Samuel Skelton Parker was a native of Ballymena in the County of Antrim, Ireland and came to Melbourne, Australia in 1854. He was engaged for two years as a storeman. After mining in the Ovens district for five years he next became overseer on a station in New South Wales. He was married to Bridget Cusack in 1865 and they had a family of 4 sons and a daughter. After returning to Victoria Samuel Skelton Parker started a butchering business at Barnawartha and in 1881 he combined it with a bakery. This was the first business established in Barnawartha. Samuel had several properties in the township as well as his business premises and private residence. His horse drawn butchers cart made a run to Wodonga three days a week supplying the wayside pubs and Railway Gate House owners. Bread was sold for five loaves for one shilling, meat was two pennies per pound. In 1890 Skelton decided to give up butchering and baking and moved to Wodonga. He bought a 'Bush Block' of 150 acres on Fergusons Lane, now Parkers Road. Skelton called the property 'Park Hall' after his home in Ireland. On this new property Skelton raised sheep and he also sold chaff around the district. When Skelton died on 14 October 1897 the farm was split up with two sons Sam and Jack continuing the running of the farm, whilst the other two sons William and James joined the Victorian railways. Samuel and Jack continued to successfully manage the farm until 1974 when the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation acquired the land for the planned development of the region. In 2026 this is the location of Park Hall Retirement Village and the Wodonga Golf Club are situated on Parkers Road.This image is significant because it records one of the earliest businesses established in Barnawartha, Victoria.Two black and white images of Samuel Parker's business in Barnawartha, Northeast Victoria.parker family wodonga, early wodonga settlers, barnawartha, samuel skelton parker

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 digital image was produced from one of the glass negatives that form part of the collection, probably taken by Louis Haeusler (b.1887) with the photographic equipment in the Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection. The McKoy family were also early settlers of 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.Digital image created from the Haeusler Glass negative collection. An image of a man standing on the right of the image holding onto reins of a horse owned by the McKoy family of Wodonga. C. 1910wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, mckoy family

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 sewing machine belonged to Isla Ilma Margaret Ernestine neeTasker, mother of Alfred Haeusler. Singer was first established as I. M. Singer & Co. in 1851 by Isaac Merritt Singer with New York lawyer Edward C. Clark. Best known for its sewing machines, it was renamed Singer Manufacturing Company in 1865, then the Singer Company in 1963. The Singer company began to market its machines internationally in 1855 and won first prize at the Paris world's fair that year. They had offices established in both Sydney and Melbourne by the mid-1960s. The company demonstrated the first workable electric sewing machine in 1910. Singer was also a marketing innovator and a pioneer in promoting the use of instalment payment plans, making their machines more affordable for many people. This item is from the Hauseler Collection which documents social life of early settlers in the Wodonga community.Singer "Coffin top" treadle sewing machine with extension table. The machine is mainly black and silver metal but is extensively decorated with coloured decals. The decorations on this machine features a pheasant design which also helps to date the machine as it was only used from 1890 to 1915. The sewing machine is set into a wooden table with and extension leaf and 6 drawers, 3 on either side. The frame and treadle mechanism are iron with a thin leather belt to drive the mechanism. The "coffin" shaped top sits over the machine to protect it when not in use and is easily removed. The extension leaf provides a larger working surface and folds down when not in use. The Singer logo attached to the front of the machine features a needle, shuttle and thread.On metal base plate: "PATENTED /DEC 5 -1882/ MARCH 20 - 1883/ AUG - 21 1888. Model no: L6485622 Along top of machine: "The Singer Manufacturing Co." Front right: Singer Company Logohaeusler family, wodonga pioneers, sewing machines, singer sewing macnine

