Blacksmith Shop High Street Melton Residence and Blacksmith Shop was continuously occupied from 1860 and demolished in 1966. Mr A.G. Macdonald operated the shop from 1923-1962 (39 years) An early photo exists of the Blacksmith Shop. It stood on what is now part of the landscaped area of the Melton Community Hall. The three blacksmiths wearing aprons are from the left, W. Whittington, G. Macdonald and A Falconer. MacDonald were employed by Whittington prior to each one in turn taking over the business, Falconer soon after selling the to MacDonald, died. He is buried in the Melton Cemetery. The old Smithy [on the right] stood in what is now 8 High Street Melton. The blacksmith and wheelwright was the forerunner of the modern motor mechanic, whose task it was and is, to keep the wheels of locomotion turning. According to the records there was a Blacksmith in Melton before 1850. In 1871, three blacksmiths, Messrs. A Blackwood, J MacPherson, and A Cameron were operating in Melton. In 1872 Mr. J.B. Whittington commenced as a blacksmith in Toolern Vale. On January 30th 1900, Mr Alexander Blackwood sold the property shown in the picture to J.B. Whittington where his son William Whittington conducted the business. William’s three children attended Melton State School No 340 The family left the district in 1921 when they moved to Essendon. Mr William Whittington died in 1963 at the age of 94. The next owner of the business, for a short period, was Mr. Ackland Falconer, who was succeeded by Mr A.G. Gordon MacDonald, in September 1923. Mr MacDonald raised a family of three. Thirty nine years later, in 1962, he retired, going to live with his son Robert in Sunshine, and the blacksmith shop finally closed its doors. This part of Melton’s history was demolished in by order of the Housing Commission, in 1966. Article research by Melton and District Historical Society Members. note: spelling should be Macdonald. History of the Melton Mechanics Institute. Mabel Rogers 1985 A.G. Macdonald Secretary 1927 – 1956 page 17. Committee member for 41 years. He also held the position of caretaker Blacksmith Shop, High Street Melton. The three blacksmiths wearing aprons are from the left, W. Whittington, G. Macdonald and A Falconer. local identities

Staughton family owned Exford. Eynesbury and Brooklyn Estates. Prominent family with civic connection in Melton holding very large areas of land The Melton and District Historical Society visited Staughton Vale estate in 1984.local architecture, local identities

Edna Barrie received this photo from Margaret nee McCoy Robinson c 1980. In 2011 the original photograph was scanned and digitised and restored by Morrie Forte. Norma ( Mothers’ Club Representative 1970) and Morrie Forte of Melton have been associated and supported the Melton State School No 430 and contributed to the 100 years celebrations. In December 2011 when viewing the enlarged restored print Mary Tolhurst identified brothers Andrew and Edward Byrns.[Burns] she is a descendent of this family. The brothers were enrolled at the Melton Common School in 1864 aged about 8 ½ and 5 years and left in 1870 and 1871. Head Teacher J H Murphy 1869-71Students in front of the bluestone buildinglocal architecture, education

Meeting at the Willows after the working beelocal architecture, local identities, local special interest groups, pioneer families, council

Angle view of front and side of the house local architecture, local special interest groups, pioneer families, council

The back view of the houselocal architecture, local special interest groups, pioneer families, council

Scots Presbyterian Church now known as the Uniting Church. The Uniting Church and former church hall are historically significant at at the Local level (AHC A4). It was built after the Melton’s ‘United’ church and school, erected by Protestant denominations in 1857 in an effort to share resources in the pioneering era, was replaced by individual churches in the 1860’s. The church became the home of and is expressive of the union of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, began in Melton from the early 1970’s, and formally concluded by the formation of the Uniting Church of Australia in 1977. The new additions and functions of the church are expressive of the increase in Melton’s population especially in the 1970’s and the changing nature of the parish’s ministry. The church is one of only three remaining nineteenth churches, and one of only two remaining bluestone churches, in the Shire of Melton. Information from Shire of Melton Heritage Study Stage 2 Volume 6 David Moloney 2007 Barrie, Vass, Robinson, and other families gathered at the front of the church churches, local architecture, local identities

Harding family lived on Alexandra Street, Meltonlocal identities

Cashin is the family name of early settlers in the area, Cashin court in Melton is named after them. Houses of Alexandra Street belonging to the Radford, McGuire and Cashin families misc., local identities

