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Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Black and white photograph of farmland, Kiewa, 25/8/38, circa 1938
This photograph was taken in August, 1938 at the time of road making in the area and some eight years prior to the establishment of Mt. Beauty township. The area was still being used for grazing, and the land was eventually acquired from the local land owners by the State Electricity Commission. The construction of the road, from Tawonga to the High Plains, was commenced in April of this year. This allowed men and heavy equipment to be transported to the work sites for the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. An important photograph as it shows the upper Kiewa Valley as it was before the establishment of the town of Mt. Beauty. The land had been cleared of natural growth and has been used for grazing cattle. By 1946 housing construction had commenced for the new town of Mt. Beauty and by 1948 street construction in the southern part of the town was completed as far as Hill Street.A black and white photograph taken in the upper Kiewa Valley showing farmland with a group of three unidentified people sitting on the grass.Handwritten in black ink is the inscription 'Kiewa 25/8/1938'. In the right corner of the photograph has been stamped the number 6. On the back in a circle, some 14mm across, are the words 'Kodak Print'. The word Velox is also printed on the back.kiewa, mt. beauty, construction, grazing, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Black and white photograph of farmland, Kiewa, 25/8/38, circa 1938
This photograph was taken in August, 1938, some eight years prior to the establishment of Mt. Beauty a a township. The area was still being used for grazing, and the land was eventually acquired from the local land owners by the State Electricity Commission. The construction of the road, from Tawonga to the High Plains, was commenced in April, 1938 and this photograph was taken August, 1938. This allowed men and heavy equipment to be transported to the work sites for the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. Prior to this access was by bridle trail, either on horse back or on foot. By 1946 housing construction had commenced for the new town of Mt. Beauty and by 1948 street construction in the southern part of the town was completed as far as Hill Street.This photograph is important as it shows the upper Kiewa Valley as it was before the establishment of the town of Mt. Beauty. The land has been cleared of natural vegetation to allow grazing of cattle. Black and white photograph of grazing farmland with one animal standing in the paddock. The area could possibly be where the golf course now stands with the road to the high plains not yet commenced.Handwritten in the upper left hand corner 'Kiewa 25/8/38'. The number 7 has been stamped in the upper right hand corner. It is part of a set of 8 photographs. On the back are the words Velox repeated several times, indicating the type of photographic papergrazing, kiewa, mt. beauty, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph Farm Land, Kiewa, 25/8/38, circa 1938
This photograph was taken in august, 1938 some eight years prior to the establishment of Mt. Beauty as a township. The area was still being used for grazing cattle and the land was eventually acquired from the local land owners by the State Electricity Commission. The construction of the road, from Tawonga to the High Plains, was commenced in April of 1938. This allowed men and heavy equipment to be transported to the work sites for the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. Prior to this access was by bridle trail, either on horse back or by foot. By 1946 housing construction had commenced for the new town of Mt. Beauty and by 1948 street construction in the southern part of the town was completed as far as Hill Street.This is an important photograph as it shows the upper Kiewa Valley and the site for Mt. Beauty as it was before the establishment of the town. The land has been cleared of natural vegetation and used for grazing cattle.Black and white photograph of farmland, cattle in the distance, hills in the backgroundHandwritten in the upper left hand corner, in black ink, 'Kiewa 25/8/38'. The number 8 has been stamped in the upper right hand side of the photograph. On the back have been stamped the words Velox, indicating the type of photographic paper.kiewa, mt. beauty, construction, grazing, secv -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Box Linen Thread, early to mid 1900's
