Historical information

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community.

The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s.

This tape recorder was manufactured in 1961 by German company Grundig, established in Nuremberg in 1945. Grundig had the reputation of making some of the highest quality audio equipment in the mid twentieth century. The Haeusler Collection tape recorder could be used to listen to and record music and other sound, and was fully portable.

Significance

This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history, social history, and women’s history.

Physical description

A mid century reel to reel tape recorder, stored inside a portable carry case with handle.

Inscriptions & markings

"44327" on removable label on front of case/"TK1" on lid of case.