Avenue of Honour at Tooradin

The Tooradin Avenue of Honour, runs along the South Gippsland Highway. The original planting of 42 trees went from Evans Road to the bridge at Sawtell's Inlet. It was planted in 1919 and consists of Western Australian flowering gums. These trees were selected for the Memorial Committee by George Cooper (1), the curator of the Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne and purchased from Cheesman's Nursery (2) in Brighton. The Avenue was financed by donations from the community. The Avenue was later extended to Bayview Road. 

We can look at the early days of the Memorial through the reports in the 1919 Koo Wee Rup Sun, in the Tooradin Chatter column, provided by J.D.S. This was James Dudley Singleton, who was the licensee of the Tooradin Hotel from 1917 to 1920  and built the Stella Maris Guest House in 1925 (3)

 

April 1919

The first reference I could find was in April 30, 1919, where the Memorial Committee intended to plant 18 trees and that the Cranbourne Shire would fund the tree guards. 
Memorial Committee - During the week, under the chairmanship of Mr T.H. Fitzgerald, J.P. a tree-planting proposal, embracing also an honor board suggestion was successfully launched. About £8 was subscribed at the meeting. It is intended to plant 18 trees or so, protected by tree guards donated by the council, and to each guard will be affixed the name of a soldier. The proposed planting site will be the northern approach of the Tooradin bridge. This in a few years will greatly enhance the appearance of the township, serving at the same time to remind people of the heroic deeds and valor displayed by Australia’s sons abroad in the world’s greats war, out of which our Billjims emerged with imperishable glory. Subscriptions will be gladly received by the Secretary, Mr. D. Henderson, towards the movement, a list of which will be published later.  

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday  April 30, 1919 p.4)

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday  April 30, 1919 p.4)

Mr T.H. Fitzgerald, chairman of the Memorial Committee was Thomas Henry Fitzgerald, a grazier of Tooradin. The Secretary of the committee was David Metcalf Henderson; his parents had arrived in Tooradin in 1874 and David was practically on every committee that functioned in Tooradin for fifty years or more. (4)

June 1919

In June, as the idea of a Memorial Avenue gained momentum, the plan was to plant 30 trees and  J.D.S reported that as expected, the Cranbourne Shire refused to supply the tree guards -

Tree planting - The local committee met on Saturday evening to consider matters in connection with the proposed tree planting. About 30 trees will be planted, and an order for the necessary timbers has been given to build tree-guards, as the council withheld assistance, as expected, re supplying guards. Further funds are wanted to allow the work being organised properly, carried out in honor of our Aussie boys, and Mr Dave Henderson will be pleased to acknowledge any donations forthcoming. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday,  June 18, 1919 p.4)

Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday,  June 18, 1919 p.4

July 1919

In July 1919, the number of trees to be planted had increased to 38, and the Memorial Committee was again asking for donations.

Tree Planting - Messrs T.H. Fitzgerald, J.P., and Dave Henderson, chairman and secretary respectively, are pushing on with the tree planting proposals for Tooradin. In all about 38 trees will be planted, and several guards are already made up and in position on the north approach of the bridge. Sturdy W.A. flowering gums are the trees selected for the honor avenue. A good deal of expense will be entailed, and the committee would appreciate donations for the laudable work proposed from residents of the district who have not yet contributed. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday,  July 16, 1919 p.4)

Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday,  July 16, 1919 p.4

August 1919

By August 1919, the number of trees to be planted had increased to about 40 and nearly all the trees guards had been installed -

Honor Avenue - Practically all the tree guards are in position on the Melbourne approach to the Tooradin bridge. In all about 40 trees will be planted, forming a most sensible method to honor the lads who served abroad from this locality. With the flight of time the tender Western Australian flowering gums will each we hope develop into strong trees, and give to Tooradin an additional charm when their magnificent flowering period is reached. Preferably this is much better than solid granite monuments or obelisks some communities morbidly select to express their tribute of thanks and commemoration to the boys. A meeting of the committee in charge of arrangements have yet to select a date for the planting. However, we understand the ceremony will take place sometime early this month. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday, August 6, 1919 p.4)

Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday, August 6, 1919 p.4

August 1919
Later in August, J.D.S. called out all the laggards who had not yet donated to the Memorial Avenue. 
Soldiers’ Memorial - In all about 40 trees will be planted this week. Most of the tree guards are in position, undergoing preliminary dressing before being planted white. Mr Cooper, curator of the Alexandra Gardens, selected the Western Australian flowering gums for the committee from Cheeseman’s Nursery. Considerable expense has been incurred by the committee in their effort to achieve something worthy of the boys who left the district at the country’s call for their services, and it must be regretfully admitted contributions to the fund are not coming in as generously as expected. The list of contributors disclosed the names of many in the district who have given a deaf ear to the appeal to assistance. However, it is not yet too late for these laggards to come to light with their few shillings, and we hope this par will help them to come to an early decision to remit whatever amount they propose to give to either Mr T.H. Fitzgerald, J.P., chairman, or Mr Dave Henderson, the honorary secretary.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday August 13, 1919 p.4)

Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday August 13, 1919 p.4

August 1919
On Thursday, August 14 1919 fifty residents planted the 40 flowering gums.
Tree Planting - Thursday last about 50 residents gathered to take part in the ceremony of planting 40 trees, constituting the W.A. flowering gum avenue at Tooradin in connection with the soldiers’ memorial. Cr M’Gregor, President Cranbourne Shire, was in attendance, and after all the trees were well and truly planted read an inspiring address suitable to the occasion. Other speakers were Cr. S. Hill, Mr T.H. Fitzgerald, J.P., and Mr G. Egerton, sen., and Mr D. Henderson, hon. secretary to the movement. Afternoon tea was served at the termination of the ceremony. (Koo Wee Rup Sun,  Wednesday August 20, 1919 p.4)

Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday August 20, 1919 p.4

August 1919

The trees had been planted but there was still another call for funds -
Special Appeal - A circular is in circulation at Tooradin appealing for financial help for the soldiers’ memorial feature in the W.A. flowering gum avenue at Tooradin. Many in the district have abstained from giving a red cent, whether through sheer cussedness or purely as absent-minded beggars we cannot say. At any rate, the object of the appeal is sufficiently noble and good, and symbolises the grateful gratitude of the people for our soldier boys, and expresses ever so humbly in memorial form our tribute which is their due. Anyone wishing to add their mite should send donations to Mr Fitzgerald or Mr D. Henderson, Tooradin. An additional sum of about £15 or more is urgently needed to meet liabilities incurred and contemplated. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday August 27, 1919 p.4)

