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Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Chinese Ceramic Spoons
During the Victorian goldrushes of the 1850s thousands of Chinese migrants arrived to seek their fortunes. At that time many came to the lucrative gold fields of Northeast Victoria. After the Gold rush, many Chinese migrants returned home. However, a number settled in the area as merchants, hawkers and market gardeners in surrounding towns including Wodonga, the Ovens, King, Buffalo River and Kiewa Valleys. They also rented lands and established themselves in the hops and tobacco farming industries. These spoons were found by Mr Robert Black when he was ploughing a paddock on his farm in Kergunyah, Victoria in the 1930s.2 small ceramic Chinese spoons. Spoon 1 has a clear light green glaze. Spoon 2 is decorated with a blue painted pattern.chinese immigration to victoria, chinese market gardens, chinese migration northeast victoria -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Hair Styling Set, Braun Electrics (Australia) Pty. Ltd, c1970
Braun was originally founded in Germany in 1921, making components for radio sets. After World War 2 they extended their range to include audio and camera equipment. By the 1950s and 1960s the company branched out into electric shavers, kitchen appliances and hair care products. Home hair styling sets and hot rollers became popular in the 1960s and continued to be an important woman's styling appliance throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In 1975 this product was advertised at a price of $37.95. From 1984 until 2007, Braun was a wholly owned subsidiary of Gillette, which had purchased a controlling interest in the company in 1967. Braun is now a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, which acquired Gillette in 2005.Personal grooming items such as this became important personal accessories and grooming tools for women throughout the mid 20th century across Australia.This hair styler set contains 20 hair rollers which were heated by placing them on the 20 heating posts fitted inside the unit in the case. An electric cord supplied was attached to an electric socket. A red dot on top of each posts darkened when the rollers were sufficiently heated. A detailed instruction booklet is included. A mirror is attached to the inside of the lid.On 2 metal plates on back of unit: Plate 1: MANUFACTURED FOR BRAUN ELECTRICS (AUST) PTY. LTD. / 24 JOHNSTON ST., FITZROY, VIC. 650-WATT 240 V. A. C. ONLY 50 CYCLE CAT. NO. B102 Plate 2: VOLT 240 AC ONLY FREQUENCY 50 H Z. 0.66 AMP / RETURN TO SUPPLIER FOR REPAIR Across bottom: PATENTS PENDING / MADE IN HONG KONGbraun electrics, personal appliances, hair styling -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Brooch from the Sarah Coventry jewellery range, "Old Vienna", c. 1970s - 1980s
Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St., but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. The North American parent company of the Stuart family started Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in 1949, as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. 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 as an Australian business venture, which included Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s. The brooch has local significance as part of the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria. As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the brooch has 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.Oval brooch in gold toned metal with red blue and black enamel (?) inlay."©SARAHCOV" on the back surfacesarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, brooch, brooches -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Jurors' Selection Barrel, Wodonga Court House
The barrel was used in the Wodonga Court House as part of the selection process for jurors. It was a standard issue barrel used throughout Victoria. It was retrieved from the ruins of the court house which was destroyed by fire. It was then donated to the Wodonga Historical Society. The timber display stand was made and donated by Jake Tooley, a Wodonga Historical Society member, The Court House was situated in the Customs Store building alongside the Wodonga Police Station in 93 High Street. (The house where the Police Station was had originally been the home of the Customs Officer). In early 1964, the court house building was burnt beyond repair and furniture and other property destroyed. The cause of the fire was never found. The Police Station was lucky to survive but only because of the efforts of the local Fire Brigade. After the fire, the court was held first at the old Fire Station premises near where the Wodonga Post Office is near Woodland Grove, then it moved to a vacant building in Mitchell Street which was later turned into a Child Care Centre. Foundations for the new court house in Elgin Street were laid in October 1965 Local significance due to its use in the Wodonga Court House and its survival of a major fire. State significance as it documents a procedure used in the Victorian Court and Legal system Cylindrical metal-iron barrel painted black with writing stenciled on the front in white The timber mount was made for storage and display is not part of the original object,Inscription on Barrel "WODONGA./ Jurors in use./ Special"wodonga court, jurors, selection, legal system, fire -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Badge - Lavington Sports Club Membership 1978 - 1979
