non-fictionThis is a sequel to Albury Wodonga The Chosen city: The first Ninety Years. It traces developments in the region up to the development of the Albury Wodonga Corporation in 1972.new south wales. albury-wodonga, albury wodonga history, albury wodonga to 1972, albury history, wodonga history

non-fictionA brief history of the development of the Albury Wodonga area up to 1902.new south wales. albury-wodonga, albury wodonga history to 1902, albury history, wodonga history

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

non-fictionAmazing People of the Border, features 40 stories of local identities based on interviews between 1985 and 2013local identities, albury-wodonga regions, history albury, history wodonga, biography

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 collection of small paper back booklets on a range of topics related to Albury and Wodonga history. Their titles are:- 1. "Violet Grange Leneva" and its History 2. Albury - Murray River to Botanic Gardens 3. The Hume Highway - A potpourri of Stories and Scenes, Today and Yesterday 4. The Hume Monument - Albury NSW 5. Remembering Robert BrownIn 1976 Rosemary Boyes was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Australian History. She was the author of more than 20 publications about local and national historical events. From 1970 to 1981, writing as Mrs Frank Boyes, she contributed a regular column to the Wodonga/Albury Express newspaper. Rosemary was a Founder Member of the Albury & District Historical Society in 1961, a Life Member of Wodonga & District Historical Society and also a Life Member of the Wodonga RSL Sub-Branch. She and her husband, Frank, a veteran of the Kokoda Trail, farmed at Leneva before moving to Albury and then to Frankston. Rosemary Boyes died in September 1991. australian history, rosemary boyes bem

Historical information of soldiers from the Albury-Wodonga district who fought in the Boer War in South Africa 1899 - 1902. In 1996 the then curator for the 8/13 VMR Museum, the Hon Colonel John Neale, commissioned the author to research a group of returned servicemen and women from the Boer War and had lived within 100 km radius of the Albury/Wodonga townships.The Boer War was the second war in South Africa and was the result of heavy taxes and non voting rights of the local white Boer population. Colonial forces including the Australian Light Horse contingent where called upon by England to overthrow the rebellion. This War was the first engagement of Australian troops fighting on foreign soil.This Honour Roll details the pay rates, the battle highlights, weapons used and maps covering the first Australian contingent of soldiers who fought in the Transvaal (Boer War).. Listed are the names of those soldiers who lived within 100klms of Albury and Wodonga.The soldiers are listed by Location, Rank, Initial,Name and Unit. The significance of both the War and those who served in it is two fold. Firstly it demonstrates that the tie between the Colonial outreaches of England's Empire to "the Motherland" were extremely strong at this point in time. This union remained strong up until the middle of World War II when England could not help Australia to defend itself against possible invasion by Japan. The alliance between Australia and the United States of America replaced the British/Australian pact. Secondly the attitude of, and the high degree of horsemanship of those from the Albury and Wodonga area. The degree of adaptability, by these servicemen, to suit the environment in which they fought provided the first real insight into the Australian psyche "of those living and surviving on the harsh Australian outback"This book has a bright red soft cover and is bound with bright yellow tape. There is a drawing of two Australian soldiers on the front, one on horsebackAuthor's complimentary inscription "To Mount Beauty Museum with compliments" signed Ian R Docking history, boer war, ex-servicemen and women, albury and wodonga

Albury - Wodonga Branch of MHSA hosted the biannual Conference of the Society, June 1992.Black and white photograph of Sir Anthony Synnot at Victorian Mounter Rifles Museum Albury during Military Historical Society of Australia ( MHSA ) Conference June 1992.history, military, vmr, synnot, navy

