The Catholic Church in Dederang began with services in peoples' homes whenever a priest was available 2 or 3 times a year. The priest would ride from Myrtleford. The first church was built in 1883 and was used by families in the Ovens, Kiewa and Mitta valleys.The church was used by residents in the Kiewa Valley. It describes conditions and life styles of the time. Also peoples' religious beliefs and commitment. It includes a biography of the local families in Dederang.Cream coloured cardboard cover with brown fancy font printed title and with 2 sketches of the church one on the top left and one on the bottom right of the cover. It has 48 pages printed on both sides and is held by 2 staples"From Mrs Brian Ford / Gundowring to the / K.V. Historical Society" is handwritten in ink on the top right of the cover page.dederang, st josephs catholic church, kiewa valley, edna arundel, jack goonan

A school was built in 1871, a shingle roofed wooden building built by the local residents. It was replaced in 1873 with the old school becoming the teacher's residence. The continues with a timeline, a pupil's insight into life at the school, a list of teachers and families. An interesting history of the area and education of the time. Gundowring is a farming town in the Kiewa Valley. The book gives an insight into the education and lifestyle of the time.Mustard cardboard cover with brownish print. Across the top "Centenary Celebration, Saturday, March 31st, 1973". It has 18 pages, some colored, printed on both sides and held together by 2 staples. It includes sketches.Glued inside the front cover "Mr & Mrs Roper & family" - Invitation. Also a newspaper cutting titled "Gundowring"gundowring, education, kiewa valley, school centenary

The Anglican Church at Kiewa. The first stone was laid on the 29th Oct. 1924. In 1879, the Yackandandah rector commenced services on Sundays in private homes in the Kiewa Valley. In 1911 Anglicans met in the Kiewa Methodist Church to elect a committee to organise financial offers and so it eventually became a vestry.The town Kiewa is in the Kiewa Valley. The church served other communities in the Valley. The book records the local populations and their commitment to religion. Cream cardboard cover with a black and white photo of the church on the front cover. It has 4 pages printed on both sides held by 2 staples. Inside there are a few black and white photos. Dated 19741. "Written by E. Temple" handwritten on the front cover 2. "C. Roper" on the front cover and inside the front cover "Clare Roper" Also, "Esther Temple" 's signature on the cover page.st mark's church, kiewa, anglican church, esther teple, thomas mitchell

The State Electricity Commission of Victoria produced and displayed safety signs for their employees during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.KHES was constructed from the late 1940s to early 1960s and included the construction of Mt Beauty and Bogong townships. Safety was a concern for the SECV towards its workers. Metal black print on white background with yellow 'emphasis' at the top - 'Safety'. "Instructions for the use of / Grinding Wheels". There is a circular hole in each corner with a black frame around the perimeter.state electricity commission of victoria, kiewa hydro electric scheme, safety sign, grinding wheels

Shire of Bright informed residents of their services by mail.The Shire of Bright includes some towns in the Kiewa Valley.White with green print and Shire of Bright logo. Back cover "To the Householder" and "Postage Paid". Each consist of 22 pages printed in green on both sides and held by 2 staples.shire of bright, community services

With the onset of WWII, the Victorian State Emergency Council of Defence printed this book for the volunteers who kept watch for enemy aeroplanes flying in the skies during the day and night. For success, training was necessary.During WWII the SECV township of Bogong had an Air Observer's Hut used to monitor the skies overhead for enemy planes. Men and women working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme volunteered to be rostered on duty. See also KVHS 0937 (photo) and KVHS 0938 (certificate)Small book grey with black print and a red binding with 64 pages. issued by the Victorian State Emergency Council for Civil Defence.Pages 26, 48 & 49 have pencil marks / notes.air raid, wwii, secv, kiewa hydro electric scheme, bogong, victorian state emergency council

Australian schools used Atlases to teach students geography and the nationalities of countries worldwide.Clare Roper was a resident of the Kiewa Valley. This atlas is of interest because it is circa 1950s and shows the world at this time.Thick red cardboard cover with black print and map of Australia on cover. It includes coloured maps of countries, black & white photos and an index at the back. On the inside of the cover both front and back it has black and white maps. There are 30 pages and it is bound. Circa 1950sCover page: handwritten "Margaret Tulloh / C. Roper / Margaret Tulloh / M.L.C. Some pages have been marked with pencilaustralian school atlas, clare roper

