St Luke’s Anglican Church officially opened on 15 March 1863 and originally operated as a branch of the Albury church. The first minister to conduct a service there was Rev. Robert Potter, followed by Rev. B. Brownrigg , Rev. J. H. May, Rev. D. E. Jones and Rev. J. K. Tucker. The first resident minister at Wodonga was Rev. J. H. White who came in 1879. The Church was constructed from locally hewn stone. After serving the congregation for more than a century, the Church was closed by the Health Commission due to its deteriorated condition which was judged to be beyond repair. It was demolished by voluntary labour on the 10 – 11 August 1968. A collection of 4 black and white photos depicting St. Luke's Church Wodonga at different times in its development.st luke's church wodonga, churches wodonga, early churches wodonga

W. Thorne architect of Albury designed the library building and the plan was approved in June 1915 The building contractor was J. W. Cochrane of Albury. The land was purchased from Mr. Walter Huon. On the 28th July 1915 the Shire President, Councillor Beardmore, laid the foundation stone for the building that would become the Wodonga Public Library. Almost 12 months later, on the 8th March 1916, the library was officially opened. It was the pride of Wodonga. The Shire Council closed their doors for a brief period so that all staff could attend the opening and the teachers and children of the local schools also attended. Councillor Beardmore declared that “it was an asset that would return a profit- not in pounds and shillings and pence but in the development and furnishing of the minds and lives of our young people”. It was known as the Beardmore Library. The Wodonga Athenaeum, in an out of the way location, had closed in 1914 after continuing reports of a lack of funds and the proceeds of the sale of the building went towards the building of the new library. In 1915 the library building committee started to put together a building fund for a new library. The library, situated at 78 High Street, was funded almost exclusively by the public. The books from the Athenaeum were presented to the library committee at the opening in 1916. The new library was both a place for education and recreation, a communal space to socialise, which also boasted a billiards room downstairs. In March 1970 construction of a new Civic Centre which included a library began in Wodonga. WIth its completion the following year, the original library was closed down. The building was vacant for some time and deteriorated badly. It was later purchased by Peter Middleton, who extensively restored the building. It is now the home of Middleton's Carpets.These images have local significance as they document an important building in Wodonga.2 photos - one black and white and one in colour of the same brick building. The first photo is of the building when it served as the Wodonga Public Library. The colour photo was taken approximately 60 years later.Photo 1 - In Brickwork above the door: PUBLIC LIBRARY Photo 2 - Above door: MIDDLETONS CARPETSwodonga public library, wodonga buildings

\When the railway reached Wodonga from Melbourne on 19th November 1873 the first station building, which included a refreshment room and dining room, was a temporary structure. It was 300 ft. long and was removed and taken to Beechworth when the new station was built in 1874 by contractor J. Richardson. The Goods shed was 100 feet long and was built by Frew & Hill in 1873. One year later it was extended an additional 150 feet by James Nation. The date of the construction of the Locomotive shed is not known but predates 1883. It was a galvanised iron clad building which housed 4 engines on 2 tracks; in 1910 it was extended to 250 feet in length to house six more engines. The location of the railway tracks and station were a constant cause of congestion in the centre of Wodonga as the tracks crossed over Sydney Road (later named High Street). Lines of traffic were frequently banked up as the gates were closed to allow trains to cross. The Wodonga Rail Bypass project moved Wodonga station from the original central location to a position on a new line on the northern edge of the town. Not only did this release land in the middle of the city for commercial and public use, but also eliminated 10 level crossings. The project actually commenced in 2008 with the last passenger train passing through Wodonga on 8 November 2008. On 23 July 2010, the new rail bypass was opened, the original line through Wodonga closed and the station fell quiet. The area has now been redeveloped as Junction Place and the old buildings now house a restaurant, cafe and the Goods Shed Craft Beer Cafe.These images are of local, state and national significance as the Wodonga Railway complex formed a vital link in the Victorian state, interstate and national railway system.A collection of colour photos of the buildings at the former Wodonga Railway Stationwodonga railways, railway station wodonga, junction place wodonga

The office of The Sentinel or Wodonga and Towong Sentinel newspaper was in High Street, Wodonga. The Sentinel began operation in 1885 and was owned, managed and edited by James Ryan. It was published weekly until he was killed by a train at Wodonga station on 27 July 1912. James Ryan was born in Beechworth in 1861 and served his apprenticeship with the printing business of the "Ovens and Murray Advertiser”. For a time, he worked on the Melbourne "Herald”, followed by the Ballarat “Courier”. With a fellow printer, William Oldfield Taylor, he moved to Wodonga and they began the "Wodonga and Towong Sentinel" with the first issue on 29th August 1885. Mr Taylor died in June 1894. After James Ryan’s death the “Sentinel” was continued by his son Charlie until his death 26 February 1965. It was sold to the Border Morning Mail in 1965. The last issue was published on 22 March 1968.This image captures th80e premises of an important newspaper published in Wodonga for 80 years.A black and white image of the Sentinel newspaper office in Wodonga.At the top of the building "The SENTINEL"wodonga businesses, wodonga & towong sentinel, wodonga buildings

