In the early 1900s, Mr. Adolphus Appleroth became a jelly manufacturer. He experimented with gelatine crystals in the bath at his parents' home and went on to become the founder of the renowned desert, Aeroplane Jelly. Inspired by feats of aviation in the 1920s, Mr. Appleroth named his product 'Aeroplane Jelly'. From 1973 until 2017, Aeroplane Jelly was manufactured in Melrose Park. Appleroth Street recognises the entrepenural spirit of Mr. Appleroth who worked hard to make jelly a national icon, on one of the places where it was made.
Sally Bundil was an Aboriginal person of Kissing Point who lived during the early 1800s.
Source: Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation
The soils and environment of the Wallumatta area, across current day Melrose Park, meant that the fruit growing industry was very successful here from 1850s-1940s. There were many farms and orchards growing fruits, citrus, vegies and plants spanning lands from the river to Victoria Road. The 1918 Sands Directory & the Post Office Directory lists many fruit growers, orchardists, dairies, market gardeners, and some poultry farmers who made produce on these lands to nourish the local community. After the 1940s the areas primary use changed from agriculture to manufacturing. Currently the area is being transformed for residential and community use.
From the 1850’s to 1940’s several plant nurseries were based in this area. One of the plant nurseries located here was Swanes Nursery (already named in a nearby street). The Swanes family are highly regarded growers of roses, shrubs, fruit and ornamental trees as well as native plants. The site and surrounding areas were also home to Southeron's Nursery, Edwards' Rose Nursery, Cahill's Nursery, Palmer's Nursery, and Chinese market gardeners.
In 1969, Mr Tom Wykoff brought the entertaining game of Putt Putt Golf all the way from South Africa to Ermington. For decades our local community shared in the fun of playing Putt Putt near the corner of Victoria Road and Wharf Road. Wykoff Street recognises Tom who built the putt putt course in 1969 and the Wykoff family, in memory of this local icon.
For decades, the local Putt Putt Golf was a favourite, fun and challenging game for friends, families, and people young and old. The Putt Putt courses were located nearby.
