Pupil attending Harcourt and Harcourt North State Schools were trained in apple packing by visiting teacher Mr. Harris from 1930 to 1960.The Harcourt district was very prosperous due to its production and export of large volumes of uniform sized 'fancy grade' fruit Specialist knowledge of packing apples became part of the school syllabus in Harcourt and other fruit-growing districts which relied on horticultural exports.Award/certificate describing the winners of the Apple Packing Shield Competition presented by the Fruit Exporters Handling Committee Victoria. The award has two apple illustrations.This is to certify that the scholars of the Harcourt North Primary School are the winners of the Fruit ExportersHandling Committee's Apple Packing Shield for the year 1930.

State school children in the famous orchard district of Harcourt were expected to learn apple packing to a high standard, with instruction given by Dept of Agriculture specialist teachers, Classes were conducted at Harcourt Cooperative Coolstores during school hours.The pupils were expected to (and did) travel between school and packing shed by their own means without supervision..Pupils participated in state wide competitions .Shows the extent to which vocational training in a specialized subject could be taken to support the Apple Industry of Harcourt. The decoration/artwork of the shield is to a very high standard A wooden shield with metal adornments. A banner is at the top with "Gerrard Challenge Shield", a central metal shield shaped plaque shows a box of apples surrounded by trees and many boxed apples in the background. Below that is a banner with " District Championship for Schools Apple Packing Classes. Below that (at the bottom) is a smaller plaque with "Competitors to be pupils & attending school children's Apple Packing Classes." "Conducted by the Department of Agriculture." On the left side are three smaller shields for the years 1934 to 1936 awarded to Castlemaine the three shields on the right are blank.

A pioneering response to the problem of preservation of foodstuffs in hot climatesA timber framed hessian covered cabinet with metal tray at the top and metal guttering cooled by the evaporation of water. Used to preserve cheese, butter, cream and meat and to set jellies. Invented circa 1900 at Coolgardie, W.A. and was in use until electric refrigeration became available.

A 'BUCKEYE" grape and cider press, manufactured by P.P. Mast & Co. of Springfield, Ohio, USA and distributed by P. Rohs, Sandhurst (Bendigo). The PP Mast Company was established in 1854. Their Buckeye drills, seeders and other implements played an important role in the development of American farm machinery, being sold in every American state, Europe and Australia. This press was used by the Gaasch family of Harcourt over several generations from 1898 to crush grapes for wine and vinegar making, subsequently to crush apples and then press the pulp to make apple vinegar and cider. The crushing was accompanied by lusty singing of songs and hymns such as 'Ein Feste Burg ist unter Gott'. The press was designed to be hand-operated but was later used by Harcourt Coolstores to press apples. It was then belt-driven by an electric motor. The press was restored (timber cleaned and varnished, metal shoes on base of wooden uprights, which had rotted ) by Mr. Howard Carr, 2001-An early application of mechanics to the crushing of grapes. Hand-driven, geared drive metal crushing parts, with metal flywheel, wooden feed hopper in vertical arrangement, wooden frame, tray and vat, with metal pressing screw installed in heavy metal yoke at front. Metal crushing section carries cast-in maker's name and patent details'BUCKEYE" manufactured by P.P. Mast & Co. of Springfield, Ohio, USA distributed by P. Rohs, Sandhurst (Bendigo).

The pulley block illustrates a moment in Harcourt history. According to the reminiscences of William Sanders the granite block for the Burke and Wills monument was of such weight that, in hauling it from the quarry, the weight split the yokes and snapped the chains of the bullock team employed in the task. "So Mr Blight got ropes and tackle, as, as there were plenty of trees along the route, they served as anchors to attach the ropes" Thus, with pulleys such as this, Joseph Blight moved the monolith, at snail's pace, to the Harcourt railway station in 1864.The object is significant for its connection with the explorers Burke & Wills and the foundation of the granite industry on Mount AlexanderA wooden pulley block designed for two ropes. Used for lifting heavy objects. A rope slung around the pulley block fixed the device to the rafters of the shed. Ropes were threaded over the pulley and used to lift heavy weights. Use of a pulley halves the effort required to lift or move an object. Possibly of nautical origin but applied to workshop use in later years.