The Title for the land on which this building stands was granted on 27 August 1857 and the land was bought by Keith Field and A. Maitland. It stood on 1 / 2 acre of land with 250 lengths down South Street and 200 lengths along Sydney Road. The 1 / 2 acre block on the northern side was also purchased by the same buyers. The State Savings Bank was built in 1915, just three years after the State Savings Bank of Victoria was established. It was branch number 731. The building served as a bank until about 1970. It is now owned and used as an office by a local law firm. It is a single storey rendered masonry building with a parapet concealing the roof. Key features of the High Street facade are horizontal bands of masonry, timber windows outlined with moulded details and ornamentation accentuated the door. A more modern branch was opened in a more central location in HIghs Street. The State Bank of Victoria was taken over by the Commonwealth Bank in 1990. These images record the premises of a bank which served the Wodonga community and businesses for many years.3 photos of the State Bank of Victoria in High Street Wodonga at various points in its history.state bank, wodonga businesses, financial institutions wodonga

Wodonga township’s first school was conducted in a small rented wooden cottage from September 1857. It was called the Belvoir National School. The building of a new schoolhouse, No. 378, began in October the same year near the corner of High and South Streets. In 1872 it changed to No. 37 Wodonga. The name was changed to Wodonga State School in 1875. This name remained until which remained until 1938 when it became a Higher Elementary School. In 1951 the Victorian Education Department purchased 12 acres of land in Ariel Street for the purpose of re-siting the State School. At this stage there were 600 pupils attending the school of which 170 were in the secondary section. Initially the Infant department moved into pre-fabricated classroom on the new site and by 1954 the whole primary school had been transferred.. The building was used became the temporary home of the Wodonga High School and later the Wodonga Technical School until they moved to new premisesA black and white image of school building mounted on card.At bottom of image: "WODONGA STATE SCHOOL 1920"wodonga state school, education wodonga

The Halfway Hotel was built c1871. It was a thriving business in the days of the bullock wagon and was virtual headquarters of border drovers and teamsters, who camped on the Wodonga Flats opposite. Mr. John Jennings applied for a license in 1871 but it was refused. In October 1872 a License was granted to Thomas Weeks who was advertising that he had purchased the premises. In December 1878 the licensee was advertised as Ann Weeks. Daniel McCormick took over as licensee in 1882 and was followed by Thomas Fitzgerald. In September 1886, Fitzgerald transferred the licence of the hotel which contained eight rooms, to Patrick Flanagan. Flanaghan was a hotel keeper, brewer and stock trader. Pearce Murphy became licensee in 1889, followed briefly by his wife, Julia, in 1890. In September 1890, the licence was transferred back to Patrick Flanagan, the hotel’s owner. During the 1890s, the licence changed hands a number of times. Licensees included Alexander McDonald, Mrs Spehrs, George and Mary Rust. In December 1895, George Rust held the ‘Halfway Races’ on a course at the back of the hotel. Towards the end of the 1890s, Patrick Flanagan was again licensee of the hotel. He died in his residence at the Halfway Hotel in 1929. The license was then held for two years by his son, Mr M.J. Flanagan. In June 1931 the licence was transferred from Maude J. Flanagan to Percy Pickering. In July 1939 the hotel was sold by Mr P.W. Pickering to Irene Weatherall. The new licensee was Mr H.O. Harris of Bonegilla. In April 1940 The Licensing Court granted an application to remove the Halfway Hotel, Albury Road, Wodonga, to the corner of Elgin and Smythe Streets, Wodonga, on condition that premises were to be erected within 42 weeks. Applicants were Irene A. Weatherall and Lena Emma Pickering, owners, and Harold O. Harris, licensee. Mr Edwin Harold and Mrs Ruby Scholz bought the property. Ruby was a sister of Emma Pickering. They lived there until the premises was demolished for the widening of the Lincoln Causeway. These images document an early business in Wodonga c1870 to 1940.A black and white image of a hotel building.Above building: HALFWAY HOTELhalfway hotel, wodonga hotels, wodonga businesses

