Club Meeting 1 March 2017

Guest Speaker, Jan Hunter  an active member of the Albury and District Historical Society and lifelong Albury resident gave an insight into the life of Thomas Greenfield after whom Greenfield Park is named. Thomas Greenfield, a monumental mason became a partner of Mr George Ballantine in 1884, setting up in the vicinity of West End Plaza, Kiewa Street and also High Street, Wodonga. When Ballantine left for Melbourne, Thomas continued providing gravestones, as well as foundation stones for many churches and buildings, establishing a display yard and workshop. After WWI he designed and built St Matthew’s memorial obelisk, which was unveiled in front of the church in 1920. He also designed and built the memorial fountain at the showgrounds for George Mackay (1907), and built the Charles Dight Memorial Fountain (1916). Thomas was involved in Albury political movements, held office at St Matthew’s Church and was a founding member of the Albury Horticultural Society. He served on council in 1903. Thomas Greenfield died in 1927 and his land was later used as an extension of Billson Park. In 1942 the government built 20 tiny houses for munitions workers in Alma Street. Sheltered by the remains of Greenfield’s trees, they were promptly nicknamed “the walnut shells”. Greenfield’s Paddock was resumed by council and became Greenfield Park in 1949.