Dalgety's is a stock and station agent who produced a 'monthly record / of Australian Pastoral / and Agricultural Affairs / with Commercial news / and General information.' 1906 was the 14th year of publication.The Kiewa Valley consisted only of farming until the late 1940s when the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme commenced in the Upper Kiewa Valley creating the townships of Bogong and Mt Beauty and the corresponding infrastructure. This book would have been subscribed to (9pence) by local farmers all the way along the valley.Paper cover with black print and sketch of a sheep's head with horns in the centre. It has 140 pages which include black & white print of articles, advertisements, charts and photos.dalgety's review 1906, kiewa valley farmers, stock and station agent

Office of Mines published progressive reports on the Geological Survey of parts of Victoria.This book includes a chapter on 'Dargo and Bogong' Pages 96 - 117 and includes a fold out map of this area. These pages show heavy use.Hard deep red cover with gold printed title located at the centre top. Bound with spine blank. 217 pages. Date 1878 First chapter and some pages have pencil marks including page 97.geological survey 1878, dargo, bogong

Township of Bright celebrated its centenary during the week from 10th - 18th March, 1962. This booklet outlines the program for the week.Bright is a nearby town to the the Kiewa Valley and currently the location of the current Shire (Alpine). The program gives historical information on activities in the early 1960s.Yellowy/Orange cover with brown title and sketch. One sketch is at the bottom and includes hills, pines, saw mill and bus. Sketch at the top is of a bullock team and in the middle on the right a gold miner. Inside cover has print as has both sides of the 4 pages held by 2 staples. 'C. Roper' on inside of the front cover.bright, centenary of bright

KVHS set up a museum at the Tawonga Camping Ground in Dec. 1969. The building was sold so items were stored from Dec. 1981. In 1985 items were displayed in Tawonga South.KVHS's history as a museum includes visitors and their town of residence. It also shows that the KVHS had difficulty finding a home.Red book with gold 'Visitors' title and black binding. Inside front cover KVHS / Museum / Camping Reserve, Tawonga / Opened on 13th Dec. 1969 / by Councillor R.S.Hollonds. 12 pages used and goes to 1981kvhs, museum, tawonga, tawonga south

An Air Observers Hut was used by volunteers 24 / 7 at Bogong to monitor the skies for enemy aircraft during WWII. Bogong was built by the SECV during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. See also KVHS 0937 (photo), KVHS 0938 (certificate), KVHS 1259 (book)This book informed the volunteers of First Aid posts, ambulances, rescue teams etc.Cream coloured book with black print on cover. 31 pages printed on both sides and with some black & white photos. Bound by 2 staples.air raid, wwii, bogong air observers hut, khes

First Aid during WWII was important for the civil population in case of attack or accidents especially in remote communities. This book was issued under the authority of the Minister for Home Security Dec. 1942This book informed the workforce employed by the SECV working on the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme in the remote Kiewa Valley.Small thick red book with title and 'author' written in white block letters on the front cover. 160 pages with some diagrams and bound by red tape.first aid, wwii, civil defence, kiewa valley

Wallace's Hut, the oldest hut on the Bogong High Plains, was restored in march 1999Cattlemen's Huts belonged to farming families of the Kiewa Valley. They used the huts when staying with their cattle on the High Plains during summer.7 coloured photos laminated depicting restoration of Wallace's Hut. March 1999 and 1 larger photo of Cope Hut (on hill) 1 larger photo, 2 medium sized photos and the 4 smaller photos laminated together.All have velcro tape on the back in the cornerswallace's hut, bogong high plains

