A relatively new bridge takes the bike path over Cochrane Street on your journey between Mitcham and Heatherdale stations. This street was originally known as Central Avenue, but was renamed in honour of Dr Stanley Cochrane, a beloved family doctor who often cycled to visit his patients.
Cochrane’s History in Mitcham
Dr Cochrane was one of Mitcham’s first family doctors. He and his wife Edith Collis, a nursing sister, bought a big home from Dr Francis John Drake, on the corner of McDowall and Harrison Streets (most recently the site of the Mitcham RSL), and turned it into a private hospital. The property at 331 - 335 Mitcham Road was also owned by Dr Cochrane on which he built a home, incorporating a surgery, in about 1929. The property remained a medical practice for many years. Dr Cochrane and his wife had no children of their own, but he is remembered as a wonderful doctor who often cycled to visit his patients in their homes. He also worked tirelessly for returned soldiers in many capacities. He died in 1950. He leaves a valued legacy in the Dr Stanley Cochrane Memorial Kindergarten, which operates today at 257 Mitcham Road.
Cochrane’s Childhood and War Service
Stanley Warrender Cochrane was born in London in 1880, the second youngest of 6 sisters and 2 brothers. His father Robert was employed with Brooks, Robinson & Co, Melbourne based glass merchants. The family migrated to Melbourne in 1883, residing in the Hawthorn area. Stanley grew up and was educated in Melbourne, pursuing post graduate medical degrees in Scotland. He married Edith Collis in 1915 in Melbourne. He joined the Army Reserve as a Medical Practitioner late 1917. In March 1918 he was appointed to the Australian Army Medical Corps, disembarking from Sydney on the HMT "Field Marshall" in June, arriving in the UK late August. By mid September he was assigned to the 1st Allied General Hospital in Rouen. From this time till conflict ended he served with the 6th Ambulance Field corps. He remained in France until May 1919 with temporary assignments with the 4th Field Ambulance corps, 22nd Battalion and Casualty Clearing Centre. After returning to the AIF headquarters in Folkestone, he was granted leave to pursue a post medical graduate course in London. He arrived back in Australia in January 1920 with his appointment terminated the following month. Stanley remained in the Army reserves until at least 1927. After the war, he and his wife moved to Mitcham where he remained in medical practice until his death in 1950.
[Information obtained from the Whitehorse Historical Society, the Dr Stanley Cochrane Memorial Kindergarten, and the East Melbourne Historical Society]
Leaf fossils
If you look carefully at the path at the Western end of the bridge you will notice perfect impressions of leaves in the concrete. They seem to be quite intentional - the signature of the concreter perhaps? The photos above also demonstrate a strong optical illusion in which intact leaves appear to be lying on top of the concrete. Find them for yourself - there are ten impressions in total.
Cache information
The cache is a 200mL sistema container. Say hello to Stanley when you see him! 😄
***CONGRATULATIONS to Geo_Seek on FTF***