Hawthorn Historical Society

Hawthorn Historical Society Hawthorn Historical Society welcomes the exploration of Hawthorn's history, people and places. Hawthorn is one of Melbourne’s oldest and most historic suburbs.

Hawthorn Historical Society was formed in 1974, and celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2014. The Hawthorn Village was planned in 1852 as one of the first settlements to the east of Melbourne. The Society is committed to exploring, preserving and saving our community's history and heritage. We welcome participation and contributions from everyone who has an interest in Hawthorn and its stories. We acknowledge the support of the City of Boroondara.

Unknown house in Hawthorn. I suspect it no longer exists. Annotation says " Bertie's house Hawthorn?"Any ideas?
24/08/2025

Unknown house in Hawthorn. I suspect it no longer exists.
Annotation says " Bertie's house Hawthorn?"
Any ideas?

One area in Hawthorn that has changed almost beyond recognition is the land use around Tooronga Road, at Gardiner's Cree...
19/08/2025

One area in Hawthorn that has changed almost beyond recognition is the land use around Tooronga Road, at Gardiner's Creek. This old photo of the new bridge constructed in 1915 shows the towers of the brick kilns in the background (Weekly Times, Feb 15th 1915). To the left out of sight would have been the original 1856 Tooronga homestead situated on the 76 Acres on the hill. It belonged to Edward Khull, a leading sharebroker and Government printer. This land eventually became the site of a Drive in Theatre and then a shopping centre.
Horse and cart were the primary means of transport in 1915 and patrons were not all that happy as shown in the letter to the Editor of the Age which appeared a few weeks later. (The Age 15th March, 1915)

Barker's Road Railway Estate. - blocks in this estate were offered at auction by C. J. & T. Ham on 18th June 1888. The p...
15/08/2025

Barker's Road Railway Estate. - blocks in this estate were offered at auction by C. J. & T. Ham on 18th June 1888. The plan shows the railway that once curved from Hawthorn Station to Kew through the Grace Park and Kinkora Estates. Crown allotments 35 and 36 were originally purchased by John McAley but by 1853 most belonged to Daniel Meaney and Thomas Johnson’s Rose Nursery near the creek and Glenferrie Road. Meaney’s Boroondara Family Hotel was built in 1855 and football was played on his paddocks behind. The estate was for sale by trustee Thomas Kelly in 1881 but delayed by the railway. This Kew railway closed in August 1959 and the Barker Station, built in 1887, was replaced by the Californian Motel in 1959. Years later it was remodelled for student accommodation, then remained in a sorry state for many years until it was demolished in 2013 awaiting re-development.

Pleasure boats which travelled from the city up the Yarra river stopping at one of several tea gardens where patrons cou...
15/08/2025

Pleasure boats which travelled from the city up the Yarra river stopping at one of several tea gardens where patrons could picnic, hire a row boat or have afternoon tea, were immensely popular in the early 1900s. This postcard shows the Hawthorn tea gardens near the Wallen Street Bridge. Today the site is occupied by Leonda by the Yarra.
Image HHS Collection, recent image by Jim Love. Clip: Reporter 16 October 1908

Catherine Neale asked: My father was an apprentice butcher in Hawthorn back in the late 40s early 50s. His apprenticeshi...
11/08/2025

Catherine Neale asked:
My father was an apprentice butcher in Hawthorn back in the late 40s early 50s. His apprenticeship was at the Sassellas butchery. I think it was in Glenferrie rd Hawthorn He talked about a Fruiterer close by that was owned and run by a Greek family. Does anyone remember this shop and the name of the family. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I believe it was the PAIZIS family See the 1954 Sands and McDougal Postal directory for the west side of Glenferrie Road.
Anyone have any memories of these businesses.

Val, Jim, Mark and Deborah in full swing!A great night at the BLACK SHEEP In Burwood Road on Thursday evening.It was ex...
09/08/2025

Val, Jim, Mark and Deborah in full swing!
A great night at the BLACK SHEEP In Burwood Road on Thursday evening.
It was exciting to see the place buzzing with members who welcomed the new comers and everyone enjoying a good chat and a glass of something special.

Many thanks to Luke and his team.

Where am I? How Well Do You Know Hawthorn?
06/08/2025

Where am I? How Well Do You Know Hawthorn?

Noel Grant - Hawthorn war hero!Stories of war service often tell us of tragedy and of the great loss and trauma. Alongsi...
02/08/2025

Noel Grant - Hawthorn war hero!
Stories of war service often tell us of tragedy and of the great loss and trauma. Alongside these stories however, are others that remind us of the huge service, dedication, great courage and sometimes high adventure of those who served. The story of Victorian woman, Alathea Noel Grant, is just one of these amazing, but little-known narratives.

An intelligence officer, parachuted into Paris during war time, awarded Chevalier de la Legion D’Honneur by the French Government; this truly was a story of a Hawthorn resident worth investigating. Read more at https://www.hawthornhistoricalsociety.com.au/noel-grant-hawthorn-war-hero/

WINE AND HISTORY AT THE BLACK SHEEP BARThursday 7th August 5.30 pm -7.00 pm546 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. Wine and history ...
30/07/2025

WINE AND HISTORY AT THE BLACK SHEEP BAR
Thursday 7th August 5.30 pm -7.00 pm
546 Burwood Road, Hawthorn.
Wine and history chat, what a wonderful combination!

We would love to see you at our very first wine and history evening to talk Hawthorn history, learn about your interests, hear more about what research you are doing or want to do, and tell you more about Hawthorn Historical Society.

DID YOU KNOW? Once, many years ago 546 Burwood Road was an undertakers!

"The Black Sheep Hawthorn, your local salt of the earth bar that stocks Victorian products exclusively."

Images Hawthorn Historical Society and The Black Sheep Bar.

Were you there?We would like your help.This photo we believe is of students of West Hawthorn Primary School engaged in ...
27/07/2025

Were you there?
We would like your help.
This photo we believe is of students of West Hawthorn Primary School engaged in tree planting in Honour Avenue. But we don't know any more. Were you there? Are you able to identify the year or any of the participants?

From our collection. Two Certificates of Appreciation - and acknowledgment of Service during WW2 by the City of Hawthorn...
23/07/2025

From our collection. Two Certificates of Appreciation - and acknowledgment of Service during WW2 by the City of Hawthorn. The first was given to Henry Thomas Wellington, for his War Time Service. Henry was a tyre re-treader, who lived with his wife Margaret, at 1 Wakefield Street, Hawthorn. The second was given to David W Lacey for his Patriotic services during the War 1939-1945. David lived with his wife Ruth (nee Jones ) for a time at 28 William Street, Hawthorn.
Do you have records of family members who served?

Many thanks to Peter, Rachel and Armin for their presentation last night of their new book The Road to Hawthorn. There w...
18/07/2025

Many thanks to Peter, Rachel and Armin for their presentation last night of their new book The Road to Hawthorn. There was great interest and enthusiasm from the audience and plenty of brown and gold worn proudly. It was also great to see three City of Boroondara councillors with us: Rob Ballieu, Michael Nolan and Wes Gault and his wife were able to join us for this event.

Address

Mailbox 8, Hawthorn Community Precinct, 584 Glenferrie Road
Melbourne, VIC
3122

Telephone

+61451830136

Website

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