Most viewed - Carrucan and Sweeney Picture Galleries

Most viewed

1952 - marriage of Ann Marie Latham and William Francis Hunt142 viewsGroup wedding photo from the wedding of Ann Marie Latham (b 1923) and William Francis Hunt on 30th December 1952 at St. Joseph's Church, Otter Street, Collingwood.

Left to Right (Top): Matron of Honour:- Molly O'Farrell (nee Latham), Ann Marie Latham (nee Carrucan), Groom: William Francis Hunt, Bride: Ann Marie Hunt (nee Latham), Best Man: Kevin Latham, Lynette Latham
Left to Right (Bottom): Peter, John and Paul O'Farrell and Maureen Latham.

1953 - Marriage of Kathleen Calnin and Matthew OHalloran142 viewsKathleen Calnin (1919-1969), the youngest daughter of Annie (Babe) Carrucan and James Calnin, was a grand daughter of Patrick and Mary Carrucan. In 1953 she married Matthew O'Halloran and they subsequently had their own family with children Anne (b 1954) and James (b 1956).
This is their wedding photo.
Matthew died at Camberwell on 3 March 1961 from natural causes. Kathleen died at Melbourne on 14 December 1968 from natural causes. Both are buried at Box Hill Cemetery, Box Hill Victoria.

2005 - Mgr Bernie O'Regan 26 gun salute142 viewsAs a sign of the respect in which Mgr Bernie O'Regan was held, he was granted a full military funeral, the first held at Melbourne General Cemetery for many many years. After Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart led a service for him at St John's in Clifton Hill, mourners went to the cemetery where an RAAF honour guard lined the main avenue, 26 Steyr rifles raised. His many decorations and medals, including his OBE, his air-commodore rank as RAAF Chaplain General and his service medals from Vietnam and Malaysia were also carried as part of the service. The service concluded with a 26 gun salute and a live sounding of the Last Post.Bernie was a great grandson of Peter Carrucan.

Sweeneys photos - Burston Collection142 viewsMike Burston was brought up at Culla Hill during the period when the Burston family owned the property. These are photos from the Burston family photo albums which are now in Mike's possession. The photos are from the period from the 1950s onwards.

1927 Christmas Card - Mary Ellen (Nellie) Murray142 viewsCard signed "Sincerely Yours,Nellie, Xmas 1927
Nellie Murray, Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia"

The AGE of Wednesday 3rd August 1938, p14, reported

DEATHS: On August 2, at a private hospital, Albert Park, Mary Ellen, beloved and only daughter of James and the late Julia Murray of Eltham, and beloved sister of James, aged 30 years, RIP

1930s early - We originally thought this was a photo of travelling piper Johnny Doran with Jimmy Carrucan's father in law, Jack Clair, at St Bridget's Well, Liscannor. Further discussion indicates that it might in fact be a photo of piper Tim Wr141 views

Headmaster's House, Eltham Primary School, 2005141 viewsThe Headmaster's House at the Eltham Elementary School in Dalton Street was build in the 1890s and still stands today as part of the Eltham Primary School.

1913 - Mary Carrucan (nee Sweeney) with baby son John (Jack)141 views1913 - Mary Carrucan (nee Sweeney) with baby son John Francis (Jack). Jack continued on the family farm in Dalton St after his parents Mick and Mary died and he was the last Carrucan still living in Eltham when he died in 1976.

1934 - Matthew O'Halloran141 viewsKathleen Calnin (1919-1969), the youngest daughter of Annie (Babe) Carrucan and James Calnin, was a grand daughter of Patrick and Mary Carrucan. In 1953 she married Matthew O'Halloran and they had their own family with children Anne (b 1954) and James (b 1956).
This photo of her future husband Matthew O'Halloran was taken in 1934 when he was 20 years of age.

1920 approx - Timothy Anthony Silvester (Syl) Lane141 viewsTimothy Anthony Silvester (Syl) Lane was born in 1896 in Jumbunna in Victoria and died in 1985 in Perth in Western Australia.

