Progress

Charles Starr’s shoe store, Ryde Boot Palace, around 1909. In the first decade of the 20th century, Parkes St (now Blaxland Road) emerged as the main commercial street at Ryde. In 1901 a bootmaker opened in that street, almost opposite the end of Church Street. Charles Starr took over this business in 1905 and he can be seen here standing in front of his shop with an almost empty paddock stretching behind him to Pope Street. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4738217. Parkes Street, Ryde / 4.

Charles Starr’s shoe store, Ryde Boot Palace, around 1909. In the first decade of the 20th century, Parkes St (now Blaxland Road) emerged as the main commercial street at Ryde. In 1901 a bootmaker opened in that street, almost opposite the end of Church Street. Charles Starr took over this business in 1905 and he can be seen here standing in front of his shop with an almost empty paddock stretching behind him to Pope Street. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4738217. Parkes Street, Ryde / 4.

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W Moss, Produce Merchant & W Moss & Sons Family Butchers, Glebe Street, 1918. Ryde Village from the 1880s until the turn of the century centred around Glebe Street (now that part of Victoria Road in front of St Anne’s Church) and Church Street with just a few shops in Parkes Street (now Blaxland Road). Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4776488. Glebe Street, Ryde / 1.

W Moss, Produce Merchant & W Moss & Sons Family Butchers, Glebe Street, 1918. Ryde Village from the 1880s until the turn of the century centred around Glebe Street (now that part of Victoria Road in front of St Anne’s Church) and Church Street with just a few shops in Parkes Street (now Blaxland Road). Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4776488. Glebe Street, Ryde / 1.

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Wooden ship under construction at Kissing Point, Kidman & Mayoh Shipyard around 1919. Kidman & Mayoh were contracted to six build wooden ships, as steel was extremely difficult to obtain during WWI. The hulls were to be of Australian hardwood and the masts and spars of oregon. In the end only two were built, the Braeside and the Burnside, though neither of them was seaworthy. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4783026. Kidman & Mayoh Shipyard / 18.

Wooden ship under construction at Kissing Point, Kidman & Mayoh Shipyard around 1919. Kidman & Mayoh were contracted to six build wooden ships, as steel was extremely difficult to obtain during WWI. The hulls were to be of Australian hardwood and the masts and spars of oregon. In the end only two were built, the Braeside and the Burnside, though neither of them was seaworthy. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4783026. Kidman & Mayoh Shipyard / 18.

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Bank of New South Wales, corner Glebe Street and Church Street, Ryde, 1887-1914. Glebe Street was that part of Victoria Road in the vicinity of St Anne’s Church. It was the earliest commercial area in the village of Ryde which is why the Bank of New South Wales was located there. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4784073. Bank of New South Wales / 1.

Bank of New South Wales, corner Glebe Street and Church Street, Ryde, 1887-1914. Glebe Street was that part of Victoria Road in the vicinity of St Anne’s Church. It was the earliest commercial area in the village of Ryde which is why the Bank of New South Wales was located there. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4784073. Bank of New South Wales / 1.

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Eastwood Railway Station around 1912. Eastwood Railway Station opened as Dundas in October 1886, one of the original stations when the northern line was built from Homebush to Waratah. Following local protests that the area surrounding the station was known as Eastwood from Edward Terry’s home Eastwood House, the station name was changed to Eastwood in September 1887. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4954343. Railroads / 8.

Eastwood Railway Station around 1912. Eastwood Railway Station opened as Dundas in October 1886, one of the original stations when the northern line was built from Homebush to Waratah. Following local protests that the area surrounding the station was known as Eastwood from Edward Terry’s home Eastwood House, the station name was changed to Eastwood in September 1887. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4954343. Railroads / 8.

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Ryde Pumping Station, 1912. Built as part of the Nepean Scheme, the Ryde Pumping Station at West Ryde played an essential role in distributing water piped from Prospect Reservoir to the North Shore. Built in 1892, the station started with two engine-pump units. In 1908 the most notable change was the switch to steam turbines. The present Ryde Pumping Station was built on adjacent ground to this original 1890s building and opened September 1921 with the old station finally ceasing operation in 1930. The building was demolished in 1961. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 496909A. Ryde Pumping Station / 3.

Ryde Pumping Station, 1912. Built as part of the Nepean Scheme, the Ryde Pumping Station at West Ryde played an essential role in distributing water piped from Prospect Reservoir to the North Shore. Built in 1892, the station started with two engine-pump units. In 1908 the most notable change was the switch to steam turbines. The present Ryde Pumping Station was built on adjacent ground to this original 1890s building and opened September 1921 with the old station finally ceasing operation in 1930. The building was demolished in 1961. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 496909A. Ryde Pumping Station / 3.

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Ryde Punt crossing the Parramatta River, 1931. The punt crossed from Ryde to Rhodes just east of the Meadowbank Railway Bridge and was in operation from 1898. There was no time-table but the puntman was supposed to answer the call of a bell. The construction of the Ryde Bridge in the 1930s made the Ryde Punt redundant and it ceased operation. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4969324. Ryde Punt / 7.

