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. 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. Two men in front of a haystack, working on the Parker family farm in Wodonga West. C. 1910wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, parkers wodonga

This photo is from a collection donated by Elaine Mann. Elaine Mann was married to David Mann, a successful Wodonga businessman and community leader who passed away in Wodonga in June 2012. David was a member of the Mann family who began their business in Wodonga in 1920. Elaine was a teacher in Wodonga for many years and an active member of the community. Sanyo was one of the international companies that set up business in Wodonga in the 1970s as part of the decentralisation of industry. The Sanyo Australia Pty. Ltd. factory in Wodonga was officially opened on 25 October 1974 with 35 staff and production peaked in 1976-1977 when it employed 360 people. In the first ten years, 350,000 televisions were assembled from Japanese parts. The official plaque was uncovered by Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer. In October 1977 there were 79 workers retrenched, followed by 30 in November and 45 in February 1978. In 1978 workers staged a sit-in which lasted over a week, to protest multiple mass retrenchments of staff. The factory stayed open for almost another decade. In 1982 the General Manager of Sanyo was quoted as saying the productivity in the Wodonga factory was 10% higher than in Japan. However by 1984 the number of staff had reduced to 112 and the factory closed in 1987. The premises were taken over by Parker Hannifin. The administration building is now the home of 3D Lanes Bowling Alley. The street in which it is located is now called Sanyo Drive.This photo collection is of significance as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the late 20th century.Sanyo Factory construction. A $1 million factory built in Wodonga to assemble 300,000 colour-television sets in readiness for the introduction of colour TV in Australia on March 1, 1975. The building is now occupied by Parker Hannifin and also Wodonga Ten Pin Bowls.wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, sanyo

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 1854. He married Bridget Cusack from County Clare in 1865. 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. 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. Jack Parker and his pony in the centre front of the image. Jack taught this pony to perform several tricks. The Parker family home and some outbuildings are visible in the background. This is a substantial brick house with corrugated iron roof.wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, parker family 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 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 1854. He married Bridget Cusack from County Clare in 1865. 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. Jack Parker sitting on his pony which is lying down on the ground. Jack taught this pony to perform several tricks. The Parker family home and some outbuildings are visible in the background. This is a substantial brick house with corrugated iron roof.wodonga pioneers, haeusler family, glass negatives, dry plate photography, parker family wodonga, horsemanship

Arthur Edward Stevenson enlisted on 17 September 1914 and served with the 14th Battalion of the AIF. He was killed in action at Gallipoli on 20 August 1915 at age 28. His personal effects of a belt, hairbrush, knife, postcards and photos were returned to his brother John in June 1916. Later that year, John Stevenson wrote to the Officer in Charge of base records, asking for confirmation of his brother’s death, as he had received a letter from Arthur dated 27 August 1915, seven days later than the date on which he was reportedly killed. The Army confirmed that Arthur had in fact died, and concluded that he had likely misdated his letter. In 1920, Arthur’s sister Rachel wrote to the Department of Defence, asking whether her brother’s grave had been located and again querying the date of his death. Later, she completed a form that was sent to next of kin seeking information on deceased soldiers for the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour. Arthur Stevenson’s death is recorded at the Lone Pine Memorial on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Honour Certificates WW1 - From 1915 onwards, recruits in many shires and towns in eastern Australia were honoured by local government authorities. A common form of recognition was the award of honour certificates. The first honour certificates were presented in 1915 and 1916 to men who had yet to leave Australia. The designers and publishing companies solicited business directly from councils. Publishers began to print two different types of certificates: honour certificates to thank soldiers who had survived and memorial certificates to commemorate the dead. D.W. Paterson, a Melbourne publishing firm, claimed they had supplied certificates to over 150 cities and shires in Victoria and New South Wales, including the Shire of Wodonga. Paterson also had the widest range of designs The certificate signified that the officials of the community recognised and shared the family's pride and grief. The certificate was signed by S. T Parker, Shire President and R. H. Murphy, Council Secretary on 4th August 1919.This certificate is significant as it recognises service given to Australia by Arthur Edward Stevenson. Coloured certificate presented to the family of Arthur Ernest Stevenson by Wodonga Shire Council. The certificate is mounted behind glass in a wooden frame.gallipoli, world war 1, arthur edward stevenson

