Introduction | Gun Alley Stories Lilydale Historical SocietyMax Sheldrake2023-10-26T16:53:13+11:00
Introduction to Gun Alley Stories
Gun Alley Stories
Introduction
The future Gun Alley was created when part of the Olinda Estate subdivision developed following the sudden and unexpected death of its owner John Hutchinson JP on April 3, 1880 aged 54 years.
Under the terms of his Will dated March 11, 1880, he appointed his brother William and friend Louis Deschamp as his executors. He directed that Allotment 8 be surveyed into allotments of not more that ¼ of an acre or less if required as soon as possible after his death to pay his debts and funeral expenses and that the residue be divided into one to his sons John and Robert Waddell and the other half was to be equally divided between his wife Eliza and daughters, Matilda, Sarah Eliza, Susanna Ellen and Margaret Eveline.
The General Law titles to the land show why Hutchinson made a new Will with the subdivision of the land. On January 5, 1880 he gave a Letter of Deposit & Power of Attorney to the Colonial Back of Australasia against a £355 he owed.
Audio introduction
Throughout the Gun Alley pages you will see references in old articles to £ (pounds). £1 = $2; 10/- (10 shillings) = $1; 5/- (5 shillings) = 50 cents. Please note: this does not reflect the value of the money but serves as an indication only.
Using the map:
- Click on the map icons for a brief overview of each location’s historical significance.
- To read the location’s associated Gun Alley Stories, click on ‘More Details’ in the icons pop-up window.
- You can also click and drag to move around the map and use the + and – buttons on the right to zoom in and out.
Timelines
John Hutchinson (1860 -1880)
William Hutchinson & Louis Deschamps (17/11/1880 – )
1880 – Olinda subdivision created.
1920s – How did Gun Alley get its name?
1940s Description of Lilydale
1960s Gun Alley transformation begins.
1970s Causeway built John and Hardy streets linked.
1980s – New back way in Lilydale
John Hutchinson JP
John Hutchinson was born at Cairncastle Northern Ireland in 1825 with his twin brother Robert.
The first member of the Hutchinson family to arrive in Australia was Joseph Hutchinson. According to John Hutchinson’s grand-daughter Lorna (Hutchinson Archer) Joseph wrote home to his brother John from Melbourne on July 23, 1853 sending money for him to join him in Melbourne.
Descendant Lorna Archer:
“John a school teacher,