The Advocate was the Catholic newspaper of Victoria. The correspondence is in regard to payment and receipt of the newspapers.4 letters, 2 with envelopes. Chronological order: 1. 11 Jan 1927. From George W. Maddison, Tawonga P. O. Via Dederang to Mrs E. Stiles re money for 'Leader'. 2. 5th Apr. 1928. From Melbourne to Mrs Stiles, Melbourne re Account or "Advocate' 3. late July 1928. From Miss Mary Hessian, Mongans Bridge. Via Wodonga to Mrs Stiles re 'advocate' 4. 28th Jan. 1929 From Chas Martin to Mrs Wallace Bonnie Brae, Bruarong re Mrs Stiles papers. Envelopes: 1. (letter 3)Mrs Stiles c/- Miss Reid 26 Hoddle St. Elsternwick S-4 and in pencil Miss Mary Hessian, Mongan's Bridge, Huon via Wodonga 2. (letter 4) Mrs Wallace, Wallacedale, Kergunyah.mrs e. stiles, mary hessian, george w. maddison, mr wallace, 'advocate' newspaper, chas martin

Bogong high Plains showing mountains, places, roads and riversHistorical changes of infrastructure on the Bogong High PlainsBogong High Plains, hand written and 'copied with considerable simplification from F.C.V. (Falls Creek V.?) 'Feathetop' L 'Tawonga'. Paper is yellowed, writing is brown.bogong high plains map

Plan of Tawonga showing roads etc, rivers, use of land in 1968 and of Feathertop in 1969.Historical use of land in Tawonga and Feathertop.1. Topographical Map - Tawonga 803 Forests Commission of Victoria 1968. Cream paper with black print. Legend: Roads, tracks etc, rivers, Parishes and use of land. 2. Feathertop 813. 1969tawonga map 1968, tawonga parishes, feathertop map 1969

Cattle grazing on the Bogong High Plains during summer commenced in the 1840s and continued for many years. The Soil Conservation Authority recorded each family's area boundaries which were updated in June 1972 and continued to be adjusted until cattle were banned in 2005. The tradition of cattle grazing continues to be controversial.Holders of grazing rights for grazing on the Bogong High Plains were allocated specific areas recorded by the Soil Conservation Authority in 1972. Cattle have been banned in the Alpine National Park due to their impact on the environment.White paper with brown print. Bogong High Plains from Feathertop in the west to Mt Nelse in the east showing physical boundaries including the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme, roads, rivers and mountains. Names of families with grazing runs and the boundaries are shown.cattlemen, grazing runs, bogong high plains, kiewa valley families

Cattle grazing on the Bogong High Plains occurred on most summers since the 1840s. The families were farmers from the Kiewa Valley. The 2003 fires interrupted this tradition which was discontinued altogether in 2005 for environmental reasons. This tradition is still controversial.History of Cattle grazing on the Bogong High Plains and farming in the Kiewa Valley and the families that lived there.Photocopied topographical map of part of the Alpine National Park showing 11 families areas for cattle grazing. Dated 1991/92 up to 2003 fires.91/92 Until fires in 2003 Families names have been added in blue texta. They are: 'Kelly, Faithful, Weston Briggs, Ryder, Cooper, Blair, Roper, Maddison, Fitzgeralds, Hicks.'cattlemen of the kiewa valley, cattle grazing on the bogong high plains

Cattle were taken up to the Bogong High Plains by the Kiewa Valley farmers who had a lease there in their allocated area. The cattle roamed and were mustered in late summer. At this time they also sorted the cattle using the cattle's brands for identification.Types of breeds bred in the Kiewa Valley and the names of families who grazed cattle on the Bogong High Plains is of historical interest and also gives an insight into the history of cattle grazing.White paper, black print. Chart's headings: Name of Family (25 in alphabetical order), Run No., Earmark, Brand and Log and Breed. 29th Feb. 1972 cattle grazing, bogong high plains, kiewa valley families, cattle breeds, cattle brands

Cattle grazing. In the 1990s government departments allocated the number of cattle being taken up to the Bogong High Plains by the families who traditionally leased land there.Cattle grazing had been banned in other Alpine areas due to concerns of their impact on the environment. Kiewa Valley cattle graziers were caught up in the controversy as it was their tradition dating back to the 1840s. This controversy continues as cattle grazing was banned in 2005. 4 pages with black print: 1. 1989/90 Cattle Grazing Allocation and Dept. of Conservation Forests and Lands, Wodonga. 2. Proposed Future Stock Allocations 1991/92 list of 16 families 3. & 4. List of families, ear marks, brands etc. dated 22nd Feb. 1979 stapled togetherex S.C.A. / Benalla / Received 22nd Feb. 1979 / signedcattle grazing, kiewa valley farmers

