"Wangaratta's Own", the 2nd 24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta on 1st July 1940, during World War Two. They camped at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, where they trained until they marched out of Wangaratta on 28th September 1940. Before they marched out Alan MacFarlane and the Battalion were presented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Thomas Nolan. They fought in . On 28th September 1990, the 50th anniversary of the Battalion leaving Wangaratta, (retired) Alan MacFarlane, President of the 2nd 24th Battalion Association were presented the Freedom of the City and represented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Kevin Gleeson & Cr Val Gleeson, Cr Thomas Nolan's son in law & daughter. This was an Army Battalion formed in Wangaratta. The young men interacted with the businesses, sporting & social societies & families of Wangaratta in the early 1940's. Lifelong friendships were made."Wangaratta's Own", the 2nd 24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta on 1st July 1940, during World War Two. They camped at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, where they trained until they marched out of Wangaratta on 28th September 1940. Before they marched out Alan MacFarlane and the Battalion were presented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Thomas Nolan. They fought in . On 28th September 1990, the 50th anniversary of the Battalion leaving Wangaratta, (retired) Alan MacFarlane, President of the 2nd 24th Battalion Association were presented the Freedom of the City and represented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Kevin Gleeson & Cr Val Gleeson, Cr Thomas Nolan's son in law & daughter. army battalion wangaratta's own world war two

Group photograph of the 2/24 Infantry Battalion Headquarters Company soldiers who served during WW2The Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in June 1940 and known as Wangaratta's Own.Black plastic frame containing reproduced black and white photograph of soldiers formed in five rows. Soldiers are numbered with most names listed top left and below.2/24th Inf Bn Headquarters Company2/24 battalion, ww2, wangaratta's own

Image depicts a group of 10 unknown soldiers from Wangaratta in Victoria On grey mount original black and white photograph of 10 soldiers in three rows all wearing army coats and slouch hats. Row of tents in back ground.Top left corner - Wangaratta Bhoy's" Attached to rear - newspaper article entitled "Wangaratta's Own" returns wangaratta, ww2, army

White paper with 'in Flanders fields' poem printed in black ink, blue paper booklet describing the program of Wangaratta High School Anzac Day Service 1995 and a white A5 booklet with four colour photos of the siege of Tobruk memorabilia.WANGARATTA HIGH SCHOOL ANZAC DAY SERVICE WEDNESDAY 26 APRIL 1995 2016 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion Wangaratta's own 75th anniversary of Siege of Tobruk 5 November 2016

Certificate of Appreciation presented at the annual reunion on 8 November 2013 to Wangaratta RSL in recognition of their continued support for 2/24 AIF Battalion Association.Cream certificate with black and purple type with two colour symbols above and two signatures below.The 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion Association (Inc) "Wangaratta's Own" Certificate of Appreciation presented to Wangaratta RSL In recognition of their continued support for 2/24 AIF Battalion Association Wangaratta Reunion 8 November 20132/24 australian infantry battalion, wangaratta rsl, certificate of appreciation

Gregory is from an artistic family who are well known for their maritime paintings, with his father being G. F. Gregory. Through his paintings, Gregory has left a valuable record of the maritime history in Australia.maritime artRural City of Wangaratta Collection. Gift of Transatlantic Steamship Company, Gothenburg.A maritime painting of a steamship in watercolour and gouache.Obverse: WANGARATTA/ Off Gabo/ A. V. Gregory (along bottom edge of painting) PRESENTED TO THE BOROUGH OF WANGARATTA/ BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE M V WANGARATTA/ OWNED BY TRANSATLANTIC STEAMSHIP CO LTD/ GOTHENBURG/ February 1946/ (inscription of plaque mounted to frame)wangaratta art gallery, maritime art, arthur victor gregory, wangaratta, gabo