Koo Wee Rup Sun,  Wednesday August 27, 1919 p.4

October 1919
Another appeal from J.D.S. for funds and he also notes that 42 trees had been planted -
Honor Avenue - It is a regrettable thing to admit that the honor avenue put in hand at Tooradin some months ago, by the planting of 42 W.A. flowering gums, still hangs in the balance for lack of funds, tree guards being unpainted and sign plates not ordered. The whole cost is less than £1 per guard, but where, oh, where are those charitable souls whose burning ardor and oratory lead the world and our committee to believe castles could be built with their generosity. There are plenty still deaf to appeals for assistance who should shell out, and we hope some sympathetic microbe will bite them hard and impregnate them with benevolent and charitable impulses. 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun,  October 15, 1919 p.4)

Koo Wee Rup Sun,  October 15, 1919 p.4

October 1919
Another appeal to those who have not yet contributed a red cent to get a riggle on -
Tree Plantation - Our reference lately to the indifference shown locally to the soldiers’ memorial in the W.A. flowering gums plantation hasn’t yielded any additional assistance. The committee in charge are anxiously appealing for less than a score of pounds to finish the job, and it is up to those who have not yet contributed a red cent to get a riggle on. A further meeting will be held to consider some means of organising further finance. (Koo Wee Rup Sun,  Wednesday October 22, 1919 p.4)

Koo Wee Rup Sun,  Wednesday October 22, 1919 p.4

The previous articles all confirm that the original planting was of 42 trees, and as these 1919 reports were written by James Singleton who was there on the spot and had trees planted outside his Hotel in Tooradin, I consider him to be a credible source. As we will see later, modern sources note incorrectly that there were only 18 trees planted originally and that this was in 1918.

1922

At the end of June 1922, the Koo Wee Rup Sun had this report on the arrival of some more trees for the Avenue - 

Another small batch of floral gums for the Soldiers' Avenue has arrived. Most of the plantation is looking well. In future years it will be proudly sending forth its wealth of glorious colour in its flowering season, adding further charm to our bayside retreat. 

(Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday, June 29, 1922, p.1)

Koo Wee Rup Sun, Thursday June 29, 1922, p.1

It is hard to know how many trees were in this small batch; I would surmise less than ten. This would bring now bring  the number of trees planted to around 45 to 50.  

Aerial of Tooradin, dated c.1925-1940. You can clearly see the white painted tree guards along the South Gippsland Highway, signifying the Avenue of Honour. The Avenue ends at  the bridge over Sawtell's Inlet. 

The road on the left is Tooradin Station Road and the intersection of this road and the Highway is now occupied by Gendore Farm Machinery. 

The building on the left is St Peter's Catholic Church, which was opened in 1922 and has now been removed to St Peter's College in Cranbourne. The building on right near the bridge is the now demolished Tooradin Hotel. 

Photographer: Airspy. State Library of Victoria image https://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/20189

After this 1922 reference,  I could only pick up scattered references to the Avenue over the next decades.

1931

Who owned the Avenue of Honor? As we have seen the Cranbourne Shire Council did not provide funds for its establishment; however at some the Council was responsible for  it as in June 1931, the Tooradin Progress Association wrote to the Council asking for control of the Avenue, which was granted. (5)

1940

In December 1940, the Avenue may have been back in control of the Council, however the Koo Wee Rup Returned Soldiers organization took  a keen interest in the Avenue, as it was reported that the  Koo Wee Rup R.S.S.A.I.L.A. (Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia, now the R.S.L.) asked that council put in order the neglected Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue along the Highway at Tooradin. Dead trees needed replacing and name-plates re-erecting. (6)

1941

The next  year in July 1941, on Arbor Day, the students at Tooradin State School added 8 more flowering gums to the Avenue at Tooradin. The head teacher, Mr Francis Grove asked council to assist by erecting tree-guards.  At the same Council meeting, Cr Les Cochrane, who was a World War One veteran, outlined steps which Kooweerup Returned Soldiers were taking to raise funds to restore the nameplates on the trees. (7)

Two months later in September 1941 the Dandenong Journal reported that - 

Diggers Raised £18 For Restoring Tooradin Honor Avenue.  A cheque for £17/18/3 was received from the Kooweerup R.S.S.I.L.A., the amount raised through the Tooradin members of the branch to restore the Honor Avenue at Tooradin. Cr Cochrane said that as it was stated that Tooradin Riding wasn’t financial enough to replace name-plates and generally restore the avenue, the branch had held a dance to secure the money. The cheque was the result. Crs Lamperd and Longmuir moved that a letter of thanks be sent to the branch and that the engineer be in structed to proceed with the work. (8)

1942

The Council advertised for tenders for this job and a tender was accepted in November 1941 (9) and in June 1942 the Kooweerup R.S.S.I.L.A. - Satisfaction was expressed at the excellent job that the shire engineer had made of the restoration of the Tooradin Honor Avenue. (10)

1943

A report in September 1943 in the Dandenong Journal presents a different picture i.e. there was less than satisfaction regarding the Avenue - 

Honor Avenue at Tooradin - Referring  to press reminders that council should replace dead trees in the Honor Avenue at Tooradin, Cr. R. Longmuir said that the avenue had been put there by the soldiers and the people and there had never at any time been any request to council to maintain or take it over. Mr. J. D. Singleton had approached him and had informed him that there were 14 dead trees in the avenue and some on the main road. He moved and Cr. Lloyd seconded, that Mr. Singleton be asked to send in a request for council to take over the avenue and maintain it. ‘We are willing to do it,” the mover said, “but if we did it without authority we would be over-riding somebody.” (11)

A month later, October, 1943, Mr. J. D. Singleton, J.P., advised that the Tooradin Foreshore Trust had no objection to the council taking over the control and maintenance of the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue, and that consultation with Mr. C. S. McLeod, secretary of the Kooweerup RSL., revealed that he held the same view. (12)

1945
In August 1945, there were complaints that the Avenue was again being neglected -
Tooradin Soldiers' Welfare Committee drew attention to the neglected state of the Tooradin Honor Avenue, and also reminded council that a lot of local servicemen had not yet received certificates from the shire.- The engineer explained that the trees were planted by local residents. Some had died, and replacements had already been ordered.

