From the Argus Newspaper of 10 May 1888: "OLD COLONISTS' ASSOCIATION OF BALLARAT. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) BALLARAT, WEDNESDAY. This association, which was founded in August, 1883, and at first known as the Old Identities' Association, now has a roll of 450 members. The objects of the association are "to aid and assist indigent or suffering old colonists; to raise a fund, by the voluntary subscriptions of the members and the aid of outside donations, for the purpose of relieving members in sickness and old age ; for assisting those in extreme distress, to provide the shelter o a home for old and indigent pioneers of the gold fields, their widows, or anyone connected with the association, and in the event of the death of any member to have his remains decently buried, the association defraying the expenses of the funeral (providing that no funds or property are left by the deceased), and to attend the funeral if so desired by the relatives " The qualifications for member- ship are good character and repute, and residence in the colonies for a quarter of a century. For some time the association had no property except the regular subscriptions, but about a year ago they obtained from the Minister of Lands the grant of a very valuable block of land in Lydiard-street, the Crown grant of which they received last week. This block has a frontage of 66ft to Lydiard street, worth at least £100 a foot. The ground was given to the association as a site for them to build a hall upon, and with so valuable an asset they had no difficulty in borrowing at 7 per cent, enough money to construct a hall. For revenue purposes the ground floor of the building has been made into four shops, and the rental from these, judging from the rentals of shops in the vicinity, will not only pay all the interest on the borrowed money, but over £200 a year towards clearing off the principal. The officers of the association are Messrs J P Murray, president; J W Graham and T. Stoddart, vice presidents; D Fern, treasurer , and J Fraser, secretary. The Old Colonists' Hall is an elegant looking building in Lydiard-street, lying between the newly-opened mining exchange and the Commercial Club house, and a few doors north of the Post office. The style of the facade is classic. The lower portion of the front is constructed of Waurn Ponds stone, forming piers, and the upper portion of brick and cement, the background being tuckpointed. The centre bay is carried by two three quarter columns with Ionic cups, which support a pediment on which is set a cast of the Ballarat coat of arms. The four other bays are supported by pilasters with Corinthian caps mid partly fluted. The entrance is through a spacious circular headed doorway, the keystone of the arch of which bears a sculptured head, in marble, representing that of the president of the Old Colonists' Association here, Mr. John P Murray. An ample vestibule leads to a wide stone staircase which ends at a spacious landing. The landing has a dome over the centre, with cornice and enrichments, and is lighted from above. The walls round the landing are panelled with marble slabs, which are to be appropriately inscribed in the future. On the first door are the rooms appropriated to the association. The principal of these is a hall 44ft x 33ft and 17ft high. This room is well ventilated and lighted from the back of the building with large windows, and the walls are finished with Keene's cement. The other rooms are committee room, 14ft x 16ft; scretary's, 14ft x 17ft 6in; kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, &c. The front portion of the first floor is arranged so that it may be let for offices, or utilised for club purposes. Suitable provision has been made throughout tor lighting, ventilation, and means of egress. The architect for the edifice is Mr A. G Legge, of this city, and the contractors are Messrs. Whitelaw and Atkinson, Irving and Glover, Reynolds, and J Donaldson. The total cost of the building when completed, which will be in a few weeks, will be about £4,000."Colour photograph of a room with marble plaques on the wall. They relate to the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat, old colonists' association ballarat, old colonists' club, marbles