The history of Murray Breweries Pty Ltd is intertwined with that of several northeast Victorian breweries and in particular that of the Albury Brewing and Malting Company and Billson’s Brewery which still operates in Beechworth. George Billson Jr. took over the “Albury and Wodonga Breweries" in 1879. His brother, Alfred Arthur Billson, took over the Beechworth brewery in 1882, trading as A A Billson and Co. In July 1888, George Billson combined his two breweries as the Albury Brewing and Malting Company Ltd. In 1911 the brothers combined to become Border United Co-operative Breweries Ltd. Towards the end of 1914, this company was liquidated and its operations transferred to the newly registered Murray Breweries Pty. Ltd. Murray Breweries immediately began down-sizing, closing the Tallangatta factory at the end of 1914, and selling the Albury brewery (which no longer brewed due to poor water quality) in 1920. The first half the twentieth century saw a decline in the production of alcoholic beverages, partly due to the Beer Excise tax of 1901 and competition from Melbourne breweries. The Temperance movement of the 1920s also pushed Murray Breweries to focus on the brewing of non-alcoholic cordials and aerated drinks. They also continued to produce the non-alcoholic herbal beer Ecks until the 1980s. In the closing decades of the 20th century the Brewery produced and home-delivered soft drinks, which were eventually replaced by bulk spring water sales and delivery under the name ‘Snowline mountain spring water.’ This artifact is representative of tradition manufacturing industries in Northeast Victoria.A clear glass lemonade bottle bearing the logo of Murray Breweries of Beechworth. The initials "MB" form an oval shape below a white crown. It has a diamond embossed design both above and below the logo. There is also detailed information about the ingredients on one side. The glass has a metal cap.On front: in a white oval, black initials MB. In the middle section: a white crown above a black oval with initials "MB" above "LEMONADE" in black text. On reverse side in white text: "MB/ PRESERVATIVE ADDED/ LEMONADE/ THIS BEVERAGE IS MADE/ FR.OM AUSTRALIA'S/ FINEST LEMONS BLEND-/ ED BY AN EXCLUSIVE/ PROCESS WITH PURE/ MOUNTAIN SPRING/ WATER, THIS DELIGHTFUL /FLAVOUR HAS NO EQUAL. / MANUFACTURED BY/ MURRAY BREWERIES / BEECHWORTH, VICTORIA/ Net Contents 26 Fl. Oz."murray breweries, aerated drinks, breweries northeast victoria, billsons

The Border United Co-operative Breweries Limited was formed in 1911 by the amalgamation of The Albury Brewing and Malting Company Limited and The Anglo-Australian Brewery Company Proprietary Limited which operated breweries in Beechworth, Tallangatta and Yarrawonga. The Anglo-Australian Brewery was owned by the Billson family. By August the new plant was operating near the Union Bridge on the border of Victoria and NSW as shown in this photo. However the enterprise failed in August 1914 when not enough co-operative shares could be sold and also due to declining water quality. In December 1914 its spirit merchant’s license was transferred to the newly established Murray River Proprietary Company. In 1922, the brewery and 32 acres of land was sold to Mr E E Waite. Waite sold the buildings for removal.This image represents buildings related to early industries in the Albury-Wodonga region.Black and white image of brewery buildings. The image has been mounted on board.On building wall: "The BORDER INITED CO-OP BREWERIES LTD/LICENSED BREWERS"breweries northeast victoria, murray breweries, manufacturing history albury wodonga

An 8 page leaflet printed on buff coloured paper with brown print. It includes 3 photos and an itinerary for the celebrations.fiction This item was written for the celebration of the centenary of the linking by rail of Victoria and New South Wales systems on June 14, 1883. It gives a brief history of the stages and stories surrounding the linking of the lines and the events which occurred in 1883. It also contains a programme of activities held in Albury and Wodonga as part of the celebrations a century later.vline safety, vline training, railways victoria

A small booklet of 70 pages including photos, interviews and text outlining the history of "Age Concern Albury Wodonga.non-fictionThis book outlines the history and development of "Age Concern Albury Wodonga Inc." a not for profit organisation that operates in the Albury Wodonga area with some services provided operating across The Riverina Murray region. It provides services and social activities for frail aged people or people with disabilities and their carers. The objective of Age Concern is to lessen the mental and physical stress of growing older by advocating preparation and education of people approaching retirement as well as encouraging the provision of services within the community designed to improve the physical, mental and social well being of the aged.aged concern albury wodonga, aged care, aged care services albury wodonga

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s. This photograph was likely taken by Louis Haeusler (b.1887) with the photographic equipment in the Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection. This photograph is one of many in the Haeusler Collection that represent daily life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Wodonga.This item is unique and has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects 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.Black and white photograph of two men in front of a weatherboard building. The man on the left is holding onto the bridle while the man on the right is shoeing the horse. Photography by Pearson and Brook studio, Albury. "PEARSON AND BROOK ALBURY"photograph, photography, horse, horses, portrait, portrait photography, haeusler collection, wodonga

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

This silk nightdress was made by Mabel Church in the 1920s. Mabel undertook a dress making and tailoring apprenticeship at Whan's Store in High Street, Wodonga. This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. 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 mid-length silk nightdress with pink hand stitched embroidery on collar and sleeves.silk, dress making, dress, tailor, apprencticeship, nightdress, 1920s, wodonga, whan's store, albury wodonga

This silk nightdress was made by Mabel Church in the 1920s. Mabel undertook a dress making and tailoring apprenticeship at Whan's Store in High Street, Wodonga.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. 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 mid-length silk nightdress with hand stitched embroidery on collar and sleeves.silk, dress making, dress, tailor, apprencticeship, nightdress, 1920s, wodonga, whan's store, albury wodonga

