Some Shepley Oval (Dandenong) History

The area after Dandenong Park, towards the end of Pultney Street, had been a reserve, with plans for future use for sports. Known commonly as the Cow Paddock, the first attempt at creating a cricket turf was by Joseph Dowell and William George Keys, in the late 1800's. Permission was granted to create a Cricket Turf in this area in 1881. 

This would be the local home for cricket games for some time to come. At some point a running track was also laid out in the area.  In the 1930s, need started to arise to redevelop the area and build a new turf.

It was through the work of Mr. Norman Taylor, Mr. Harry Shepley, and Mr. Archibald Wilson, that the area was transformed into the cricket area we know now, with 3 ovals, being officially opened on Thursday, 26th November 1931, for the purpose of cricket.

On a side note, nearby Wilson Oval was named after Archibald Bain Wilson, a councilor for Dandenong, between 1926-1933. He served as President of the Dandenong Shire for the 1930-1931 period. Shepley oval is named after Harry Shepley, a former secretary and president of the local cricket club.

Below we have included a couple of relevant newspaper articles.

The first attempt (first turf in Cow Paddock) at making a cricket area for Dandenong:

The Dandenong Journal, Wed 14 Jan 1953, Page 11.

PULTNEY ST. OVAL 

SIR, — During the Christmas holidays I delved into the history of the above oval to support my contention that it should be named the Dowell-Shepley Oval. Prior to 1881 it was a reserve, the plans showing a continuation of Pultney St. to the creek the same as McCrae and Langhorne Sts., The late Joseph Dowell and William George Keys applied for the site as a cricket ground and this was granted in 1881, the first trustees being J. Dowell, and W. G. Keys, together with the president of the council, which would be the late Obadiah Potter. 

On getting the grant a contract was let for £250 to put the oval in order; this sum was guaranteed by enthusiasts of the time. A lot of work was also done voluntarily, and a pavilion was erected. The ground reached its peak in 1895 when Stoddart’s English team arrived. It was a picture. Pipes were laid and the water pumped from the creek for watering the pitch, etc. A first-class running track was put down later. The late J. Dowell was curator for 30 years, and he did all the work free of cost. This is ample evidence why his name should be included. —Yours, etc., J. H. JESSON (Tooradin).

The second attempt (reforming the turf) at making a cricket area for Dandenong:

The Dandenong Journal, Thursday 3rd December, 1931.

New Turf Wicket.

OFFICIAL OPENING AT DANDENONG.

The official opening of the Dandenong Turf Wickets was celebrated on Thursday, 26th November, under delightful conditions. Their construction has been an outcome of a suggestion sponsored largely by Mr. Norman Taylor and Mr. Harry Shepley, who became supported by an energetic committee; and, as a result of their efforts, that reserve, which was known as the Cow Paddock, has, at considerable expense, been ploughed and graded over several acres. It has been re-surveyed, and turf wickets have been laid down on three sections, which have now become part of a delightful area, at the town’s southern extremity, and overlooking the spacious Hallam Valley eastward, and a stretch of the Dandenong Ranges to the north.

The ground on which they played was reminiscent of 1895, when Stoddart’s English team played and lost the game to Dandenong—whose victory spread throughout the colony in rapid time.

There came to support and encourage the Dandenong players, last Thursday, Mr. E. McCormick, the

inter-State bowler; J. Scaife and H. Darling, of the same team, and whose names are so familiar; Jack Ellis, the international wicket keeper; W. J. Rayson, the former inter-State slow bowler; S. King, a past inter-State and University player; A. Allsopp, the New South Wales inter-State man, who has come to reside in Melbourne, and is an extraordinary hitter. Mr. Kelly, chairman of the executive of the V.C.A.; and Mr. Donahoo, representative of the Melbourne Cricket Club, and they all enjoyed the outing.

