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. This badge is significant because it was produced to commemorate the centenary of an important Wodonga building.A metal and plastic badge featuring a sketch of the Wodonga Library as well as text.CELEBRATING 100 YEARS WODONGA LIBRARY EST. 1915wodonga library, wodonga buildings

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 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, this item 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 silver plate elephant on a double linked chain. A diamond shape at the end of the chain bears the company logo. A trademark is also imprinted underneath the bottom of the feet.Under foot: SARGEM On Diamond shaped link: SARAH COV/ CANADAsarah coventry, sarah coventry wodonga

Small booklet featuring text and illustrations locally printed on loose sheets. It contains illustrations by Norma Fitz-Gerald.A short history of the development of railway links and services in the Albury Wodonga area, including reminiscences by Edmund Boyes.railways albury, railways wodonga, history of railways victoria, history of railways nsw

A spiral bound volume presenting articles and information and timelines documenting the history of the Saleyards in Wodonga.This booklet is based on information from the Wodonga & Towong Sentinel newspaper leading up to the construction and opening of the Wodonga Municipal Saleyards in Elgin Street, Wodonga. It then documents key developments until the closure of the yards in 1980. Information on the closing of the yards, the buying and construction of new cattle yards at Bandiana from 1980 -1985 is also included. wodonga municipal saleyards, saleyards bandiana, saleyards elgin street wodonga

A small booklet of 4 pages stabled along the centre fold. The cover is printed on glossy light-weight card. It is printed in dark blue ink.This program from the ceremony proclaiming the Shire of Wodonga as a Rural City in 1973 documents the development of Wodonga as an important centre in North East Victoria. The decentralisation of industry and the establishment of international companies in Wodonga in the second half of the 20th century contributed to the growth of Wodonga as a major regional centre today.rural city of wodonga, wodonga council, proclamation wodonga

This bonnet was made to be worn by Patricia Kathleen Grant. She was born in1925, the daughter of Dr Frank John Audas Grant and Kathleen Josephine Dixon. Dr Frank Grant gave many years of service to the Wodonga community both as its doctor and on several community organisations and committees. He was born in South Yarra, Victoria in 1897 and after finishing school he began Medical Studies at Melbourne University. In 1915 he enlisted in the Australian Army and was assigned to the Hospital Transport Corps and later with the 8th Field Artillery Brigade aboard HMAT Medic. He was wounded in action with gunshot wounds to the arm and back. After time in hospital in England, Frank was returned to Melbourne where he was discharged as medically unfit on 24th October 1917. During World War II Dr Frank Grant served as an Honorary Captain in the Australian Army Medical Corps. His records show that he was accidentally “Mustard Gassed” at Bandiana. Dr Frank Grant commenced practice in Wodonga in 1923, entering into a partnership with Dr Rudolph Schlink. This marked the beginning of a long career dedicated to the Wodonga community. By 11 August 1926 he held the role of Public Vaccinator with the Commission of Public Health in Wodonga. Apart from long years of dedication to health in Wodonga, Dr Grant also took on numerous roles within Wodonga. This included being a Commissioner of the Wodonga Waterworks Trust from 6 April 1932 until 29 July 1963. He was a strong advocate for the development of the Wodonga Base Hospital which opened in 1954. Doctor Grant passed away on 14 January 1964.This item is significant because it is representative of crocheted handcraftsA small hand crocheted baby's bonnet made of silk cotton thread and lined with silk. A silk ribbon is attached.crocheted items, dr frank grant, handcraft

The Bell & Howell Ringmaster slide projector was capable of projecting 35mm mounted slides onto an internal screen and then played them much like a television set. Different settings allowed the slides to be projected onto a larger screen if desired. The RingMaster included cassette tape player/recorder that was able to synchronize the playing of sound with the projection of slides. It was compatible with 80 and 140 count Kodak Carousel slide trays which were mounted on the top. A carry handle was attached for the top of the machine for easy transport, Accessories with the projector included an external microphone and cassette tapes. Donald J. Bell and Albert S. Howell founded Bell & Howell Incorporated with a capitalization of $5,000 in February 1907. This projector was used by the Country Fire Authority Training Wing to conduct training and information sessions for its members.This item is significant because it is representative of development in home entertainment in the late 1970s. It was donated by a local organisation in Wodonga.A large cube-shaped projector with a slide carousal which was placed on the top. It included a built-in cassette recorder and an external microphone jack. The front featured a screen allowing slides to be viewed on this screen or projected onto an external screen.On front: Bell & Howell Metal Plate on back: Serial Number 9005079 and Patent informationbell & howell, home entertainment

