Hawthorn Historical Society

04/08/2026

Update: both walks are sold out.

Who is this woman, and what does she have to do with Morang Road?

Photo: State Library of Victoria

02/08/2026

We have sent the following email to Boroondara councillors about the retention of heritage grade original Bluestone streets and laneways in a bid to protect bluestone across the ‘hood. The link for names is below.

Please feel free to do likewise:

Dear Councillors

Tomorrow night, as you consider options for a future Bluestone Roads and Laneways Heritage Study, the Hawthorn Historical Society urges you to support Option 2 for the following reasons:

* It is the most proportionate and practical approach.

* At an estimated minimal cost of $60,000–$80,000, it would identify and classify different types of bluestone infrastructure, assess their rarity and representativeness, and establish a significance framework for future heritage protection.

* It makes efficient use of Council’s existing asset data, providing meaningful evidence without the cost and delay.

By voting for Option 2, you will make a significant gesture that will preserve our historically significant bluestone laneways and gutters for future generations.

Learn more about the Mayor and ward councillors for the City of Boroondara.

29/07/2026

Here is a "Where Am I? How well do you know Hawthorn" suggestion from regular contributor Lindsay Paterson. Image from 1972.

24/07/2026

We hope to see you at our next event. TUESDAY 28 JULY 6.30pm
An interesting talk from well known local writer James Nicolas. James's talk will focus on the rise, influence and then the fall of the Irish National Foresters Friendly Society, which is also the topic of his latest book Unity, Nationality, Benevolence.

The talk is free but please book at https://www.trybooking.com/DLIIZ

Image from the Museums Victoria Collection.

17/07/2026

Taking a photo ? - No problem - nowadays most of us have ready access to a mobile phone. However in days gone by, posing for a photo meant taking the time and money to visit a photographic studio. IN the early 1900s there were a number to choose from in Hawthorn. This image from our collection, is of a lovely young woman whose photo was taken by Godfrey E Roberts of Glenferrie Road, at the back of the property which is now Terry White chemist.

11/07/2026

Suburban streetscapes change. In the past small milkbars and grocers were conveniently scattered amongst the houses. This photo from Bill Bujaki shows what Victoria Rd looked like from his front garden at number 58. Today's photo shows how the shop has been converted into a residence.

08/07/2026

The 50 Word Project aims to provide words in every indigenous language of Australia..Woi wurrung is the language spoken by the Wurrundjeri of Boroondara. "This is a useful resource for schools and educational organisations to learn 50 words in their local language, and for the general public to discover and appreciate the diversity of First Nations' languages around Australia." The website includes and interactive map where you can select the language and hear the words spoken. The words include greetings, and words related to weather, animals, astronomy, family, and anatomy.
https://www.firstlanguages.org.au/50word
Its NAIDOC week an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

07/07/2026

Society member Coady Green is performing a program of Liszt with the epic Herring Island Piano Sonata for piano, narrator, and recorded sound, narrated by Tiriki Onus on Saturday 18 July.

Composed during lockdowns by Linda Kouvaras, the Herring Island Piano Sonata uses texts provided by N'arweet Dr Carolyn Briggs, telling stories from her ancestors, and describing various Indigenous sites from the Ngargee Tree in St Kilda, to the Botanic Gardens, and up to the manmade Herring Island.

The piece has won numerous awards, and is movingly narrated by Tiriki.

Internationally award-winning pianist Coady Green places 2 epic works in dialogue across centuries, cultures & worlds.

05/07/2026

Founded in Ireland in 1877, the Irish National Foresters Friendly Society started in Melbourne in 1886 and eventually expanded around Australia. The INF provided a rallying point for Irish Australians. It supported a social network of Irish music, dancing, sports, educational activities, medical services, income benefits and support to members.

Join author James Nicolas, who has just published Unity, Nationality, Benevolence: The Victorian History of the Irish National Foresters Friendly Society, in a fascinating discussion about the rise and fall of the Society, and its contribution to women leadership.

James is passionate about local history and has written a number of books and short stories on Australian history subjects. Amongst his works are Canterbury Football History 1881-2013; The Gunyah: A Centenary of Scouting in Canterbury 1915-2015; Warrnambool: a long way to Tipperary: the incredible life of John Hyland, an early Western Districts pioneer, and The Mystery of Fairyland, Kew.

This is a joint HHS and Camberwell Historical Society FREE event.

Tue 28 Jul 2026 6:30 PM - 8:00PM.

Please click on the link to book and reserve your seat.

Founded in Ireland in 1877, the Irish National Foresters Friendly Society started in Melbourne in 1886 and eventually expanded around Australia....