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Have a question? Contact Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Hume and Hovell discovered the area in 1824 and by the end of the 19th century the valley was transformed by logging, dairy and beef cattle properties and tobacco farms.
Historic photograph of the Tawonga Valley as it appeared in May 1937
Black and white photograph of Tawonga Valley looking towards Mt Beauty
Handwritten on rear of photograph in pencil - Thursday May 6th, 1937. Tawonga Valley
Housewives waxed their floors to clean, shine and preseve their lino floors.
Use by residents of the Kiewa Valley. Waxing floors was common in the 1950s.
Round red and blue tin with white and black print. Contains some wax.
Fisher's Extra Rich Wax Net 375g 'cleans, shines, preserves, your floors' Manufacturers: Reckitts Household Division, Sydney 10046D
floor wax, reckitts, fisher's wax
The Bar Lock typewriter is a patented design by the inventor and lawyer Charles Spiro in 1888. The keys are easily recognised and well spaced.
Used by the typists working in the office for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme
Large, heavy black typewriter with white letters on the keys. Green matt finish with gold printing. c 1921 Model 22?
Bar-Lock / Manufactured by / Bar-Lock Typewriter Co. Nottingham England/Supplied by / Richard Williams Pty Ltd. 193/197 King St. Melbourne At the back in gold print: "Serial / Number' rest too hard to read.
typewriter, bar-lock, office equipment
Pianola roll is a music storage medium used to operate a player piano, piano player or reproducing piano. The roll moves over a reading system known as a tracker bar; the playing cycle for each musical note is triggered when a perforation crosses the bar. They have been in continuous production since at least 1896. These rolls are c1920s.
Used and owned by a resident of the Kiewa Valley. An alternative form of musical entertainment in the home. The music itself is historic and an example of what songs were popular in the 1920s.
Stored in 2 boxes. Box 1. Mastertouch Rolls = 21; Universal Song Roll = 1; Vocalsty Song Roll = 3; Gulbransen Roll = 3 Box 2. Mastertouch = 2; Unidentified = 18 Most rolls are in original cardboard boxes with labels on the end. Rolls in various condition. Most rolls intact. Rolls of paper end are metal or Bakorlite, paper rolled onto a cardboard core. Boxes are dark colours. They ore continuous rolls of paper with holes punched into them. These perforations represent note control data.
pianola rolls, music, entertainment
Sole manufacturer ef. "Kruschen": Evan Griffiths Hughes, chemists of County of Lancashire, England. Keuschen Salts was an electrolyte replenisher to prevent heat cramps caused by too much sweating.
Used by a resident of te Kiewa Valley.
Amber coloured glass bottle with metal screwtop lid, remnants of a label.
Lid: "Kruschen" stamped inside a circle on the tin. Base also has 'Kruschen' in raised lettering.
kruschen salts, electrolyte, medicinal
Used to sharpen and polish straight edged razors or knives or chisels.
Used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley possibly on the farm, in the kitchen or at the barber's shop.
A flexible double - layered leather strop. This is a hanging strop which has two hooks which enable the top to swivel so that it can be turned over while hanging from a hook or peg. It has a metal ring with two hooks at one end and a padded stitched handle at the other forming a knob.
A gold circle design at one end. At the other "The / Keen Edge / Strop"
leather strop, razor tool
The abacus was used at primary school to assist children with mathematics. It had the advantage of being visual and tactile.
Used at Bogong Primary School.
Grey plastic frame with 10 horizontal rods each holding 10 beads. The beads are red and black with each colour increasing or decreasing in number to show the sum of ten.
Embossed "Invicta / Made in England"
abacus, education, school, mathematics, bogong primary school
School sports used bibs to identify children from the same team. This may have been during Physical Education or during a sports day where teams competed against each other eg. orange v green.
These bibs were used by children at Bogong Primary School.
