By REBECCA BILLS
THE Mount Evelyn History group is calling on locals to share their memories of the Winged Lion Seat to find a home for the piece.
The distinctively unique seat, also known as the Gryphon Seat, went missing for many years until it was found seven years ago by Mount Evelyn History Group member Paula Herlihy in the care of the Shire of Lilydale.
The seat has now been returned to Mount Evelyn and sits at the Mount Evelyn Men’s Shed.
However, the history of seat and why it exists still remains unknown.
Mrs Herlihy said it is believed the seat was initially situated on a triangular piece of grass where Wray Crescent and Snowball Avenue meet.
Mount Evelyn resident John Stroud said as a child he remembers sitting on the seat to eat lollies from the milk bar next to the Presbyterian Church or to rest during many matches of cricket and football played with friends in the 1960s.
“It surprised me when the seat was mentioned at the community meeting as I had completely forgotten about it,” he said.
“It took me back to my younger days as a 10-year-old.
“For me, it’s a part of Mount Evelyn’s history and I would love to see it back in a location close to the area it once belonged.”
Mrs Herlihy said a similar female version of the Winged Lion Seat is located in Box Hill which she hopes will uncover more information about the Mount Evelyn seat.
“Maybe somebody will know who made it as we really know nothing but it has really caught the imagination of children and teachers from all the local schools,” she said.
“People tend to think you can just find the information and we have been trying – we just haven’t uncovered much yet.
“I do, though, have a photo in my archives of the seat covered in snow.”
Earlier in the year at the Mount Evelyn Township Committee Planning Night representatives from local schools offered to research the seat’s history.
Mr Stroud said he is pleased the chair has resurfaced because he thought it had fallen into disrepair.
“The students who are most interested in the seat are the same age as I was when I use to use the seat,” Mr Stroud said.
Mrs Herlihy said the seat will most likely be re-located to the Mount Evelyn RSL Memorial Garden just a few feet from its original location.
The Mail would love to hear what your memories are of the Mount Evelyn Winged Lion seat.
Email rebecca.bills@yvnews.com.au.