Book published by Shell Oil Company advocating use of spray to control all orchard pests & diseases. Shell Oil Co was very active in promotion of its products in Harcourt during the 1950s. The book was regarded as a good handbook guide to diseases of apples and pears.The orchardists of Harcourt, sole traders and hardy pioneers, took more notice of the spray retailers than they did of the Dept of Agriculture, with field days and film nights organized by the Shell Oil Co being a primary source of knowledge about the prevention of orchard pests and diseases. Of course Shell advocated the use of che,mical spray to control all orchard pests and diseases. After the publication of the book ‘Silent Spring’ by Rachel Carson the orchardists turned to different methods, e.g. orchard hygiene, resistant rootstocks, biological control and quarantine and followed a minimal spray regime. .brown cardboard-covered book of 144 pages with coloured illustrationsShell Corporation Melbourne

Awarded to Lindsay Warren of Harcourt , November 1967, upon his progression to the Sovereign Rose Croix ChapterVery ornate and costly emblem, attained at a high degree of membership.RED CLOTH, CREAM SATIN AND GOLD THREAD MASONIC APRON WITH BELT WITH METAL CLASP, BLACK LINING

This quern was made from Harcourt granite. Querns were used for grinding wheat into flour. (Wooden handles missing from this catalogued object).It was most likely made on Mount Alexander, in spare time, by a quarry worker using his employer’s gang saw and other tools. Wheat is not now grown in Harcourt district . Early settlers engaged in cropping until they exhausted the fertility of the soil. This quern was utilized by a local pioneer who intended to be self-sufficient to the extent of grinding his own grain into flour.. Many local farmers sowed wheat immediately after clearing the land: raising of a wheat crop was evidence of use and improvement which, along with fencing and erecting other structures, was part of the mandatory steps to prove occupancy as a prelude to obtaining a Crown Grant for what had previously been deemed ‘crown land'The quern is of interest as a symbol of the desire for self-sufficiency and as a demonstration of the extent to which granite could be worked and shaped by masonry tools. Quern, granite, square slab with raised metal centre shaft and one rounded piece of granite with off-centre hole and side ridges.

Used by Ron Robins for delivery of eggs (30 dozen per box) to the agents for the Victorian Egg Marketing Board, in this case Soding Bros , succeeded by Sympag and Crystal Ice Works, initially to premises at 64 Mostyn St, Castlemaine (now Saffs Cafe) later to premises at south-west corner of Calder Hwy and Lockwood Road, Kangaroo Flat (now Aldi supermarket).Made obsolete by use of trolleys holding 360 dozen eggs, handled into refrigerated transport by a hydraulic tailgate loader. Original label specifies that the eggs are ; infertile; unwashed; not damp cleaned; of specified yolk colour; held at 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and delivered within 96 hours of lay.Significance During the 1950s and 1960s many folk in Harcourt conducted poultry farms of varying sizes, utilising boxes of this type. Harcourt thus became a major producer in the Victorian egg industry. Smaller-scale operations were wiped out when the producers were expected to hold eggs in a coolroom.Illustrates one aspect of the multi-faceted streams of income open to local landowners who conducted an orchard, bred pigs, raised fowls for egg production and kept a few cows for cream production. Wooden box with detachable wooden lid, two internal compartments and a galvanised holder for a card on which the producer has signed a declaration as the condition and handling of the contents.Property of Soding Bros, Melbourne

Harcourt Methodist Church was instrumental in forming the Harcourt Carpet Bowls Association with many members common to both organisations. This commenced about 1948 and is still in existence in 2017. The bowls were used at some church social evenings in addition to being used in the Harcourt Carpet Bowls competition. Mr. William A. Carr was the prime mover in this activity. Reminds us of the rise of post-World War II community organisations to fill the social gap left by the winding up of wartime patriotic associations. Box wooden containing a set of 12 coloured china carpet bowls -

William Eagle was a pioneer orchardist in Harcourt, who brought a dray load of apple seedlings to Harcourt from Watmough’s orchard, Greensborough in 1857 to launch the industry for which Harcourt has become famous. By 1872 his orchard, in Reservoir Road, Harcourt, was fully in bearing.A reminder that Harcourt orchards came into prominence within 15 years of establishment and Harcourt Apples have taken a pre-eminent position in the State’s horticulture industry ever since. Certificate describing the winner of the Collection of Apples category. Beautiful Certificate displays Castlemaine Agricultural and Horticultural emblem as well as various pictures of aspects of agricultural and horticultural pursuits.Agricultural and Horticultural Society of Castlemaine Exhibition November 1872, Certificate of Merit for Collection of Apples, Exhibited by Wm Eagle,President W Halford, Secretary J Collings

