George Smith came to Wodonga c.1885 and carried on a business as a blacksmith and wheelwright in Hume Street. He subsequently erected the very substantial Federal Coach Factory in High Street. In 1901 the Coach Factory was sold to Mr C. E. Jones, but within three or four years George Smith again found himself in the establishment he had built. In 1907/8 Marcus Buntz partnered by a G. F. Simpson took possession of the Federal Coach Factory. In 1912 Buntz bought out the interest of Simpson and engaged a first-class wheelwright to do the woodwork. In 1912 a buggy could be had from £40 and a sulky £18. The business over many years developed from a shoeing forge and wheelwright business to a more modern day garage, keeping abreast with mechanisation. Marcus Buntz was joined in the business by his three sons, George, an A grade mechanic, Edward an auto-electrician and Henry, a blacksmith’s striker. The sons eventually took over the garage and handled both coach building and general service work. The firm also maintained the Wodonga Water Pump for many years, ensuring the town’s water supply. In 1948 the old established motor garage was purchased by Mr Jack Mylon. In July 1960 the building became Wodonga Market, housing a butcher, snack bar, milk bar, fruit and veg, Bill Dunstan’s Boat Centre and an Auction Mart. These images have local significance as they document a long-standing business in central Wodonga.2 black and white photos depicting Buntz Federal Coach Factory at different stages during its period of operation,Photo 1: Above building: FEDERAL COACH FACTORY/ M.H. BUNTZ/ GEORGE SMITH/ COACH BUILDER & BLACKSMITH On side of coach: DRAPERY/ FANCY GOODS Photo 2: BUNTZ BROS" MOTOR GARAGE / ATLANTIC MOTOR OIL On the window: BUNTZ'S COACH FACTORY/ Rubber Tyres Fitted Below image on mounting: BUNTZ BROS. MOTOR GARAGE L to R. Pop Buntz, George Buntz, Les Easto, D. Zeinert, H. Buntz, Ted Buntz. Doug Zeinert buntz federal coaches, wodonga businesses, wodonga pioneers

Elaine Mann was married to David Mann, a successful Wodonga businessman and community leader who passed away in Wodonga in June 2012. David was a member of the Mann family who began their business in Wodonga in 1920. Elaine was a teacher in Wodonga for many years and an active member of the community.This photo collection is of significance as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the late 20th century.This building was erected in the 1890's. It was originally the premises of the Federal Coach Factory, then Buntz's Garage, and became Mylon's Garage. July 1960 saw it open as Wodonga Market. An article in Wodonga and District Express dated 1 July 1960 announced: “Wodonga’s New Market Open Today” Arcade Style Shopping "Wodonga’s new market will be open as from morning trade today. Modelled on current overseas open marketing ideas, the new business is similar to the Albury Market in David Street. The Manager (Mr. Ned Day) said yesterday that shops and stalls were sub-let to tenants for a “co-operative rent” which enabled the market to pass these advantages on to the people in lower prices. The building would lend itself to the arcade style which made attractive presentation and would also assist the customer to make quick purchases. There was over 5000 square feet of shopping space.” Businesses open that day were Gerecke’s with a display of secondhand furniture and fittings, and a poultry mart to open the following Friday. Also Webster’s Fruit and Vegetables. Mr. Ned Day advertised space for a variety of listed business types. Businesses recognised in the photo include a Butcher, Webster's Fruit & Vegies, Bill Dunstan's Boat Centre. Snack Bar/Fish & Chips/Milk Bar Auction Mart, New & Used Furniture. Poultry was also available every Friday. The building was demolished in 1963.wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, wodonga market, auction mart