The Old Colonists' Association Ballarat Inc. is a not for profit charitable organisation providing accommodation for elderly people. It manages a 27 Home retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove Ballarat. Accommodation is offered at significantly below market rates. It has been providing low cost accommodation to the elderly since the 1920s. The Association Council overseas the running of this facility on a voluntary basis. OLD COLONISTS' ASSOCIATION OF BALLARAT. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) BALLARAT, WEDNESDAY. This association, which was founded in August, 1883, and at first known as the Old Identities' Association, now has a roll of 450 members. The objects of the association are "to aid and assist indigent or suffering old colonists ; to raise a fund, by the voluntary subscriptions of the members and the aid of outside donations, for the purpose of relieving members in sickness and old age; for assisting those in extreme distress, to provide the shelter of a home for old and indigent pioneers of the gold fields, their widows, or anyone connected with the association, and in the event of the death of any member to have his remains decently buried, the association defraying the expenses of the funeral (providing that no funds or property are left by the deceased), and to attend the funeral if so desired by the relatives." The qualifications for member ship are good character and repute, and residence in the colonies for a quarter of a century. For some time the association had no property except the regular subscriptions, but about a year ago they obtained from the Minister of Lands the grant of a very valuable block of land in Lydiard-street, the Crown grant of which they received last week. This block has a frontage of 66ft to Lydiard street, worth at least £100 a foot. The ground was given to the association as a site for them to build a hall upon, and with so valuable an asset they had no difficulty in borrowing at 7 per cent, enough money to construct a hall. For revenue purposes the ground floor of the building has been made into four shops, and the rental from these, judging from the rentals of shops in the vicinity, will not only pay all the interest on the borrowed money, but over £200 a year towards clearing off the principal. The officers of the association are Messrs J. P. Murray, President; J. W. Graham and T. Stoddart, vice presidents; D. Fern, treasurer; and J. Fraser, secretary. The Old Colonists' Hall is an elegant looking building in Lydiard-street, lying between the newly-opened mining exchange and the Commercial Club house, and a few doors north of the Post Office. The style of the facade is classic. The lower portion of the front is constructed of Waurn Ponds stone, forming piers, and the upper portion of brick and cement, the background being tuckpointed. The centre bay is carried by two three quarter columns with Ionic cups, which support a pediment on which is set a cast of the Ballarat coat of arms. The four other bays are supported by pilasters with Corinthian caps mid partly fluted. The entrance is through a spacious circular headed doorway, the keystone of the arch of which bears a sculptured head, in marble, representing that of the president of the Old Colonists' Association here, Mr. John P. Murray. An ample vestibule leads to a wide stone staircase which ends at a spacious landing. The landing has a dome over the centre, with cornice and enrichments, and is lighted from above. The walls round the landing are panelled with marble slabs, which are to be appropriately inscribed in the future. On the first door are the rooms appropriated to the association. The principal of these is a hall 44ft x 33ft and 17ft high. This room is well ventilated and lighted from the back of the building with large windows, and the walls are finished with Keene's cement. The other rooms are committee room, 14ft x 16ft; secretary's, 14ft x 17ft, 6in; kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, &c. The front portion of the first floor is arranged so that it may be let for offices, or utilised for club purposes. Suitable provision has been made throughout for lighting, ventilation, and means of egress. The architect for the edifice is Mr A. G. Legge, of this city, and the contractors are Messrs. Whitelaw and Atkinson, Irving and Glover, Reynolds, and J. Donaldson. The total cost of the building when completed, which will be in a few weeks, will be about £4,000. (The Argus, 10 May 1888)ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, old colonists' association

Olinda girls practising the Maypole Dance under the tuition of Vera Devine in the grounds of 'Hillcrest', the home of Devine in 1911. Starting with the small girl left of centre pole and going in an anti clockwise direction the names are: Amy Allen, Jessie Ebbels, Faith Beatty, Vera Devine, Maggie Schneider, Vera Watson, Hope Barrow, Jessie Wyles, Dolly Witt (obscured), Lois Lyons, Edie Jackson, Beth Barrow, Phyllis Murray. This photograph has a detailed inscription on the back handwritten by John Lundy-Clarke in c1974.Olinda girls practising the maypole dance under the tuition of Vera Devine in the grounds of 'Hillcrest', the home of Devine in 1911. Girls, starting from left and circling across the front then round the back to finish at the left are - 1. Lois Lyons 2. Edie Jackson 3. Beth Barrow 4. Phyllis Murray 5. Amy Allen 6. Jessie Ebbels 7. Faith Barrow 8. Vera Devine 9. Maggie Schneider 10. Vera Watson 11. Hope Barrow 12. Jessie Wyles 13. Dolly Witt barely seen, the tallest there.lois lyons, edie jackson, beth barrow, phyllis murray, amy allen, jessie ebbels, faith beatty, vera devine, maggie schneider, vera watson, hope barrow, jessie wyles, dolly witt, olinda, maypole, hillcrest, john lundy-clarke