Existing and possible future roads are numbered and named 1 - 45. The plan is based on an aerial photos taken March 1945. It includes revisions up to 1951. Signed by H.H.C. Williams, construction engineer. Mountains, rivers, roads and SECV places are named, also SECV infrastructure and construction eg. workers camps, Power stations.Significant for the information re the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme's development.Yellowed paper with brown print. Kiewa Scheme general plan showing its development. A lot of information is recorded. Note: Dyeline print was used which causes fading when exposed to light. Handwritten: 'Bob Duncan'bob duncan, kiewa hydro electric scheme, secv, khes development

Ron White worked for the SECV and was superintendent engineer of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme after its completion.Ron White lived in Mt Beauty and worked for the SECV until he retiredA very long banner with a gold border and with fancy font in red and black. Both ends are 'V' shaped. "Best Wishes Ron for a long retirement / from your friends at the SEC."ron white

This brand of starch was first manufactured in 1914, during the First World War, and continued to cover the other wars and military conflicts that followed. It was a time when Australian made was important due to the limited supplies coming from England and Europe. This was a period when the demand for "home grown" produce was at its peak. This was in a time when by necessity not by the "Buy Australian" campaign (of later years) which was the major factor for the demand of goods. It was in a time when starch was used in formal clothing to put a "crisp" or fresh new appearance for clothes. The important social more of "clothes make the person" was in vogue. This is a sample box provided by the manufacturer as an advertising and promotional method of prospective customers becoming aware of the product. This type of promotional avenue brought results and ensured that this type of advertising and inducement by manufacturers would be ingrained as a lasting avenue through to the 2nd Millennium This box which once contained starch powder is very significant to a rural semi isolated region because it clearly demonstrates that the social mores of the city were also entrenched into the rural population. The fashion of the day, even in remote areas, especially rural, were still a requirement to be maintained on certain special occasions. Cleanliness and stiff "upper lip" persona were just as important in the rural sector as in city and Government circles. Institutions such as hospitals, Government Offices and the legal personnel were bound by the fashion of the starch appearance (no dirt sticks to a personage with the "starch" look). Appearances, especially the first ones, were the judgmental image that remained in the uppermost regions of the viewer.This box with white writing and a "formally clad" man on a navy blue background held Australian grown maize based starch powder(1 LB gross). The package is made from 200 gsm thick cardboard. As production was made during the two World Wars 1914 to 1945 the promotion was heavily focused on Australian made and Australian grown maize.The front(has "Sample" on top) the rest inscriptions are the same on each cover both and back, "DANDY" below this a figure outlined in white on a navy blue background "hat and tails" outfit. Next to the sketch in smaller lettering" STRONGER THAN OTHER STARCHES. LESS REQUIRED". Below the figure "GLOSS" and below this in larger print "STARCH". Below this and in smaller print "CONTENTS. NETT WEIGHT 14 1/2 ozs" Below this and in smaller print "MANUFACTURED BY MAIZE PRODUCTS PTY LTD FOOTSCRAY VICTORIA" On one side of the box and in large white print on royal blue background"PURITY, STRENGTH AND UNIFORMITY." On the other side are the manufacturers directions. On the left side "FOR RAW STARCH" Underneath and in smaller print,"Dissolve in warm water a quantity to give the required thickness. Add bluing if required Stir before each using. On the right side "FOR BOILING STARCH" underneath this in small print"Mix well in small quantity of cold water to creamy consistency. Add boiling water, and stir constantly while cooking. Allow to cool, and add blueing if required. Underneath these two sets of instructions is "Make your consistency thinner than if using another kind of Starch"household starch, household cleaning, domestic laundering.