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. This item was part of the Affinity Jewellery line released in 1982.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, this item 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 silver plated stick pin featuring a heart at each end. It is in its original Sarah Coventry box and includes instructions for caring for Sarah Coventry Affinity range items. It is attached to a silver card.On box: SARAH COVENTRY®| AND AFFINITY ® INTERNATIONAL FASHION JEWELLERY On card: Open Heart Imitation Jewellery Sarah Coventry & Affinity International Fashion Jewellery Distributed by Sargem Pty. Ltd. WODONGA VICTORIA Made in USA sarah coventry, sarah coventry affinity, sarah coventry 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. 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

Wodonga Shire was created in 1876 when the colonial government agreed to ratepayers' petitions to have their part of the local government district severed from the Yackandandah Shire to form a new municipality. In March 1973 Wodonga was declared as the first Rural City in Australia. This was officially proclaimed by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe at an open-air ceremony in Hovell Street following a procession along High Street led by the Victorian Police Band. The first meeting of the Council was held in the open air immediately after the Proclamation.These Seals are significant because they document different stages in the development of local government in Wodonga.Two wood and metal seals to endorse documents. The seal with black painted handle is for the Rural City of Wodonga. The brown handled seal is for the Shire of WodongaSeal 1 - Rural City of Wodongawodonga shire council, rural city of wodonga

Henry Beardmore represented the Green Hills Riding on Wodonga Shire Council from 1898 to 1922, including terms as President from 1900-01, 1903-4, 1908-10, 1911-12, 1914-17. He won the seat of Benambra in the Victorian Legislative Assembly at a by-election on 20th April 1917. After a few years serving simultaneously at both local and State government levels, in 1922 Mr Beardmore retired from the Wodonga Council due to his increased workload in State politics. He continuously represented the Benambra electorate as a Nationalist and United Australia Party Member for more than 15 years being returned unopposed on four occasions. Mr Beardmore was a strong advocate for country development and decentralisation. He was an Honorary Minister in 1924 and for a short time in 1929, Minister of Railways, Minister in-charge of Electrical Undertakings and Minister of Labour. He was a leading supporter of Kiewa Hydro-Electric Project and opponent of Yallourn coalfield. He remained as the Member for Benambra until his death in Wodonga on 1st August 1932. At the time this letter was written, William Hughes had been expelled from the ALP over his stance on conscription. He formed the National Labor Party which later merged with the Liberal Party to become the Nationalist Party. Henry Beardmore was a newly-elected Member of the Victorian Parliament and became a member of the Nationalist Party. Two of Henry Beardmore’s sons were on Active Service at the time and were later joined by another of their brothers. The letter aimed to gain support for Hughes at the Federal Election to be held on 5th May 1917 which his new party won with a large majority. However the Second Referendum held on conscription on 20th December 1917 at William Hughes’ instigation was defeated.This letter is significant because it was sent to an important Wodonga politician by the Prime Minister at a critical time in Australia's history.A typed letter sent to Mr Henry Beardmore by W. M. Hughes, Prime Minister 25th April 1917. It is printed on the Commonwealth of Australia letterhead. The letter has been damaged over time and has been repaired. Commonwealth of Australia letterhead Signed W. M. Hughesw. m. hughes, henry beardmore, conscription debate 1917

