ONE of Bacchus Marsh’s original private hospitals is about to undergo a major change. The owners of Kelvin Grove are preparing to turn the historical building into a bed and breakfast.
Jan Davidson and her husband Ron have lived in the Millbank Street weatherboard house since 2006. They often receive calls from locals who are researching their family history, looking for photos and documentation about the former hospital. The Davidsons are now keen to trace the building’s history.
They recently received a photograph of a nurse (inset), believed to be among the original Kelvin Grove staff, but they have been unable to confirm this.
Built in 1892 by Cr Thomas Cain, the six-room house was originally known as Green Lodge Villa.
The house was purchased by Nurse Campbell of Hurstbridge in 1914. It was renovated and opened as a private hospital in the first week of March 1918. Kelvin Grove operated as a hospital until 1956, when the Bacchus Marsh War Memorial Hospital opened.
In 1958, the property was sold at auction to Andrew Muir of Myrniong. It was later owned by F.L. and M.V. Wright, followed by G. Camm from 1970. Anyone with information about the property can contact Mrs Davidson.
Information to 0401 389 203.