Gold lettered pentagonal wooden citizenship award honour board with pointed top with th 2nd/24th infantary battalion logo at the top of the board from dates 1940-1945. Has a explanitory notice tacked on to the right side of the plaque. 1940- 1945 "WANGARATTA'S OWN" AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION & COMMITMENT TO CITIZENSHIP. 1996 Brad Allen 1997 Stacey Carter 1998 Greg Whitehead 1999 Shayna Jones 2000 Andrew Ludlow 2001 Scott Norton 2002 Brianna Jones 2003 Josh Jones 2004 Annaleise Klein 2005 Micheal Raison 2006 Ryan Keam WANGARATTA SECONDARY COLLEGE

The 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion Association was uniquely granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 - to our knowledge the only/first Battalion Association in Australia to be granted this honour. Council acknowledges its appreciation of the contribution made by this Unit to community peace and national democracy and congratulates “Wangaratta’s Own” 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion Association on its Fiftieth Anniversary since formation.The 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion Association was uniquely granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 - to our knowledge the only/first Battalion Association in Australia to be granted this honour. Council acknowledges its appreciation of the contribution made by this Unit to community peace and national democracy and congratulates “Wangaratta’s Own” 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion Association on its Fiftieth Anniversary since formation.Brown timber and gold gilt edged frame containing document with three signatures and red seal. A plaque is attached to glass on lower edge below document.Plaque reads - On 18 November 1994 the City of Wangaratta the Shires of Wangaratta, Oxley and part of the Shires of Benalla, Yarrawonga and Beechworth were amalgamated to create what is now the Rural City of Wangaratta. On 9 November 1996 the Commissioners and Citizens Proudly conferred "Freedom of Entry to the Rural City of Wangaratta" on the 2/24th Infantry Battalion Association.freedom of the city of wangaratta, 2/24th australian infantry battalion association

Gold lettered pentagonal wooden citizenship award honour board with pointed top with the 2nd/24th infantry battalion logo at the top of the board from dates 1940-1945 1940- 1945 "WANGARATTA'S OWN" AWEARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION & COMMITMENT TO CITIZENSHIP 1996 Tanya Tatulaschwili 1997 Belinda James 1998 Sandra Alesiani 1999 Sharnee Thompson 2000 Naomi Baytala 2001 Emma Holgate 2002 Katie Nicklaus 2003 Samantha Forge 2004 Mark Tatulaschwili 2005 Jessica Hickmont 2006 Mathew Elliot 2007 Alexandra Rose 2008 Amanda Campbell 2009 Melissa Kyne 2010 Travis Robinson 2011 James Christie 2012 Amanda Roberts 2013 Natasha Young 2014 Ashlee Fitzpatrick 2015 Tayla Warner WANGARATTA HIGH SCHOOL

In July 1940 the 2/24th Battalion was formed. They set off from Caulfield for the still-being-built Bonegilla camp, stopping off at Wangaratta where they camped at the showgrounds. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as ‘Wangaratta’s Own’. Presented with a 14 foot pennant the Battalion marched through the streets of Wangaratta on 27 September 1940 on the way to Bonegilla. Training continued in Bonegilla until the soldiers sailed on HMT Strathmore for the Middle East on 16 November. The Battalion was eventually attached to the 9th Australian Division, one of the most famous army fighting formations in World War 2. They served in Tobruk (1941) Tel el Eisa (1942), El Alemain (1942), New Guinea (1943) and Tarakan (1945).During the Tobruk siege the 9th Division was called the ‘The Rats of Tobruk’ by William Joyce, the German propagandist. The 2/24th Battalion suffered more casualties than any other 2nd AIF Battalion – 360 killed and 900 wounded. Brown lacquered wood shield with a silver metal 2/24 symbol on it.2/24 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATALLION TOBRUK . THE SALIENT . TEL EL EISA . EL ALAMEIN . LAE . NADZAB . WAREO . TARAKAN I HOLD FAST

