The Wodonga Waterworks Trust was established in 1897 to control and improve water supply to Wodonga. This included focus on the water quality which had often been a problem. After lobbying the Victorian Department of Water Supply for several years, the first official meeting of the officially constituted Wodonga Waterworks Trust was held on Wednesday 20th October 1897. The Board initially consisted of all Wodonga Shire Councillors together with Mr Samuel Mason Jr., as the nominee of the Government. Councillor McFarlane was appointed as the first Chairman. This Seal was used to endorse all official documents issued by the Trust. Documents placed between the two plates of the Seal would be embossed with the Trust’s emblem.This item is significant because it is representative of the first local government body constituted to improve water supply to Wodonga.A heavy metal seal machine used to make the imprint of the Wodonga Waterworks Trust. The seal is embossed on a circular disc. The imprint, which is not visible when assembled, shows an imprint of a woman in Grecian-style clothes carrying a water ewer on her shoulder.Around circular seal - WODONGA WATERWORKS TRUSTwodonga waterworks trust, water supply wodonga

Wodonga Waterworks Trust was established in 1897 to control and improve water supply to Wodonga. This included focus on the water quality which had often been a problem. After lobbying the Victorian Department of Water Supply for several years, the first official meeting of the newly constituted Wodonga Waterworks Trust was held on Wednesday 20th October 1897. The Board initially consisted of all Wodonga Shire Councillors, together with Mr Samuel Mason Jr., as the nominee of the Government. Councillor McFarlane was appointed as the first Chairman. This Record Book contains documentation of expenditure of the Wodonga Waterworks Trust from 1908 through to the early 1950s. This includes the official record of payments of £2,897/ 18 /- and £130 to contractor A. A. Hargrave for Erection of the Water Tower. Other payments related to the Water Tower include entries for pumps, gears, pipe laying, pipes, the pump station and related fittings. Construction of the Water Tower was completed in early 1924 and after thorough testing throughout that year, the completed new water system for Wodonga was officially opened on 4th December 1924.This item is significant because it contains financial records related to the construction of one of the oldest and most significant buildings in Wodonga.This large ledger contains both hand written and typed notes documenting financial reports of the Wodonga Water Trust over 40 years. The cover is dark green with brown binding. In the centre of the cover is an red rectangle with text and a border printed in gold.On front cover within gold border BALANCE RECORD WODONGA WATERWORKS TRUSTwodonga waterworks trust, wodonga water tower, a. a. hargrave

The pulley was used by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, which were established in 1897, and had the responsibility for providing Wodonga's drinking water and managing the wastewater. In 1923 a Wodonga Waterworks Trust referendum to provide funding for new infrastructure to supply more water of better quality to Wodonga was passed. This included building the Wodonga Water Tower and it was completed in 1924. It supplied water to Wodonga until 1959, when it was drained and decommissioned after the No 1 Basin on Huon Hill was completed in 1958. In 1983 the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and the Wodonga Sewerage Authority became part of the Wodonga Council. And by 1989 a filtration plant at Huon Hill was completed, which provided filtered water of improved quality to Wodonga, in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. In 1994 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority took over the Wodonga Council’s water and wastewater operations, and then in 1999 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority combined with the Ovens Region Water Authority and became the North East Region Water Authority or NERWA. NERWA then became known as North East Water. The pulley has local significance due to its use by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, and donation from the North East Region Water Authority. It also has wider historical significance as an example of the equipment used in the early management of water in Victoria and Australia.Elongated ellipse-shaped iron pulley, painted black on the flat exterior surfaces. Considerable light brown dirt on the surface and traces of a silver coloured rectangular label on the central raised section on the front. The light brown surface dirt covers nearly the entire back surface. Piece of iron wire attached to the hook at the bottom of the pulley."Backwards R 6" on the central raised section on the back surface.wodonga waterworks trust, wodonga sewerage authority, wodonga water, pulleys, north east region water authority, north east water, n.e. water, nerwa

