History in the Painting - Location 8 Railway Ave Ringwood East
Learning about our past will help our local comunity connect with the present and strengthen our future... afterall we are all connected in someway.
The Numbers
If you look closely, you will see dates on each of the separate paintings to signify the following:
The 2 Petrol Bowsers
The corner of Railway Ave & Dublin Rd was (from 1958) a petrol station, trading as Trident Service Station and initially served “Neptune” branded petrol, and later “Shell” branded petrol.
The petrol station operated from 1958 through to 1991.
The land was sold to a property developer who built shops and offices on the footprint of that land which formerly had the petrol station on it. There was a period where the land was dormant (as is commonplace when petrol stations close) before construction commenced.
Specifically at this No. 8 Railway Ave (which is located on what was the north east corner area of the service station), the following businesses have operated:
The Scales of Justice
Signifies the period 1994-1999 when Richard Wood Solicitors operated out of 8 Railway Ave.
The Calculator
Signifies the period 1999-2021 when Gerard Hewitt, G.E. Hewitt & Co, Accountants operated out of 8 Railway Ave and then
2021 onwards: Dan Merritt currently operates the same accounting business.
The 3 Boys
The Knaith Rd Reserve (at the rear of the building) was once a clay mine (late 1800’s/early 1900’s). Once mining ceased, the large remaining hole subsequently filled with water. This created a large pool of water which soon became popular as a swimming place; it became known as the East Ringwood Dive.
Tragically, three boys sadly drowned in this body of water. The centre of the painting commemorates these 3 young boys:
Donald Mottrom aged 11, d. 1925
Laurence O’Connell aged 13, d. 1934
Robert Jones aged 12, d. 1958.
Gerard Hewitt has fully researched all the above; if you would like any further information, please email: gerard@hewittcpa.com.au
Artwork by Jo's Desktop
