In 1959 Princess Alexandra of Kent visited Australia as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II for the Queensland Centenary Celebrations. Her six week visit began with her arrival in Canberra on 14th August 14 and she departed from Canberra on 26th September. Time spent in Australia included 3 weeks in Queensland. Her Royal Highness' visits to New South Wales and Victoria were comparatively brief and informal. In New South Wales she made two country visits including to Albury and a night spent at Bungowannah Park near Jindera. Her visit to Victoria began in Wodonga where she officially opened the Pollard Archway over the Causeway. She received an enthusiastic welcome as she approached the Archway accompanied by a motorcycle escort. As Princess Alexander stepped forward to take the scissors from a red plush case, her Lady-in- Waiting, Lady Moyra Hamilton, tugged at the Princess' sleeve, whispered and gave her a coin. The Princess handed the coin a halfpenny to the Wodonga Shire President, Cr J. S. Hore, saying: "I must give you this, otherwise it might be unlucky." (The halfpenny "gift" stems from an old English superstition that a "sharp" gift such as a knife or scissors must be dulled with copper or else a friendship will be lost. After cutting the ribbon and declaring the Pollard Arch, named in honour of Councillor Charles Pollard M.B.E. she was presented with a bouquet by 10-year old Leslie McLeod. Princess Alexandra led by a pipe band was driven along the Hume Highway and High Street which were lined by thousands of people including school children. After a short trip along High Street and Elgin Street to the Railway Station she departed from protocol to speak to the many children who had crossed the barricade. Princess Alexandra then boarded the Royal Train for her journey to Melbourne.This item is significant because it represents the visit to Wodonga of Princess Alexandra in 1959.A pair of scissors in a red box. The bottom of the box is lined with red cloth and the lid is lined with white silk bearing the trademark "Jewelcrest". The scissors are engraved with the maker's mark for GIESEN & FORSTHOFF/ SOLINGEN GERMANYOn top of Box. The Official Opening by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Kent 0f the Cr C F Pollard MBE Archway Wodonga 16th Sept 1959 On Scissors: GIESEN & FORSTHOFF/ SOLINGEN GERMANY TIMOR SOLINGENprincess alexandra, pollard arch

A wide range of souvenirs have been produced to commemorate Wodonga and its landmarks over time. These items document key changes in Wodonga and its heritage. The arch is named in honour of Cr Charles Pollard, a foundation member of the Wodonga Show Society and former Wodonga Shire councillor and president. 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. 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.Small china pieces carrying scenic views of holiday destinations were a popular kind of souvenir during much of the 20th century. These items have local and social significance as they reflect the landmarks or local features valued by the community over time.Fine china round plate, white with image of the Pollard Archway in Wodonga, Victoria in the bottom third of the plate. Inscription below the image.On bottom of image "Pollard Archway, Wodonga, Vic". Manufacturer's mark on back "St Kilda/ Fine China/ Australia / Hand Painted"souvenir, wodonga, victoria, pollard archway, landmarks wodonga

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