George Smith came to Wodonga c.1885 and carried on a business as a blacksmith and wheelwright in Hume Street. He subsequently erected the very substantial Federal Coach Factory in High Street. In 1901 the Coach Factory was sold to Mr C. E. Jones, but within three or four years George Smith again found himself in the establishment he had built. In 1907/8 Marcus Buntz partnered by a G. F. Simpson took possession of the Federal Coach Factory. In 1912 Buntz bought out the interest of Simpson and engaged a first-class wheelwright to do the woodwork. In 1912 a buggy could be had from £40 and a sulky £18. The business over many years developed from a shoeing forge and wheelwright business to a more modern day garage, keeping abreast with mechanisation. Marcus Buntz was joined in the business by his three sons, George, an A grade mechanic, Edward an auto-electrician and Henry, a blacksmith’s striker. The sons eventually took over the garage and handled both coach building and general service work. The firm also maintained the Wodonga Water Pump for many years, ensuring the town’s water supply. In 1948 the old established motor garage was purchased by Mr Jack Mylon. In July 1960 the building became Wodonga Market, housing a butcher, snack bar, milk bar, fruit and veg, Bill Dunstan’s Boat Centre and an Auction Mart. These images have local significance as they document a long-standing business in central Wodonga.2 black and white photos depicting Buntz Federal Coach Factory at different stages during its period of operation,Photo 1: Above building: FEDERAL COACH FACTORY/ M.H. BUNTZ/ GEORGE SMITH/ COACH BUILDER & BLACKSMITH On side of coach: DRAPERY/ FANCY GOODS Photo 2: BUNTZ BROS" MOTOR GARAGE / ATLANTIC MOTOR OIL On the window: BUNTZ'S COACH FACTORY/ Rubber Tyres Fitted Below image on mounting: BUNTZ BROS. MOTOR GARAGE L to R. Pop Buntz, George Buntz, Les Easto, D. Zeinert, H. Buntz, Ted Buntz. Doug Zeinert buntz federal coaches, wodonga businesses, wodonga pioneers

Located in High Street, Wodonga, this hotel underwent many modifications and name changes. It was built c1859 by James Bambrick close to the intended rail terminal in Huon Street. The site of the rail terminal actually changed but the name remained. James Bambrick served three terms as Wodonga Council president and was it was commonly referred to as “Bambrick’s Hotel”. It included 30 rooms as well as dining facilities. James Bambrick ran the hotel until 1902 when it was sold to J. Donnelly for £3,000. In 1912, whilst operated by T. J. Weller, the residential section of the hotel was almost completely destroyed by fire but only the ceiling of the bar was damaged and it continued to operate. Over the ensuing years the licensee changed hands frequently. By 1952, John Perry, owner of the “Stump” Junction Hotel also had the freehold of the Railway Hotel At some stage in the mid 1980’s the hotel was renamed as the “Murray River Hotel”, but still displayed the sign of the Railway Hotel. In 2009, it was closed for a short time whilst renovations took place to convert it into O’Maille’s Irish Hotel. It was demolished in 2020. These images document changes to an important local building first established c1868. It was an important meeting place and also the location of the earliest Council meetings in Wodonga.A set of photos both black and white and colour depicting changes to the Railway Hotel, Wodonga over timeA variety of names and advertising signsjames bambrick wodonga, bambrick's hotel, railway hotel wodonga, murray river hotel wodonga, o'maille's hotel,

In 1906 Patrick Mylon started a passenger transport service in the Albury-Wodonga border area with horses and cabs. His son Jack went into business in the late 1920s, and his grandson Bernie joined the firm early in 1970. When Patrick started with the horses and cabs, each cab carried eight passengers and he always had two horses per cab. As the business expanded, Mylons used a range of buses and coaches including Reo, Chev and Bedford vehicles. Mylon Travel Centre opened at 152 High Street, Wodonga on 21 November 1992. It allowed Mylons to extend their service for holidaymakers. Mylon’s staff can help will all holiday needs, including answering questions about destinations as well as booking tours, accommodation, concert seats and express coach bookings. The new Centre had a computerised resto ervation system with direct link-up for world-wide reservations, During more than 100 years of service to the Wodonga region and beyond, Mylon Motorways received many awards for Excellence and tourism. On July 2, 2008 the company, including its 31 buses and 45 staff members were transferred to the Dyson Group.This building was part of a major local company which serviced Wodonga for over 100 years.A colour photo depicting the front of a building and roadway.Above building: MYLON TRAVEL / MYLON CENTREmylon motorways, mylon travel centre, wodonga businesses

Abel Hoyle Turton was born in 1877 and married Hannah Richardson of Barnawartha, Victoria in 1902. He established a wheelwright and coach making business. Mr. Turton also operated a blacksmith business as a side trade. In his earlier years he was actively involved in the fire brigade, including as Secretary, and on the committee of the Wodonga Brass Band. Mr. Turton also served as secretary of the local branch of the Australian Natives Association. In 1912, despite having received a long service medal for the Wodonga Fire Brigade, Turton resigned for the brigade under a cloud after having been accused of insubordination at a fire. The brigade captain Mr. Twomey also resigned. They were both later reinstated. He died in Wodonga on 24 December 1932. After his death, the premises were taken over by George McFarlane who commenced business as a shoeing smith and general blacksmith.This image records the premises of an early 20th century Wodonga business.A black and white photograph of the premises of A. H. Turton, Coach builder of Wodonga as well as 2 newspaper advertisements for this business.Above the store: A. H. TURTON / COACH BUILDER On windows: PAINTING/ TRIMMING/ RUBBER TYRES A SPECIALITYwodonga businesses, a. h. turton, turton wheelwright wodonga

