Most viewed - Carrucan and Sweeney Picture Galleries

Most viewed

Headmaster's House, Eltham Primary School, 2005144 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.

1947 - Robert Calnin in Gibraltar144 viewsRobert Edward Calnin, born in 1929, was the the eldest (along with his twin brother John) of the children born to Maurice Calnin. He was a great grandson of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien. He enlisted in the Navy when he was 16. This picture was taken in Gibraltar when he was between 18 and 20 yrs old.
He later became a policeman, served in the Bundoora Mounted Branch and then at Buchan. When he retired, he took up farming at Buchan. He and his wife Betty had 2 children, Dale and Robyn. He died in 2010.
Photo from Gail Calnin.

1950s - Joe Carrucan144 viewsJoseph Thomas Carrucan (1903-1960), third youngest child of Patrick and Ellen Carrucan, was born in 1904. In 1929 he married Eileen Mary Farrelly the only girl in a family of seven boys and they lived in 60a Gold Street Collingwood. They had six children: Helen (1932), Ivan (1933), Patricia (1935), Kathleen (1937), Michael (1942) and Maree (1947).
Joe was a grandson of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien.

1950s - Joe Carrucan with Boxing Troup144 viewsJoseph Thomas Carrucan (1903-1960), third youngest child of Patrick and Ellen Carrucan, was born in 1904. In 1929 he married Eileen Mary Farrelly the only girl in a family of seven boys and they lived in 60a Gold Street Collingwood. They had six children: Helen (1932), Ivan (1933), Patricia (1935), Kathleen (1937), Michael (1942) and Maree (1947).
Joe was a very good boxer in his younger days and and he passed this knowledge on via his boxing shows. These began in 1941 at St Joseph's but moved to the Collingwood Town Hall from 1942 until 1956. For the last show, with the help of a committee, he filled the Festival Hall, varying the boxing and wrestling with singers and other variety acts.

1953 - Marriage of Kathleen Calnin and Matthew OHalloran144 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 salute144 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.

1940s - Leo Carrucan relaxed144 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.

Sweeneys photos - Burston Collection144 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.

1934 - Matthew O'Halloran143 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.

1963 Molly and Maureen Kelly143 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.

1883 - John Sweeney Diary143 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 OBrien143 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.

Sweeneys photos - Burston Collection143 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.

1910 October - wedding of Michael Carrucan and Mary Sweeney of Eltham142 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

1950 - Clarence Calnin, John Conway James Calnin142 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.

1977 - Agnes Josephine O'Bryan - Sister Michelle142 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.

1970s Sweeneys Aerial Photos142 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.

1993-11-27 Sweeneys subdivision142 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.

2012 - Fanore - general shots on a walking daytrip141 views

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.

1960s Culla Hill painting by Peter Cuffley based on 1940 Home Beautiful photo141 viewsThis painting of the Culla Hill property, based on the 1940 Home Beautiful article, was done by Peter Cuffley in the late 1960s.

1824-04-22 Sweeny in Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Thursday, April 22, 1824, page 4 141 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

Coastal Map of area from Sydney to Illawarra141 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 Surprise141 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 Martin140 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 daytrip140 views

1940s - James and Ivan Calnin camping140 viewsThis photo shows James Calnin (1901-1952) with his son Ivan camping. James was a grand child of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien.

1943 approx - John Francis (Jack) and Margaret (Maggie) Carrucan with son Jack (John)140 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 Simpson140 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 - James and Rita Calnin140 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.

1994 July - Brother Pat Smith140 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 family140 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)

2008 - Peter Carrucan homestead Eltham140 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?

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.

1950s Jimmy Carrucan on right of this photo139 views

1954 - Jimmy and Nancy Carrucan with neighbours at a dance in the pavilion, Lisdonnvarna139 views

1940s - James and Margarita Calnin camping139 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.

1963 Molly and Bernie Kelly with Maureen139 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 and father on the occasion of her profession as a Brigidine nun in 1963.

1969 - Anne Loretto OHalloran daughter of Kathleen Loretto OHalloran nee Calnin139 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, taken in 1969, shows Anne.

Anne has now grown up and is married to Graeme Frederick Crook. They have two children Matthew (b 1977) and Trevor (b 1979).

1969 - Kathleen Loretto O'Halloran (nee Calnin) and her son James Matthew O'Halloran139 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.

1990 - Wyuna - Sue Kent's House in Black St Brighton139 viewsSusan Carrucan (1862 - 1943), the third eldest child of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien, married Edward Shae (Ned) Kent (1858 - 1907) in 1881. Ned died in 1908 and Susan moved to Brighton in 1910, firstly living in 'Rothwell' at 143 Church St and then at 'Wyuna' in Black Street.

2008 Wyuna in Brighton139 viewsSusan Carrucan (1862 - 1943), the third eldest child of Patrick Carrucan and Mary O'Brien, married Edward Shae (Ned) Kent (1858 - 1907) in 1881. Ned died in 1908 and Susan moved to Brighton in 1910, firstly living in 'Rothwell' at 143 Church St and then at 'Wyuna' in Black Street. This historic property is still occupied and these photos, taken recently, show its grand nature.

2008 Michael Carrucan visit - Michael with Sr Maureen Kelly and other sisters at Echuca139 views

1921 Eltham Elementary School grades 3 and 4 - Patrick and Jack Carrucan Nellie Sweeney Teacher139 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.

1926 - Family photo at Dalton St - Nana (Hooley), Betty and Mary Carrucan139 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.

1940-02 Home Beautiful - Page 1139 viewsPage 1 of the February 1940 Home Beautiful article on Culla Hill

1924 - Frank Sweeney, Perth139 viewsFrank Sweeney, who was born 26 May 1882 and who died 18 August 1952, was a grandson of Thomas Sweeney. He relocated from Eltham to Perth somewhere around 1904. In the 1906 Electoral Roll, he is a driver living in Park St, Subiaco. He and his wife Ellen (Sullivan) had 7 children, born between 1912 and 1925.

Thanks to Frank Sweeney for this photo shows him at work in his carrier business. The tray is painted "CARRIER FRANK SWEENEY SUBIACO".

1970-11-19 Letter from Alan Marshall to Peter Cuffley139 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.

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