Murtoa & District Historical Society in Murtoa, Victoria | Museum

Murtoa & District Historical Society

Locality: Murtoa, Victoria

Phone: +61 429 944 673

Address: 1 Comyn st 3390 Murtoa, VIC, Australia

Website:

Likes: 554

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Arts and entertainment
• Landmark & historical place
• Museum

25.01.2022 Next General Meeting: Thursday 20th February at 6pm. Murtoa Railway Station. All welcome.Next General Meeting: Thursday 20th February at 6pm. Murtoa Railway Station. All welcome.

25.01.2022 Mystery Object There are two glass tubes, about 30cm (12") high held in a metal frame. The glass tubes are filled with liquid and are sealed. The frame can be hung on a nail and the glass tubes can be removed. Give us your ideas!... Goodluck

25.01.2022 OPEN EVERY DAY!!!!! We are open from about 10am to 1pm. Dont miss this unique historical precinct, visit us before you go to the Stickshed.

25.01.2022 Murtoa History Games - Spot the student Do you know the names in this photograph? Murtoa North School Opening Day 1964 (We are finalizing the Second Edition of the book on the History of Schools in Murtoa & District, if you have any inputs, please get them in quickly)

25.01.2022 Twin Gums Gallery in 1991 - the old Lodge building in Duncan St. I think it is Alex Raphael painting - he used to do that kind of 'helping out' thing all the time around Murtoa. He also spent much time working on the old fountain surrounding iron fence too - getting it back into original shape. Alex and Mary's son Mark was here for a few years too - he brought this HR Holden round to brag about it in 1991 too. Nice people.

23.01.2022 MYSTERY OBJECT Here is something to ponder over the Christmas, New Year break. A rather weird object has emerged from the depths, or more accurately the heights of the Water Tower Museum. There is a wooden base about 10cm (4) across with metal screws/bolts placed vertically connecting to another wooden platform. The bolts seem fixed and not to be dismantled. It sits about 14cm (6) high.... The top wooden platform has a metal shaft in the middle, to which the wooden slats are placed, one over the other. The metal shaft is hollow so the padded knob on the top can slot into it. The wooden slats have 3 holes drilled into the ends and the slats can rotate easily. Very curious indeed. If you need to see this Mystery Object in action, call into the Tower Museum on Sunday afternoons, 12 noon till 4 pm and remember locals are FREE. Please post you ideas, because we dont have any idea! See more

23.01.2022 Murtoa Museum precinct is open again! From Friday 11th June. We are back to normal hours: 12noon till 2pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon till 4pm on Sunday. Happy to open by appointment as well.

22.01.2022 We've just had these negatives developed, showing the demolition of the Royal Hotel in 1971 - ending a long era The brick building was built in 1893, to replace... the original timber building and was added to over the years. The coloured photos were taken on the last night of trading in 1971, some familiar faces. The building was demolished later in 1971 The Royal Hotel building also housed many different businesses in the shops over the years and was home to many, many boarders, who at times were more like family - I've added Eric Davison's list of boarders from his era Would love some more photos like this of the interior of the Top Hotel, the hairdressers etc

21.01.2022 Story Towns came to Murtoa a few weeks back. This is a promo for the full podcast. Pete Adler stars in the Museum shots!

20.01.2022 Tonight from 5pm - Murtoa By Twilight. Murtoa Museum Precinct is open. Have you seen the Water Tower, new Railway Station or Concordia College? Drop in tonight!

20.01.2022 ON THE MOVE Not only has Leigh Hammerton moved from Murtoa, so have his enormous Murtoa specific collections of memorabilia, historical machinery and records. Murtoa Historical Society has gratefully accepted that which augments our current records and collections. There are too many items to mention here, all of which are slowly being incorporated into our existing catalogues and displays. With valuable help from Luke and Peter Adler, Ian Knight and John Mahoney the heavy re...lics were moved to the Museum recently. Another great donation, from Lyn Baker, is an original Murtoa Soft Drink self- serve, coin operated, soft drink machine. It was moved as well and it now resides in the Railway station. Another worthy donation was from David Grigg, records that encompass informative records and minutes of the Progress Association, Marma Turf Club/Murtoa Racing and the United Country Party. The Museum has also acquired RSL material, but more of that to be revealed later. As the Museum is almost bursting at the seams, donations of Murtoa related items are welcome but need to be vetted by our committee. Photo captions: Murtoa Soft Drink fridge moving into the Railway Station Luke Adler positioning the plough made by Frauenfelder, c 1890. Manufactured in Murtoa, behind the Marma Gully Hotel. Victorian Iron Turnstile, c1880s. Originally from Flemngton racecourse but spent some time at Murtoa racecourse.