In reply to Cr. Greaves it was stated that some trees had been planted in the avenue for soldiers of the present war. At the instance of Cr. Longmuir, a reply is to be sent that it is the usual practice for residents to supply the trees and guards, council then undertaking to maintain and look after them; also, pointing out that replacements have already been ordered. If a list of names is sent in, certificates for district servicemen will be supplied. (13)

1948
It appears nothing was done in 1945, as three years later in July 1948,  the Koo Wee Rup R.S.L. raised the issue with the Cranbourne Council again - 

Memorial Avenue at Tooradin - Koo Wee Rup R.S.L. requested council to re-plant misses and clean up Soldiers’ Av., at Tooradin.- Engineer to give necessary attention. (14)

1949

It appears nothing was done to improve the Avenue in 1948, as in February 1949 the Koo Wee Rup R.S.L. again wrote to the Council to drew  attention to the state of disrepair in which the Tooradin Honor Avenue had fallen and asked that it be given some attention. The Council advised that missing trees will be replaced at the proper time, and that in the meantime the engineer will put the other work in hand. (15)

Nothing had been done by the August so the R.S.L offered to supply the labour (16) and in the September it was reported that the Avenue has been cleared and it is expected that the trees will be available for re-planting. (17)

1954
It was another five years  before I could find more articles on the Avenue of Honour

In January 1954 the Dandenong Journal reported that Tooradin Progress Association sought an extension of the Avenue -

The trees in Tooradin’s Avenue of Honor are often admired by visitors and passing motorists. The Association will ask Council to approach the proper authorities to have the avenue extended right through the town. Officials are quite sure residents will give them some assistance in planting the trees. (18)

In March the Shire Engineer at a Council meeting was reported as saying - 

The work  of tidying up and re-planting the Tooradin Honor Avenue and the plantation east of the inlet is not extensive, stated the engineer. “All the name plates of the Honor Avenue require re-painting or renewing, and this would be costly,” he added. “I do not know if this is the council’s responsibility. Many of the boards are unreadable and I have been unable to obtain a complete list of names." Council deferred a decision until Riding councillors discussed the matter with the Progress Association that evening. (19)

In May 1954, the Koo Wee Rup R.S.L notified the Council that -

Owing to the difficulty of tracing the names of the individual soldiers for the replacements of plaques on the Tooradin Honor Avenue, the Kooweerup R.S.L. suggested that a concrete pillar or post with suitable inscription be put up instead. (20)

The idea was that a plaque would be attached to a pillar but at  the June Council meeting Cr. Mills said he had spoken to one of the trustees and surprised at the estimated cost of a plaque, he had asked that the matter be held in abeyance while it was further considered. (21) In August - the R.S.L. submitted quotes for the plaques and advised it was prepared to sponsor an appeal for funds towards their cost. The Council was agreeable to this and were prepared to cooperate and assist. (22)

In November, the Council approved a  motion to  apply to the Country Roads Board for permission to have the plaques and their pillars erected. (23)

1955
At the February 1955 Council meeting a letter was tabled from the Country Roads Board, advising that the board offers no objections to the proposal to erect memorial plaques on highway at Tooradin. (24)

This news was reported on at the March meeting of the Koo Wee Rup R.S.L. -

The Shire of Cranbourne advised that the Country Roads Board had approved the erection of two plaques at the Memorial Avenue, Tooradin, and when the sub-branch is in a position to proceed with the erection of the plaques to contact the shire engineer. - President reported that the plaques would cost approximately £50 and it was decided to defer the matter until the May meeting. (25)

At the May R.S.L. meeting  Further arrangements were made in connection with the erection of a memorial plaque at the Avenue of Honor, Tooradin. (26)

The plaques may be been installed but I can find no report of this in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in 1955, and there is nothing on Trove in local papers after 1955; and the 1956 and 1957 issues of the Koo Wee Rup Sun are missing from the collection at the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society, so I cannot provide a definitive answer.

To summarise - by 1955, if all these reports were correct, there were 42 trees planted in 1919, a small batch in 1922 and then the eight others in 1941, which makes it around 55 to 60 trees.  There was also the proposal to extend the Avenue in 1954, and by then it was so difficult to trace the names of the men honoured by the 1919 trees the attempt was abandoned.

We now jump to 1972 for the next report I can find on the Tooradin Avenue.

1972
The Koo Wee Rup Sun published this article on July 26, 1972 - 

Help rallies to save this tree. 

Efforts are being made to save these majestic flowering gums in the Tooradin Township. Berwick Shire’s Cr Marshall  Baillieu wrote to this month’s Cranbourne Shire Council meeting asking council to consider rockeries or similar treatment adjacent to the flowering gum trees outside the Tooradin Hotel.

He felt that parking on the trees root system was helping to kill the trees. Council decided that an inspection of the trees would be made by Cr Ted. Callinan and the shire engineer prepare a report on the trees. 

This week, after an inspection, Cr Callinan said the trees appeared to be suffering from some kind of disease. While the dead trees will be replanted, the council has not been able to find out if the other trees can be saved. The trees are believed to be at least 20 years old and have become part of Tooradin. (27) 

The photo and original caption which accompanied the article - 

One of the dying flowering gum trees, with Cr Callinan outside the Tooradin Hotel.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 26, 1972, p.3

Did the Cranbourne Shire do anything? I cannot say, but based on their lack of action and support since  the trees were planted in 1919, unlikely. In fact, if the Koo Wee Rup R.S.L. had not taken an interest in the Avenue from the 1940s, it may not  have survived. About 20 years ago (around 2005), I remember the late Rosemary Mynard (1939-2021) local historian, Cranbourne Shire Historical Society  member and the curator of the Fishermans Cottage Museum at Tooradin complaining to the City of Casey about cars parking amongst the trees and thus causing damage to the roots, so it was still an issue 30 years after Marshall Baillieu raised the matter with the Cranbourne Council.

2001

In 2001, the City of  Casey published Our Living Memorials: Avenues of  Honour in the City of Casey. This is the Tooradin entry - 

Tooradin Avenue - 60 trees - With the original planting consisting of only 18 trees in the centre. From this planting, the Avenue has extended north and south with 42 young Red Flowering Gum trees. The plantings were most likely arranged by friends groups and Council over the years. The plantings continue into the Tooradin shopping precinct, however this is probably as part of the development of the area, not as a continuation of the Avenue. The trees are mostly in acceptable condition, needing minor tree surgery to remove dead wood and damaged limbs. (28)

I don't agree, as you know, that there were only 18 planted originally, however if there are sixty now, at some time up to five more trees were planted after the 1919, 1922 and  1941 plantings. The Avenue now commences at Bayview Road, thus the newer trees were actually planted north of the original plantings as it still finishes at the bridge over Sawtell's Inlet. The City of Casey's own signage is placed just north of the bridge and at Bayview Road; I feel this signage was installed around the time Our Living Memorials book was published. 

