Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WW1 was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land he worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. Mr Watson was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.These images are significant because they record the service of a prominent member of the Wodonga community.A collection of black of white images of Kenneth Darnton Watson of Wodonga.kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

This cigarette case was owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson and carried into battle during World War I. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WWI was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land he worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. Mr Watson was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.This item is significant because it was owned by a decorated Australian serviceman and prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver cigarette case owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson of Wodonga. The inside contains straps to hold the cigarettes in place. Both the front and back have been engraved.On front: KDW On back: 1919kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

This cup was awarded to Kenneth Darnton Watson when he was a boarder and competitive rower whilst completing his secondary education. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WW1 was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau Homestead, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land Kenneth worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. he was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.These images are significant because they record the service of a prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver mug awarded to K D Watson as a rowing trophy in April 1909. It features the shield of Melbourne Church of England Grammar School (M.C.E.G.S.), as well as his name and the event for which it was awarded.View 1: M.C.E.G.S. April 1909 Regatta View 2: Crest of MECEGS featuring motto "Ora et Labora" View 3: BOARDERS FOUR K. D. WATSON 3kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

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 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. This album contains portrait photographs of the Haeusler family in the mid-twentieth century, and images of the town of Wodonga. They were taken by Alf Haeusler (1922-1997). This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A black leather photograph album containing family photographs from the early to mid twentieth-century.photograph, photographs, photography, family photos, album, photograph album, haeusler, haeusler collection, wodonga

North east Victoria was a major dairy producing region in the late nineteenth century. The first iteration of the Wodonga Butter Factory Ltd was established in 1892. Dairy was sent from farmers across the district for processing at the factory in Wodonga in the 1890s. Victorian creameries regularly exported frozen butter to London, stock was transported by rail for sale in Melbourne, and of course sold and consumed locally. E.W. Manns, of the prominent local Wodonga family, was a shareholder and was closely involved in the establishment of the Wodonga Butter Company. Many families living on farms also owned their own cow, and had equipment to process their own dairy products at home. Milk cans such as this one were used to store and transport milk from farms to dairies and butter factories for processing.This item represents the history of local industry in Wodonga and north east Victoria. A large metal milk can with handlesmilk, butter, cream, dairy, milk can, farming, farm, cow, rural, agriculture, wodonga

non-fictionA Genealogical study of the Families of Frederick Heckendorf and a Record of Their Descendants, 1808-1982, 127 Years in Australia. In 1855, Frederick and Julianna Heckendorf and their children departed Hamburg on the SS Steinwarder for a new life in Australia. In 1869, they moved to Wodonga and it wasn't long before they set up a dairy farm at Willow Park. One hundred years later, the farm was in the hands of Fredrick's great grandson Les Boyes. In the 1970s the land was acquired by the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation, which had the goal of developing Albury-Wodonga into a major inland city.heckendorf family, wodonga pioneers, german migration to australia

non-fictionA history of the Glass Family and the development of "Redlands" farm and homestead at Allan's Flat, Northeast Victoria. Jesse Glass was born in Bratton, Wiltshire, England and married Elizabeth Smyth in 1868 in Beechworth. They established Redlands in Allan's Flat and their descendants became pioneers of the surrounding district. He passed away at "Redlands" in 1916.glass family, redlands farm, allan's flat pioneers, yackandandah

One of the oldest homes in Surrey Hills. The photo was taken in 1924 when the property was purchased by Mr John Francis Evans, father of Mrs Lillian Austin. The Evans family came from Gembrook. John Evans was born in Wales; he and his wife Mary had 3 children, 2 daughters and one son. Mary Evans pre-deceased her husband, who died on 23 October 1924 at Hillsborough, 6A Thistle Street. The first owner of the property was Mrs Rachel Sweetnam (nee Lewis) who married Thomas Edward Sweetnam on 24 September 1884 at St John's Church, Camberwell. REF: THE ARGUS 4 Oct 1884 Thomas second eldest surviving son of Matthew Sweetnam married to Rachel (Ray) third eldest daughter of Captain T.D. Lewis, Culm Haven, Camberwell. Thomas was active in land sales and variously described as a land agent, real estate agent and auctioneer. The property - Hillsboro or Hillsborough - was originally a house on a farm of 10 acres owned by her. It became 6A Thistle Street. According to the Alan Holt property register Rachel Sweetnam owned the property prior to 1890 and a family tree on Ancestry.com has that it was owned by her in c1886. It is likely that at this stage the property was an investment rather than the Sweetnam's family residence. Other property owners or residents are: 1890 Selina Gaylor 1900 Stephen Pullen 1910 William Murray (draftsman) 1920 George C Hughes 1930 Arthur Leslie Austin (tram driver) 1980 Mrs Lillian Evelyn Austin Lillian Austin died on 19 August 1983 and the property was sold that year for $87,000. The house is still extant (January 2025). Note that we also have material / photos regarding George Hughes and family.Black and white photo of a timber home with brick chimneys and a (?) corrugated iron roof. There are sheds and outbuildings attached to the house. The garden looks untended. In the background a mature eucalypt tree can be seen.houses, hillsboro, timber houses, mrs lillian austin, hillsborough, selina gaylor, stephen pullen, william murray, george hughes, arthur austin, john francis evans, thistle street

