Footscray Historical Society

Footscray Historical Society About Us
Preserving and recording the past

History of the Society

Excerpts from two accounts on the formation of the Society

Ian Secomb, February 1970:

"In years to come there may be some doubt as to the circumstances of the formation of the Footscray Historical Society. As I know more about this than anybody else, I am dictating notes in February, 1970 while the facts are still fresh in my mind.

I had spoken to the Town Clerk, Mr. Bill Swaby about old buildings in Footscray, historical events and men and women who had played an important part in Footscray's history. I was in Mr. Swaby's office round about the middle of 1968 when he said to me "Ian, will you form a Historical Society - we should have one." This was more a request than a question and I replied, "Yes."...

The inaugural meeting was held near the end of 1968 and I know there are plenty of records of this occasion. Mr. Basssett was the Mayor in 1968, attended the inaugural meeting, and has taken an intelligent interest in the Society up to the present date...

The acquisition of "Ercildoune" was a combination of hard work and good luck."

Frank McCarthy's January 1984

"In 1970, Ian Secomb learned that the building known as "Ercildoune" was offered for sale. As this had been Footscray's first bank building and was deemed by the National Trust to be of historical importance, it was decided that the Society should endeavor to purchase it.

We are very fortunate to have such a splendid successor to Ian in Dr. John Lack Ph.D. Our Administrator George Seelaf who succeeded the former Secretary, Bob Hayes, continues to amaze everyone. Indefatigable, enthusiastic and extremely capable and aided by a competent and dedicated committee he has been instrumental in placing our Society in a position of importance in the historical sphere in the state of Victoria."

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