When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established and the responsibility for the nation's mail and telephone services fell on Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office, built in 1887 and situated on Pall Mall was the central distribution centre for receiving and delivering telegrams and continued to deliver communication and postal services until 1997. This stamped, addressed Commemorative Pictorial Postmark envelope celebrates the 1951 Bendigo Gold Centenary Philatelic Exhibition. Registered, postmarked 02 July 1951. Printed and stamped envelope featuring an image of a poppet head on the left and four commemorative stamps celebrating 100 years of gold top right. Letter is addressed.Obverse Top left; $30 Centre top and bottom; various pencil markings Lower right; T. Clark / 5 Princes St / Oakleigh s.12 / Vic Reverse- Two red pencil lines Centre - postal stamps bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, making a nation exhibition

When the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act was passed in June 1902, and a national Postmaster General's Department (the PMG) was established the responsibility the nation's mail and telephone services fell on local Post Offices. The Bendigo Post Office was designed by Public Works architect George W Watson and constructed between 1883 and 1887. The two story brick structure with basement has unpainted rendered facades and a 43m high clock tower complete with 6 bell carillon. The facades are elaborately decorated with Corinthian pilasters, balustrading, lions' heads and the state mansard roof with cast iron ridging and finials. (VHR #4739). Situated on Pall Mall it has always been called the Bendigo Post Office even though it was not until 1891 that the name Bendigo was given to the town. The Bendigo Post Office housed much more than just postal services and the building contained many early government departments and services needed for a growing district. The building celebrated its centenary on the 30th September 1987 to much fan fare with Ted Rankins, the then Postal Manager planning many of the week long events including tours of the post office, a grand parade with cake and staff in period costume, a ball at the Shamrock and a barbeque in Rosalind Park. The Post Office ceased providing postal services in 1997 after the privitisation Australia Post and Telstra but continues to play a central role for the community, providing important services to visitors and locals alike. Currently it is occupied by Bendigo Tourism and includes two exhibition spaces including the Living Arts Space and Djaa Djuwima a dedicated and permanent First Nations Gallery. Activities at the Post Office are supported by City of Greater Bendigo staff and a dedicated group of volunteers. These items are part of the postal collection donated by the Rankins family in memory of the last postal manager at the Bendigo Post Office, Ted Rankins. 0364.1: Single sided printed 'Order of Proceedings' flyer; Outlines the running of events for the celebrations on Wednesday 30 September, 1987 at the Post Office with the centenary logo centre top in crimson ink. 0364.2: Single sided, four-colour printed, DL size invitation for celebrations marking the centenary of the Post Office on Wednesday 30 September, 1987. 0364.3,.4,.5,.6,.7: Printed cake bag with centenary logo and image of Bendigo Post Office printed on front in crimson ink. 0364.8,.9,.10,.11: Square note paper with centenary logo and border printed in crimson ink. 0364.12 Envelope: Australia Post envelope with Bendigo 100th anniversary images. Date stamped and addressed to Mr Edmondston Postmaster, Elmore. bendigo post office, bendigo tourism, city of greater bendigo tourism, post office collection, ted rankins collection, city of greater bendigo volunteers