The large wrench was used by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, which were established in 1897, and had the responsibility for providing Wodonga's drinking water and managing the wastewater. In 1923 a Wodonga Waterworks Trust referendum to provide funding for new infrastructure to supply more water of better quality to Wodonga was passed. This included building the Wodonga Water Tower and it was completed in 1924. It supplied water to Wodonga until 1959, when it was drained and decommissioned after the No 1 Basin on Huon Hill was completed in 1958. In 1983 the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and the Wodonga Sewerage Authority became part of the Wodonga Council. And by 1989 a filtration plant at Huon Hill was completed, which provided filtered water of improved quality to Wodonga, in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. In 1994 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority took over the Wodonga Council’s water and wastewater operations, and then in 1999 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority combined with the Ovens Region Water Authority and became the North East Region Water Authority or NERWA. NERWA then became known as North East Water. The large spanner has local significance due to its use by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, and donation from the North East Region Water Authority. It also has wider historical significance as an example of the equipment used in the management of water in Victoria and Australia.Large cast iron spanner with some red/brown rust corrosion and light brown ingrained surface dirt.north east region water authority, nerwa, wodonga sewerage authority, north east water, n.e. water, wodonga, large spanners, spanner, wodonga waterworks trust

The Shifter Wrench was used by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, which were established in 1897, and had the responsibility for providing Wodonga's drinking water and managing the wastewater. In 1923 a Wodonga Waterworks Trust referendum to provide funding for new infrastructure to supply more water of better quality to Wodonga was passed. This included building the Wodonga Water Tower and it was completed in 1924. It supplied water to Wodonga until 1959, when it was drained and decommissioned after the No 1 Basin on Huon Hill was completed in 1958. In 1983 the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and the Wodonga Sewerage Authority became part of the Wodonga Council. And by 1989 a filtration plant at Huon Hill was completed, which provided filtered water of improved quality to Wodonga, in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. In 1994 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority took over the Wodonga Council’s water and wastewater operations, and then in 1999 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority combined with the Ovens Region Water Authority and became the North East Region Water Authority or NERWA. NERWA then became known as North East Water. The shifter wrench has local significance due to its use by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, and donation from the North East Region Water Authority. It also has wider historical significance as an example of the equipment used in the early management of water in Victoria and Australia.Large cast iron wrench with an adjustable grip and a circular turning mechanism at the top of a thin tapering handle. 2.6 cm thread on the end of the thin tapering handle. "GSP 23/15" on one side of the thin tapering handle.north east region water authority, nerwa, wodonga sewerage authority, north east water, n.e. water, wodonga, shifter wrench, wodonga waterworks trust

The water pump pressure gauges were used by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, which were established in 1897, and had the responsibility for providing Wodonga's drinking water and managing the wastewater. In 1923 a Wodonga Waterworks Trust referendum to provide funding for new infrastructure to supply more water of better quality to Wodonga was passed. This included building the Wodonga Water Tower and it was completed in 1924. It supplied water to Wodonga until 1959, when it was drained and decommissioned after the No 1 Basin on Huon Hill was completed in 1958. In 1983 the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and the Wodonga Sewerage Authority became part of the Wodonga Council. By 1989 a filtration plant at Huon Hill was completed, which provided filtered water of improved quality to Wodonga, in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. In 1994 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority took over the Wodonga Council’s water and wastewater operations, and then in 1999 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority combined with the Ovens Region Water Authority and became the North East Region Water Authority or NERWA. NERWA then became known as North East Water.The water pump pressure gauges have local significance due to their use by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and Sewerage Authority, and donation from the North East Region Water Authority. They also have wider historical significance as examples of the equipment used in the management of water in Victoria and Australia.Five metal and glass water pump pressure gauges, including one with a U-shaped pipe and lever attached. "-HOMPSONS (CASTLEMAINE) LT-" on pressure gauge no.1 "BOURDON'S / PRESSURE GAUGE / THE AUSTRAL OTIS /ENGINEERING Co. LD. / MELBOURNE" on pressure gauge no.2 "No. 1609 / POUNDS PRESSURE / PER SQ. INCH / FEET HEAD OF WATER" on pressure gauge no. 3 "FEET HEAD OF WATER / THOMPSONS (CASTLEMAI-- LTD" on pressure gauge no. 4 "SET SLOW 33' -" / BUDENBERG / MADE IN AUSTRALIA / ft water / 1 4 9 3 9 each number underlined" on pressure gauge no. 5north east region water authority, nerwa, wodonga sewerage authority, north east water, n.e. water, wodonga waterworks trust, pressure gauges, water pump pressure gauges