People, and many of them from miles around, were present, and the afternoon was simply delightful in the glorious sunshine, which was tempered by a cooling wind. At times the sun shone with glowing effulgence, so everyone was happy, and there must have been 600 or 800 onlookers. Realising the wicket was not as yet perfect, all were overjoyed to hear the visitors speak so highly in its

praises, and they were delighted to feel that by the exercise of prudence and of care a playing area that is unequalled in the provinces may ultimately be provided.

The game was an enjoyable one which followed, and though the effort of our local batsmen, with few exceptions, had not been wholly encouraging, they as a team put up a score of 68, so that to them was creditable. They went in first to bat, and the following became the scores:

DANDENONG.

A. Fairbanks, b Darling .. .. .. 3

L. Garner, b Darling .. .. .. .. 1

W. Brodie, b Darling .. .. .. .. 0

S. Harmer, b Darling .. .. .. .. 0

J. McPherson, stp Ellis, b Rayson 18

L. Hanley, b Darling .. .. .. .. 5

J. Edwards, b Darling .. .. .. .. 3

L. Edwards, b Darling .. .. .. 0

S. Hendrie, run out .. .. .. .. 2

H. George, b Rayson .. .. .. .. 5

S. Pigdon, l.b.w., b Rayson .. .. 0

W. Tudden, b McCormack .. .. 12

R. Pink, run out .. .. .. .. .. .. 0

R. Stevens, stp Ellis, b Rayson 2

J. Melven, not out .. .. .. .. .. 4

Sundries .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13

Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68

Bowling; McCormick, 1 for 10;

Darling, 7 for 0; Allsopp, 0 for 18;

Rayson, 4 for 27.

VISITORS:

Darling, stp George, b L, Edwards 39

Scaife, c and b Harmer ... .. .. 1

Allsopp, c Stevens, b L. Edwards 43

Junor, l.b.w., b J. Edwards .. .. 1

Lechte, c Hendrie, b L. Edwards 8

McCormick, stp George, b Stevens 2

King, stp George, b Hendrie .. 55

Rayson, b McPherson .. .. .. .. 9

Taylor, not out .. .. .. .. .. .. 1

Sundries .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5

Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 164

Bowling: Harmer, 1 for 44; Fair-

banks, 0 for 29; L. Edwards, 3 for

28; J. Edwards, 1 for 14; R. Stevens,

1 for 19; S. Hendrie, 1 for 11; J.

McPherson, 1 for 14.

TEA ADJOURNMENT.

Among the several who were present by invitation was Mr. H. H. Cremean, M,L.A., who spoke at the luncheon adjournment, and in the spacious marquee, where a delightful afternoon tea was served by the ladies under the leadership of Mrs. S. Hendrie and Mrs. F. Brown. There Mr. Norman Taylor welcomed the visitors, and invited Cr. Wilson, on behalf of the Shire President, to officially open the wickets. He did so most graciously; and, since it was realised that it was due largely to his commendable foresight the ground was thus to be proclaimed an improved area, satisfaction was felt in the knowledge that henceforth a part will be known as Wilson Oval.

Mrs. Kelly, chairman of the V.C.A. executive, told of the work which had been performed by that body towards an encouragement of country cricket, and said that in 10 years over £9,000 had been spent by them in its development.

Mr. Donahoo, whilst speaking, said that he would be delighted to arrange a match for the local players, on the grounds of the M.C.C., at a later date, and all present joined in applauding him.

As captain of the University Seconds, Mr. Percy Taylor, brother of Mr. Norman Taylor, had been responsible for the visit of the several important men to Dandenong, and for that he has the warm thanks of all members of the Association. To the ladies for their excess of hospitality he expressed the gratitude of all, and assured them of the delight of every visitor.

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

Dandenong Memorial Hall, 10 Langhorne Street, 1930s.