This little bag of "whitener" additive for the washing of white clothes was manufactured in Hull in the United Kingdom mid and later 1900's. The Manufacturer, Ricketts, was one of the first manufacturers to employ women in equal proportions with males (a rarity before 1914). This product was used to improve the appearance of white fabrics. This ability to use a product that would "whiten" clothes chemically rather than the "hard boiling" of clothes was a time saver and a lot easier on the fabrics. This is a boon to rural families where time was of the essence (boiling took time). The blue coloring was introduced because the white colour perception is enhanced by the blue (fadeable and not permanent). The "washing machine industry" of the late 1900's emphasised "whitening" agents that were not so haphazard in producing blue stains, and allowed a "gentle" washing action. This item is very significant in detailing the early 1900's rural household domestic "chore" of washing white clothes to a "social" standard of cleanliness. White shirts were the mark cleanliness that those outside of the family judged the family unit by. The best clothes were worn to church on Sundays. Hard and mostly rural activities/work in the Kiewa Valley encompassing farming, crop cultivation, cattle/sheep and "field work" to do with the SEC Vic Hydro Scheme involved provided a stain prone environment. As appearances, of clothing, was on the whole not significant it was a different scenario at social and religious scenes. The ability to attain "brilliant" white shirts, dresses and bonnets by a less drastic method to that of "boiling" of clothes in vats, was a boon of that "era". The anti establishment revolt came later in the 1950's onward took longer to migrate from the cities and larger rural townships to eventually sneak into the Kiewa valley.This "blue bag" is a whitening agent wrapped in flannel or muslin, or sold ready bagged (1 ounce).It was used in the final rinse to "whiten white coloured clothes" The string was used to facilitate finger grip onto the "bag" after the wash had finished for easy removal to stop the hand and other surfaces from being stained by the blue colour residue drips.domestic and commercial laundries, starch and whitening additive, washing brightener

Historically this item would have been used by gold miners, rabbit shooters, mobile "Rag and Bone" traders and other mobile(in caravans and/or horse drawn cart) traders of various small goods and haberdashery. Although marked as not to be used as trade, the isolation and sometimes difficult terrain rules out using larger and more delicate scales. In the early 1900s rough roads and severe weather conditions forced traders to be more flexible in trading with weights and measures. The "close enough is good enough" doctrine was the Australian outback rule of thumb.The significance of this item in the Kiewa Valley during this period demonstrates the slower acceptance of accurate trading measure using the country side principle "my hand shake is my bond". In the Kiewa Valley small quantity commercial undertakings e.g. gold mining, fur pelts and rabbit meat trade did not require bulk weight type scales. Commerce in rural production e.g. fruit and vegetables involved more farmers and their staff in a barter and/or "in kind" payments. This was more so in the depression years 1929 to late 1930s. Self sufficiency was to a large extent more attainable in this region than in the city/ large country town environment. The Australian "fair go" ethical approach to life and commerce was very much ingrained in those living in country regions, like Kiewa Valley as is demonstrated by the not so accurate hand balance, spring loaded scales.This brass "faced" portable Pocket Balance ( Fish Scales) has front plate made from thin pressed brass. The mild steel spring mechanism enclosed by black painted medium gauge steel cover( three quarters cylindrical). Front scale face and rear spring casing fastened by three rivets. Spring loaded marker blade is located in the centre of the front plate. A steel " finger holder" ring is attached at the top of the scale unit from one of two pre drilled holes. The top is for holding the scale upright and the bottom for a hook to dangle the item to be weighed from the bottom. See item KVHS 0223 for similar scales"THE BILLY BALANCE" and at the bottom "MADE IN GERMANY"antique pocket balance, scales, mobile weights, vintage appliances