1883 - John Sweeney Diary141 viewsJohn Sweeney intermittently kept a personal diary (hand written in an old exercise book) between the years of 1881 and 1883. It was passed onto his daughter Mary Carrucan) who in turn passed it onto her son Jack. Jack passed it onto his sister Betty (Erickson) who in turn passed it onto her son Tim Erickson. It is currently being looked after by Tim. It documents the sort of subsistence farming which framed the lives of the early Eltham settlers. The diet was one of cutting wood, ploughing, planting or digging up potatoes, taking produce or wood to Melbourne to sell and the various special occasions when someone visited or the family visited someone.

1927 - Obituary for Mary Carrucan nee OBrien141 viewsWith the passing of Mary Carrucan nee O'Brien,the widow of Patrick Carrucan, in 1927, the following comprehensive obituary was was published in the Hurstridge Advertiser, Friday 18 November 1927, page 5

DEATH OF ELTHAM PIONEER. MRS. MARY CARRUCAN.
On November 2 at Dalton St., Eltham, the death of Mrs. Mary Carrucan, relict of the late Patrick Carrucan, removed from our midst another of the fine old pioneers of this district. The deceased lady, who had reached the ripe age of ninety years, had been in failing health for the last two years, so that her demise was really a happy release. She and her late husband arrived in the colony from County Clare, Ireland, over 70 years ago, and settled in Eltham soon after their arrival. The latter pre-deceased her by 34 years. They reared a large family (two sons and seven daughters) who, with the exception of the elder son Michael, have all settled down elsewhere. Both the parents were very highly re-spected for their thrift and industry and soon acquired several blocks of land in and about Holloway's town ship, of which Dalton St. formed the southern boundary line. Like many of the early pioneers, the deceased lady was a fine type of helpmate, and was fond of outdoor life. When the Eltham tannery was in full swing, her husband was engaged as a first-class hand, but left this occupation to carry on fruit growing and mixed farming. Mrs. Carrucan's remains were laid to rest in the family portion of the Eltham cemetery, after a requiem service had been conducted in the local Catholic Church by the parish priest, the Rev. Fr. Lande. The funeral was attended by a large number of the family, relatives and friends, many of whom travelled long distances to pay the last tribute. The Rev. Fr. Lande also officiated at the grave. The funeral arrangements were very well carried out by Mr. Frank Usher, of Apps and Son, Fitzroy.

1993-11-27 Sweeneys subdivision141 viewsIn late 1993, the Burston family did a major subdivision and sold off a number of 12 allotments, ranging in size from 1 to 3 acres. Once this was done, the Burstons were left with the single house block.

1910 October - wedding of Michael Carrucan and Mary Sweeney of Eltham140 viewsThis shows the wedding of Mary Sweeney and Michael Carrucan at St John's Catholic Church in Heidelberg in October 1910.
Celebrant was Rev Fr. Parker.
From left to right: Catherine Sweeney, Michael O'Hare, Michael Carrucan, Mary Carrucan, Thomas Sweeney, Ellen Smith

1963 Molly and Maureen Kelly140 viewsMaureen Kelly is one of 7 children of Molly (1916-1992) and Bernie Kelly (1916-1980) and is a great great grand daughter of Patrick Carrucan. This photo shows Maureen with her mother on the occasion of her profession as a Brigidine nun in 1963.

1977 - Agnes Josephine O'Bryan - Sister Michelle140 viewsAgnes Josephine O'Bryan (1915-2007), the second daughter of Hannah Sloan and Michael O'Bryan, was born in 1911.
She decided to enter the Mercy Sisters after her 21st birthday, trained as a teacher at Ascot Vale and taught in Mercy secondary schools for 60 years. Initially known as Sister Michael, she changed her religious name to Sr. Michelle after the Second Vatican Council.
She celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1997 and retired again to Rice Village retirement Village where her books were not far away. She died in 2007.
She was a great grand child of Peter and Hannah Carrucan.