The Lavington Sports Ground, former home of the Lavington Sports Club, is now owned and operated by Albury City Council. Over 50 years ago, a group of Lavington locals dreamed of building a new sportsground to encourage more people to play sport, particularly juniors. The original oval opened in 1973. The Sports Ground was developed solely by the Lavington Sports Club, formed by 30 football and cricket players and supporters in 1964. Football and cricket clubs had existed in Lavington since before 1914. In 1964, the football and cricket clubs merged to become the Lavington Sports Club. The new club and facilities were established on land initially leased from the Divine Sword Missionaries on their former seminary and turkey farm. The club expanded its facilities and representative sports throughout the next 20 years, including hosting international events. However the Club's debt worsened and In 2001 the entire Lavington Sports Club operation went into liquidation. It was taken over by Penrith Panthers through the Panthers Entertainment Group. In July 2009 the Albury City Council purchased the Sports Ground and has further redeveloped the ground and its facilities.This badge is representative of the role played by sporting organisations in the local communityA circular blue and silver enamelled badge issued for membership of the Lavington Sports Club.On front of Badge "78 -79/Lavington/Sports/Club/Limited" On reverse "MEMBER/NOT TRANSFERABLE/6114/PERFECTION BADGES/SYDNEY/770775"lavington sports club, recreational facilities albury, sport and recreation -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Badge - Membership Albury S.S & A, Perfection Badges, 1980 - 1981
The Albury Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Club traces its origins back to the Albury and District War Services Hall Appeal Committee. This group of the World War I diggers, service groups and parents of men serving in World War II set out to raise 14,000 pounds for a Services Memorial Hall. After the war ended, the Memorial Hall Fund was far short of its target. Also, different attitudes prevailed when the boys came home. Instead of a memorial hall, the idea of a licensed club gained favour. This was to be not merely for RSL men who had served overseas, but for many ex-servicemen who had not left Australia. Using the Memorial Hall Fund, the RSL bought the old Commercial Club buildings at 611 Dean Street, which had been a Service Rest Room throughout the war and up to February 1946. The SS&A Club was formally opened in October 1946 and was registered under the Liquor Act in 1947. The foundation stone of the new building in Olive Street was laid by Lt General Sir John Northcott, May 2, 1959. The building was opened July 15,1960 by Governor of NSW, Sir Eric Woodward. It has since undergone many extensions and developments to become a modern facility but still continues to honour its origins with the inclusion of its War MemorialThis badge is representative of the role played by licensed clubs in the local community.Enamelled membership badges for the S.S & A. Club in Albury. Many people from both Albury and Wodonga hold membership the club which provides employment and social activities for people from both sides of the Murray RIver.Red Badge, around the centre image of the Albury War Memorial: "ALBURY S.S.& A CLUB LTD/ 1981-82" On reverse: "MEMBER/NOT TRANSFERABLE/2302/PERFECTION BADGES/SYDNEY/770775" Yellow Badge, around the centre image of the Albury War Memorial: "ALBURY S.S.& A CLUB LTD/ 1980-81"albury s.s & a club, social clubs, licensed clubs albury -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Light 'N Easy Electric Iron, General Electric Housewares Pty Ltd, c1950s
From the late 1920s several brands of irons, including Hotpoint and Light' N Easy were manufactured in Australia by the Australian General Electric Co. Ltd. Light' N Easy irons were marketed as a versatile iron, small and light enough to be taken with you if you needed to travel away from home.This iron is representative of electrical appliances developed under licence in Australia from the late 1920s onwards.Small yellow steam iron. There are controls and a water level indicator on the side of the iron. There are 25 steam vents in the base. Steam and dry iron with surge of steam. A 3 metre electrical cord is attached.Label: " General Electric Housewares Pty Ltd. Vic/ Nottinghill Melbourne 3166/ 700 Watts/ APP NO. V79008 Cat 04/06 240 Voltsdomestic appliances, light 'easy irons -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Pair of Flat Irons, c1890s - 1910
Sad irons, also called flat irons or smoothing irons, are shaped pieces of metal that are flat and polished on one side and have a handle attached to the other, created for the purpose of ironing fabric. “Sad” is an Old English word for “solid,” and the term “sad iron” is often used to distinguish the largest and heaviest of flat irons. They often had a trivet on which to rest the hot iron. These irons are representative of domestic appliances used prior to the advent of electricity in the home.A pair of triangular flat irons. They are made of solid cast iron with hollow iron handles. Flat irons were commonly heated on trivets in front of open fires, or on the tops of closed ranges. They were made in numbered series which related to their size, but there did not appear to be any standardisation in the series between manufacturers.domestic appliances, flat irons, sad irons -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Kerosene Lamp, Aladdin Industries Ltd, 1953-1963
