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. A farm financial ledger from the 1880s, belonging to the Haeusler family. financial record, ledger, farm, farming, wodonga, haeusler collection

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. 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. A herd of cows in a paddock. There is a man on horseback on the left hand side of the image.wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, farming 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. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. 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. 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 social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. A small burgundy leather diary with silver embossing containing agricultural information and advertisements for farmers. agriculture, farm, farming, cattle, wodonga, hamilton-smith, hamilton-smith collection, grazier

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. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. 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.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 life in mid-twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A small red cloth bound note book with white embossed textstock, farm, farming, agriculture, cows, wodonga, hamilton-smith, hamilton-smith collection

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 Schuster family were also of German migrant background. Johannes Edward Schuster was born in Hoyles Plains, South Australia and with his wife Johanna and young family moved to Victoria circa 1882. He took up farming land in Wodonga West. The St John’s Lutheran Church Sunday school hall was erected from part of the proceeds of the sale of some 41 acres of land at Wodonga West, which had been bequeathed to the Wodonga congregation by the late Johannes Edward Schuster. This land was the original home site of the Schuster family on arrival from South Australia. Shearing - Although the first mechanised sheep shearing machine was created by James Higham, from Melbourne in 1868, the use of blade shears were more common well into the early 20th century. Pastoralists on smaller holdings continued to either shear their own sheep or employ blade shearers rather than outlay the cost of machines. In large sheds, professional shearers worked as they travelled the country. They would earn around 17 to 20 shillings per day in the early days of the wool industry. However mechanisation continued and by 1915 most sheep shearing sheds in Australia contained sheep shearing machines. The original machines were powered by steam and later combustion engines were used. 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.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. Harry Schuster shearing sheep using blade shears. wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, blade shearing, schuster family

Prior to the sealing of the Kiewa Valley Highway in 1950, all heavy road stock including building materials, farm equipment and other heavy machinery had to be transported via railway lines to either Albury, Wodonga or Bright and then transported overland for the remainder of the distance by wagon on rough, poorly made roads. Trains also services the mining industries of the Ovens Valley and the transportation of tourists to Mount Buffalo and the very popular Mount Buffalo Chalet.Steam trains were a major form of transport for rural community members prior to the introduction of road transport. Local producers including farmers relied on rail transport to send and receive essential building equipment, farming produce, materials, stock and mail to maintain their lifestyles and social connections with the outside world. 3 black and white photographs of a building being transported by steam train. Photos show the train in three progressively closer photos. Photo shows a man standing in the doorway at the controls of the train, 3 figures, possibly children leaning out of the window of the carriage and another man, standing on the tracks with hands on hips. Photo could have been taken in Tallangatta, Cudgewa or Ebden near Lake Hume where trains were a major form of transport prior to the 1950’s. No markingstransportables; steam train; railway;, old tallangatta, esther temple

Pre egg cartons.Home-made with reused 'crate' wooden panels. Higginson and Hollond families - farmers in the Kiewa Valley. Bogong was a property owned by Kiewa Valley farmers. Dave Gibson worked with the SEC in the early days and married Lois Hollond (Robert and Reg's sister). Lois lives in WodongaOld brown wooden handmade box with two panels joined together on each face (sides, bottom, top). The lid fits inside at the top and has 3 smaller panels nailed on, 2 of which have leather straps nailed on one side of the box and fastened (nailed) to 1 side as a hinge. Inside: the box has 2 wooden vertical panels dividing the box into 3 sectionsTop of the lid in yellow paint "Mr D. Gibson/Bogong" on 1 wooden panel and "Eggs with Care" on smaller panel between the side panelseggs, farming. chooks, kiewa valley, higginson family, hollond family

Clara Jane Matthews was born in 1870 as the eldest daughter of Robert Matthews. She married William Frederick Busse on the 5th of December, 1894 at St Columb’s church, Hawthorn. Clara and her husband lived on Main Street in Chiltern, and her husband was a Clerk of Courts in Chiltern and Wodonga throughout his life. Clara and William also owned a 640 acre farm called Clairedale Park, four miles (6.5km) outside of Barnawartha. They had both crops and sheep on the property, and adopted innovative farming practices. It appears that Clara was heavily involved in the farm business, as she is listed as a purchaser of sheep in multiple stock reports between 1914 and 1918. This is very unusual for the era, as women were not generally involved in stock markets, especially if her husband was still alive. Clara’s husband’s work at the court likely meant that he wasn’t able to travel to the markets in order to purchase stock. Clara’s taking the reigns in this manner was highly unusual, and signals just how strong of a woman she must have been. Clara Busse died in Chiltern in 1968, when she was 98 years old. She is also the mother of Wilfred C Busse, who was an author and a member of the Chiltern Athenaeum. This photograph is of a woman who lived most of her life in Chiltern, and undoubtedly contributed to the community of the town within her 98 years. She will most likely be remembered as the wife of William Frederic Busse, Clerk of Petty Sessions, or as the mother or Wilfred Clarence Busse, author and barrister. Although the records of her time almost entirely connect her with the men of her life, her father, husband and then her son, some digging can reveal that she was an entire person of her own, who broke norms of her time and is worthy of being remembered for her own sake.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board in a textured metallic frameObverse: Clara Jane Busse / (nee Mathews) / Mother of W. C. Busse / clara jane busse, clara busse, c j busse, busse, women in agriculture, remarkable women, 20th century women, women's history, working women, wilfred busse, wilfred clarence busse