Mary Tolhurst M&DHS - March 29th Dunvegan Willows Park Melton 1992 Ladies Oral History Day Graham Minns President Ray Radford MC Sound recording transfer to CD 2011 by Tom Wood Edited typescript by Wendy Barrie 2013 I was born in Rockbank, and when I was five years old moved to Toolern Vale and started and finished school there. Toolern Vale only consisted of the Store, Post Office and shop, where you could buy your fodder, and pollard supplies, the Hall, the little Church and the bluestone School. The School changed shape three times from the 1800s[1869] til the time I went there. There was four generations of my family that went there and it was destroyed by fire in 1965. Marjorie nee Myers Butler. Yes, I remember along with it your lovely Ronisch piano. Mary, quite true! Marj what you say about the Ronisch piano. When I came the age to learn music my mum and dad couldn’t really afford it, but still what parents do for their children. They had Marj go along with them and pick this lovely Ronisch piano. It was known round the district. Everyone commented about the loss that lovely piano. After leaving school it was war time, 1939, then it was work, When I was 7 year old I was put out into the cow yard. In 1940 when the soldiers were going away our milk was confiscated it had to go to Bacchus Marsh. It used to go the Sunbury to be brine cooled and then go to Melbourne. Then they took it then to the Lifeguard Milk Factory at Bacchus Marsh. It had to go as condensed milk to the soldiers. This year is 50 years of the Land Army. I was an unofficial Land Army but they still kept check on me. I went onto married life and I followed the cows right through [howls of laughter] and we went on until the 1965 fire. That’s when we got out of the cows. Marjorie asks, was Granny Watts your grandmother or great grandmother? Mary: She was my great grandmother, the midwife of Melton. The 1965 fire started ¾ of a mile above our place, Frank Ryan’s sheds were burnt and his house was saved, then it wiped the School out, the Hall, the Church the Post Office and Store and little house that was Charlie Charlton’s in the early days. Mrs Wilson’s place was saved by the Fire Brigade by pulling boards off the side, and from there it went over the hill and it was stopped at the Rockbank Railway Station. If it had of got over the railway they said it would have gone into Werribee. A lot was burnt out in that strip. Mary nee Nixon Collins: 18 houses burnt that day. Audience question, did Melton get burnt that day? Ray: No. It came down through the Toolern Vale road and cut across about a mile and a half from the cross roads at Toolern Vale from north westerly to the south east and cut through over the Keilor road. Mary: It came in across the creek at Funstons in Toolern, then through Jim Minns. Dorothy was it your place then [nee Knox Beaty] to Ken Beatty’s and from there it went through to Doug McIntosh’s and to Cockbills and the wind changed and it came across to the railway line, and that is where they stopped it. [the cause of the fire was controversial, they had been burning off the night before and there was some talk of someone starting it. It was very hot and very strong wind, it was a terrible day] Ray: When the fire went through McIntosh’s they had a haystack on the north side of their house and the haystack got caught and the fire burnt a hole through the side of the house and the boys pyjamas on the bed. The house was saved. It came through like and express train roaring at you, I was at McIntosh’s when it went roaring past. You couldn’t see, dust and ash and tremendous heat. The fire started about 12 o’clock Jack [husband] said to me, fire, I said where, where? Just up the road, what have I got to do? and he went out and he had gone to the fire and left me. I tried to get the animals and I put out buckets of water, putting the buckets of water out saved my life. Chas Jones and another friend of his came in and they picked up the buckets of water, I thought I had better get out because the fire was on the haystack up the paddock and when I went to go out through the north side of the house and couldn’t get out, I’ll go through the front gate so I went around the other side of the house. I got caught there and Chassy Jones and his friend came round carrying the bucket of water and I panicked. He threw the bucket of water over me. Well that is what saved my life because I was damp, whenever we tried to leave the ball of fire came over me and over my shoulder and my hair was scorched. Chassy Jones lost his truck and Keith Watt his big truck because he had the water tank on it and they couldn’t get out of the yard. Granny Watt’s house, the first private hospital had condemned and Jack and I pulled it down and had it moved up to Toolern and had it in the yard a fortnight and it was all burnt and we didn’t get the shed we wanted. Every 13 years right up until Ash Wednesday fires, there has always been fire close at hand. The 1952 fire went down the back of the house, the 1965 fire took the house, and the house that I live in now, it is the third house that has been on that spot. When the Hunters owned it, Mrs Hunter was nearly burnt in her bed. They had a 13 roomed house. In 1924 the house burnt down, and there was another house was built there and that was the one that burnt down. Edna: So Mary built a brick veneer house. Marjorie: like the three little pigs [laughter] Collins - Mary M &DHS - March 29th 1992 Ladies oral history day at Dunvegan, Willows Park Melton. Graham Minns President Ray Radford MC Sound recording transferred to CD 2011 Edited typescript by Wendy Barrie 2013 Mary Collins nee Nixon born in Terang 1907 down in the Western District and we