Ryde Punt crossing the Parramatta River, 1931. The punt crossed from Ryde to Rhodes just east of the Meadowbank Railway Bridge and was in operation from 1898. There was no time-table but the puntman was supposed to answer the call of a bell. The construction of the Ryde Bridge in the 1930s made the Ryde Punt redundant and it ceased operation. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 4969324. Ryde Punt / 7.

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Meadowbank Manufacturing Company, around 1915. Established in 1890 to manufacture agricultural implements, the Meadowbank Works later manufactured railway rolling stock 1902-1914, 1923-1926 and also manufactured tram cars, a number of which were used on the Ryde line of the Sydney tramway system. Now the site of the Meadowbank TAFE. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 496991A. Meadowbank Manufacturing Company / 1.

Meadowbank Manufacturing Company, around 1915. Established in 1890 to manufacture agricultural implements, the Meadowbank Works later manufactured railway rolling stock 1902-1914, 1923-1926 and also manufactured tram cars, a number of which were used on the Ryde line of the Sydney tramway system. Now the site of the Meadowbank TAFE. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 496991A. Meadowbank Manufacturing Company / 1.

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Meadowbank Railway Station around 1915. The first platform on the Ryde side close to the Meadowbank Railway Bridge was named Ten Mile. The name was changed to Meadowbank in 1889 after Meadowbank House and Estate, but it was often referred to as ‘Helenie’ by the residents after the large house in the vicinity on the eastern side of the track. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5004489. Railroads /10.

Meadowbank Railway Station around 1915. The first platform on the Ryde side close to the Meadowbank Railway Bridge was named Ten Mile. The name was changed to Meadowbank in 1889 after Meadowbank House and Estate, but it was often referred to as ‘Helenie’ by the residents after the large house in the vicinity on the eastern side of the track. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5004489. Railroads /10.

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Rockend Cottage and Harold Meggitts linseed oil mill, Gladesville around 1924. In late 1923 Harold Meggitt established a linseed oil extraction plant on five acres of land at Punt Road, Gladesville. The site included Rockend Cottage, the former home of Emily Mary Barton. Linseed oil was used in the manufacture of paint and varnish, the formulation of putties and caulking compounds, in printing inks and linoleums. In later years a large silo erected as part of the plant was emblazoned with the company logo – a large cartoon figure of pipe-smoking Harold Meggitt in full stride. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5075408. Halmeg Pty Ltd Gladesville / 1.

Rockend Cottage and Harold Meggitts linseed oil mill, Gladesville around 1924. In late 1923 Harold Meggitt established a linseed oil extraction plant on five acres of land at Punt Road, Gladesville. The site included Rockend Cottage, the former home of Emily Mary Barton. Linseed oil was used in the manufacture of paint and varnish, the formulation of putties and caulking compounds, in printing inks and linoleums. In later years a large silo erected as part of the plant was emblazoned with the company logo – a large cartoon figure of pipe-smoking Harold Meggitt in full stride. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5075408. Halmeg Pty Ltd Gladesville / 1.

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Interior of Chick’s smithy, Rowe Street, Eastwood, 1910-1914. The railway brought a school, post office and a hotel to Eastwood in the 1880s but the development of a more substantial commercial centre had to wait for the beginning of the subdivision of Edward Terry’s estate in 1905. Walter Chick, farrier (a smith who shoes horses), coachbuilder and agricultural implement maker was one of the first to take advantage of the sub-division by moving his business from Ermington around 1906. In this photo Walter Chick stands at the anvil. He later sold his blacksmith’s business to concentrate on running Eastwood’s first picture theatre located on the corner of Railway Parade and Ethel Street. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5075831. Chick family / 2.

Interior of Chick’s smithy, Rowe Street, Eastwood, 1910-1914. The railway brought a school, post office and a hotel to Eastwood in the 1880s but the development of a more substantial commercial centre had to wait for the beginning of the subdivision of Edward Terry’s estate in 1905. Walter Chick, farrier (a smith who shoes horses), coachbuilder and agricultural implement maker was one of the first to take advantage of the sub-division by moving his business from Ermington around 1906. In this photo Walter Chick stands at the anvil. He later sold his blacksmith’s business to concentrate on running Eastwood’s first picture theatre located on the corner of Railway Parade and Ethel Street. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5075831. Chick family / 2.

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Opening of Ryde Bridge, 7 December 1935. The original bridge was opened on 7 December 1935 which resulted in the punt that operated from Bowden Street, Meadowbank to Blaxland Road, Rhodes ceasing operation. The bridge was financed with a grant of £53,000 from unemployment relief and a loan of £80,000. Tolls were introduced to repay the loan. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089344. Ryde Bridge / 1.