A stirrup pump is a portable reciprocating water pump used to extinguish or control small fires. It is operated by hand. The operator places a foot on a stirrup-like bracket at the bottom of the pump to hold the pump steady. The bottom of the suction cylinder was placed inside a bucket of water. Water was drawn by pumping the handle up and down to create suction. The pumps were used in a variety of settings to enable quick action if a small fire broke out. They were a vital tool in London during the Blitz of World War 11. On the local level they were also used for spraying fruit trees, plants and vines. The Crescent Tool Company was founded in 1907. The Crescent brand has changed ownership multiple times. It is currently owned by Apex Tool Group but still also trades as Crescent in Australia. This pump was donated by Geoff Williams of Wodonga and was used at "Orange Vale" farm at Oxley Flats near Wangaratta. "Orange Vale" was owned by Mr. Robert Williams. Widely known as "Uncle Bob". in the 1940s Mr. Williams opened up the family property, established in the 1860s, as a camp for young people from Wangaratta. By 1951, this had extended to catering to group camps for children from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. 250 children could be accommodated at one time and as many as 3,000 children enjoyed the facilities each year.These pumps were important in fire fighting in a range of settings and were adapted for use in agricultural and small farm settings,A brass stirrup pump with wooden handle. It consists of 2 parallel brass pieces, one with a foot piece attached to keep the pump steady. The base of the pump is fitted with a pierced metal filter that prevents grit and debris being drawn into the pump and fouling it. 2 butterfly screws enable adjustment of height and securing a hose.crescent tools, orange vale, fire equipment

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woolen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. This register contains a list of names addresses and occupations of share holders from the period 1910 to 1944.This register provides a comprehensive listing of people who owned shares in the Warrnambool Woollen Mill in the period directly after its beginnings. It is interesting to note that the majority of share owners in the earlier days were from Warrnambool and District while entries in the later years are from further afield.Dark green cloth hard cover with tan point and spine. One red and one black label on spine with gold lettering. Pages are numbered as one number to the opened page. Entries for the most part are written in black ink. Two printed sheets from The Stock Exchange of Melbourne and National Securities are inside the front cover. W.M. Co. Share Transfer Register on labels on spine.warrnambool woollen mill, history of warrnambool, ledger warrnambool woollen mill, share register warrnambool woollen mill

The establishment of Kiewa Valley House, was a significant victory for residents and senior citizens in the Kiewa Valley district. Plans were laid in the mid 1970’s and a proposal was formulated for a 12 bed unit nursing home to be attached to the Tawonga District General Hospital. The need for an aged care facility in Mount Beauty was prompted by recognition of the high ratio of senior citizens residing in the area. At the time residents had to travel to Beechworth, Wangaratta or Wodonga for care. On June 6th, 1980, an appeal to finance a 12 bed nursing wing was launched at a public meeting in Mount Beauty The Hospital and Charities Commission’s development board finally approved the application for government funds to build the 12 bed nursing home in early 1981. The official opening of the nursing home was on March 6th, 1985. Opening of the lounge extensions occurred in May, 1993 Many local residents have taken advantage of facilities at Kiewa Valley House when they became unable to manage independently in their own homes. This has meant they did not have to face the stress of leaving the area and being separated from their local family and friends. Many SEC workers and their families have been residents of Kiewa Valley House over the years.Set of 6 colour photographs of Kiewa Valley House and original Tawonga District General Hospital in Mt Beauty 1 Kiewa Valley House, before extensions, with old weatherboard hospital in background 2 & 3 Official opening of Kiewa Valley House. 4 & 5 Gardens between Kiewa Valley House and Hospital 5. Kiewa Valley lounge extension 1. The original Kiewa Valley House, before extensions 2. No markings 3. No markings 4. View of the gardens between the weatherboard hospital and Kiewa Valley House 5. Walkway between Hospital & Kiewa Valley House 6. Kiewa Valley House Lounge Room extension tawonga district hospital, kiewa valley house, mt beauty district hospital