Patrick Toole was born in Corowa on 7 September 1913. In the early 1930s the family moved to Wodonga. Pat became an apprentice mechanic with Bill Dobbie and became a partner in 1936. Patrick Toole took over business in his own right on 23 August 1939. Toole’s Motors also ran a car and truck agency, a towing and crane depot, as well as a small disposal section. After breaking his leg in 1963, Pat extended the disposals business and by 1965 it was running as Wodonga Disposals and later, Toole’s Disposals. At their peak Toole’s employed 70 people across their various businesses including the garage, wreckers, towing businesses, a storage shed at Bandiana and the Disposal Store. Pat died in Wodonga on 10 November 1976 and the Disposals Store was taken over by his twin sons, Frank and Bill. His other sons, Pat and Jim ran the North Eastern Truck Wreckers. Tooles Disposals acquired most of their stock from Government auctions and also became licensed second hand dealers. They sold a wide range of military and non-military equipment from clothing to footwear and equipment for cooking and camping. They also shipped scrap metal to Japan and sourced uniforms and other items from Japan and East European countries. The business continued on the corner of High Street and Stanley Street for over 70 years, but the Toole family decided to sell the building in 2009. The building was eventually sold to a local business consortium in 2010. Toole’s continued to operate until May 2011. Thee building was demolished in 2013. Bill Toole continued Toole’s Disposals as an online business with numerous Australian and international clients.These images document an important and long standing business in Wodonga.A collection of images and a business card for the company of Tooles Garage and Disposals in Wodonga. Images depict the business at various stages in its development over more than 70 years.Photo 1 Beneath image - 1929 W. DOBBIE MOTOR & GENERAL ENGINEER / Con Lindsay, Alec Padgett, Bill Dobbie, Pat Toole Photo 2 Beneath image - 1940 A. L. TOOLE MOTOR & GENERAL ENGINEER / Fay Fulford, Gerry Nelder, Mick Presnell, Pat Toole Photo 3 On building - TOOLES MOTORS est. 1939/ TOOLES MOTORS PTY. LTD./ DISPOSALS/ DISPOSALS AT CITY PRICESt Photo 4 On sign - TOOLES DISPOSALS Photo 5 Business cardwodonga businesses, toole's disposals, businesses high street wodonga

Franz Gördes (b.1843) who immigrated to Australia from Germany in 1871. After docking in Melbourne Franz headed for the goldfields at Spring Gully near Beechworth, but didn't strike gold. He returned to his trade and opened a boot shop in Wodonga, which burnt to the ground the day before the opening. Undeterred, he rebuilt and operated the business until his death on 8 June 1928. He was survived by his widow, Margaret as well as six sons and three daughters. Franz Gordes’ Boot & Shoe Warehouse was situated in Sydney Road, now High Street, Wodonga.This item has a well documented provenance and connection to the local history of Wodonga.A black and white photo which has also been digitised. Above shop: Cheap / Boot & Shoe Warehousebusinesses wodonga, franz gördes, geman migrants

Mr Arthur Dunstan established a sawmill at Glen Wills in 1931 which operated for about 16 years. A larger and more modern sawmill with drying kilns was erected at Eskdale in 1947. He was contracted to build Wodonga’s municipal saleyards in 1935, followed by the Wangaratta saleyards which created so many forward orders that he bought a large block of land on the corner of Beechworth and Tallangatta Roads and opened a timber mill and hardware store. In 1974 other sawmills opened in Tallangatta Road near Chapple Street to cope with the expanding business. A large proportion of the company’s timber output was processed at the Wodonga yards into flooring, weatherboards, mouldings, and practically the whole output was distributed locally and throughout the Riverina and eastern freeboard of New South Wales, and Canberra. At its peak Dunstan’s was one of the biggest sawmilling businesses in Victoria and in Wodonga employed 150 people and milled 16,000,000 super feet of timber annually. Arthur Dunstan died in 1963 and the business was carried on by his sons Arthur Jr, Jack and Les, together with Reg McDermott and Neil Carr. Dunstan’s timber yards in Wodonga were sold to Ezard Industries in 1987 with the retail section being bought by BBC Hardware. Hardy’s took over the timber yard in 1989 and staff was gradually reduced to 51 by 1991. Processing fell to 1000-1200 tonnes of pine a month by 1992 and Hardy’s, by then part of Pacific Dunlop, finally closed operations in that year with the loss of the remaining 27 jobs. The area where Dunstan’s was located is now known as Southside.A black and white photo of a retail buildinga and workshopOn shopfront: DUNSTAN A & SONS HARDWARE JOINERY & TIMBER MERCHANTS RICKSHAW MAGICOLOR We stock and recommend HARDIES FIBROLITE SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT FINISHESdunstan's hardware wodonga, wodonga businesses, dunstan's timber