Opening of Ryde Bridge, 7 December 1935. The original bridge was opened on 7 December 1935 which resulted in the punt that operated from Bowden Street, Meadowbank to Blaxland Road, Rhodes ceasing operation. The bridge was financed with a grant of £53,000 from unemployment relief and a loan of £80,000. Tolls were introduced to repay the loan. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089344. Ryde Bridge / 1.

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Opening of the tram line to Hatton’s Flat, Ryde, 12 June 1910. In December 1907 the NSW Parliament finally approved the construction of a tramway between the Gladesville Bridge and Hattons Flat (now the site of the Ryde Civic Centre). In December 1908 the ceremony for the first ‘turning of the sod’ was held. Construction of the line occurred from 1909-1910 and the first tram arrived in June 1910. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089409. Trams & Tramways - Ryde / 3.

Opening of the tram line to Hatton’s Flat, Ryde, 12 June 1910. In December 1907 the NSW Parliament finally approved the construction of a tramway between the Gladesville Bridge and Hattons Flat (now the site of the Ryde Civic Centre). In December 1908 the ceremony for the first ‘turning of the sod’ was held. Construction of the line occurred from 1909-1910 and the first tram arrived in June 1910. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089409. Trams & Tramways - Ryde / 3.

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The mall in the new Top Ryde Regional Shopping Centre in 1958. The Top Ryde Regional Shopping Centre opened in November 1957 with a department store and 41 shops with parking for about 400 cars. It was a new concept in ‘neighbourhood’ shopping based on an American model. Top Ryde featured a mall, complete with an abstract sculpture by Gordon Andrews. The majority of prestige commercial buildings erected during the 1950s and early 1960s included some form of public art so Ryde’s sculpture no less than the mall itself, was a measure of the modernity of the new centre. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089441. Top Ryde Shopping Square / 2.

The mall in the new Top Ryde Regional Shopping Centre in 1958. The Top Ryde Regional Shopping Centre opened in November 1957 with a department store and 41 shops with parking for about 400 cars. It was a new concept in ‘neighbourhood’ shopping based on an American model. Top Ryde featured a mall, complete with an abstract sculpture by Gordon Andrews. The majority of prestige commercial buildings erected during the 1950s and early 1960s included some form of public art so Ryde’s sculpture no less than the mall itself, was a measure of the modernity of the new centre. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089441. Top Ryde Shopping Square / 2.

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Construction work on Ryde Civic Centre, 29 April 1963. This photo is probably more interesting because of the buildings in the background, rather than what is being built in the foreground. Looking south, from left to right, is the Ryde School of Arts, two shops, Masonic Temple and a lime, cement and sand supplier. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089522. Ryde Civic Centre / 4.

Construction work on Ryde Civic Centre, 29 April 1963. This photo is probably more interesting because of the buildings in the background, rather than what is being built in the foreground. Looking south, from left to right, is the Ryde School of Arts, two shops, Masonic Temple and a lime, cement and sand supplier. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089522. Ryde Civic Centre / 4.

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Ryde Civic Centre and Centenary Library, 1971. The administration block of the Ryde Civic Centre which was opened in 1964 was the first stage of a larger complex that was to include a ballroom with a capacity of 1000, a concert hall with capacity of 500, a public library and a pedestrian subway to connect the site with the shopping centre. The ballroom and pedestrian subway never eventuated but the library and civic hall were unveiled in November 1970 for the centenary of the municipality. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 508959A. Ryde Civic Centre / 10.

Ryde Civic Centre and Centenary Library, 1971. The administration block of the Ryde Civic Centre which was opened in 1964 was the first stage of a larger complex that was to include a ballroom with a capacity of 1000, a concert hall with capacity of 500, a public library and a pedestrian subway to connect the site with the shopping centre. The ballroom and pedestrian subway never eventuated but the library and civic hall were unveiled in November 1970 for the centenary of the municipality. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 508959A. Ryde Civic Centre / 10.

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Municipal and Citizens Reception Committee, December 1908 – to turn the first sod of the Drummoyne to Ryde Tramway. Though the first tram did not arrive until 1910, there was a ceremony in 1908 for the first ‘turning of the sod’. A monument atop which was a lamp was unveiled at the corner of Church Street and Parkes Street (now Blaxland Road). Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089875. Tram & Tramways - Ryde / 6.

Municipal and Citizens Reception Committee, December 1908 – to turn the first sod of the Drummoyne to Ryde Tramway. Though the first tram did not arrive until 1910, there was a ceremony in 1908 for the first ‘turning of the sod’. A monument atop which was a lamp was unveiled at the corner of Church Street and Parkes Street (now Blaxland Road). Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5089875. Tram & Tramways - Ryde / 6.

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Ryde Council Housing Project no 2 Denistone East 1947 looking towards the corner of Jackson and Cecil Crescent. The Ryde Council Housing Project was an innovative scheme operated by the Municipality of Ryde after World War II. Its aim was to provide architect designed homes at fixed interest rates to owner–occupiers. The original plan was to build 2500 homes, however, in the end, the scheme completed 599 houses in 7 project areas before the alderman who championed the scheme were voted off Council. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5480949. Ryde Council Housing Scheme / 5.