Yields information about the rates for electricity in Geelong and Ballarat., Yields information about the rates for electricity in Geelong and Ballarat..1 - Memorandum to Manager Ballarat from Engineer Melbourne, dated 28/3/1962, forwarding a copy of a series of questions put to the local Manager from the Ballarat Courier and a response from Minister for Electrical Undertakings Murray Byrne. .2 - Report - address to the Minister - 4 foolscap sheets, questions involved the rate for electricity in Geelong prior to the closure of the Geelong system and the current rates, power consumption in Geelong and Ballarat and how much power did the trams used the previous year. All sheets have round edges.trams, tramways, geelong, electricity supply, power supply

Yields information about the view of The Courier, and locals about the mooted closure of the tramway system and reporting on the proposal in particular local views.Foolscap sheet of plain paper, with rounded corners, with 8 newspaper cuttings, concerning the mooted closure of the Ballarat Tram system March - March 1962. All from The Courier, unless noted otherwise. Most of the cuttings glued onto the sheet. 1 - 17/3/1962 - "Discussion on trams" - report and photo on the Save the Trams Committee - photo of J Restawick (Trades Hall), Cr. J E Tuppen (Sebastopol), S Miller (Pensioners Association), Cr Tom Evans, Vance Dickie, Cr W. E Roff (Ballarat), Robert Joshua, Murray Byrne, Gordon Scott. Refers to the front page story. 2 - "Unanimity in City (19-3-62), report on meeting and that the City would fight to retain the tramways 3 - "Need for Trams (20-3-62) - Senior Citizens wanted the tramway Mrs N Kierath reported 4 - "Mothers Join Tram Protest (20-3-62), Urquhart St School Mothers re tram 5 - "Trams and Buses" - W J Parsons, use of trolley buses, USA tram lines and extensions and H J Bromley - rather idiosyncratic letter. 6 - "DLP Back Councils" - local DLP support report. 7 - "Save the Trams" - trams help to support aged citizens. 8 - "Tram Deputation" - Bolte asked to receive a deputation from Ballarat and Bendigo Councils.closure, letter to the editor, editorial, sec, councils, city of ballaarat

Yields information about the views of various letter writers, views of the Courier, union views, rehabilitation costs Geelong, public meetings and meetings with SEC.Set of three Foolscap sheet of plain paper, with rounded corners, with newspaper cuttings, concerning the mooted closure of the Ballarat Tram system 20 Feb and 22 Feb 1962. All from The Courier, unless noted otherwise. 7940.1 1 - "Tram future rests with Government" - 22-2-62 - news report about the SEC being insistent on tabling the motion to close in Parliament, price of replacement trams. Attending Mr K L Murray, Mr Linaker, Mr A V Mawby of the SEC, Cr. A Pittard and Town Clerk Mr. H H Maddern. 2 - "Government "Bought itself out" - continuation from above, quoting Mr Mawby about the rehabilitation of the system in 1934 by the Government, discussions about fares, losses, time of travel from Sebastopol compared to buses. Also notes Cr Tuppen of Sebastopol. 3 - "A hot tram tip" - 22-2-62 - suggestion by Cr Cooper suggested the tram be retained around the lake for Historical reasons, Mr Murray of the SEC, sell/give to the Historical Society, Cr W E Roff replied about not wanting them and put them in a tip. 7940.2 1 - "SEC Not to sell this - 20-2-62 - photo of the power house in Ripon St, with the caption that the SEC did not propose to sell the property, but would be selling the tram depot site. 2 - "The talk was trams" - 22-2-62 - photo of Mr Mawby, Cr A D Mason, H Linaker and Mr K L Murray at the meeting with Council the previous day. 3 - "Save our Trams" - 21-2-62 - long letter - about the closing the trams and railway losses including building, new rail lines being built. 4 - "Tram fight" - letter by R Courtney Union Secretary, about the formation of a Committee to oppose closure. 7940.3 "Sound Shell Plan+ - 21-2-62 - Long editorial about the construction of a Sound Shell and council discussions and inability to make a decision.closure, letter to the editor, editorial, sec, rehabilitation, staff, buses, concession fares, museum, power station, ballarat a power station, botanical gardens