Kerosene lamps were used as a main source of lighting throughout Australia prior to the supply of domestic electrical services. This was obviously later in many rural areas. This lamp was used in the home of Mrs. Gina Elizabeth Harris of Bethanga in Northeast Victoria where electricity was connected on 23 March 1959.This lamp is representative of the lamps used throughout Australia prior to the introduction of domestic electricity supplies. This vintage kerosene lamp is model No. 21 which was manufactured by Aladdin Industries in Greenford, Middlesex, England in the 1950s. Base stems were mostly made from wood, turned into several different patterns. More expensive table lamp stems were of metal. Bases were mostly steel filled with sand as a weight. When Bakelite became available it was used extensively in three different colours, although collectors say that white bases were used primarily in hospitals and churches and are more rare. On wick knob: "21/Aladdin Industries Ltd/GREENFORD" Inscribed around burner: "GB Patent No 9. 69-4273-4"kerosene lamp, bakelite, domestic appliances -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Hand carved Wooden Bellows, James Ripper, c1900
The fireplace was the main heating source for small houses before 1900, so a bellows to coax a flame from a dying fire was important. They would also be used to keep the fire going in a woodfire oven for cooking. In later cooking ranges, domestic water supply was also heated through the cooking range so bellows helped to maintaing a supply of hot water. These bellows were handcrafted by Mr James Ripper, a great uncle of Mrs. Jean Raper. An item of signifance throughout Australia, bellows were used in homes to coax a domestic fire into flame for heating and cooking purposes. It was probably used in late 19th to early 20th century homes.A set of hand carved wooden bellows. Each side of the bellows was crafted from one piece of timber. The bellows were joined with leather, brass studs and a metal nozzle.bellows, handcragted items, domestic items -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Small Butter Churn, E. Cherry & Sons, c1880 - 1920
North east Victoria was a major dairy producing region in the late nineteenth century. The Wodonga Butter Factory Ltd was established in 1892. Many families living in the town or on farms also owned their own cow for family needs and produced their milk and butter. This churn is representative of the equipment they used to process their own dairy products at home. This churn was made by E. Cherry & Sons which was established in Gisborne, Victoria in 1858. Edward Cherry (1830-1910) arrived in Australia from Hertfordshire, England, in 1855. The business manufactured churns and in 1875 opened a larger factory. On his death, the business was taken over by his son and continued to operate until the 1970s.This item has strong links to the history of Wodonga and north east Victoria. It has interpretative potential in the areas of local agricultural history, and the social history of food and farming.A wooden butter churn with metal turning handle and removable lid. The wooden paddle inside is attached to the turning handle which rotates to churn the butter. The model number is T1. It was probably made by E Cherry & Sons of Gisborne although the brand is blurred.On one side in black: "T 1"butter churns, dairying industry, domestic appliances, e. cherry churns -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - Albury at War 1914 - 1919, Douglas Hunter, Published 2015
This publication tells the story of the men and women from Albury and district who served in the Great War of 1914 to 1919. It tells of those who served on the battlefield, but also those who supported and sustained them from home whilst maintaining the community of Albury. As indicated on the back cover, the author Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Hunter had a long military service and connection with Albury Wodonga. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2009 for services to military history. The book was based on research carried out with the assistance of members of the Albury and DIstrict Historical Society. It included a forward by Councillor Kevin Mack, Mayor of the City of Albury (2015).A publication of 156 pages including text, illustrations, facsimiles and portraits. It also includes bibliographical references and an index.This publication tells the story of the men and women from Albury and district who served in the Great War of 1914 to 1919. It tells of those who served on the battlefield, but also those who supported and sustained them from home whilst maintaining the community of Albury. As indicated on the back cover, the author Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Hunter had a long military service and connection with Albury Wodonga. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2009 for services to military history. The book was based on research carried out with the assistance of members of the Albury and DIstrict Historical Society. It included a forward by Councillor Kevin Mack, Mayor of the City of Albury (2015).impact of world war 1 albury, soldiers ww1 albury, ww1 participation albury -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Large Pinking Shears, Comete Ninci, 1948
