Captain Thomas Henderson arrived in Melbourne in 1850. He had sailed on a ship called Iris. It’s no coincidence that the suburb we’re standing in now, Glen Iris, shares its name with his vessel. Henderson purchased land here, bounded by Gardiners Creek and High Street. In 1852, he put the property up for sale, and the name Glen Iris stuck.
The area remained largely farmland for several decades, a far cry from the bustling suburb we see today. But by the late 19th century, things began to change. In 1865, a Wesleyan church, a testament to the growing community, was erected on Glen Iris Road. Education followed faith, and in 1872, Glen Iris Primary School opened its doors. These institutions, still standing today, mark the area’s transition from rural outpost to a thriving community.
Glen Iris’s growth accelerated with the arrival of the railway. In 1890, the train line from Burnley to Oakleigh chugged its way through the picturesque Gardiners Creek Valley. Three stations—Tooronga, Gardiner, and Glen Iris—connected residents to the city and spurred further development. Trams soon followed, solidifying Glen Iris’s place as a desirable suburb. Today, Glen Iris boasts a fascinating blend of architectural styles, from stately period homes on leafy avenues to charming Californian bungalows and elegant Art Deco designs.
Glen Iris has a story woven into its very streets. It’s a story of transformation, of community, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Melbourne’s suburbs.