Awarded by Colac Shire Council 1920Historical itemRound Medal with Red, White and Blue ribbon attachedObverse:- ??, Reverse:- ??

Medal issued to Australian Military Personnel who served between 1914 and 1919HighGold coloured round medal with a multicoloured ribbon (Purple, dark blue, light blue, green, yellow and orange colours.Front:- Angel. Rear: The Great War for Civilization. Rim: - 5594. Pte. W.J. Baird. 14th Bn. A.I.F

Medal issued to Australian Service Personnel after WW1HighRound British War Medal. Silver colour. Blue, black, white and orange coloured ribbon issued to all Commonwealth Service personnel.Front:- Portrait of King George. Rear:- Man on a Horse. 1914. 1918. Rim:- 5994 Pte W J Baird 14 Bn A.I. F

Returned from Active Service badges were issued to all Australian service personnel who saw active service. Issued to Mr ??? Service No:- 251845SignificantRound badge with crown on top. Brass. Front centre:- Rising sun emblem with AIF underneath. " Rim:- Issued by Dept. of Defence. Returned from Active Service. Rear:- 251845. Amour Sydney

World War 1 military award for Australian PersonnelHighly SignificantRound bronze coloured medal with a multi coloured ribbon attached (Purple, dark blue, light blue, green, yellow and orange)Front:- Picture of an Angel Rear:- The Great War for Civilization 1914 -1919military awards

World War 1 Military AwardSignificantRound medal. Silver colour. Multi coloured ribbon attachedFront:- Portrait of King George Rear:- Man on a Horse with 1914. 1918 on rimmedal awarded to australian personnel, 1st world war

RSL paraphernaliaMedium significancea) Small round red, blue and gold cap badge with gold crown on top with a light green background b) Round blue and silver brooch type badge with a crown on top c) Round key ringa) Front:- Gold Army, Airforce and Navy emblems. Rear on a blue background. Gold lettering TB Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen Association of Victoria. Gold crown with 99 on a light ground background. Rear:- Swann & Hudson. Frankston. 3862 b) Front:- Australian Flag on a Silver background. Womens Auxiliary. R.S.S.A.I.L. Crown with 99 on a green background Rear:- Swann & Hudson. Frankston c) Front:- Australian Flag on a Gold background. Gold lettering around the rim, "Women' s Auxiliary. RSL on a blue background with a red crown on top Rear:- blankassociation badges

Commemorative medallionsmediumRound commemorative medals x 4. a) Silver coloured medal with a with Red, white and blue ribbon. b) Bronze coloured medal. No ribbon c) Bronze " " with a red, white and blue ribbon d) Silver " " . No ribbon a) Front:- Centenary of Melbourne. 1932. Man looking at city skyline. 1835. Back:- Centenary of Victoria. 1934. Sailing ship/shoreline. 1834 b) Front:- Borough & Shire of Colac. Coat of Arms surrounded by wreath and crossed swords. Back:- Peace and Victory. Surrounded by a wreath c) Front:- King George VI & Queen Elizabeth. Portraits of King and Queen Back:- To Commemorate their Majesties' Coronation d) Front:- Man with a sword on a map of Australia. 1945 Back:- Map