Orange bibs (hand made) with elastic attached to enable the bibs to be seen from the front and back. They are simple to use as they fit over each arm and identify the chidren being on the same team during sport.
sports bibs, bogong primary school
Home decoration involved pots / saucepans / plates etc in the kitchen to be on display / stored and/or indoor plants displayed in a corner on the verandah. It was common for the stand to be home-made and practical.
Used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley as a domestic kitchen storage stand or possibly for indoor plants.
Tall wooden pot stand with 9 triangular shelves spaced along it and with hooks on 2 of the 3 edges. It has 3 wooden poles holding the shelves. The stand has previously been painted blue. Nine equilateral triangle shelves decreasing in size with height towards the top. Top has decorative cap with steel fringe. Rusty. It may have been used as a kitchen pot / saucepan / plates stand or pot plant stand.
pot plants, indoor plants, home decoration, pot stand, kitchen storage
Vacuum cleaners have been part of the household for many years. Beginning as simple tools blowing the dust to the current sucking up the dust and being powered by electricity. From the shape of a barrel to those that stand upright, from being fitted onto a 'sled' to those with wheels and from heavy to light.
Used by a resident in the Kiewa Valley
Electrolux cannister steel vacuum with leather handle at the top, the electric socket (and cut power cord attached) at one end and the cloth covered hose at the other end. Two steel extension handles, hose and cord works. Parts with combination dusting and upholstery tool and hardwood floor dust mop and refrigerator crevice tool. The cannister sits on a 'sled' of two long rods on each side.
Hand written on the cannister "1932 Model" "Electro / lux / Made in Sweden / Design Nr B156 Registered" on top On bottom "Ser 1234 No. 1456 / Volt Watt" ....(not legible)
electrolux, vacuum cleaner 1932
The SECV constructed the KHES and were required to put Safety signs in public and dangerous places.
The SECV built the KHES and were responsible for safety signs for the public
Large metal safety sign warning the public of Danger. Black print with "Danger" and "Death" printed in red. There are 10 holes for erecting the sign onto a eg. building. There is a hole in each corner and one in the centre of the two sides and two equally spaced between the corners of the top and bottom sides.
secv safety sign
"Nobel / No. 6 / 100 Detonators / for high explosives / Alfred (thistle picture) Nobel / Thistle brand / Manufactured in Australia / Glasgow"" as printed on the lid. The brand was founded in 1870 by Swedish chemist and industrialist, Alfred Nobel
Used in the Kiewa Valley
Small black tin box with all sides and lid having white on black and black on white print. 2 opposing sides have the number 6 at each end. The other 2 opposing sides have a safety warning and the top lid gives contents and maker.
detonators, alfred nobel, nobel no. 6
The history of the Ski Club of Victoria is also a history of skiing in Victoria. The Club was founded in 1924 when most of the skiing was done on Mt Buffalo. Members of the Ski Club of Victoria fostered and developed Victorian skiing. The book includes chapter 8 "Falls Creek", chapter 9 "Bogong High Plains" and chapter 10 "Mount Bogong"
Historical account of skiing in Victoria and in particular the Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong and Falls Creek all of which are part of the Kiewa Valley and its history. "Cecil Dobson" lived in Mt Beauty.
Thick hard covered black book with a bright pink dust cover.731 pages with index and lists, mostly black and white photos and a Contents page including all Victorian Skiing resorts. Published by the Ski Club of Victoria.
"Many Happy / Birthday / from Cecil Dobson"
snow skiing, ski club of victoria, bogong high plains, ski resorts
This sconce - wall mounted candle holder or light fixture is simple / basic without any decoration. It was able to swivel. It may have been used on either the interior o exterior walls of buildings. The light is usually, but not always, directed upwards and outwards, rather than down. The long bracket kept the candle a safe distance from the wall and ceiling.
This sconce was used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley.
