Charlie was born “Charles Pittett” in about 1884 in Perth, Scotland. His parents were John Pippett & Margart Pippett Nee Ross. He had one brother and one sister Jessie (b Abt 1888 1969).

 

Charlie migrated to Melbourne, Australia from Glasgow, Scotland in 1912. Within a fortnight of his arrival in Melbourne he gained employment with H.V. McKays and he soon settled at Sunshine.

 

Charlie worked at H.V. McKays as a blacksmith and was a specialist in wrought iron. Later in his career he worked as an inspector and as a union official of the A.E.U. He retired in 1947.

 

In 1915, Charles married Ethel Jean Gordon in Victoria. Soon afterwards Charles and Ethel had one son, Charles “Gordon” (b1915 Sunshine d15/10/1994).

 

In 1922, Charlie hand-made the famous Wrought Iron Ornamental Russell Street Gates that marked the main entrance to McKay’s off Devonshire Rd. They were positioned between the factory administrative offices and the engine works. Thousands of employees of the factory would pass through these gates going to and from work.

 

The iron gates leading into the McKay Gardens were also made by Charlie. It is said that Nathaniel McKay, H.V. McKay’s father made the gate’s bluestone gateposts. Other ornamental features made by Charlie include features at the H.V. McKay’s Head Office and Sunshine Bowling Club.

 

Charlie had a keen interest sports and was Founding and Life member of the Sunshine Golf Club, Vice President of Albert Park Soccer Club (South Melbourne), Committee Member of Sunshine United Soccer Club and Vice President of Harvesters Social Cricket Club.

 

Charlie was a resident of Albion for forty years. He died at his home in Burnewang St on the 20th January 1953, Aged 69. He is buried in the Fawkner Cemetery, Victoria.

 

After the death of Charlie, his son Charles “Gordon” moved from his home at No 2 Burnewang St into his father’s home at No 11 Burnewang St.

 

Charlie’s wife Ethel, died 13 years after Charlie on the 13th November 1966, Aged 86. She is buried in the Altona Cemetery.

 

Sands & McDougall Directories

 

1916 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1917 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1918 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1920 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1921 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1922 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1923 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1924 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1925 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1926 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1927 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1928 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1929 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1930 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1931 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1933 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1935 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1938 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1940 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1942 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1945 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

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1950 11 Burnewang St Pippett, Charles "Charlie"

 

Ref: Sunshine Advocate

Ref: Sands & McDougall Directories

Ref: Museums Victoria Collection

Photos: Ken Nathan

Photos: Sunshine Review 1949