Pinking shears or scissors were a valuable accessory for any professional or home dressmaker. Pinking shears have serrated edges and they leave trimmed fabric with a decorative edge as well as preventing the fabric from fraying. The words under the trademark "Marque Depose" mean trademark pending. These pinking shears were owned by Mrs. Betty Sheather of Gordon Street, Wodonga, Victoria. Betty was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Fletcher. Her father had many jobs including carriage cleaner with Victoria Railways at Wodonga and her mother was at House Creek State School No. 2266. Betty worked in Arnold's Store, the store of Costelloe & Smith as well as the Bethanga Park homestead as well as Drummonds at Walwa and the Hotel at Ebden. As a younger woman she lived with the Whan family at Stonleigh which was then a rope factory.Betty was a keen golfer and belonged to a club which played at the Wodonga Racecourse and was a member of the Bandiana Golf Club. These shears were owned by a well-known member of Wodonga and were representative of dressmaking implements used in the mid 1900s.Large vintage Comete Pinking Shears / zigzag scissors produced in Italy from metal alloy.On outer side of blade : NINCI COMETE 1948. Beside central hinge in ring shape: COMETE/ITALY/NINCI/ MARQUE DEPOSE.pinking shears, dressmaking -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - On the Home Front: Albury during the Second World War, Bruce J Pennay, 1992
A study of the impact of the Second World War on life in Albury, NSWnon-fiction A study of the impact of the Second World War on life in Albury, NSWsocial life second world war, social conditions - 20th century, impact of second world war albury -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - Proud to be Irish: The Journey of Henry McIllree from Ireland to Horse Breeder in Colonial Victoria, Australia, Jane Morrison, 2019
Born in Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland in 1824, McIllree was the youngest son of a large family. He achieved much after running away from home, aged just 14, to escape being sent into penury as a clergyman. By the time of his untimely death at Wodonga in 1882, McIllree had packed a lot into his life. He had sailed the high seas as an Able Seaman, toiled as a miner, run the Wodonga pound for 19 years, bought town blocks, set up a farm, a vineyard and a short- lived butchery business, served on local boards, appeared in court, leased and bought Upper Murray grazing lands, established a horse and cattle breeding enterprise at Biggara, taken horses to India for sale, and visited Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s Rotorua spas for a heart disease cure. Perhaps the most important even in his life was marrying a young Irish girl, Isabella Johnston from Belfast, at Wodonga in 1855. Their marriage produced 11 children, seven of whom have descendants living in Australia, Europe, Indonesia, Kiribati, the Philippines, and the United States of America.non-fictionBorn in Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland in 1824, McIllree was the youngest son of a large family. He achieved much after running away from home, aged just 14, to escape being sent into penury as a clergyman. By the time of his untimely death at Wodonga in 1882, McIllree had packed a lot into his life. He had sailed the high seas as an Able Seaman, toiled as a miner, run the Wodonga pound for 19 years, bought town blocks, set up a farm, a vineyard and a short- lived butchery business, served on local boards, appeared in court, leased and bought Upper Murray grazing lands, established a horse and cattle breeding enterprise at Biggara, taken horses to India for sale, and visited Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s Rotorua spas for a heart disease cure. Perhaps the most important even in his life was marrying a young Irish girl, Isabella Johnston from Belfast, at Wodonga in 1855. Their marriage produced 11 children, seven of whom have descendants living in Australia, Europe, Indonesia, Kiribati, the Philippines, and the United States of America.henry mcillree, irish immigration, mcillree genealogy, wodonga pioneers -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Small wooden bellows, Late 19th to early 20th century
The fireplace was the main heating source for small houses before 1900, so a bellows to coax a flame from a dying fire was important. They would also be used to keep the fire going in a woodfire oven for cooking. In later cooking ranges, domestic water supply was also heated through the cooking range so bellows helped to maintaing a supply of hot water.An item of local and social signifance throughout Australia, bellows were usedin homes to coax a domestic fire into flame for heating and cooking purposes. It was probably used in late 19th to early 20th century homes.A small set of wooden and canvas bellows with metal tip commonly used in households in the 19th and early 20th centuries.bellows, domestic tools -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Set of Weights in wooden holder, 1970s