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. The Collection also depicts development of life in Wodonga through the eyes of one family, through a collection of artefacts, diaries, letters and photographs. This item is from the Hauseler Collection which documents social life of early settlers in the Wodonga community.An old wooden rocking chair, The chair was originally home manufactured from timber. The back slats have been repaired and replaced by metal slats attached at the top and base of the backrest section.early settlement wodonga, haeusler family of 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 is from the Haeusler collection. It is a stoneware, urn-shaped vase. The mark "V210" underneath the vase identifies it as an Antique Majolica Green Glazed Victorian Mantle Vase. Majolica is an earthenware pottery decorated with a clear lead glaze. It became very popular during the Victorian era. This item is from the Hauseler Collection which documents social life of early settlers in the Wodonga community.A stoneware, urn-shaped vase. It has a waisted square foot, urn shaped body, trumpet neck and two curved side handles. It is decorated with scrolling leaves on the body and leaves on the foot, glazed with a monochrome dark green glaze.Underneath Base V210household items, decorative arts, ceramics, haeusler collection

A volume of 342 pages, including photos and maps. The cover includes images of the town of Whenby, maps and the grave of Matthew Parnaby who died in Wodonga on 7 October 1903.This book documents the story of the Parnaby Brothers who migrated to Australia from Whenby in North Yorkshire, England via Natal in South Africa. They settled in the Wodonga district of Victoria. The dedication on page 3 of the book says "To George, William and Matthew Parnaby. We can only wonder at the adventurous spirit, courage and fortitude of the three brothers who arrived in this country with an ambition to better themselves and provide for their families." George arrived at Port Melbourne from Port Natal on 11 January 1864. On the same voyage was his brother William and a nephew Charles. George and his wife Rachel settled at Howlong on the Victoria/NSW border where he worked as a farmer and labourer. George died at Howlong on 26 JUne 1887. William and his son Charles settled in Albury. In 1869/70 he was listed as a property owner at Wooragee, including a house, farm and vineyard. William died in Albury on 20 February 1894. Matthew originally arrived in Hobsons Bay, Victoria in 1854. After 6 years on the goldfields he returned to South Africa and then to England to marry. They eventually returned to Australia in 1863. After some time in Melbourne, Matthew moved to Belvoir (Wodonga). By August 1877 he owned 104 acres of grazing land at House Creek. He steadily became one of the most successful farmers in the district and increased his landholdings. He spent the remainder of his life in Wodonga where he served as a member of the Shire Council for some years. Matthew never forgot his birthplace and called his property "Whenby Grange". He died in Wodonga on 7 October 1903.parnaby family, whenby england, whenby grange wodonga

The Coolgardie safe was invented in the late 1890s on the Western Australian goldfields. Its invention was credited to a local contractor named Arthur Patrick McCormick. It was a practical system to preserve food prior to modern refrigeration. The wire grid kept the food safe from vermin and allowed breeze to blow through. It was often covered with wet hessian so that as the breeze circulated the water evaporated, creating the same concept as coolant in modern refrigerators and ice boxes. In most respects it was a variation of the bushman’s hessian bag hanging in a tree. In larger towns and cities during this time period large "ice works" could deliver block ice to areas that required a form of refrigeration. These ice blocks where held in early refrigerators to keep perishables cool. In isolated or rural households, the Coolgardie or meat safe was the next best, practical solution for food preservation. This safe was used in the home of the Conway family in Wodonga.This item is very significant to the Wodonga region as it represents the initiative and problem solving skills of the early settlers. It also reflects the primitive conditions in which they lived before the arrival of more modern services such as electricity.Meat safe or Coolgardie safe manufactured in Australia. This safe is made from metal and has been painted in green paint. 2 sides of the safe have a pattern of 6 squares of holes to allow for ventilation and air flow. The holes would also guard against insects and other vermin. There is one shelf inside, dividing it into 2 sections. The safe has a hook attached so that it can be suspended, often from a tree or on a verandah to increase air flow. The safe would often be covered by wet hessian to promote further cooling and preservation of foods such as milk, butter and meat.coolgardie safe, food preservation, pioneers innovation

