The phonograph is a mechanical device for the recording and reproduction of sound and originally used a tinfoil sheet wrapped around a rotating cylinder to produce the sound. It was invented by Thomas Edison of U.S.A. in 1877 and was the model for all phonographs or gramophones made and developed throughout the 20th century. This machine is of particular interest to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society as it is an Edison phonograph and an earlier model of this phonograph was used in Warrnambool late in the 19th century to make an important recording. In 1896 Thomas Rome, an employee in a Warrnambool boot and shoe shop, purchased an Edison phonograph that could both play and record sounds. At the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7 visitors to the Exhibition paid a fee to listen to music on this phonograph. But Rome also recorded some local Warrnambool people singing and speaking and these recordings survive today. They are regarded as the oldest surviving recordings made in Australia. Thomas Rome later became a shoe shop proprietor in Warrnambool and was a well-known person in the town/city for a great number of years. This is an Edison Gem Phonograph. It has a black-painted wooden base, now detached from the main mechanism. The phonograph is made of metal which is now heavily rusted. It has a cylindrical turntable for playing the Edison cylindrical records and a handle with a wooden knob. The turning mechanism and belt are now broken. The name of the manufacturer and details of the patents are on a metal plate attached to the side of the phonograph. The amplifier mechanism at the top of the machine is missing. The cover of the machine is made of wood and has a wooden handle attached with a piece of metal and two metal screws. There are also two metal screws on the side of the cover. The cover has a slot on the side to allow the turning handle to be accommodated outside of the cover. The cover is much stained and spotted. ‘Edison Gem Phonograph’ thomas edison, history of sound recordings, thomas rome (warrnambool)

Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891 and then to Shelley on 13 June 1916. Shelley was the highest station in Victoria. It extended further on to Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and finally reached Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. The line had 1 in 30 grades and trestle bridges that have been heritage listed. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961. The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976. These stamps were used by Joh Murray who for many years worked with Victorian Railways based at Wodonga.A leather pouch with belt and lock. It bears a metal name tag inscribed with name of railway station. The pouch contains 3 station stamps, a date stamp and 2 carriage keys.On pouch WODONGA On stamps: BONEGILLA 1470/ EBDEN 1471/ BANDOLIER 1473cudgewa rail line, victorian railways, closed victorian railways, railway stamps

Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891, Shelley on 13 June 1916 (the highest station in Victoria), Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. The line had 1 in 30 grades and trestle bridges that have been heritage listed. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961. The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976. This fish plate came from the rails of the Cudgewa Line at Gordon Roy's hut which was situated behind Perry's Stump Hotel outside Wodonga. The hut was used as an office with the points lever outside to switch trucks to different tracks on the Bandiana and Cudgewa lines.This item is significant as it was part of the railway line to Cudgewa which played an important role in North east Victoria carrying freight during the construction of the Hume Weir and the Snowy Mountains Scheme.A section of flat plate. These plates were used in pairs to connect the ends of adjacent rails in railway track. victorian railways, cudgewa rail line, railway components

a) Nagaoka Record Anti-Static & Disc Guard Kit The Nagaoka STAT-10 is a record protecting agent that serves both to protect your records from static and to significantly reduce record and stylus wear. By using this product you will improve the sound that you hear from your records, but will also protect your records. The unique charge reducing formula significantly reduces the amount of static electricity present on the surface of the vinyl recording. It also reduces the irritating noise produced by the scratches present on the surface of the vinyl recording. This record protecting agent also contains a special lubricant / protecting fluid agent.This lubricant / protecting fluid reduces record wear so that your recordings are as good as new. b) 'PAROSTATIK' Disc preener -: Use while rotating record slowly on Turntable. Press gently during one or two revolutions. Dust collected on plush surface should be removed before re-use. Device has "built-in" anti-static requiring occasional moisture replacement. Remove cap from centre tube withdraw and moisten wick (when dry) with clean water and replace Always return "Parostatik" to case when not in use. Vinyl records became very popular mid 20thC and cleaners were used to preserve the audio quality of the record surface.A box containing Vinyl record cleaning equipment manufactured by a) Nagaoka Pty Ltd Japan and b) 'Parostatik' C.E Watts Pty Ltd England a ) Box : NAGAOKA / A / trademark / NAGAOKA / AUTOMATIC RECORD CLEANER / ORIGINAL BEST PRODUCTS / NAGAOKA & CO LTD. MADE IN JAPAN / AUTOMATIC / RECORD CLEANER / AUTO 1 / NAGAOKA ORIGINAL BEST PRODUCTS b) Packet ; THE / "PAROSTATIK" PATENT .... REGD./ IMPROVED / DISC PREENER / FOR PERFECT RECORD MAINTENANCE Cylinder; Watts / "PAROSTATIK" / DISC PREENER / For perfect record maintenancerecord players, music, vinyl records, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, japan, nagaoka pty ltd ,, watts c. e. pty ltd, parostatik disc preener, england