This box which once contained linen thread manufactured in Scotland and labelled "British" manufacture" was used for the repair/manufacture of clothing by professional seamstresses and those wives required to "do" repair stitching of family clothes. This box was manufactured in a period when the title "United Kingdom" was used (late 1700's early 1900's) to describe the union of Britain and Scotland. The label however can be misleading as the"British Manufacture" thread was manufactured in Scotland. The broad term "British Manufacture" was used for the benefit of those in the "colonies" of Australia and New Zealand, during a period when the "coined" phrase "best of British, or British best" was synonymous to "top quality". After World War II the need for "cheaper products" was more persuasive than the quality of the product. In rural areas this shift to cheaper "non British" goods was at a slower rate than in the cities. Goods such as clothing manufactured or altered by seamstresses were regarded as of a higher standard and therefor the use of linen thread from "Britain" was a sign of quality and reliability.This box which contained linen thread, "British" made, is very significant to the Kiewa Valley because it demonstrates the conditions under which households in the late 1800's and early 1900's evolved from a "domestic repair /replacement" of damaged clothing to a consumer of recycled and shop bought clothing and linen. The ability of semi isolated rural based families to purchase "off the rack" clothing was severely affected by weather, long distance over dirt roads(poorly serviced) to large towns(shops), horse/cart or slower driven cars. The purchasing of clothing was, on the whole, from trading house "mail order" consignment orders.This red paper covered box has a white covered lid (top) with black print detailing the manufacturer and contents. This box contained 150 yds of linen thread 2 cord. A small added note pasted on one side "USUAL TWIST (s)" describing the thread's appearance. Two semicircular "finger" holes on two sides of the lid permit easier removal of the lid from the base.On the top lid: "W.&J. KNOX'S" below this a crest with latin motive "MOVEO ET PROFICIOR" English translation "I proceed and am more prosperous" encircling an open winged falcon. below this "LINEN THREAD", "2 CORD." "WARRANTED" "150 Yds." Made from Flax." British Manufacture". On one side "DRABS SOFT FINISH" within a shield "KNOX'S TWO CORD 150 YARDS 30" next to this a trade mark "W & J KNOX below this "made in KILBIRNIE, SCOTLAND"thread, cord. flax, box container, linen thread, seamstress items, cardboard box -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales Weighing Pocket, circa early 1900s
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 -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Box Spectacles, Circa 1960
This eye wear transportation box was forwarded from and returned to Kiewa Valley in the 1960's. This period in time, the Kiewa Valley was still a semi remote location, and specialist eye facilities were not available in the region. It was not until the Australian Government proceeded with a "regional development Centre" (for relocating some Federal Departments from Canberra) that the Wodonga/Albury townships developed into a medium city, allowing "specialist" facilities to become available and multiply.This item is very significant to the Kiewa Valley as it demonstrates that even in the 1960's early 1970's the Kiewa Valley residents still had to obtain "specialist" services from MELBOURNE. The "isolation" of the Kiewa Valley was still in place due to unreliable transport routes, long distance travel needed to visit cities and a relatively "small" population. The slow but progress marketing of recreational areas in the region and the movement of retirees away from "city violence" and to a quieter location has been on the increase. The expansion of the existing small airfield to one that can accommodate larger aircraft will hasten the expansion of the population in the region, bringing an ever increasing "visiting specialists" covering among other fields, eye and medical practitioners.This brown coloured cardboard box was used by Coles and Garrard (Sight Testing Opticians) to transport spectacles to one of their clients. The box lid has four staples holding the four folded sides in place. The base is of similar proportions and fastened together.Printed on the top outside lid, in small print "When forwarding your spectacles for repairs, your co-operation is requested in placing name and full address inside the packet. This will obviate delay in repairing and returning spectacles", underneath and in bold print "COLES & GARRARD pty ltd", underneath "Sight Testing Optticians" underneath "We visit over 100 towns in Victoria. Local Newspapers give full details"eye specialist treatments, kiewa valley "isolation", cardboard packaging, personal eye wear -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Dress, c1950
Mrs Clare Roper wore this dress to a garden party at Buckingham Palace when she was invited there to represent the Lions Club.The Roper Family is one of the pioneering farming families of the Kiewa Valley. They built and used Ropers Hut on the High Plains. The dress worn by Clare Roper has historical significance as it represents the importance of the CWA which Claire Roper was involved with as President thus being invited to Buckingham Palace. The dress also shows the fashions of the time and indicates ladies living in the small country towns still viewed fashion as important. Since we know it was Clare Ropers dress it is well provenances, is in reasonable condition and has very good interpretive capacity. This brown shirt waister dress has an 'A' line skirt with an inverted pleat on the lower half of both the front and back. The dress has a 'Peter Pan' collar, matching belt, pockets and short sleeves. There are 3 bound button holes and buttons, gold set with pearls, only one is complete. The front top, cuffs and pockets are embroidered with cream lace. There is a press stud and hook at the neck. There is also a side zip opening in the skirt.kiewa, farming; ropers hut; lions club; clothing; clothes; dress; clare roper; high plains; buckingham palace; -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Film Strips in Canisters