This fork was made by a member of the Conway family of Wodonga. It was used for making toast over an open fire well before modern toasters become widely available. It demonstrates the ingenuity of early settlers and pioneers before the advent of modern appliances and services. This item demonstrates the ingenuity of earlier pioneers and settlers to adapt to their living conditions and improvise from their available resources and environment.A hand-made wire toasting fork. It has three prongs and the handle is twisted with a loop at the top for hanging. It is made from fencing wire.hand made utensils, kitchen ware, pioneer skills

non-fictionA publication of 15 pages representing the Heritage of Albury-Wodonga photographic images. These buildings in Albury-Wodonga bear vivid testimonty to the early settlers and the buildings they constructed. albury-wodonga, buildings

Several German families arrived in Wodonga, usually via South Australia, in the late 1850 and 1860s. Some of the earliest settlers to arrive were the Haeusler, Schlink, Trudewind, Pfeiffer and Klinge families. Many of them had left from Prussia and Bavaria to escape religious persecution. They all became actively involved in the community and made outstanding and lasting contributions to the development of the town. In the years 1868-69 more settlers arrived from South Australia and other parts of Victoria. Among the names were Heckendorf, Mueller, Zeinert and Schubert. These families were instrumental in lobbying for the establishment of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Wodonga, the foundation stone being laid in 1874. By the 1890s to the early 1900s many other Germany names were added to the local community including Muller, Lange, Pumpa, Greschke, Lobbe, Posselt, Kreuger, Schuster, Pertzel, Star, Draper, Mueller, Semmler, Thiele, Terlich, Wegener, Schreiber and Draper. Germans continued to arrive in the area until 1914. In the great post-war migration that started through Bonegilla in December 1947, Germans were among the tens of thousands who arrived. Most of the migrants who settled in Wodonga at this time were born in Germany. According to the 2016 Census, Wodonga still has a larger percentage of people with German ancestry than most other rural communities in Victoria. The German Austrian Australian Club, Wodonga was originally formed in 1960 by immigrants to Australia, to provide a meeting place for refugees and immigrants from Europe. Oktoberfest has become a world-wide occasion for all people to share in the celebration of Bavarian traditions. The Wodonga Hospital approached the Club and asked for their involvement in holding an Oktoberfest to raise funds for the Hospital. These Fests took 11 months to organize and ended up raising over $27,000.00 for the Hospital. A large number of families of German origin have arrived in the Wodonga area from as early as the 1850s. They have made valuable and lasting contributions to the area in a range of fields including agriculture, local government, businesses, retail and medical services. Their contributions are recognised in several street names in Wodonga. A white china beer stein bearing the blue logo of the Wodonga 1979 Oktoberfest. Logo includes an image of a woman in German national costume.Above the image "WODONGA" Underneath the image "OKTOBERFEST 1979"wodonga, oktoberfest, german immigrants

non-fictionA great local history of the Wodonga area. Starts with discussion of the Aboriginal inhabitants of the region and early contacts with European explorers and settlers. Explains the establishing of a customs post with its twin city Albury on the other side of the Murray River. The town grew subsequent to the opening of the first bridge across the Murray in 1860. Originally named Wodonga, its name was changed to Belvoir then later back to Wodonga.victoria. wodonga, settlers wodonga, indigenous australians wodonga

A small hardcovered book of 181 pages and an index including information of early settlers and runs in Northeast Victoria.non-fictionA history of settlement on and around the Upper Murray River, covering the period of 1835 to 1845, including "A short account of over two hundred runs 1835 to 1880". An excellent source of information on the colonial settlement of the Murray River. Detailed information of the first white settlers and the challenges they faced. Interesting account of conflict between settlers and indigenous population. Many indigenous words and their meaning recorded. It includes a foreword written by Rosemary Boyes, a prominent Albury-Wodonga historian.upper murray district, settlement victoria, colonial settlement, pastoral industry victoria