Photographer: Greg Gordon

2001
The book Tooradin: 125 years of Coastal History was also published in 2001. It has this to say about the Avenue.
In July 1918, residents agreed that Tooradin's memorial to her fallen and returned soldiers should take the form of an Avenue of Australian  Flowering Gums. These were planted along the main road from near the Church of England to the Bridge and on the east side to the "Stella Maris" guest house, and in Station Road to the School. Each tree had a wooden plate with a soldier's name. Mr W. Rooke did the work of setting up the first 18 trees.  More trees were planted in 1922......We say of our fallen that "Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn" but the years condemned the Avenue of Honour. Road widening removed many trees and wooden name-boards have long rotted away. (29)

Again, I dispute the 1918 date, the number in the original planting and the fact that the Avenue extended south of Sawtell's Inlet to Stella Maris. Mr Rooke is Charles William Rooke, listed, with his wife Rose, in the 1917 and 1918  Electoral Rolls as a farmer at Tooradin; previously to this he was a market gardener at Springvale.  He is also listed in the 1917/1918 Cranbourne Shire Rate books as owning 198 acres of land at Tooradin; this land was sold to Samuel Hill sometime in the 1918/1919 Rate book year. However, there is also an advertisement for a clearing sale for Mr Rooke for his 198 acre farm and choice dairy herd on the Main Road, Tooradin to take place on April 18, 1917; it is possible the farm did not sell at this time. From 1919 I cannot trace Charles, but his wife Rose is listed at Tooradin in the 1921 and 1924 Electoral Rolls. (30)

The Tooradin Avenue of Honour of flowering gums was predominantly planted in 1919, initially with 42 trees; a small number of trees were added in 1922 and eight more in 1941, plus others at at unknown date, but most likely the 1950s.  Flowering gums were an unusual choice at the time, but they are now a wonderful memorial to the men from Tooradin who served their country in World War One and Two. 

Trove list - I have created a list of articles on Trove, related to the Avenue of Honour at Tooradin, access it here. 

Footnotes

(1) George Cooper, his son, also called George was also the Curator of the Alexandra Gardens and worked with Carlo Catani - I have written about both George's here - https://carlocatani.blogspot.com/2019/03/gw-cooper-alexandra-gardens-curator-and.html

(2) Cheesman's Nursery - In 1880 Richard Cheeseman, a nurseryman, purchased two acres of land (0.85 hectares) at the corner of Mill Street (now Hawthorn Road) and Union Street in East Brighton.  He continued to buy and lease land around his original allotment; by 1916 he owned 14 acres (5.75 hectares).   Cheeseman, who arrived in Victoria in 1867 aged 12 was described as being ‘of strong and genial personality, always capable and modern.’  He was both a prominent local citizen and also very involved in the Victorian horticultural industry.  He worked in many nurseries and gardens including Government House, Toorak.  His nursery in East Brighton was one of five that dominated the industry in Victoria in the late 19th and early 20th century, and offered an extensive selection of plants including over 500 varieties of roses.   Cheeseman served as a juror at the International Exhibition 1880-81; was a pioneer member of the Nurserymen and Seedmen’s Association; Trustee and President of the Victorian Horticultural Improvement Society; President of the Brighton Horticultural Society; and President of the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria.  Locally, he was a councillor and Mayor of Brighton; President of the Brighton Bowling Club; and an influential member of the Brighton Yacht Club and North Brighton Men’s Club.  Cheeseman died in 1916; his nursery was continued by his family until c.1980, when the remaining land was sold and is now occupied by units. Source - City of  Bayside Heritage Review (Revision 2) December 2006 Building Citations- https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-09/City%20of%20Bayside%20Heritage%20Review%20%28Revision%202%29%2C%202006.pdf

(3) James Dudley Singleton, J.P.  - died September 16, 1951 at his home  in Tooradin, see death notice in The Herald, here; short biography also appears in Tooradin: 125 years of Coastal History (see citation footnote 29)

(4) David Henderson - information about him and his father and other family members in ooradin: 125 years of Coastal History (see citation footnote 29)

(5) Dandenong Journal, June 11, 1931, see here.

(6) Dandenong Journal, December 11, 1940, see here.

(7) Dandenong Journal, July 9, 1941, see here.

(8) Dandenong Journal, September 10, 1941, see here.

(9) Dandenong Journal, November 19, 1941, see here.

(10) Dandenong Journal, June 17, 1942, see here.

(11) Dandenong Journal, September 8, 1943, see here.

(12) Dandenong Journal, October 6, 1943, see here.

(13) Dandenong Journal, August 15, 1945, see here.

(14) Dandenong Journal, July 7, 1948, see here.

(15) Dandenong Journal, February 9, 1949, see here.

(16) Dandenong Journal, August 10, 1949, see here.

(17) Dandenong Journal, September 7, 1949, see here.

(18) Dandenong Journal, January 20, 1954, see here.

(19) Dandenong Journal, March 24, 1954, see here.

(20) Dandenong Journal, May 12, 1954, see here.

(21) Dandenong Journal, June 9, 1954, see here.

(22) Dandenong Journal, August 18, 1954, see here.

(23) Dandenong Journal, November 10, 1954, see here.

(24) Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday, February 9, 1955, p.1.

(25) Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday, March 16, 1955, p.2.

(26) Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday, May 11, 1955, p.2.

(27) Koo Wee Rup Sun, Wednesday, July 26, 1972, p.3.

(28) Our Living Memorials: Avenues of  Honour in the City of Casey (City of Casey, 2001) - view and down-load a copy here (it's free)  https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/avenues-of-honour

(29)   Wells, John &‘Tooradin celebrate together’ committee Tooradin : 125 years of coastal history, Blind Bight, Cannon’s Creek, Sherwood, Tooradin North, Warneet : 1875-2000 State School No.1503 (‘Tooradin celebrates together 125 years of Education’ committee, 2000), p.45.

(30) Charles William Rooke - Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Shire of Cranbourne Rate Books; Clearing sale - Dandenong Advertiser - April 12, 1917, see here.

Cova Cottage, Tooradin

Cova Cottage, a cafe and store, was opened in 1947 or 1948 by Florence and Bill Williams. It was located on the  South Gippsland Highway, on the corner of Mickle Street, in Tooradin. (1)

     Cova Cottage. Photographer: Neil Smith

        Image: Cranbourne Shire Historical Society collection, donated by Roderick Smith

Florence especially had a long connection to Tooradin. Florence Victoria McCarthy was born in Zeehan in Tasmania on December 30, 1900 to Francis George McCarthy and Annie (nee Ellis), who had married in 1881. There were ten children in all and Florence was the second youngest. Two older brothers Francis Claude (known as Claude), born in 1882 and Leon Charles, born in 1887 were also connected to Tooradin.   At some time the family moved to Victoria. In the 1913 Electoral Roll, Francis, a blacksmith; Annie and Claude, a carpenter were listed at Dandenong. In the 1917 Electoral Rolls son Leon, also a carpenter, was also living at Dandeong. In April 1915, Annie passed away at the age of 56 and around 1918 Francis and presumably Florence were living at Tooradin;  Claude later also moved to the town. (2)