This silk dress belonged to Edith Irene Marshall (née Horsefall), who married William George Townsend Marshall at St David's Presbyterian Church, Albury on the 18th September 1937. The dress contributes to our understanding of social and family life in twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history, social history and women's history.A handmade 1930s silk and lace wedding dress with a long, circular train, waist sash and lace collar. 1930s, wodonga, albury wodonga, wedding, wedding dress, christianity, marriage, social history

Redheads is an Australian matches brand, originally manufactured in Richmond, Victoria. The factory was opened in 1909 by the Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin, and his wife, Pattie Deakin. Redheads are Australia's top selling matches brand.This item is among the many in the Wodonga Historical Society's collection that reflect the social history of twentieth century Australia. A mid-century Redhead safety matches box, featuring an illustration of a redhead woman.matches, safety matches, redheads, redheads matches, wodonga, albury wodonga

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s. This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects 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.An assortment of late nineteenth and early twentieth century medical items, including medicine bottles, ointments and a package of cotton wool.medical, medicine, history of medicine, haeulser, haeusler collection, wodonga, albury wodonga

The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies and the Belvoir Wodonga Rotary Club. Grace was an active member of several organisations including the CWA, Red Cross, the Wodonga Show Ladies' Auxiliary and the Victorian Agricultural Societies Association. This uniform was owned by Grace Hamilton-Smith. She achieved recognition for more 20 years of service to the Red Cross.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It is part of a significant collection from the Hamilton-Smith family of Wodonga and reflects important aspects of social history including the roles of women and their contribution to the community. A tan coloured Red Cross uniform and badges worn C1940sred cross australia, hamilton-smith collection, wodonga red cross

This image is one from a series of portraits taken by Rob Elliott to record the character of the Border District through the faces if its identities. Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion. This Battalion saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. 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. Des also wrote several publications including “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing, and an historical novel “Many a Mile”. He collaborated with R. M. Williams to develop “Hoofs and Horns” to become a national publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. He was also a member of the RSL for almost 50 years and held several committee positions during that time. Des Martin died on 12 April 1995.This is a portrait of a significant member of the Wodonga community who made an outstanding contribution as a farmer, soldier, horseman, author and member of the RSL and other community organisations.A black and white photograph of Des Martin in military uniform with his horse. The photo has been mounted in a metal frame.des martin, murray valley hunt club, 2/2nd australian pioneer battalion, albury racing club

Allan "Strad" Jones was born in Stawell but lived in Wodonga from the age of two years old. He worked with several companies before establishing Strad Jones Smash Repairs in Mulqueeney Street, Wodonga. He was a courageous football player and played for the Wodonga "Bulldogs" senior team from the age of 17 years. Allan initially played as full forward, then the centre and wing positions. He suffered a serious injury playing football whilst completing National Service at Puckapunyal and was hospitalised for 5 months. Mr. Jones returned to play for Wodonga and also coached Kergunyah and junior football teams in the 1960s. He also managed the Wodonga Little Athletics Club in the 1970s. Mr. Jones was an active member of the Wodonga Historical Society until his death in 2002. He worked not only to collect historical items but to ensure they were properly preserved and displayed. Two of his interests came together when he researched the history of Australian Rules football in the Ovens & Murray League and surrounding districts from its formative years through the 1940s. This publication was titled "Football - Glory Days Gone By". Mr. Jones died in Albury on 13 July 2002.This image is dedicated to a respected member of the Wodonga community and the Wodonga Historical Society.A framed photo of Allan Jones (1935 - 2002)Beneath the image: "Allan Stradling Jones/(Strad)/1935 - 2002)/ A valued member and tireless worker for the Wodonga Historical Society"allan "strad" jones, wodonga community members, wodonga football club

A facsimile of The History of Albury 1824 - 1895 which was originally produced in 1912. This edition of 94 pages plus an index not included in the original publication. It also includes a map showing the track taken by early explorers and early photos.non-fictionThe original edition of "The History of Albury 1824 - 1895" was published in 1912. Dr. Andrews took information freely from local newspapers such as the "Albury Banner" and also some early pioneers and contacts. The Albury & District Historical Society produced this facsimile edition included an expanded index and 20 illustrations not in the original version. It was a limited edition of 1000 copies completed as a bicentennial project. This book is number 0538. Dr. Arthur Andrews practised medicine in Albury for 45 years from 1874 to 1919. For 43 years he served as the Government Medical Officer. As was common at that time, his surgery was established in his home. He was actively involved in community life and served on many public offices in the Albury. In his leisure time, Dr. Andrews was engaged in a wide range of historical interests and research of the history of the district. He moved to Sydney in 1919 and died in Cremorne in 1925.albury history, dr. arthur andrews