This item is from a collection donated by descendants of John Francis Turner of Wodonga. It is one of many souvenirs produced to represent landmarks in the Albury-Wodonga district. The first punt across the Murray River at Albury was established by Robert Brown in 1843. In 1861 the first Union Bridge was built. It was demolished to make way for the second Union Bridge which opened in 1898. This second bridge closed and was eventually demolished after the third and existing bridge was opened in 1961. Hancock and Sons, Stoke on Trent - Sampson Hancock, a prominent Wesleyan Methodist, started potting in 1857. In 1891 he established the business of Sampson Hancock & Sons. Sampson died in 1900 and the business was continued by his three sons - Jabez, Harry and Arthur. In 1935 the business was in financial difficulty and was made bankrupt. It was restarted as S Hancock & Sons (Potters) Ltd. and moved to the Gordon Works, Hanley - which was renamed the Corona Works. The restarted company was not a success and it finally closed in 1937, having been put into receivership on 23rd March. This information helps to establish provenance of this plate.This item comes from a collection used by a prominent citizen of Wodonga. It is representative of a items produced to represent historic landmarks or features of the district.Fine China round plate with gilt edge and image of the Union Bridge, AlburyBeneath image: " THE BRIDGE OVER THE MURRAY AT ALBURY, NSWALESalbury souvenirs, union bridge albury, albury-wodonga border, murray river bridges

Hay bale saws were a common agricultural tool. Ed Nolt, a Dutch resident of Pennsylvania, USA, invented the prototype for the small square baler back in the 1930s. His patent was purchased and mass produced during the 1940s. These balers quickly spread throughout the world and became a common agricultural machine. The hale bale saw was used to cut up the bales when distributing feed to livestock. As modern agricultural production has turned more to the use of large round bales, these small saws have become obsolete. This saw was used by a farmer in North Barnawatha approximately 18 kilometres from Wodonga, Victoria.This saw is representative of the agricultural tools in the mid to late 20th century.A metal saw with 2 wooden handles. The saw has a very coarse serrated edge. One of the handles is parallel to the blade, and the other handle is perpendicular to the blade.agricultural tools, hay bale saws, north east victoria

This silver mirror is part of a collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It was owned by her aunt, Mrs. Mary Burrowes nee Dinsmore.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A round silver hand mirror decorated with raised ribbon and floral designs repeated on the back and handle. The initial "M" is also embossed on the centre back.Engraved on back "M"vintage mirror, personal accessories

Smiths patented moving coil clocks incorporating transistors, but did not put any models on the market until 1962 when they announced the Sectronic, which had a moving coil movement. This movement had three hairsprings which served to carry current to the coils. These were one of the first battery operated clocks created. This clock is representative of 1960s timepieces. These were the first battery clocks.A small round clock with Roman numerals and gold circular design around the centre. The clock was produced by Smiths Industries Ltd. in England. It is battery powered and features the Smith Sectronic battery which was first introduced in 1962. In centre of clock face "SMITHS/SECTRONIC BATTERY/MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN" clocks, smith sectronic

This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. It belonged to a member of the family of Mrs Jean Raper who donated a collection of assorted jewellery to the Wodonga & District Historical Society Collection.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A round silver brooch with natural coloured mother of pearl centre. The surrounding silver edging of 0.4 width is in a leaf design. The mother of pearl centre is 3 centimetres in diameter.fashion accessory, women's jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery

This unusual jewellery set belonged to the family of Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It is part of an extensive collection of jewellery items which belonged to her mother and grandmother.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A long strand of black beads with embedded opal chips of varied sizes. The front central bead is teardrop shaped and surrounded by 4 large round beads. Beads are strung on a strong dark thread with a plastic screw clasp. The set includes a matching brooch consisting of 3 medium sized and 4 smaller beads attached to a faun gold bar.fashion accessory, women's jewellery

A cabochon is a gemstone that has been cut, shaped and polished. The resulting gem has a convex (rounded) obverse with a flat reverse. This method is usually applied to opaque gems such as this pair of agates. Cabochons are most commonly used in the design of pendants or rings. These cabochons are part of the jewellery collection of Mrs. Jean Raper.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.2 cabochons or polished stones. One is in shades of brown and the other a lighter beige in colour.jewellery, cabochon, fashion accessory