1940s - Leo Carrucan relaxed140 viewsLeo Carrucan, the fourth child of Margaret and Michael Carrucan of Kew, was born on 23rd December 1901. He met Mary Ellen Angus from Hawthorn in 1927 and they married in January 1935 at Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorn. Mary and Leo had one daughter, Mary Therese, in April 1938 but, ten days after giving birth, Mary died of cancer. In 1940, Leo married Dorothy Hopper and they lived happily as a family at 73 Edgevale Rd, Kew. This photo shows Leo in relaxed mode, some time in the 1940s.
Leo died suddenly on 27th March 1958 from a heart attack while sitting in his truck at the Alphington Quarries. He was only 57 years of age. He was buried in the Kew Cemetery. Leo is remembered fondly by his daughter Mary as a wonderful father and a wonderful husband to Dorothy who subsequently died in 1979.
Leo was a grandson of Peter Carrucan and Hannah Woods.

1865 circa Sweeney heirloom emu egg - view 2140 viewsThis traditionally carved emu egg was passed onto Mary Carrucan (nee Sweeney) by her father John Sweeney. It was on display in this old pink vase in the dining room at the Dalton Street farm house for some 60 years. It is believed that the egg was given to John Sweeney in the 1850s by the local First Peoples. The vase itself was also a gift to John Sweeney and his wife Ellen Kenney.

This is 1 of 3 views of the emu egg, showing the full extent of the carving.

1970s Sweeneys Aerial Photos140 viewsThe 4 aerial photos here are from Mike Burston and provide a wonderful snapshot of the Culla Hill (now called Sweeney's) property. The aerial views are undated but would likely be from the 1970s.

1824-04-22 Sweeny in Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Thursday, April 22, 1824, page 4 140 viewsIn the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser of Thursday, April 22, 1824, there is an interesting advertisement: ‘TEN DOLLARS REWARD. – Whereas on Sunday the 11th inst. two Saving Bank Receipts of One Pound each, belonging to my Government assigned Servant, Thomas Sweeny, were stolen from the Men’s Hut on my Farm of Bexley, near Cook’s River; This is to give Notice, that I am willing to pay the above Reward, on discovery of the Individual who presented them for Payment, and endorsed the Name of the said Thomas Sweeny upon the back, as an Acknowledgement. JAMES CHANDLER

1943 approx - John Francis (Jack) and Margaret (Maggie) Carrucan with son Jack (John)139 viewsThis photo shows John Francis (Jack) Carrucan and Margaret Ellen (Maggie) Carrucan (nee Doherty) with their son Jack Jnr. The family lived at Cheswick in country Victoria and Jack Jnr. was one of 7 children. This photo, taken around 1943, shows Jack, then aged 21, in military garb posing with his parent.
Jack senior was a grandson of Patrick Carrucan who migrated from Co. Clare to Eltham

1945 - Edna and Valerie Simpson139 viewsMonica Kathleen Carrucan (1918-1957) was one of the children of Myles Charles Carrucan (1897-1969) and Phyllis Alberta Kennedy (1899-1948).She married Wilfred Robert Simpson and they had two daughters:
Edna was born on Mar. 19, 1942.
Valerie Ann was born on Oct. 18, 1943
Edna and Valerie are great great grand children of Patrick Carrucan.

1950 - Clarence Calnin, John Conway James Calnin139 viewsThe photo shows Clarence Calnin (1898-1982) on the left, James Calnin (1901-1952) on the right and John Conway in the middle. John was the husband of their sister May Calnin (1904-1984). Clary and Jim were 2 of the 10 children born to James Calnin and Annie (Babe) Carrucan and were grand children of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien.

2008 - Peter Carrucan homestead Eltham139 viewsThis shot, taken in 2008, shows the original homestead of Peter Carrucan, on the corner of Napoleon St and Bible St in Eltham. No longer owned by the Carrucans, it is now home to another Eltham family. I wonder if they realise the rich history of this old house?