The large aluminium sand scoop was used by Wodonga Waterworks Trust and it is part of the North East Region Water Authority collection in the Wodonga Historical Society. Wodonga's drinking water and wastewater were originally managed by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust, which was established in 1897, after Wodonga became a separate shire in 1876. In 1923 a Wodonga Waterworks Trust referendum to provide funding for new infrastructure to supply more water of better quality to Wodonga was passed. This included building the Wodonga Water Tower and it was completed in 1924. It supplied water to Wodonga until 1959, when it was drained and decommissioned after the No 1 Basin on Huon Hill was completed in 1958. In 1983 the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and the Wodonga Sewerage Authority became part of the Wodonga Council, and by 1989 a filtration plant at Huon Hill was completed, which provided filtered water of improved quality to Wodonga, in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. In 1994 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority took over the Wodonga Council’s water and wastewater operations, and then in 1999 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority combined with the Ovens Region Water Authority and became the North East Region Water Authority or NERWA. NERWA then became known as North East Water. The sand scoop has local significance as part of the North East Region Water Authority collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society. It also has wider state significance as a rare example of the equipment used in water management in Wodonga.Large aluminium scoop with a handle soldered on one side edge. Two holes and one indent in the end of the handle.north east region water authority, nerwa, wodonga waterworks trust, north east water, n.e. water, kiewa murray region water authority, sand scoop, metal scoop

The large aluminium sand scoop was used by Wodonga Waterworks Trust and it is part of the North East Region Water Authority collection in the Wodonga Historical Society. Wodonga's drinking water and wastewater operations were originally managed by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust, which was established in 1897, after Wodonga became a separate shire in 1876. In 1923 a Wodonga Waterworks Trust referendum to provide funding for new infrastructure to supply more water of better quality to Wodonga was passed. This included building the Wodonga Water Tower and it was completed in 1924. It supplied water to Wodonga until 1959, when it was drained and decommissioned after the No 1 Basin on Huon Hill was completed in 1958. In 1983 the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and the Wodonga Sewerage Authority became part of the Wodonga Council. And by 1989 a filtration plant at Huon Hill was completed, which provided filtered water of improved quality to Wodonga, in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. In 1994 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority took over the Wodonga Council’s water and wastewater operations, and then in 1999 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority combined with the Ovens Region Water Authority and became the North East Region Water Authority or NERWA. NERWA then became known as North East Water. The sand scoop has local significance as part of the North East Region Water Authority collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society. It also has wider state significance as a rare example of the equipment used in water management in Wodonga.Large aluminium scoop with a handle soldered on one side edge and a repair riveted to the interior surface of the scoop where the handle is located. The repair is a piece of sheet metal, with what looks like the lower part of the letter 'S' on it.Lower part of the letter "S" on the repair riveted to the interior surface of the scoop.north east region water authority, nerwa, wodonga waterworks trust, north east water, n.e. water, kiewa murray region water authority, metal scoop, sand scoop

This mask set is part of the North East Region Water Authority collection in the Wodonga Historical Society. Wodonga's drinking water and wastewater operations were originally managed by the Wodonga Waterworks Trust, which was established in 1897, after Wodonga became a separate shire in 1876. In 1923 a Wodonga Waterworks Trust referendum to provide funding for new infrastructure to supply more water of better quality to Wodonga was passed. This included building the Wodonga Water Tower and it was completed in 1924. It supplied water to Wodonga until 1959, when it was drained and decommissioned after the No 1 Basin on Huon Hill was completed in 1958. In 1983 the Wodonga Waterworks Trust and the Wodonga Sewerage Authority became part of the Wodonga Council. And by 1989 a filtration plant at Huon Hill was completed, which provided filtered water of improved quality to Wodonga, in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. In 1994 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority took over the Wodonga Council’s water and wastewater operations, and then in 1999 the Kiewa Murray Region Water Authority combined with the Ovens Region Water Authority and became the North East Region Water Authority or NERWA. NERWA then became known as North East Water. Siebe Gorman was a British manufacturer of industrial respirators that served the mining industry, the chemical industry, and the agricultural industry from 1938 until the 1980s. The "Puretha" line refers to the canister included, which was designed to tackle industrial hazards.Siebe Gorman "Puretha" Type C Kit with Vista Vision Facepiece. The facepiece consists of a formed plastic lens held on by a white retaining ring that stretches around the rubber facepiece and is connected by two thumbscrew lugs. The exhale assembly is covered by a steel mesh.The hose is a standard industrial hose. The canister is attached by a khaki webbing material. An instruction sheet is included. The kit is a small leather case with two front latches. Safety instructions and chemical information on canister label. On label: EVERYTHING FOR SAFETY EVERYWHERE Date filled 28 DEC 1961 NO. 675 north east region water authority, gas mask, respirator, sieba gordon