An entry ticket to Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria.An entry ticket to Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria. Manical Mechanicals was owned and operated by Marg and Alistair Mackie in Murchison Street in Marysville in Victoria. It offered a display of various engineering wonders of the world all made from Meccano. There was also a selection of models, toys and other items that all moved. The Meccano models were all built by Doug Wilson who lived in Wangaratta in Victoria. In 1937, when he was 12, Doug won first prize at Brunswick Technical School for making a Meccano model aeroplane with three rotating propellers. Manical Mechanicals was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.manical mechanicals, marysville, victoria, meccano, doug wilson, brunswick technical school, 2009 black saturday bushfires

An advertising flyer for Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria.An advertising flyer for Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria. Manical Mechanicals was owned and operated by Marg and Alistair Mackie in Murchison Street in Marysville in Victoria. It offered a display of various engineering wonders of the world all made from Meccano. There was also a selection of models, toys and other items that all moved. The Meccano models were all built by Doug Wilson who lived in Wangaratta in Victoria. In 1937, when he was 12, Doug won first prize at Brunswick Technical School for making a Meccano model aeroplane with three rotating propellers. Manical Mechanicals was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.manical mechanicals, marysville, victoria, meccano, doug wilson, brunswick technical school, 2009 black saturday bushfires

A colour photograph of Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria. Manical Mechanicals was owned and operated by Marg and Alistair Mackie in Murchison Street in Marysville in Victoria. It offered a display of various engineering wonders of the world all made from Meccano. There was also a selection of models, toys and other items that all moved. The Meccano models were all built by Doug Wilson who lived in Wangaratta in Victoria. In 1937, when he was 12, Doug won first prize at Brunswick Technical School for making a Meccano model aeroplane with three rotating propellers. Manical Mechanicals was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.manical mechanicals, marysville, victoria, meccano, doug wilson, brunswick technical school, 2009 black saturday bushfires

A colour photograph of Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria. Manical Mechanicals was owned and operated by Marg and Alistair Mackie in Murchison Street in Marysville in Victoria. It offered a display of various engineering wonders of the world all made from Meccano. There was also a selection of models, toys and other items that all moved. The Meccano models were all built by Doug Wilson who lived in Wangaratta in Victoria. In 1937, when he was 12, Doug won first prize at Brunswick Technical School for making a Meccano model aeroplane with three rotating propellers. Manical Mechanicals was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.manical mechanicals, marysville, victoria, meccano, doug wilson, brunswick technical school, 2009 black saturday bushfires

A colour photograph of a display in Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of a display in Manical Mechanicals in Marysville in Victoria. Manical Mechanicals was owned and operated by Marg and Alistair Mackie in Murchison Street in Marysville in Victoria. It offered a display of various engineering wonders of the world all made from Meccano. There was also a selection of models, toys and other items that all moved. The Meccano models were all built by Doug Wilson who lived in Wangaratta in Victoria. In 1937, when he was 12, Doug won first prize at Brunswick Technical School for making a Meccano model aeroplane with three rotating propellers. Manical Mechanicals was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.manical mechanicals, marysville, victoria, meccano, doug wilson, brunswick technical school, 2009 black saturday bushfires

A newsletter article regarding the donation of Meccano models to the Marysville & District Historical Society.A newsletter article regarding the donation of Meccano models to the Marysville & District Historical Society. Manical Mechanicals was owned and operated by Marg and Alistair Mackie in Murchison Street in Marysville in Victoria. It offered a display of various engineering wonders of the world all made from Meccano. There was also a selection of models, toys and other items that all moved. The Meccano models were all built by Doug Wilson who lived in Wangaratta in Victoria. In 1937, when he was 12, Doug won first prize at Brunswick Technical School for making a Meccano model aeroplane with three rotating propellers. Manical Mechanicals was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.manical mechanicals, marysville, victoria, meccano, doug wilson, brunswick technical school, 2009 black saturday bushfires, melbourne meccano club, melbourne meccano club newsletter