Charles Seelenmeyer conducted Concrete Utilities Limited (Harcourt Cement Pipe Factory). Operated in Harcourt circa 1914 to 1930 in premises situated opposite the ANA Hall on what is now the road reserve. Principal raw material was sand from the adjacent waterway ( Barkers Creek.) Principal output was concrete drainage tiles for use in district orchards but concrete blocks were also produced for construction of homes and commercial buildings. At a time of rapid expansion of the orchards this industry provided a vital piece of orchard infrastructure, mostly buried and not now visible but nevertheless a very important feature of the valley’s horticultural industry.. Homes built with these concrete blocks are a distinct part of Harcourt’s housing stock. Harcourt Cement Pipe Co was an example of local initiative to solve a local problem using local materials. A collection of 4 concrete building blocks

Ferret racing has been an integral part of the Harcourt Applefest since 1992. The ferrets depicted had been kept to assist with rabbiting in the orchards and paddocks of the rocky country around Harcourt and Mount Alexander The photograph is significant as a reminder of the pets and hobbies of rural children and the typical entertainment of a country festivalColour Photo depicting two boys each holding their ferret.

Presentation by members of Barkers Creek Wesleyan Church to class leader William Peeler on leaving Barkers Creek for Horsham in 1876. An inscribed certificate signed by the class members testifies to the date and circumstances of the gift.A dated collection of domestic crockery with local associations.China, white porcelain with green floral decoration teaset consisting of 2x plate 23cm,3x plate 18cm,3x saucer 14cm,3x cup 7cm high no markings

Harcourt branch of the Australian Natives Association was formed in 1908, meeting in a chaff shed behind the local grocer shop. In 1911 the branch contracted with Mr Sutherland of Barkers Creek to build a hall of boxed concrete construction. Sutherland was a pioneer in the use of concrete for structural purposes.He subsequently had a career as City Engineer at Camberwell. The ANA branch conducted many social occasions in the hall and gave community leadership for upwards of fifty years in addition to its friendly society/health insurance activities.. This was the only community hall in the Harcourt community until it was superseded by the Harcourt Leisure Centre in 1991 It is now the home of Harcourt Heritage Centre.A community hall of pioneering construction method, provided to the community by a friendly society.black and white postcard depicting a community hallA N A Hall, Harcourt

Harcourt Football Club was formed in 188 and for the first two years played social games until joining the Castlemaine District League in 1891. However the club had to wait until 1937 for its first triumph.In 1951 the club joined the Bendigo Football association with reasonable success until it moved to the Maryborough Castlemaine League in 1970. The original guernsey worn by the players was maroon with maroon stockings and blue shorts. The colours were later changed to royal blue with a gold stripe. Originally called the Apple eaters, the club has adopted the name "lions" and continues to function successflly with the added spect of fielding a highly successful netball team.Harcourt's first ever Australian Rules Football Premiership team.A group photograph of team and officials. names of players, president, vice president, secretary, trainers, coach, steward are all recorded on the mounting of the photographHarcourt Football Club Premiers Castlemaine District F L 1937

Tennis was first played at Harcourt North at the "Brooks Tennis Courts" and as it increased in popularity a team commenced playing at courts at the corner of High and Market Sts Harcourt in the early 1900s. At one time it was known as the Alexander Tennis Club.New courts at the football oval in Bridge Street were eventually replaced by courts at the new oval at Binghams Road, Harcourt. The Harcourt teams play in the Castlemaine District Lawn Tennis Association competition. This team shot, chosen at random from our holdings, depicts young players of both sexes.Tennis has proven to be a great social game involving a high proportion of women and young people in the competition.Colour Photograph of the 1972/3 Harcourt tennis teamHarcourt Tennis Club

This booklet is a small paperback of 27 pages including some images explaining the background of the Victorian Division of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen.fictionThis booklet was produced by the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen in 1975. On that date the Victorian Division of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen was 114 years old, making it the oldest continuous railway union in the world. It was formed as the Locomotive Engine Drivers' Association in 1861- just 7 years after the first railway, Flinders Street, Melbourne to Sandridge (now Port Melbourne) was officially opened. This booklet also marked the occasion of the first major renovations to the Union's premises and facilities since the building was completed in December 1914.australian federated union of locomotive enginemen, afule, railway unions

