The O'Day family at the Shire of Eltham early Residents' Reunion. Mrs Annie O'Day with family members. The O'Day's are a pioneer family from Panton Hill. This event was part of the centenary celebrations for the Shire of Eltham in 1971. It took place at the West Riding Hall, Henry Petrie Community Centre, Montmorency.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, centenary celebrations, shire of eltham, shire of eltham centenary, early residents, early residents' reunion, o'day family, henry petrie community centre montmorency, annie o'day

Convalescent but weak, Erin is asleep in the sapling and bag bed in the corner of Pulcherry's slab hut when O'Day finds her. Wakened by his voice she momentarily thinks he is a hallucination, but the touch of his hands sends her own arms reaching up to claim him as her own.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 37des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Changing at the hotel from his wet formal suit into his usual clothes, a sad and tired O'Day is riding out past Barmagulla when he is stopped by Tommy Yarramin with the news that Erin is alive and hidden in the Yarramin hut.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 36des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

With Federation all but a fact Alfred Deakin is again in the Overton area but his meeting has been cancelled. While Montieth is getting some stores he and MacLough observe the drama on the bridge from the nearby Post Office verandah. Coming on top of the deaths of the O'Haras these scenes appal Deakin. In reply to MacLough he says that Federation will do away with the border, and bring free trade between the states of the new Australian Commonwealth. This will permit O'Day to come home as a free man. MacLough queries the fine and Deakin says that it must be paid, but he will have it reduced to £200. On hearing this MacLough declares he will pay the fine himself, and give O'Day a half share partnership in Gooloora as well.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 35des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Plunging into the deep water O'Day swims with his horse to the colony of New South Wales where he may live as a free man on his property Brightons. However he has already been convicted, in absentia, of evading customs duty. Since the cattle were not impounded this tax could not be calculated, but O'Day is now a wanted man in Victoria with a fine of £1000 on his head.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 34des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

The bodies of mother and son are driven side by side to burial while the shops shut down and all Overton turns out for the funeral. Ellen's elder son Con O'Hara, and Sean O'Day ride as outriders to the hearses. Sgt. Baker and his men arrive at the church, the Sgt. approaches Con, declares that no police action will be taken before the town re-opens, and asks if he can provide an escort for the cortege. The funeral over O'Day tarries till after the shops have opened and Sgt. Baker sets a trap for him on the bridge over the Murray. Cornering him on the bridge he says it will give him great pleasure to personally escort him all the way to the police station. "All the way Sergeant?" asks O'Day. "Then come on!" With which he jumps his horse over the rail of the bridge. D.J. Martin on Pampas Air.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 33des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

When morning comes all the cattle have struggled back to N.S.W. and the Victorian police find their trap is empty. O'Day, though he has lost his horse, makes it to the far bank some 400 yards downstream. Of Erin and Keiran there is no sign.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 30des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Refusing to risk bloodshed in a clash with the police, O'Day decides to swim all the cattle back to N.S.W. before the storm breaks. He and Erin are the last to enter the water. Before they do so he reaches out for her, asks her to marry him, and kisses her fiercely before the horses plunge apart.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 28des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Erin swims the river when she finds herself too late to reach the drovers before their crossing; and amazes O'Day and Keiran when she arrives with the news that the police have them cut off. Behind her a major storm up river is causing the water to rise.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 27des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

But O'Day, the general, has chosen this particular time to ride up river and meet a mob of cattle that Charlie Clowes is bringing down for him from Camoola. In the first of many such successful operations the cattle are swum across to Victoria at the point where O'Day's run, Brightons, comes down to the river.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 21des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Though Keiran, as winning rider, brings Susan Bundy forward to receive her trophy at the Picnic Race Ball that night, O'Day, who won the Cup on Oliver's horse, is conspicuous by his absence, though few people other than Oliver give much thought to the matter. Heather Jervies as Susan.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 20des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

In the jockey room after weight is declared correct an infuriated Nugent accuses O'Day and O'Hara of deliberately "taking him on" for no obvious reason. Calm as ever O'Day prevents action between the other two, and the three of them are called before the steward. Nobody "splits", and, though he declares himself dissatisfied with the explanation that Nugent tried to get through where there was no room and just had to pull out and go round, the stipendiary steward closes the incident. All of which adds fuel to a fast growing feud between Nugent and the O'Haras.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 19des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

During the running of the classic weight for age race, the Bracelet, that afternoon Keiran seems a chance to "have a go" at Nugent. Moving out a trifle at the home turn he lets Crobe think a split is opening. When Nugent tries to come through O'Hara squeezes him in behind O'Day, who is leading on the rails, and then goes on to win in good style. Jim McGrath as Nugent.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 18des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