Chris Simmins notes:

Dandenong Memorial Hall ...constructed 1921. Aerial and facade shots are defiantly same building same site. The Soldiers Memorial Hall is defiantly 10 Langhorn St. The initial fund raising for the design and construction of the RAS Hall commenced soon after end of WW1. Plans of building of wooden construction with masonry facade and curved gate entrance. Rooms to comprise meeting, kitchen, billiard etc. 

A trust deed was drawn up Jan 1945 provided that Hall would go to Dandenong Council. Hall underwent renovations early 1950's when it became shabby and the facade degraded and 'fell off'. Post WW2 the hall was used for voting, auctions, inoculations, boxing competitions. Was also used as meeting rooms for many local clubs and associations etc. It has undergone various tartups, makeovers and compliance rebuilds. Notes from Chris Simmins 1969 DTS history project.

O.D. Notes:

Below are two aerial views from 1961, showing the Memorial Hall, in relation to the Town Hall.

The red line is Walker Street.

The green line is Langhorne Street.

Pamela Czarnecki notes:

This is certainly opposite where maggs was, approximately 1954,5, we had school lessons there. I went to Dandenong east started in 1950 and the baby boomers came in just after from 1946, and classes were just too full. Most of years had over 40 pupils in each room. We then went to the n Methodists church hall opposite drs then got bused to harrisfield. But that was definitely the memorial hall in the first picture. Mc Ewans wasn't there then as I remember it was vacant land.

Judith Robertson notes:

When I was in grade 4 with Mr Jungworth as my teacher, I attended school in this building. It is definitely in Langhorne St. where the Elderly Citizens Club is now.

At the time I attended Dandenong North Primary School.

I hope this information helps!!

Judith ( nee Orr)

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

Corner of High Street and Sladen Street, Cranbourne, late 1930s

This site was diagonally opposite the current Police Station, on the north-west corner, opposite the old Shire Offices. Lawson Burdett Poole established his garage in 1919.

Photo credit to Cranbourne Shire Historical Society.

This was the first garage in Cranbourne, when it opened in 1919. Lawson is also credited with having the first car, a 1918 Buick, in Cranbourne. In 1932 he married Laura Mary Brunt, they had no children.

Lawson was a Life Governor of the Dandenong Hospital, where a ward was named after him, and also a Justice of the Peace. He was a longtime member of the Cranbourne Turf Club, and Chairman from 1959 to 1979.

This 1959 aerial view shows the garage on the corner of Sladen and Hight Street,

opposite the old Shire Offices. Also visible is the old Police Station and the racecourse

just within the top of the picture. 

Laura passed away in 1981, Lawson would continue for another 6 years before he died in 1987. The garage was demolished around 1983, possibly. You can find the family grave in the Cranbourne Cemetery.

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

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, 1937.

Tony Cosentino writes:

 The Tharle Brothers Butcher shop pictured here was located where Vanity Court Arcade now stands.

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

1937 Auction, Dandenong.

1937 Auction of land between Clow and McCrae streets. Where later the Woolworths would stand, presently a car park.

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

Police Station/Court House, Langhorne Street, Dandenong, 1930s.

The Dandenong Court House, picture here, was built in the late 1930s, and officially opened in August 1939. This was a big day for Dandenong, with the opening of a dedicated Court House for the region. The newly built Police Station helped to create the scene.

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 were constructed around this time.

An excerpt from The Dandenong Journal, Wed 16 Aug 1939, on page 6, reads as follows:

PAST HISTORY

“The history of the administration of justice in Dandenong dates back to a very early period—as far back as May 5th, 1856,” added Mr Bailey. On that date the then Governor had declared Dandenong a place at which a Court of Petty Sessions should be held, and in 1859, the first court house was established. In 1874, many requests were made for better court facilities, but despite persistent agitation, it was not till 1890 that the court was transferred to portion of the new Town Hall. There it had remained until 1935, when the shire gave them “notice to quit,” but mellowed it by promising to make a substantial contribution to a new building. That promise had been fulfilled, and although the building had cost the Government about £3,000, the local contribution had been £l400 —a very creditable one indeed. (Applause).

