High Street Berwick - 1870s to 1950s.

This is a look at some photographs of High Street in Berwick, from the 1870s to the 1950s.

Berwick 1877.

This is the earliest image we have of High Street. It is from the book Early Days of Berwick and they describe it as 'From a woodcut, by courtesy of Mr Bert Luke, Beaconsfield'. The original image was published in the Australasian Sketcher of October 27, 1877. See it here.  The Berwick Inn also called the Border Hotel was built for Robert Bain in 1857 as a single storey building. The later two storey additions were added in 1877 (and can be seen in this image ) and 1887.

Berwick 1887 (28 miles from Melb.)

Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria photograph album, State Library of Victoria Image H2012.114/2

In the ten years since the woodcut, above, development had extended to the other side of High Street. That is St Andrews Presbyterian (now Uniting Church) at the top of the hill. This building was completed in 1879 or 1885, depending on which source you use.

Berwick,  1906.  This is looking up the hill form the Berwick Inn.

Casey Cardinia Libraries image.

Berwick, 1907. This is looking down the hill, towards the Berwick Inn.   The house on the hill was built in 1902 by William Wilson (1830 - 1907) the founder of the Wilson Quarry. The Wilson's called it Liskie Brae, it was renamed Rheanva and is now called Kilkirean.

Casey Cardinia Libraries image

High Street Berwick in the 1920s,  looking up from the Berwick Inn.

Casey Cardinia Libraries image. 

High Street Berwick in the 1920s,  looking to the Berwick Inn.

Casey Cardinia Libraries image. 

Berwick1930s. The building on the right hand side is the Berwick Picture Theatre which was built in 1928. 

Casey Cardinia Libraries image  

Berwick 1950s. The Berwick Inn is on the left.

Casey Cardinia Libraries image.

Berwick, 1950s. This postcard was purchased in 1955.  The Tudor style buildings were erected in the 1920s, by Sir Sidney Sewell. 

Casey Cardinia Libraries image.