This is a story based on a real pioneering family's adventures near Wangaratta, in central Victoria. The book is part of Flagstaff Hill's Pattison Collection, a large group of books and records, some of which are rare and valuable. The collection was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute, which was founded in 1853 and is named after Warrnambool's Public Librarian, Ralph Pattison. The publisher firm Longmans, Green & Co. was founded in 1724 in London by Thomas Longman under the name Longman. In August of that year, he bought the two shops and goods of William Taylor and set up his publishing house there at 39 Paternoster Row. The shops were called Black Swan and Ship, and it is said that the 'ship' sign was the inspiration for Longman's Logo. After many changes of name and management, the firm was incorporated in 1926 as Longmans, Green & Co. Pty Ltd. The firm was acquired by Pearson in 1968 and was known as Pearson Longman or Pearson PLC. The story is based on a real family and is significant as a means of understanding the life of a young pioneering family in our state of Victoria. The book is important for its connection with the London publisher Longmans, Green & Co. The firm has been established for over two centuries and is renowned for publishing encyclopedias, dictionaries, books on English grammar, textbooks, poetry, reference books, novels, magazines and more. The book has additional importance for its connection to the Pattison Collection, which, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institutes’ Collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and its important role in people's intellectual, cultural and social development throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance.A Saddle at Bontharambo Author: H J Samuel Publisher: Longmans, Green & Co Date: 1950 Further Information: Illustrations by Cordelle Samuel The blue hardcover book has an illustrated cover picturing a covered wagon, a woman and two children, and illustrations within the book. There are inscriptions on a label and stickers in the book. The book is part of the Pattison Collection. Label on spine: " PAT FIC SAM" Sticker on endpaper: "Warrnambool Children’s Library" covered by a sticker, "Corangamite Regional Library Service"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, a saddle at bontharambo, h j samuel, cordelle samuel, based on a true story, pioneering family, wangaratte, central victoria, aboriginals, australian story, 20th century novel, longman green & co., illustrated book, 1950

This bottle was used in a period when "soft" drink ginger beer was "brewed" not only in homes but also in specific breweries. Most rural areas had families which produced their own ginger beer. Medium to large towns and cities had ginger beer "factories". These factories had large "on bottle" advertising who the producer was. This producer advertising was firmly infused into the bottle and not on removable labels (late 1900's on wards). Regional breweries had a strong following, similar to State beer producing breweries. The competition between breweries of ginger beer was regional and not state or international. Return of bottles was not a sign of saving the environment or becoming eco- friendly but a requirement to keep production costs low. This is highlighted by "This bottle Remains the Property", in other words return when empty. Up to the end of the second World War Australian "soft drink" demand was for local produce. The American invasion of other flavours of "soft drink" came in the 1950's. Multi -Corporations producing non alcoholic beverages at lower production costs reduced local manufacturers considerably. This however had little effect on semi isolated rural areas where home brews flourished.This bottle shows the impact that small regional towns had and still have on semi isolated rural communities(Kiewsa Valley). With better communications (radio/television/newspapers) and a better transport connections specialised breweries such as the Wangaratta Brewery had an extensive customer "hinterland" to serve. The "canny" rural population would be able to reuse this bottle for their own specific purpose. Because of the long distances between Kiewa Valley residences and the major towns available to them, the issue of adaptability of any purchases made was always closely linked to their long term usefulness.This bottle is made from thick clear glass and has a capacity of one and a half pints. It has a flat top with a wooden screw stopper (internal thread). On one side "THIS BOTTLE REMAINS THE PROPERTY OF WANGARATTA BREWERY PTY LTD" On the top rim of bottle on both sides "17". On the bottom of the base are "AGM" AND "346"ginger beer bottle, soft drink bottles, cordial bottles, wangaratta drinks

