The Dandenong Show is on this weekend, at Greaves Reserve, so it seems fitting to delve into a little history of the Show and its various locations over the years.
Photo from 1957, Credit to P.R.O.V.
The first Dandenong Show was on Thursday 7th March 1872, organized by the Dandenong and South Bourke Agricultural Association as they were called back then. It was held on the original site, bordered by Foster, Thomas, Walker and Mason Streets.
Original Showgrounds site - 1872-1906.
In 1888 an exhibition hall was added to the site, which gave the community a larger venue for gatherings, outside of the shows, as the Town Hall would not be built for another 2 years. The show would be held on this site until 1907, when a move to the Clow Street site, on a 10-year lease from the Council was achieved.
Rear view of the old Grandstand on the Clow Street site in 1924.
In 1912 a Grandstand, purchased from the Caulfield Racecourse, was erected on the Clow Street site of the Showgrounds. This would serve the community well for varying events on the grounds until 1944, when it mysteriously burnt down while the Army was camped on the site.
First Showgrounds, Walker Street side, Dandenong, Dated between 1904-1906.
In the early 1960s, development of Greaves Reserve, part of which had been donated by William Greaves, was in progress, with the first Dandenong Show being held at this location in 1967. The Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society, as they had changed their name to, celebrated 100 years in 1971, with a Grand National Centenary Show. This was the first 2-day show.
Photo from 1957, Credit to P.R.O.V.
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