Fire Station Siting Jealousy

There is a long rich history of competition and jealousy in this district about the location of public works and buildings.

Where should the 1888 rail line proceed beyond Ivanhoe?

How to best bridge the Yarra? Waterdale Road would bring traffic into Ivanhoe; Burke Road would suit Heidelberg.

Where should the 1937 Town Hall be situated?  That one needed an expert external panel to arbitrate competing claims.

Leading up to 1910 the squabble was over a new regional fire station.

The Age, 06.07.1909, Page 6

"IVANHOE FIRE STATION
A new fire station was opened at Ivanhoe last night. It will serve a large district, embracing Alphington, Fairfield and Heidelberg.

For a long time a "battle of the districts" prevailed; but now that the new station is completed, it is generally conceded that the best site has been selected.

The members of the Metropolitan Fire Brigades' Board invited a number of the local residents to be present at the opening function.

The building is a two-story one, and it is expected that it will meet the requirements of the neighborhood for 50 years yet to come. There is an engine house, and full provision for the housing of the staff. A hose cart, a petrol pumping engine of the latest type, and other fire fighting apparatus are provided.

Inasmuch as some parts of the district to be served are outside the reticulation area, the pumping machinery will probably be most serviceable.

After the local inhabitants had inspected the place, a number of visitors were invited to partake of light refreshments. Several toasts were responded to, and amongst others Messrs. Oakden and Ballantyne, the architects, and Messrs. Hannah Bros., the builders, were duly remembered.

Finally Superintendent Lee, of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, was cordially thanked for the way in which he had promoted and superintended the whole affair."

The Heidelbergers missed out on the new two story brick fire station.

Turned out to be a sound decision, as the local Ivanhoe lads dug in and won the Garden Competition - once they had a few years to prepare the soil.

From 1933 through 1936 (at least) they were champion gardeners in the firey's competition.

The Herald, 06.05.1936, Page 20

IVANHOE FIRE STATION WINS GARDEN PRIZE

Mainly because of the enthusiastic work of Senior Fireman T. Weever and Fireman T. Charlton, Ivanhoe Fire Station garden, for the fourth year in succession, has been awarded champion prize in the competition for fire station gardens in the metropolitan area (B section).

Let's assume B Section refers to a region and not a secondary division in a league ranking of gardens.

It has long been the case that staff rostered for duty at manned (yes, manned fire stations in 1910 and long after) had a lot of time on their hands.

Polishing the brass. Brush the horses. Feed the Dalmations. Play poker, whist, euchre, darts.

Gardening?

A few pots? An orchard? Some roses benefiting from the stables?

Who has the biggest zucchini?

Was it Ivanhoe versus Clifton Hill for pounds per plant of Grosse Lisse tomatoes?

(Thanks to Nilss for bringing us these insights of an era when the Fire Brigade was in the news for the right reasons.)