A new book and display are sharing the history of Lilydale’s public places.
Yarra Ranges Council commissioned the Lilydale and District Historical Society to carry out research late last year as part of its Place Plan for Lilydale.
Nine society members compiled the first detailed history of the township’s open spaces, including how they developed and have been used.
The society launched the 56-page book Lilydale’s Public Places Public Lives 1860s to 1970s on 6 October.
It covers the Main Street, Melba Park, Olinda Creek, Lilydale Recreation Reserve, the Market Reserve, Lillydale Lake and the avenue of trees.
They hosted celebrations, sporting events and disasters.
Significant buildings such as the town’s hotels, the railway station and Cave Hill all played a part in creating the Lilydale of today.
The nine researchers were Christine Armstrong, John Brown, Ray Dodson, Jeanette Dodson, Joy Gothe, Kristyn Jackson, Judy Macdonald, Jo Pritchard, Florence Shaw, Sue Thompson and Marg Tull.
The book is available for $25. The Lilydale and District Historical Society and the display are at the Old Lilydale Court House, 61 Castella Street, Lilydale.
