The Elsternwick ClubWith the opening of the rail line to Brighton in 1862, therewas a concentration in Glenhuntly Road of industry and shops in close 
proximity to the railway station. Gas lighting was the only street light in the area. Typhoid fever was a common disease due to poor disposal of "night soil" and bad drainage.
Caulfield, at the time, was a Shire with a population of 8,700. This is acknowledged as an extract from "A History of Caulfield" commissioned by the City of Caulfield, - with thanks.
The foregoing word picture may assist in giving a mental picture of the time in 1898 when a Mr Joseph Tattle conceived the idea of the formation of a club to enable the more prosperous of the district to meet on socially acceptable terms. Mr. Joseph Tattle was a prominent local business man, prominent in the local A.N.A. and the then newly formed Progress Society. At his instigation a group of professional and master business operators met at a two story shop in Glenhuntly Road adjoining the then "Phebe Theatre" later renamed the "Renown" Theatre.
Approximately 50 of the gentry present reached agreement and a Committee was formed and a directive approved that suitable premises be obtained at a location to house the members in comfortable surroundings. It was also agreed that the name of the body would be - THE ELSTERNWICK CLUB.
The names of the first office bearers of The Elsternwick Club are as follows :
An adjacent two storey building was rented and became the first home of the club. A liquor licence was obtained and the Club was in business. A billiards table and suitable furnishings to compliment the standing of the members was purchased, being financed by debentures issued to members. A Constitution was agreed at the formation meeting setting out the objects and rules of the Club.
The segregation of the populace according to professional/educational status was not uncommon in the Victorian era. This undoubtedly contributed to the Club being generally termed the "Gentleman's Club".
Whilst the effect of two World Wars has, fortunately, dissipated the unacceptable connotations of the title, it is nevertheless still a responsibility of members to conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner.
During the following ten years the Club prospered, and in 1908 agreed that larger premises be obtained with the object of setting up a three rink bowls green. A property was located in St. Georges Road in 1909 and three rinks established at the rear of the property. Two "C" teams entered in the V.B.A. competition. There are no records of club activities during the next decade however,the Presidential honour board indicates that the Club operated during the period which included the Great War 1914~1918.
Following on the end of the War, prosperity continued and it was agreed by members that a larger property be purchased to enable the building of an eight rink green to accommodate the growth of bowling members.
A Sub-Committee was formed to investigate suitable properties available in the area. It is of interest to note that one of the proposals submitted to the Committee was the purchase of vacant land situated in Glenhuntly Road which was presently occupied by S.M.Allen Auctioneers (now Coles Supermarket). The offer also included vacant land at the rear then used as a market place. The price >was said to be ten pound per foot.The offer was not accepted and the Committee was then instructed to seek more suitable premises
Subsequently Messrs. E.W. Wilson and J. Edny obtained an option to purchase a property known as "Stanmere". This property was situated at the corner of St. Georges Road and Sandham Street, and at the time covered an area of 301 feet by 301 feet, having also a frontage to Allison Road. A Special Meeting confirmed the recommendation of the General Committee and purchase of the property was effected in July 1920.
The transaction was financed, in part, by sale of the old premises in St Georges Road to the newly formed Returned Servicemen's League. The sale price is not available, however, the purchase cost of "Stanmere" quoted to the author by an old member,Mr. Hec. Gooley, who was a former President of the Club, was twenty thousand pounds.
Sub-division of the St. Georges Road frontage boarded by Sandham Street and Allison Road to a depth of 120 feet. The subsequent sale price has not been determined. It is not difficult to speculate on the probable current day value of the original block, however, it is obvious without the sale of the property it could not have been retained as it is today.
Guarantee over repayment of remainder was given by E.W. Wilson and A. Ellis on 26th March, 1920, and revised on the 10th August, 1920, by replacement of Lillie by E.W.Ellis. Repayment of all monies owing on the property was completed early in 1930.
A special meeting of Club Members was held on the 4th September, 1930, at which it was approved that title of the property be transferred to Equity Trustees, Executors and Agency of Queen Street, Melbourne, acting as Trustee for the Club. The indenture dated 15th October, 1930, agrees that the Trustee will deal only with the land and buildings by sale, mortgage, otherwise as directed by a resolution duly passed by the Committee of the Club and a copy of which resolution shall have been communicated to the Trustee in writing, signed by the Chairman and Secretary for time being of such Committee. Note is made that protection is also provided under the Club Constitution for such dealings to be approved by a specific number of members present and voting at a special meeting convened for the purpose.
The land area is part of the original crown allotment No. 260 to a Thomas Monahan in 1860 of an area which also included "Ripponlea" - later acquired by F.J. Sargood. Subsequent subdivisions traces our property to W.H. Short in 1885, to J.C. Melvin 1910, to A.E. Lillee and E W Wilson in 1920.
"Stanmere", home of the Elsternwick Club still presents an old world air of charm and dignity to every person entering the property.The original building was of wooden construction, cross the rear of the property and believed to have been built as a farm house around 1865. On taking possession of the premises in 1920, it was converted to a billiards also bowls locker area. It is believed that the main mansion type building was constructed in the late 1870's. Maintenance of the old timber area became a continuing cost drain and attempts were made to have a new replacement built. Records show attempts were made unsuccessfully in the years 1932, 1935, 1937, 1946, and 1951. Each attempt failed for various reasons, the main, being a conservatism amongst a body of members. Finally approval of new plans together with approval to borrow 14,000 pounds, was given and the new linked with the old in time for the opening of the new bowls season on the 23rd September, 1961.
With enlightened management the Club has continued to succeed, and the opening of the Club to Lady Members in 1972 has, in a very valuable manner, contributed to the Club's well being.
Any record of the Club would be inadequate if the high levels of civic achievement attained by members of our first office bearers were not listed for recognition by present and also future members.
Other members of our club who have served the municipality with distinction include:
P. St John Hall, Mayor of the Borough Town 1910
Cedric Pullman, Mayor, City of Caulfield 1936 and Honorary Administration Officer of the Club and still holding that position with distinction in 1984.
Thomas Morris and Donald Bunny have also held Mayoral Office.
It can be accepted that the Club has had a very close association with the Municipality since inception.
The Club has now been in existence for 98 years in 1996) due to the foresight of our founders, and the continuing enthusiasm of the following administrations supported by the members.
The Author wishes to place on record appreciation for assistance and encouragement given by President Michael Peppard and also Hon. Admin..Officer, Cedric Pullman.
Whilst compiling this record many shadows of past years and the people named or un-named, seem to have once again come alive. E.E. Hackett. - May 8th, 1984.
19 Sandham Street, Elsternwick. Victoria 3185 | Phone: 03 9523 9221 | Email: Click Here