In 1922, Claude and Leon built St Peter's Catholic Church in Tooradin, which was opened on December 3, 1922 by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Mannix. The Church was designed by ecclesiastical architect, Augustus Andrew Fritsch.  St Peter's at Tooradin later closed and the building was moved to St Peter's College in Cranbourne in 2003 where it is used as a Chapel. (3)  Claude lived in Tooradin until his death in May 1943 and during this time built, amongst other buildings, the Stella Maris Guesthouse in 1924 for James Dudley Singleton. (4) 

Florence's father died in August 1944 and this is part of his obituary from the Dandenong Journal -
Passing of Old Tooradin Identity - The Passing of "Daddy" F.C. McCarthy of Tooradin, last Wednesday, at Caritas Christi Hospice, Kew, removes a highly esteemed, and popular identity of the angling fraternity at Tooradin. For the past quarter-of-a-century the late Mr. McCarthy keenly pursued his sport, angling for the elusive bream at Tooradin. Prior to coming to Victoria, he was a mining ’smith at Zeehan (Tas.). Of his five sons and five daughters, two sons, Claude, and Leon, predeceased him within the year. His-wife passed away in 1915. (5)

When she was 22, Florence married 25 year old William Anthony Williams on December 1, 1923. They were married at the Church built by her brothers, St Peter's at Tooradin. The Advocate reported on the wedding -
The first marriage in the new church of St. Peter's has just been solemnised, when Miss Florence McCarthy, of Tooradin, has joined in holy matrimony with Mr. W. Williams, of Murtoa. Rev. L. McCarthy, M S.C., cousin of the bride, came over from Sydney, N.S.W., to perform the ceremony. (6)

Florence McCarthy marries Bill Williams, December 1, 1923.

Image: Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history, p. 35. (see footnote 4 for full citation)

William was the son of  Robert John Williams and Rose Mallon and was born in Melbourne in 1898. At the time of his marriage he was a railway employee and his address was Murtoa. Florence's address was Tooardin and her occupation was a shop assistant.  It would be interesting to know how they met. They had only one child, nineteen years after their marriage, and their daughter Mary, sadly only survived one day, and passed away on September 30, 1942. (7)

At some time it seems William, known as Bill, left the Railways as in 1928 they were living in Tooradin and his occupation was a carrier. In the 1931 Electoral Rolls Bill and Florence were living in Kinkora Road, Hawthorn and his occupation was a Grocer, the same as it was in 1939 and 1946 when they were living in Whitehorse Road, Box Hill. (8)

It was in 1939 that they purchased the land where the Cova Cottage was built, or to be correct it was Florence who purchased the land. In spite of the fact that the Electoral Rolls have her occupation as 'home duties' she was actually a pastry cook and the Cranbourne Shire Rate Books list her address as the Bright Way Delicatessen, Whitehorse Road, Box Hill. Due to the building material shortage and a man power supply during World War Two, the Williams were not able to build Cova Cottage until the War ended, and thus they seemed to have remained living in Box Hill until 1947. (9)

Cova Cottage soon proved popular with the locals and the tourists. The first mention I can find of it in the newspapers was this report from the Dandenong Journal in May 1948. The Guest House the snippet, below, refers to is the Stella Maris Guesthouse, built by Florence's brother Claude. 

Cova Cottage well patronised.

Dandenong Journal, May 5 1948 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214581237 

Two years later, in October 1950,  the Dandenong Journal could report the good news  that Cova Cottage was doubling in size and modernising  to handle the public. 

Cova Cottage extensions

Dandenong Journal, October 18, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219304588 

In May 1959, Florence applied to the Cranbourne Shire Council to have the footpath in front of Cova Cottage constructed and a bicycle rack erected.

Bicycle rack to be erected outside Cova Cottage
Koo Wee Rup Sun, May 13 1959 p. 6.

In August 1950, Bill (incorrectly called Jimmy in the Dandenong Journal article below) rescued seven-year old Robert Gibson, from drowning in Tooradin.

Bill Williams rescues a child

Dandenong Journal, August 30, 1950 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219303547

Child Rescued From Tooradin Spillway - When Robert Gibson, a little 7-year-old visitor to Tooradin, fell into the Spillway at high tide on Monday afternoon, Mr. Jimmy Williams, proprietor of “Cova Cottage” Cafe, dived in fully clothed and rescued the little fellow just in time.

Bobby, who comes from Bentleigh, wandered over to the spillway while his parents were having afternoon tea. A little girl who was with him rushed back to the cafe with the news that he had fallen in. Mr. Williams immediately rushed across from his cafe and dived in just as the little lad was being sucked into the rushing current. He brought him back to the shore, where a rope was thrown to him. Mrs. Arnold Osborne applied artificial respiration, and the lad, rolled up in blankets, was hurried to the D. & D. Hospital. He came through his ordeal with nothing worse than bad shock.

This is Mr. Williams’ second rescue at this spot, as he previously pulled a dazed truck-driver from the water when his truck went over the cause way into the water. (10)

Other facts about Cova Cottage - they were the first applicants to have the telephone connected in Tooradin, this was in July 1948;  and they also supplied catering for functions and hosted events such as Shower Teas. (11). I am not sure how long the Williams operated  Cova Cottage. The 1963 and the 1972 Electoral Rolls list Florence and Bill at 'Main Highway' Tooradin, with his occupation as Grocer and hers as home duties.

Bill died on June 30, 1975 and his obituary from the Koo Wee Rup Sun, records his extensive community involvement (however makes no mention of his wife, Florence) -
Tooradin lost a loyal and valuable citizen in Bill Williams - With the death of Bill Williams on 30 June, Tooradin lost a loyal and valuable citizen. The Guard of Honour by the Fire Brigade, was a fitting tribute. For his services and work in this aspect of community service, he was awarded the Queen’s medal, which came to hand after his death. In this sphere, Bill had served the community for over 20 years and was largely responsible for the present buildings, fire engine and equipment, and more recently the billiard table and other recreational facilities for the youth of the village, in whom he was extremely interested.

The large crowd at the church and funeral, was probably one of the most representative gatherings seen in Tooradin – this too was fitting, for it wasn’t only to the Fire Brigade that Bill had given constant and tenacious service. He had worked for many causes – if help was needed, his was available, and, if he believed in the cause the opposition was secondary. A trustee of Rutter Park Memorial Park Land, member of the Foreshore Committee, the hall trust and the representative of the St Vincent de Paul Society in this area.

He had taught swimming in the village and had been commended for saving the life of one child in the dangerous floodgates, and with the help of a friend, had walked the District from end to end and started the football club in Tooradin when he recognised such need.

He had been a prominent member of the Tooradin Men’s Club, which had its meeting at the ‘Palais de Danse’ attached to the Tooradin Hotel in days gone past. Bill could talk at length, and did, on all aspects of the growth of Tooradin, as he had records and experiences of worth, which he was happy to share.