In 1924, Arthur Arnold and his father Wilhelm Arnold had established a general store in High Street, near the water tower, but in 1931–32 they moved to new premises in High Street on the corner of what is now known as Elgin Boulevard. In 1933-34 they widened the frontage of the shop and added new premises at the rear for the sale of produce. The Arnolds continued to trade until they finally closed their store in 1950. Wilhelm Arnold was a brother of J G Arnold, whose business ultimately became the present-day Arnold’s Fruit Market, Wodonga.This is an image of an early Wodonga businessman who was also active in the communty.A black and white image of 2 children looking through the window of Arnold's store. A newspaper advertisement for the company is also included.Above Shop: A.ARNOLD & Co. / HARDWARE - GROCERY/ CROCKERY - PRODUCEwodonga businesses, a arnold general merchant

Elaine Margaret Milnes of Tallangatta married David Ernest Mann of Wodonga on 30 March 1957. At the time of their first meeting, Elaine was living in Tallangatta where her father had moved as a bank manager. She was a member of the Drama Club. She and David met at the Rutherglen Town Hall whilst attending an Arts Festival. David was attending as a member of the Wodonga Music Club. David Mann was the son of Ernest and Evelyn Mann of Wodonga who had operated the family business since 1921. David joined the business in 1945 and became the managing director of Mann Wodonga from 1965. Under his management and leadership, it expanded to become one of Australia’s largest regional shopping centres, with a Supermarket, Hardware Store, Steel Store, Plumbing and Industrial supplies store, at one stage employing over 100 people. He continued to head the business until it was sold in 2006. He was a leader in many other fields in the Wodonga community, from leading the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce to scouting, Apex and Rotary and was a prime mover in establishing Aware Industries for people with disabilities. He chaired the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce on several occasions. David was a man of vision who was involved in many charitable and community organisations. These included membership of the hospital board and President of the Wodonga High School Council. was a prime mover in establishing Aware Industries for people with disabilities. Elaine also played an active role in the business. She developed and managed a quality giftware department from 1969 to 1987. Some of her local involvements included the School Mothers’ Club and Kindergarten, Girl Guides, the Quota and Penguin Clubs and Meals on Wheels. David also advocated passionately for the development of a university and TAFE to be established in Wodonga. In 1993 he inaugurated the Jonathan Mann lectures series at La Trobe University in honour of his grand­father. The university honoured Mr Mann in two significant ways, giving him an honorary degree of Doctorate of Law in 1998 and in 2002 named its new library the David Mann Library. David Mann died in Albury in June 2012. Elaine now (2024) lives in Melbourne. “The little I have done for Wodonga and district is only in return for what Wodonga and district has done for me.” David MannThis dress was worn by Elaine Milnes at her marriage to David Mann who became a prominent businessman and contributor to many aspects of the Wodonga community.A wedding dress dating from 30 March 1957. The dress consists of a fitted bodice with tulle frills around the body. The bodice has a square neckline decorated with tiny seeded pearls and blue stones. The long sleeves are made of sheer tulle with lace and a frill at the wrist. The skirt is made of two layers of white tulle with five lace and tulle frills around the body. Under the tulle is a pale blue satin slip with two more layers of white tulle underneath it. It was worn with a fingertip length veil held in place by a lace coronet. The bridal bouquet consisted of red and white roses. The bride also wore a single string of pearls. The dress was made by Olive Ferris Wedding Dresses of Sydney.mann wodonga, david mann, elaine mann, wodonga businesses

Edward Whitehead was a printer and publisher active in Melbourne during the latter half of the 19th century. Whitehead founded his printing business at 67 Collins Street East in 1864 and, though not focused on maps, began publishing his own series of maps of Victoria in 1867. He focussed on producing highly detailed folding maps of Victoria which included a very detailed index of place names. His series of maps of Victoria became one of the most successful and most profitable series of regional maps of Australia ever produced.This is a very early map of Victoria showing Belvoir (Wodonga)A detailed early map of Victoria with counties clearly marked and shaded and a detailed index. It also shows roads, post office towns, railways, telegraphs, gold mining areas and notes on topography. Relief shown by hachures and spot heights. Includes a list of towns with distances from Melbourne on 3 sides of map. It is produced on paper mounted on linen.victoria cartography, rare maps victoria, whiteheads maps

The map was created by Tulloch and Brown. David Tulloch was one of the earliest engravers and lithographers in the state of Victoria. He arrived in Melbourne from Greenock, Scotland, on 3 January 1849. Following the discovery of gold Tulloch went to the Victorian goldfields in 1851, commissioned to make sketches of the diggers and the diggings for Ham’s Illustrated Australian Magazine. In November 1852 Tulloch set up in business as engraver, draughtsman, copperplate printer and lithographer. Tulloch took a map engraver, James Davie Brown, into partnership in March 1853; the several maps and specimens of commercial engraving they showed at the 1854 Melbourne Exhibition were awarded a bronze medal. That year Tulloch and Brown also received a silver medal at the Victorian Industrial Exhibition. The partnership was dissolved towards the end of 1856.This is a very early map of the Colony of Victoria including Belvoir (now know as Wodonga).A foldable map mounted on linen and with a board cover. It records the Colony of Victoria according to Surveyor's Records revised in 1857. Areas of the map are shaded to highlight different counties.At bottom right hand section of map: Tulloch & Brown's map of the Colony of Victoria : comprising part of New South Wales, the boundaries, counties, also seaport & inland townships, the gold fields with the latest discoveries, roads, tracks, &c. &c. / compiled from drawings in the Survey Office and correctly revised till 1857. Respectfully dedicated by Permission, to the Honorable Captain Andrew Clarke R.E. Surveyor General of Victoria by His Obediant Servants Tulloch & Brown, Engravers & Publishers, Melbourne". At bottom right below border : Published as the Act directs by the Proprietors, Melbourne, 1st Feb. 1856. tulloch and brown maps, rare maps victoria, victorian cartography

