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Have a question? Contact Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Food was wrapped in waxed paper to keep it fresh. Also, waxed paper was used in cooking to prevent food sticking to ovenware.
Roll of brown waxed paper with a red with white spots cover/label around it. At the centre of the label is a white oval with a blue chain around its circumference and in dark blue CB / Waxed lunch wraps / 17 inches x 13 and a third inches.
In 1889, 24 residents of the Running Creek and surrounding district submitted a petition to the Minister of Lands, Melbourne requesting land for a cemetery. Their request was granted. The Cemetery was decommissioned in the early 1950s and the last trustee for the cemetery died in 1986. There is a wooden fence around the boundary (May 2024). One paper lists 29 names in the Burial Register 1861-1948. The last two sheets record the history as a timeline from the 1850s to the 1900s.
Havilah was a gold mining settlement from the 1850s located 20km west of the Kiewa Valley and in the Ovens catchment near Myrtleford.
Five black and white A4 pages stapled together. Copies of the sign erected at the gate of 'Havilah cemetery formerly Running Creek Cemetery'. Also the 'History of Havilah formerly Running Creek'
havilah, running creek, cemetery
Prams were very common as few families had cars in the 1940s to transport children. Prams were used so that babies could sleep outdoors and be moved within walking distance.
Original vintage cyclops 1940s pram. This pram is typical of the prams used in the Kiewa Valley during the 1940s and into the 1950s when Mt Beauty township was built and included many families with young children.
Painted beige cane and steel pram with 4 spoked wheels and rubber tyres supported by steel springs. Cream colour. Lined with vinyl (perhaps). Cane decoration on each side.
Decorative cane pattern on each side
wicker, pram, cyclops
The Yackandandah and District Historical Society decided to write up a history of the school which had begun as a Church of England School from 1855 to 1872 before the commencement of the current primary school.
The early history of the school is relevant to the Kiewa Valley as it was the closest school at the time.and existed before "Education is to be secular, compulsory until the age of 15, free in basic subjects" The Roper family pages 22, 29, 30
Small booklet with 39 pages held by two staples. The cardboard cover is light green with the dates in dark green and the title and authors in red. No pictures. No contents or index.
'C. Roper' written in blue ink on the front cover.
yackandandah school, education
Pennants are used to advertise events or places. This pennant includes all the main areas of construction done by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during their construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.
The pennant advertises the highlights in the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.
A small triangular navy blue with gold printing fabric with a strip of woollen bias binding on the left side with a tab at the top and bottom for attaching to a rod to enable the pennant to hang. The background of the printing is of mountains with water flowing out of a dam and in the front on the left power poles and power lines.
In gold - large letters"Kiewa Scheme" decreasing in size. On the top also in gold "Mt Beauty" "Clover Dam" and "Bogong Village" and underneath "Falls Creek" Rocky Valley"
kiewa scheme, pennant
The sickle was used to cut crops and grass and vegetable matter. It has been in use for a very long time but has probably been superceded by electric tools in developed countries.
This sickle was used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley.
A curved steel edged blade fixed to a short wooden handle. It is used for harvesting the crops, grass and cutting other vegetative matters. The previous KVHS committee referred to it as a '"Hand Craft Cutter".
sickle, farm tool, garden tool
In the Middle Ages double-acting bellows was introduced. It had 2 parts, one operated by hand or foot, the other took air from it and was weighted so it forced air out while the part was filling. Blacksmithing is the shaping of hot iron and steel, usually by hammering. Very hot fires were produced by 1.a hot air blast. 2. burning charcoal (not wood). Bellows were used to make tools, fix equipment including machinery, drays, carriages, harnesses etc.
Farmers in the Kiewa Valley often had their blacksmith forge. They made their own tools, were able to mend equipment, drays etc., gates, and most items that were made of iron and steel.
Large Double Acting bellow with wooden top and bottom, shaped like a 'water drop' - narrow at one end and broad at the other. The wood is held by strips of wood and leather bound and placed around the perimeter. The wood on the top side has inscriptions (illegible). The wood on the bottom side has a rectangular hole. The narrow end feeds into a pipe to enable the fire to receive a hot blast of air. When the bellow is squeezed it allows both pieces of wood to be pushed together.