The wool industry has been critical to the Australian economy from the early days of European settlement. The increase in wool production in the mid to late 19th century led to the need to replace the hand shears with some mechanized forms of shearing.The first commercially successful sheep shearing machinery by Frederick York Wolseley in New South Wales who was granted a patent for his machine on 28 March 1877. Many of the early settlers to North East Victoria droved sheep overland from both Sydney and South Australia and established large pastoral runs in the district. Wodonga became a major service centre for the industry and established major saleyards for the pastoral and cattle industries. The handset has the company name "Heiniger" on the side. Heiniger is a Swiss company with subsidiaries in Australia and New Zealand. It was originally established in 1946.This item is connected to a major rural industry in North East Victoria.A metal handpiece for a sheep shearing. A toothed blade is held in place with metal adjustable screws at one end. A jointed metal pipe at the other end allows attachment to the shearing machine. The hinge has been covered with leather.On adjustment knob "Heinger"shearing industry, shearing equipment, shearing handset

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

The dairy farm of Eric Lemke and family was located on the Wodonga flats on the Murray River flood plain, west of the Union Bridge. The property was named "Waterford". They ran a large dairy herd (250 cows) and ran five milk carts to Albury to service their customers. The family bought a second property at Wodonga West, on Felltimber Creek, where herds could be rested before calving, and also as an emergency location for milking during times of flood, which sometimes lasted for several weeks at a time. At other times when the cows finished their lactation period at "Waterford" they would be walked to the Lemke property at Wodonga West, for a rest before calving. When the calves were drafted it was a matter of gathering the cows and calves and walking them back home which was an all day job. During the Depression Mr. Lemke took milk to the out-of-work men who slept under the bridges on the causeway and Mrs Lemke would make bread for them. The men would often work on the farm without wages in return for the Lemke's kindness. The Lemke Family are ranked amongst the top early settlers of the district for their perseverance during the hardships of the early days and during the Great Depression. Lemke Road on Gateway Island, Wodonga is named in their honour.This item has local significance because it came from a prominent Wodonga family business.A small metal tag used to label dairy cans on the property of Eric Lemke.E. LEMKE WODONGAe. lemke wodonga, lemke family, wodonga dairy industry, ernie lemke

Members of the Presbyterian faith were among the first settlers in the North-east of Victoria, and in the year 1842 the Presbytery of Melbourne requested the Rev. Peter Gunn, Minister of the Gaelic Church, Melbourne, to visit Presbyterians along the Murray River. This was the first of a series of annual visits, and was of a missionary nature. In May 1851, the Rev. David Hunter Ballantyne was appointed to the Wodonga district based out of Albury. In 1860 the Presbytery of Beechworth was formed, and from it two large presbyteries have grown - Wagga Wagga and Beechworth. In the early days the services at Wodonga were held in the old court house, which still stands. Wodonga Presbyterian Church continued as part of the Parish of Albury until the end of 1887, when it was placed under the administration of the Session of the Beechworth Church, with a home missionary in charge. Mr William Cooper was placed in charge for the first months, then Mr William Smith, a city missionary who had recently arrived from Scotland, was appointed. Mr Smith conducted a cordage factory at Stonleigh. He remained as missionary in charge for the next 10 years, and in that time the church steadily progressed. Plans were made for the erection of the building which now stands in High Street, Wodonga. Mr John Whan was a Founding Member of the Church and was appointed Sunday School Superintendent, an office which he held for 46 years, rendering extensive and valued service to the church and congregation. With a growing congregation and realising the challenges presented to the Church by changing conditions, land for a new church was sought. In September 1950 property was purchased in Nilmar Avenue in Wodonga and the new Presbyterian Church St Stephens became their new home. With the amalgamation of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, the new Church became the Uniting Church. The original Presbyterian Church was later sold to the Free Serbian Orthodox Church.These photographs are significant because they provide evidence of the changing nature of religious worship and groups in Wodonga.A collection of black and white photographic images depicting the first Presbyterian Church at Wodonga. The Church was later taken over by the Free Serbian Orthodox Church.presbyterian church, free serbian orthodox church, wodonga churches