Ryde Council Housing Project no 2 Denistone East 1947 looking towards the corner of Jackson and Cecil Crescent. The Ryde Council Housing Project was an innovative scheme operated by the Municipality of Ryde after World War II. Its aim was to provide architect designed homes at fixed interest rates to owner–occupiers. The original plan was to build 2500 homes, however, in the end, the scheme completed 599 houses in 7 project areas before the alderman who championed the scheme were voted off Council. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5480949. Ryde Council Housing Scheme / 5.

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Crew of O class tram 1465 and starter pose in front of combined tram waiting office & starting shed at Gladesville around 1921. The arrival of the first tram at Hatton’s Flat, (north of the current Civic Centre) created an important connection for the residents to the City. A single track between Top Ryde and Ryde Station (now West Ryde Station) opened September 1914. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5481929. Tram & Tramways - Ryde / 10.

Crew of O class tram 1465 and starter pose in front of combined tram waiting office & starting shed at Gladesville around 1921. The arrival of the first tram at Hatton’s Flat, (north of the current Civic Centre) created an important connection for the residents to the City. A single track between Top Ryde and Ryde Station (now West Ryde Station) opened September 1914. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5481929. Tram & Tramways - Ryde / 10.

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Ryde Punt crossing to Bowden St, Meadowbank, November 1935. The punt crossed from Ryde to Rhodes just east of the Meadowbank Railway Bridge and was in operation from 1898. There was no time-table but the puntman was supposed to answer the call of a bell. The construction of the Ryde Bridge in the 1930s made the Ryde Punt redundant and its operation ceased. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 548202A. Ryde Punt / 4.

Ryde Punt crossing to Bowden St, Meadowbank, November 1935. The punt crossed from Ryde to Rhodes just east of the Meadowbank Railway Bridge and was in operation from 1898. There was no time-table but the puntman was supposed to answer the call of a bell. The construction of the Ryde Bridge in the 1930s made the Ryde Punt redundant and its operation ceased. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 548202A. Ryde Punt / 4.

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Les & Hilda Hartley inside Hartley’s general store, 59 Ryedale Road, West Ryde around 1940. The earliest shopping strip in West Ryde developed in Ryedale Road, on the eastern side of the railway line. The station was originally called Ryde Station. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5482364. West Ryde / 4.

Les & Hilda Hartley inside Hartley’s general store, 59 Ryedale Road, West Ryde around 1940. The earliest shopping strip in West Ryde developed in Ryedale Road, on the eastern side of the railway line. The station was originally called Ryde Station. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5482364. West Ryde / 4.

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Canon Australia, Thomas Holt Drive, Macquarie Park, 1991. Much of the area we now called Macquarie Park was, until the 1950s, covered by green belt zoning under the County of Cumberland Planning Scheme. The scheme faced opposition from many sectors. In December 1959 1,700 acres in the Marsfield-North Ryde green belt were released for re-zoning. In March 1963 a decision was finally made to build the university at North Ryde. The underlying principle agreed by the State Planning Authority and Ryde Council was for the development of a North Ryde Industrial area based on the same concept as the development of the industrial area surrounding Stanford University in San Francisco. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5482747. North Ryde Industrial Area / 1.

Canon Australia, Thomas Holt Drive, Macquarie Park, 1991. Much of the area we now called Macquarie Park was, until the 1950s, covered by green belt zoning under the County of Cumberland Planning Scheme. The scheme faced opposition from many sectors. In December 1959 1,700 acres in the Marsfield-North Ryde green belt were released for re-zoning. In March 1963 a decision was finally made to build the university at North Ryde. The underlying principle agreed by the State Planning Authority and Ryde Council was for the development of a North Ryde Industrial area based on the same concept as the development of the industrial area surrounding Stanford University in San Francisco. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5482747. North Ryde Industrial Area / 1.

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Mounted police escort leading the official party across Ryde Bridge prior to the opening ceremony, 7 December 1935. The original bridge was opened on 7 December 1935 which resulted in the punt that operated from Bowden Street, Meadowbank to Blaxland Road, Rhodes ceasing operation. The bridge was financed with a grant of £53,000 from unemployment relief and a loan of £80,000. Tolls were introduced to repay the loan. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5483735. Ryde Bridge / 6.

Mounted police escort leading the official party across Ryde Bridge prior to the opening ceremony, 7 December 1935. The original bridge was opened on 7 December 1935 which resulted in the punt that operated from Bowden Street, Meadowbank to Blaxland Road, Rhodes ceasing operation. The bridge was financed with a grant of £53,000 from unemployment relief and a loan of £80,000. Tolls were introduced to repay the loan. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5483735. Ryde Bridge / 6.

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Unveiling of a drinking fountain at Hatton’s Flat to commemorate the opening of the Drummoyne to Ryde tramway, 11 June 1910. When the tram arrived in 1910 there were many celebrations along its route with the final events taking place at its terminus at Hatton’s Flat. A drinking fountain, surmounted by a column and lamp, was unveiled. The base of that drinking fountain now sits in Banjo Paterson Park. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5485169. Trams & Tramways - Ryde / 8.

