The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s. The Collection also depicts development of life in Wodonga through the eyes of one family, through a collection of artefacts, diaries, letters and photographs. This item is from the Hauseler Collection which documents social life of early settlers in the Wodonga community.An old wooden rocking chair, The chair was originally home manufactured from timber. The back slats have been repaired and replaced by metal slats attached at the top and base of the backrest section.early settlement wodonga, haeusler family of wodonga

The Coolgardie safe was invented in the late 1890s on the Western Australian goldfields. Its invention was credited to a local contractor named Arthur Patrick McCormick. It was a practical system to preserve food prior to modern refrigeration. The wire grid kept the food safe from vermin and allowed breeze to blow through. It was often covered with wet hessian so that as the breeze circulated the water evaporated, creating the same concept as coolant in modern refrigerators and ice boxes. In most respects it was a variation of the bushman’s hessian bag hanging in a tree. In larger towns and cities during this time period large "ice works" could deliver block ice to areas that required a form of refrigeration. These ice blocks where held in early refrigerators to keep perishables cool. In isolated or rural households, the Coolgardie or meat safe was the next best, practical solution for food preservation. This safe was used in the home of the Conway family in Wodonga.This item is very significant to the Wodonga region as it represents the initiative and problem solving skills of the early settlers. It also reflects the primitive conditions in which they lived before the arrival of more modern services such as electricity.Meat safe or Coolgardie safe manufactured in Australia. This safe is made from metal and has been painted in green paint. 2 sides of the safe have a pattern of 6 squares of holes to allow for ventilation and air flow. The holes would also guard against insects and other vermin. There is one shelf inside, dividing it into 2 sections. The safe has a hook attached so that it can be suspended, often from a tree or on a verandah to increase air flow. The safe would often be covered by wet hessian to promote further cooling and preservation of foods such as milk, butter and meat.coolgardie safe, food preservation, pioneers innovation

The dairy farm of Eric Lemke and family was located on the Wodonga flats on the Murray River flood plain, west of the Union Bridge. The property was named "Waterford". They ran a large dairy herd (250 cows) and ran five milk carts to Albury to service their customers. The family bought a second property at Wodonga West, on Felltimber Creek, where herds could be rested before calving, and also as an emergency location for milking during times of flood, which sometimes lasted for several weeks at a time. At other times when the cows finished their lactation period at "Waterford" they would be walked to the Lemke property at Wodonga West, for a rest before calving. When the calves were drafted it was a matter of gathering the cows and calves and walking them back home which was an all day job. During the Depression Mr. Lemke took milk to the out-of-work men who slept under the bridges on the causeway and Mrs Lemke would make bread for them. The men would often work on the farm without wages in return for the Lemke's kindness. The Lemke Family are ranked amongst the top early settlers of the district for their perseverance during the hardships of the early days and during the Great Depression. Lemke Road on Gateway Island, Wodonga is named in their honour.This item has local significance because it came from a prominent Wodonga family business.A small metal tag used to label dairy cans on the property of Eric Lemke.E. LEMKE WODONGAe. lemke wodonga, lemke family, wodonga dairy industry, ernie lemke

The Fanning Family home, 'Sunnyside', was built in Loemans Road after William Patrick Fanning migrated from Thurles, Co Tipperary, Ireland. He was one of the early farmers in Bulla. He and his wife, Catherine had five children. Since he and his wife died their descendants continued to live at 'Sunnyside' in Bulla. The Fanning family were one of the early settlers in Bulla during European settlement.A photocopied black and white non-digital photograph of a man, lady and young girl standing behind a picket fence outside a weatherboard Victorian cottage with a galvanised iron roof. The family are smartly dressed in clothes fashionable in the 1890s.A label with 'The Fanning Family' printed on it has been stuck on the side of the photograph.'sunnyside', bulla bulla, fanning family, loemans road

Alan Marshall describes the early European history of the Shire of Eltham, from the first settlers in the area to the painters who have made it their home. Covers Kangaroo Ground, Queenstown, Panton Hill, Christmas Hills, Eltham, Kinglake, Hurstbridge, Warrandyte, Montmorency and Lower Plenty.144 p., illus. (some col.).alan marshall, local history, shire of eltham

This is a book of 278 pages. It has a yellow cover with black printing, an image of a country home and surrounds and a photograph of the author. The pages contain printed material and black and white photographs.non-fictionThis is the story of the lives of David Jellie and his ancestors. It contains the history of the Cassady, Bligh, Jellie and Rankin families and other associated families in Warrnambool, Colac and Geelong.family history of david jellie, early western district settlers