Some of the buildings of the Mount Ophir winery. Photo was taken by Miss Olive Codling, who was a life member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Photograph is believed to have been taken on the occasion of a Tour by the North East Branch, 1st combined meeting.Black and white photograph of a brick building with corrugated water tanks on the roof and an attached roof area, probably to supply shelter for deliveries.mt ophir, mount ophir, wine industry

A publication of 262 pages. Soft cover includes images with the synopsis published on the back. The inside cover includes a map of the Albury district .non-fictionThis publication tells the story of the battle to introduce fluoridation to eh water supply of Albury in New South Wales. The events are described through the eyes of the author, Charles Wallstreet wo was a11 years old when the battle raged. albury nsw social conditions, albury 1960s

The fireplace was the main heating source for small houses before 1900, so a bellows to coax a flame from a dying fire was important. They would also be used to keep the fire going in a woodfire oven for cooking. In later cooking ranges, domestic water supply was also heated through the cooking range so bellows helped to maintaing a supply of hot water. These bellows were handcrafted by Mr James Ripper, a great uncle of Mrs. Jean Raper. An item of signifance throughout Australia, bellows were used in homes to coax a domestic fire into flame for heating and cooking purposes. It was probably used in late 19th to early 20th century homes.A set of hand carved wooden bellows. Each side of the bellows was crafted from one piece of timber. The bellows were joined with leather, brass studs and a metal nozzle.bellows, handcragted items, domestic items

Spiral bound booklet with laminated covernon-fiction This publication traces the importance of water resources to Australian society, with reference to the state of Victoria. It relates the history from 1834 including topics such as community adaptation to settlement planning for squatters, miners, immigrants and colonials; conservation and water management; expansion and consolidation of statutory bodies following the creation of the Department of Water Resources in 1984; and finally the effects of regionalism, environmentalism, urban conflict and institutional reform. It includes an appendix containing a brief chronology of significant events regarding water from 1853 to 1987.water resources development, water-supply -- victoria -- history., water victoria

The fireplace was the main heating source for small houses before 1900, so a bellows to coax a flame from a dying fire was important. They would also be used to keep the fire going in a woodfire oven for cooking. In later cooking ranges, domestic water supply was also heated through the cooking range so bellows helped to maintaing a supply of hot water.An item of local and social signifance throughout Australia, bellows were usedin homes to coax a domestic fire into flame for heating and cooking purposes. It was probably used in late 19th to early 20th century homes.A small set of wooden and canvas bellows with metal tip commonly used in households in the 19th and early 20th centuries.bellows, domestic tools

non-fictionThis book outlines the issues and controversy around the construction of the Barren Jack (Burrinjuck) Water Supply Dam as part of the infrastructure of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Authority (M.I.A) and its subsequent abandonment. It has now fallen into disrepair,irrigation -- government policy, murrumbidgee irrigation area (n.s.w.) -- history, barren jack dam, burrinjuck, yass valley

non-fictionThis publication includes sheets related to water facts and information about water issues in New South Wales, Australiawater-supply, new south wales. department of water resources, water resources development

non-fictionA booklet describing the history of the Hume Dam in question-and-answer format, illustrated by photographs from the Albury City Collection and other sources. This booklet was produced to accompany the exhibition "Turning the sod: building the Hume Dam", on display at Lavington Library from 21 December 2019 -1 March 2020." hume dam, dams -- new south wales, hume dam history, dams -- new south wales -- design and construction

George Smith came to Wodonga c.1885 and carried on a business as a blacksmith and wheelwright in Hume Street. He subsequently erected the very substantial Federal Coach Factory in High Street. In 1901 the Coach Factory was sold to Mr C. E. Jones, but within three or four years George Smith again found himself in the establishment he had built. In 1907/8 Marcus Buntz partnered by a G. F. Simpson took possession of the Federal Coach Factory. In 1912 Buntz bought out the interest of Simpson and engaged a first-class wheelwright to do the woodwork. In 1912 a buggy could be had from £40 and a sulky £18. The business over many years developed from a shoeing forge and wheelwright business to a more modern day garage, keeping abreast with mechanisation. Marcus Buntz was joined in the business by his three sons, George, an A grade mechanic, Edward an auto-electrician and Henry, a blacksmith’s striker. The sons eventually took over the garage and handled both coach building and general service work. The firm also maintained the Wodonga Water Pump for many years, ensuring the town’s water supply. In 1948 the old established motor garage was purchased by Mr Jack Mylon. In July 1960 the building became Wodonga Market, housing a butcher, snack bar, milk bar, fruit and veg, Bill Dunstan’s Boat Centre and an Auction Mart. These images have local significance as they document a long-standing business in central Wodonga.2 black and white photos depicting Buntz Federal Coach Factory at different stages during its period of operation,Photo 1: Above building: FEDERAL COACH FACTORY/ M.H. BUNTZ/ GEORGE SMITH/ COACH BUILDER & BLACKSMITH On side of coach: DRAPERY/ FANCY GOODS Photo 2: BUNTZ BROS" MOTOR GARAGE / ATLANTIC MOTOR OIL On the window: BUNTZ'S COACH FACTORY/ Rubber Tyres Fitted Below image on mounting: BUNTZ BROS. MOTOR GARAGE L to R. Pop Buntz, George Buntz, Les Easto, D. Zeinert, H. Buntz, Ted Buntz. Doug Zeinert buntz federal coaches, wodonga businesses, wodonga pioneers