Unveiling of a drinking fountain at Hatton’s Flat to commemorate the opening of the Drummoyne to Ryde tramway, 11 June 1910. When the tram arrived in 1910 there were many celebrations along its route with the final events taking place at its terminus at Hatton’s Flat. A drinking fountain, surmounted by a column and lamp, was unveiled. The base of that drinking fountain now sits in Banjo Paterson Park. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5485169. Trams & Tramways - Ryde / 8.

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Hector, Bob and George jnr at work at Towns & Sons Ltd, Wharf Road, Gladesville, 1949. Sculling & rowing were important pastimes and sports for which the Parramatta River was used. Thousands of people would pack the foreshores to watch the races. Boatsheds and allied industries also developed. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5485738. Towns family / 9.

Hector, Bob and George jnr at work at Towns & Sons Ltd, Wharf Road, Gladesville, 1949. Sculling & rowing were important pastimes and sports for which the Parramatta River was used. Thousands of people would pack the foreshores to watch the races. Boatsheds and allied industries also developed. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5485738. Towns family / 9.

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Horse drawn bus ‘Success’ used to carry passengers from the tram terminus at Drummoyne to Ryde around 1908. Before the tramline was extended to Hatton’s Flat (Top Ryde), it stopped at Drummoyne. A survey conducted in February 1907 found that three bus lines serviced the route from the tram terminus at Drummoyne to Gladesville and Ryde. The buses ran every hour to and from Ryde and every half hour to and from Gladesville. The services were well patronised and the three companies employed five men and maintained 26 horses. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5485975. Buses / 2.

Horse drawn bus ‘Success’ used to carry passengers from the tram terminus at Drummoyne to Ryde around 1908. Before the tramline was extended to Hatton’s Flat (Top Ryde), it stopped at Drummoyne. A survey conducted in February 1907 found that three bus lines serviced the route from the tram terminus at Drummoyne to Gladesville and Ryde. The buses ran every hour to and from Ryde and every half hour to and from Gladesville. The services were well patronised and the three companies employed five men and maintained 26 horses. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5485975. Buses / 2.

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W H Chick, farrier, coachbuilder & implement maker, Rowe Street, Eastwood around 1910-1914. The railway brought a school, post office and a hotel to Eastwood in the 1880s but the development of a more substantial commercial centre had to wait for the beginning of the subdivision of Edward Terry’s estate in 1905. Walter Chick, farrier (a smith who shoes horses), coachbuilder and agricultural implement maker was one of the first to take advantage of the sub-division by moving his business from Ermington around 1906. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5578213. Chick family / 1.

W H Chick, farrier, coachbuilder & implement maker, Rowe Street, Eastwood around 1910-1914. The railway brought a school, post office and a hotel to Eastwood in the 1880s but the development of a more substantial commercial centre had to wait for the beginning of the subdivision of Edward Terry’s estate in 1905. Walter Chick, farrier (a smith who shoes horses), coachbuilder and agricultural implement maker was one of the first to take advantage of the sub-division by moving his business from Ermington around 1906. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5578213. Chick family / 1.

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Looking east along Victoria Road at intersection of Bowden Street, 23 July 1930; workmen relocating tram track prior to reconstruction of Victoria Road. Not only was work being done on Victoria Road, but around this time it received the name Victoria Road. Before this date, the road west of St Anne’s Church was called Parramatta Road and Monash Road at Gladesville was called Victoria Road. The building on the right hand side is the mansion Lauriston, demolished 1959 and replaced with the Metro Motor Inn. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5578264. Victoria Road, Ryde / 4.

Looking east along Victoria Road at intersection of Bowden Street, 23 July 1930; workmen relocating tram track prior to reconstruction of Victoria Road. Not only was work being done on Victoria Road, but around this time it received the name Victoria Road. Before this date, the road west of St Anne’s Church was called Parramatta Road and Monash Road at Gladesville was called Victoria Road. The building on the right hand side is the mansion Lauriston, demolished 1959 and replaced with the Metro Motor Inn. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5578264. Victoria Road, Ryde / 4.

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Harold Hicks off to market with a truck load of peaches, Wicks Road, North Ryde 1926-7. The Hicks’ were a long established family in the history of North Ryde and the local Baptist community. The peaches are indicative of the productivity of the North Ryde/Marsfield areas known for their market gardens, orchards and poultry farms. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 557921A. Hicks family / 2.

Harold Hicks off to market with a truck load of peaches, Wicks Road, North Ryde 1926-7. The Hicks’ were a long established family in the history of North Ryde and the local Baptist community. The peaches are indicative of the productivity of the North Ryde/Marsfield areas known for their market gardens, orchards and poultry farms. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 557921A. Hicks family / 2.