Mixing bowls of this design were a common item in Austrailan kitchens in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At this time the majority of women worked at home looking after their family and producing home-cooked meals. This type of bowl was a common domestic appliance used daily in Australian homes.This item is typical of kitchen utensils used in Australian homes in the early 20th century. No clear provence determined3 ceramic round mixing bowls of various widths - 340 mm, 300 mm and 265 mm. Each bowl has a pouring lip and decorative scallop relief around body. There is no indication of makers mark or source of production.Nonemixing bowl, domestic appliances

Kande Kitchenware was established by Patrick Kavanagh and William English in 1922. The name Kande was formed from their initials, K and E. It had its Sydney factory in Little Collins Street, Surrey Hills. Kavanagh and English, a subsidiary of Kande Kitchenware, became a limited company in 1924, with both founders as directors. Another director was Test cricketer Jack Gregory, an all-rounder who slipped easily into the role of businessman. Gregory enjoyed success in business as on the cricket field, helping the company grow from a tiny operation to a major manufacturer and exporter that employed 80 people in 1931. They produced a wide range of utensils including cake tins, pastry cutters, pans and baking dishes. They managed to survive the difficulties of the Depression and were listed as a public company in 1949. Kande Kitchenware Ltd were taken over by Hackshalls Limited 6 July 1960.An appliance made by an early and successful Australian company which manufactured metal kitchen items during the first half of the 20th century. Th.ese utensils were widely used throughout AustraliaFlour sifter manufactured by KANDE Australia. The sifter / sieve is made of metal with a wire mesh and is decororated with images of other kitchen utensils and ingredients. It has a spring-loaded handle to which would be squeezed to operate the internal sifting mechanism.At botton of illustrations on one side "Kande AUSTRALIA"australian business, kande kitchenware, kitchen utensils, kitchenware early 20th century

Green Hills School was the first school in the Wodonga area. Before the school could open and a teacher commence duties, the Government had to be assured that a minimum of 20 children would be attending. The school was built of round timber, slab walls, bark roof, dirt floor and shuttered windows. The school opened in 1850 and closed in 1870. This sketch, completed by Jim Parker, a Life Member of Wodonga & District Historical Society, was included on a commemorative plaque as part of the Wodonga Heritage Drive established by the Society to recognise the story of key historic locations in the Wodonga area.This drawing is significant because it depicts the first school opened in Wodonga.A sketch of Green Hills School completed by Jim Parker, a life member of Wodonga & District Historical Society. This sketch was completed as part of a project to place commemorative plaques at key locations around Wodonga green hills school, wodonga schools, education wodonga

In the jockey room after weight is declared correct an infuriated Nugent accuses O'Day and O'Hara of deliberately "taking him on" for no obvious reason. Calm as ever O'Day prevents action between the other two, and the three of them are called before the steward. Nobody "splits", and, though he declares himself dissatisfied with the explanation that Nugent tried to get through where there was no room and just had to pull out and go round, the stipendiary steward closes the incident. All of which adds fuel to a fast growing feud between Nugent and the O'Haras.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 19des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

These flooring nails and lock came from a railway cottage at 2 Ethel Lane, Wodonga. One is a diamond-headed timber nail and the others are simple round headed nails. They were designed so the head of the flooring nail when driven into the Baltic pine flooring was covered over by the timber so was not visible. The cottage was built about 1890. It featured many items labelled with the emblem of Victorian Railways. The house was demolished in November 2006. This lock is significant because it came from an early railway home in Wodonga.Flooring nails - one diamond headed timber nail and four other nails from railways cottage at 2 Ethel Lane, Wodonga. Door lock and striker plate from a railway cottage at Ethel Lane.On Lock - Trademark disc Around edge - REGISTERED TRADEMARK PATENT EXPIRED In centre: Royal Warrant Symbol of Rampant Lion and Unicorn above words NO. 60 JAS CARPENTER PATENTEE On striker plate: VRrailway houses wodonga, jas carpenter locksmith

