Victorian Municipal Directory




The local history room at Sam Merrifield Library holds copies of The Victorian Municipal Directory and Gazetteer from 1882 to 1978. These compact little volumes hold a wonderful amount of useful and interesting information for anyone interested in family or local history. There is information about Victorian Boroughs and Shires including mayors and councillors along with the names of various officers including Town Clerks and Treasurers, Surveyors, Auditors, Valuers, Bankers,  Health Officers and the intriguingly named Inspector Nuisances.
 
The Directory for 1882 describes Essendon as "a village five miles north of Melbourne" where " fine views meet the eye in all directions and the neighbourhood is a remarkably healthy one induced in great measure by good draining and other natural advantages"

The back of the volumes contain an Almanac. Along with a detailed calendar,  weather details and observations, the almanac provides advice on a number of diverse subjects, including making a will, health care and law.
 
These great little volumes are well worth exploring.
 

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