Historical information

North east Victoria was a major dairy producing region in the late nineteenth century. The first iteration of the Wodonga Butter Factory Ltd was established in 1892. Dairy was sent from farmers across the district for processing at the factory in Wodonga in the 1890s. Victorian creameries regularly exported frozen butter to London, stock was transported by rail for sale in Melbourne, and of course sold and consumed locally. E.W. Mann, of the prominent local Wodonga family, was a shareholder and was closely involved in the establishment of the Wodonga Butter Company.

Many families living on farms also owned their own cow, and had equipment to process their own dairy products at home.

Significance

This item has strong links to the history of Wodonga and north east Victoria. It has interpretative potential in the areas of local agricultural history, and the social history of food and farming.

Physical description

A wooden butter churn with metal turning handle, and two butter paddles and removal lid.