Town’s history comes alive

By REBECCA BILLS

ALL things history will be discussed at the upcoming Ferntree Gully ‘then and now’ talk later this month.
The Ferntree Gully Library is opening its doors with the Knox Historic Society to present an afternoon panel focusing on the history of the town.
The panel will draw on years of research about the area and illustrate with large photographs, historic items of house-ware and farming.
Sue Alderson from the Knox Historical Society said the group was formed in the 60s and has been collecting information about Ferntree Gully since then.
“We have found an incredible amount of information on the pioneers in the area,” she said.
“In this talk, we will include photos from schools in the area and how they have changed over the years through a collection of photos that show the fashion and how class sizes have changed.
“We also have a lot of photos of Boronia and Ferntree Gully as they have evolved over the years.”
Ms Alderson said they would discuss The Middle Hotel’s former life as the coroner’s court and conduct cemetery tours in Ferntree Gully as most of the pioneers are buried there.
She said there was a display at the Ferntree Gully Library that was on display in the lead-up to the talk with historic items and photos for the public to view.
Library manager Denises Hibbs said it was great that the Knox Historical Society and the library could work together to present something like this to the community.
“I can say for sure what will be discussed will be extremely interesting – especially for those tracing their ancestry in the area,” she said.
The Ferntree Gully then and now free talk is on Thursday 31 July at 2.30pm at Ferntree Gully Library located at 1010 Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully.
To book your spot, call 9294 8140 or online at www.yourlibrary.com.au.