These films were used c1940s and 1950s to educate students in Bogong and Mt Beauty Primary Schools. The visual experience enabled all students to see the same picture as the teacher read out the caption. Bogong and Mt Beauty Primary Schools are in the Kiewa Valley established as a result of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria's Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. As the schools were remote from large towns and cities these films were useful to enhance the students' education using a different media to that of books.450 - 500 Metal canisters with fitted lid and base soldered on. Each lid is marked with a number and / or title / subject of film. Film is rolled up inside canister. It is plastic and is in negative form - black and white. The number of frames and length of film varies. The edges have rectangular holes for threading onto a viewing machine.Varies with each canister - subject / title. Some have a number and some have a number and title / subject. Some are inscribed on and some are on paper attached to lid. photographic equipment, films, film canisters, education, schools, bogong primary school, education department of victoria, photography, mt beauty primary school. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - How to Entertain, Successful Parties and Social Evenings - Compiled by Joyce Thorpe B.A
This book would have been used when people had to entertain themselves. It has ideas for invitations, food, games, quizzes, fancy dress etc.The towns in the Kiewa Valley are isolated so people had to entertain themselves.Faded red to brown soft covered book with a lot of black writing on the front and back cover including the price 1/6.society, party, social gatherings, games, dances, entertainment -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Papers of the Mt Beauty Tennis Club, 1970's onwards
The Mt Beauty tennis club was formed in the late 1940's. The number of players has varied as has the number and type of courts.Mt Beauty Tennis Club has been a part of Mt Beauty for many years involving many people. The history of the club identifies local people and the changes in the town and district regarding the popularity of tennis and tennis equipment.Paper records for the Mt Beauty Tennis Club. Minute book 1977 - 1983, 1983 - 1985, 1983 - 1990, 1991 -1999. Treasurer's book 1987 - 1996. Book tennis Competitions 1991, 1992, 1993, Rules and loose papers 1980's - 2006 and 3 types of cards Dinner Dance at the Workmen's Club, Picnic Cabaret at the Community Centre, and 1983 Tennis Club ball at Community Centremt beauty; tennis club; sport -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Framed Letter - Bogong State School, 1950
In 1950, the "Project Competition - Australia as a Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations" was conducted. Bogong State School was awarded a First Prize in the competition. The prize being 10 pounds to be used to purchase books for the school library on Empire subjects. Bogong is a local town established by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. This letter is significant in that it shows that the British Empire was very relevant to the population at the time and being promoted in schools.Cream decorated frame with glass front and paper backing. Two rings are screwed into the top sides of the back of the frame with one plastic cord and one piece of string between them. The framed letter is titled 'The Empire Youth Movement", dated 22nd February, 1950 and addressed to the Head Teacher of the Bogong State School. Blue print with colored square in the middle at the top. bogong state school; empire youth movement; certificate -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Framed Letter - Bogong State School 1946, 6 May 1946
Bogong State School was awarded First Prize in its Class for 'the Project Book'. The school received a cheque for the purchase of library books or approved equipment.Bogong is a town established by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The project "displays some most artistic work in illustrating birds of the district" confirming that the principal at the time had a very good reputation especially with his knowledge of the surrounding bush and wild life.Dark wooden frame, glass cover, cardboard back not attached to the frame. 2 rings screwed at the top on the sides of the frame with string attached to each. Paper yellowed letter titled "Australian American Association" dated 6 May 1946 addressed to the Principal Bogong State School.bogong state school; australian american association; -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Framed Letter - Bogong State School 1948, 29th November 1948
