Local History Vertical File @ Sam Merrifield Library

The library is currently undertaking a review of the vertical file in order to make it more accessible to library users. This is a long term project that involves weeding, adding key word searches and re-cataloguing of some items in the collection. Any ideas or feedback would be welcome.

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Historic Homes of Essendon "Mar Lodge"

"Mar Lodge" was built in 1860 and was originally the residence of James Robertson, a wealthy pastoralist who used it as his hunting lodge and later owned by his son Francis Robertson. In 1888 the McCracken Brothers purchased "Mar Lodge" and it became a gathering place for the parties and dinners for the colony's elite. By 1919 the entire estate was sold to the Todd family however by 1929 the entire property was sold and on the 18th November, 1929 the Mar Lodge Estate was officially created, with 316 allotments available from 90 pounds.
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Malakoff Castle, Maribyrnong

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Raleigh's Punt on the Maribyrnong River, Malakoff Castle in background. c. 1870-1900. Image belongs to the Sam Merrifield Library Local History Photo Collection. Malakoff Castle was built in 1846 by Mr Joseph Raleigh and was a well known landmark which stood on the summit of the Maribyrnong hill overlooking the Saltwater River now called the Maribyrnong River. The building initially was used as a shepherd's lookout by the owner of a station property which surrounded Maribyrnong. In shape it resembled a castle-like appearance with a tower and a weather-vane, the tower was built in the late 1840's or early 1850's and was built of bluestone from the quarries nearby. The building was demolished in the 1920s.
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History Mystery Monday: Where did Rosemary go?

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If you’ve ever visited Victory Park in Ascot Vale, you've probably noticed a bronze statue of a smartly dressed lady on the corner of Epsom and Langs roads, keeping watch over the intersection. She’s mostly known as Rosemary, or Rosie to her friends. Of the Australian soldiers who returned from the First World War, tens of thousands had suffered physical or psychological injuries which required much care and support. Once they were back home, this role mostly rested with the supportive the women in their lives- mothers, wives and sisters. The Rosemary monument is a life-sized representation of such a lady, dressed in the fashion of 1918. She was erected in honour of these caring women in August of 2015, commissioned by the wonderful organisation Women Caring for Veterans of War after 18 months of fundraising. Rosemary- photograph by Moonee Valley City Council Devastatingly, just 6 months later, the statue was stolen by thieves- leaving behind only Rosemary’s bronze shoes. Where did...
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