shifted to Melton when I was 5 and a half then I started school here in Melton, and spent all my school life at Melton State School, next to the Church of England, it’s called the Primary School now. I got my Qualifying and Merit Certificate then I left School because there wasn’t a High School. When I was 16 I got and job in the Melton Post Office and I worked there, I was the first girl in Melton to deliver the mail, and worked on the telephone and the Bank business. Mrs Ross and myself behind the counter, there were about 500 – 600 people in the Shire at that time and now when I go into the new Post Office there is 36,000 here there’s still 2 people behind the counter [laughter from the audience] and wait in a queue right out to the door. Times haven’t changed much have they! There was a manual telephone and you had to ring the handle, and there were eight subscribers when I went there and when I left there were 46 I had coaxed that number to join the telephone, even the police station didn’t have the phone on. The two Hotels and the two Chaff mills and Mr Ernie Barrie, Parkers the butcher, the Shire Office was No 8, and the Police house was next to the Courthouse on the corner. They were number 9. I can remember a lot of the numbers still. The Post Office was the Agency for the Commonwealth Bank [comment from audience member] I used to do the Bank business too, I left after four years there, mother wasn’t very well. The Inspector who used to come up to the Post Office asked me if I would take up casual Post Mistress and to go around the different districts but I refused and when Mrs Ross’s holidays were due I was the replacement. I wasn’t 21. I loved my work meeting everybody and most people had horse and jinkers and when the elderly would come in there would be Mr Tom Morrow, he only had one arm and Mrs Dunn came from Bulman’s road in their horse and jinker. They were elderly I would see them pull up out the front and quickly get their mail and run out to them because they didn’t have to get out of the jinker to tie up their horse. If someone had a baby in arms I would tear out and hold the baby while they got down. Mrs Ross was very very strict. I had to sweep the Post Office, she had a couple of mats and there would be a threepence or a sixpence under the mats show she knew whether I lifted the mat, I was whether I was honest or not. Graham: How much were your wages? I got 27/7 pence a week for a 52 hour week. I had to work every holiday except Good Friday and Christmas Day and even when it was Monday holiday I always had to go to work from 9am - !0 am, the Post Office was always open. In the winter I had to wait until twenty past six in case there were any telegrams to deliver. I delivered them on a push bike. One time Tom Barrie told me this years afterwards. I used to go home for lunch. We lived on the Keilor road and I used to ride my bike home. On the hot days the boys used to go and swim in the swimming pool down near a turn in the creek there was a hole where the boys would swim in the nude, they didn’t have any bathers and they didn’t have any watches in those days. Tom Barrie said they always used to watched for me as I was always about 3 minutes past 1, my lunch hour was from 1-2. One particular day they missed seeing me and swam on, and of course they were all late for school when they got back and were all kept in a night. I did get a fortnight holiday. I loved my work and I knew everyone in the district right from Toolern Vale to the Marsh and everybody at Melton South. Did you listen into conversations on the Switchboard? Oh no. [laughter] Melton did not have electricity then. I had to fill the lamps everyday with kerosene. The Staughton Memorial was outside the Post Office. It had four posts with the chain looped around it, and that’s where the people used to tie up their horses. Marjorie nee Myers Butler comments about sitting and swinging on the chains. Mr Fred Coburn lit the acetylene gas light in the Memorial. It was the only streetlight in Melton. There was no electricity until 1939. Ray Radford comments about another gas street light which was on the corner of Station road. [later] Mary passes around her school photos. Mary mentions the names of those who have passed away, Maisie McDonald, ,Marian Wraith, Hilda McCreey, and Valda McDonald. I have written the names on the back. Marjorie comments about Marie Jongebloed and Greta are the only two girls left out of big family of ten I think there were [hesitates] 4 or 5 girls and the rest were boys. Mary. Flora Woodley, Dorrie Flynn and Margaret McDonald are still alive. They are my age we were all born about 1907. Marjorie points out herself in a later photo [1921 and 1922 School ] Mary mentions the name Walsh and identyfies following names, the Parker boys, Ken Beaty, Malc and Linda Cameron, Maisie Mc Donald, Ted Radford, George Nixon, Norman Minns, he was later the Shire Secretary of Werribee. One of the Woodley girls. [Maisie Arthur] Marjorie: Rosie Shearwood, June Whiting Mary. Lily Mc Donald, she has passed away. Isabel Harrison nee Tinkler, she lives at Werribee, Doreen Rogers, Marjorie Walker, Jess McIntosh, Mary Gillespie. Mr Malone was the Junior teacher Mr Roe and Miss Cooke. Fred Myers, my sister [Elizabeth] and the year was 1921. Myers (Barrie) School Photo Collection. Many of the names were identified at the 1970 Centenary of Melton State School No. 430. Edna Barrie organised, compiled and typed the lists to accompany these photos for the year 1921. The 1922 photo shows the higher grades. Ladies Oral History Day event held by Melton and District Historical Society, article featured in the Telegraphlocal identities, local special interest groups