Built in 1869 and opened in 1872 by Bishop Perry In 1988, it was dismantled and rebuilt in Wadonga. Efforts were made to save the building. The foundations needed significant work. Many of its adherents were deeply distressed by its loss. It was strongly linked with the Staughton family and therefore of important significance to MeltonChurch of England bluestone building.churches, local architecture

Dunvegan built in 1875, it was situated at rear of the Golden Fleece Hotel. Mary McCrimmon McPherson came from the family who were hereditary Pipers to the McLeods of Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye (also of Isle of Mull, Argyll) . At aged 70 years after the death of her husband, Mary and her family came to Australia in 1851. They took up residence in 1852 on the Toolern Road, Melton. Son James married Mary McInnes in 1859. They named another residence occupied by other family in Smith Street, Dunvegan. It was relocated to the Willows Park at the creation of Bakery Square. Edna Barrie participated in the restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan.House on Smith Street, Meltonlocal architecture

In 1911 the late Mrs. Hay’s estate was in the preliminary stages of dispersal and the hotel known as Minns was sold to a Mr McDowell of South Melbourne. Mr. McDowell lived in Melton for five and a half years, and it was during this time that the cottage was erected in High Street and the hotel became Macs. Mr McDowell sold the property to the McNichol family, who did not live in the cottage. Mrs McNichol’s sister later married A. McDonald of Melton South and occupancy was continued from that time. At time of removal 1977 to the Willows Park was under licence of Reidy family, owners of Macs Hotel High street, Melton.Weatherboard cottage located next to Mac's Hotel.local architecture

Charles Ernest Barrie b. Ballarat 1871 d. 1931 In May 1911 he purchased the property known as ‘Darlingsford.’ The name of the property is derived from Thomas Bell Darling the purchaser of 176 acres of Crown Grant land on the 29-3-1853 which formed part of the Barrie farm acreage. His three sons continued in the family farming tradition in Melton for the rest of their lives. By 1982 the last remaining connection with the ‘Darlingsford’ property and the Barries. Sons, Ernest (Bon) finally ceased. Edgar died in 1975, Ernest in 1985 and Tom in 1990. Bridge built in 1915. Geoff Collins, Debbie, Coralie and Kim Barrie entering Darlingsford property over bridge built in 1915local identities, landscapes of significance

Property of Lot 1 Thomas Bell Darling 1853 1863 Ralph Parkinson 1887 Sold to Richard Manning (Cr and Hotelier) leased by John Walsh Minns family lived at the house in the time of Welsh. C Parkinson died in Jan 1887 Ralph Parkinson was a prominent citizen of Melton and was known for his generosity, and his involvement in the community and the Church of England. He had one daughter, his wife and other daughter died earlier. He died in Jan 1887Photo was taken during the October floodslocal identities, landscapes of significance

Formerly Royal Hoyel, Marcie and her husband George Masterson had a shop on the corner of High and Smith Street.There was a boarding house behind the shop. Elaine Radford supplied this image and her family took over the business and was known as Radford’s Grocery.Marcie Masterson with her two daughters, Sheila and Margery(McComb) in their store.local architecture, local identities

As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Bon at his house on Ferris Road, Meltonlocal identities, emergency services

Albert the youngest son of Willam and Mary Ann, farmed at Epping and settled at the ‘Kirkton’ Melton c1925 farming until he retired to a house in Unitt Street Melton. He died in 1965 and his wife Minnie died in 1969. Their son Hugh worked with his father at the family farm and later moving to ‘Glengallon’ as a mixed farmer and horse breeder. His ‘Haylands’ Clydesdale stud was registered in 1951.House belonged to Dot and Hugh Barrie local identities

Ill, p. 263.non-fictionLocal history and family origins in Co. Wexford, Irelandwexford - ireland, geneology - ireland

Bib, map, p.304.non-fictionA collection of more than 4000 Irish family names and their county association.geneology - irish, local history - ireland

A family history of the Mitchell family of Whiteford, Victoria. This publication includes stories and many black and white images of the Mitchell family and their home."Whiteford is a mystical place. A small farm in north-east Victoria, rising from the rich flats of the Mitta Mitta River a few kilometres upstream from its confluence with the mighty Murray River. Taken up in 1879 from the large Bethanga run, Whiteford was home to the Mitchell family until it was flooded by the Hume Weir around 1934. Through this collection of family photos and small stories, we might glimpse something of family and farming in the fertile Mitta Mitta Valley before it was flooded by the Hume Weir" - Paul Mitchell, author.mitta mitta history, mitchell family history, whiteford mitta mitta valley

