By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A PROJECT that has seen the online publication of stories behind headstones at the Lilydale Cemetery was launched last month.
‘Stories Behind the Headstones’ was carried out by the Lilydale and District Historical Society and shares the stories of headstones dated before 1931.
The project is entirely online and will be a valuable tool for anyone looking to trace their ancestors in the area.
On Saturday 28 February, Maria McCarthy joined members of the society at the Old Lilydale Court House for the launch of the project.
Lilydale Historical Society president Lorraine Smith said she was grateful for the support of the council.
“The project would not have been possible without the $2500 grant from the Shire of Yarra Ranges, which built on our previous online work of Faces, Places and Events,” she said.
Browsing through the names listed on the website reveals the fascinating stories of those who first settled in Lilydale and surrounding areas.
The harrowing tale of the three Upton boys, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning one night in 1968, or the account of the electrocution of four-year-old Robert Pender, provide insight into the lives and deaths of the residents during that era.
Entries into the database include as much information about the individual as possible, such as an image of the headstone, interment information, the headstone’s inscription, a biography, an obituary and references listing the source of the information so that visitors to the site may conduct further research.
The project came to life, thanks to the work of many volunteers donating their time over an extended period. Using images of headstones from photographer Sandy Ross, a team of 12 members of the Historical Society spent more than 12 months researching their stories.
Various sources were used in their research, including the Lilydale Express newspaper, history books, family histories or information held in the society’s archives.
During the era, the Lilydale cemetery was the final resting place for people from Ringwood, Croydon, Healesville, Yarra Junction and everywhere in between.
To access the website, visit www.lilydalehistorical.com.au and click on the headstone icon.