A 64 page volume including text, black and white and colour images and maps.Rivers play an essential part in the life and wealth of our society. They are also the most striking feature of the landscape, contributing much to the beauty of rural and urban surroundings as well as to the recreation, peace and happiness of our people. This report includes historical colour and black and white photos and maps. It aimed to give an accurate account of the condition of the rivers of Victoria. It was produced by the Standing Consultative Committee on River Improvement.rivers in victoria, conservation victoria, water supply victoria

Eric Holloway began spot milling timber at age of 17. He borrowed fifty pound from an uncle in 1934 to purchase a McCormick Deering tractor and saw bench. He went from farm to farm cutting timber for farmers. For a time, he worked on Shelley Station spot milling with WS Walker and Son. In approximately 1946 Arthur and Eric Holloway established a saw mill at Shelley. Another brother Ernie, a builder and returned soldier, worked with them from time to time. Using timber sawn in the mill he built eight basic houses for the mill workers. The brothers employed many migrants: - Yugoslav, Czechs, Russians, Ukrainians, Serbs as well as other hardworking people. This meant there were families, so Ernie also built and furnished a school at Shelley. Application was made for a teacher from the Education Department. At the Shelley mill the workers used ex-army blitzes, GM trucks (for carting logs) army ducks and a centurion tank for parts. The timber from the mill was trucked to Albury and Wodonga, customers being FA Stowe and Mates Timber. The army was also a big customer with Holloways supplying timber for the army huts that were built at Bandiana. A timber mill that had been built at Tallangatta by State Rivers and Water for the purpose of establishing New Tallangatta, was purchased by Holloway Brothers as an extension of their Shelley operation. In 1954 a new mill was built at Granite Flat on the Omeo Highway and the Shelley operation closed. Ernie Holloway was involved in the building of the mill and accommodation houses in Mitta Mitta. The mill workers travelled from Mitta to work each day. Holloways Building Supplies was established at 49 Tallangatta Rd Wodonga at this time. It was established on four house blocks with a little shed, with more land being acquired as the operation expanded. The brothers realized that it would be more profitable to set up their own timber outlet to supply their customers. Arthur Holloway continued to run the sawmills while Eric Holloway concentrated on the Wodonga business. A hardware store, offices and joinery were built as demand continued for building materials. All the timber arriving in the yard from the mill was hand sorted, providing employment for many. With the milling and timber outlets Holloways provided employment for approximately forty staff. The next generation of the Holloway family became involved. A Hyster forklift was purchased which allowed for bulk handling of the timber. Land was purchased in Sanyo Drive where timber was cleated and dried. Select grade timber, F17 dry framing, builders hardware and tools were sold. Holloways endeavoured to be a one stop shop for framing and fitting out of houses. In 1989 the business was sold to Mt Beauty Timbers who later on sold to Dahlsens. The timber mill was decommissioned. The Holloway family retained the ownership of the premises of 49 Thomas Mitchell Drive leasing to Dahlsens until that operation was moved to Albury in 2013. In 2014 the lease land was sold to two local businesses. Leigh Martin Marine purchased the parcel of land adjoining their business. Lester and Son purchased the remaining block and demolished the premises. A funeral parlour was built on that site.These photos are significant because they document the story of an important Wodonga business.A series of coloured photographs depicting aspects of Holloways Building Supplies business in Wodonga.holloways wodonga, wodonga businesses, timber industry

non-fictionA history of the development of the management of the Fish River Water Supply Scheme in Central NSW. The scheme extends across the local government areas of the Shire of Oberon, the City of Lithgow and the City of the Blue Mountains.water nsw, fish river region nsw, oberon dam, water resources development nsw australia

non-fictionDuring 1997 and 1998, the Hume and Dartmouth Dams Operations Review Reference Panel has undertaken a broadly based review of the way in which these two major water storages were operated. The Panel’s terms of reference were essentially to consider how the operating rules might be amended to better address the competing objectives of water supply, environmental enhancement and flood mitigation. This report includes summaries of feedback considered by the reference panel as well as its final recommendations.hume reservoir nsw, dartmouth dam victoria, water management

