#avenel

Macabre Monday 

It’s no secret that Edward Gorey is a bit of a fan favorite here at UWM Special Collections. Therefore, it seems only fitting that we highlight the gor(e)y images from Haunted Looking Glass, a collection of spooky short stories he assembled and illustrated, for this week’s #Macabre Monday post. His chosen authors run the gamut of heavyweight horror, including Bram Stoker, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Edith Nesbit, and Algernon Blackwood, among others. It was published by Avenel Publishing in New York in 1984 and distributed by Crown Publishing. With twelve illustrations for the twelve different short stories, the pen-and-ink drawings were created with a level of intricately-detailed line work that express foreboding and sinister implications.

View more posts about Edward Gorey. 

In the mood for more spooky imagery? See more here.

The innumerable force continued to chant their war cry; weapons raised above their heads. “Vicar! Vicar! Vicar!”Pero turned back to Areion who had retracted his wings. Beneath the hooves of the qilin was the carcass of some dead animal or man, Pero couldn’t be sure which. “Where are we going?” Pero asked.Areion snorted and directed Pero with his flaring snout. “That way, Vicar. To Eliade.”Spread…

THE HISTORIC TOWNSHIP OF AVENEL, VICTORIA. 1873

… And the NED KELLY connection.

The historic township of Avenel lies about 125 kms north of Melbourne, and 20 north of Seymour. The Hume Highway once passed through the town but this was by-passed by the Hume Freeway in 1981.

The township has today a population of around 1100.

This 151 year old photo looks in a north easterly direction toward the township from Henry Street. Directly ahead is the old stone bridge which crosses Hughes Creek. The bridge was built in 1859 by Hugh Dalrymple. This was at a time Avenel was a major coach stop on the route to northern and north eastern Victoria, and ultimately Sydney.

The 165 YEAR OLD BRIDGE stands today. So does the 1847 built ROYAL MAIL HOTEL: The site of the afore-mentioned stagecoach stop.

The ROYAL MAIL HOTEL was built by James Hilet in 1847. In 1862 the license was transferred to Esau and Elizabeth Shelton, who operated the hotel while bringing up their young family.

Four years later in 1866, the Sheltons were to play a significant role in the life of a young Avenel resident by the name of Edward Kelly, better known as Ned.

THE KELLY FAMILY OF AVENEL…

In 1863 John 'Red' Kelly, with his wife Ellen (nee Quinn) and their young family - including 8 year old Edward, moved to Avenel from Beveridge. Beveridge is about 80 kms south of Avenel and 45kms north of Melbourne.

The Kelly’s rented an 80 acre farm and set about establishing themselves. Young Edward attended Avenel common school with his sisters, his brothers Dan and James being too young at the time. Edward was considered an ’above average' student.

One day in 1866, an 11 year old Ned was returning home from school when he spotted 7 year old Richard Shelton struggling to stay afloat in the flooded Hughes Creek. Richard, the son of the hotel proprietors, had fallen into the creek while crossing it.

Edward Kelly, at significant risk to himself, leapt into the water and managed to drag Richard out, no doubt saving his life.

Richard's parents were understandably tremendously grateful. As a sign of her gratitude Elizabeth Shelton hand made and embroidered a silk sash which she presented to Ned in appreciation.

NED TREASURED THE SASH FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE.

As a sign of his high regard, he ensured he was wearing it under his armour 14 years later at what he knew might be his last day alive. This was June 28 in 1880 and the scene was the siege of Glenrowan, when the Kelly gang was wiped out and Ned was shot and captured.

Ned Kelly was hanged at the Melbourne Gaol (now Old Melbourne Gaol) on November 11 of that year.

The sash survived and is today on display, complete with Ned’s dried bloodstains, at the Ned Kelly Museum in Benalla, about 90 kms north east of Avenel. Photo below.

POSTSCRIPT…