Modern communications technology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. This type of insulator was usually used with radio antennae wires, telegraph and radio antennae equipment. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Five, knuckle-shaped white glazed ceramic examples are associated with radio antennae wires. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of these remain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened. The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation, and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. .The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenanceFive white glazed ceramic insulators. Knuckle bone sized, oval shaped with one opening at either end. All five are the same.

Modern communication tecnology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. These and other cylindricial insulators were associated with the original 1870 copper wire telegraph line and later the P.M.G. line. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Two bell-shaped insulators are made of clear glass, one with remains of wooden dowel inside. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of theseremain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened.The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation,231 and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenance1. Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge. Has remains of wooden dowell inside. 2.Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge.Around lower edge on opposite sides,"C.C / 42"

Modern communication technologyarrived on gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. The insulator is associated with the telegraph station. Used at the H.F Radio Beacon. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of these remain in situ along the former telegraph line (0044). Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened. The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation,and these were seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenanceFour armed cross shaped insulator with two holes through diagonally opposite sections. It is ceramic with a clear glaze.

The two identical bookcases probably date to the 1960s-70s period and retain their original light wood finish. They contain two adjustable shelves as well as the base shelf and stand on four legs braced by a stretcher extending across the front and around the sides. The bracing and the angled slightly curved front legs, which do not align with corners of the cabinet, produce the appearance of a box resting on a separate frame. These modern style bookshelves are examples of the low-cost furnishings that the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service (CLS) introduced to Australian lightstations in the post-war years. Most notably, it commissioned a number of light, compact and functional items in bulk from émigré designer, Steven Kalmar (1909-1989), who played a significant role in popularising modernist design concepts in Australia and drew his ideas from Scandinavian and American design trends. Born in Hungary, he trained as an architect and his contemporary affordable furnishings were especially suitable for the open-plan houses being built in Australia’s new post-war suburbs. It is not known whether the bookcases bear the Kalmar label, but the design, particularly the legs and bar bracing, is a signature style of his Sydney-based firm, Kalmar Interiors. The CLS supplied the same bookshelves to a number of other lightstations, including Cape Nelson (3 examples), Cape Otway and Gabo Island (2 examples), as well as other types of furnishings such as tables and nests of coffee tables, cabinets, drawers, bedside tables. The Point Hicks bookcases original function was more likely office-related rather than domestic. The bookcases have first level contributory significance for their provenance and historic value as examples of the modernist furnishings that the Sydney-based firm, Kalmar Interiors supplied to the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service in the post-war years.Two bookcases in the Scandinavian style. Each have 3 internal shelves and four legs, light coloured wood.

Beryl Knox speaking about early life in Melton. Page 1 1949 – 64 years ago. We began our married life at Melton Sth. The house on the corner of the Exford Rd and Staughton St-- dusty gravel roads, box thorns and noxious weeds everywhere and a sprinkling of houses and vacant land. It was a friendly community consisting of old family names. McDonalds, Blacks, Dodemaide, Cahill, Coopers, Minns, Tinklers, Nesbitts, Cochranes, Wickhams, Exells. Mavis Butler. The home owned by Mr. Robinson and Miss Robinson had been shifted in two parts transported from Diggers Rest and it is still standing 2013. Bruce’s father purchased the house and two adjoining blocks, the Conways built on one and the Rawlinson family on the other block. Eileen still resides there, she was only a baby in a pram and the family had not long arrived from England. The railway line was close to the house and the contents would rattle when heavy steams trains went through, and on a clear frosty night the 1am paper train would echo roar through very loudly when labouring towards the Exford Bridge. Then the two carriage motor train was introduced, this was great for the workers and schoolies who travelled to Melbourne. The train pulled up at the crossing or riding to pick up or drop off. Melva Gillespie (nee Hirt) Bill Cahill delivered the milk by the billy and then in bottles. Len Kennedy (Paul Kennedy’s father, Norma Murrays son) delivered Jongebloeds bread, he always had a sweep going for the Melbourne Cup and raffles for the footy club. Mr. Woodgate owned an old bus and pick up point was the Post Office when there was a Saturday film on a Melton. There were no doctors or dentists in the district. If we need a Doctor we had to travel to Bacchus Marsh or discuss problems over the phone. In later years a Bacchus Marsh Doctor rented the Bluestone building in McKenzie St a couple of days a week. If we needed the Dentist we had to travel to West Footscray or Footscray. We did our banking at “State Savings” then the Miss Minns had the agency and then Bardsleys Store. We travelled to Bacchus Marsh to the National and Commercial banks. Station Rd to Western Highway, now (High Street) was a narrow stretch of bitumen and gravel farmland either side and a couple of farm houses and large gum trees on the properties. Page 2 North of the Railway line Mrs Bessie Jones, mother of Chas and Betty Jones managed the Post Office, next door to her Chas and Betty had the Shell Centre, and later moved the business to Melton. Hughie Nesbitt and mother owned the grocery and hardware store, and I bought my first set of saucepans there. On the opposite side of Station road Mr Coombe owned the fruit shop, and also provided soft drinks and lollies for children. The Chaff Mill was on the corner of Station Rd and Brooklyn Rd. Mr Lumsden was manager and later years Bernie Trethowan and Jack Butler were partners. It finally burnt down and is a Service Station now. Along Brooklyn Rd there were a few houses and Victoria Hall, not a very big hall, but catered for lots of functions, Balls, Fancy Dress, Bazaars, Square Dancing and meetings. The Bacchus Marsh Baptists held Sunday School in the hall. A group of shops were built south of the railway line Molly and Len Skinner managed the Post Office and handled a few essential groceries. Tom McDonald and Ron Lunsberg were the butchers. Mary and Syd Cooper lived next door to us and often in turn would run out of something when we had a baking spree we would borrow or exchange, sugar flour etc over the fence. Mavis and Jack Butler lived there before the Coopers. Bernie and Iris Trethowan lived two doors up. Neighbours were invited into their home to view the first black and white television in Melton Sth. Bill Exell was one of the first Melton Sth farmers to sell his land to developers, the land was idle for years before housing developed. I joined the Melton Valley Golf Club in 1960. The Gun Club as our Club House, an old tin shed consisting a water tank, trestle table and forms and dirt floor. It was a 9 hole course with sand scraps and landscape putting before greens. The Common or parkland was part of the Golf Course. It was open for every ones recreation. Roy Norton an old identity trained his trotters on the Common and wouldn’t clear the track for the golfers. The golfers had to avoid him to continue to play. We had to keep clear when the young youths came in their paddock cars and motorbikes. Over the years the Toolern Creek flooded its banks, water and debri covered the course on one year our first Club house was flooded out. It took several working bees to clean it up. We lived at Melton Sth for 15 years and moved to Melton on the farm “Croxton Park.” The Nixon family farm “Mowbray” adjoined the farm. Bruce worked the land cropping the farm when Mrs Nixon died. Page 3 (page 4 on the handwritten script) Bruce had the first offer to buy, in those days it wasn’t easy to get good bank loans. Part of the land is the Golf Course now and Mr O’Shea purchased the bulk. Moving to Melton was totally different – I became involved with Committees, Scouts, Guides, Mothers Clubs, CWA, Church Op shop (8 years). Melton Amateurs players produced and tutored by Mabel Rogers exerts from Pyjama Game, South Pacific, Carousel - later years a group of ladies did gentle water exercise at Essendon and Station Road swimming pool. I was 20 or so years in Probus. The local followed the football, there was always a Gymkhana on the long weekend in June. The tennis always created a lot of interest during the finals. It didn’t matter which team played the supporters were treated to a cup of tea and leftovers from their afternoon tea. In 1978 were the first residents to move into the Jennings Estate Kurunjang and lived there 31 years and retired 4 years ago into Unit. The amazing changes I have experienced. Merrimu supplied our water, after depending on tanks. The landscape changed completely when developers came in, no more dusty plains \ typed web Sept 2013 McFarlane, Mrs Knox and Beryl Gillespie at the First Hundred Years Celebration of Melton State School 430. The event was held at Mechanics Hall, Melton.local identities, local significant events, education