20.01.2022 Thanks everyone for your great ideas and of course someone knew what it was. Basically a way to hold yarn so a ball of yarn can be wound by hand. Ingenious.

20.01.2022 MYSTERY OBJECT This is probably the smallest item in the Murtoa Museum collection. A small metal box (4 x 3 cm) holds lots of pins which are 1cm long, with a point at one end. Around the 1930’s. No they are not dress maker pins.... Let us know what you think. See more

20.01.2022 Heres your part of Victoria. Share it about.

18.01.2022 MOTHER'S DAY --- MAY 9th 2021 --- National Trust event. The beautiful LONGERENONG HOMESTEAD will host a HIGH TEA, strictly by booking only. The National Trust (...Wimmera Branch) will host this event for a very limited number of guests (40 only in total) in 2 sessions - morning and afternoon. WE EXPECT THIS TO SELL OUT QUICKLY AGAIN. Entry to Longerenong is strictly by BUS ONLY leaving the Wimmera Library carpark at set times, 10am and 2pm. Included is Bus trip and return, High Tea, Homestead tour, history chit-chat and walk around the expanding gardens. This is the first time for a while this beautiful building has been opened for an event. $65 per person - A Wonderful Mother's day Gift! Contact ONLY Helen Curkpatrick, Hon Sec. for bookings on either 53827227 or 0413382567 Don't be disappointed - a RARE opportunity here. Be quick. NOTE: Many seats are already booked by today 22nd March.

18.01.2022 Open hours for Murtoa Museum are as follows: Monday to Saturday 12 noon till 2pm Sunday 12 noon till 4 pm We are happy to open any other time. Please ring:... Pete 0429944673 Sue 0437920734 Image by Gates - Lake Marma 1906

18.01.2022 Something to do if you like historical homesteads.

17.01.2022 I am happy to announce that BRIANS BRIC-A-BRAC will be re-open for normal trade on Wednesday 3rd June

17.01.2022 A New Spin for the MYSTERY OBJECT Made of tin, it stands about 40 cm (16) high and 40 cm (16) long. There are 6 cup like shapes underneath which are about 13cm (5) in diameter. The bar across the top is the handle. No motor, no cables.... Let us know on Murtoa Museum Facebook page or email [email protected]. Footnote: Murtoa has been busy with tourists, so the Museum has been opening every day from 10am to 1pm. If you have visitors, please consider filling in some time with a visit to the Museum. See more

14.01.2022 How Times & Technologies Change

14.01.2022 Museum closed ....... again. Keep well everyone.

14.01.2022 WHEN IS THIS? Not too hard to see its Murtoa Railway Station, but can you guess which decade it was taken? Sorry, no prizes, maybe a VIP entry into the Museum

13.01.2022 MYSTERY OBJECT What am I? It consists of two wooden planks which are layered together and are held in place with 4 large wing nut screws. The screws swing outward so the wooden planks can be separated. It measures 36cm x 17cm (14 x 7). A clue might be that it was in popular use during the 1920s. Goodluck.

12.01.2022 It is with a heavy heart that the committee of Murtoa Events has decided to announce the cancellation of our Wine & Dine in The Stick Shed event given the cur...rent public health situation. While currently we sit within the recommendations of the government, two weeks is a long way away and it would be remiss of us to not take into consideration the general well-being of our guests, staff and community at this time. We will be issuing a message to all ticket holders via email in the coming hours along with a full refund for tickets purchased, and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. We will keep assessing the situation as the year unfolds but it is extremely likely that the event will be off until next year. We would like to thank everyone for all of your thoughts and understanding, our sponsors for their great support, and our amazing committee and volunteers for the effort gone into the event until now. Our thoughts are also with our chefs and suppliers through this trying time and hope that things improve for them, and everyone, as soon as possible, we cant wait to work with them with our next event. Thank you all again and stay healthy and safe everyone! See more