He had been, for 50 years, part of the village in so many aspects – Cova Cottage, which he had built during the war years, when he saw the needs of a tea house. Materials were scarce and the obtaining of these was a big problem (if one felt strongly about the illegalities of the ‘black market’ as he did) – for he was a man of strong principles and honour. Before he had a small general store where Peddle’s Milk Bar now operates.

As a Justice of the Peace, he had helped and counselled many; particularly the young, and, whilst aggressive in defence of what he believed in, his patience, kindness and generosity (which he hid under a self conscious shyness) was without bounds and his gratitude of a kindness or a courtesy was overwhelming and sincere

His coffin bearers were fellow Knights of the Southern Cross, a distinguished order of Catholic laymen, to which Bill had the honour to belong. Five priests, including past Parish Priests, came very long distances to have the privilege of paying their tributes at a con-celebrated Mass. It was fitting that he should have been buried from the Church, where his had been the first marriage over 52 years ago – a church he had personally cared for over so many years. (12)

I have limited information on Florence's activities after her husband's death, but she died 25 years after him on April 1, 2001, aged 100 years old. At the time of her death she was living at the Nursing Home in Koo Wee Rup.  Florence and Bill are buried at the Box Hill Cemetery with their little daughter, Mary. Also in the grave is 23 year old William Blakeley who died in May 1942; he was the nephew of Bill, the son of his sister Rose. (13)

I also have limited information on Cova Cottage after the Williams. In 1977 it was owned by Sue Dow and her daughter Ann. They were featured in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in the November, and had been in the shop for nine months. (14)

Sue Dow and daughter Ann, at Cova Cottage.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 16, 1977, p. 15

Now here is a mystery - this was the photograph of Cova Cottage in the Koo Wee Rup Sun in November 1977. It is quite different from the original Cova Cottage erected in the 1940s.

Cova Cottage advertisement

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 16, 1977, p. 13

However, this photograph below was taken in 1982 and is part of the National Archives of Australia collection. I presume the building shown in the advertisement, above, was a new building erected next to the original Cova Cottage. The original Cova Cottage had now been demolished and new shops erected. 

Cova Cottage, 1982

National Archives of Australia image B583, 3/1982

If you have any information about Cova Cottage, especially after the Florence and Bill left,  please let me know in the comments.

Footnotes
(1) It's hard to tell when it was built, but the 1946/1947 Shire of Cranborne Rate books, still have the Williams' address as Box Hill; the 1947/1948 Rate Books have their address as Tooradin and that they have a 4-roomed weatherboard residence.  The 1948/1948 Rate Books list a 4-roomed weatherboard residence and cafe.
(2) Family information from Tasmanian Archives and the Tasmanian Names List - https://libraries.tas.gov.au/slat/#search Electoral Rolls are on Ancestry.com and Francis McCarthy's death notice, see below.

The Argus, August 24, 1944 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11357914

(3) The Advocate, December 7, 1922, see here. Augustus Andrew Fritsch obituary - The Sun New-Pictorial, June  10, 1933, see here.
(4) Claude McCarthy obituary - Dandenong Journal, May 19, 1943, see here; Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history - Blind Bight, Cannon's Creek, Sherwood, Tooradin North, Warneet 1875-2000 State school No. 1503 compiled by John Wells and the 'Tooradin Celebrates Together 125 Years of Education Committee' (The Committee, 2001)  p. 95.

(5) Dandenong Journal, August 30, 1944, see here.
(6) Marriage Certificate; The Advocate, January 17, 1924, see here.
(7) Marriage Certificate. Index to Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; head stone at Box Hill Cemetery

Williams Family Grave at Box Hills Cemetery.

Image: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/123946746/florence-victoria-williams

(8) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(9) Shire of Cranbourne Rate Books; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Bill's obituary in the Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 16, 1975, p. 7.
(10) Dandenong Journal, August 30, 1950, see here. 

(11) Dandenong Journal, July  21, 1948, see here, Dandenong Journal, June 8, 1949, see here; Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 9, 1960, p. 5

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 9, 1960, p. 5

(12) Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 16, 1975, p. 7
(13) See Footnote 7; Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history  op.cit p. 35.
(14) Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 16, 1977, p. 15

Tooradin Mechanics' Institute and Free Library

The Tooradin Mechanics' Institute was opened on Boxing Day in 1882. Local Historian, David Mickle (1), recorded the establishment of the building -
Tooradin had been in need of a meeting place for some time. It was on the 21st June, 1882 that a public meeting was held to form a committee and raise funds. Mr J.F. Rutter had offered a good site for the hall free of charge. Mr Jobson chaired the meeting and the following Trustees were appointed: J. F. Rutter, A. Dunlop, M. Evans, C. Moody, with J. Sill (Secretary) (2).  A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Rutter for his gift. The site is on part of William Lyall's Lot 9, Parish of Sherwood. (3) Mr Sill's request to the Council for a donation was refused, but undaunted, the committee had their Mechanics' Institute Hall and Free Library erected and ready for the Grand Opening on Boxing Day 1882. (4)

John Francis Rutter (1842-1906) was a local land owner, he had married Elizabeth Hemphill in 1877 and they had three sons Joseph Edward, John Hemphill and Hubert. The donation of land for the Mechanics' Institute, was not the only gift the Rutter family gave to the Tooradin township, In 1928, it was reported that Messrs. Rutter, of Tooradin, recently presented the Committee of the Tooradin Mechanics’ Institute with some blocks of land adjoining the hall. Later, the estate of John Hemphill  Rutter (who died 1944) donated land to the people of Tooradin for a park, known as the Rutter Memorial Park. (5)

Tenders were invited for the construction of the building in August 1882. 

Tender advertisement

South Bourke and Mornington Journal August 30, 1882 

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70053283 

The South Bourke and Mornington Journal reported on the opening of the Institute -

Tooradin Mechanics' Institute and Free Library
The opening of this new building took place on Boxing-day with a bazaar and concert. The attendance was far greater than the most sanguine anticipated, upwards of five hundred people being present. Mr Lyall had kindly consented to open the Hall, and much regret was expressed that owing to ill health he was unable to be present. A letter, however, expressing his interest in and good wishes for the success of the Institute was read and the Hall declared opened. Mr Gibb, M.L.A., was present, taking a lively interest in the proceedings. Too much praise cannot be given to the ladies for their exertions, both in sending fancy goods to and selling them at the bazaar the proceeds from which and from other sources amounted to nearly one hundred and twenty pounds.