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. Items of Chinese origin made their way into many households. Importation of Chinese mass produced items such as this lantern continued well into the 20th century and were common domestic items across Australia before households were connected to electricity.This item is representation of kerosene / paraffin lamps used throughout Australia to provide lighting inside and outdoors prior to the widespread availability of electricity.A small hurricane lamp with a rounded tank and small carry handle attached to the top. A larger handle is also attached at the top of the frame. It has a lever to open the glass tank. It has a metal base which is filled with kerosene. It has a screw knob to open the kerosene receptacle. The metal hood also has vents. The Chinese characters around the base translate to "Shanghai Guanghuaheng".Around base : Chinese characters. On top : "Made in China KWANG HWA"kerosene lamp, domestic appliances, chinese artefacts

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

North east Victoria was a major dairy producing region in the late nineteenth century. The first iteration of the Wodonga Butter Factory Ltd was established in 1892. Dairy was sent from farmers across the district for processing at the factory in Wodonga in the 1890s. Victorian creameries regularly exported frozen butter to London, stock was transported by rail for sale in Melbourne, and of course sold and consumed locally. E.W. Mann, of the prominent local Wodonga family, was a shareholder and was closely involved in the establishment of the Wodonga Butter Company. Many families living on farms also owned their own cow, and had equipment to process their own dairy products at home. 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 two butter paddles and removal lid.butter, butter churn, dairy, cream, milk, cow, agriculture, farms, farmers, farm, food, social history, food history

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

In February 2001 the National Council for the Centenary of Federation called upon Australians to nominate someone whom they felt had significantly affected their lives, their community or our country. Thousands of these heroes and quiet achievers were selected. Betty Churcher, a member of the National Council, chaired the Peoplescape Selection Panel. Nominators then made life size, cutout figures to represent their "hero". The sculptures were installed in alphabetical order, on the hill at Parliament House and down to the Federation Mall in Canberra, each with a plaque at its base outlining the individual's achievement. This portrait was painted by Betty Barberis to represent her mother "Dolly" Barton. Dolly raised 12 children, lived through 2 World Wars and the depression. She kept the family dairy farm running whilst her husband was serving in World War 2 whilst still supporting the war effort through the Red Cross and CWA and the church guild. Betty’s great body of work included landscapes, banners, millinery, ceramics, and a bronze sculpture of her husband Vern Barberis who was a fellow schoolteacher and represented Australia as a weightlifter, winning a bronze medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. She was also an art teacher of 22 years. Betty passed away at The Grange, Wodonga on 26 November 2013.This portrait was created by a renowned and highly regarded artist from Northeast Victoria for a national celebration of the centenary of Australian Federation in 2001.A large oil painting depicting a portrait of Dolly Barton, mother of the artist Betty L. Barberis. The painting includes representations of her 12 children, her farming way of life, her commitment to the community and to the war effort. The image was painted on to yellow corflute for exhibition. It has since been covered with perspex to protect the image.betty l. barberis, myrtle ann 'dolly" barton, peoplescape 2001

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Railway Commissioner Harold Clapp and Mrs. Clapp ready to leave Albury on the "Spirit of Progress" in 1938. The Driver is George Lynch Snr. and the Fireman is E. Finley. Sir Harold Winthrop Clapp (7 May 1875 – 21 October 1952) was a transport administrator with the Victorian Railways who over the course of 30 years revolutionised the railways in Victoria. Clapp introduced faster services and more powerful locomotives, supported the farming sector and presented a report on standardising rail gauges which then led to a uniform rail gauge across capital cities. His most well-known project was the upgrade of the Sydney Limited service into the all-steel, all-air-conditioned, non-stop, high-speed express streamliner, Spirit of Progress which was launched on 17 November 1937. Clapp became Chairman of Commissioners of Victorian Railways in 1920 and remained Chairman until his retirement in 1951. Harold W Clapp was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1941 in recognition of his contribution to public service.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, s class locomotive

non-fiction A history of the area of Leneva in Wodonga, Victoria. Memories of a changing farming community within the Rural City of Wodonga in North-East Victoria.leneva wodonga, leneva history