A collection of small paper back booklets on a range of topics related to Albury and Wodonga history. Their titles are:- 1. "Violet Grange Leneva" and its History 2. Albury - Murray River to Botanic Gardens 3. The Hume Highway - A potpourri of Stories and Scenes, Today and Yesterday 4. The Hume Monument - Albury NSW 5. Remembering Robert BrownIn 1976 Rosemary Boyes was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Australian History. She was the author of more than 20 publications about local and national historical events. From 1970 to 1981, writing as Mrs Frank Boyes, she contributed a regular column to the Wodonga/Albury Express newspaper. Rosemary was a Founder Member of the Albury & District Historical Society in 1961, a Life Member of Wodonga & District Historical Society and also a Life Member of the Wodonga RSL Sub-Branch. She and her husband, Frank, a veteran of the Kokoda Trail, farmed at Leneva before moving to Albury and then to Frankston. Rosemary Boyes died in September 1991. australian history, rosemary boyes bem

A black and white postcard of the Fruit Salad Farm in Marysville that was produced by Murray Views as a souvenir of Marysville.A black and white postcard of the Fruit Salad Farm in Marysville that was produced by Murray Views as a souvenir of Marysville.POST CARD STAMP REAL PHOTOGRAPH PRODUCED IN/ AUSTRALIA BY MURRAY VIEWS, GYMPIE, Q.marysville, victoria, australia, fruit salad farm, accommodation, restaurant, postcard, souvenir, murray views

A black and white postcard of the Fruit Salad Farm in Marysville that was produced by Murray Views as a souvenir of Marysville.A black and white postcard of the Fruit Salad Farm in Marysville that was produced by Murray Views as a souvenir of Marysville.POST CARD STAMP REAL PHOTOGRAPH PRODUCED IN/ AUSTRALIA BY MURRAY VIEWS, GYMPIE, Q.marysville, victoria, australia, fruit salad farm, accommodation, restaurant, postcard, souvenir, murray views

Joan Reuss was the eldest daughter of Bert Reuss and his wife Grace (nee Gray). Albert (Bert) Reuss was born in Albury in 1905. From 1920 until 1926, Bert worked at Mr Nat Gray’s dairy farm at “ Willow Bank” in South Albury. This included ferrying milk across the river from Gray’s Island. In 1927 he married Grace Gray and they moved to a property which they called “Park View” on the Wodonga flats. Here they established Park View Dairy. In the 1930s they ran two milk carts delivering milk twice a day (once on Sundays) to Albury and Wodonga. They also raised a family of eight children. They progressively cleared a few acres every year and raised cows, pigs and hens as well as growing watermelons and other vegetables. Deliveries extended to include milk, cream, eggs, dressed chickens and potatoes. At its peak the dairy had 500 regular customers. The dairy was bought out by Murray Goulburn in the 1970s and the Reuss children continued the property as a beef farm. Bert was active in the Wodonga Branch of the Dairy Farmers’ Association, President of the Albury Wodonga Milk Producers for 15 years and a member of the Albury Wodonga Flood Committee. He was also Head Steward of the Horticulture Pavilion at the Wodonga Show Society for over 30 years for which he was awarded a Life Membership. Bert Reuss died on 16th August 1998 in Albury. After more then 80 years in the Reuss Family, Park View was sold in 2010.This item is significant because it is connected to a well-known Wodonga business and community member.A black and white photo of a woman and two children on a two wheeled milk cart. On side of cart: B. REUSS REGISTERED DAIRYbert reuss wodonga, wodonga dairies, park view dairy