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

A publication of 64 pages which delves into the people that influenced the development of the city of Albury. This book is part of a series of books compiled to document the development of communities around Australia. According to the author Albury is a great city and it has become a great city because of the calibre of the people who live in it. The publication is set out as a detailed timeline of events and the people that influenced the development of Albury up until 1985. It includes an index of past and present citizens of merit, Albury and district parliamentary representatives as well as aldermen and mayors from 1959 to 1974. James McClelland was born in Campsie, NSW in 1927. Throughout his lifetime he was an ardent genealogist and historian. He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1988 for service to Australian genealogical and historical research. He died on 18th August, 1994.pioneers albury, history albury, timeline albury

A publication created for the centenary celebration of the Albury Football Club in 1995. It contains a detailed timeline, player profiles, lists of life members, premiership wins and Best & Fairest winners. It also lists players from the Albury Football Club who progresses to play senior games in the Victorian Football League / Australian Football League.The Albury Football Club - the Albury Tigers, is a football club with a long history. In 1895 to 1902 the club was a member of the Ovens and Murray Football League. Between 1895 and World War 1, Albury won three premierships and was runner-up six times. For a period of time the Albury Football club was in recess, then was included at different times in the Rutherglen & District Football Association and the Albury and Border Football Association. In 1924, after playing under s variety of names the Albury Football Club re-entered the Ovens and Murray Football League and has played with that league until the present, apart from 1941 to 1945 when it went into recess as a result of World War 11.albury football club, albury tigers, albury-wodonga sport

A small booklet issued as the program for an exhibition celebrating 130 years of music and theatre in Albury Wodonga. It consists of 16 pages and contains illustrations, a map, and portraits.Dr. Barnett and the "Irish Tiger" was an in-house and travelling exhibition of the Albury Regional Museum. The in-house exhibition took place from 14 December 1985 until 30 June 1986. The travelling exhibition were available for three to six week periods between July 1986 and July 1987. Museums, galleries, schools and libraries could apply to host the exhibition. The Albury Amateur Dramatic Club was formed in 1859. In December that year, they staged a production of "Two Heads are Better Than One", and the "Irish Tiger" at the Theatre Royal which was attached to the Imperial Hotel in Townsend Street, Albury to raise money for the building fund for a Mechanics Theatre Dr Joseph Knight Barnett was Involved in the formation of the Dramatic Club and was stage manager for these productions. Other topics in the exhibition included Historic Pipe Organs, Town Bands of Albury and Wodonga, and Concert Halls, Theatres and Schools of Music and Drama.joseph knight barnett, albury theatre, wodonga theatre, music and theatre albury wodonga

This image was taken in Melbourne on Anzac Day 1986 where Des had taken place in the annual parade. The photo itself has had a long journey. It was donated to the Star Hotel in Yackandandah, Victoria by Des Martin in 1994. The hotel changed hands so many times that the custodian "Pip" Beatty felt it was best placed at the Light Horse Museum at Bandiana, Victoria. Its journey was complete when the photo was returned to the Wodonga Historical Society. Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion. This Battalion saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. 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. Des also wrote several publications including “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing, and an historical novel “Many a Mile”. He collaborated with R. M. Williams to develop “Hoofs and Horns” to become a national publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. He was also a member of the RSL for almost 50 years and held several committee positions during that time. Des Martin died on 12 April 1995.This is a portrait of a significant member of the Wodonga community who made an outstanding contribution as a farmer, soldier, horseman, author and member of the RSL and other community organisations.A coloured photograph of Des Martin in full military uniform mounted on his horse. The photo has been mounted in an oval wooden frame.des martin, murray valley hunt club, 2/2nd australian pioneer battalion, albury racing club

This publication has a hard cover with a dust jacket. It consists of 191 pages, including 85 black and white and 12 coloured images.This book includes biographies of 16 different airmen with whom the compiler has come in contact. They have had their own uniques experiences in aviation. 12 of them served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). One of the aviators featured in this publication is Joe Drage, Born on 10 July 1931 in Walwa, Joseph Gordon (Joe) Drage operated a timber mill and earthmoving business, but his great passion was aviation. After obtaining his pilot’s licence at the age of 19, Mr. Drage set about buying vintage aircraft that he feared would be sold overseas. He bought his first aircraft, a Tiger Moth in 1965. In 1972 he established Drage Historical Aircraft Museum on about 60 ha of land in Wodonga, with 5 planes. Over time this grew to 21 planes which Joe maintained so that they were all in flying order. His museum was the location for several air shows which included fly-ins by members of the Antique Aeroplane Association. The land occupied by the Museum was compulsorily acquired by the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation and Wangaratta council bought the aircraft collection for about $2 million. They opened Drage Airworld in 1984. The cost of maintaining the collection became too much for the council which closed it down in 2002. Joe Drage died on 9 August 2017.air pilots australia, aviation history, joe drage, joe drage airworld