Square cardboard box with a coloured illustrated lid with 'Tala' / Icing Set / How to Ice a cake. On one side of the box - 12 icing tubes in this set; Tala Icing set containing syringe, 12 tubes, turn table, icing book no. 1730, copyright design made in England. On the other 2 sides (opposite to each other.) Let all your kitchen ware be Tala - illustrated. Turning table is tin. 200mm outer stand, circle turntable 140 mm. Book: 'How to decorate a cake booklet' - 130 mm long x 195 mm wide and 5 mm thick; Pink plastic tray indented to hold metal cones 12 cones tubes each with different opening at the point. Icing syringe (nickel silver with brass collars). Plastic icing cone, Tala ware, Made in England 320 mm long, circumference 30 mm at point x 210 mm wideSee description.cooking, baking, icing, cakes, domestic, decorating

Station Sign - Emerald Emerald Station is situated on the Puffing Billy Railway in Victoria, Australia. It was opened with the Railway on 18 December 1900 and comprised a platform track and a loop siding. A passing loop was added between the two a few years later. There was also a spur siding off the Down end of No. 3 Road. Two standard 12 ft by 20 ft timber portable station buildings with a Van Goods Shed between (all adjoining) were provided on the platform and a Goods Shed on the No. 3 Road loop siding. Other buildings included Tea Rooms, lamp room and toilets along with a cattle race and loading bank. The station building was later reduced in length by one of the portables which housed the General and Ladies' waiting rooms. Emerald today remains very similar to the early days, but has had other Roads added into a Carriage Workshops, a turntable and storage sidings. Also, a Signal and Telegraph Branch depot in the form of a large Goods Shed and a multi-purpose yard building in the form of a Locomotive Depot administration building have been added. During 2009, the station building underwent stage one of an internal restoration to its former glory. ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_railway_station,_Victoria photos at http://www.vicrailstations.com/Gembrook/Emerald/Emerald.html Historic - Victorian Railways Station sign used at Emerald Station Station Sign - Emerald Metal rectangle Station Name Sign with white enamel back ground and black lettersEmeraldstation sign, puffing billy, emerald station

The first tape based talking book machine from the late 1950s, produced by Clarke & Smith, that allowed the listener to hear up to 20 hours of recordings. Although bulky (each tape cartridge alone weighed over 2 kgs), the MK1 was the first magnetic, multi-track tape produced and considered quite novel for it's time. The cartridge designed to be played on the Clarke & Smith MK1 Talking Book player came in it's own separate container. Each cartridge houses the complete mechanism, track change linkages, replay heads and tape spools, which are stacked on top of each other within the housing. When one track was finished, the user was required to lift the metal cassette, turn it over, and replace it on the turntable. The bulky cartridges were distributed by post or train in strong 'Globite' cases made with reinforced corners and strapped. The costs associated with talking book players were high and individuals/groups/service clubs were asked to sponsor a machine to help those who could not afford to buy or rent one. In this example, a plate attached to the lid indicates who raised the funds: "This talking book/is presented to you/by Tallimba Branch/ of CWA of NSW." Please note: despite images, there are no cartridges with this model.Metal talking book machine housed in a brown wooden carry case. There are two plastic knobs on the front facing right hand side, and an electric cord extending from the back of the case. To the left of the knobs is a speaker grille. Also includes talking book cartridge 'The darling buds of May'.audio equipment, clarke and smith

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Railway men walking along the Wodonga Railway Platform. The sign overhead advises of changes to the Tallangatta and Shelley lines. Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891 and then to Shelley on 13 June 1916. Shelley was the highest station in Victoria. It extended further on to Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and finally reached Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. The line had 1 in 30 grades and trestle bridges that have been heritage listed. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961. The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976. On sign hanging overhead "WODONGA/ CHANGE FOR TALLANGATTA AND SHELLEY LINES"railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, cudgewa rail line, wodonga railway station

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.The space on the left was storage space for machinery for the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme. A special train was used to cart wide loads such as turbines, and trucks were made for widening when required. Equipment was loaded onto trains t the docks in Melbourne. Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891, Shelley on 13 June 1916 (the highest station in Victoria), Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961 The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976.railways wodonga, fred rochow, cudgewa station, snowy mountains hydro electric scheme

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.A livestock special being hauled by Locomotive K109 passing over a high trestle bridge between Bullion and Darbyshire on the Cudgewa Line. Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891, Shelley on 13 June 1916 (the highest station in Victoria), Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. The line had 1 in 30 grades and trestle bridges that have been heritage listed. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961 The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976. The K class was a branch line steam locomotive that ran on Victorian Railways in Australia from 1922 to 1979 Locomotive K190 entered service on Saturday, 30th June 1923. In 1940 it was renumbered as K149 The locomotive was eventually scrapped on Thursday, 12th October 1967.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, cudgewa rail line, trestle bridges