Charles George Eastland Platts arrived in South Australia on 22 March 1839, and soon after established his business in Adelaide. He became Adelaide’s first bookseller. It was known as Platts’ Library but was also a bookshop and stationer. His business was also used as a postal receiving house. Platts died on 14 November 1871. Boyle Travers Finniss (18 August 1807 – 24 December 1893) had an early career in the British Military before selling off his commission in 1835. He was appointed assistant surveyor to Colonel William Light in South Australia. He then had several roles in public service. Finniss was the first premier and Chief Secretary South Australia, serving from 24 October 1856 to 20 August 1857. In 1864 he was appointed as the Government Resident of the Northern Territory. He was filling this role at the time when the map was produced and is acknowledged on the map.This is a very early map documenting the exploration and opening up of Australia.Map of Australia and part of Indonesia. Part coloured with tracks of 15 explorers including Eyre, Stuart, Leichhardt and Burke and Wills with notes and some details of latitude and longitude. Relief relating to the major mountain ranges is indicated. At the bottom of the map is a key to the explorers and a list of the counties in the different states. Top left side of map has small sketch of the Platts (publisher) building at the corner of King William Street.Map of Australia shewing the tracks of late explorers into the interior and across the continent together with their discoveries map/ projected, compiled and drawn by O.W.O. Bennett Most Respectfully Dedicated to LIEUT. COL. BOYLE TRAVERS FINISS Government Resident of the Northern Territory of SOUTH AUSTRALIAexplorers -- australia -- maps, rare maps australia

Stonleigh is one of Wodonga’s earliest buildings and stands on land granted to Daniel Rhodes in 1854, in one of the first land sales conducted in Wodonga. The building commenced soon after with the stone walls being 18 inches (46cm) thick. It was a four-room granite rubble stone building with central door and a window on either side, with a separate kitchen, as was typical of the worker's cottage of the day. The original roof would have been shingles but it was replaced with corrugated iron. It passed through several owners including Paul Huon in 1858. Peter Tenner, a farmer and vigneron took over in 1866 when it was described as “built of stone and having a cellar and a detached kitchen plus outside toilet, and a shed or two.” In the late 1880’s it was owned by William Smith who had come to Wodonga as a missionary for the Presbyterian Church and who, together with John Whan, storekeeper, was instrumental in building the Presbyterian Church nearby. Between 1890 and 1910 further buildings were added, consisting of double brick walls, two bedrooms, kitchen, laundry with brick and copper, bathroom and side verandah. William Smith established Wodonga Cordage Works in the Stonleigh buildings. The front room of the house was the display room for the business which manufactured and sold fishing lines, various types of cordage and water bags, the latter being of hand-sewn canvas. After 1954 Stonleigh became a bottle depot and bottle museum under ownership of Ramon Porta. At one stage he had over 50,000 bottles on display. In 1991 it was purchased by Mark Fraser, a cabinet maker, who made extensive renovations at the rear of the premises and internally, but left the façade untouched. Over recent times, Stonleigh was the home of several business including a florist, a patchwork maker and a café. Stonleigh was sold in 2021 and is now a private residence.These images capture one of Wodonga's oldest buildings.A series of photos, both colour and black and white, showing the building "Stonleigh' at different periodsstonleigh wodonga, old buildings wodonga, wodonga businesses, wodonga pioneers

Costa’s Wine Cafe was once one of the best known landmarks in Wodonga. It was near the corner of High Street and Lawrence, across the road from where the water tower was later built. Mr. Bernardo Costa came to Australia from Switzerland, arriving in Sydney in 1857. In 1882 he moved to Wodonga and conducted his boot sale and repair business He applied for a Wine License in December 1886. In 1908 B Costa advertised that he had rebuilt his premises, which “affords the best and most comfortable accommodation to the travelling public”. For a while it was known as Wodonga Swiss Wine Café. After Bernardo’s death in 1915 the wine cafe and accommodation at the rear was run by his three daughters, Annie, Angela and Gertrude. In 1941 the Misses Costa sold their business and freehold to Mrs. J Adams who died just six years later. It was then run by her son Pat Adams, and after his demise his wife ran the business. Frank Walsh was running it as Walsh’s Wine Café by 1951. The Wine Café was closed in 1963 having been purchased by Woolworths and was demolished to build their new supermarket on the site.These images represent an early business in Wodonga . 2 black and white photos of the buildings of A. E. Costa, a brick building with signage.Photo 1: Above verandah: A.E. COSTA / Phone 70 COSTA's WINE Photo 2: Above verandah : WINE CAFEwodonga businesses, a. e. costa, wodonga pioneers, early wodonga businesses, wodonga businesses high street