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

New Fire Station for Dandenong. (1930)

Among other contracts recently

lot by the Country Fire Brigades'

Board in furtherance of their build-

ing programme. Is that for the

Dandenong station, illustrated in

the accompanying perspective. It

was designed by Messrs F. L. and

K. Klingender, architects to the

Board. It is expected that the

building will be completed before

the end of the year.

This station, representative of the

larger type, provides a large engine

hall, portion of which may be shut

off by folding partitions to serve as

a brigade meeting room, and resi-

dential quarters for a married

keeper and his family.

The site is bounded by streets on

three sides, but, having a consider-

able fall to the main street, pre-

sented some difficulty in floor levels.

The engine hall floor is at pavement

level, necessitating a certain amount

of excavation at the rear. The

residential section, being indepen-

dent of pavement level, is placed at

a greater height, but the resulting

appearance is satisfactory, as the

two main roofs are at the same

level.

Exterior finish of the main front

is in cement, the remainder of the

walls being in red brick with wood-

work painted brown. A color blend

tile roof will complete an attractive

outside appearance. The residence

comprises a Livingroom, two bed-

rooms with built-in wardrobes,

bathroom, kitchen, and dining

alcove and laundry. The front of

the residence has been set well back

from the front of the engine hall,

giving ample garden space at the

front.

The Herald, Wed 20 Aug 1930, Page 13.

Vicki Ainsworth Smith writes:

The old wooden Fire Station that was replaced by the new one was later moved to Bangholme and became The Bangholme Soldiers Memorial Hall still there today the scene of many Dances over the years but not anymore. The move was arranged by Mrs. Sanderson a Bangholme resident with the help of a Bullock Team.

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

The Dandenong Journal - Thu 9 Jan 1930 - Page 4

NEW YEAR WELCOMED, QUIET RECEPTION AT DANDENONG.

Although Christmas Even in Dande-

nong was the occasion for busy scenes

and much jollity, New Year’s Eve for

some elusive reason was practically

the reverse.

Lonsdale street suffered ho conges-

tion, and horse play and vandalism

were non existant. The local police

report having a very quiet time, the

only incident to come under notice

being when several youths pushed a

buggy from its resting place into the

roadway. However, when cautioned,

it was wheeled back undamaged, and

order was again restored. Over in-

dulgence in “the glass that cheers”

was strangely absent also. Only one

citizen was taken to the police station,

and he was discharged later, minus

the customary fine.

White-washed figures representing

the New Year appeared on very few

fences and walls—another tribute to

the efficiency and surveillance of the

local force. Summed up, the opening

of the New Year was one of the

quietest on record—many residents

prefering to give parties in their own

homes, while many others visited

dance halls and other entertainments.

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

W James & Son, Douglas Street, Noble Park, 1930.

William James and Elizabeth Raymont were married in Sydney, in October of 1900, they spent some time living in rural Victoria, before moving to Noble Park around 1920. They were instrumental in the early days of the Methodist Church in Noble Park. Both immigrated from England at some earlier date.

Later, in the late 30s/early 40s, it would be run by their son, William Henry (Harry) James with Mr. Kerslake conducting the grocery section. William Henry (Harry) James was born about 1902, in rural Victoria, before moving to Noble Park with his parents.

Harry would marry Alma Seamer.

The building included two shops, one a traditional hardware store, and the other store selling household items for the kitchen, dining and furnishings. Established in 1920, W. James and Son later erected a brick building in 1928/29, which formed the basis of the James Building still standing today. 

In 1951, W. James & Son, sought permission from the local council, for erection of a service station at the corner of Douglas Street and Leonard Avenue, in Noble Park.

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

Town Hall, Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, 1933.