Bogong State School was awarded First Prize in its Section for the 'Project Book Competition'. The school received a cheque for 10 pounds and an invite to the presentation (or to be posted).Bogong is a town established by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The Head Teacher encouraged pupils to enter competitions for their benefit and that of the school including positive publicity.Dark wooden frame, glass cover, brown paper backing. Two rings screwed at the top on the sides of the frame with string attached to each. Paper yellowed letter titled "Re Project Book Competition, 1948" dated 29th Nov. 1948 addressed to The Head Teacher Bogong State School.bogong state school; project book competition -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Cards - Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes x8 (A - H) plus 4 (I - L), 1950's
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes is an organisation that started in 1822 in the United Kingdom. It aids members, their families, dependents of former members and other charitable organisations. Membership is open to all males over the age of 18 years. The R.A.O.B. had lodges in the Kiewa Valley including Rocky Valley, Kiewa and in Tawonga as well as in nearby towns indicating that it was a popular organisation at the time. Lodge Officers are listed on each card.8 Cardboard R.A.O.B., G.A.B. Cards folded in half each with an emblem on the centre front and all with a date of meeting at the bottom. Card A - Blue from Yackandandah, Nov. 1953; Card B - Pink from Myrtleford, March 18th; Card C - Pink from Rocky Valley, July 1955; Card D - Pink from Kiewa (Foundation and Opening) Feb. 1955; Card E - Pale blue from Wodonga, Oct. 1958; Card F- Blue from Kiewa, April 1956; Card G - Blue from Rocky Valley, July 1956; Card H - Blue from Rocky Valley, May 1958. Card I-cream from Tawonga and Rocky Valley. April 1957.Card J -beige from Rocky Valley and Tawonga January 1954. Card K-Beige from Rocky Valley and Tawonga February 1956. Item L - Invitation pink December 1957 from Rocky Valley. Signatures on the invitationr.a.o.b., royal antediluvian order of buffaloes, charity organisation, lodge organisation, tawonga lodge, rocky valley lodge, kiewa valley lodges -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Banner - Bogong
Banners were used at schools on sports days to identify the school and/or the team. Bogong is a local town between Mt Beauty and Falls Creek and was established by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The school was opened on 28th Jan. 1941 and closed c1986. The banner probably belonged to the Bogong school and was used for sport carnivals and other events that included mixing with other schools.Wooden pole with yellow/orange satin shield cover on top. Black satin cord with tassels on top and bottom front and back. Black satin letters hand stitched on to form 'Bogong'. Fine black cord around outer edge also hand sewn.Bogongbanner; bogong state school; sport carnivals -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Alpine Observer Newspaper - 23 Oct. 1980 x2, 23 Oct. 1980
The Tawonga Primary School celebrated its centenary with a program including a fete, sports, family dance and combined church service over the weekend of the 25th - 26th Oct. 1980. The newspaper covers the Alpine Shire and included further articles that would interest visitors to the centenary.Tawonga School was one of the earliest schools in the Kiewa Valley supplying an education for the children of the local farming community. The Bogong Hotel at Tawonga, the Tawonga Butter Factory and the town of Mt Beauty articles were printed providing up to date historical information on prime locations nearby. Of interest as the Hotel has burnt down and the Butter factory no longer exists. Alpine Observer newspaper dated Thursday, 23 rd October 1980 with a sketch of the school and articles regarding the Centenary of the Tawonga School on the front page. (The paper consists of 12 pages ie. 6 sheets) 2 copies On page 4 is an article on the history of the Bogong Hotel at Tawonga On page 5 is an article on the history of the Tawonga Butter Factory and an article on the township of Mt Beauty.newspaper articles; tawonga primary school; bogong hotel; tawonga butter factory -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Newspaper Article Copy - Sale of Mt Beauty Town, 1960's
Mt Beauty township was sold in the 1960's after the State Electric Commission of Victoria had finished the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The sale of Mt Beauty township signified the end of construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme and the beginning of Mt Beauty under the Bright Shire (now Alpine Shire). Many of the workers for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria remained in Mt Beauty and many returned to retire in the town in later years.An A3 sized Photocopy of the newspaper article regarding the sale of the Mt Beauty township with a photo of George Rosen and two houses and an A4 newspaper photocopy of the headline newspaper; mt beauty sale; secv; bright shire -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Booklet - The Church of the Holy Cross Mount Beauty, The Order of Service for the Dedication of the Church of the Holy Cross Mount Beauty, December 1965