In the early 1880s a small circus travelled between Millicent and Mt Gambier, South Australia. After camping overnight they discovered their Bengal Tiger at escaped and disappeared into dense scrub. After searching for hours they continued to Mt Gambier and reported the loss of the tiger to police. Police and local volunteers continued the search for the escaped tiger, but no sighting were made. In the early 1890s sheep in the Tantanoola area started to disappear with the still unsighted tiger being blamed. In 1893 reports of an unusual animal in the Tantanoola area started, with many describing the animal as the missing tiger, or a large dog. One eye witness claimed to have seen the animal carrying a full grown sheep in its mouth. The reports grew in number and exaggeration with sightings from Robe to Bendigo. In the Tantanoola district children were escorted with shotgun guards to and from school, with many homes keeping guns at the ready in case the tiger suddenly appeared. In August 1895 Tom Donovan shot the "Tantanoola Tiger" on Mt Salt Station, around 20 kms south of Tantanoola. The corpse was taken to Marks, a Mount Gambier taxidermist, at which time the animal was identified as an Assyrian or Northern Russian Wolf. Donovan displayed the animal far and wide. Despite the animal's death sheep continued to disappear from properties in the district over many years. It was of particular concern between 1909 and 1910. At that time Herbert Allchurch, an Adelaide detective, was sent to solve the mystery. A few days after his arrival Allchruch went to the front bar of the Tiger Hotel and arrested local rabbit shooter and trapper, Charlie Edmunson, with sheep stealing. After his 1911 trial Edmunson admitted to stealing over 4,000 sheep during the previous 20 years. He was gaoled for six years with hard-labour in January 1911. Edmunson had been selling the skins of the stolen sheep, leaving the carcusses to rot. He earned around five pounds per week during the 1990s and early 1900s, a time when the economy was depressed. It is not known had the animal known as the Tantanoola Tiger came to Australia, but it is believed it survived one of three ships wrecked of the coast between 1890 and 1893, making it to shore along with some of the shipwrecked passengers. (From a card produced by the Tantanoola Tiger Hotel, where the 'tiger' is on display.)A collection of Newsclippings from 1892 - 1895 photocopied onto A4 white paper. The clippings relate to the Tantanoola Tiger. Clippings include: * Border Watch 1892 - Tantanoola Tiger Reward * Sydney Morning Herald, 04/07/1857 - Animals in Zoological Gardens, including a number of large cats. * Claims the Tantanoola Tiger was an escaped circus animal (ie The Advertiser [Adelaide], 31 October 1893) * Search parties for the Tantanoola Tiger (ie Barrier Miner 19/05/1893; Barrier Miner 03/1081893) * Thylacine claim (ie Morning Bulletin [Rockhampton] 11/03/1895 * Afghan and Indian Hunters (ie Barrier Miner 07/02/1895) * Sighting by John Bird of Scarsdale - Wanganui Herald 15/12/1900. " ... Mr Bird was travelling on foot along a lonely track through very dense scrub, when he was stricken with amazement to see a full-grown tiger standing in a small dam about 30ft away, and holding in its jaws the carcass of a newly-killed lamb. He remained long enough to thoroughly take in the animals appearance, and then beat a hasty retreat unmolested. His description of the animal is as follows: A tawny-coloured creature, with a dirty mottled skin; in general appearance like an immense cat; body 4ft long, and of a uniform thickness from shoulder to hindquarters; in bulk equal to a very large pig. The legs were hidden in the water. A similar animal is reported to gave been seen near Canico, some miles away. ..." * Victorian country sightings # Bullarto - Argus 06/05/1905 # Dean - Launceston Examiner 28/01/1895 # Bendigo - Hobart Mercury 15/03/1895 # Ballan - Launceston Examiner 03/08/1895 * South Australian register 17/06/1885 " There is a tiger or panther wandering at large in Victoria, according to a rumour. It has taken the place of the Bunyip, whom hundreds have seen but none captured. This tiger is supposed to have broken loose from a travelling menagerie in the North-eastern district. At the beginning we should like it roved that such an escape ever took place. Perhaps the showmen were afraid to report the fact to the police; at any rate they did not do so. The first story about the tiger being seen came from the neighborhood of Wangaratta, 60 miles from the place where it is said to have commenced business on its own account. He was followed, but vanished among trees. Next we hear of a strange animal, bigger than a St Bernard's dog, but shorter legged, having appeared at least 150 miles from Wangaratta. Between Lilydale and Wangaratta there is a dividing range 2,000 feet high in the lowest past, besides several large rivers. An finally, the tiger - changed from a panther - is reported as having been seen within the suburban circle, about 8 miles from the general Post Office. They show you footprints, and point to the carcasses of mangled cows and calves. Casts have been taken of the footprints for examination by scientific men, who pronounce them doglike, and yet not doglike, but panther-like, which gives a nervous turn, for the panther may take up killing children and grown-up people. One tiger will not account for so many apparitions. There must have been a general strike among the menageries, and a breaking-up companies. ... * Research article by Philip A. Clarke "Indigenous Spirit and Ghost Folklore of 'Settled' Australia. australian animal folklore collection, tantanoola tiger, tom donovan, herbert allchurch, charles edmunson, sheep, charlie edmunson, mythical, myth, folklore