On the morning of the Piney Creek Picnic Race Club's annual meeting Squire Pilkington of Piney Creek Homestead, President of the Club, draws the Calcutta Sweep. Graeme Oliver nominates his horse for the Ladies' Bracelet in the name of Elaine Montieth and O'Day, as Manager for MacLough gives his nomination to her friend Penny Sefton whom Reg Apperton is sparking. With Keiran O'Hara for his rider, Squire Pilkington nominates in the name of his pretty niece, Susan Bundy. Harry MacLean as Squire Pilkington. Bill Tenteye as the Hon. Secretary Jim McGrath as the Hon. Treasurer.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 17des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Half an hour later her brother Keiran gallops up with the news that Artie Klinberg's mob has been ambushed by police. All the cattlemen other than he had been caught. Keiran escaped by jumping fences and coming home across country. Soon after Sergeant. Baker and Trooper Ryan arrive, and are refused entry by the widowed Mrs. Ellen O'Hara whose husband, some years previously, had been shot by police in mistake for a wanted bushranger. As he is acting mainly on presumption the chagrined Sergeant has to leave, warning O'Day to watch his company. Realising someone has "dobbed them in", Keiran decides it has to be George, "Microbe" Nugent, an unpopular fellow - traveller at loggerheads with Klinberg, and vows vengance. Maj. John Hardwick as Sgt. Baker. Mrs. Kerry Hardwick as Mrs. O'Hara. Bill Tenteye as Keiran.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 15des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Daylight O'Day swims the river alone and, instead of going straight back to Gooloora, rides up-river a little to call at O'Hara's slab homestead where he is given a very warm welcome by young Erin O'Hara. Ellen Tenteye as Erin O'Hara.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 14des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Through his position as a stockagent's clerk Billy, a proper dingo if ever there was one, is able to learn that some of the cattlemen intend to beat the duty by swimming their newly bought cattle back to Victoria. Sneaking down the back alley to the Police Station he sells this information to the authorities. Only Lennie, the halfwit roustabout from the store, follows and observes him, and, by riding O'Day's horse out of town, prevents his friend from travelling with the drovers who get caught in the police trap. W.O. Tom Foster as a N.S.W. trooper.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 13des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Meantime back at Camoola "Top Or Nothing" Price, known to stockmen as "Old Stop At Nothing", and his shifty ex-jockey clerk Billy Matthews, have been stunned by the Victorian customs duty of 30 shillings per head on cattle, and 50 shillings per head on horses, suddenly promulgated just prior to a very important sale. Caught with a lot of cattle he cannot unload, and a property sale that has gone astray, Price accepts offers for both from O'Day, who thus sets himself up cheaply with a good holding that runs down Barmagulla's back boundary to the Murray River at the point where he often swims across.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 12des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 9 Resting in the shade above the river after he has brought his cattle over it, O'Day is disturbed by voices, and rolls over to discover Montieth's daughter Elaine, and her aboriginal companion, Ruby, enjoying themselves in the river. This first encounter with Elaine makes an impression on the young manager that is to last throughout his lifetime. Geni Dynon as Ruby and Joan Lehmann as Elaine.des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Pushing his mob along the back boundary of Barmagulla Station, whose owner, Edmund Montieth, a wealthy, well educated, and forward thinking gentleman accepted as a leader of the N.S.W. pastoralists "just across the border", O'Day hears the shrill whinny of a stallion. On riding over to investigate he finds that, in the practise of the day, a superb thoroughbred horse has been turned out on the river flats to acclimatise. Later he learns that this is Grapeshot, a classic winner just imported from England.The albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 8des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

O'Day, however, is a very smart operator indeed. After selling all his surplus cattle to the buyers whose market he has thus cornered, he heads for home with all of his bargain purchases that he needs for MacLough's annual restocking.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 7des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Big Gun auctioneer Bernard Price makes the mistake of his life when he knocks the first pen of Boondangies down to O'Day at a minimal price, thinking him to be a kid "buying a few for mother". O'Day promptly takes up the option of the whole draft of 4000 head of top class stores. His telegram to this effect leads MacLough to believe his new manager will ruin him.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 6des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 4 Back at the station MacLough announces to the assembled men that O'Day is now manager of Gooloora, with absolute power to hire, fire, buy, or sell, until he personally decides otherwise. He then has O'Day drive him to Overton where he repeats this to the bank manager, and arranges ample credit for the 20 year old executive before catching his train to the city.des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

O'Day is just finishing the job when his boss and the jackeroo arrive. MacLough orders Apperton to complete the work and ride O'Day's horse home while the young horse boy-cum-stockman drives him back to the homestead. On the way he says to O'Day, "You told me yesterday that you would be manager of Gooloora today." Sean replies that, as MacLough well knew, that was just a joke. "No joke to me O'Day," says MacLough. "I've sacked Neilson and you are now my manager on this property."The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 3 des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

MacLough surprises Neilson, erstwile manager of "Gooloora", breakfasting off a bottle of whisky and a cup of black tea, and sacks him on the spot. Ordering the hands to be called together he looks them over and queries the absence of young O'Day. Jackeroo Reg Apperton tells him O'Day is out mending a fence at the back of the stud paddock, and MacLough commands that Apperton drive him out there forthwith. D. Hartsman as Neilson.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 2des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

On a summer's day in 1891 Sean O'Day, Horse Breaker on James MacLough's "Gooloora" Station, is driving the Scots pastoralist in to the railhead at Overton after his annual inspection of that property. Silent and mature for his age, Sean was born in a dray while it was crossing the river during a flood, and has remained at home in it. Because he is always moving by dawn he is known in the borderland as Daylight O'Day. When MacLough asks him what he will be doing on the morrow O'Day replies that he will be manager. Questioned, he suggests that MacLough realises the background to his joke in that the station hands will, that night, celebrate the passing of the Boss's inspection. As they will have hangovers tomorrow all the work will naturally fall to himself, a teetotaller. MacLough nods assent, but, instead of leaving on the train, books a room for the night and a livery gig for the morrow, and drives himself to Gooloora early next morning. D.J. Martin as O'Day, H.S. Diffey as MacLough.The album and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Ringer's River Album Coloured photo Plate 1des martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories