Historic stories

Location 1: Red Mail Box – Mill Street Mall

The Mail Run - "my track to Kilmore"

• The first contract to transport mail from Sydney to Melbourne left on 30 December 1837, arriving a fortnight later.
• Overlanders from New South Wales used the route through Kilmore, which was part of the mail run between Melbourne and Sydney.
• The post box outside No. 38 Sydney Street is an example of an authentic Victorian-era post box (although it may not be the first one placed on the site).

Location 2: Oddfellows Café

Oddfellows / Astor Theatre - A building of many memories.

• Home of "new generation dancing" in late 1800s
• Cinema for community & Home of local debutante ball centrally heated by a burning drum placed internally 1930s - 1960s
• Hardware and Furniture store 1960s
• Have a look at the back of the building for original signage

Location 3: Suggestions wanted

1855 Old Township Plan

• The 1855 Plan of the Old Township of Kilmore shows numerous buildings fronting Sydney Street, and a few in Patrick Street, in the Town Centre Precinct. Some are named, including: Bank, Dunrobin Castle Inn, Red Lion Inn, Royal Oak Inn and Kilmore Inn
• In 1856 the occupants of Sydney Street included
  • labourers (15)
  • banker (1)
  • shoemakers (5)
  • undertakers (2)
  • lodging house keeper (1)
  • store keeper/shop keeper (15)
  • hotel keeper/inn keeper (2)
  • merchant (1)
  • joiner (1)
  • solicitor (1)
  • butchers (3)
  • hairdresser (1)
  • builder (1)
  • blacksmiths (3)
  • farmers (9)
  • gentlemen (5)
  • contractor (1)
  • accountant (1)
  • miller (1)
  • watchmakers (2)
  • carrier (1)
  • livery-stable keepers (2)
  • tailor and draper (1)
  • tinplate worker (1)
  • auctioneer (1)
  • saddler (1).

Location 4: 39 Sydney St.

An address of many identities

• Early 1850s this site was occupied by a steam-operated flour mill
• 1883 The Colonel Bank is built and begins to trade from this address
• Continues to operate as financial institution until 1942
• Later occupied by the Kilmore Free Press and an infant welfare centre.

Location 5: 70 Sydney St

Black Bull Hotel and Stores

• Wholesale and Retail grocer, Ironmonger, wine and spirit merchant
• Described in 1867:
  • The place is, without exception, the most compact and useful building in the town, and its standing in our main street not only serves to beautify the place, but reflects the highest credit upon the spirited proprietor under whose personal supervision the structure was completed.