Eltham’s growth from open space to thriving suburb captured in photos

ORCHARDS and open space once occupied the rolling hills of Eltham and while the suburb has grown over the past 50 years, historical remnants remain. Check out the photos.

ELTHAM was described as a blossoming township and featured in the 10 fastest growing
Victorian suburbs during the 1960s.

Rewind a few decades and just a handful of provincial homes stood on Main Rd, with women wearing bustles (worn at the back of a woman’s dress to provide fullness in their dress) and a horse and cart was the main mode of transport.

Main Rd, Eltham, and not a car (or horse) in sight. Picture: Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library.

It’s a lot different today. Picture: Mark Wilson

Now Eltham is considered the lungs of Melbourne, where modern suburbia meets bohemian artistry.

Diamond Valley Leader has delved into the Eltham District Historical Society’s archives to reflect on how the suburb has developed over time.

Orchards and open space occupied the rolling hills along the Diamond Creek, near Bridge St and Susan St, in 1900. Now the bustling precinct hosts a Bunnings hardware store, Nillumbik SES, Eltham Rugby Club and the Eltham Skate Park.

Burgoyne’s Store in Main Rd, Eltham. Picture: Eltham Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library.

How it looks today. Picture: Mark Wilson

Every day most people would travel past one of only two 20th century buildings still intact in Eltham — the Burgoyne Store. Located near Bridge St and built in 1920, it was once a post office and ice cream shop before it was earmarked for a redevelopment by its current owner.

The plan is to redevelop the land for two shops, extend the existing building and construct three two-bedroom dwellings on the first floor. It was knocked back by Nillumbik Council, but is being challenged in VCAT.

The Eltham trestle bridge, built in 1902. Picture: Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Regional Plenty Library

The train might be different, but the bridge is the same. Picture: Mark Wilson

While many icons have changed or aren’t operating anymore, the Eltham trestle bridge has lasted the test of time. Built in 1902, it’s the only predominantly ­timber railway bridge still in use as a vital part of Melbourne’s metro railway network. Trains that have travelled on the bridge range from B and T-class diesel electric locomotives to the current X’Trapolis 100.

The old Eltham Shire Offices at the corner of Main Rd and Arthur St in 1960.

There’s a bit more traffic today. Picture: Mark Wilson

Despite the train line remaining the same, the council offices and its boundaries haven’t. Eltham Council (1856 to 1994) built new offices at the corner of Main Rd and Arthur St in the 1930s after its Kangaroo Ground home burnt down. It boasted an adjoining hall that was used for community activities.

The changing faces of the Diamond Valley. Eltham in 1901 with today's features. Picture: Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library.

The Eltham rugby oval looks just as green these days. Picture: Mark Wilson

In the 1960s, the council moved out and the site was developed into Eltham Village Shopping Centre.

Eltham District Historical Society president Jim Connor said the group would continue to encourage conservation of significant places, spaces and documents for future generations.