The Lucas story.
Building a future
on the foundations
of our past.
By telling the stories of our past, we honour those who came before us. The stories of Eleanor Lucas, the ‘Lucas Girls’, and local soldiers who enlisted in World War I, are stories to be remembered, honoured, and handed down. Lucas was named after the ‘Lucas Girls’ who played such a vital role in creating two of Ballarat’s most distinguished historical landmarks.
1917
Eleanor Lucas
Eleanor Drive, the main Lucas thoroughfare, was named to honour Eleanor Lucas who founded E. Lucas & Co.in 1888. This local business employed 500 women known as the ‘Lucas Girls’ who, under Managing Director Edward Price, planned, funded, and planted the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.
1920
Trees line the
Avenue of Honour
The longest commemorative avenue in Australia is lined by memorial trees accompanied by plaques that carry the names of 3,801 World War I service personnel, enlisted residents of the then City of Ballarat. Lucas’ streets proudly hold the names of notable soldiers who served at this time.
1920
+
Years since
officially opening
Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, opened the Arch of Victory and the Avenue of Honour on 2nd of June 1920. The Arch of Victory measures at an incredible 16.5m high and 19.2m wide, with the arch opening dimensions being 7.3m high and 9.5m wide.
Want to learn more?
Three thousand, eight hundred and one trees.
Head into Collins Booksellers Ballarat to pick up a copy.
