In conjunction with the Lilydale and District Historic Society we are bringing the below stories to life this Halloween in celebration of the Kinley Living Collection Display Village Grand Opening. Read below the spooky tales from Lilydale’s own historic building or icons.
Affectionately known as the father of Lilydale David Mitchell was an innovator, builder, contractor and businessman who migrated from Scotland in the 1850s. As well as owning the Cave Hill Limestone Quarry, Mitchell helped build many of Melbourne’s early buildings, including the Royal Exhibition Building, Scots Church and St Patrick’s Cathedral. He is also Dame Nellie Melba’s father. His spirit is all around Lilydale and Kinley in the heritage buildings that remain.
The ruins of Cashin’s Mill sit on the northern banks of the Lillydale Lake. The Mill was Lilydale’s first industrial building and is the sole remaining link to our wheat farming past which fed the goldfields towns of central Victoria. The two storey mill operated by James Cashin was built in the 1850’s and was plagued by floods and rain which stopped farming at the Mill. The mill burnt down on March 25, 1915. All that remains are the side walls and the whispering winds of its tragic past.
Look closely can you spot the ghosts working at Cashin’s Mill?
Early on Cave Hill was popular with visitors descending into the cave via a windlass, then via a rusty ladder for those who were brave.
Caving and collecting fossils was loads of fun for children who enjoyed scavenger hunting on the property searching for fossils of coral, shells and skeletons. Fast-forward to the present day and the property is still a thriving tourist attraction with monthly historic tours held at Kinley. The silos will be transformed into a thriving community space of cafes and markets. We wonder if the skeletons will come out at night to play?
Daughter of David Mitchell, was a famous singer of the late Victorian era and the early 20th century. She toured London, Paris and New York performing in operas and concerts, and inspiring the creation of multiple dishes, all named for her. She returned from her triumph to settle in Coombe Cottage near Lilydale her love for the area coming from her father. Her final resting place is in Lilydale Cemetery with her beloved family.
Lilydale’s past of lurking waters and floods made it difficult for farming and livestock. Retaining walls were built to stop the waters creeping into the main street but in 1984, nothing could stop the floodwaters. Overnight water spilled over the retaining walls and into the shops. Hence Lillydale Lake was created with the dual purpose of keeping those lurking floodwaters at bay. Located next door to Kinley Lillydale Lake attracts more than 1 million visitors each year.
Childrens Laugher in the grounds of Lilydale Primary school spans over 150 years and the original buildings of the school remind us of its rich history and flickery fiery past. The school has survived several fires and even burnt down its own fence to keep the students warm during winter. So when the school bell rings and the children sing are they the students of today or the ghosts of those from the past?
The Kinley community was once the site of the Cave Hill Limestone Quarry, owned by David Mitchell.
The quarry first opened in the 1870’s and its limestone was used in many of Melbourne’s most treasured landmarks including the Royal Exhibition Building. Quarry workers worked hard for their wages often having to blast stone and descend into caves to find more limestone. Quarry engineers introduced inventive processes for mining and construction limestone, shifting from horse drawn to electricity over the years. The quarry attracted many curious visitors, intrigued by the quarry’s creative engineering. The quarry closed in 2015.
The first Chinese arrived in the 1850s as servants to Paul de Castella at Yering Station. However, by the 1890s, Lilydale township boasted several Chinese market gardeners who leased land from David Mitchell and others along the Olinda Creek in Lilydale and northwards. Poon Kee was known as the much-loved local greengrocer with his easy-going manner. He set up shop next to the Olinda Creek on Main Street, operating direct from his gardens.
Near the quarry silos you will find the historical bacon and dairy building. Beginning as a dairy farm the surplus milk was turned into butter and cheese. The left-over whey was fed to the pigs who produced the famed Cave Hill hams and bacon and soap. Now, over a century later, Kinley plans to lovingly restore this wonderful landmark to bring the community together for events and more. Is the chill in the air from cool rooms or something else?
As a founding member of the Eight Hour workday movement, David Mitchell encouraged his workers to spend time playing sport and in the community. This also helped unmarried men (many of whom lived and work on site) keep occupied on the weekends. From 1899, Cave Hill had its own Cricket and later Football teams playing in local competitions. Today sport is part of the community spirit of Kinley and Lilydale. Kinley is a proud sponsor of Lilydale Football, Lilydale Cricket Club, Le Futsal Club and Lilydale Eagles Soccer Club. Kinley will offer 19 hectares of open green space, an array of parks, playgrounds and two sports fields.