WILLIAMSTOWN neighbours for generations knew it as “the paddock” but developers snapped it up as the “worst house in a terrific street”.
This sale marked the end of an era for Russell Place neighbours who for decades treasured the wide front yard at 31 Russell Place as a communal hub.
“We’ve all been there quite a long time, we’ve seen a history,” said one neighbour, Richard MacNeill, from number seven.
“It’s quite an inclusive street, people are aware of who else there is, and are aware of change, and we appreciate there is change.”
The modest five-room Victorian cottage, which is set at the rear of the property, sold for $470,000 before Christmas.
But for neighbours, the memories are priceless.
While residents appreciate change, they all unite in opposing of a large development impinging on their quiet, friendly street.
As nervous residents came to terms with losing their hub, some reflected on the good old days, while others with radical ideas of community transformation hoped for last minute government intervention to its sale.
Ann Fahey, a former South Melbourne mayor, who lives over the road at number 32, wanted to see the property turned into a communal garden paid for by the State Government.
“It could have been a pilot scheme to change our lifestyle. It could have been a vision,” Anne said.
“All these politicians spouting off about global warming. They should put their money where their mouth is – starting here.”
For decades, “the paddock” served as a playing field for cricket, soccer, badminton, and for animated children, handstand competitions and the occasional mud bath.
The house belonged to 81-year-old Estonian immigrant Arthur Roosling before it was sold to developers just before Christmas.
While Arthur hadn’t lived in the house for years, it stored masses of tea pots, gloves, piles of stripy bags, old dolls, Jiff and Gladwrap, and some 100 unopened Forges’ shirts – all of which were discovered at a recent garage sale.
“I was just amazed at how much could he could actually fit into his garage, and his house for that matter,” said Richard.
“It was almost the sum of his life, there at least.”
Many years ago Arthur moved to Yarraville, before residence at Marina Residential Aged Care in Altona North in the last five years.
Neighbours said Arthur was an articulate and private soul who always kept the lawns at Russell Place in immaculate condition, visiting every couple of weeks.
But Arthur’s most generous gift was offering his yard as a playing field, and New Year’s Eve party spot for all ages.
He would even drive to the house just to hang the fairly lights, and leave before the party started.
Jill Bilson, who lives at number eight fondly remembers the street parties.
“We once blocked off the street, but the next two years we had the street party in Arthur’s front yard,” Jill said.
Maureen and Walter Ibbs live over the road at number 40, with their children Annie and Maddy, who have spent a lot of time playing in the paddock.
“The paddock has always been the communal centre,” said Maureen, who works in aged care for the City of Melbourne.
“The kids would come out, then the parents would follow.”
But forget Anne’s idea to transform it into a vegie garden, the girls only have eyes for a soccer pitch.
“It’s really sad to let it go, ’cos we’ll never be able to play in it again,” Annie said.
Walter, who works as a conflict resolution mediator at Legal Aid has also savoured a fair share of paddock action with some of the other parents, including warehouse supervisor Ian Lihou from number 29 – next door to Arthur.
“There’s been a few casualties of this yard,” Walter said.
It is hard to quantify just how many generations took advantage of Arthur’s kind gift. But, many just want to thank him.
“It’ll be very sad to see it go,” said Walter. “I’ll always remember Arthur and the paddock”.