This is similar to first telephone at Wandin North Post Office 1908'British Ericsson' Wall type telephone Circa 1900telephones, wall telephones

Miss Olive Codling was a Foundation Member and a Life Member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Many of her prize-winning photos are held in the Society Collection. She also held a range of roles and committee positions in a wide range of Wodonga community organisations. WODONGA'S SECOND COURTHOUSE The Court House was situated in the Customs or Bond Store building alongside the Wodonga Police Station in 93 High Street. This was on the west side of High Street at its intersection with Bond Street. The building was converted to the courthouse in 1920. In early 1964, the courthouse building was burnt beyond repair and furniture and other property destroyed. The cause of the fire was never found. The Police Station was lucky to survive but only because of the efforts of the local Fire Brigade. After the fire, the court was held first at the old Fire Station premises near where the present Wodonga Post Office, then it moved to a vacant building in Mitchell Street which was later turned into a Child Care Centre. Foundations for the new courthouse in Elgin Street were laid in October 1965.This photo collection is significant as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the l20th century.2 black and white photos of the Court House, formerly used as a Bond Store for collection of customs.high st wodonga, wodonga court house

A small booklet issued by the Australian Post Office to explain the use of post codes 1967. It outlines how to use a postcode, advice for businesses to ensure their correct use and a list of all the postcodes allocated throughout Australia at that time. Two other booklets are updated lists of postcodes.non-fictionThe use of postcodes was introduced in Australia on Saturday, 1 July 1967 by the Postmaster General's department. They are used to more efficiently sort and route mail within AUstralia. In July 1967, the first edition of the Postcode Booklet was distributed free by mail to every Australian household and business address. A total of 4.5 million booklets were distributed, as well as a postcard identifying the recipient’s own postcode. Originally the four digit postcodes were developed for electronic mail handling equipment at the former Redfern Mail Exchange in Sydney. This was extended to cover all locations in Australia and continues to grow as new residential areas are developed.australian mail services, australia post, postcodes

