Rowville Local History
Rowville is a suburb located in the eastern part of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. In this article, we will delve into the local history of Rowville and explore its significant milestones and events that have shaped the town to what it is today.
The Early Days of Rowville
In the early 1800s, European settlers started to arrive in Rowville, which was then known as 'The Stringybark Forest'. One of the first settlers to arrive was Robert Bain McIntyre in 1838, who was later followed by Robert Schulz and John Watsford. The area was mostly used for grazing and lumbering activities.
The Name Change
In 1905, the Post Office, located near the corner of Wellington Road and Stud Road, was established. It was then decided that the suburb required a proper name before the Post Office could be opened. The name Rowville was suggested by the then Postmaster, who was a keen rower and named it after his hometown of Rowville in Yorkshire, England.
Rowville's Role in World War II
During World War II, Rowville played a significant role in the war effort. The army set up a training camp in the area, which was used to train soldiers for service overseas. The camp was located where the now-famous Stud Park Shopping Centre stands. The camp was closed in 1946, and the land was sold to developers.
Post War Era
After the war, Rowville experienced a period of growth as soldiers returned from service and settled in the area. The population of the suburb started to increase, and new homes were built. The establishment of the nearby Dandenong Industrial Estate also drove economic growth in the area.
Recent Developments
In recent times, Rowville has seen a lot of development, particularly in the real estate sector. Many new homes and house-and-land packages have been constructed in the area, and several large shopping centres have been built, including the aforementioned Stud Park Shopping Centre. Rowville is also known for the G-Force Indoor Sports Centre, which was built in the late 1990s and is one of the largest indoor sports facilities in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
History of in Rowville
In conclusion, Rowville has a fascinating history that reflects the growth and development of Melbourne's eastern suburbs. From its early days as a grazing and lumbering area to its post-war growth and recent developments, Rowville has undergone many changes that have helped to shape it into the vibrant suburb it is today.