Illegible
blackmiths, bellows, double acting bellow
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
These typewriters were imported fully assembled from Japan by CFM Industries. CFM (Curvie Furniture Manufacturing). The Nakajima portable typewriters were imported in the 1970s. Typewriters replaced hand written writing. Their benefits were that the work was written faster and was legible. The portable typewriter enabled the typist to take her typewriter with her. Typewriters have now been replaced by computers with the advantage of editing the work before the final copy is made and with the ability to add eg. photos, create different settings etc.
Used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley in the 1970s.
Beige hard plastic case with dark grey handle with chrome fittings and white buttons either side of the handle. Metal typewriter 'querty' key board, white keys with black inscriptions. Includes typewriter ribbon
Label inside cover for servicing. "CFM Industries Pty Ltd address, phone number" Label on back of typewriter for CFM Industries
portable typewriter
Invented in 1923 by Wilhelm Ritzerfeld. A Spirit duplicator' refers to the alcohols that were a major component of the solvents used in the machine.Limited number of copies one could make from an original along with the low cost and corresponding low quality of copying. Used to make multiple copies of a document eg. in office at a school for eg. a newsletter
Used at Bogong Primary School
Formerly UKV 048 Solid black, heavy, steel machine on 4 legs with flat tray at the front and roller at the back. The roller has a cover on the sides and front. From the top you can see the silver roller which is operated by a handle on the right side. There is a small lever and 2 knobs on the same side.
In gold on the back "Fordigraph" and "The Nipper Fordigraph" with a blue circle made by 3 arcs with arrows. 2 labels on one side, screwed on. The labels have a silver background and black print. "Off" and "On"
fordigraph machine, copying
An adding machine is like a calculator enabling the user to do addition and subtraction and multiplication and division by repetition. Adding machines provided a printed receipt for each entry and calculators display information on a screen.Adding machines were used in the office and were replaced by calculators and comptometers.
Used by a resident of the Kiewa Valley and possibly in the SECV office.
Formerly UKV 242 or Contex UKV 253 - Electric (no cord). Beige and grey plastic covered adding machine with blue numbers and black function keys. Paper roll winder and dispenser at the top of the machine. Charcoal coloured plastic base with label and patent information. A blue handle for carrying. 2 small grooved wheels on the base.
Left hand front: Addmaster label and logo Base: Label on base - "Addmaster Corp. Made in USA serial number 175614". Patent information label
adding machine, addmaster, mathematics
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
The yoke is worn on the neck of the bullocks and is secured by a belt around the neck. The bullocks push the yoke with their shoulders, hump and neck; therefore, the work is performed.
This yoke seems to be handmade on a farm. It was used in the Kiewa Valley
A wooden bar behind a harnessed horse. It is used to balance the pull of a draught horse or other draft animal (bullock) when pulling a vehicle like a plough. A yoke is an interface between bullock power and actual work to be performed.This yoke is timber with a shape to form curved depressions that allow it to rest across the necks of two bullocks to keep them together.The bullocks were chained to the steel oblong ring - one at each end of the yoke. The middle ring was attached to the bullock or vehicle in front of them.
bullock yoke, swingletree, farm equipment, plough
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
These baskets were used to store dresses for travelling eg. to Melbourne or Albury either by train or on a coach, a carriage or on the back of an early motor car (eg. on the dicky seat - an upholstered exterior seat)
Owned and used by Clare Roper's mother in 1900. Clare lived on a farm in the Kiewa Valley. The Roper family was one of the early settlers of the Kiewa Valley
Two wicker, rectangular baskets, one big and one small held together, one on top of the other, by a leather strap and handle. Both baskets have a close fitting lid that goes all the way down to the bottom thus re-enforcing the sides by doubling them.The handle has an ID tag attached.
The tag has "Albury" printed / scratched on it.
travel baskets, dress basket, roper family
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
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.