The barrel was used in the Wodonga Court House as part of the selection process for jurors. It was a standard issue barrel used throughout Victoria. It was retrieved from the ruins of the court house which was destroyed by fire. It was then donated to the Wodonga Historical Society. The timber display stand was made and donated by Jake Tooley, a Wodonga Historical Society member, The Court House was situated in the Customs Store building alongside the Wodonga Police Station in 93 High Street. (The house where the Police Station was had originally been the home of the Customs Officer). In early 1964, the court house building was burnt beyond repair and furniture and other property destroyed. The cause of the fire was never found. The Police Station was lucky to survive but only because of the efforts of the local Fire Brigade. After the fire, the court was held first at the old Fire Station premises near where the Wodonga Post Office is near Woodland Grove, then it moved to a vacant building in Mitchell Street which was later turned into a Child Care Centre. Foundations for the new court house in Elgin Street were laid in October 1965 Local significance due to its use in the Wodonga Court House and its survival of a major fire. State significance as it documents a procedure used in the Victorian Court and Legal system Cylindrical metal-iron barrel painted black with writing stenciled on the front in white The timber mount was made for storage and display is not part of the original object,Inscription on Barrel "WODONGA./ Jurors in use./ Special"wodonga court, jurors, selection, legal system, fire

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. This digital image was produced from one of the glass negatives that form part of the collection, probably taken by Louis Haeusler (b.1887) with the photographic equipment in the Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection. Thomas Hugh Maher, born 1881, was the youngest of 11 children of Owen Maher and Sarah nee Finn. After migrating from Ireland and marrying in Sydney in 1853, Owen and Sarah eventually made their home at “Fairview”, Bonegilla, Victoria in 1870. Owen later became a member of the first shire council formed in Wodonga. Thomas attended school at Bonegilla, then as a boarder at St. Joseph’s College in Sydney for his final two years. He returned to work on the farm until his father settled him on a small farm at Ebden. He married Jane Rowley from Bethanga. For some years Thomas and Jane conducted the general store and post office at Ebden which was next to their home ‘Marara”. When Jane died in 1916, Thomas leased “Marara” and moved to Melbourne. After marrying a second time, Thomas returned to Wodonga where he set up a real estate business. In about 1924, Thomas received compensation for his Ebden property when it was resumed for the development of the Hume Weir. He returned to Melbourne where he saw out the rest of his days until his death in 1952 aged 71 years old.This item is unique and 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 domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.Digital image created from the Haeusler Glass negative collection. Thomas Maher and his wife Jane operated a general store at Ebden in Victoria.haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, thomas maher ebden, ebden general store

The current city was originally named Wodonga, but its name was changed to Belvoir then later back to Wodonga, its indigenous name. The original post office opened on June 1, 1856. Wodonga Shire was created in 1876 when the colonial government agreed to ratepayers' petitions to have their part severed from the Yackandandah Shire and form a new municipality. On 30th March 1973, the Wodonga Shire was granted rural city status and was officially named the Rural City of Wodonga by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe. The date this logo first came into use is unsure, but it was used prior to the granting of rural city status. In 1994, the name was retained in a new local government authority and so the Wodonga Rural City Council was born. In 1995 it was decided to give the city a fresh image, so the term 'rural' was be dropped from use except where there was a legal requirement. In December 2003, it was decided to rename the council removing the term "rural" and it is now legally Wodonga City Council. This plate is of local historic significance as it documents the way in which the local government and community has evolved and depicts itself over time.Circular metal plate for public display of status of Rural City of Wodonga. Inscription including the Latin terms for "Faith and Justice" are embossed around the circumference on the front of the plaque. The symbols of wheat, cattle and grapes represent the major agricultural pursuits of the area. A representation of Hermes/Mercury is at the top centre of the plate.Around the circumference of the plate is the inscription "FIDES ET JUSTITIA / RURAL CITY OF WODONGA"local government, wodonga, rural city, council logo

The current city was originally named Wodonga, but its name was changed to Belvoir then later back to Wodonga, its indigenous name. The original post office opened on June 1, 1856. Wodonga Shire was created in 1876 when the colonial government agreed to ratepayers' petitions to have their part severed from the Yackandandah Shire and form a new municipality. On 30th March 1973, the Wodonga Shire was granted rural city status and was officially named the Rural City of Wodonga by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe. The date this logo first came into use is unsure, but it was used prior to the granting of rural city status. In 1994, the name was retained in a new local government authority and so the Wodonga Rural City Council was born. In 1995 it was decided to give the city a fresh image, so the term 'rural' was be dropped from use except where there was a legal requirement. In December 2003, it was decided to rename the council removing the term "rural" and it is now legally Wodonga City Council.On 30th March 1973, the Wodonga Shire was granted rural city status and was officially named the Rural City of Wodonga by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe. The badge on the spoon was used to represent the Council in all letters, communication and souvenirs at that time. The term "Rural City" was dropped from usage in 1994.2 silver souvenir teaspoons including the badge of the Rural City of Wodonga in gold and blue enamel on the top. The teaspoon is presented in a clear plastic rectangular presentation case lined with blue card. .In circle on top of spoon "FIDES ET JUSTITIA/ RURAL CITY OF WODONGA"memorabilia, rural city of wodonga, local government, victoria

