Buckley's Lake
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Buckley's Lake, also known as Blue Hole,[1] was a water feature in the western part of present-day John August Reserve. It was part of the remains of a former brickworks near the corner of Mont Albert and Rochester Roads.[2]
History
A brickworks formerly owned by Frank Buckley closed in the 1910s. Soon afterwards, the site was advertised for subdivision and sale, but this does not appear to have been entirely successful.[3] The adjacent land, containing open space and a deep pit for disposing of waste materials, was eventually bought by Camberwell Council in 1928 after lobbying from Mr. Buckley. It was formally renamed to 'Willow Glen' on account of willow trees growing on one side of the water,[4] but continued to be known as Buckley's Lake.[5] Colloquially it became known as 'The Quog' amongst locals, a possible reference to 'quagmire', or simply 'The Tip'.[4]
It also became known as 'Blue Hole' on account of the water's blue colour caused by the dumping of sawdust.[4] In the 1930s the former creekbed of W Creek was still visible, following its re-routing into underground drains throughout the early 20th century.[4]
Numerous drownings, including a boy named Clarence Lind in 1924, and other concerns caused residents to lobby the Camberwell Council to address safety issues.[1] In 1930, the Balwyn Ratepayers' League wrote to the Council requesting that fencing be erected to prevent children playing around the lake from falling in and drowning. However, councillors disagreed that such measures were necessary, and the matter was referred to the municipal engineer for consideration.[6] There is no record that the request was ever implemented.
The lake was filled in 1933 and some maintenance and beautification works were undertaken was part of wider municipal works in 1936.[5] The surrounding parkland of John August Reserve was added in 1955 by Camberwell Council.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 McWilliams, Gwen. Balwyn Walks. 1992
- ↑ Lyall, Ken. The John August Reserve. Balwyn Historical Society:Balwyn. February 2009. http://home.vicnet.net.au/~balwynhs/newsletters/letters/articles_08-09.pdf, accessed: 25 June 2016
- ↑ State Library of Victoria. Buckley's Lake Paddock. 16 December 1911. http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/169546, accessed: 26 July 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Lyall, Ken, We called it 'The Quog' . Balwyn Historical Society. Newsletter Articles September 2008-December 2009. http://home.vicnet.net.au/~balwynhs/newsletters/letters/articles_08-09.pdf, accessed: 18 February 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 City of Boroondara. Camberwell Conservation Study Volume 2. February 1990. pg.89.
- ↑ The Age. Buckley's Lake, Balwyn. 24 May 1930. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203080608, accessed: 25 June 2016.