Geoff MURRAY, refer Cat No 638P for his service history..1) Inscribed pewter tankard. .2) Plastic & metal trophy. Round section at top has gun figures in centre encircled with a laurel wreath..1) Inscribed: "TO L/CPL G MURRAY (MUZZ) A SECT 1TOPO SVY TP VIETNAM 69-70" .2) Inscribed: "3411521 G MURRAY BEST OMC SHOT 16 PL C COY"trophy, tankard, vietnam

Built in 1866 in Echuca, the PS Adelaide is the oldest wooden hulled paddle steamer still operating as a passenger vessel in the world. Engines made in Melbourne by Fulton and Shaw. JG Grassie was the original owner who was looking for a wool carrying boat as a commercial venture with the arrival of the rail at the Port of Echuca making the future look bright. Seutonius and Charles Officer of Murray Downs Station joined Grassie in financing the venture and they used the boat for 6 years before David Blair and partners (Echuca sawmillers) bought the Adelaide in July of 1872 and she began her long working life as a logging boat providing a shuttle service between the forests around Barmah and the mill, usually towing up to 3 or 4 barges. The paddle boxes were rebuilt from round to a square configuration in approximately 1924 by Charles Felshaw, local Echuca shipwright. The Adelaide had unusual strength for her size. Her career ended in the mid 1950s where she lay idle tied up near the mill at Echuca wharf. For a short time she was sold to Mildura but fortunately the Apex Club raised funds to buy her back to be a reminder of the riverboat days at the Port. She was lifted out for safekeeping into Hopwood Gardens where she remained on show for nearly 25 years. After restoration by Port shipwright Keven Hutchinson OAM, she returned to the waters of the Murray River on Sunday March 4th 1984 at 5.20pm. After further restoration, in 1985 the Prince and Princess of Wales re-commissioned PS ADELAIDE in a ceremony on their tour of the region. The world's oldest wooden hulled paddle steamer still operating as a passenger vessel today built in Echuca in 1866. It is often considered the flagship of the operational fleet of the Port of Echuca given its age and known provenance to Echuca. The Adelaide is an iconic symbol of the riverboat timber and cargo trade that worked on the Murray River from the mid 1800s. Remarkably, PS ADELAIDE still operates with its original Fulton and Shaw engines.Composite hull, side wheeler with two single cylinder steam engines, producing a total of 36hp. Currently cream and burgundy moored at the Echuca Wharf. 49 passenger capacity.P.S. Adelaide signage on wheelhouse and port and starboard bow.p.s. adelaide, paddle steamers, echuca boat builders, charles felshaw

The PS Success was built in Moama in June 1977 by GB Air for Westwood & Air. It was built to tow barges of cargo along the Darling and Murray rivers, as well as running as a passenger boat from Swan Hill to Mildura during 1915-16. The Success was the last paddlesteamer actively working on the river when she performed several rescue voyages to flood bound properties along on the Darling River, rescuing sheep and a large cargo of wool. The vessel ended her working life in 1957 and was put up on the bank at Ned's corner, 80km west of Mildura. In 1996, the Pollard family donated the vessel to the Riverboat Historical and Preservation Society of Mildura with plans to restore her to her former glory. This project became increasingly difficult for the dedicated volunteers to handle and the Port of Echuca took ownership in 2009 in the hopes that further restoration work can be done at the Port. The Succes is currently on static display at the northern end of the Port of Echuca. The PS Success had a long, colourful history towing barges on the Murray River and in particular in the Mildura, Wentworth and Ned's Corner regions. She was the last paddlesteamer to be working on the river system right up until the 1956 floods towing the barge Vega, where at one point both boat and barge smashed into trees on a wild, uncontrolled journey downstream where she was damaged and later lay stranded on Ned's Corner.Composite timber hull, 3-inch red gum planks on angle iron frames. Carvel built with counter stern and straight stem. Originally had a round keel and a pair of 35hp engines. Success paddle steamers, echuca boat builders, westwood & air