Part 2 - Warrandyte
In 1839, James Anderson made a selection of land in the district now known as Warrandyte. Anderson's Creek was the western boundary of Anderson's land. A survey was made of the are in 1841 and the area was used for grazing until 1851, when a momentous event occurred. Gold was discovered by Louis Michel in Anderson's Creek. By September of that year, miners descended on Warrandyte with pick and shovel to try their luck in finding gold.
The following is a basic time line of events in Warrandyte's history.
- 1856 Steam powered crusher opened.
- 1856 First school opened.
- 1861 First bridge over the Yarra River at Warrandyte.
- 1866 Warrandyte cemetery opened.
- 1875 Present school No. 12 begun.
- 1896 Grand Hotel opened.
- 1908 Anderson's Creek school name change to Warrandyte.
- 1934 Floods over the top of the bridge.
- 1939 "Black Friday" fires-destroyed most of Warrandyte.
- 1975 Centenary of school an impetus for the Historical Society to be formed.
The Centenary of the Warrandyte was the catalyst for the inauguration of the Warrandyte Historical Society. A wonderful display of old photos and artifacts was gathered together for this event and many people who attended commented that much of Warrandyte's history was being forgotten. Community interest was enough for two Public Meetings to be held regarding setting up of an historical society. On 20th of May 1976, the first meeting of the Warrandyte Historical Society was held.
A small mining museum was formed in a building in Yarra Street, which became the headquarters of the group for a few years until they moved into the Old Warrandyte Post Office, which they now open to the public regularly. This lovely old building in Yarra Street has suffered many setbacks in its life of over 100 years. It has survived flood, fire, neglect and was under notice of demolition in 1979. Due to the perseverance of many individuals and the dedication of the Lions Club of Warrandyte, the building has now been restored and is one of the show pieces of Warrandyte.
The first Post Office in Warrandyte was in a store beginning in 1857 and the mail contract was a most important link with the outside world for the district. The present Post Office building dates in part from 1875 when Alexander Speers ran a store on the site. It may have been on a miner's right or miner's lease and throughout its life, the Post Office ran in conjunction with other businesses.
The first Post Master seems to have been Henry Squires appointed in 1889. Soon after Squires became Post Master the serious flood of 1891 prevented the mail coach from getting through from Warburton. During the 1934 flood, the Yarra River rose and the floodwaters came 9 inches over the flood level and surrounded the entire building. The Post Office also withstood several major bush fires. The 1939 fire which roared through Warrandyte threatened the old building. The church next door caught fire and flames and burning embers blew toward the Post Office. The building was saved by a bucket brigade of people carrying buckets filled by women who had taken refuge from the fire in the river. The fires of 1962 again endangered the Post Office. For safety, valuables were removed from the building and stored until the danger was over. .
Many characters are associated with the Post Office, the most famous of which was Bill McCulloch who was the last mounted postman in Victoria. Covering a daily round of 35 kilometres. Bill and his two horses delivered mail in the district for 13 years until his retirement in 1963.
The Post Office stands in Yarra Street in a picturesque setting. Visitors walking on the river tracks under the shady willows, can stroll up the rear path to the Post Office. There the Warrandyte Historical Society has an interesting display of artifacts and photos depicting the history of Warrandyte from its early goldmining days. Books and posters on historical topics are available for purchase.
Source: 1998 03 DTHS Newsletter
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