Chicory was mixed with coffee to reduce the amount of coffee bean required to be used. This coffee "substitute" was due to the repeated fluctuations in availability of coffee beans (and price fluctuations) in the USA in the late 1800s and early 1900s resulting in the search for substitutes and additives to bulk out the available supplies. This was especially so during times of the major World Wars. Chicory was an excellent choice of fillers as it did not greatly influence the strong coffee bean taste. The first choice in USA households was coffee not tea and the influence of the American servicemen's thirst for coffee was a major thrust into the Australian "colonial" preference for a "cuppa" tea. Rural areas took longer to acquire a coffee "break" but with more and more subliminal advertising through "American" films the rural regions developed a growing preference for coffee, however the tea break alias "smoko" has lingered on.This coffee and chicory blend tin container is very significant to the Kiewa Valley in that it demonstrates that even in rural regions of Australia tastes and drinking preferences have changed by subliminal advertising as time goes by. The American "influence" whether by the "invasion" of friendly troops during the major wars or the avalanche of "American films" has altered some of the "dinky-di" Australian "true blue" tastes and mores. The availability of "straight " coffee supplies to rural areas was also in proportion to the level of all weather transport routes. In the late 1800's and early 1900's road freight had to contend with dirt roads, flooded roads, bush fires and grazing cattle/sheep in rural areas. The easier access that city households had with regard to replenishment of food and drink products, up until the mid 1900's, was severely retarded in rural areas. This extensively rusted tin of "Bushells Blue Label" Coffee and Chicory has an octagonal shaped body with a "push/pull" lid(tin).Three sides has reproduced painted ladies in "Roman dress" ladies picking the coffee beans. There is no reproduction of any chicory roots. There are two "Indian dressed" field workers(pickers) with turban head dress. On one side of the tin is "directions of use, net weight and manufacturer details."Bushells Coffee & Chicory", "NET 1-Ib. weight", " No. 144" "Under the Pure Food Act N.S.W. 1938" "by Bushells Ltd. No 144"chicory / coffee drinks, tin hydrated drink, rural food and drink consumption patterns, tinned food and drink

This typewriter case allowed the Olivetti typewriter to be securely and free from contaminants to be totally mobile. The Olivetti typewriter company was founded in Italy in 1908 and became a leader in portable dependable typewriters.This particular typewriter contained is a Olivetti Lettera 22, oblique front stroke and portable manufactured after 1950. During the 1950s and 1960s was a time when British and European manufactured goods were still purchased by many Australian consumers. After the 1970s however, there was a shift, mainly in the cities, to Japanese made goods. The invasion of Japanese manufactured goods was relatively slower, especially in rural areas. The demand for long lasting and dependable merchandise was in the rural area still the most important criteria. The ease of setting up this typewriter and its compact mobility was its major benefit to trades people and travelling professionals, e.g. rural doctors, other medical professionals, accountants, lawyers and educators. This item(carrying case) facilitated the growing numbers of professional nomads requiring a relatively light office stationery package e.g. travelling novelist, writer, businessman and academics. This typewriter needed no electrical or battery power to operate it therefore the inside compartment did not require additional storage pockets . Outback Australia, where at this point in time, good available electrical power reticulation and battery power, was a scarce and therefore could not be totally measured as a highly efficient office environment. The protective carrying bag provided the only mobile way to operate in some business and home locations.Although this typewriter cover and its typewriter was purchased from a business in Penrith, Sydney, N.S.W., it is significant that it travelled easily to the Kiewa Valley, demonstrating the mobility of certain sections of the community. This typewriter cover protected the expensive typewriter it contained which was designed by an Italian industrial designer, Marcello Nizzoli, in line with the art deco style of the 1930s and the colour and flexibility of the vibrant 1950s. The underlying theme of manufacturing in the 1950s was to produce equipment that was more efficient than what was inherited from the earlier period of 20th century. Improvements were made to this Olivetti typewriter by Giuseppe Beccio by reducing the number of parts made from 3,000 to 2,000. Protection of such a typewriter was of an utmost necessity. The need for mobile expensive typewriters waned as less expensive typewriters became available. This was the major principle of the Japanese manufacturing juggernauts of the post World War II. Efficiency and low cost material was becoming prime factors in the success of rural industries from the 1960s. Competition from overseas producers was starting to affect rural industries and the removal of the large range of tariff protection, especially rural products, required not only a shift of farm management but a more efficient cost savings modus operandi.This is a semi hard cover (cloth over cardboard on inside, plastic over cardboard on outside), camel coloured outside and tartan cloth covered pattern inside the typewriter case. the case can be opened up by "unzipping" the top from the bottom halves of the case. For carrying purposes the case has two plastic covering metal handles with brass fittings. There are two stitched on brown reinforcement straps encompassing both sides of the case. The two reinforcing straps are brown in colour and a securing strap with a press button at one end to allow an extra securing tongue to keep the cover secure. The top inside of the case has a three quarters long paper compartment (flap style). See KVHS 0455 for Olivetti Lettera typewriter.commercial, protective carry bags/cases for mobile office equipment, mechanical typewriter

