Historical information

John Woodland was the first President, Secretary and Engineer for the Shire of Wodonga, after it separated from the Yackandandah Shire in 1876, when the Victorian Government agreed to a ratepayers' petitions to form a new municipality.

Significance

The framed photograph of John Woodland has local significance as he was the first President, Secretary and Engineer for the Shire of Wodonga when it was established in 1876. The photograph has historical significance as it is an illustration of three generations of a prominent family in Wodonga in the late 19th century in the stylised setting typical of that time. It also shows the kind of clothes and hair styles men, women and children from well-to-do familes wore.

Physical description

Sepia-toned photograph of John Woodland and his family in a brown wooden frame with a gold bevelled edge and grey matt board. Hand written inscription on the cardboard on the back of the frame.

Inscriptions & markings

" MrJohn Woodland / & Family / first President / Secretary / Engineer } for Wodonga Sh---" on the top of the cardboard back and above the following inscription:
"Son Mr Charles Woodland & Grandson. / Daughters Mrs. R. F. Murphy, Secretary for Council for ... / years after her father's d... / Mrs. Susan Noonan"