The Anglican Church of the Holy Cross was situated in Maddison St., Mt Beauty. It was dedicated on Saturday 18th December 1965. The Rector was The Reverend Colin G. Burgess Th.L.Mt Beauty was created by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. During the late 1960's the town was handed over to the Bright Shire and its building sold. A plaque was unveiled in the porch to commemorate the Dedication of the Church by Mr H. H .Williams, the chief engineer of the Kiewa Scheme.5 page hand made book with white pages and black typing stapled together with 4 staples. The book includes the Order of Service, The Procession to the Altar, The dedication of the Church, The dedication of the Furniture, At the Prayer Desk, At the Lectern At the Pulpit, At the Chancel Step, At the Altar, The Dedication Mass, The Collect, The Epistle, The Gospel, Proper Preface and is written by the Right Reverend Theodore Bruce McCall, Fourth Bishop Of Wangaratta on Saturday, 18th Dec., 1965mt beauty; anglican church; religion; -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photo Framed - Tawonga South, c1940's
Tawonga South was situated between the rural township of Tawonga and the State Electricity Commission of Victoria's construction town of Mt Beauty. The building in the fore ground of the photo was built before the Mt Beauty township was built as the occupier was working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.The Barters came to work on the State Electricity Commission of Victoria's Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme before housing in the town of Mt Beauty was built. The Barters rudimentary dwelling was probably not a legal building. The photo was taken by Vera Hore (nee Ryder), the publican at the Bogong Hotel near Tawonga South where the photo was taken. Vera, 1909 - 2000, was a keen amateur photographer.Colored photo of Tawonga South with a dwelling in the bottom of the right hand corner and Mt Bogong, covered in snow, at the top. Framed with cream card board 1 cm wide and a metal decorated frame surrounding it.On the back - "Vera Hore"tawonga south; vera hore; mt beauty -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Postcards - Mt Beauty x3
Mt Beauty is an all year tourist destination. Mt Beauty Chalet no longer exists as it was burnt down. It was a landmark in the town especially during the State Electricity Commission of Victoria construction days.Mt Beauty is a construction town built in the 1940's and 1950's by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Three colored postcards created for tourism 1. Mt Beauty Chalet 2. Mt Beauty Township 3. Mt Beauty Township with Pondage and Mt Bogongmt beauty chalet; mt beauty township; postcards -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Folder - History of Mt Beauty Township, 1980's
'The Kiewa Story' by Graham Napier requested submissions by residents of Mt Beauty for inclusion in his book. The submissions give a lot of detail and cover many subjects.An in-depth history as remembered by people who lived and worked on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme from the 1940's onwards. Many lived locally in the construction towns of Mt Beauty and Bogong.A collection of papers in a white folder with submissions by locals as requested for the book "The Kiewa Story" by Graham Napier, Geoff Easdown in 1986. There is an Index and also included a note that' submissions tell the story of the community involvement in Mt Beauty's development.kiewa story; graham napier; mt beauty; kiewa hydro electric scheme; state electricity commission of victoria; communities -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photo - Anzac Day Mt Beauty 1950, 25/04/1950
Anzac Day commemoration at Mt Beauty in 1950Commemoration of war service by residents of Mt Beauty and surrounding towns. H.H.C. Williams, Chief Engineer of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme, giving the address at the Anzac Day Service.Colour photograph of Anzac Day commemorations in Mt Beauty in 1950mt beauty, anzac day -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photo - Bogong Village Township, October 8, 1946
In 1940 Field Headquarters for the Kiewa Scheme were established at Bogong with office, workshop facilities and accommodation for workmen, staff and some families constructed. (There had been a 'tent camp' on this site in 1939 but was destroyed by bushfires) Construction of accommodation continued until 1947. A total of 40 houses plus a hostel for single staff, post office, police station, medical centre and primary school all with water and sewerage and electricity supply. The staff hostel was known as Kiewa House and is now occupied by the Education Department. Lake Guy was named after Mr. L.T. Guy who was the Resident Engineer in charge of construction work and associated activities on the Kiewa area. He held this position from 1939 to November 1946 when he was transferred to Head Office. The Bogong Township was developed firstly as an accommodation centre (base camp) for construction workers employed under the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme. Due to the influx of European workers into the Township the beautification of the immediate surrounds (gardens etc.) had a distinct European flavour. This environment has been very beneficial for tourism in later years. At the completion of the scheme, in the 1960's, the village was opened to public/tourism use. Strict environmental control has not allowed for any extensive redevelopment in tourist accommodation and basically restricted it to the accommodation initially built for the construction workers. Activities such