This manuscript and letter represent the connection between two significant people from the North East of Victoria and their common interest in literature and development of the Upper Murray. Des Martin was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. He joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment and in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, serving in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. Amongst other pursuits he became the first President of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a Steward at that event. As well as “Many a Mile”, Des also wrote “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing and a “Tale of Twin Cities” as well as collaborating with R. M. Williams to develop the “Hoofs and Horns” publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995. Thomas Walter Mitchell was born at "Towong Hill" near Corryong, Victoria and was educated at Cranbrook School, Sydney and Cambridge University. A keen skier, Mitchell founded the Australian National Ski Federation, captained the Australian skiing team and won gold medals in competitions against England and New Zealand. He was an Australian champion in the downhill and long-time member of the Ski Club of Australia. In 1937 he published Australia’s first ski handbook "Ski Heil". Mitchell joined the Second Australian Imperial Force in 1940 and was a Captain in the 2/22nd Battalion and Headquarters 8th Division. He was captured and interned in Changi POW camp until 1945. Tom Mitchell served as the Country Party Member for Benambra in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1947 to 1976. He was awarded the C.M.G. “For distinguished services to the Community, particularly in the fields of Politics, Alpine Sports and Safety, and Writing.” He died on 4th February 1984. This volume is significant because it is the manuscript of a book written by a local Wodonga author. The letter written to Tom Mitchell contains anecdotes and details of the writing of the novel, Many a Mile.An original typed manuscript bound in blue coverboard. It is accompanied by a typed letter.des martin, tom mitchell, many a mile

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

A photocopy of the original publication with annotations.non-fictionThe final linking of the railway systems of Victoria and NSW at Albury-Wodonga was finally achieved in June 1883 when a temporary railway bridge across the Murray River was opened. A grand celebration was held in Albury to mark the occasion. This book details the significance of the railway and the celebrations of 1883.railways australia, railway albury wodonga, history railways

Wodonga Bowling Club was formally constituted in September 1925 . Percy Lingford was elected as the first president and Edward William Owens the first secretary. The site of the club was leased from the Shire Council for one shilling per annum. With the assistance of voluntary labour a four-rink green was laid and a pavilion. The club was officially opened by Percy Lingford on the 23 October 1926 The membership for the first year was 43 and the membership fee £2/2/0. At the first Annual General Meeting held in September 1926 Mick Martin was elected President, a position he held for the next 22 years. After catering for men's events over many years, and being permitted to play only socially, in 1949 the Ladies' (Associates) Section was formally constituted with Doll Connell the first president and May Hicks the first secretary. A surplus Army hut was purchased and moved in from Bonegilla and members converted it into a comfortable clubhouse. Over the years Wodonga has had many outstanding players who have won an array of association and group events and the club also has had a particularly high representation in group sides at both the district and State level. These items are significant because they document the establishment of a popular Wodonga sporting club.A collection of photos, programs and articles documenting the early development of the Wodonga Bowling Club.wodonga bowling club, albury-wodonga sport, wodonga community sports

The arrival of the railway from Melbourne to Wodonga was celebrated on 21st November 1873. The railway line between Melbourne and Wodonga was constructed in three sections. The first section from Essendon to Seymour was fifty-six miles. It was constructed by Messrs. O'Grady, Leggatt and Noonan at a cost of £305,558. The second section from Seymour to Benalla was sixty miles under contract to Messrs. Styles, Murray and Co. for £314,994. The final section of sixty six miles to Wodonga was constructed by Messrs. Cain, Dalrymple and Holton for £350,100. The Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers 4 December 1873 reported extensively on the event. The Victorian Government was determined to celebrate the event with a banquet, to which twelve hundred guests were invited. Four special trains had departed Melbourne to bring dignitaries to Wodonga. The Governor Sir George Bowen, Lady Bowen and, two Misses Bowen, were among the guests. Sir George Bowen proposed a toast to the “Prosperity to the North-eastern railway”. The banquet was held in marquees erected for the event, although the facilities struggled to cater adequately for the more than 5,000 people who arrived to celebrate. The estimated population of Wodonga was 500 only people. That evening a ball was held in the goods' shed, which was handsomely decorated with flags, evergreens and flowers. About five hundred guests were present. It would be another decade before New South Wales completed the line from Sydney to Albury and a connecting rail bridge was built over the Murray River.This item is significant because it documents the festivities celebrating the arrival of the railway line in Wodonga.A colourised version of a newspaper article documenting the celebrations for the arrival of the North Eastern Railway to Wodonga. It depicts crowds of people congregated near the railway line area. Large tents have been erected to house visitors and special activities. The railway goods shed can be seen in the background and a steam locomotive is on the track. The image was accompanied by a lengthy article which detailed the development of the railway line.northeast railway line, wodonga transport