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Research in Other Countries => Australia => Topic started by: ccourt on Thursday 08 October 09 10:25 BST (UK)

Title: Household Records Melbourne 1880s
Post by: ccourt on Thursday 08 October 09 10:25 BST (UK)

Hi!
I am trying to find out who was living with William Heslem in Nott Street in Port Melbourne  in the mid-late 1880s (he died in 1888). I can't seem to find records for households in Melbourne in the 1880s - can someone help me with advice on where to look?  I can only see electoral records from 1901.
Kind Regards
Caroline Courtney :)

Title: Re: Household Records Melbourne 1880s
Post by: OZ1977 on Friday 09 October 09 06:35 BST (UK)

Hi Caroline,

I know of 2 Directories existing about that time.
1) Wise's Victorian Post Office Directory
2) Sands & McDougall's Melbourne Directory

Sadly, I do not have access to either for the 1880's but I know they were around then.

Perhaps another chatter may be able to assist in a lookup.  If not, I shall be be able to visit the library next week to do that for you.

Regards
Miles

Title: Re: Household Records Melbourne 1880s
Post by: Raylen on Friday 09 October 09 07:27 BST (UK)

Hi Caroline,

An application for probate on the estate of William Heslem dated July/Aug 1888
mentions his daughter Rose (married to a Norris since her fathers death) and
Rose's brother Alfred residing at 232 Nott Street,Port Melbourne

http://proarchives.imagineering.com.au/index_search.asp?searchid=54

Raylen

Title: Re: Household Records Melbourne 1880s
Post by: ccourt on Friday 09 October 09 08:24 BST (UK)

Thanks so much - this is exactly the information we are after!
Best Wishes,
Caroline

Title: Re: Household Records Melbourne 1880s
Post by: sparrett on Friday 09 October 09 08:27 BST (UK)

Hi Caroline,
The Directories listed by Miles will only show the name of one person in the household [usually the head].  Not family members I'm afraid.

There is very little useful census material available, so that will not be an option.

Copies of rate books were kept in each muncipality and here you will find what MAY be contained.

http://www.access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/PROVguides/PROVguide006/PROVguide006.jsp

The content seemed to vary from council to coucil and "time to time"

http://www.prov.vic.gov.au/publications/PROVMicroformGuideVAC.pdf

Shows a copy of rates books for Port Melbourne 1859 to 1901 is held on Microfilm.

I think you may be relying on someone to do a lookup for you ;D

Can't be really certain the information you want will be listed, but perhaps worth a try.

Sue

Title: Re: Household Records Melbourne 1880s
Post by: OZ1977 on Saturday 10 October 09 01:37 BST (UK)

Sue said : "The Directories listed by Miles will only show the name of one person in the household [usually the head].  Not family members I'm afraid."

Well noted Sue, the Directories are not household returns.  But (for Sydney Sands' at least) they do sometimes have joint tenants listed.  So it is always worth a look to see what is available.

Good luck Caroline, with your continuing research.

Regards
Miles