Previous events

March

History Walk - ' Williamstown Cemetery' presented by Brian Haynes

Brian Haynes shared his expertise as local historian with our group on a beautiful Sunday morning, with a walking tour of the historic Williamstown Cemetery. Members learnt about it's' colourful characters' and tales of early life in the colony.

More details coming soon!

Event - Steamrail Victoria - Open Weekend at the Newport Railway Workshops

We were thrilled to have a display at this highly anticipated and well-attended event. Once every two years, rail enthusiasts from far and wide converge on the historic Newport Workshops for one of the largest and most impressive displays of rail history in the country. The Newport Railway Workshops have been in operation continuously since 1870 and are typically not open to the public. The historic railway sheds have seen it all, from the construction of the early steam engines to the steady evolution of transportation technology and the diesel locomotives of today. Despite the extremely hot weather conditions across all three days, crowds of all ages arrived early to make the most of this rare opportunity to explore the extensive workshops, collection of engines, carriages, and models on display, as well as to watch demonstrations that brought the history of rail transportation to life. Volunteers manned our stand and promoted the local area heritage and tourism to visitors with much interest taken in our display including historic photographs. Thanks to everyone who helped out.

January

History Walk - 'On the Beach' presented by Brian Haynes

Our members had the pleasure of a fascinating Sunday morning history walk, guided by Brian Haynes, a WHS life member and well-known local identity. Brian has a deep passion for sharing his amazing knowledge of the area’s history with others, including his almost 10,000 members on the Williamstown Past and Present Facebook Group.

Our group gathered near the Morris St football ground and under Brian's guidance, embarked on a stroll along the foreshore, befriending a lost dog along the way. Brian shared some surprising facts about the area's past. He revealed that living along the Esplanade in the early days was not a pleasant experience, as the now expansive grassed area was once a rubbish heap, filled with rats and emitting an unpleasant stench in the air.

As the group meandered along the undulating path near the water, Brian pointed out the remnants of the bluestone quarries that were excavated by convicts. Some of the cuts and drill holes are still visible today, half hidden by the creeping vegetation. The basalt extracted was used in the construction of our early buildings and infrastructure.

We learnt about ‘The Bunbury swimming hole’, old Sea Baths that graced the shore and the carnival ground with a carousel. These treasures were from a time when thousands of visitors arrived by steam train to enjoy a stroll along the promenade, a paddle in the ocean or perhaps a picnic in the Botanic Gardens. 

Brian, thanks for sharing your passion for history and bringing it to life. 

History presentation - 'Signatures from the Front' by Jennie Moloney

Our first history presentation this year was hosted by Jennie Moloney, who shared her research into one of the treasures in our collections - the World War I 'Hansen Quilt'. The quilt pays tribute to the memories of many courageous individuals who fought overseas during World War I, including those who lost their lives while fighting for their country and never returned home.

Thanks, Jennie, for your investigative research in finding the true story of the quilts' creation and sharing it with everyone.

If you would like to view the quilt and learn more about Jennie's research, the quilt will be on display during the Australian Heritage Festival, as part of the Hobsons Bay community events at the Williamstown Town Hall. Open 24th and 26th April 9.00 am - 5.00 pm and 25th April (Anzac Day) 11.00 am - 2.00 pm.

November

History presentation - St John's Ambulance Museum visit

Our last gathering of the year was a trip to the St John's Ambulance Museum on the Esplanade in Williamstown.

We had a presentation on their collections and some time to look at the exhibits before we caught up over refreshments. This museum is a small but hidden treasure, and visiting it is worth it if you're interested in the services that St John's Ambulance has provided over the years.

Thanks to the St John's Ambulance Museum for opening their doors to us and sharing their wonderful collection.



September

History presentation -' Newport Railway Workshops Clocktower Restoration' presented by Ralph & Virginia Coghill

At our September presentation, guest speakers Ralph and Virginia Coghill entertained the group with their team's heritage restoration work of the Newport Railway Workshops Clocktower and Gardens. After overcoming hurdles and getting Hobsons Bay Council and Victrack onside with their restoration skills and ideas their team has done a wonderful job.

The restored areas will be open during the Steamrail Open Day on the March long weekend.

Thanks to Virginia and Ralph for sharing the story of your team's hard work.

May

History presentation - 'The Rodger Brothers' presented by Peter Rodger

During our May meet up, Peter Rodger, grandson of one of the two Rodger Brothers, provided us with a fascinating insight into their lives and works. He shared how they initiated the construction of Flinders Street station. Owing to various issues with the government, they did stay to see the project complete.

The Rodger brothers progressed to building remarkable structures, including cathedrals, churches, post offices, and more across Victoria and other states.

Peter Rodger has a wonderful collection of photographs and plans of some of those buildings that he brought along to share with the group.

Thank you to Peter for his time and for sharing his family's history with us.