DANDENONG and District Historical Society, which has turned 50, is putting together a list of interesting street names and their origins.
I have spent 77 years at the Dandenong Journal. When we lived at Lyndhurst, I could trace the origin of only one street name, Dickson Lane. Alongside the Journal office in Scott Street, Dandenong, it was named after the paper’s then owner-editor Greg Dickson.
I thought it might be interesting for readers to know the origin of other prominent street names in Greater Dandenong. This fascinating list was put together by Jenny Ferguson of the South Eastern Historical Association.
The Grange was the name of the property owned by the navy’s Captain David Ross in 1866. The estate ran from the Princes Highway along Clow Street/Kidds Road down to the Dandenong Creek and it followed the creek up to Heatherton Road.
I have it on good authority that the first home was situated off what became Ross and Lebanon streets and the second more grand home was built in Stud Road, near where May Court runs in off Ingrid Street.
Captain Ross’s youngest son, Herbert, married Ann Ross (no connection). When the property was later subdivided, Herbert named numerous streets in Dandenong after his wife, family and friends.
Ann Street was named after his wife, and Bruce, David, Herbert and Robert after his sons. Melbe Crescent was named after his sister and Margaret and Olive for his daughters.
Stewart Street was named in honour of an old friend of the Ross family, and Cleeland and King after the executors of his father’s will. The second home was demolished in 1964.
Captain Ross allowed access on his property and that track became Stud Road.
Stud Road was named after the police horse stud in the Police Paddocks.
Police Road was named after the police depot, also at the Police Paddocks. Clow Street was named after the Reverend James Clow, who settled in Dandenong in 1838.
Discover your own backyard
The City of Greater Dandenong is now home to people of more than 150 nationalities and is justly proud of its vibrancy and diversity.
The council has joined forces with Destination Melbourne to produce a website and a video to highlight Dandenong’s multiculturalism.
Residents are being invited to ‘discover their own backyard’.
There are cultural tours to enjoy, colourful festivals, a thriving arts community, and busy trading precincts.
Among the enticing attractions are the busy Dandenong Market with its wide selection of fresh produce including some locally grown vegetables and fruit; the chance to enjoy exotic food at numerous restaurants; the varied cultural precincts including Little India and the Afghan Bazaar; and Springvale with its residents from many countries and its many attractive shops.
To watch the city’s video, log on to dyob.com.au/greaterdandenong
■ Do you have a milestone, memory or question for Marg? Email easteditorial@mmpgroup.com.au or post submissions to A Moment with Marg, c/o The Dandenong Journal, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