These hames are part of the harness used by the family of Michael Conway who established a dairy farm of 35 acres in Wodonga in 1940. He and his wife Catherine nee Carroll settled there and raised 5 children. Before coming to Wodonga Michael carried on a bakery business at Urana. The hames were part of the harness attached to the horse which pulled his bakery cart. In Wodonga Michael Conway built a 2 bail dairy and milked up to 20 cows, separated the cream from the milk by hand and sold it to the local butter factory of Holdensen and Nielsen. In later years only whole milk was sold. The farm was on the outskirts of East Wodonga. Michael Conway died on 6th January 1945. The farm was later sold for residential and industrial development and includes Conway Court.This item has a clear connection to the family of Michael Conway of Wodonga, Victoria2 metal sections shaped to fit around the exterior of a horse collar. They are joined at the lower end by a chain and upper end by a leather strap. Approximately halfway up each section a hinged hook is located to which chains are hooked and attached to the cart. Towards the upper end is attached a ring through which reins pass before being connected to the bit.michael conway wodonga, horse harnesses, dairy industry wodonga

This horse collar was made and used by the family of Michael Conway who established a dairy farm of 35 acres in Wodonga in 1940. He and his wife Catherine nee Carroll settled there and raised 5 children. Before coming to Wodonga Michael carried on a bakery business at Urana. This collar was used to attach the hames, harness and chains which pulled his bakery cart. In Wodonga Michael Conway built a 2 bail dairy and milked up to 20 cows, separated the cream from the milk by hand and sold it to the local butter factory of Holdensen and Nielsen. In later years only whole milk was sold. The farm was on the outskirts of East Wodonga. Michael Conway died on 6th January 1945. The farm was later sold for residential and industrial development and includes Conway Court.This item has a clear connection to the family of Michael Conway of Wodonga, VictoriaA handmade leather horse collar padded with straw and cloth. It has metal buckles secured by leather straps which are held in place with metal studs.michael conway wodonga, horse harnesses, dairy industry wodonga

A stirrup pump is a portable reciprocating water pump used to extinguish or control small fires. It is operated by hand. The operator places a foot on a stirrup-like bracket at the bottom of the pump to hold the pump steady. The bottom of the suction cylinder was placed inside a bucket of water. Water was drawn by pumping the handle up and down to create suction. The pumps were used in a variety of settings to enable quick action if a small fire broke out. They were a vital tool in London during the Blitz of World War 11. On the local level they were also used for spraying fruit trees, plants and vines. The Crescent Tool Company was founded in 1907. The Crescent brand has changed ownership multiple times. It is currently owned by Apex Tool Group but still also trades as Crescent in Australia. This pump was donated by Geoff Williams of Wodonga and was used at "Orange Vale" farm at Oxley Flats near Wangaratta. "Orange Vale" was owned by Mr. Robert Williams. Widely known as "Uncle Bob". in the 1940s Mr. Williams opened up the family property, established in the 1860s, as a camp for young people from Wangaratta. By 1951, this had extended to catering to group camps for children from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. 250 children could be accommodated at one time and as many as 3,000 children enjoyed the facilities each year.These pumps were important in fire fighting in a range of settings and were adapted for use in agricultural and small farm settings,A brass stirrup pump with wooden handle. It consists of 2 parallel brass pieces, one with a foot piece attached to keep the pump steady. The base of the pump is fitted with a pierced metal filter that prevents grit and debris being drawn into the pump and fouling it. 2 butterfly screws enable adjustment of height and securing a hose.crescent tools, orange vale, fire equipment

Norman Thomas Henshaw operated a tailor's business in High Street, Wodonga for several years. He was born in Albury in 1891, the sone of WIlliam Henshaw and Ellen nee Goldsworthy. At various times, Norman operated a tailor business in Albury, Rutherglen, Beechworth and Wodonga. His business in High Street, Wodonga was advertised as being located opposite the Fire Brigade Hall. Mr. Henshaw died 10 September 1966 and his wife Agnes died on 30 July 1999, aged 107. They are buried in the Waugh Rd. cemetery in Albury, NSWThis item has local significance as it represents business which operated in Wodonga in the 1920s. It is also representative of a significant local family.A metal and enamel match box holder promoting Henshaw's Tailor in Wodonga. The back features a calendar for 1927. On Front: "With compliments from/ N. T. Henshaw/ Tailor/ High Street "/ Wodonga/ G. & G. A/SIA. LTD. On Back: 1927 Calendar On Side: "STRIKE" N. T. HENSHAW / TO BE SUITED"wodonga businesses, henshaw tailor, high st wodonga