The Wodonga Hotel was constructed in 1940 at a cost of £10,000. It is now called Elgins Hotel. It was established after the transfer of the licence from the Halfway Hotel. This was the result of a lengthy hearing before the Licensing Board over two days in December 1939, There was some opposition from established guest house keepers and hotelkeepers. G. A. Adams, owner of the Carriers’ Arms Hotel was refused a hearing as he was not a resident, so Rachael Spence his manageress objected on the ground that it would do her hotel a lot of harm. Mr Luke Murphy represented the applicants, Irene Weatherall and Lena Pickering. He stated that the new structure would be of brick, cement and iron and contain 22 rooms. The site was near the municipal sale yard and near the railway station, and, he pointed out the trucking industry, which he believed to be larger than any other in Victoria, outside of Melbourne. The hearing was told of the bad state of the Half Way Hotel, having been there for almost 100 years. Luke Murphy was quoted as saying “If Hovell were here he could give evidence on that.” The lack of accommodation and quality accommodation at Wodonga hotels was frequently heard of. Costa’s Wine Café had very excellent accommodation for but only five or six people. The lessee of the-tea rooms at the municipal saleyards, also gave evidence. Mrs Lowden said that on sale day she served up to 130 dinners in addition to 10 or 20 breakfasts, and almost continuous light lunches. She did not think a hotel would provide a needed facility for patrons of the saleyards. In April 1940 the application was granted on the condition that premises were erected within 42 weeks. The hotel was used for soldier accommodation during World War II and experienced a boom period when Wodonga saleyards were located across the road. Irene House behind the pub also was constructed in the 1970s when Albury-Wodonga had been identified as a National Growth Centre by the Whitlam Labor government. After running the hotel for 5 generations, the Weatherall Family sold the business in 2021.These images represent an early business in Wodonga . 2 photos of the Wodonga Hotel and 1 newspaper advertisementwodonga businesses, a. e. costa, wodonga pioneers, early wodonga businesses, wodonga businesses high street

The Pollard Archway was named for Charles Pollard, who was the son of an early settler at Bonegilla. Charles Pollard was awarded the MBE for his involvement in community service, he was Secretary of the Murray Valley Shows Association, Shire President in 1926-27, 1945-46 and 1946-47. He was Foundation President of the Wodonga Show Society, and North-Eastern representative of the Dairymen’s Association of Victoria. The arch is 29 metres wide and 15 metres high and consists of two boomerangs coming together to form an archway. Originally spanning across a single carriageway of the Lincoln Causeway, the arch was opened by Princess Alexandra of Kent in 1959 and was built for £1230. When the Country Roads Board said the causeway would have to be duplicated in 1973, a new home was required for the arch. The arch was moved in 1975 to allow for widening of the Lincoln Causeway and spent some time in storage. It was re- erected in Hamilton Smith Drive in 1982 after restoration by the Rotary Club of Belvoir-Wodonga. At the request of the Wodonga Show Society, the arch was moved to the entrance of the showgrounds in 1982. After development of the precinct in 2015, the Pollard Arch was erected on Hamilton Smith Drive Wodonga.These images represent the construction and then subsequent of structure acknowledging the contribution of Councillor Pollard to the community of Wodonga.A series of black and white images documenting the construction and opening of the Pollard arch on the Lincoln Causeway in Wodonga in 1959. A coloured photo from 1965 is also included.wodonga pioneers, pollard family, pollard archway

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. The Lions Club of Wodonga was chartered in 1965 with 18 Founding Members including Les Cole. Lions Australia was first formed in Lismore, NSW in September and has grown to be Australia’s largest service club organisation.A small purple and gold fringed banner with the emblem of Wodonga Lions ClubAt the top centre: The logo of Lions International Across the centre of banner: Lions Club of Wodonga / District 201C Australia In semi-circle below Water Tower: Melbourne/ Falls Creek/Lake Hume/ Snowy Mountains/ Sydneyles cole, wodonga lions club, lions international

Cambourne homestead was built by 1903 for Rebecca S. Carkeek, who purchased the property in Wodonga in 1899. Cambourne is situated on the original Wodonga Run which was established in 1836. In 1855 the pre-emptive right of 171 acres of the Wodonga Run was granted and sold the following year. The allotments on which the five-acre Cambourne property developed, were purchased in 1873 and 1876, coinciding with the opening of the Railway from Melbourne. The property was purchased by Rebecca Carkeek in June 1899, wife of William Carkeek, Publican of Wodonga and Shire Councillor. Local architects Gordon and Gordon have been credited with the design of Cambourne. The house at Cambourne was built at some stage between 1900 and 1903 as a large single storey homestead. It was constructed in red brick with corrugated iron roof and encircling verandah. Cambourne is a probable work of architects Gordon and Gordon, it is amongst their best preserved and one of their few surviving buildings in Victoria. Today Cambourne remains on a reduced allotment due to the acquisition of land in 1972 by the Country Roads Board and in 2006 by Vic Roads for road works adjacent to the property.Cambourne, Wodonga is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria.A set of coloured photos depicting Cambourne in Wodonga. Part of a collection documented a heritage listed pioneer home.cambourne wodonga, cambourne homestead wodonga, historic buildings wodonga