Shiny metal rod with candle holder at one end and a small thin rod at the other for attaching to a device on a wall. The candle holder is surrounded by a metal shallow 'cup' with 11 oval holes enabling the wax to fall to the centre where there is a hollow globe and allowing the light to shine upwards.
sconce, candle holder, wall mounted candle holder
A clothes iron is used, when heated, to press clothes to remove wrinkles and creases.The early irons were heated over a stove or in a fire. Irons were used very early in time and cast-iron irons during the 18th century. Mrs. Potts invented many irons starting from an early age thus making a difference to the clothing industry. She invented clothes irons with detachable wooden handles. Her first patent was in October 1870.
This iron was used in the Kiewa Valley.
Vintage cast iron body invented by Mrs Mary Florence Potts 1890s to 1940s. Detachable wooden handle (not attached) was cooler than a metal handle. It is double pointed for ironing in both directions. Body is hollow the top part being held by two screws. It can be filled with a light material. The No. 1 size is for specific ironing task. compared with No. 2 or No. 3. One handle with other bases enabled some to be reheating while using one. This iron has a stand. Formerly KV88B)
Mrs Potts / No. 1 / Iron"" embossed on the top
mary florence potts iron, cast iron, laundry, mrs potts
Singer began to market its machines internationally in 1855. They began mass-producing domestic electric machines in 1910. Treadle machines were powered mechanically by a foot pedal that is pushed back and forth by the operator's foot. There were also machines belt powered, hand powered and eventually electric powered. Treadle machines were made into the 1950s but they were most common during the late Victorian years (up to 1901). This machine is c1894.
This machine was owned and used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley. It was used for domestic sewing such as for making clothes for the family, making toys for eg. a fete and making useful items eg. a bag for school readers
Singer Fiddle Base treadle sewing machine with decoration of flowers. Straight stitch. No stand. A little rusty.
Top: 'the Singer Manufacturing'. Front: 'Singer' and the Metal Plaque 'The Singer MFC Cony'
singer manufacturing co., clothes, sewing, domestic
The first typewriters were placed on the market in 1874.It includes both upper and lower case letters via a 'shift' key and has a QUERTY layout.
Used by typists working in the office for the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.
Large heavy typewriter. Rusty condition 1926 ? Metal frame with black paint
"Remington" on the front above the keyys "Chartre? Business Service" supplier
typewriter, remington, office equipment
Schools divided the children / students into houses for internal sports competition. The students' team and their participation was rewarded by acknowledgment on a shield or trophy.
This trophy was for Mt Beauty Primary School sports during the 1950s and 1960s. It was sponsored by the Mt Beauty School Mothers' Club indicating that the parents supported the sports. During this time, the 1950s and 1960s Mothers' Clubs existed and supported the schools. Later they became Parents Clubs and later still struggled to exist at all as both parents went to work.
Wooden shield with banner (silver plated) across the top. Central round silver plated medallion which is surrounded by 4 small medallions. Timber is stained with a darker stain around the edges. There are eyelets and wire for hanging attached to the back.
The Banner: "Mount Beauty School 4644" Central Medallion: "Mothers' Club / Shield / for / House Competition / 1951" The small medallions: have house colour and year eg. "Blue / 1968"
school sports, mount beauty school sports, mother clubs
School sports competitions were held annually with the winning school being acknowledged by being awarded 'the' shield. The shield was usually paid for through donations. It was donated back to be used again and the current winner's name added to the Shield.
The names of the school teams indicate that the shield was competed for by the primary schools in the Kiewa Valley. The years are during the 1960s when many of the smaller schools still existed. The shield encouraged sports participation between the local schools and was supported by the local business - the Mount Beauty Co-operative.
Wooden shield shaped plaque with large silver plated medallion in the centre surrounded by 12 smaller ones and 2 rectangular sterling silver small ones at the top centre of the shield. Hung and supported by wire and eyelets on the back.
Large medallion in the centre: "Victor Ludorum / shield / presented by /co-operative store / Mount Beauty / April 20th 1956." The 12 Small Medallions:have inscribed - the School and year eg. Tawonga South 1966 Rectangular signs: "won and donated back / by / Dederang / 1963
sporting shields, primary schools sports
School children played 'marbles' in the school yard during playtime and lunchtime.