A small publication by a local author. A4 size including photographs and a map.This publication tells the story of the village of Mitta Junction which was established in about 1920 on the Victorian side of the Hume Dam construction site. The town was built to house workers and their families during the construction of the Hume Weir. It included houses, a shop, hall and school as well as tennis courts. After the completion of the weir the village and all its contents was sold at auction in June 1936 for £7000. The Mitta Junction school continued to operate until the mid 1980s. The book also documents aspects of the history of the Clark family of Bonegilla.mitta junction township, hume weir construction, clark family bonegilla

George James McFarlane was born on 19 August 1895 in Wodonga, Victoria. He was the youngest son of Charles John McFarlane and Emily Charlotte nee Ellis. He married Margaret Frances Kirley in Wodonga in 1918 and they had 6 children. George kept this diary for most of 1927. It documents his daily life and some local events. George worked part time with the local blacksmith and then on his own farm before and after work. He was later to take over the blacksmith himself, operating as a blacksmith and farrier from premises in High Street, Wodonga. George's diary documents his daily dedication to other jobs on the farm including trapping and shooting vermin such as rabbits and foxes, growing watermelon and vegetables and training horses. He also became a member of the Albury Coursing Club. In his later years, George moved to Euroa and then fo the Northcote and Broadmeadows area of Melbourne where he died in 1968.A small diary with cardboard cover including volume and publisher details within a border. A red and white retailer sticker has been adhered to the front cover. The diary includes a calendar for 1927 and 37 pages of information including postal, money order and telegraphic information, British weights and measures and Directions for Making a will. The remainder of the diary is divided into 3 days per page. Entries have been entered until 28 August 1927.On front Cover: INVICTA AUSTRALIAN 1927 ROUGH DIARY / No 6 WITH THREE DAYS ON A PAGE / Price 2s. /PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY SANDS & MCDOUGALL PTY. LTD. / SOLD BY ALL STATIONERS. On a circular sticker adhered at lower edge: BLAKE'S BUSY BOOK BAZAAR/ AND MUSIC WAREHOUSE/ ALBURY Handwritten on front: G J. McFarlane/ Wodonga/ Jan 1st 27g. j. mcfarlane, mcfarlane family wodonga

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

The hand forged iron alloy wedge belonged to the railways carpenter, Lachlan McEachern, who became the President of the Wodonga Sub-Branch of the Victorian branch of the Australian Railways Union. He was presented with a framed Past Officers Certificate by the Australian Railways Union in recognition of services rendered in 1926. The certificate is also in the collection of the Wodonga Historical Society. The Wodonga train station opened in November 1873 when the section of the train line from Wangaratta to Wodonga was completed. The expansion of the railways to the northeast of Victoria occurred after the Victorian Government took over the railways in 1867 and the trains serviced large towns such as Seymour, Wangaratta and Wodonga, as well as smaller towns along the way. The hand forged iron alloy wedge has local and state significance due to its use by a Victorian Railways carpenter, Lachlan McEachern, in Wodonga. The local significance is also strong due to the prominence of the McEachern family in the Albury-Wodonga area.Hand forged iron wedge with a cracked flange/rim at the top, red-brown rust and some dirt on the surface.hand forged wedge, hand made tools, victorian railways, v.r., railways carpenter, wodonga, lachlan mceachern, iron alloy tools, mceachern family

This wedding dress was worn by Grace Hamilton-Smith (née Ellwood) at her marriage ceremony. Grace married John Hamilton-Smith on the 31st May 1941 at the Presbyterian St David's Church in Albury. The wedding breakfast that followed was held at the Albury Hotel in Kiewa Street.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner and represents the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A white slipper satin wedding dress with structured shoulders and bodice, embroidered with cornelli lace and studded with diamante. wedding, marriage, dress, wedding dress, satin, 1940s, christianity, wodonga, albury, albury wodonga

This item is the invitation to the wedding breakfast (reception) of Grace Hamilton-Smith (née Ellwood) and John Hamilton-Smith. Grace and John married on the 31st May 1941 at the Presbyterian St David's Church in Albury. The wedding breakfast that followed was held at the Albury Hotel in Kiewa Street.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner and represents the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A cream coloured invitation on card featuring a menu and a handwritten inscription addressed to the bride's mother, Mrs M. Ellwood. A handwritten pen inscription in the centre of the invitation addresses "Mrs M. Ellwood". wedding, marriage, dress, wedding dress, satin, 1940s, christianity, wodonga, albury, albury wodonga