Can you imagine a blacksmith’s workshop from over a century ago? The Eltham Blacksmiths Monument, right here in front of you, transports you to that era. This commemorative work, a reminder of the skilled craft that once thrived in Eltham. Erected in 1985 to celebrate Victoria’s 150th anniversary, the monument sits at the corner of Pitt Street and Main Road, marking the location of Eltham’s original town center. The central feature of the monument is a “tyring disc,” a blacksmith’s tool used for fitting iron tire hoops to wooden wheels. The towering monument, designed by artist Joh Ebeli, is a striking representation of a blacksmith’s tyring plate. Standing next to it, you can almost feel the heat of the forge and hear the clang of the hammer.
This monument also has a secret. Underneath it, a time capsule, containing items from 1985, awaits to be opened in 2035. Imagine the stories these objects will tell, reflecting the lives and times of Eltham in the late 20th century. The Eltham Blacksmiths Monument is not just a piece of art; it’s a window into Eltham’s rich history. It whispers tales of the skilled artisans who shaped the town, reminding us of the legacy they left behind. It’s an invitation to remember the days when blacksmiths were the heart and soul of the community, their craft as integral to life as the wheels they forged.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs