Community
25 July, 2026
Charlton 100 Years Ago: an old time ball and scouts visit Tribune office
What was making news in Charlton 100 years ago.
Cars Collide in High St: A collision took place between a motor car driven by Mr J. M. Smith, and one driven by Mr J.A. Curnow. Mr Smith was driving his car out of the lane alongside Mr S.J. Dew’s, baker, and Mr Curnow was coming down High St. Master Jack Richards, in Mr Curnow’s car, received a nasty cut on the forehead, necessitating several stitches, while Mrs Curnow and Mrs Richards received a severe shaking and shock, as did Mr Curnow. Mr Smith and his small son were also badly shaken up. The car driven by Mr Smith was knocked about a bit, but Mr Curnow’s car escaped more lightly.
An Old Resident Passes: One of Charlton’s most highly respected pioneers, Mrs Jane Arundell passed away. The late Mrs Arundell was born at Cape Town, South Africa, and arrived in Geelong in 1852, and after six months came to reside in Charlton. As a pioneer of the district the deceased saw the opening of the railway, the country at that time being populated mostly by blackfellows. She was also present at the opening of the old town bridge and also the new concrete bridge. Her husband drove Cobb and Co’s coaches when roads were unknown. Among other activities she worked untiringly in the interests of St Martin’s Church and Ladies’ Guild.
The Old Time Ball: An atmosphere of joy and contentment prevailed at the Victoria Hall when, under the auspices of the Ladies “Back to Charlton” Committee an “Old Time Ball” was held. Long before the hour of commencement some 100 couples were on the floor. When the capable MC (Mr Vic Sait) announced “select your partners for a Circular Waltz,” one began to see visions of by-gone days. At 10.30am, a call was made for supper, followed by more dancing. At 1 o’clock am a termination was reached and everyone left fully satisfied that it was one of the best evenings for many a year.
School Picture Night: Long before the pictures were screened at the Victoria Hall, there was not a vacant seat. The School Picture Night was in every way a great success. During the interval Mr Marshallea, headmaster, referred to the public spirit shown by Mr P. Spencer, of Spencer’s Pictures, for his help in arranging the picture night. He presented a football to Master R. Edwards, and a pocket knife to master S. Thompson for being first and second respectively in selling sweets that evening.
Ben Green Memorial: The work of erecting the Band Rotunda in the Triangle as a memorial to the late Mr Ben Green has been commenced. The memorial will be completed before the “Back to Charlton” Week in October.
Scouts Visit “Tribune” Office: The Cubmaster, Troop Leader and some of the Patrol Leaders paid a visit to the “Tribune” office to see the new model 8 linotype in action. They were shown over the machine by Mr L. Mays, who ably explained the workings of the different parts. The scouts left pleased with the knowledge gained of modern printing methods.
Billiards: The following is the first draw in the billiard tournament being held at the Mechanics” Institute: Merv Harrison v G. O. Williams; T. Maher v D. Vickers; M. Shannahan v P. Spencer; B. Dullard v H. Caldwell; J. Dowling v W. Halligan; L. Cassell v Merv Summers (10 behind scratch); J. Lazarus v W. Killeen; B. McAuliffe v J. Gane; W. Biggs v R. Rawlinson; W. Dunn v H. Butterworth; A. O’Connor v D. McAuliffe; A. Wylie v A. Alderdice; J. Hine v G. Jenkins; F. Nixon v F. Travaglia; E. Dabron v A. Flockhart; W. Carlson v S. Lynas.
Bumper House: The Concert in aid of the Yeungroon Presbyterian Church funds was held to a bumper house. Items were by Miss Fitzgerald, Mrs Gill, Mr Williams, Miss May Wright, Mr Stephenson, Misses Bennett, Cossar and Thompson, Mr Bentley, Mr Hood and Mr Morris.
Read More: Charlton