11.01.2022 Can anyone help? Information about this buggy with Marma Gully signage would be most appreciated.

11.01.2022 We are looking for photos and information about Hugh Sargents business in Hamilton Street Murtoa. (Terry Tylers property) Buildings built in 1880's (Timeber Merchant) ? 1940/1950 Vic Piera (Garage/Engineering) ? 1950's Hugh Sargent (Petrol Station) ? Corner shop, type of business?... Horse Stables? Please post anything you know here on facebook or contact us via our email [email protected] Thanks See more

11.01.2022 BEWARE OF HISTORICAL CURES! From behind the cobwebs at the Water Tower Museum, not a mystery object this week just a mysterious object from the 1920’s- only a century old. Dr Chases’ SNAKE BITE CURE The glass tube contains a powder, which purports to be invaluable in the treatment of snakebites, scorpion stings, centipede bites, tarantulas and all types of spider bites. Also effective against wasp and bee stings.... Just make a few small cuts and sprinkle the powder on the affected area. Instant cure, apparently! And if there is a wound from a rusty knife, nails or the dog bites you Dr Chases Cure is the answer. Surprisingly, unlike the Preserves now available for sale at the Tower, Dr Chases CURE has no ingredients list, nor is it for sale. Mystery Object Solution A fire extinguisher! They were hung on a nail and when the heat of a fire became sufficient, the glass tubes exploded. The rather dangerous chemicals in the tubes would extinguish the fire! See more

10.01.2022 Mystery Object Of course its a bucket, but the mystery is - What is it used for? Made of tin, about 30cm (12") high, with no handles. The unusual feature is the open ended, tapering tube that crosses diagonally across the bucket. Please give us your ideas.

09.01.2022 We are supplying food and drink for this great event on Sunday. Come along and check this BIG sale out. Might be the last one held after 22 years.

09.01.2022 AN INVITATION - PRESENTATION ABORIGINAL HISTORY OF THE MALLEE Richard Broome, co author of 'Mallee Country: Land People History. Sunday 28th March at 2pm. It is being held at the Murtoa Neighbourhood House in McDonald Street, Murtoa (not far from the supermarket)... The programme is as follows: 2.00 - Welcome by Murtoa HS 2.05 - A ten minute talk by each of the three historical societies about their recent work & successes 3.05 - Tea/Coffee break 3.20 4.00 Richard Broome talk ‘Aboriginal people of the Mallee’ RSVP as soon as you can. Sue 0437920734

09.01.2022 Mystery Object Solution The easy one that everyone got is a candle mould. The tricky one is a Lightening protector for the electricity meter box. Well done everyone and thanks for playing.

08.01.2022 MYSTERY OBJECTS An easy one or a tricky one? Take your pick and let us know what you think. Here are the descriptions to shed some light! An old object but still quite useful. There are 6 tubes that are open at both ends, although a different size opening at each end. Its about 28 cm (11) long and made of metal. The next one is another old object, but which has been modernized. A base of enamel, 12 cm x 7 cm (5 x 3) with electric wires extending out of the unit.... Good luck! See more

08.01.2022 VP DAY 75th Anniversary since the end of WWII On the 15th of August 1945, Prime Minister Ben Chifley broadcast: Fellow Citizens, the war is over. The Japanese Government has accepted the terms of surrender imposed by the Allied nations and hostilities will now cease. (In the Pacific) Let us remember those whose lives were given that we may enjoy this glorious moment and look forward to the peace which they have won for us. Let us remember those whose thoughts with proud s...Continue reading

07.01.2022 MYSTERY OBJECT Its a compact shape and rather dull to look at, but we shall see if it triggers some recognition. It is a 10cm (4) sphere, made of Bakelite and screws apart into two halves. The inside is empty and there is a small hole at the bottom of the lower half sphere. A ribbon is attached to the top of the sphere and a Patent Pending number at the base of the ribbon. Let us know what you think it is used for, on Murtoa Museums Facebook page. Goodluck!

07.01.2022 Staff and committee are happy to announce the reopening of our wonderful Heritage listed Stick Shed from 10am tomorrow. It's been a long wait and we're looking forward to opening the doors in the morning.

