A QANTAS biplane in a shelter at Normanton flight, aeroplane, qantas, normantown

Note with photo: "Man with hammer is Mr Gadd; always wore leggings and played violin at local dances. On his left is Harold Norman of Research. (Sam Howard played banjo). Mrs Read (Jock's mother) played piano by ear. Research called Normantown because no one could remember who was related to who." Note the school children; one of whom may be Jock Read. In April 1922, E.Gadd took over the West Bros. blacksmithing business at Eltham. He had many prior years’ experiences with horses and their ailments, such as diseased feet and bad breath. He advertised that he kept horse medicines in stock and was prepared to undertake clipping. [THE Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser AND Diamond Creek Valley Advocate. (1922, April 7). Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate (Vic. : 1917 - 1922), p. 3 (AFTERNOON.). Retrieved July 31, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57640818] A poster on the exterior wall of the shed promotes protection of vineyards from Prohibition by voting No. This would date this photo around March 1930. A vote was being held by the Victorian government which the vineyard growers were opposed to due to the ramifications it would have upon the wider industry for dried fruits and table grapes, etc as well and how it was in direct conflict with the federal government's actions of WW1 Soldiers Settlements on vineyards as it would ruin them. [HOW VINE GROWERS WOULD BE PENALISED (1930, March 28). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 4 (AFTERNOON). Retrieved July 31, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57762063] Edward Gadd died of pneumonia, July 1937. He had operated his coach building business in Eltham for about 17 years (1920-1937). He lived in Research and left a wife and three sons. He was actively involved with the Research Hall and was largely instrumental in its establishment. [Death of Mr. Edward Gadd. (1937, July 23). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 1. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56845399] Following Gadd’s death, P. Sloan of Warrandyte took over the business, which he advertised as 'Eltham Shoeing Forge'. [Advertising (1937, July 30). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), p. 6. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56845470] E. Gadd’s Blacksmith shop is situated on the western side of Main Road, between Arthur and Dudley Streets and appears to be visible in the 1931 aerial photo held by the Society. Looking past the shed to the left the topography is relatively flat. The most probable location for the blacksmith shop, being a coach builder, would be in close proximity to or on the main road. The only area in Eltham relative to other businesses that has a flattish topography with hills in the distant is around the railway station. The photo was taken around March 1930 and Gadd operated his business between 1922 and 1937. This would suggest the shed would be visible in the November 1931 aerial photograph. A map drawn up by Doug Orford of businesses and homes along Main Road in the 1930s shows the Gadd blacksmith shop in this precise location, just south of Staff’s general store. (See EDHS_05122)Sepia photographcoaches, dance band, edward gadd, eltham, harold norman, jock read, mrs read, prohibition vote, research (vic.), sam howard, vineyards, industry, school children