Historical information

George Smith came to Wodonga c.1885 and carried on a business as a blacksmith and wheelwright in Hume Street. He subsequently erected the very substantial Federal Coach Factory in High Street. In 1901 the Coach Factory was sold to Mr C. E. Jones, but within three or four years George Smith again found himself in the establishment he had built. In 1907/8 Marcus Buntz partnered by a G. F. Simpson took possession of the Federal Coach Factory. In 1912 Buntz bought out the interest of Simpson and engaged a first-class wheelwright to do the woodwork. In 1912 a buggy could be had from £40 and a sulky £18.
The business over many years developed from a shoeing forge and wheelwright business to a more modern day garage, keeping abreast with mechanisation.
Marcus Buntz was joined in the business by his three sons, George, an A grade mechanic, Edward an auto-electrician and Henry, a blacksmith’s striker. The sons eventually took over the garage and handled both coach building and general service work. The firm also maintained the Wodonga Water Pump for many years, ensuring the town’s water supply.
In 1948 the old established motor garage was purchased by Mr Jack Mylon.
In July 1960 the building became Wodonga Market, housing a butcher, snack bar, milk bar, fruit and veg, Bill Dunstan’s Boat Centre and an Auction Mart.

Significance

These images have local significance as they document a long-standing business in central Wodonga.

Physical description

2 black and white photos depicting Buntz Federal Coach Factory at different stages during its period of operation,

Inscriptions & markings

Photo 1: Above building: FEDERAL COACH FACTORY/ M.H. BUNTZ/ GEORGE SMITH/ COACH BUILDER & BLACKSMITH
On side of coach: DRAPERY/ FANCY GOODS
Photo 2: BUNTZ BROS" MOTOR GARAGE / ATLANTIC MOTOR OIL
On the window: BUNTZ'S COACH FACTORY/ Rubber Tyres Fitted
Below image on mounting: BUNTZ BROS. MOTOR GARAGE
L to R. Pop Buntz, George Buntz, Les Easto, D. Zeinert, H. Buntz, Ted Buntz. Doug Zeinert