07.01.2022 The Museum is temporarily closed, until further notice.

06.01.2022 Is this really Murtoa in1952? There seems to be some doubt about it being 1952. The series of aerial photos were taken for Vic Rail and are date stamped 2 May 1952. But its possible the date only indicated when Vic Rail used the images. There are only 6 Railway houses to the left of the Water Tower, and some of your comments indicated that by 1952 Bingie Halls (sorry, hope I got his name right) house should already be there. However, plans for the building of 3 more prefab R...ailway houses have been uncovered and dated 7 February 1953, Lot 1 being Bengies house on the corner of McDonald Street. The plans show building specs, even the colour of paint and type of fixtures to be used. The Scout Hall is still there, just south (left) of the Water Tower. Later plans for more Railway prefab homes in that block show the Scout Hall gone by 1957. See more

06.01.2022 Murtoa by Twilight The Museum precinct is not opening on Friday night the 28th of February, as stated in this weeks Weekly Advertiser. We are more than happy to open up by appointment or on Sunday afternoons 12am to 4pm.

05.01.2022 Come and explore! Locals and children under 16 are FREE!

04.01.2022 Murtoa History Games - Spot the student Do you know the names in this photograph? Murtoa Higher Elementary School Term 1, 1922 (We are finalizing the Second Edition of the book on the History of Schools in Murtoa & District, if you have any inputs, please get them in quickly)

04.01.2022 Annual General Meeting 1 pm Saturday 24th October 2020 At Murtoa Railway Station All welcome, but please let me know if you wish to attend. Ring Sue on 0437920734

03.01.2022 Murtoa Railway Station Vic Rail has moved the grain carriages. Its nice to see the station and Tower from a different perspective. We have been busy working behind the closed Museum doors, cataloguing many donations. Details of new aquisitions to be announced later. The only passengers waiting in the Railway Station are the Mice families, happy to eat the rubber door weather strips, and each other. We are in no hurry to reopen just yet, but we will keep you posted.

03.01.2022 MYSTERY SOLVED! The Mystery Object from the Murtoa Museum, which was shown in last fortnights Advertiser has triggered some interesting and different comments. A pancake maker and a bird cage hanger were just a few ideas.... One person recalled seeing the Object in use quite some time ago in the Murtoa supermarket, weighing fruit, lollies and other goods. The antique Hanging Shop Scales were made by John Charlton & Sons and could weigh up to 20 pounds. Thanks for the input and hopefully we can find the rest of the scales in the Water Tower Museum!

01.01.2022 With great pleasure we are opening our doors again! Opening times as follows: Sunday 12 noon till 4pm By appointment by ringing Pete on 0429944673 or Sue on 0437920734. We are also opening during the week between 11am & 1pm when volunteers are available.

01.01.2022 Mystery Object: What am I? This Mystery Object has been dusted off, after hiding on the top floor of the Water Tower Museum, and we cant agree on what it was used for. The dish/plate base is 32cm (12 ) across, made of metal, dips slightly in the middle of the plate and is coated with white enamel on the top and the underneath. The metal handle is 38cm (15) high with a hook that pivots so the dish can rotate. Its weighs about a kilogram.... Let us know what you think it was used for. Pop into the Tower Museum on Sunday arvo for a closer look! See more

01.01.2022 Ready for Murtoa Big Weekend ... thanks Trish Adler for the pic

01.01.2022 Museum OPEN DAY still on! The museum precinct will be opened as planned from 10 to 2pm on Saturday 21st March. The garage sale component is cancelled as we dont think there will be many people about. A Sausage Sizzle & cold drinks stand is still available.... Please come and support the Museum. See more

01.01.2022 1995. When they tried and tried and tried to demolish the old Water Tower which was "falling down". Took a long time to get through all that steel inside it. I reckon Bakers wish they had never started that job. Must admit there was some exfoliation of the out concrete falling off it. Sad to see it go - another landmark left Murtoa that year.- eventually. Built 1911 I think. Prior to that, the Water Tower at the station precinct supplied the town from the water pumped up... into it from the Lake after 1886 and prior to that there was a well in the Lake bank for general use, and even earlier they put pits and wooden barrels into the muddy lake bed and used buckets. This was mainly for passing riders and animal watering. Needed because the Lake was often dry in the early days and it had no permanent inflow until the 1880s. Murtoa generally only drank rain water from tanks after the town began in the mid 1870s - the same as Murtoa does now! Full Circle. PS Hard to believe ALL those trees have gone. See more

01.01.2022 An Invitation to all. Join us on Saturday 21st March for our epic OPEN DAY - SAUSAGE SIZZLE - GARAGE SALE