The current city was originally named Wodonga, but its name was changed to Belvoir then later back to Wodonga, its indigenous name. The original post office opened on June 1, 1856. Wodonga Shire was created in 1876 when the colonial government agreed to ratepayers' petitions to have their part severed from the Yackandandah Shire and form a new municipality. On 30th March 1973, the Wodonga Shire was granted rural city status and was officially named the Rural City of Wodonga by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe. The date this logo first came into use is unsure, but it was used prior to the granting of rural city status. In 1994, the name was retained in a new local government authority and so the Wodonga Rural City Council was born. In 1995 it was decided to give the city a fresh image, so the term 'rural' was be dropped from use except where there was a legal requirement. In December 2003, it was decided to rename the council removing the term "rural" and it is now legally Wodonga City Council.This plaque is of local historic significance as it documents the way in which the local government and community has evolved and depicts itself over time. Designation as a rural city was a critical event in the development of Wodonga.Small circular metal plaque for public display of status of Rural City of Wodonga. Inscription including the Latin terms for "Faith and Justice" are embossed around the circumference on the front of the plaque. The symbols of wheat, cattle and grapes represent the major agricultural pursuits of the area. A representation of Hermes/Mercury is at the top centre of the plate.Around the circumference of the plaque is the inscription "FIDES ET JUSTITIA / RURAL CITY OF WODONGA"local government, wodonga council logo, wodonga, rural city victoria

Postcards were a common form of souvenirs for soldiers who were travelling either during World War 1, or just after, or while returning to Australia. These postcard scenes are from Bombay which is a stop on the route from Australia to Europe. India was often the first time young soldiers saw a different culture on their way to the first World War. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. There was a large collection of postcards so he may have been collecting them as souvenirs (none of these have been written on or posted). J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', (which stopped in Bombay), arriving Portsea in 1920.Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. Postcards as souvenirs or as correspondence would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1. These places in Bombay, India could have been visited by the first Legatees when they were soldiers in World War 1.Postcards x 7 with images from Bombay in India.01139.1 Bombay - A street scene, Pydowni Junction 01139.2 Bird's eye view of Fort from Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay 01139.3 Cuffe Parade - Bombay 01139.4 General Post Office - Bombay 01139.5 Bombay - Queen's Road showing palms 01139.6 A woman tapping rubber tree (possibly from Sri Lanka as it was printed in Colombo). 01139.7 Bombay from Harbour Each one has the word POST CARD on the reverse with room for an address and an area for Correspondence. Different makers.souvenir, world war one

Card with a with an envelope and contained within a plastic envelope: .1 - Burwood Road, east of the City of Hawthorn Town Hall, with a man digging a hole in the middle of the road and horse drawn wagons. .2 - City of Hawthorn first Town Hall, c1885, with the Post Office and a Chemist shop. .3 - Langham Hotel Glenferrie Road, c1888. Has details of the owner on the rear of the card. Has details of the photograph, source and the Hawthorn Historical Society on the rear of the card. One of a series of five cards.trams, tramways, hawthorn, burwood rd, workplace conditions, town hall, post office, glenferrie rd, hotels

Divided back postcard featuring a photograph of the opening of The North Melbourne Electric Tramway and Lighting Co. tramway at Moonee Ponds on 11-10-1906. Photo shows the opening car with a trailer and at least three other tramcars behind. Rear shows Sears Photo, J. Atken Printer Moonee Ponds. Has a Victorian 1d stamp with a 31-12-1906 date stamp. Note written to Master Furphy of Rushworth Post Office, possibly from a Flo P. Dated 30-12-06. .1 - black and white print of this photo - ex Keith Kings.trams, tramways, essendon, nmetl, puckle st, opening, tramcars, trailers

.1 - typed notes with the heading "a tablet beside the Box Hill Post Office today marks the terminus" Provides notes on the Box Hill - Doncaster electric tramway of 1888, some historical notes about its operation and closure. Includes notes on Bendigo's battery trams, steam trams, SA's Goolwa to Port Elliot tramway, Fairfield horse tramways and other horse trams. No information as to who prepared the original document - possibly Bob Prentice. .2 - an extract from a publication showing the commemorative cairn at the Box Hill terminus and providing some notes on the tramway.Yields information about the first Australian electric tramway and other tramways in Victoria..1 - Foolscap sheet - blue paper, typed notes on the Box Hill - Doncaster Tramway and other Victorian Tramways. .2 - digital scan of a publication showing the commemorative cairn at Box Hilltramways, trams, box hill, electric trams, victorian tramways, commemorative, monuments, steam trams, bendigo, doncaster