a bike riding, snow skiing, restricted horse riding and bush walking on the Alpine plains and mountains are now a viable part of the Kiewa Valley Tourist Industry. The lake is one of the many water storage reservoirs used to supply the power stations their main power to run the huge turbines generating the final product, electricityBlack and white photograph of Bogong Village which appeared in the Herald Sun newspaper on October 8, 1946. Page 13Handwritten on the back - Town of Bogong on a rugged mountain slope above Lake Guy. State Electricity Committee workers on the Kiewa Hydro Electric scheme live here in all electric homes. Stamped on the back - Copyright Not for reproduction Herald Sun Feature Service Melbourne Australiabogong village; lake guy; kiewa hydro electric scheme -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photos - Mt Beauty Buildings in 1973. Set of 8, 1973
The shopping centre in Mt Beauty, both buildings and streetscape, have undergone significant changes since 1973. The kindergarten has undergone extensive remodelling, The Chalet has been replaced by Svarmisk Resort and Accommodation Spa. Tawonga hospital has undergone extensive renovation and is now Mt Beauty Hospital AND Kiewa Valley House. The Workman’s Club changed name to the Country Club and has since closed down. Hospital and Kiewa Valley House now occupy what is shown as a vacant lot opposite the motel which is now called Mt Beauty Motor Inn.The houses in Mt Beauty were brought in by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria when they constructed Mt Beauty Town for their workers building the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. Mt Beauty is unique began as a construction town in the late 1940's.Colour photographs of various buildings in Mt Beauty taken in 1973 1. Workman’s Club 2. View over the pondage 3. Tawonga Hospital (Mt Beauty) 4. Mt Beauty Chalet 5. Mt Beauty Kindergarten 6. The Merjei Motel 7. 8 Valley Avenue 8. Shopping Centre Handwritten in ink on the back of photos 1. Workman’s Club 1973 (after the brick makeover) From the sports oval – the high school is to the right 2. A view over the pond 1973 3. Tawonga Hospital 1973 (Mt Beauty) 4. Mount Beauty Chalet 1973 5. Kindergarten 1973 6. The Merjei Motel 1973 7. Our house at 8 Valley Ave 1973, Owner after us erected the car port, let the front hedge run amok and vanquished the vegetable garden and citrus trees Dad created. 8. Shopping Centre 1973. At the end of the street is the hospital (believe it is now Mt Beauty Bush Nursing Hotel) mt beauty, workman's club, chalet, tawonga hospital -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photo - School Children Tawonga Primary School, Circa 1920 (estimate)
Tawonga is in the Kiewa Valley, where local farmers lived with their families. The school was originally opened July 27 1880, situated on 8 acres near the current township of Tawonga. The school was erased by fire in 1900 and all records destroyed. The school was then moved to the Old Tawonga Hall. In 1910, the school was shifted to its present site on 3 acres of land donated by Frank Cooper. The school building and attendance continued to grow, especially during construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Tawonga Primary School has educated the local farming and town children for many years. It is an excellent source of the names of the local families of the time ie: Vera Ryder – front row, far right (little girl with the wide headband.)Copy of black and white photograph of pupils at Tawonga Primary School. Circa 1920 (estimate)tawonga primary school, kiewa valley -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photo - School Children Tawonga Primary School, Circa 1920 (estimate)
Tawonga is in the Kiewa Valley, where local farmers lived with their families. The school was originally opened July 27 1880, situated on 8 acres near the current township of Tawonga. The school was erased by fire in 1900 and all records destroyed. The school was then moved to the Old Tawonga Hall. In 1910, the school was shifted to its present site on 3 acres of land donated by Frank Cooper. The school building and attendance continued to grow, especially during construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Tawonga Primary School has educated the local farming and town children for many years. It is an excellent source of the names of the local families of the time. Copy of black and white photograph of pupils at Tawonga Primary School. Circa 1920 (estimate)tawonga primary school, kiewa valley -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Printed Ticket - for Tawonga Public Hall opening night, Prior to March 11, 1925
The first Tawonga Public Hall was opened in grand style with a Grand Ball and Opening Night with musical items, a first class orchestra and supper included. All costing 2/6 The old hall was demolished after the 'new' one was built and being used demonstrating that a hall was considered a necessary community facility for the townThis was the first public hall in Tawonga. On the ticket, W.J. Cooper was Vice President and J.F Cooper was Hon Secretary. Coopers were a prominent name in the early days of Tawonga. Frank Cooper donated the land which the present Tawonga Primary School is built on.Printed ticket on green card for Grand Ball and Opening Night of the Tawonga Public Hall. Wednesday March 11, 1925. Ticket is punched presumably as proof of admittancetawonga public hall; grand ball opening; ticket; cooper family -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Mt Bogong - Tawonga, 06/05/1937