Coastal Map of area from Sydney to Illawarra139 viewsAfter a number of years as an assigned convict within the confines of the NSW Colony, Thomas Sweeney became master of a succession of coastal traders transporting goods between Sydney and Wollongong. The first such reference is in the Sydney General Trade List of Thursday the 22nd of October, 1829.

1820s Cork Harbour showing the prison hulk Surprise139 viewsOn the 14th of May 1823, Thomas Sweeney and Michael Connors left Clonmel Gaol and under armed escort were transferred to the Convict Depot at Cork. From there they were later taken by steam packet to the Cove of Cork (Cobh) and placed on the Prison Hulk Surprise. This former Royal Navy frigate, built in the shipyards in Milford, Wales in 1812, was modified as a hulk in 1822-23. This 1820s print shows the 'Surprise' in Cork Harbour.
Collection Peter Cuffley

1920 approx - Edwin (Ted) Gerald Martin138 viewsEdwin Gerald Martin was born in Ballarat, Victoria on 22 August 1897, the second child and elder son of Gerald David and Bertha (Bridget) Martin nee Coleman and a grandson of Bridget Carrucan.
On the 17th August, 1916, he enlisted as a private in the Australian Imperial Forces in Melbourne, at the age of 18 years 11 months and fought in a number of fronts including Passchendaele.
On 1st June 1920 Ted enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy, exactly one year after he had been discharged from the AIF.
In 1927 Ted married Lillian (Nig) Edith Martin (no blood relation) at St Peter's Church, Eastern Hill, Melbourne.
From 1st September 1939 to 27th December 1941 he was on the Australia, serving through the Battle of Britain. On 26th March 1941 he was mentioned in dispatches for his "skill, resource and devotion to duty". This was followed in his award, on 2nd July 1941, of the British Empire Medal.

2012 - Fanore - general shots on a walking daytrip138 views

1940s - James and Margarita Calnin camping138 viewsThis photo shows James Calnin (1901-1952) with his wife Rita nee Barry camping. James was a grand child of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien.

2008 Michael Carrucan visit - Michael with Sr Maureen Kelly and other sisters at Echuca138 views

1960s Culla Hill painting by Peter Cuffley based on 1940 Home Beautiful photo138 viewsThis painting of the Culla Hill property, based on the 1940 Home Beautiful article, was done by Peter Cuffley in the late 1960s.

1921 Eltham Elementary School grades 3 and 4 - Patrick and Jack Carrucan Nellie Sweeney Teacher138 viewsThe Eltham Elementary School in Dalton Street (School Number 209) had been started in the 1850s and was just a stone's throw from the Carrucan farms and not too far from Culla Hill. All the Carrucan and Sweeney children attended and this photo of the 1921 Grade 3 and 4 class shows 40 children ranging in ages from about 10 upwards. Nellie Sweeney is the teacher on the right. Patrick and Jack Carrucan are amongst the children.

1940-02 Home Beautiful - Page 1138 viewsPage 1 of the February 1940 Home Beautiful article on Culla Hill

2012 - Fanore - general shots on a walking daytrip137 views

1954 - Jimmy and Nancy Carrucan with neighbours at a dance in the pavilion, Lisdonnvarna137 views

1900 - Theresa Margaret Carrucan (1871-1920) married Edward Bourke at St John's, Heidelberg, Victoria137 viewsMary and Patrick Carrucan had 10 children: Bridget (1858) , Michael (1860) , Susan (1862 ), Patrick (1864 ), Thomas (1866 died as an infant) , Mary Anne (1868 ), Catherine (1869) , Theresa Margaret (1871), Frances (1872 ) and Annie (1874 ).

Around 1900, Theresa Margaret Carrucan (1871-1920) married Edward Bourke at St John's, Heidelberg, Victoria.