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.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. 3 men with horses and farm machinery in a paddock.wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, wodonga families, early farming

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. Parker Family - Samuel Skelton Parker, Jack Parker’s father, migrated to Australia from Ballymena, Country Antrim, Ireland in 1884. He married Bridget Cusack from County Clare in 1883. They had children William, James, Jack, Samuel and Rachel. After working on a station in northern NSW, they moved to Barnawartha and set up a butchery and later a bakery. In 1890 the family moved to Wodonga, buying a property in West Wodonga, which he called “Park Hall” after his home in Ireland. The property is now the location of the Wodonga Golf Club in Parkers Road, West 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. A man spreading hay with a rake in the foreground. A horse and cart loaded with hay is behind him.wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, wodonga families, early farming

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. Louis Alfred Haeusler was the 6h child of Johann Heinrich Ferdinand Haeusler and Ernestina Wilhelmine nee Rogasch. He married Ilma Margaret Ernestine Tasker in the Presbyterian Church in Tallangatta on 19th February 1919. Ilma was born in Tallangatta, Victoria in 1900 to Michael John Tasker and Louisa Ida nee Schultz. Ilma died in childbirth in 1928 giving birth to a stillborn child. She was survived by her husband, Louis Alfred Haeusler and one surviving son, John Alfred Lyell who was born in 1922.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. A portrait of Louis Haeusler and Ilma Tasker taken on their Wedding Day on 19 February 1919.wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, wodonga families, early farming

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

This secretaire once stood proudly in the de Kerilleau homestead at Wodonga. The homestead had been built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill ‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA secretaire with bookcase made of cedar. The bottom section has two cupboards with shelves. These doors support the desk when it is fully opened. Above this section is one large drawer, the front of which opens by pressing a small internal button on each side. The open drawer reveals a desk with a leather writing mat and several compartments. The desk is topped by a book shelf with 3 adjustable shelves. It has lockable glass doors.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson

de Kerilleau was built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. The magnificent two storey brick homestead is built on ground above Wodonga Creek. The home of Georgian style consists of eleven rooms and a spacious cellar. At the rear of the main house in a separate single storey building was a large kitchen, pantry and accommodation for a cook and a housemaid. A feature of the homestead is the cast iron lace on the veranda and upper balcony, both supported by caste - iron pillars. The granite foundations of the home were quarried from the hill above the homestead. The enormous Moreton Bay Fig tree which stands to the side of the home was planted when Sir Charles Bowen visited de Kerilleau to mark the opening of the rail line that connects Victoria with New South Wales. Planted in 1873, it is still standing today. This painting was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by George, Digby & Dugald Watson on behalf of the late John & Chris Watson. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, Victoria. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill ‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA coloured portrait of John Kenneth Darnton Watson and a painting of de Kerilleau Homestead, the Watson Family home for three generations. The portrait was taken by Peter Charlesworth. The painting is the work of D.K. Ross in 1991.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson, peter charlesworth

This silver tray was donated by the family of John Watson and was used when they lived in de Kerilleau Homestead for three generations. de Kerilleau Homestead was built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, Victoria. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA circular silver tray with an embossed design around the outer edge.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson, peter charlesworth

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. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. 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. 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 social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. Small red booklet with white text embossing. wodonga, hamilton-smith, hamilton-smith collection, stock, cows, cow, agriculture, farm, farming, book

North east Victoria was a major dairy producing region in the late nineteenth century. The first iteration of the Wodonga Butter Factory Ltd was established in 1892. Dairy was sent from farmers across the district for processing at the factory in Wodonga in the 1890s. Victorian creameries regularly exported frozen butter to London, stock was transported by rail for sale in Melbourne, and of course sold and consumed locally. E.W. Manns, of the prominent local Wodonga family, was a shareholder and was closely involved in the establishment of the Wodonga Butter Company. Many families living on farms also owned their own cow, and had equipment to process their own dairy products at home. Milk cans such as this one were used to store and transport milk from farms to dairies and butter factories for processing.This item represents the history of local industry in Wodonga and north east Victoria. A large metal milk can with handlesmilk, butter, cream, dairy, milk can, farming, farm, cow, rural, agriculture, wodonga