150 Years Stories

Celebrated Melbourne actress Eloise Juno must have been a formidable person, not just on the stage but also in her private life.

Elizabeth Spencer Wills built The Wills Cottage in Coppin Avenue in memory of her husband, Horatio. Horatio, born in Sydney, was the sixth son of a man transported for highway robbery.

England’s Earl of Yarmouth was a cross dressing professional stage skirt dancer. He was also a donor to the Old Colonists' Association.

Scotsman Dr Taylor Downie became visiting doctor to the Rushall Park village in 1888. He replaced Dr Valentine Browne, the Association’s first honorary medical officer.

Master Mariner G F Goble was singled out as one of four potential residents deserving of ‘special consideration’ to enter the Old Colonists’ Association’s Homes in 1883 by George Coppin.

Edward Henty becomes second President of the Old Colonists Association in 1871. He was in the position for two years before his successor, stockbroker J B Were, assumed the mantle.

Lucy Coppin, the daughter of OCAV founder George Coppin, was a formidable woman. There are facts and anecdotes that paint a picture of a woman who successfully carried on many of her father’s endeavours, including the Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria.

Estelle de Boshier gained fame for many things in her life, including dancing and singing with the stars. But perhaps her greatest legacy can be found in suburban Melbourne at OCAV's Liscombe House.