They had 5 children
Patrick Leo BOURKE (1902-1961)
Philip Edward Michael (Mick) BOURKE (1904-1971)
Francis James (Frank) BOURKE (1906-1987)
Mary BOURKE (1908-)
Kathleen (Kitty) BOURKE (1914-1995)

Photo passed on by Michael Bourke.

1905 - Plenty Bridge hotel137 viewsSusan (Sue) Carrucan was born in 1862 at Eltham. She was the third eldest child of Patrick Carrucan and Mary 0'Brien.

She met and married Edward Shae Kent (Ned) at Eltham in 1881. Ned Kent was born at Eltham circa 1858 and owned the Plenty Hotel, a pub in Diamond Creek, Christmas Hills and Bulleen and an orchard in Eltham.
This photo, taken in 1905-1907, shows the Plenty Hotel, Plenty Road, Heidelberg (now this area is called Lower Plenty). Photograph sourced from the Victorian State Library

1940s - James and Ivan Calnin camping137 viewsThis photo shows James Calnin (1901-1952) with his son Ivan camping. James was a grand child of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien.

1950 - James and Rita Calnin137 views1950 - James Calnin (1901-1952) with his wife Rita nee Barry, taken at the Royal Observatory next to the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. James was a grand child of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien.

1969 - Kathleen Loretto O'Halloran (nee Calnin) and her son James Matthew O'Halloran137 viewsKathleen Calnin (1919-1969), the youngest daughter of Annie (Babe) Carrucan and James Calnin, was a grand daughter of Patrick and Mary Carrucan. In 1953 she married Matthew O'Halloran and they subsequently had their own family with children Anne (b 1954) and James (b 1956).
This photo, taken in 1969, shows her with her son James.
Kathleen died later that same year in Melbourne from natural causes.

1994 July - Brother Pat Smith137 viewsyles Patrick (Pat) Smith (1935 -) entered the Christian Brothers' Juniorate at 15 and subsequently taught in various States in Australia and in New Zealand. Due to his health he eventually moved north and worked as a pastoral associate in Charleville, Queensland and then in Texas where he celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 1999. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 2003, and has now retired to Toowoomba.
This photo, taken in 1994, is from his days with the Christian Brothers.

1995 - Fr Tom Kiniry 60th Anniversay of ordination, with family137 viewsPhoto on the 60th anniversary of ordination of Fr Tom Kiniry. Photo includes
Back: Eileen O'Sullivan nee Carrucan, Mary Dempsey nee Carrucan, Nell Carrucan nee Kiniry and Wal Dempsey.
Front: Agnes Swan nee Kiniry, Fr Tom Kiniry and Sister Marion (Maureen Kiniry)

1926 - Family photo at Dalton St - Nana (Hooley), Betty and Mary Carrucan137 viewsOn the front porch at the Dalton St Eltham farmhouse circa 1926. Mary Carrucan (nee Sweeney) is back right and her daughter Betty is back left. Mary's sister Ellen (Nana) Sweeney is seated.

1850s Culla Hill Main House - cross view drawing Dr Roger Luebbers137 viewsDr Roger Leubbers' 1997 study of Culla Hill confirms family stories of there being two upstairs spaces which, by their remnant samples of paint and wallpaper, would have been used as bedrooms. These can be seen in the cross section drawing.

1970-11-19 Letter from Alan Marshall to Peter Cuffley137 viewsThe following letter from writer Alan Marshall to Peter Cuffley, dated 19th November 1970, acknowledges Peter's contribution to his book "Pioneers and Painters" and generally discusses Thomas Sweeney. His letter ends with the words "What you should do is later on write a book dealing with the Sweeneys. It would be most interesting."
It took Peter another 55 years to fulfill that request, with The Sweeney Family of Culla Hill Eltham finally published in February 2025.

Fanore - cemetery-2136 views

2012 - Fanore - general shots on a walking daytrip136 views

677 files on 15 page(s)