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community. Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891, Shelley on 13 June 1916 (the highest station in Victoria), Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961 The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.What remains of the Cudgewa Railway Station taken in January 1989. A disused shed in a paddock is all that remains of a once busy station.railways wodonga, fred rochow, cudgewa station, high country railway line

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community. Cudgewa Line -The Cudgewa railway line opened in stages between 1889 and 1921. The first section from Wodonga to Huon opened on 10 September 1889. It was extended to Bolga on 18 July 1890, Tallangatta on 24 July 1891, Shelley on 13 June 1916 (the highest station in Victoria), Beetomba on 10 April 1919 and Cudgewa on 5 May 1921. In 1919, the line was used to carry materials for the construction of Hume Weir, and three years later a spur line connecting Ebden to the weir was opened. In the 1960s, Cudgewa became the railhead of materials for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961 The turntable and passenger platform at Cudgewa were abolished in 1976.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Historical Steam locomotive on journey to Cudgewa. Locomotive K184 leading with Driver Noel Strauss and Fireman Barrows. Locomotive K186 is the Banker with Driver Doug West. A banker is railway locomotive that temporarily assists a train that requires additional power or traction to climb a gradient. K Class Locomotives - One of VR's most successful classes of loco they were built over a 24 year period. A general purpose, light lines loco the K class had a very long career in all sorts of service from branch line passenger and goods work to pilot and banker duties and roadside mainline service. The K class is credited with working virtually every line in the VR system and hauling almost every kind of train. The majority of the class lasted into the 60's. K 184 and K186 were built by the Victorian Railways' Newport Workshops in 1945 to the successful K-class 2-8-0 locomotive design for branch-line work. K184 entered service on 9 January 1946. K186 entered service on 19 March 1946. K184 was used on heritage services with Steamrail Victoria through the 1970s. It was withdrawn from service in 1980 and is stored at Newport Workshops. and is now used as a source of spare parts; other Steamrail K Class locomotives occasionally wear its number plates and headlight number boards. K186 was scrapped on 25 October 1967.railways wodonga, fred rochow, cudgewa station, high country railway line, k class locomotives

66 page booklet titled The Local Heroes real people, real lives, real stories… Front cover is off white at the top and patterned yellow shades at the bottom with the title in the centre, City of Greater Bendigo above. Background to the Local Heroes Project, drafted by Dr Gan Che ng PhD. MA. Inside the front cover. Photos, names of Students, Principal and Teachers of Bendigo South East College Team, Catholic College Bendigo Team, Eaglehawk Secondary College Team, Girton Grammar School Team and Weeroona College Bendigo team are in the front of the book. There is information about the project. Photo and information about Simmon Pang - Project Initiator/Photographer. Foreword by The Hon. Martin Dixon MP - Minister for Education Victoria with photo and Foreword - Cr Lisa Ruffell - Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo. The following pages have a short synopsis and photo of Barry Ackerman - Expert in the Rubber Industry & Twice Mayor, Joanne Baker - Founder of Righteous Pups Australia, Linda Beilharz OAM - Intrepid Adventurer, Valerie Broad OAM - Founder & Artistic Director of Youth Choir, Paul Chapman - Co-Founder of The Australian Turntable Company, Susanne Clarke - Passionate about Community Engagement, Patrick (Pat) James Connolly - Bendigo Amateur Boxing Club Coach, Robert Jackson (Cookie) Cook - Founder of Horizon House, Geoff Curnow - Farmer & Community Volunteer, Merna Curnow - Farmer & Agricultural Consultant, Jenny Dawson - Accounting & Banking, Laura Dusseljee - Choir Director & Music Teacher, Ian Maxwell Dyett JP - Life Dedicated to Volunteering, Donald James Erskine - Founder of Industrial Conveying Australia, James Victor Evans - Teacher, Historian & Actor, Rod Fyffe - Champion of Arts & Culture, Richard Guy OAM - banker & Philatelist, Edwin Richard (Dick) Hazeldene OAM - Chicken Farmer to Poultry Entrepreneur, Robert (Rob) Hunt AM - Head of Bendigo Adelaide Bank and Founder of Community Banking Model, Russell Goldfield Jack AM - Founder of Golden Dragon Museum, Jack Kelly - Teacher Sharing Experience, Ian George Mansbridge - Farmer, Accountant & Banker, Ken Marchingo - Instigator of Haven; Home Safe, Elizabeth (Beth) McKerlie OAM - Dedicated to Scouting, Gordon McKern OAM - Founder of McKern Steel, Sharelle McMahon - Netballer Extraordinaire, Lola Mary Miller AM BEM - Teacher of Health & Physical Education, Julie Millowick - Accomplished Photographer, Educator & Artist, Dennis Reginald O'Hoy - Academic & Historian, Margaret O'Rourke - A Champion for Connected Communities, Karen Quinlan - Director of Bendigo Art Gallery, Jonathan William Ridnell - Broadcaster, Leon Maxwell Scott OAM - Business Entrepreneur & Rotary Volunteer, Margot Elizabeth Spalding - Co-founder of Jimmy Possum Designer Furniture, Wendy Diane Stavrianos - Painter, Sculptor & Installation Artist, Jack Taylor OAM JP - An Eaglehawk Legend, Wes Vine - School Principal & Vigneron, Lynn Warren - Aboriginal Elder, Raymond James Wild - A Plumber's Story, Diana Williams - Founder of Fernwood Fitness and John Wolseley - International Artist. The back cover also has small photos and the names of people mentioned.ian dyett collection - the local heroes, city of greater bendigo, dr gan che ng, la trobe ubiversity bendigo, bendigo south east college, catholic college bendigo, eaglehawk secondary college, girton grammar school, weeroona college bendigo, simmon pang, the hon martin dixon mp, cr lisa ruffell, bendigo art gallery, city of greater bendigo, the capital - bendigo's performing arts centre, la trobe university australia, catholic kiocese of sandhirst, haven home safe, the hotel shamrock bendigo, hazendene's, bendigo & district aboriginal co-operative, mr baillieu myer ac, bendigo advertiser, australian broadcasting corporation, bendigo chinese association inc - lion team, wannik dance academy dancers, bendigo forever young choir, bendigo youth choir