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Protest over compulsory sanitary service outside the Eastwood Town Hall, 1 January 1940. Prior to 1940 most residents of Marsfield and North Ryde buried their own nightsoil on their poultry farms and orchards. By 1939 Eastwood (formerly Marsfield) Council decided to extend its nightsoil collection service to every residence in the municipality. The new arrangements were to come into force on 1 January 1940 but many residents with large blocks of land could see no reason to pay for a service that they could still carry out quite satisfactorily for themselves. When the first pan was delivered they returned it to the front of the town hall. The dog’s action appears to be summing up the residents’ thoughts! Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5579295. Eastwood Town Hall / 1.

Protest over compulsory sanitary service outside the Eastwood Town Hall, 1 January 1940. Prior to 1940 most residents of Marsfield and North Ryde buried their own nightsoil on their poultry farms and orchards. By 1939 Eastwood (formerly Marsfield) Council decided to extend its nightsoil collection service to every residence in the municipality. The new arrangements were to come into force on 1 January 1940 but many residents with large blocks of land could see no reason to pay for a service that they could still carry out quite satisfactorily for themselves. When the first pan was delivered they returned it to the front of the town hall. The dog’s action appears to be summing up the residents’ thoughts! Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5579295. Eastwood Town Hall / 1.

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Biplane built by Jack Jones at West Ryde, 1915-1916. Jack Jones (1886-1970) was an engineer who began designing and building aeronautical engines and aircraft frames in 1907 in the backyard of his family’s home in Glebe. Around 1913 the family moved to West Parade, West Ryde. It was here that Jones built his fourth machine, a biplane with a five cylinder rotary engine. He was able to test this aircraft in the then undeveloped paddocks of the Darvall Estate behind his family’s home. Jack Jones moved to Dickson Avenue following his marriage and return to Australia after the war. Here he built his fifth machine as an entry in a light aircraft competition at Richmond. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5579767. Jones, Leslie John Roberts (Jack) / 3.

Biplane built by Jack Jones at West Ryde, 1915-1916. Jack Jones (1886-1970) was an engineer who began designing and building aeronautical engines and aircraft frames in 1907 in the backyard of his family’s home in Glebe. Around 1913 the family moved to West Parade, West Ryde. It was here that Jones built his fourth machine, a biplane with a five cylinder rotary engine. He was able to test this aircraft in the then undeveloped paddocks of the Darvall Estate behind his family’s home. Jack Jones moved to Dickson Avenue following his marriage and return to Australia after the war. Here he built his fifth machine as an entry in a light aircraft competition at Richmond. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5579767. Jones, Leslie John Roberts (Jack) / 3.

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Ryde Council Housing Project no 1 Meadowbank, Lower Constitution Road, 1946. The Ryde Council Housing Project was an innovative scheme operated by the Municipality of Ryde after World War II. It aimed to provide architect designed homes at fixed interest rates to owner–occupiers. The original plan was to build 2500 homes, however, in the end the scheme completed 599 houses in 7 project areas before the alderman who championed the scheme were voted off Council. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5788935. Ryde Council Housing Scheme / 22.

Ryde Council Housing Project no 1 Meadowbank, Lower Constitution Road, 1946. The Ryde Council Housing Project was an innovative scheme operated by the Municipality of Ryde after World War II. It aimed to provide architect designed homes at fixed interest rates to owner–occupiers. The original plan was to build 2500 homes, however, in the end the scheme completed 599 houses in 7 project areas before the alderman who championed the scheme were voted off Council. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5788935. Ryde Council Housing Scheme / 22.

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Wicks Farrier, Parkes Street (now 52 Blaxland Road), Ryde pre World War II. Commercial centres such as Parkes Street (now Blaxland Road) at Ryde not only had shops with merchandise but services such as farriers. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 6268390. Parkes Street, Ryde / 18.

Wicks Farrier, Parkes Street (now 52 Blaxland Road), Ryde pre World War II. Commercial centres such as Parkes Street (now Blaxland Road) at Ryde not only had shops with merchandise but services such as farriers. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 6268390. Parkes Street, Ryde / 18.

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Ryde Post Office and telephone exchange, 1992. The post office building replaced an earlier Edwardian era building. The telephone exchange behind it, also in Church Street, is typical of the architecture of the time in which it was erected. It’s debatable whether this is progress or not! Ryde Library Service. Acc. 7423667. Ryde Post Office / 7.

Ryde Post Office and telephone exchange, 1992. The post office building replaced an earlier Edwardian era building. The telephone exchange behind it, also in Church Street, is typical of the architecture of the time in which it was erected. It’s debatable whether this is progress or not! Ryde Library Service. Acc. 7423667. Ryde Post Office / 7.

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Opening of the tram line to Hatton’s Flat 12 June 1910. In December 1907 the NSW Parliament finally approved the construction of a tramway between the Gladesville Bridge and Hattons Flat (now the site of the Ryde Civic Centre). In December 1908 the ceremony for the first ‘turning of the sod’ was held. Construction of the line occurred from 1909-1910 and the first tram arrived in June 1910. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 850430A. Trams & Tramways Ryde / 4.

