Historic Marker

Some time ago Val Sheenan and I asked the Shire to install an "Historic Marker" in Coldstream so that future generations would be inspired by the rich history of Coldstream.

A brief snippet of history was posted here some time ago and showed what was at the IGA site before it was built. We are happy to say that this project is almost completed and extend our thanks to Jeanette McRae for her help.

Below is a bit of history on our local historian Val Sheenhan

Val Sheehan has been a resident of Coldstream for over 60 years and over the years has built a wonderful collection of historical information on the families of the area. Val is always in demand when requests arrive at the Lilydale and District Historical Society for details regarding past residents.

Val is currently compiling volume three of “As it Happened” – the history of Coldstream, Gruyere, Yering and Killara, which covers the era from 1920 to 1945.

Volume One covered Settlement to 1900 and Volume Two 1900 to 1920. Even though Val leads an extremely busy life she always finds time to volunteer her services. She is a member of the Lilydale and District Historical Society where she spends many days with her own research but also assists as part of the roster of volunteers. One of the other projects close to Val’s heart is the development of the Margaret Lewis Reserve in Coldstream, where a group of local residents have erected stone feature walls as an attractive entrance to the public area.

Mont de Lancey is another cherished part of Val’s life. It is a never ending source of history which Val is able to access and where she is always warmly received for her contributions to the past and present.

Val is not a high profile person and shuns the limelight. Her main passion in life, beyond her close and extended family and friends, is Coldstream and the surrounding district. Her reward is the recognition her publications are bringing to the area, as they are an invaluable resource for the community.

This was written some time ago and the books mentioned have now been completed.