The company R. Fowler Limited was established in Sydney, in 1837 when Enoch Fowler (1807-1879) came to Australia from Ireland and is known today as the oldest pottery still in operation in Australia. They were mostly known for producing bottles, jars, and pipes. The pottery was originally located at Abercrombie Place on Parramatta Street, Chippendale, NSW before they relocated to Glebe in 1847. Later the pottery manufactured building materials such as tiles, pipes, and chimney pots. As the business grew, they moved to Parramatta in the 1850s. Enoch's son Robert (1839-1906) had joined the company, and took over its management in 1873, changing the name to “R Fowler Sydney” in 1880. Robert opened further sites at Marrickville and Bankstown, with the company becoming R. Fowler Limited in 1919. The factory at Thomastown, Melbourne was opened in 1927 from which time the trademark on this bowl was used. An item made by an Australian company during the first half of the 20th century. The item is significant as it gives a snapshot of the early development of manufacturing companies in Australia. It is typical of kitchenware used throughout Australia during the early 20th centuryA small Fowler Ware mixing bowl produced by R. Fowler Ltd. Thomastown, Victoria with Maker's mark clearly imprinted underneath the bowl.Set in circle underneath the bowl "R. FOWLER LTD./ THOMASTOWN/VIC"kitchenware, r. fowler ltd, pottery australia

John Whan was born in Carlton of Irish parents and moved with them to Wodonga by bullock dray at the age of 12. After completing his education in Wodonga, John became manager of McLean Brothers and Rigg branch store in Sydney Street, Wodonga for a number of years after which he bought the business and operated Whan’s General Store in Sydney Road, Wodonga which at its peak employed his six children. John Whan was Wodonga Shire Councillor for 15 years, including a term as Shire President in 1904-5. He was also Chairman of the Wodonga Water Trust when it built the water tower in 1922 – 23. He had many other community involvements including the School board and the Library Committee, served as an honorary justice and Deputy Coroner. secretary of the Wodonga branch of the I.O.O.F., and the Wodonga Cemetery Trust and the Masonic Lodge. He was a foundation member of the Presbyterian Church in Wodonga. He died on 10 October 1933. After his death, Whan's store was operated by John's son Francis William Whan who was born in Wodonga on 1 September 1901. He also served the community as a Justice of the Peace and Magostrate. Frank was a caring gentleman who looked after many during the difficult times of the Depression and World War 11. He continued to provide outstanding service to the Wodonga community. Frank was a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church. The Whan General Store was purchased by Lincoln and Butterworth in 1945 and Francis and his family moved to Queensland He passed away in Lismore, NSW on 24 December 1975.These photographs represent the business of a prominent Wodonga family and community member.3 black and white photographs showing the Whan store in Wodonga at various stages in its developmentwodonga businesses, whan's store, whan family

The first Bank of New South Wales building in Wodonga was located in a small cottage. The branch opened on 7 May 1872. At first it was conducted as an agency of the Beechworth branch. In October 1872 premises in Sydney road were purchased from Mr P. L. M. S. Chauncy for £650. When the bank commenced in the cottage the first account was opened in the name of Hillerman & Co, storekeepers, Wodonga. Another early account was in the name of William Huon, squatter of de Kerilleau, Wodonga. On 9 July 1873, the agency was converted into full branch under the management of Mr. Joseph Belcher. Other early accounts included Cronin & Callaghan, storekeepers; John Bassett Jnr, shoemaker; John Jennings, contractor; Ah Soon, tobacco grower, Kergunyah; John de Corney Ireland, collector of customs; Andrew Kyle, fellmonger; Rowan Lockhead, accountant; Alexander McKay, publican; George Pollard, farmer; Thomas Street, farmer; and Edmund Uren, gentleman, Buninyong. Organisations banking at the branch included Wodonga Building Society, 1873; Wodonga Mechanics Institute 1875; Wodonga Band Fund 1882; Talgarno Athenaeum, 1888; Talgarno Butter & Cheese Factory 1892; Wodonga Federation League 1893; Wodonga Brass Band 1895; Wodonga Benevolent Society 1895; Wodonga Fire Brigade 1897; Wodonga Rifle Club and Wodonga Racing Club in 1899 and Kiewa Polo Club in 1900. There were also numerous lodge and church accounts. The cottage was later renovated with a porch added in 1889 and an extension to the residence in 1898. The original house was eventually demolished to make way for a new bank and manager’s residence in Sydney Road in 1906. That building was again remodelled in 1969. It became a branch of the WESTPAC bank when the Bank of NSW and CBA Bank joined to become the Westpac Banking Corporation in 1982. After the building ceased operation as a bank, it has been the home to several businesses including a video store, a travel agency and a clothing store.These images have local significance as they record changes to a building which filled an important role in the commercial life of Wodonga.A series of photos both black and white and coloured which document changes in the former Bank of New South Wales building in Wodonga over time.Photo 1: On sign above verandah "BANK of NEW SOUTH WALES" Photo 2: On sides of building and above door: "BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES" Photo 3: Above door: "HIRE/ VIDEO MADNESS/ SALES" Photo 4: Above door: "WODONGA TRAVEL"wodonga businesses, banking wodonga, bank nsw wodonga, businesses high street wodonga