Children in the Kiewa Valley played marbles including at Bogong Primary School and Mt Beauty Primary School.
Marbles - 41 assorted, multicoloured, differing in size held in a cotton navy blue drawstring bag/pouch
marbles, primary school game
Trophies were awarded to recognise achievements in many areas of the school curriculum. Sir Kenneth George Luke (1896-1971) was a successful businessman and VFL football administrator. K.G.Luke was a private mint that made 1956 Olympic Games medals for the Numismatic Association of Victoria. It operated between 1937 and 1974. Note: 'Rosebowl replica' may refer to the Rose Bowl Home of the UCLA Football Layered Wooden Stadium Replica With the Los Angeles Campus Skyline. (A football reference for the shape of the trophy?)
Bogong Primary School was built for the workers of the SECV during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The school was well equiped and presented a broad curriculum enjoying participation in many organisations.
A. Bakelite base with stained metal cup attached to a metal stem with a cup on top. The cup has 2 curved handles and an inscription between them on one side. B. Bakelite base with a metal stained 'silver' cup attached. The cup has a 'neck' with the cup on top. The cup has one curved handle. The other handle is missing. Previously UKV 058 and UKV 061
B. The K. G. Luke / Trophy for replica sustained interest in bird study / presented / State School 4590 / Bogong / for sustained interest / in bird study A. "A.M.V -4 / Pet Parade / Save the Children / Fund
bogong primary school, pet parade, bird study, k.g. luke trophy
With 3 left over cloth badges belonging to the Mt Beauty High School, the idea of making a cushion was born. Possibly to be sold at a fete or as a momento.
Created by a member of the Mt Beauty High School.
Square orange cushion with 3 Mt Beauty High School pocket cloth badges sewn diagonally across the cushion from the top right to the bottom left. The rest of the cushion is made up of predominantly orange squares sewn together. There is a zip across the top.
cushion, mt beauty high school cloth badge, sewing
Patch work quilts were made by women to decorate a cot or bed and to use left over material. They were backed to increase the warmth of the bedding. It was a leisurely occupation sometimes done in the home or with a group. These two quilts are of a decorative nature using scrap material and do not have a theme or particular pattern to them.
These two quilts were made by women in the Kiewa Valley and were hand stitched.
1. Hand-made cotton patchwork of varying colours and shapes of squares and rectangles. Back by a flannel sheet of flowers on beige or blue background. Suitable for a cot. No filling and slightly damaged with a small tear. 2. Handmade cotton patchwork of a square whose sides have been extended with rectangular strips of material. The back is a coarse wool with a greenish tinge and thin colored strips along its length on the sides. Suitable for a cot. No filling.
patchwork quilts, home sewing
Mt Beauty High School commenced in 1953 as a Higher Elementary school as the need for a secondary college grew with the increase in population due to the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. It became the Mt Beauty High School in 1964.
Historical: Education in Mt Beauty commenced relatively late so there was less of a tradition. The decision to adopt a uniform is of interest to compare it with other schools and the times.