Mount Bogong located in the Alpine National Park and part of the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range, is the highest mountain in Victoria, Australia, at 1,986 metres (6,516 ft) above sea level. The Big River separates the massif of the mountain from the Bogong High Plains to the south. From the nearby town of Mount Beauty to its summit, Mount Bogong rises more than 1,600 metres (5,200 ft), thus making it one of the highest peaks in Australia not only in terms of its elevation above sea level, but also in terms of actual base-to-summit prominence. Mount Bogong is a popular backcountry skiing mountain through winter but only has snow for the mid winter-spring months. It is around 30 kilometres (19 mi) by road and walking track or 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) direct to Mount Beauty. Falls Creek and Mount Hotham ski resorts are also nearby. Camping is relatively safe below the tree line but the summit ridgeline is very exposed. Emergency shelter is also available at Bivouac Hut on the Staircase Spur, and at Cleve Cole, above Camp Creek on the broad ridge to the south of the summit, and Michells Hut on the Eskdale Spur. Mt Bogong is a popular recreational venue in the Kiewa Valley for back country skiing and bush walking and is a favourite with sightseers and popular subject for photographersBlack and white photograph of Mt bogong taken from Tawonga - Thursday May 6th, 1937Handwritten on back of photograph. Thursday May 6th, 1937. Mt Bogong Tawongamt bogong, tawonga, kiewa valley -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Mt Beauty Community Centre original colour plan and photos of upgrade in 2000, 1. Dated March 22nd, 1962 2. Photographs taken during renovations in 2000
The Community Centre was built in the early 1950’s as an all-purpose hall for the social and recreational use of the workers and families employed on the Victorian state government Kiewa Hydro-electric scheme. The hall was originally called Mt Beauty Recreation Centre and later changed to Mt Beauty Community Centre. It has been the heart of the community for over 65 years and had a heritage listing put on it around the year 2000. The Alpine Shire secured a heritage grant and the hall was restored to its former glory in 2000. In heritage circles it is claimed that the hall is the best example of a 1950’s construction town community hall, which is still functioning anywhere in AustraliaThe Community Centre was and is a very important part of life in the small remote community of Mount Beauty and a range of activities have taken place in the Community Centre over the past 65 years- Picture theatre; Dances and balls; A physical education and boxing club run by Alex McCollough for 30 years; School and social club concerts; Girls gymnastics; Drama group productions, revues and pantomimes; Callisthetics and ballet; Badminton; Wedding receptions and birthday parties; Music festival events; Staging area in times of natural disaster; The library for many years; Shire and community meetings; Secondary College gymnasium for many years and shelter for the Community Market in inclement weather 1 – 1972 specifications for colour scheme of original Mt Beauty Recreation centre, Typed on buff foolscap paper with small colour swatches and letter of explanation to Mr A.J. McCullough. 2 – Set of 10 colour photographs of the upgrade and extension to Mt Beauty Community Centre undertaken in 2000. Photos mounted 2 to a page on blue copy paper. 3. Second copy of No.1 above. Also - typed A4 sheet re history of "The Mount Beauty Community Centre"1 – Header on pages-Mate’s Colour Bar Personal Colour Scheme for Recreation Centre Mt Beauty Vic. 21/3/62. Accompanying letter to A.J McCullough signed by Colour Consultant Ena Chatuein 2. First page of photos, written in black felt marker – Mt Beauty Community Centre 30/11/00 mt beauty, community centre -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photograph - Mt Beauty Camp, Estimated 1950-1951
This photo is of the very newly constructed State Electricity Commission town of Mt. Beauty. The houses up to Nelse street were erected from 1946 onward and then the township was extended beyond Nelse Street in 1950 which places this photograph about 1950/51. There is no evidence of work being commenced on the regulating pondage but the tail race canal can be seen on the centre right of photo. The workmen's camp was enlarged in 1950 to the extent of providing accommodation for a total of 1,200. There are a number of dwellings on Simmonds Creek and the road to Falls Creek can clearly be seen. Snow capped Mt. Bogong is in the upper left of the photo with Mt. Beauty behind the township rising to Big Hill beyond that.Shows the newly constructed town of Mt. Beauty surrounded by farmland and before the regulating pondage was built to discharge water from the power stations via the West Kiewa tail race tunnel into the Kiewa River. Copy of black and white photograph of Mt Beauty CampWritten on the back in black ink - A Campenmt beauty camp, secv, construction town