Image supplied by Bill Farrell

For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Late 1950's view of Lonsdale Street

Late 1950's view of Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Geoff Taylor bought the shop at 78 Foster St, Dandenong,

Geoff Taylor bought the shop at 78 Foster St, Dandenong, from Stan "Sleepy" Jones on 1st July, 1971. Booming motorcycles sales (like nothing before or since) would then combine with Geoff's fame as a racer - to see this business become incredibly successful.

In this photo (circa mid-1970s), the shop has expanded twice already. After more than 10 exhausting years in the motocross saddle (with an Australian title and dozen of state titles), Geoff retired at end of 1974.

Dandy local and experienced sidecar-racing passenger Barry Frazer convinced Geoff to switch over to sidecar roadracing. This led to even greater success for ol' GT.

Photo and Information credit goes to Roger Harvey, Berwic


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

The Bridge Hotel, 193 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, in 1906.

Looking from the hotel towards Walker Street. Built in 1858, the Hotel has seen many name changes and renovations, More recently it has been called the Old Dandy Inn, Jim Dandy and Dandenong Hotel.

In 1858,Michael Hennesy had started to build the Bridge Hotel, but ran into financial difficulties and the building was completed by George Hughes and John Prevot. That same year the hotel provided one of its rooms for use by the Court of Petty Sessions. It was also used for meetings by the Dandenong Road District Board. The Bridge Hotel was the terminus and inter-change for a coach service to Grantville, Tooradin and Melbourne. George Usher, licensee of the hotel, initiated the Grantville coach service.

On 12 August 1864 the hotel was the meeting place where local citizens proposed that a market be established in Dandenong. In the early 1870s it was the town’s most substantial hotel. The hotel is a two-storey structure, built of bricks, which were made from a clay deposit at the rear of the property, and with a slate roof. The upper floor facade of the building is largely unaltered, except for the removal of the veranda and the conversion of French doors to windows in the early 1900s. Considerable changes were made to the ground floor in the 1930s.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong around 1989-1990.

Showing the shops of the time, the cenotaph was still outside the Town Hall, Do you remember which building was being constructed?

Photo supplied by Brad Farrell


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/

St Mary's Church, 1950's


St Mary's Church, 1950's, including old church building - Corner MrCrae Street and Foster Street.


For more images like this visit us at https://www.facebook.com/olddandenong/