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Grassmere Avenue of Honour
Grassmere Road, Grassmere VIC 3281

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Vic. War Heritage Inventory
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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Grassmere Avenue of Honour, comprises seven Oak trees (probably Quercus robur) that were planted along the Grassmere Road at Grassmere after World War I. Originally, there were probably eight trees planted in memory of the eight local men who died in World War I.

How is it significant?
The Grassmere Avenue of Honour on Grassmere Road, Grassmere, is of historical, scientific (horticultural), aesthetic and social significance to Moyne Shire.

Why is it significant?
The Grassmere Avenue of Honour on Grassmere Road, Grassmere, is of local historical significance for its commemoration of local service personnel who served overseas in world war I. It is representative of plantings that first appeared in Australia during World War I, commemorating all those who enlisted for service in an egalitarian form where each individual was equally recognised for their service regardless of rank. It is also of historical significance as an impressive, intact and integral part of the Victorian network of Avenues of Honour, planted to memorialise those who fought in wars overseas, and at one time totalling some 128 throughout Victoria, and now much reduced.

The Grassmere Avenue of Honour on Grassmere Road, Grassmere, is of local social significance for its relationship to the community as a memorial to those who served in World War I, and for its continuing commemorative importance. It remains as an indication of the involvement of Victoria's small communities in commemorating the sacrifices of their volunteers, and the loss and sorrow experienced by small rural areas across Victoria.

The Grassmere Avenue of Honour on Grassmere Road, Grassmere, is of local scientific (horticultural) significance as an record of the growth pattern of a known species planted at a in a particular place at a known time.

The Grassmere Avenue of Honour on Grassmere Road, Grassmere, is of local aesthetic significance as an intact landscape element.
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    • Physical Description 1

      Grassmere Avenue of Honour - Physical Description 1

      This comprises a line of seven Oak trees lining the Grassmere Road; they appear to be Quercus robur (English Oak). They are only planted on one side of the road (western side). The seven trees (and possibly one missing?) appear to stand as a memorial to the eight names of those who lost their lives in the War of 1914-18. These names are given on a plaque outside the Grassmere Public Hall and are listed in the publication on Grassmere history (1977). These men were: C.H. Walsh, B. Goodwin, A.P. McNamara, Leo Murphy, H. Young, A. Geary, G. Beverdge, and T.G. Scott.

      The choice of Oaks for the Grassmere Avenue of Honour may have been in recognition of the 'English' associations of the Vale of Grasmere (William Wordsworth's home in the Lakes District). Oaks were part of the original planting palette of the Ballarat Avenue of Honour, and are associated with the qualities of virtue and majesty [Ballarat Avenue of Honour at http://www.ballarat.com/avenue.htm].

      COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
      The Grassmere Avenue of Honour is unusual in Moyne Shire for its choice of Oak trees, rather than the more typical Monterey Cypress. Comprising only seven trees, it was planted as a single row rather than as an avenue proper, which makes it similar to Ellerslie and Narringal.

      Physical Conditions

      Grassmere Avenue of Honour - Physical Conditions

      Good

      Integrity

      Grassmere Avenue of Honour - Integrity

      Minor Modifications

      Veterans Description for Public

      Grassmere Avenue of Honour - Veterans Description for Public

      The Grassmere Avenue of Honour comprises of seven Oak trees planted in the 1920s in memory of the local men who died fighting in the First World War. According to the memorial plaque in the grounds of the Grassmere Public Hall, there were eight local men who lost their lives in the Great War. The names of the men are given on a plaque, outside the Grassmere Public Hall, as: C.H. Walsh, B. Goodwin, A.P. McNamara, Leo Murphy, H. Young, A. Geary, G. Beveridge, and T.G. Scott. As the row of Oak trees includes only seven trees, so it is likely that one tree has been removed.

      The choice of Oaks for the Avenue may have been in recognition of the 'English' associations of the Vale of Grasmere (William Wordsworth's home in the Lakes District). Oaks were also part of the original planting palette of the Ballarat Avenue of Honour, and are associated with the qualities of virtue and majesty.

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Moyne - Moyne Shire Heritage Study Stage 2

      Author: Helen Doyle in association with Context P/L
      Year: 2006
      Grading: Local

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