Paul Huon's son, William, arrived at "Belvoir Homestead" on the Woodonga Run in 1857 to learn the management of the Run so he could take over the role from his Uncle Charles. He spent five years residing at "Belvoir." In 1862 he built a new stone home on Wodonga Creek at the base of Huon's Hill. William gave this home the family traditional name " De Kerilleau." In the 1870s, William built the "de Kerilleau" homestead that still stands today. The first "De Kerilleau" homestead was almost completely demolished in 1907. It is a solid two storey red brick building with cream brick flat window arches. The main feature of the house is its two-storey cast-iron verandah which has been restored to its original condition. When the Governor, Sir George Bowen, his wife and two daughters needed accommodation overnight after having taken part in the celebration of the railway in Wodonga in 1873, they stayed at de Kerilleau. Sir George planted a Moreton Bay fig tree in the grounds and it still stands today. The historic homestead became the property of the Watson family in 1922 and again changed hands in recent years. It is listed by the National Trust.Donated by Des Martin & Rosemary BoyesPart of a set of original sketches by Des Martin for "A Record of the 150th Anniversary" Celebrations of the Rural City of Wodonga held on 30th October 1986.huon family, early wodonga

Gabriel Louis Marie Huon de Kerilleau was born to a French aristocratic family in 1769. He escaped to England during the French Revolution and enlisted in the New South Wales Corps. He married in Parramatta to Louisa Emmanuel Le Sage. They had five children who took the name of Huon – Elizabeth, Paul, Jean Francois, Aime Augustus and Charles. Paul and Charles were to become the “founders’ of the Wodonga District. In 1824 Hamilton Hume and William Hovell discovered the Hume River, later renamed to the Murray River and the rich land surrounding it. By 1835, squatters began arriving at the Hume River. During the following year, Paul Huon arrived at the Hume (Murray) River, then "taking up" 40,000 acres on the south side of the river bank. To this property he gave the name WOODONGA RUN. Charles Huon, younger brother of Paul, was sent to manage the "Run" until Paul's son, William, became old enough to take over management. Charles Huon built a mud brick home on the eastern side of a rise south of the now Wodonga Creek. Thus was Charles the first permanent settler in the district. He was a great admirer of the English Lord Belvoir hence "Belvoir" was the name Charles Huon gave to the first permanent home on Woodonga Run. By the 1857, residents numbered fifty, and the Government had surveyed a township area, proclaiming it "Belvoir" in the new State of Victoria. However, the residents wanted their own choice of a name for the town. A battle lasting thirteen years followed over the name of the town until the residents won in 1874 when the Victorian Government dropped the name "Belvoir" and proclaimed the town's name as "Wodonga." A local government Shire formed two years later became the Shire of Wodonga. The Huon name features in the town today including Huon Hill, Huon Creek, Huon Street and the former township and railway siding at Huon. The name "Belvoir" is used today by organisations and locations in Wodonga including Belvoir Park formerly known as Huon’s Lagoon. On 3rd October 1986 the Wodonga community celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first settlement by Charles Huon of the district that was to become Wodonga. These drawings were completed by Desmond Martin as part of a booklet produced to record the event. Stonleigh in Wodonga was once owned by Paul Huon.Donated by Des Martin & Rosemary BoyesPart of a set of original sketches by Des Martin for "A Record of the 150th Anniversary" Celebrations of the Rural City of Wodonga held on 30th October 1986.150th anniversary celebrations, huon family, early wodonga, stonleigh wodonga

An A4 sized publication with yellow cover and black text. It features the logo of Wodonga Historical Society.non-fictionThis publication includes a transcript of a presentation given to the Wodonga Historical Society by Rex Fuge about the history of the Chiltern district. It includes information about some of the earliest settlers and his reflection about growing up in Chiltern.history of chiltern, chiltern pioneers