Cookery Demonstration and Exhibition in the Town Hall. The demonstration and exhibition was organised by the Colonial Gas Association, most of the demonstrations being done by local ladies. 

Dandenong Journal - Thu 8 Jun 1933 - Page 5: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201300579

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

The Argus - Sat 3 Mar 1934 - Page 21

DISASTROUS FIRE.

Four shops were destroyed, and several were damaged by smoke and water in a fire which occurred at the intersection of Lonsdale and Foster streets, Dandenong, early yesterday morning. The buildings destroyed were the property of the one owner.

It spread the whole length from Kingsbury’s bicycle shop and garage in Foster Street, followed by the shop of Miss Robertshaw, turning into Lonsdale Street was the ironmongery establishment of H. R. Edwards (1933) Pty. Ltd. where it was thought the fire started. Followed by Enticott’s garage.

The buildings were all joined and owned by Alexander Kingsbury, who built it with an arcade traversing from foster street through to Lonsdale Street, the shops in the back of the arcade we saved.

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

Peace Memorial Bridge, Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, early 1930s

Looking across the bridge over the Dandenong Creek towards the intersection of Foster Street in the early 1930's. the Peace Memorial Bridge was opened for traffic on the 24th August 1919. The bridge commemorates the declaration of peace in 1919 and is also dedicated to those who gave their lives to save 
civilisation.

The Treaty of Versailles was one of the peace treaties at the end of World War One. It ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers. It was signed on 28 June 1919, exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The other Central Powers on the German side of World War One were dealt with in separate treaties. Although the armistice signed on 11 November 1918, ended the actual fighting, it took six months of negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference to conclude the peace treaty.

Once described as ‘one of the best bridges in Victoria. With the park facing wall removed, the bridge still carries a portion of the Princes Highway over the Dandenong Creek on the railway side.
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. The integrity was undermined by repeated floods, rendering the bridge unsafe for use. Some of the stones were scattered along the creek to build it up after the erosion damage that had been caused by previous flooding.

When the Highway was duplicated, land taken from the Dandenong Park side of the Highway, as it continues from Foster Street, past the creek towards Webster Street, was used for the extra lanes. When duplicating the Dandenong Creek Bridge, the park facing wall of the Peace Memorial Bridge was removed, as the extra bridge/carriageway was added on the Park side creating the present bridge.

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

Dandenong Market, Clow Street, Dandenong, 1930

This view looking across Lonsdale street to the new Produce Market after it's move to the present site. Before the relocation the Produce Market was held on Lonsdale Street besides the old Stock Market.

Eventually the market grew too big and was extended onto the street itself, after many years of this a site was selected on Cleeland Street. The Stock Market would later be moved behind the train station on Cheltenham road until it was ultimately closed in favour of country Stock Markets.

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

Butter Factory, 25 Stud Road, Dandenong, 1930s.

Located between Herbert and King Streets, the old Butter Factory moved to this location by 1922. A new building was erected in 1932. The butter factory closed around 1977, after which it stood for many years before finally being demolished. 

Discussion about building a Butter factory first started in 1895 at a number of public and council meetings. The location/building chosen for the original factory was in Walker street, later the factory was move to an old structure, having been built in the 1870s, at the Stud Road location. (we couldn't find trace of it's original purpose.) The original Butter Factory ceased operations in 1907.

The new Butter factory opened in 1912 near the intersection of Pickett Street and Railway Parade, operating from this site for a number of years, by 1922 they were at the Stud Road site pictured.

--
We found the following in a copy of The Dandenong Journal for Sun 3 Jul 1932:
Industrial architecture of unusual design is applied to the new Dandenong butter factory (writes the “Herald.”) The new structure will occupy the site of the.old butter factory, which is one of Dandenong’s pioneer buildings, having been erected in the 1870’s. The area is 13,000 square feet, and the main factory covers about 3000 square feet. It is picturesquely situated behind the tree lined drive from Stud road. Yellow brickwork and struck jade green joints will provide a fresh color scheme.

