Up the Creek Victoria
A digital historical archive of the Arthurs Creek district and beyond — compiled by local historian, author, and researcher Bruce G. Draper from 25 years of original research into the families, places, and stories that shaped this corner of Victoria.
Recent Additions
I Knew You Weren't Blokes Like That
James Chester Draper provides an evocative account of his professional and personal life in the Mallee region during the interwar period, detailing his experiences as…
He was very worried about Hitler taking over
This account details the life and career of James Chester Draper, a Victorian police officer and dedicated Scout leader whose service spanned the interwar period.…
Numurkah
This memoir provides a detailed account of life in the Numurkah district during the interwar years, focusing on the author's experiences as a police officer…
I might send one of you to Manangatang
James Chester Draper provides a vivid account of rural life in the Arthurs Creek district during the early twentieth century, detailing the transition from traditional…
Shortages and a Pandemic
Documenting the transition from horse-drawn transport to early motorization, these reminiscences by James Chester Draper offer a vivid portrait of agrarian life in the Arthurs…
Charabancs and Bunyip Forest Devils
These reminiscences by James Chester Draper provide an evocative account of community life, land use, and pioneer farming practices in the Yan Yean district during…
Collections
The archive is organised into 9 collections — authored works, community resources, and scholarly publications.
About This Archive
Up the Creek — Early Days in the Arthurs Creek District is the work of local historian Bruce G. Draper, documenting the settlement, development, and communities of the Arthurs Creek district in north-east Melbourne, Victoria.
This digital archive preserves Bruce’s research alongside contributions from fellow historians, making these stories accessible to family researchers, local history enthusiasts, and the wider community.