Before 1908 the words "melting pot" was a term relating to a "crucible" with a meaning of "a pot in which metals and other substances are melted (fused) to provide metal items of varying shapes and uses. From the mid 1900's this term changed and became more related to the "mixing" of social and ethnically diverse populations. The description used here is that of pre 1908. This melting pot was used in the early to late 1900's when produce and hardware shops were too far away from the Kiewa Valley and time was at the essence. The ability to manufacture as many "crucial " items at the home property was the difference between running a successful rural business or not. The isolation of the Kiewa Valley (before the 1950's), hindered the "time down" of machinery and important "widget" replacements. The ability of self sufficiency on properties is still a boon to rural properties as time lost is never really recovered.This melting pot is highly significant to the Kiewa Valley as it provides evidence that the graziers and cattle stations required to be self sufficient in all aspects of day to day maintenance and replenishment of worn materials requiring to be "manufactured " at the property and lack of replacements from commercially shelved products. This aspect of "survival" in the "bush" can be seen in the "huts" built on the Bogong High Plains to accommodate the seasonal grazing of cattle from the Kiewa Valley.This black melting pot is made of cast iron. The lid is missing. The top rim of the pot has three lips for poring accuracy. The formation of these lips are in a "triangle" formation. The top section of the body has a curve inwards reducing the pot diameter from 270mm at the base to 135mm.at the top. The handle is made from heavy gauge wire which is fastened to the body through two lugs (welded onto the top section of the pot) and fasten through a hole at the top of each lug. The handle has a "U" shape as it goes through the lug hole, ensuring no accidental fixture to any side thus allowing free swiveling from one side to the other . "BH" indented within a diamond shape. Opposite "No 3"camp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliance, drovers kitchen

This cast iron "boiler" was produced by one of the largest foundries in England during the late 1700's and onwards. These products were "shipped to the far realms of the "British Empire". This source was one of the only ones available to the early settlers in Australia until the mid 1900's. The catch cry of those "early " times was "the best of British" which was ingrained into the early (Australian) settler's iron and cast iron purchasing mind set. It was not until after World War II did that mindset change, when both American and Asian based manufacturers' products were accepted by the Australian consumer. The city based consumer embraced the swing a lot earlier than the more "traditional" rural consumer. This cast iron 8 gallon "boiler" is very significant to the Kiewa Valley not only that large "boilers" were used to "boil" clothes clean, over an open flame source, but also because it demonstrates one of the most important "rural" mores founded by the "early" settlers in this region. That more was the very "close" tie to "Mother England" and the "establishment". The social and "family" values from the "English" way of life was ingrained until well past the day of the "Australian Federation". It was not until the friendly "American soldier" invasion during World War II that the "Empire" bondage was being eroded away. The transition from the good "rural war cry" of "Australia prospers off the sheep's back" was slipping away and the industrial monolith started its challenge. This change was the slowest in semi remote rural centres such as the Kiewa Valley. The "old English" values lingered on until the mid 1900's.This large (8 gallons) cast iron boiler is oval in shape and has a cast iron (swivel) carrying handle. The handle has a "bend" in the centre position to allow hook and straight type rods to facilitate the positioning of a "hot" boiler. This boiler would have been used over an open fire or placed on top of "coals". On the top rim and evenly spaced between the fixed handle joins is a slightly semi curved balancing/control lip.At the bottom (underneath) "CLARK & Co. PATENT", Below this a six star triangle with the letter "C" in the middle.. On the opposite end "BEST QUALITY" and underneath "8 Gall s"camp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking and boiling appliance, drovers kitchen