A ball terminated the proceedings, and was so well attended that the building was quite crowded. The Hall was prettily decorated with evergreens and the stalls containing the fancy goods presented a most attractive appearance. The building, designed by Mr Crook, architect, of South Yarra, is an excellent and handsome wooden structure prettily situated in a slight rise by the side of the Inlet, overlooking the Bay and French Island. (6)

Advertisement for the opening

South Bourke and Mornington Journal December 20, 1882 

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70054012

We will turn again to David Mickle to tell us of the early days of the Mechanics' Institute -
Mr Lyall was President and Mr Sill Secretary, there were Vice Presidents Messrs Moody and Timms, Mr Rutter, Treasurer and Messrs Dunlop, Evans and Lyne, Committee. (7) A small booklet printed by the Dandenong Advertiser outlined the 49 rules and regulations of the Institute and its objects which were for the moral and mental improvement and rational recreation of members. The means to be employed were: a Library of Reference and Circulation, the delivery of Lectures, Discussions, the formation of classes, but no political or religious controversy would be allowed. Membership was 2/6 per quarter. (8).  An old business partner of William Lyall, John Bakewell, then living in London, had donated 100 pounds to the building fund. (9).

The original Tooradin Mechanics' Institute

Image -  Mickle, David Tooradin: a history of a Sportsman's Paradise, 1875-1975  

(Tooradin 'Back to' Committee, 1975),

In the early days Mechanics' Institutes had to send in a return to the Government and these returns were published in the annual  Statistical Register for the Colony of Victoria compiled from official records in the office of the Government Statist. (10) Tooradin appears in the years 1884 until 1894, and here are some of the statistics - 

Source: Statistical Register for the Colony of Victoria compiled from official records in the office of the Government Statist

The Mechanics' Institute hosted the usual range of activities - meetings, dances, concerts as these few newspaper reports tell us -
From 1891 - A plain and fancy dress ball was hold on Friday last, June 26, at Tooradin, when the residents and their friends met at the local Mechanics' Institute, at the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Basan. The hall was most tastefully decorated, and the dancing, which commenced shortly after 9 o'clock and continued until an early hour in the morning, was very enjoyable. (11) The Basans  owned the Tooradin Hotel.

From 1896 - On Wednesday, 4th March, the pretty seaside township of Tooradin was all excitement over a wedding solemnised in the Mechanics' Institute, which does duty as a church. The hall was very prettily decorated by friends of the bride. Over the bridal party was suspended a floral bicycle, from which hung a white floral bell. The interested parties were Miss Elizabeth Lyne, eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Lyne, Westbourne, Tooradin, and Mr. Cole, third son of the late Rev. T. C. Cole, of St. George's Church Malvern. The ceremony look place at eleven o'clock, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. Alfred Cole, Drouin, Gippsland, a cousin of the bridegroom. (12)

From 1916 - A highly successful concert was given in the Mechanics' Institute on Friday, 14th July, by the Tooradin Minstrel Troupe, the proceeds of which want to aid the local Red Cross and Hall funds. Long before the performance was timed to commence, every available space was filled with patrons from the town and surrounding districts. The programme, which was a lengthy one, consisted of humorous songs, dialogues and step-dancing. All were rendered in a splendid manner by the company, and drew forth thunders of applause from the audience. The whole of the programme reflects great credit on the management and artists, which consisted entirely of local talent. The concert raised, after expenses, £9 17s 6d. (13)

Then disaster struck on June 17, 1937 - the hall burnt to the ground. The Age reported - 
Fire at Tooradin. Mechanics' Hall Destroyed.

The mechanics' institute hall and library were completely destroyed by fire early this morning. Erected in 1882, they were in splendid condition. It is understood the Royal Insurance Co. have the building and library covered for approximately £1150. Approximately 1500 books were lost in the fire. (14)

The Weekly Times also reported on the disaster -
Tooradin Library Destroyed.
Three thousand books, forming one of the most comprehensive country libraries in Victoria, were burnt in a fire which destroyed the 75-year-old Tooradin Mechanics' Institute building. Blazing fiercely when first discovered at 4.30 am., the fire quickly gutted the building, while townspeople looked on helplessly without any water supply, with which to combat it. Insured for £1000, the building contained the library, a hall and supper room. All the furniture, including a piano, was destroyed. At midnight, when members of the local table tennis club left the hall, everything appeared to be safe.

Koo-Wee-Rup police are investigating the fire, the cause of which is unknown. As the institute was 50 yards from the nearest building, other premises were not endangered. (15)

It is interesting that the two reports of the fire have such a large  discrepancy  in the number of  books - three thousand in one, 1500 in the other and both figures still much larger than the number reported in 1894, which was 622.

The locals acted quickly to have a new hall built and less than a year after it was destroyed the replacement building was opened on March 16, 1938.

Advertisement for the opening of new hall

Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 3, 1938 p. 1

The Koo Wee Rup Sun had a comprehensive report of the opening -
New Tooradin Hall. Opened by Mr. A.J. Kirton, M.L.A.
Wednesday, 16th inst., proved to be quite a gala night at Tooradin, when the opening of a new public hall to replace the old edifice destroyed by fire in June last year was the principal attraction. Mr A.J. Kirton, M.L.A., for Mornington, had the honor of performing the opening ceremony, and with the interior brightly lit by powerful electric light globes and enhanced by varied colored and pretty dresses of the ladies the scene was one of beauty and one long to be remembered by justly proud residents, who are now the custodians of the largest public hall in the shire. Dance music was rendered by the Rhythm Swingers’ Orchestra of four players, and things were kept merrily going until close on milking or, should we say, fishing time. Close on 300 persons sat down to a much appreciated supper, catered for by Mr J.H. Scott of Kooweerup.

The builder was Mr. L.C. Williams, of Balwyn, the outside walls being of wood and fibro plaster with iron roof, and the interior white plaster sheets with a six foot three-ply dado round walls. The dimensions of the various rooms are as follows: - Dance hall, 36 ft. x 56ft.; stage 20ft. x 9ft.; passage, 5ft. wide, 23 ft. long; entrance hall, 12 ft. x 12 ft.; gents room, 10 ft. x 8 ft.; ladies’ room, 14 ft. by 8ft.; library, 12 ft. by 8ft.; supper room, 22 ft. by 28 ft.; kitchen, 12 ft. x 8 ft.

On behalf of the Trustees, committee and residents of Tooradin, Mr. D. Henderson, president of the committee, extended a hearty welcome to Mr A.J. Kirton, M.L.A., and thanked all those who had assisted in connection with the erection of the hall.