Opening of the tram line to Hatton’s Flat 12 June 1910. In December 1907 the NSW Parliament finally approved the construction of a tramway between the Gladesville Bridge and Hattons Flat (now the site of the Ryde Civic Centre). In December 1908 the ceremony for the first ‘turning of the sod’ was held. Construction of the line occurred from 1909-1910 and the first tram arrived in June 1910. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 850430A. Trams & Tramways Ryde / 4.

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Laying of the Gladesville-Ryde tramway around 1909. The first ‘turning of the sod’ in the extension of the tramway from Drummoyne to Ryde took place in 1908. The line was completed in 1910. This is a scene mid-way in that process and exemplifies the hard physical nature of its construction. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 8504342. Tram & Tramways – Ryde / 2.

Laying of the Gladesville-Ryde tramway around 1909. The first ‘turning of the sod’ in the extension of the tramway from Drummoyne to Ryde took place in 1908. The line was completed in 1910. This is a scene mid-way in that process and exemplifies the hard physical nature of its construction. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 8504342. Tram & Tramways – Ryde / 2.

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Digging up the Great North Road (now Victoria Road) for the Gladesville/Ryde tramway. The first ‘turning of the sod’ in the extension of the tramway from Drummoyne to Ryde took place in 1908. The line was completed in 1910. This is a scene mid-way in that process and shows the line was constructed by men with shovels, horses and carts. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 8504415. Tram & Tramways - Ryde / 1.

Digging up the Great North Road (now Victoria Road) for the Gladesville/Ryde tramway. The first ‘turning of the sod’ in the extension of the tramway from Drummoyne to Ryde took place in 1908. The line was completed in 1910. This is a scene mid-way in that process and shows the line was constructed by men with shovels, horses and carts. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 8504415. Tram & Tramways - Ryde / 1.

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Coxs Road, North Ryde: last gas lamp being dismantled in Sydney. An unemployment relief project involved the extension of street lighting to large parts of North Ryde in late 1934. The newly defunct gas lamp in this photograph in the process of being dismantled was in Coxs Road, near the intersection with Lane Cove Road. The house Pomona can be seen in the background. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 3728; negative 152/8.

Coxs Road, North Ryde: last gas lamp being dismantled in Sydney. An unemployment relief project involved the extension of street lighting to large parts of North Ryde in late 1934. The newly defunct gas lamp in this photograph in the process of being dismantled was in Coxs Road, near the intersection with Lane Cove Road. The house Pomona can be seen in the background. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 3728; negative 152/8.

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Looking west at the level crossing at West Ryde, 5 February 1935. The original way to cross the railway line at Ryde Railway Station (now West Ryde Railway Station) was via a level crossing. Initially this was controlled with swing gates that had to be manually opened and closed; later the gates were controlled from the signal box. Visible in his photo are the tram tracks for the extension from Hatton’s Flat and, on the extreme right, the Royal Hotel which was demolished in the 1930s. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 3913; negative 157/10.

Looking west at the level crossing at West Ryde, 5 February 1935. The original way to cross the railway line at Ryde Railway Station (now West Ryde Railway Station) was via a level crossing. Initially this was controlled with swing gates that had to be manually opened and closed; later the gates were controlled from the signal box. Visible in his photo are the tram tracks for the extension from Hatton’s Flat and, on the extreme right, the Royal Hotel which was demolished in the 1930s. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 3913; negative 157/10.

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View of Hoover Factory and surrounds in 1970. This aerial photograph shows the Ryde/Meadowbank area and the significant industrialisation that had taken place during the second half of the 20th century. Hoover came to Meadowbank in 1953, taking over and expanding an already existing factory. The company, based in England, had been selling appliances in Australia since the early 1920s through a network of dealers. It began manufacturing in Australia from the Meadowbank plant in 1954, producing washing machines, vacuum cleaners and floor polishers. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 5268; negative 202/25.

View of Hoover Factory and surrounds in 1970. This aerial photograph shows the Ryde/Meadowbank area and the significant industrialisation that had taken place during the second half of the 20th century. Hoover came to Meadowbank in 1953, taking over and expanding an already existing factory. The company, based in England, had been selling appliances in Australia since the early 1920s through a network of dealers. It began manufacturing in Australia from the Meadowbank plant in 1954, producing washing machines, vacuum cleaners and floor polishers. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 5268; negative 202/25.

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Ryde Railway Station. Unknown date. This station was one of the original stations when the northern line was built from Homebush to Waratah. It was originally called Ryde Station and the name was not officially changed to West Ryde Station until 1945. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 6198; negative 238/1.

Ryde Railway Station. Unknown date. This station was one of the original stations when the northern line was built from Homebush to Waratah. It was originally called Ryde Station and the name was not officially changed to West Ryde Station until 1945. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 6198; negative 238/1.

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Ryde Pumping Station; southern end of Ryde Railway Station. This photograph shows the original pumping station and the southern end of Ryde Railway Station. Before the underpass was built which allowed Victoria Road to travel underneath the railway line, the intersection of the railway line and the road was controlled by a level crossing. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 6335; negative 242/6a.