Girls winter school uniform consisting of - Blazer x4 See KVHS 0019 Dark green blazer made from pure wool flannel. It has 3 pockets - 2 lower ones on each side and on the left pocket at chest height is the cloth badge 'Mt Beauty' at the top, colored scene of mountains and river in the middle and 'High School' at the bottom.... Shirt - x2 White long sleeved blouse with collar, buttons down the front and one button on each sleeve. Tie - 124 cm long with pointy ends and with a diagonal yellow stripe 0.5 cm wide on green 2.5 cm apart. Label: "Tee Dee" Made in Australia 90% wool 10% nylon Tunic - Grey pleated tunic (3 pleats on both the front and back) with a zip pocket on the right from the waist 14 cm long Also a 3.5 cm wide grey belt with grey plastic buckle and Label on centre back at neck: "Stamina / clothes/ Tailored by / Expert Craftsmen / Crusador Cloth" Size 46
uniform, mt beauty high school, school uniform
The State Electricity Commission of Victoria constructed the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.See KVHS 1282
Ron White was the Principal Hydro Engineer 1966 - 1985 on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. See KVHS 1282
1. Booklet "Rules of the Kiewa Hydro Co-operative Distribution Society Limited" and Ron's 'Share Certificate' dated 12th /4/1957 2. Book "Inside Information" explaining the ins and outs of a car for the motorist. 3. Black and White negatives 4. Ron's La Trobe Valley Health Services Membership card x2 5. State Savings Bank of Victoria Kiewa Operations social club 1962 x2 6. The Association of Professional Engineers, Victorian Branch receipts 1956 7. Upper Kiewa Valley Uniting Church list of members 1969-1970 & Financial Statement for 1970 8. 4 Bogong Village coloured postcards 9. Folded Plan of 'Kiewa Area Planimetric Map' 10. Large Photos sent to Ron by "Bill Greenaway / Y.T.S. Lab./ 11-5-66" 1) Football Team x2, 2) Mt Beauty Switchyard, 3) McKay Power Station, 4) Clover Power Station
ron white
See KVHS 0237
See KVHS 0237
The card is white with decorative gold edging and gold print.
"warrawee" kergunyah, book launch invitation
A harness distributes pressure over a large area of the horse. The breeching harness can be used for a single horse, a pair or in a larger team but only for the pair closest to the vehicle as only they have control of the vehicle.
Used by residents in the Kiewa Valley prior to motorised vehicles.
The harness has a round bit of leather that sits on top of the hind quarters and it connects to or is part of the breeching harness. Also connects to the crupper (the strap that hooks under the tail). Leather with steel buckles and chain
breeching straps, breeching harness, horse equipment
A harness distributes pressure over a large area of the horse. The breeching harness can be used for a single horse, a pair, or in a larger team but only for the pair closest to the vehicle as only they have control of the vehicle.
Used by residents in the Kiewa Valley prior to motorised vehicles.
Goes around the horse's haunches ie. back end of the horse. Allows the horse to slow a vehicle or hold it back when going down the hill. Connects to the shafts. Leather with steel buckles and rivets and chains.
horse equipment, breeching harness
In 1890 D. Babcock invented a test for measuring the amount of butter fat in milk, either on the farm or in the dairy or creamery. Samples of milk were put in the glass vial and then spun (by cranking the handle) causing the cream to separate from the non-fat milk thus determining the percentage of cream in the milk. The product was then priced accordingly.
Dairy farming in the Kiewa Valley was the main industry with farmers keen to test the quality of their milk before selling it. This centrifuge enabled them to test the amount of milk and cream being produced by their herd. This '1903 Butter Fat Tester' made 100 turns per minute.
Early hand crank centrifuge for measuring the butterfat content of milk in the farm dairy or creamery. It has 4 brass / copper removable canisters with glass vials and tubes that fit inside. The glass vials bulge at the bottom and are marked with measurements 1, 2 etc.
Numbers on the glass vials
milk and cream tester, dairy farming, centrifuge
A harness distributes pressure over a large area of the horse
Horses were used by farmers in the Kiewa Valley prior to motorised vehicles.
Unidentified horse straps - leather with steel buckles. Possibly part of a harness that connects a horse to a horse drawn vehicle.
horse harness, horse equipment
See KVHS 1697
Dairy farming in the Kiewa Valley was the main industry with farmers keen to test the quality of their milk before selling it. This centrifuge enabled them to test the amount of milk and cream being produced by their herd.
See KVHS 1697. This is the handle part of the centrifuge. The handle has a clamp attached for mounting on a table / bench. It has 2 canisters, one of which is attached, the other broken off. It is embossed but very hard to read.
milk and creamer tester, dairy farming, centrifuge
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