The green holder for the weights was hand made by cutting recesses out of a single piece of wood. The wood was painted green. Between 1960 and 1988 Australia gradually adopted the SI units (Standard International) or metric units. In 1970 the Australian parliament passed the metric conversion act, and the Australian building trades made it the standard in 1974. This information helps to date the set of weights to C. 1970s.These weights have local and social significance to indicate the weights used in many homes or small businesses in the 1970s.Set of 5 small metric weights in wooden holder. Measurements are difficult to decipher but "Gram" can be identified around the edge of some weights. Holder has been created by cutting round recesses into a block of wood.metric system, weights and measures australia -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Metal table balance scales, Pre 1970s
Sets of scales similar to these were very common in households throughout Australia. Between 1960 and 1988 Australia gradually adopted the SI units (Standard International) or metric units. In 1970 the Australian parliament passed the metric conversion act, and the Australian building trades made it the standard in 1974. This information helps to date the set of weights to before the1970s.Domestic scales such as these were common throughout Australian homes. They are now primarily superceded by plastic items, often electronic.Metal table scales with 6 weights graduated in sizes including 1 oz., 2 oz, 4oz, 8oz, 1lb and 2 lbs. Each weight marked "MACK/ MADE IN AUSTRALIA"domestic appliances, weights and measures australia -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Metal balance scales with weights, C. 1900
Sets of scales similar to these were very common in households throughout Australia. Between 1960 and 1988 Australia gradually adopted the SI units (Standard International) or metric units. In 1970 the Australian parliament passed the metric conversion act, and the Australian building trades made it the standard in 1974. This information helps to date the set of weights to before the1970s.Domestic scales such as these were common throughout Australian homes. They are now primarily superceded by plastic items, often electronic. Metal table scales with imperial weights weights and measures australia, table scales, domestic appliances -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Ceramic mixing bowls, 1900 - 1950
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 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Early Electric Table Top Fan, Elcon Australia, 1920s to 1950s
This desk or table-top electric fan marked is typical of the fans popular in the 1930s through to the 1950s. The fans were made for use in the home, office or factory and were produced in a variety of sizes. They were available in both fixed and oscillating models with different speeds. The fans cost several weeks of a man's average wage at the time and were promoted not only as improving comfort in the home but also increasing efficiency at work. With the development of air-conditioning from the 1960s and its increasing use in the workplace and then into the home, fans declined in popularity. This fan was manufactured by the Engineering & Construction Company (ELCON) an Australian owned and patented company originally based in Melbourne, Victoria in the late 1920s. The company became a subsidiary of the Electricity Meter & Allied Industries Ltd (EMAIL) in 1939. Then in 1946 they were decentralised to Orange, New South Wales. EMAIL brands included Email, Emailair, Westinghouse, Carmichael, Elcon, Metters and Weatherall. Electrolux purchased the major appliance division of Email in 2001.This item is representative of early electric fans manufactured in Australia in the early to mid 20th century. They were widely used throughout Australian homes and workplaces prrior to the development of airconditioning.This early electric table fan has four metal blades attached to an egg shaped enclosed motor. Each blade is attached with three rivets. The fan has a wire safety guard surrounding the blades. This is attached to a circular metal base.There is a switch in the centre of the base to adjust speed. A knob at the back of the fan enables its position to be adjusted. There is no longer any branding visible on the fan but it has been identified as an ELCON fan manufacured in Australia. The electrical cord is not the original which has been replaced.electric fans, home appliances, elcon fans -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - Bonegilla Where Waters Meet: The Dutch Migrant Experience in Australia, Dirk Eysbertse and Marijke Eysbertse, 1997
An illustrated account of the experiences of people who migrated to Australia from Holland in the 1950s and 60s and passed through the Bonegilla Reception Centre before settling in their new land. Presents reminiscences from the people involved about their journey to Australia, conditions in Bonegilla and their impressions of life in Australia. Published as an accompanying volume to the exhibition 'Where Waters Meet'non-fictionAn illustrated account of the experiences of people who migrated to Australia from Holland in the 1950s and 60s and passed through the Bonegilla Reception Centre before settling in their new land. Presents reminiscences from the people involved about their journey to Australia, conditions in Bonegilla and their impressions of life in Australia. Published as an accompanying volume to the exhibition 'Where Waters Meet'bonegilla, dutch migration, bonegilla reception centre -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - Bonegilla's Beginnings, Ann Tündern-Smith, 2007