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, j-516, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry), railway turntable, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station, n-464, n-class steam locomotive

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station, d3-629, d3-class steam locomotive, railway turntable

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station, k-162, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops), railway turntable

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station, railway turntable, n-464, n-class steam locomotive

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station, railway turntable, d3-629, d3-class steam locomotive

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station, railway turntable, d3-629, d3-class steam locomotive

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station, railway turntable, d3-676, d3-class steam locomotive, k-186, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops)

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station, railway turntable, n-464, n-class steam locomotive

Interior of Bendigo Locomotive Depot. This was one of a number of photographs taken during two visits by George Coop between October and November 1962, arranged with the assistance of VR staff.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, bendigo, bendigo railway station, d3-640, d3-class steam locomotive, k-168, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops), r-704, railway turntable, railway workshop, r-class steam locomotive

The Victorian Railways J class was a branch line steam locomotive operated by the Victorian Railways (VR) between 1954 and 1972. A development of the successful Victorian Railways K class 2-8-0, it was the last new class of steam locomotive introduced on the VR. Introduced almost concurrently with the diesel-electric locomotives that ultimately superseded them, these locomotives were only in service for a relatively short time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_Railways_J_class The K class was a branch line steam locomotive that ran on Victorian Railways in Australia from 1922 to 1979. Although its design was entirely conventional and its specifications unremarkable, the K class was in practice a remarkably versatile and dependable locomotive. It went on to outlast every other class of steam locomotive in regular service on the VR, and no fewer than 21 examples of the 53 originally built have survived into preservation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_Railways_K_classDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencybendigo, d3-640, george coop collection, j-512, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry), k-158, k-168, k-182, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops), railway turntable, railway workshop, bendigo railway station

"Locomotives J517, N453 (without tender) and T327 stand around the turntablein the locomotive shed. November 1962" - Newsrail October 2020Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencybendigo, george coop collection, j-517, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry), n-453, n-class steam locomotive, railway turntable, railway workshop, t-327, t-class diesel electric locomotive, bendigo railway station

"J547 undergoes maintenance that required removal of its motion gear, axle box and wheel set. The dome cover has also been removed to facilitate a boiler inspection and/or work on the regularor valve. November 1962" - NewsrailDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencybendigo, bendigo railway station, george coop collection, j-512, j-547, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry), railway turntable, railway workshop

A T-class diesel electric lomotive T-3?? just visible to right of photoDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyd3-629, d3-class steam locomotive, george coop collection, k-162, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops), railway turntable, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station, t-class diesel electric locomotive

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyd3-629, d3-class steam locomotive, george coop collection, j-516, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry), k-162, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops), n-464, n-class steam locomotive, railway turntable, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyd3-629, d3-class steam locomotive, george coop collection, j-516, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry), k-162, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops), n-464, n-class steam locomotive, railway turntable, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyd3-629, d3-class steam locomotive, george coop collection, k-162, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops), railway turntable, railway workshop, seymour, seymour railway station