Eltham District

Slipping through time, imagine yourself in 1851, amidst the bustling subdivisions of a nascent Eltham District. Crown allotments were being sold, alongside a private subdivision known as Little Eltham, developed by J. M. Holloway. The heart of Eltham District pulsed at the crossroads of Pitt Street and Main Road. A key figure in this early Eltham District was Henry Dendy, diligently operating his flour mill. Fast forward to 1902, and the arrival of the railway line shifted the focus further north along Main Road, shaping the Eltham District town centre we know today. Eltham District blossomed into a haven for artists, drawn to the unique allure of Montsalvat, a medieval-style artist colony built in the 1930s. Beyond Montsalvat, Eltham District nurtured the creative spirit of artists like Walter Withers and Neil Douglas, and writers like Alan Marshall and Mervyn Skipper. Eltham District also boasts the Diamond Valley Railway, a miniature railway delight. The echoes of history resonate through Eltham District, from the 1860 courthouse, listed on the Victorian Heritage Database, to the Eltham Hotel, established in 1867 and still serving patrons today. A poignant reminder of the past stands in the Eltham District War Memorial Building Complex, commemorating those who served in World War 2. Originally, this community hub included an infant welfare centre, war memorial gates, a wrought iron arch, a memorial garden, a pre-school, and a children’s library. Eltham District, a blend of history, creativity, and community spirit, continues to evolve while cherishing its unique heritage.