The cream receiving room, testing room, can washing and drying rooms open off the main factory and are served with a side driveway for vehicles., The building is being floored throughout with steel-reinforced concrete covered with specially hard burnt tile paving graded to open concrete channels on either side. The walls are wainscotted inside with glazed tiles up to 7ft. high, and are continued to the ceiling height in yellow struck brickwork.

A mazanine floor is provided over a set of offices, print room and cool rooms. Cool room insulation is being carried out in a 4-inch cement surfaced cork-board for the doors, 2-inch cement reinforced corkboard for the walls and arctic packing over fibro cement sheeting for the ceilings. The coolrooms are separately insulated, allowing for either room to be used or the two at peak periods. The mezzanine floor is to accommodate butter boxes which are received from outside the building, through a front overhead doorway, and as required are lowered into the inside main factory, filled and conveyed with a minimum of handling to the cool rooms under the mezanine floor.

The main ceiling, which is surmounted by lantern louvres running longitudinally from the front to the rear of the buildings to provide permanent outlet ventilation, is finished with damp-proof, tinted cement sheeting. The roof is covered with a special composition to provide the maximum insulation of coolness in summer. Broad roof over-hangs are provided, externally, and the fenestration and general architectural treatment are suited in detail to the special functioning of a modern butter factory.

The architect for the work is Mr. I. G. Anderson; A.I.A.A. (Lond.), of 20 Queen street, Melbourne.

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

Baths/First Public Pool, Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, 1933

This photo is from the Official Opening Day of the Dandenong Baths, which were located next to the old Drill Hall in Dandenong Park, on Lonsdale Street. The former site of the Baths is now covered by a new Playground, A mound remains to the right of the Playground marking the site of the former Drill Hall.

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

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, 1937

A view looking up Lonsdale Street in 1937, looking towards where it intersects with Scott street, There were a few interesting shops in this section, one remembered more than others by locals who would frequent it for a tasty bite, or one of the lesser mentioned services, Can you name it?

--
Bellow is an excerpt from Reminiscences of the early days of Dandenong published in the Journal during the 1930s.

From about 1S58 coaches were the main link between Melbourne and
Dandenong, prior to the railway opening, coach was the method
cf travelling. There were many vehicles eventually on the road, in fact
each hotel ran a line at one time in the very early days. One connected with "Dunbar’s” Hotel, another with the “Bridge,” and so on. Dave
Bowden drove one coach, Thomas Dallimore another, and “Old George” drove for Cobb & Co.

There were coaches running from Dandenong to Cranbourne and the Bass; others to Berwick, and so on. These latter ran after the main road was made, as before that time horsemen carried the mail, the driving of a trap being an impossibility. Tom Murray, Tom McMahon, and other drivers, drove coaches, but they did not properly come within the range of the early-day drivers.

In 185S Messrs. Cobb & Co. built stables and offices at the corner of
the main and Pultney streets, and the large underground tank still remained in 1930 as a memento of the old coaching days. When Mr. Peter Evans bought the building, which he converted into a boot-making shop, it was often remarked upon why such a small establishment required such a large tank, but those who inquired were not aware that that large tank was not more than sufficiently large to water a big string of horses required for the coaches.

The coach from Dandenong to Bass ran three times weekly. Its original driver was George Wright ("Old George.”) He was followed by J. Moorehouse, after whom came W. Smiley, and the last driver of that line was Charlie Wilson. In 1S73 Cobb & Co’s coach left the Albion Hotel, Bourke street, for Dandenong, the fare each way being four shillings. Mrs. Dunbar ran a line cf coaches between Melbourne and Brandy Creek, and also between Melbourne and Tooradin, in 1876,


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

1934 Floods, Lonsdale Street from Foster Street, Dandenong.

Looking down Lonsdale Street from Foster Street towards Dandenong Park during the 1934 floods, It can be hard to imagine such a wide area of Dandenong being under water.