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Bracelet of interlocking circles. Alternate circles have a broad line across the centre embossed with a floral design.sarah coventry, costume jewellery, industry wodonga

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.A small leaflet printed on blue paper in blue ink explaining instructions for caring for items from the Sarah Coventry rangeOn Front cover: CARING FOR YOUR SARAH COVENTRY AND AFFINITY JEWELLERY On back cover: Sargem Pty. Ltd. / Hume Highway/ WODONGA VIC, 3690 / Copyright 1979 Inside: detailed cleaning instructionsarah coventry, costume jewellery, industry wodonga

John Clarence (McKenzie) McHarg was born in Corryong, Victoria on 12 August 1905 to Hugh Patrick McKenzie-McHarg and Laura Mary Dune. After attending school at Christian Brothers’ College in Albury, he also attended St Patrick’s College at Ballarat. Mr McHarg then studied at Melbourne University, graduating with a Bachelor of Law. After graduating he completed his studies with Messrs. Mahoney and O’Brien of Melbourne with whom he entered a partnership. In 1931 John McHarg appears on the electoral roll for Wodonga listed as a barrister. The following year he opened his legal practice in Sydney Road, Wodonga. Jack (John) McKenzie McHarg married Eva Whyte in 1934 and the house called “Baelon” was built around this time. THe builder was Rob McCulloch. McHarg is first listed as paying rates on the house in Beechworth Road in 1934-35. He died on 12 January 1996 in Wodonga after many years of service to the Wodonga and district community. The house is still in the hands of the McKenzie-McHarg family. This building is one of the oldest remaining homes in Wodonga and was owned by a prominent community member.A series of photos depicting the home of the McHarg family in Wodonga. One is from a Rose Series postcard c1940, the second is of the house shrouded in snow in 1967. The final image shows the house in 2023.mcharg house, wodonga buildings, mcharg solicitor, mckenzie-mcharg

This model of knapsack sprayer was used for both agricultural and firefighting purposes throughout Australia. The manufacturer, A. Simpson & Son who had a long history as a prominent metals manufacturer in Adelaide, South Australia. Alfred Simpson arrived in South Australia in 1849 and by the mid 1950s had established himself as a tinsmith. His son, also Alfred, joined the business in 1864. By the time of Alfred senior's death in 1891, A. Simpson and Son had the largest metal manufacturing plant in Australia. The business was incorporated in 1910, with Alfred as chairman, and his sons Allen and Frederick as directors. During World War I the company also manufactured munitions as well as ordnance. In the 1920s the company expanded into the production of tools for use in agriculture and in the 1940s they began the manufacture of whitegoods. In 1963 A. Simpson and Son merged with Pope Industries to form Simpson Pope Holdings.This item is representative of agricultural equipment used throughout Australia by a major Australian manufacturer. They were used extensively in the Wodonga district. A Backpack Sprayer unit made from galvanised iron used for agricultural and fire-fighting purposes. It has a nozzle spray attachment and originally had leather straps.On side: SIMPSON PAT. 11?472 23/7/39fire equipment, a. simpson & son, agricultural tools

The spraying units were manufactured in Australia by REGA Products. Ltd. in 1926. They established themselves as leaders in the production of agricultural and horticultural spraying machines, including smaller knapsacks. Knapsacks were quickly adapted to a range of applications and were widely used by the C.F.A (Country Fire Authority). They were also widely used for defence during World War II. REGA was later purchased by the Garrard family and still operate as part of Garrads Pty Ltd. This sprayer was one of the units used by the C.F. A. in Wodonga. The Country FIre Authority was established in 1945 following a Royal Commission into the 1939 Black Friday fires which recommended a single firefighting authority for country Victoria, bringing together the Bush Fire Brigades, Country Fire Brigades and Forest Commission. The first fire brigade, the Wodonga Urban Fire Brigade was formed in 1891 and registered in May 1893. Since that time its volunteers have provided ongoing support to the Wodonga and District communities through events such as urban fires, bushfires and other emergency situations. This item is representative of the Wodonga Country Fire Authority and its many volunteers.A knapsack sprayer designed to be used for spraying insects. The unit includes brass fittings, leather straps and a spray arm and nozzle attached. It was also adapted to be widely used by firefighters.On front: REGA / C.F.A. Around lid: REGA SPRAYERSrega sprayers, cfa region 24, cfa volunteers, cfa wodonga, wodonga urban fire brigade, fire fighting equipment