Historical information

A wide range of small china pieces carrying scenic views of holiday destinations or key locations were a popular kind of souvenir during much of the 20th century. Several different pieces were used to depict Wodonga during this period, primarily focusing on the Woodland Grove and the Soldier Memorial.

In 1924, Arthur Arnold and his father Wilhelm Arnold had established a general store in High Street, near the water tower, but in 1931–32 they moved to new premises in High Street on the corner of what is now known as Elgin Boulevard. In 1933-34 they widened the frontage of the shop and added new premises at the rear for the sale of produce. As customer debt mounted during the depression, it became difficult for Arthur and Wilhelm to re-stock the shop, so they enticed customers into paying their accounts by rewarding them with a small individual cream or milk jug upon payment. The jugs were made in Czechoslovakia and displayed the war memorial, water tower and bandstand from Woodland Grove, Wodonga.

The Arnolds continued to trade until they finally closed their store in 1950. Wilhelm Arnold was a brother of J G Arnold, whose business ultimately became the present-day Arnold’s Fruit Market, Wodonga.

Significance

This item has local historic and social significance as it depicts which features of the city the community valued in the past. It has artistic significance as an example of the kinds of souvenirs used widely across Australia to represent communities and the landscape.

Physical description

A pair of miniature white jugs with a gold rim and handle detailing. A hand-coloured transfer image fills the front side depicts Woodland Grove Wodonga, including the Soldiers' Memorial, Water Tower and Rotunda

Inscriptions & markings

Beneath the image : "WOODLAND GROVE, VIC. / With Compliments/ from/ A. Arnold & Co."