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 booklet is an anthology of poetry, sold to raise funds in aid of Australian and Allied prisoners of war. It was printed in Sydney in 1942, and has a foreword by Lady Gowrie, President of the Australian Red Cross Society.

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, and the Australian experience of war. It contributes to our understanding of life in Wodonga during World War Two, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history, social history, and military history.

Physical description

A booklet of poetry printed to raise funds for Australian and allied prisoners of war during World War Two.