Charles Stanlake

(1853 – 1925)

Shire President of Preston 1905 -1906 & 1915 -1916

Charles Stanlake was elected to council in 1903 and in only two years he was elected as Shire President of Preston, a position he held twice. Born locally, Charles worked as a builder, lived for many years in Bell Street, Preston and was greatly involved in the development of housing in the Preston area. He played a prominent role in the community, as a Justice of the Peace, a member of Preston Bowling Club since its inception, an active member of All Saints Church and many years of service to the council. In 1915 Charles represented Preston on the newly formed Fitzroy-Northcote-Preston Tramway Trust. The official opening of the tramline up St George’s Road, Miller Street and Plenty Road took place in 1920 and this would have been a catalyst for subdivision of land in Preston.

Charles’s wife, Amelia also played an active role in the community as president of Preston Red Cross at a time when fundraising and creating parcels of goods was paramount to help local soldiers who had gone to war. Charles died at the age of 72, on 29 August 1925. He is buried at Coburg cemetery. In his will, Charles bequeathed the sum of £1000 to All Saints Church in Preston for the purpose of building a new brick church.

President of Prestonshire: Cr. Stanlake elected. Northcote Leader (Northcote, Vic. : 1882 - ) 4 September 1915, p.2

Edwardes Park, Preston: declared open and planting begun. Northcote Leader (Northcote, Vic. : 1882 - ) 5 August 1916, p.3

£1000 gift to Preston Church. The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. :1848 - 1956) 12 September 1925, p.32

Find My Past: Victorian Wills & Probate index 1841-1989

Find My Past: Victorian Deaths index 1836-1985