Nathaniel Ellis articles

HERBERT FAMILY With the continuing development along Collard Drive and down the hills to Herbert’s Lane and the creek flats, it is timely to share some information about the original property that goes back to the pioneering days of Diamond Creek. The new estates around Collard Drive are being built on what was 100 acres […]

In April 1885, residents from Diamond Creek District met at the Literary Institute to discuss the establishment of a District Rifle Company. Mr. E.M. Bill, schoolmaster of Nillumbik State School, chaired the meeting and read a letter from the Minister of Defence, that urged residents not to be behind other districts in showing their willingness […]

When the Diamond Creek Horticultural Society held its third annual exhibition on Thursday, 10th March 1887, there must have been a great deal of excitement that it was to be in the newly-erected Horticultural Hall. The hall was purpose built for horticultural displays and measured 50 feet by 26 feet. It was built on land […]

John Clarke, a descendant of Nathaniel Ellis who developed and worked on the farm around Ellis Cottage with his uncle William launched his book, Top House Blackawton Ashby Park, about the Ellis and Watts families in our barn on September 22. We had a cosy audience of Ellis family descendants and society members which made […]

Our next Open Day is   Sunday 2nd August   Ellis Cottage and the barn will be open from 2pm to 4pm     our helpful volunteers will be there to show you around and answer questions   Entry for both buildings   ADULTS     $5 CHILDREN (under 16)     FREE SOCIETY MEMBERS     FREE

Nillumbik Literary Institute and Free Library on its new site in 1879, taken soon after it was relocated from opposite the cemetery. Mr. Bill, headmaster of the State School from 1870 to 1892, has a cockatoo on his arm and his wife stands beside him. The seated lady is believed to be Mrs. Pepper. The […]