Charles Showers

Preston Shire President 1891 -1892 (1862 – 1936)

Charles Showers grew up in Fitzroy into a family of early settlers. His father, Robert was an early property owner in both Preston and Darebin Creek. Charles attended Scotch College and began working as a Commission Agent and soon began a life-long interest in local politics.  

He took part in meetings to propose a bridge across the Merri Creek to connect Northcote with Fitzroy and was also involved work on the original town hall buildings in High Street.  

In 1888 he joined other speculators amidst the property boom and put up some of his land for sale as building allotments. Showers Street was named after him on the estate located between St Georges Road and High Street.  

He was Chairman of the Preston Shire branch of magistrates and a Justice of the Peace and enjoyed playing cricket for which he won a trophy for bowling in 1892.  

Learning and education was very important to Charles and he was active in the establishment of a public library which was built in 1908 next to the Town Hall in Preston.  

Charles was Shire President for 1891-2 and at the end of his tenure his fellow Councillors commented on his ‘splendid ability displayed in conducting the business of the Council, with the Government, the Railway Commissioners, and sister municipalities, the gentlemanly courtesy distinguishing the performance of your public duties and the graceful discharge of your official hospitalities.’  

He lived with his wife, Alice and family in Railway Place and latterly in Bell Street, Preston.  

Forster, Harley W. (1968). Preston Lands and People. Melbourne: Cheshire.
Fitzroy City Press (Vic. : 1881 - 1920), Saturday 1 September 1883, p 3
Mercury and Weekly Courier (Vic. : 1878 - 1903), Thursday 10 December 1891, p 2
Mercury and Weekly Courier (Vic. : 1878 - 1903), Thursday 19 January 1893, p 3
Presentation. Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Friday 22 January 1892, p 2
Ex-Cr. Chas. Showers. Northcote Leader (Northcote, Vic: 1882 - ) 27 March 1936
Obituary: Mr. Charles Showers. Northcote Leader (Northcote, Vic: 1882 - ) 3 April 1936
Ancestry. Australian Electoral Rolls (1903-1980) Plan of the Key of South Preston [cartographic material]. 1888. State Library of Victoria. Available online.