An A4 size spiral bound publication including articles and black and white images. The covers are light card and have been laminated. An evening was held at the Wodonga Football Club Rooms on 7 October 2002 to celebrate the history of the Wodonga Football Club. This is a transcript of the proceedings and speakers for the night together with some additional information. Transcribed by Jean Whitla and digitised by Uta Wiltshire.wodonga football club, wodonga sport

This publication has a hard cover with blue boards and a pictorial dust jacket. It consists of 264 pages.This book contains contributions from 16 writers who have first-hand knowledge of the Murray River area. It provides a comprehensive picture of the river in all its aspects. It gives a fascinating look at one of Australia's most important geographical and historical features. Contributors and chapters in this book are: - 1. Past, Present and Future – G. V. Lawrence 2. The Structure of the Murray – Edmund D. Gill 3. Seeing the Murray – Graeme Kinross Smith 4. The Mountains at the Source – Elyne Mitchell 5. The Explorers – Leigh Betheras 6. The Irrigators – G. Arch Grosvenor 7. Murray Water Conservation – W. G. L. Harrison & K. E. Johnson 8. The Murray River Steamers – Ian Mudie 9. Pioneer Days: A Story of Seventy Years Ago – Dorothy Roysland 10. Birdlife of the Murray Valley – John Eckert 11 .Aborigines in the Murray Valley, How We Learned the Story – H. A. Lindsay, The Aboriginal Occupation – Norman B. Tindale 12. Fish of the Murray River – John S. Lake 13. Native Plants of the Murray Valley – J. H. Willis 14. Murray Wildlife – K. N. G. Simpsonmurray river, australian geography, settlement on the murray river, native plants, aborigines in the murray valley, murray valley flora and fauna

A report of 134 pages, including illustrations and maps. The report was presented to the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation and the Rural City of Wodonga.This report was the result of an investigation into the potential future development and town planning for the central area of Wodonga. Chapters of the final report are:- Chapter 1: Summary: Conclusions and Recommendations, Chapter 2: Setting the scene, Chapter 3: Possible futures, Chapter 4: Objectives, Chapter 5: Growth Options, Chapter 6: Recommended approaches, Chapter 7: Plan elements and Chapter 8: Ways and Means.wodonga town planning, albury-wodonga development, rural city of wodonga

non-fictionThis book tells the human story of the first decade of building the great Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, with adventures and anecdotes told by the workers themselves, and illustrated with unusual photographs. Appendices give further information about the project and list the workers named in Snowy records. The author began his 10 years with the Electrical and Mechanical Division at the age of 20. The construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme is a well-documented part of our nation’s history and a leading example of Australian innovation and ingenuity. As far back as the 1880s, Australians had been considering diverting water from some of Australia’s best-known rivers – the Murray, Murrumbidgee, Snowy and Tumut – to drought-proof parts of NSW and Victoria. It was not until 1944 that Commonwealth and State governments formed a committee to examine the development of water resources in the Snowy Mountains area. As a result of their work, on 7 July 1949, the Commonwealth Parliament passed legislation to establish a Statutory Authority and start construction of the Snowy Scheme. NSW. Construction was completed in 1974 at a total cost of $820 million. On completion, the Scheme consisted of seven power stations, 16 major dams, 80 kilometres of aqueducts and 145 kilometres of interconnected tunnels.snowy mountains hydro-electric scheme, hydroelectric power plants, snowy mountains

Adelaide Direct (10 yo mare at the time) won the 1917 New Zealand Trotting Cup over 2 miles starting from a 7 second handicap. She ran a New Zealand race winning record time of 4 minutes 27.8 seconds. She defeated Cathedral Chimes 2nd by 4 lengths with Author Dillon 3rd. She was Owned/Leased, Trained and Driven by Manny Edwards.Two Handled Cup shaped Trophy with a LidNew Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club / Presented by / Mr Chas Louisson / President / to / M Edwards / Owner of "Adelaide Direct" Time 4 min 27 4/5 sec / Winner of N.Z. Cup Race NovR 1917trophy, harness horse, new zealand metropolitan trotting club, adelaide direct, 1917, new zealand cup, nz cup, mr chas louisson, manny edwards