Mr Kirton said he felt highly honored on being asked to perform the opening ceremony, and he heartily congratulated the committee and management on the success achieved, the building being a credit to Tooradin. Such works showed the progress of a district. The new hall had been erected on the old hall site, which had cherished memories dating back 56 years. This site had been presented to residents by the late Mr J.F. Rutter. The old hall had cost £280 to erect and when completed with a free library £540. In the June fire of last year many valuable books had been destroyed. The Royal Insurance Company had held the fire insurance policy for 55 years. Mr G. Egerton was the oldest trustee alive. The present building had cost a little over £1000, and he congratulated the committee and residents on their enterprise, adding that same was fitting to such an ideal holiday resort as Tooradin, and if developed further, would become a tourist resort. He was confident that Tooradin had a future, and he had pleasure in dedicating the hall to the public for future use.

On the motion of President Henderson, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Kirton for his attendance was carried by acclamation. (16).

The report tells us that the building had  a room for  a Library. It does not appear that a library was installed as in 1943 the Dandenong Journal reported -

Tooradin - Prior to the destruction by fire of the old Mechanics’ Hall, local folk enjoyed the benefit of a circulating library of 1300 books. Owing to the dearth of funds at the erection of present hall, no provision was made to recover some semblance of a nucleus of a library. Some action should be taken by the hall management committee to bridge this disability, by application to the Government and the Carnegie Institute. (17) Notice this article states that the amount of books held by the old Mechanics' Institute is now 1300.

Two years later in November 1945, the Dandenong Journal reported on an update on the Library issue - 

£100 Grant For Tooradin Library - Mr. J. D. Singleton, J.P., (18) has been advised by Mr. A. J. Kirton, M.L.A., that his application for a grant for the erection of a library at the Mechanics’ Hall, Tooradin, has been acceded to. A cheque for £l00 will be sent on in a few days, and handed to the Hall Committee. Good work! (19) Was this mis-reporting that a new library would be built, or was the grant actually for book stock? 

It does appear that it was for both the collection and a building as the aforementioned Mr Singleton wrote the following letter to the Dandenong Journal  in April 1946 -

Library Wanted at Tooradin - The Government is ready to assist Tooradin on a basis of £2 for £1 to re-establish the burnt out library lost some years ago with the destruction of the old hall. The present Hall Committee are anxious to facilitate the earliest completion of a Public Library and help with £50 donation. I suggest the public will generously respond if appealed to, when the proposed library is made one of a memorial character as a first objective (a very practical form to remember the great deeds of our gallant lads); and as a No. 2 objective, a Youth Movement, to provide physical and mental

uplift, occupation, and entertainment in pleasant surroundings, instead of allowing the drift of wasted leisure, so soul-destroying in most small country centres, now enforced on youth - a neglect, that has tragedy stamped in every link for some unfortunate lads in later life. A fresh committee will be elected by public meeting on May 6th. At that meeting the public could be invited to co-operate with the Hall Committee and endorse a Memorial Library and Youth Movement, and launch an organising committee and plan accordingly. J.D. Singleton, J.P. (Tooradin) (20)

The Memorial Library was never established, however the Hall remains and is well-used by the community.

Footnotes

(1) David Mickle  (1904-1997). The author of  Mickle Memories of Koo Wee Rup: for young and old - to 1927 (The Author, 1983) and More Mickle memories of Koo Wee Rup: chronicles of a prosperous district once known as the Great Swamp, 1928-1940  (The Author, 1987), and Tooradin: a history of a sportsman's paradise and the first 100 years of State School No. 1503 compiled by D.J. Mickle and the Tooradin "Back to" Committee (Tooradin 'Back to' Committee, 1975).  His great-grandfather, Alexander Mickle had come to Australia to manage the Yallock and Monomeith properties for Alexander's brother, John Mickle. John Mickle had a partnership with William Lyall and John Bakewell - read more here   https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2017/08/mickle-bakewell-and-lyall.html

(2) Henry Jobson - The Reader at the Cranbourne Anglican Parish (The Church of England Messenger, May 2 1881, see here)

John Francis  Rutter (1842-1906) local land owner.

 Alexander Dunlop - of Harewood Mains, Tooradin - dairy farmer and cheese maker; died 1902, aged 74.

Matthew Evans - more information here  https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2022/02/tooradin-short-history.html 

Christopher Moody  - more information here  https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2021/10/christopher-moody-1833-1920.html 

John Sill -  possibly the John Sill who died in Heidelberg in 1903, aged 49. See short obituary in The Argus of June 2, 1903, here; and father's death notice in The Argus, November 7, 1885, here, linking John to Koo Wee Rup.

(3) William Lyall, of Harewood, more information - https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2017/08/mickle-bakewell-and-lyall.html and here https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2019/08/william-lyall-and-acclimatisation.html

(4) Tooradin: a history of a sportsman's paradise and the first 100 years of State School No. 1503 compiled by D.J. Mickle and the Tooradin "Back to" Committee (Tooradin 'Back to' Committee, 1975), pp 32-33. Meeting also reported in the South Bourke & Mornington Journal of June 21, 1882, see here.

(5) Tooradin: a history of a sportsman's paradise and the first 100 years of State School No. 1503, op. cit, p. 50.; Donation of land - Dandenong Journal, August 2, 1928, see here.

(6) South Bourke and Mornington Journal, January 3, 1883, see here.

(7) William Lyall - see footnote 3; John Sill,  Christopher Moody, Alexander Dunlop, Matthew Evans - see footnote 2; John Rutter - see above.

Robert Oliphant Timms - married William Lyall's daughter, Margaret on March 29, 1876, see report in The Argus, April 1, 1876  here; died in 1915, aged 68.

Thomas Charles Lyne - local landowner, source of the name Lynes Road in Tooradin. Died in 1908, aged 76, read a short obituary in The Age, January 8, 1908, see here.

(8) Tooradin: a history of a sportsman's paradise and the first 100 years of State School No. 1503, op. cit, pp. 32-33.

(9) Ibid; John Bakewell - more information here   https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2017/08/mickle-bakewell-and-lyall.html

(10) Statistical Registers - available here on the Victorian Government Library Service website

(11) Table Talk, July 3, 1891, see here.

(12) Punch, March 19, 1896, see here; Cole family - more information here - https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2023/05/william-bailey-orchardist-of-malvern.html

(13) Dandenong Advertiser, July 27, 1916, see here.

(14) The Age, June 15, 1937, see here. 

(15) Weekly Times, June 19, 1937, see here.

(16) Koo Wee Rup Sun, March 24, 1938 p. 1

(17) Dandenong Journal, September 1, 1943, see here.

(18) John Dudley Singleton, died in 1951, aged 68. Licensee of the Tooradin Hotel from 1917 to 1920 and built the Stella Maris guesthouse in 1925, The Advocate, February 5, 1925, see here; Obituary Dandenong Journal, September 19, 1951,  see here.

(19) Dandenong Journal, April 7, 1945, see here.

(20) Dandenong Journal, April 24, 1946, see here.