Kenneth Malcolm Mortimer was born in Leneva, Wodonga, Victoria on 9 October 1895. He attended school in Wangaratta before entering the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1913. Along with the rest of his class, he graduated in June 1915. Mortimer was appointed as a Lieutenant with the 29th Battalion on 1 July 1915. He embarked with Headquarters Staff, 29th Battalion, from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ascanuis (A11) on 10 November 1915. Whilst training in Egypt in February 1916, he was promoted to Captain. He was in command of a company of the 29th Battalion at Fromelles, Armentieres, France in July 1916. and was reported missing, presumed killed in action on 20 July 1916, aged 20 years. Mortimer’s remains were buried along with those of hundreds of others in a mass grave near Pheasant Wood, close to the battlefield. This mass grave was rediscovered in 2008. After extensive research and DNA testing, the remains of Captain Mortimer were finally identified in April 2018. He was buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Fromelles and his grave rededicated on July 19, 2018, 102 years after his death. A memorial tablet was erected to his memory at St Luke’s Church in Wodonga. Honour Certificates WW1 - From 1915 onwards, recruits in many shires and towns in eastern Australia were honoured by local government authorities. A common form of recognition was the award of honour certificates. The first honour certificates were presented in 1915 and 1916 to men who had yet to leave Australia. The designers and publishing companies solicited business directly from councils. Publishers began to print two different types of certificates: honour certificates to thank soldiers who had survived and memorial certificates to commemorate the dead. D.W. Paterson, a Melbourne publishing firm, claimed they had supplied certificates to over 150 cities and shires in Victoria and New South Wales, including the Shire of Wodonga. Paterson also had the widest range of designs The certificate signified that the officials of the community recognised and shared the family's pride and grief. In the earliest designs, the legend "Australia's sons answered the call" appears below the shield. This was replaced with "For Liberty/ ANZACs/ For Justice". After the United States entered the war in April 1917, the design was reworked to include the US flag. Its presence in this certificate dates its publication as late 1917. The certificate was signed by S. T Parker, Shire President and R. H. Murphy, Council Secretary on 4th August 1918. Kenneth Malcolm Mortimer was born in Leneva, Wodonga and enlisted in the AIF after training at Duntroon. He fought and died at the Battle of Fromelles, France which was the first major engagement of the AIF on the Western Front. Along with hundreds of other Australian soldiers his remains were only identified in 2018, more than 100 years after the battle.Coloured certificate presented to the family of Captain K Mortimer by Wodonga Shire Council.29th battalion, mortimer, leneva, fromelles, aif, wodonga shire, honour certificates ww1

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

Green Hills School was the first school in the Wodonga area. Before the school could open and a teacher commence duties, the Government had to be assured that a minimum of 20 children would be attending. The school was built of round timber, slab walls, bark roof, dirt floor and shuttered windows. The school opened in 1850 and closed in 1870. This sketch, completed by Jim Parker, a Life Member of Wodonga & District Historical Society, was included on a commemorative plaque as part of the Wodonga Heritage Drive established by the Society to recognise the story of key historic locations in the Wodonga area.This drawing is significant because it depicts the first school opened in Wodonga.A sketch of Green Hills School completed by Jim Parker, a life member of Wodonga & District Historical Society. This sketch was completed as part of a project to place commemorative plaques at key locations around Wodonga green hills school, wodonga schools, education wodonga

Sanyo was one of the international companies that set up business in Wodonga in the 1970s as part of the decentralisation of industry. The Sanyo Australia Pty. Ltd. factory in Wodonga was officially opened on 25 October 1974 with 35 staff and production peaked in 1976-1977 when it employed 360 people. In the first 10 years, 350,000 televisions were assembled from Japanese parts. The official plaque was uncovered by Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer. In October 1977 there were 79 workers retrenched, followed by 30 in November and 45 in February 1978. In 1978 workers staged a sit-in which lasted over a week, to protest multiple mass retrenchments of staff. The factory stayed open for almost another decade. In 1982 the General Manager of Sanyo was quoted as saying the productivity in the Wodonga factory was 10% higher than in Japan. However by 1984 the number of staff had reduced to 112 and the factory closed in 1987. The premises were taken over by Parker Hannifin and the administration building is now the home of 3D Lanes Bowling Alley. The street in which it is located is now called Sanyo Drive.These images are significant because they document and industry which employed many people in Wodonga in the 1970s and 1980s.A set of black and white photographs of the Sanyo Australia Pty Ltd premises in Wodonga.sanyo, sanyo-guthrie wodonga, decentralised industry wodonga

Corporal Walter Ardern was the third son of Mr and Mrs James Ardern of Wodonga Estate. He enlisted on 5th October 1914 and left Australia during December of 1914 as a member of the 7th regiment of the Australian Light Horse. The regiment landed in Egypt on 1st February 1915 where they stayed for about three months. He then left Egypt with a machine gun section for Gallipoli, and took part in activities there within a week of the first Anzac landing. During the following four months Corporal Ardern was engaged in the hottest fighting on the Peninsula. He escaped sickness and wounds until the attack at Lone Pine in August 1915, at which he was wounded in the thigh, neck and leg. He was removed to Cottnera Hospital, in Malta, where he was invalided for a few weeks. He was then moved to King George's Hospital in London, where he remained for the follow eight months. On recovery Walter was transferred to the Second Machine Gun Squadron, and immediately embarked for the Sinai Peninsula, where he was kept actively engaged combating the Turks. He participated in the battle of Romani, in which terrific losses were inflicted, on the Turkish army. Shortly before Christmas of 1916 his squadron received instructions to proceed to Palestine, where he remained until embarking for Australia on 31 December 1918. Walter was discharged on 28th March 1919. The certificate signified that the officials and ratepayers of the Wodonga community recognised and appreciated his service. It was signed by S. T. Parker, Shire President and R. H. Murphy, Council Secretary on 4th August 1919.This certificate is significant because it recognises the military service of a member of the Wodonga community.Coloured certificate presented to the Walter Ardern by Wodonga Shire Council in recognition of his military service in World War I. The certificate is mounted in a timber frame.australia military history, military service ww1, 7th australian light horse, walter ardern

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