The dam at the entrance to the Nerreman Gateway in Eltham was built according to an internationally acclaimed theory developed by the builder's father. In 1920, Victorian engineer B.A. Smith was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers J. James R. Cross Gold Medal for his Technical Paper titled 'Arched Dams'. It was the first time this medal had been awarded outside the United States. The concrete arched dam across the Eltham West Drain was built in 1940 by B.A. Smith's son and engineer, D. B. (Bernie) Smith to water the 24 acre (9.75 ha) hobby farm owned by himself and new wife, Isa Smith. Upon completion of the dam a pump-house was constructed beside the creek but before the water could be pumped up the hill they had to dig a trench and lay 500m of 100mm water main to an elevated holding tank. The Smiths made the pump-house their home for several years until they constructed their home at the top of the hill overlooking Eltham and views extending to Kinglake. Following Bernie's death in 1983, Nerreman Park was subdivided between 1993 and 1995. Gordon Ford designed the landscaping and the pump-house was demolished. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p137 The dam at the entrance to the Nerreman Gateway in Eltham, was built according to an internationally acclaimed theory developed by the builder’s father. In 1920, Victorian engineer B A Smith was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers J. James R. Croes Gold Medal, for his Technical Paper titled Arched Dams. It was the first time this medal had been awarded outside America. An international example of the application of Smith’s work can be found in the design of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Nevada, USA. Built between 1930 and 1936, it is recognised by the ASCE as one of ‘America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders’.1 The concrete arched dam across the Eltham West Drain was built by B A Smith’s son and engineer, D B (Bernie) Smith. Bernie’s dam followed his father’s theory, having a curvature that takes maximum advantage of concrete’s great strength in compression. The water load is carried into the abutments because of this curvature, which permits a wall thickness of only 225 millimetres thick at its crest, despite the dam’s capacity of more than 4.5 megalitres. The Eltham dam was designed to water the 24 acre (9.75 ha) hobby farm belonging to newly married couple Bernie and Isa Smith. Bernie, from Armadale, and Isa, from a farm at Tyntynder near Swan Hill, were attracted to the hilly topography and the creek running through the property. It extended from Ryans Road, Eltham, to Karingal Drive, Montmorency and was adjacent to Meruka Park. The Smiths named it Nerreman Park using the Aboriginal word Nerreman meaning ‘River Bend’ as their creek had a pronounced bend.2 In 1940 the first thing Bernie did was to build a dam, and with Isa’s help, a pump-house, to secure a water supply for their cattle, pigs, chickens, orchard and vegetable gardens. It was also available for the fire-plugs, which they placed all over the property in case of bushfire. The couple built the pump-house beside the creek and installed a Tange three-plunger pump, which had originally supplied the City of Wodonga with water. But before the Smiths could pump water up the hill from the dam they had to dig a trench and lay about 550 yards (500m) of a four-inch (100mm) water main up to an elevated holding tank. The trench was dug with a single furrow plough drawn by an old draught horse. Living in rough conditions did not deter the Smiths, who made the pump-house their home, where they still lived when their first child was born in 1944. They later built their home at the top of their property overlooking Eltham, with magnificent views to Kinglake, the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne. From 1946 it took them almost 20 years to complete the 36-square house with its 12-foot (3.6m) high ceilings. Material for the concrete roof and walls faced with sandstone, was ripped out of the ground on their property by plough pulled by tandem Clydesdale horses. Isa was a strong woman – two days before their second child was born – she set three huge sandstone boulders in place in the bottom wall of the garage. She also mixed all the cement for the house. A collapsed kitchen wall did not discourage her from rebuilding it in a week, while her husband was away working in the country. She later recalled: ‘We stood back to admire this beautiful wall we’d built and while we were looking at it, it came tumbling down’.3 Following Bernie’s death in 1983, Nerreman Park was subdivided, between 1993 and 1995. Local Gordon Ford designed the landscaping and the pump-house was pulled down. But the dam remains as a reminder of exceptional engineering4 – and of a remarkable couple.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, karingal drive, smiths dam, bernie smith, gordon ford, isa smith, nerreman gateway, nerreman park estate, dams