"The history of Bonegilla near Albury - initially a pastoral run, then a grazing property, then, after World War II a migrant transit centre". Bonegilla is the ‘deep waterhole’ on the Murray river. First it was a resource-rich tribal country, then came the explorers and the squatters and the mixed farmers and the Australian Army – a procession of occupants for over 100 years. Arthur Calwell, Australia’s first Minister for immigration changed Bonegilla again in 1947 and made it the first Australian home for 320,000 migrants mostly from war-ravished Europe. Ann Tündern-Smith is the first of the Australian-born children who resulted from Calwell’s post-war population programs. Her mother was one of the Estonians selected for the ‘General Stewart Hentzelman’ which brought the first Displaced Persons here in November 1947.non-fiction"The history of Bonegilla near Albury - initially a pastoral run, then a grazing property, then, after World War II a migrant transit centre". Bonegilla is the ‘deep waterhole’ on the Murray river. First it was a resource-rich tribal country, then came the explorers and the squatters and the mixed farmers and the Australian Army – a procession of occupants for over 100 years. Arthur Calwell, Australia’s first Minister for immigration changed Bonegilla again in 1947 and made it the first Australian home for 320,000 migrants mostly from war-ravished Europe. Ann Tündern-Smith is the first of the Australian-born children who resulted from Calwell’s post-war population programs. Her mother was one of the Estonians selected for the ‘General Stewart Hentzelman’ which brought the first Displaced Persons here in November 1947.bonegilla migrant reception centre, immigrants, bonegilla -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - A Railway Life, Lloyd Holmes, 1991
Lloyd Homes records 40 years of experience as an employee on the New South Wales and then Victorian Railways. His rich powers of description, keenness of observation and sense of humour result in a book that is very readable for anyone with a love of Australia. He captures the remote life of the railway, the warmth of human companionship and traces the transition from steam to diesel haulage.non-fictionLloyd Homes records 40 years of experience as an employee on the New South Wales and then Victorian Railways. His rich powers of description, keenness of observation and sense of humour result in a book that is very readable for anyone with a love of Australia. He captures the remote life of the railway, the warmth of human companionship and traces the transition from steam to diesel haulage.new south wales railways, victorian railways, railroads history -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - The Pollard Arch
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 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Wodonga Business - Wodonga Home Furnishers, c1980s
This popular furniture business was owned and operated by Mr Les Cheesley. In about 1963 the premises of Birrell's Bakery, Miss Hamilton's Corsetry, Gouge's Dry Cleaners, and the Dalgety NZ Loan Stock & Station Agents were demolished to make way for the Wodonga Home Furnishers. Mr Cheesley was a well-respected member of the community and served 13 years as a local councillor. He was often referred to as the council’s watchdog. His contribution is commemorated in the naming of the Les Cheesley Oval, Wodonga in his honour. Mr Cheesley died in Wodonga on 29th September 1994. The business continued to operate for a few more years but the shop was demolished in 1999 to make way for the realignment of Elgin Street in central Wodonga.A colour photo of the premises of Wodonga Home Furnishers in High Steet, Wodongawodonga businesses, high street wodonga, wodonga home furnishers, les cheesley -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Wodonga Plant Farm
Stan and Mary Parker commenced the Plant Farm in Smythe Street Wodonga in February 1949. The nursery consisted of two blocks, on one of which their house was built. They started off with approximately £70 and a 1939 Singer mini-Ute. In the early days most customers came from the farming community. In late 1951 the Parkers purchased to a new site on the corner of High and Osburne Streets. Business went well and in 1957 they purchased the adjoining block. They later demolished the old house on the corner of High Street and Osburne Street, building a new home lower on the same block. As the nursery prospered Stan and Mary built a shop and showrooms with glassed-in portion for the indoor plants and a large shaded area for the display of shrubs. In 1978 they sold the nursery to Mr. & Mrs. John Gale. In 1981 the Wodonga Plant farm was purchased Geoff and Kay Pollard and they moved to its current location at the corner of Beechworth Road and Huon Creek Road. Initially they brought it as an investment but it soon got into their blood and chose to not only continue but expand the nursery and its offerings. This included a large showroom, a water shop which specialises in pool equipment, chemicals and water testing, a children's playground and an outdoor blind centre. Further expansions led to the addition of a Tuscan-style cafe on the site which has become a meeting place. The business was nominated the Yates Victorian Best Garden Centre in Australia for many years and won the award in 1997. In 2024, the Wodonga Plant Farm is still a vibrant and popular business being operated by the Pollard Family.These items are significant because they document the story of respected Wodonga Business which has served the community for over 60 years.A selection of photographs and article documenting the story of the Wodonga Plant Farmearly wodonga businesses, wodonga plant farm, pollard family, geoff and kay pollard -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Mac's Hotel, Wodonga, c1870s