The photo shows "William Clarke" who owned and operated the first commercial Punt across the Ovens River during the goldrush daysthe photograph shows "William Clarke" who was one of the first pioneers of the township of Wangaratta as it is now known. He also built one of the first hotels in Wangaratta.Brown wooden framed photograph, greyish background with silver surround around photo of William Clarke, one of Wangaratta's foundation pioneers. The wood is from the first punt. He was the owner of the first punt to cross the Ovens river, which he had built for 500 pounds. It was sunk in 1855 after the first bridge across the Ovens river was built.William Clarke1 1839 Wangaratta William Clarke 11 William Clarke 111(my father) Nell Clarke 1884-1965 William Clarke 1 Pioneer of Wangaratta Vic. 1839 This frame is made of oak from the punt he operated over the Ovens River during the goldrush days to Beechworthclarke family, punt, sydney hotel

The Wangaratta Historical Society Inc. (WHS) was established in 1959 and moved into its present home in the 1970s. Wangaratta in North East Victoria has a population of over 27 thousand people and is situated at the junction of the King and the Ovens Rivers. Agriculture has always been a big part of its history as well as education, health and manufacturing. The museum was originally a fire station built 1895 and included living quarters for its staff. The building is owned by the Rural City of Wangaratta who are great supporters of the WHS The museum was bequeathed 10,000 glass negatives from the late 1800s to the 1950s these were by the Vine & Thelma studios of mostly, portraits, weddings and historical photos. Also owned by the WHS is the Maianne Gibson crazy patchwork quilt made by a Wangaratta woman in the 1890s and now Heritage listed. This Quilt is housed in an specially controlled conditions. The Wangaratta Historical Society Museum was accredited in 2012 under the Museums Accreditation Program.

The Wangaratta Tin Kan Band, a significant part of local folklore, was formed mainly for the purpose of raining funds for the district hospital. The original drum was a discarded carbine tin, hence the band's name Tin Kan Band. The band was formed in 1914 by Syn Emery and was active until 1935. Music was important in this era for public and social functions. The instruments played were tin whistles, mouth organs, accordions, banjos, violins, guitars, drums, wash boards and anything that would make a musical sound; they often made their own instruments such as one string fiddles. Each band member had their own distinctive costume. The band members were mostly business men and shop owners who used their talents to entertain at public functions. They organized sports meetings, dances, concerts and anything that would help the hospital financially and in the depression of the 1930's; they were the mainstay that helped keep the hospital going. Very significant in local public and social functions and a part of local folk lore.The Wangaratta Tin Kan Band, a significant part of local folklore, was formed mainly for the purpose of raising funds for the district hospital. The original drum was a discarded carbine tin, hence the band's name Tin Kan Band. The band was formed in 1914 and was active until 1935. Music was important in this era for public and social functions. The instruments played were tin whistles, mouth organs, accordions, banjos, violins, guitars, drums, wash boards and anything that would make a musical sound; they often made their own instruments such as one string fiddles. Each band member had their own distinctive costume. The band members were mostly business men and shop owners who used their talents to entertain at public functions. They organized sports meetings, dances, concerts and anything that would help the hospital financially and in the depression of the 1930's; they were the mainstay that helped keep the hospital going. tin kan band syn emery music