Set of 13 different types or blocks of Melbourne Metcards, neighbourhood and associated tickets contained within their own envelope and placed in a former post office box. All collected by Maxwell Hayes. These comprise: Description Samples of advertising on rear of daily zone tickets City Plus one section Zone Weekly Special Purpose - MMTB/MTA Neighbourhood monthly travelcard Short Trips Zone 1 - 3 combination concession - daily - mixed Neighbourhood daily - travel only Travel Cards - mixed Scratch tickets - mixed First light rail souvenir Student Neighbourhood Packet of Miscellaneous event or message Metcards.trams, tramways, tickets, metcard, metlink, scratch tickets, neighbourhood tickets

A postcard showing a scene looking west from Russell St along Collins St. Has some 7 cable trams, horse-drawn carts, and motor vehicles in view. In the view is Scotts Church, the Athenium, and the Town Hall. In the bottom left-hand corner of the card is "Printed for Commonwealth Immigration Office by Rose Stereograph Co. Vic."Demonstrates a card printed to promote Australian Immigration to Melbourne, possibly post the first world war.Black and White postcard, Divided back.In pencil in the bottom right hand corner "Government publicity issue in England $12"tramways, collins st, cable trams, immigration

The Baptist Chapel was first opened in March 1868 in Lerderderg Street, Bacchus Marsh, next to State School No. 28. The plans were prepared by James G. Pippett and the building was constructed by bricklayer J.F.Taylor and carpenter W. Nelson. When fire threatened its destruction in 1871, the townspeople assisted in saving the building by tearing off the roof and removing windows and flooring. Subsequently it was found that a solid silver Communion Service was missing as well as the contents of the Poor Box. The Chapel was renovated and used until 1898 when the building was moved to Main Street, next to the Post Office. Two rooms were added at the front when the building was rebuilt. It was demolished in 1985.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album, which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll. The photograph is of a substantial brick building with a shingle roof. The gable above the front entrance and the side of the building under the guttering are ornamented with rows of bricks laid horizontally. A round window sits in the centre of the gable. The central door and the front and side sash windows are topped by semi-circular brick arches. The ornamentation is continued with contrasting bricks down the corners of the building. An ornamental iron fence runs along the front of the building. A large fir tree stands in the grounds. On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE churches bacchus marsh, baptist chapel bacchus marsh

The Express newspaper was founded in Bacchus Marsh in 1866. From 1870 it was produced in this two-storey building in Church Street Bacchus Marsh. The first issue was published on Saturday 7th July 1866. The first issues of the Express were produced in the house of its proprietor George Lane. This house can be seen at the rear of the two-storey building in this image. Around 1889 the size of the building was doubled. The Express was initially started and operated by a syndicate of local businessmen. After only a few months the syndicate ceased and George Lane a printer and his future son-in-law Christopher Crisp took over the ownership and operation of the Express. The Crisp family were associated with the Express for over 100 years. It was both a newspaper and printing business. The Express building was in use as a newspaper and printing business until the early 1980s. Since the 1980s the building has been used for a variety of retail and commercial purposes. The original printing equipment used by the Express is still present in the building and the site has been listed as a site of state heritage significance on the Victorian Heritage Register.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. The image depicts the Bacchus Marsh Express building in 1883. It shows a two-storey building with a pitched roof and front verandah. Five men stand in front of the building facing the camera. On the first left is George Lane one of the proprietors. Second from the left is Christopher Crisp, the co-proprietor and editor of the Express. The other three men are unidentified but are possibly employees of the Express. The house on the right belonged to George Lane. The house to the left of the building belonged to Christopher Crisp. All three buildings remain in Bacchus Marsh in 2024.On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE. newspapers, bacchus marsh express, christopher crisp 1844-1915, printers, george lane 1823-1899

Pride of Place, the first 60 years of buildings in Bendigo and surrounds, an exhibition at the Post Office Gallery, 27 pages with photographs & maps.Bendigo Art Gallerybendigo, buildings, heritage buildings, bendigo-history-architecture-buildings

The Bendigo Post Office was built between 1883 and 1887 by McCulloch and McAlpine. It was designed by George W Watson in the 2nd Empire architectural style.Colour printed envelope - Bendigo Post Office Centenary 1887-1987. Envelope has a 37c stamp with an image of a cockatoo, which has been stamped with a black stamp dated 30 Sept 1987, Vic 3550 - the 'first day" of issue. The envelope was produced by Australia Post to mark the Centenary of the Post Office in Bendigo, and includes a colour image of the Pall Mall frontage of the Post Office building on the corner of Myer Lane and Pall Mall including the Post Office tower and clock.bendigo post office, australia day first day cover, centenary