--
In Dandenong's early days, the creek was always a problem. It was just a shallow meandering stream that would always flood the southern part of the town. It is hard to believe that from this point all the way down to the Cranbourne turn-off could at times be up to five feet under water.

The original crossing point of the creek was a further 50 to 60 feet towards the town centre, about in-line where the (Former) Dandenong Bowling Club is located. The area south of Walker Street was once very swampy and it took a lot of effort and cost to rectify it. The amount of filling needed on both sides was enormous.

Crossing the creek back in the early 1840's was at first negotiated by foot passengers by means of piles driven well into the ground, topped with a single plank and guarded by a hand rail. A primitive type wooden bridge was soon constructed and only lasted to the end of the decade. A new wooden bridge was built of more grander proportions but this too was destroyed by flooding waters.

A new stone bridge with two single arches was constructed in 1866 and lasted until 1919, also undermined by floods. This bridge was located at today's present bridge site. By this time the Dandenong Creek south of Clow Street had been converted in parts into a more drain like appearance.

This allowed water to flow more freely and quickly through the southern part of the township but it didn't stop the disastrous floods back in December 1934. Today, the Dandenong Creek through this area has been straightened and channeled as an urban stream and flooding is a rare occurrence.

Above text quoted from a Past 2 Present post:
https://www.facebook.com/Past2Present1

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

Corner of Lonsdale, Foster and Pultney Streets, Dandenong, 1934 flood

The 1934 flood was one of the worst to hit Dandenong. Occurring long before the creek was channeled and straightened with concrete, the original Dandenong Creek alignmemt was the result of natural water flow. Frequently flooding into the open plains bellow and flowing slowly onto the Carum Swamps. 

During excessively heavy rains, the water would flow down a natural depression roughly following Lonsdale street, passing down Pultney Street, and through Dandenong Park, making the journey to the Creek below. Natural low points can still be found along the journey to the attentive seeker.

Note the modestly country Electricity Sub Station on the right. Placed at one of the lowest points, only a few hundred metres from the creek, someone forgot the necessity to use raised elevation. Leaves us curious how many lost power as a result of the 1934 floods.

Park Motors occupied this site for some time becoming a locally recognized name. Some time later this site became known as BP island, during this time a BP Service Station/Centre occupied the entire triangle bordered by Pultney, Foster and Lonsdale Streets. Presently the site is occupied by Doctors/Chemist and Cheesecake shop. Such a fine pair they make.

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

Dandenong West Primary (State) School, Early 1930's

To relieve the congestion at State School 1403, due to the rapid expansion of the town, it was decided to urge upon the Education Department the necessity for the erection of a new school in the western portion of the town. The movement was taken up by the local Improvement Association (President, Cr. E.C. Butler; Secretary, Mr. A.Branston), and as a result, in 1924 and 1925 an area of 3 acres 27 perches was purchased at a cost of £1105.

On this block in 1925, a very commodious and up-to-date brick building, consisting of eight classrooms, a teachers’ room and an office, was erected. The official opening, on August 26th 1925, was performed by the then Minister of Education, Sir Alexander Peacock, and the foundation stone was laid by the Hon. F.Groves, M.L.A.

The first head teacher was Mr. James. Hillard, who had been promoted from Head Teacher at Noble Park and who still held the position in the 1930s. At the opening of the school the attendance was 220. By the early 1930s the attendance rate was nearly 400, this was nearly double the students that the school had at the time of opening.

Near the end of 1954, Mr. Ron Macdonald was appointed Head Master. He came to a school which had 569 students in 12 classrooms, despite the transfer of 71 students in 1956, school numbers continued to rise. By 1957 there was 609 students, with classes being run in the local St Luke's Hall and within the corridors. Attendance continued to rise, with a peak of 771 in 1968 and a total of 23 classrooms.

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

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/