In this era women of Marianne Gibson's position in society were chaperoned and chauffeured, their role was that of wife and mother, busy in their home. Women did not have the vote and those who worked were servants who lived with families. The Gibson family was well respected in the community and Marianne was the mother of 8 children.The Marianne Gibson Quilt is one of the finest examples of crazy patchwork quilting known to exist globally. It features items from her husband's hardware shop, household objects, oriental designs as well as local fauna and flora and the quality of the needlework is outstanding. It is extremely well preserved and unfaded. For a short film about the Marianne Gibson Quilt, visit Culture Victoria: http://www.cv.vic.gov.au/stories/marianne-gibsons-crazy-patchwork-quilt/11762/marianne-gibsons-crazy-patchwork-quilt/The Marianne Gibson Quilt is owned by the Wangaratta Historical Society and was placed on the Victorian Heritage Register in 2011. Marianne Gibson was born in Ireland and 1863 and married her cousin Alexander McCulla Gibson in 1864 in Wangaratta. The quilt is"...one of the finest examples of a crazy patchwork quilt in the world" (Victorian Heritage Register) and is composed of 9 blocks featuring silks and velvets with a backing of beige silk. The crazy patchwork style popular between 1876 and 1920 encompasses many different patterns that tell stories of that age and uniquely showcases local flora and fauna. Marianne made the quilt between 1891 and 1896. She loved flowers, birds, her garden and especially her family. This is evident in her quilt embroidery and stitching so lovingly demonstrated. Marianne died on 8th March 1911. She left the quilt to her daughters Clara and Edith who gave it to their housekeeper Miss Alma Gard in 1934. When Miss Gard retired to a nursing home in 1985 the quilt was donated to the Wangaratta Historical Society. MG 1891marianne gibson quilt crazy patchwork local fauna flora

The Battle of Tarakan was the first stage in the Borneo campaign of 1945. It began with an amphibious landing by Australian forces on 1 May, code-named Operation Oboe One. While the battle ended with success for the Allied forces over the Japanese defenders, this victory is generally regarded as having not justified its costs. 225 Australian soldiers of the 26th Brigade, 9th Division, 2nd Australian Imperial Force were once buried here. They were killed in the Battle of Tarakan (1 May - 21 June 1945) or died due to their wounds until 15 August 1945.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of a monument/cenotaph and lawn grave sites with white crosses.Handwritten on rear - Tarakan Cemetery2/24th battalion, wangaratta, tarakan

September 30,1945 - The official dedication service and unveiling of the Cenotaph at Tarakan War Cemetery The Battle of Tarakan was the first stage in the Borneo campaign of 1945. It began with an amphibious landing by Australian forces on 1 May, code-named Operation Oboe One. While the battle ended with success for the Allied forces over the Japanese defenders, this victory is generally regarded as having not justified its costs. 225 Australian soldiers of the 26th Brigade, 9th Division, 2nd Australian Imperial Force were once buried here. They were killed in the Battle of Tarakan (1 May - 21 June 1945) or died due to their wounds until 15 August 1945.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of monument/cenotaph and catafalque party2/24th battalion, tarakan, cenotaph

The famous Tobruk Fig Tree was named because it marked the entrance to a network of underground caves used to treat wounded soldiers. It became known as the Fig Tree Hospital. The caves became a place where wounded soldiers could be stabilized before being transferred to the Australian General Hospital. The Fig Tree was the only feature in an otherwise barren desert and an easy target for German artillery who heavily shelled the site for several hours per day. A cutting from the tree was brought back to Australia and planted at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of four soldiers under large tree - one soldier in dugout under tree watching two stretcher bearers carry out wounded soldierHandwritten on rear - Fig Tree Tobruk 2/24th battalion, fig tree, tobruk