“Mac's Hotel" in Wodonga West, one of Wodonga's earliest hotels, was owned by William Christie McFarlane who arrived in Melbourne in December 1854 from Stirling, Scotland. He spent his first three years mining for gold at Beechworth. For the next three years he was the manager of the King’s Hotel at Wooragee, which was owned by his father-in-law, Charles David King. In 1860 he bought 180 acres of land at Wodonga, eventually extending his holdings to 1,000 acres on which he farmed. He called his property “Abbey Craig” after his home in Scotland. In time he owned several properties in Wodonga, a small vineyard and 'Mac's Hotel'. Mac’s Hotel was a popular meeting place for teamsters and other travellers on the Sydney Road. It opened in the early 1860s and the license was at times in the name of W. C. McFarlane and at other times held by his wife, Mary McFarlane. William had several positions during his life in Wodonga including serving as Postmaster and conducting a Commission and Insurance Agency business. He was appointed Secretary to the first Wodonga Building Society. W. C. McFarlane also filled the position of Sheriff’s Officer, Registrar of Births and Deaths and Marriages, and Justice of the Peace. W. C. McFarlane served as a member of the Wodonga Shire Council for several years including three terms as Shire President: 1889-90, 1890-1891 and 1894-95. He passed away in Wodonga in December 1906. After his death, the license of Mac’s Hotel continued to be held by Mary McFarlane until her death in November 1910. The license was not renewed and the hotel was taken over as a residence by their son, Walter McFarlane. Unfortunately, on 25 January 1913, Walter was assisting neighbours fighting grass fires about 3 miles away when his own home was completely destroyed by fire, bringing to an end the long history of the popular hostelry, Mac’s Hotel.This image is significant because it documents an early business in Wodonga conducted by a prominent Wodonga resident.Black and white image of people standing, on horseback and in coach outside Mac' Hotel, West Wodongamac's hotel, hotels wodonga -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Old Barnawartha Homestead
Henry Richardson came from England in 1852 and this was his home from 1871 to 1888. His son Henry, better known as Harry, managed the property from 1888 until his death in 1926. The property was sold in 1932 and has been known as Old Barnawartha for over 140 years. The homestead exhibited no particular style, it looked like a Cornish Miner’s cottage, and appeared as if pieces were added on as the need arose. The property is well known for topping both sheep and cattle sales at Newmarket.This item is significant because it depicts the home of an early Wodonga District pioneerA black and white image of an old homestead. There is a white picket fence across the front of the building.old barnawartha, early settlement, wodonga and district -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Sister Hughes' Private Hospital in Wodonga
Sister Hughes’ Private Hospital on the corner of High and Stanley Streets, Wodonga operated between 1922 and 1938. The building was constructed as a family home for Albert Schlink, a storekeeper in 1909. The building was first used as a private hospital in 1919 starting with Nurse Eliza Browne. It had six or seven rooms, one of which was an operating theatre. There was a walkway, then three bedrooms and a bathroom that belonged to the hospital all in the one area. A small building at the back served as a self-contained flat. Catherine Josephine Hughes' sister Mabel earlier married into the Schlink family and came from Bendigo to take over the Lease on the hospital in 1922. Apart from Sister Hughes, there were Nurses Poyntz and Costello. Three domestic staff were also employed – a cleaner Elsie Enever, the cook Mrs Baker and Mrs Kimball who did the laundry. Nurses Poyntz and Costello took charge of the hospital in 1938 and Catherine Hughes continued to be listed as a nurse on the electoral roll until 1954. In the early 1940s she conducted a business in the “lolly shop” in High Street, south of St Augustine’s Church. The Private Hospital in High Street possibly closed in 1954 with the opening of the Wodonga Hospital in Vermont Street. The images are significant because they represent a building and nurses who served an important role in the Wodonga community in the early 20th century.A set of black and white photos of Sister Hughes Hospital in Wodonga and some of the staff. The architect's plans of the original house, designed for Albert Schlink are included.sister hughes wodonga, hospitals wodonga