Ryde Pumping Station; southern end of Ryde Railway Station. This photograph shows the original pumping station and the southern end of Ryde Railway Station. Before the underpass was built which allowed Victoria Road to travel underneath the railway line, the intersection of the railway line and the road was controlled by a level crossing. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 6335; negative 242/6a.

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Ryde Shopping Centre. Helicopter in front of Benjamin’s store c.1958. Benjamin’s was the main department store in the newly built Top Ryde Regional Shopping Centre which opened in November 1957. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 6389; negative 244/4 (a).

Ryde Shopping Centre. Helicopter in front of Benjamin’s store c.1958. Benjamin’s was the main department store in the newly built Top Ryde Regional Shopping Centre which opened in November 1957. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 6389; negative 244/4 (a).

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Tanks Service Station, corner Blaxland Road and Anzac Avenue c.1930. It’s unknown why all the cars were lined up and why everyone was getting their photo taken but there is still a service station in this location today. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 8098; negative 296/32.

Tanks Service Station, corner Blaxland Road and Anzac Avenue c.1930. It’s unknown why all the cars were lined up and why everyone was getting their photo taken but there is still a service station in this location today. Ryde District Historical Society. Image 8098; negative 296/32.

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Telephonists at work in Gladesville Post Office in 1920s. In the early days of telephony, telephone calls were connected at manual switchboards by switchboard operators who inserted phone plugs into the appropriate jack. Even though most private homes would not have had a telephone in the 1920s, at least four young women were employed here with two stern looking supervisors! Ryde District Historical Society. Image 9202; negative 330/8.

Telephonists at work in Gladesville Post Office in 1920s. In the early days of telephony, telephone calls were connected at manual switchboards by switchboard operators who inserted phone plugs into the appropriate jack. Even though most private homes would not have had a telephone in the 1920s, at least four young women were employed here with two stern looking supervisors! Ryde District Historical Society. Image 9202; negative 330/8.

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Interior fleet number from “P” type tram 1699 (built 1926). 1699 with 1731 formed the last tram journey from Ryde on Saturday 18 December 1949. The tram only operated to the depot at Ultimo. Buses took up the service in the early morning. Ryde District Historical Society. RDHS 13316 Acc 2019-0009.

Interior fleet number from “P” type tram 1699 (built 1926). 1699 with 1731 formed the last tram journey from Ryde on Saturday 18 December 1949. The tram only operated to the depot at Ultimo. Buses took up the service in the early morning. Ryde District Historical Society. RDHS 13316 Acc 2019-0009.

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Ryde Bridge commemorative ribbon. The second Ryde Bridge which adjoins the original bridge was opened by the Premier Nick Greiner and Federal Transport Minister Ralph Willis on 25 November 1988. Ryde District Historical Society.

Ryde Bridge commemorative ribbon. The second Ryde Bridge which adjoins the original bridge was opened by the Premier Nick Greiner and Federal Transport Minister Ralph Willis on 25 November 1988. Ryde District Historical Society.

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Looking south at Top Ryde c.1937. This is a fascinating photo showing Top Ryde, not long after Devlin Street had been constructed to make a more direct route for traffic that wanted to connect with the recently opened Ryde Bridge. On the left is the Rialto Theatre; the tram terminus is on the right. The construction of Devlin Street had the consequence of isolating the buildings in the centre of this photo and created what was for decades referred to as The Island Block. That later became the site for the Ryde Civic Centre and Centenary Hall. Ryde Library Service.

Looking south at Top Ryde c.1937. This is a fascinating photo showing Top Ryde, not long after Devlin Street had been constructed to make a more direct route for traffic that wanted to connect with the recently opened Ryde Bridge. On the left is the Rialto Theatre; the tram terminus is on the right. The construction of Devlin Street had the consequence of isolating the buildings in the centre of this photo and created what was for decades referred to as The Island Block. That later became the site for the Ryde Civic Centre and Centenary Hall. Ryde Library Service.

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Top Ryde Shopping Centre, prior to demolition. Prior to the demolition and redevelopment of the Top Ryde Shopping Centre, this was the centre’s Blaxland Road façade. The centre was opened in November 1957. Ryde Library Service.

Top Ryde Shopping Centre, prior to demolition. Prior to the demolition and redevelopment of the Top Ryde Shopping Centre, this was the centre’s Blaxland Road façade. The centre was opened in November 1957. Ryde Library Service.

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West Ryde Pumping Station. The present Ryde Pumping Station was built on adjacent ground to the original 1890s building and opened September 1921 with the old station finally ceasing operation in 1930. The original building was demolished in 1961. Ryde Library Service.

West Ryde Pumping Station. The present Ryde Pumping Station was built on adjacent ground to the original 1890s building and opened September 1921 with the old station finally ceasing operation in 1930. The original building was demolished in 1961. Ryde Library Service.

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