Snake Valley & District Historical Society in Snake Valley, Victoria, Australia | Education

Snake Valley & District Historical Society

Locality: Snake Valley, Victoria, Australia

Address: 1019 Smythesdale-Snake Valley Rd 3351 Snake Valley, VIC, Australia

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25.01.2022 No plans this weekend? Keep calm - history has you covered! If you click on the link below it will take you to a brochure we had made up in 2013 that includes a map of our local Historical Sites and points of interest along our Walking Trail. For those of you who have difficulty accessing the file due to technical difficulties, shoot me a message and Ill endeavour to email you a pdf. Have a great weekend. ... https://app.box.com/s/ymunxse48szo9999w9lmthhjibkqcttk

25.01.2022 A spot of style and elegance for you to start you weekend with - from Carngham in 1947 Mrs. Griffith Weatherly and her sister, Margaret Russell. Caption indicates they are the teen-age daughters of Major and Mrs. Phillip Russell from Carngham, Victoria. Mrs. Weatherly was married on March 19th in the old grey stone Presbyterian Church which her paternal grandfather gave to the Carngham parish to mark the 50th anniversary of his arrival in Australia. After honeymooning in Frankston, she is now chatelaine of her husbands large station property, Blythvale, Streatham, Victoria. Mrs. Griffith Weatherly was Miss. Rosemary Russell before marriage. The gowns worn in this photograph are presumed to come from Stones Store, Ballarat. ~ Photo from The Gold Museum Collection~

25.01.2022 SNAKE VALLEY COUNTRY WOMENS ASSOCIATION "The women of the CWA have been initiators, fighters and lobbyists Originating in NSW in the early 1920s, the Country Womens Association (CWA) was formed in response to a challenging social and economic climate. ... In its early days, the CWA worked determinedly in setting up infrastructure to support women and children in immediate need. This was focused towards providing access to health care through setting up baby healthcare centers and funding bush nurses, education, social activities and accommodation. Its strength lay in the tireless work of volunteers who united together to improve conditions for women and children facing hardship and isolation largely through community service, fundraising and government lobbying. Individual branches were instrumental in forging a sense of community into small localities. In June 1932, the #115th Branch of the CWA, The Snake Valley Branch, was formed and sat within the Beaufort Group. Sadly, the earliest minute books were lost, however it is documented that the first President was Mrs. H Greenbank and the Secretary was Mrs. A Brumby. In 1937 Snake Valley changed its name to the Carngham-Snake Valley Branch where Mrs. H Greenbank was president and Mrs. Scott held the position of Secretary. Skimming through the (50+ years worth!) of minute books, I found myself feeling quite in awe of the hard work and dedication of the Carngham-Snake Valley Branch, and their ongoing effort to improve our community particularly for women and children. In addition to their local work, they also contributed widely to the broader Victorian community and assisted with National CWA initiatives. What was most evident was the sense of fun, generosity of spirit and pride in the work they achieved together. If anyone would like to read more, please message me and I can send you a larger article I have written on the work of our local branch.

25.01.2022 Private Edmond (Ted) Patrick Hanrahan SRN 1915, 58th Battalion AIF Edmond Patrick Hanrahan was the eldest child of Thomas and Bridget Hanrahan. He was born in 1882 and was the eldest of their eleven children. Thomas and Bridget ran the Prince of Wales Hotel in Snake Valley. Edmond enlisted in Melbourne on 9th February 1916, aged 33 years and 10 months and described as having black hair and blue eyes. He was single and his occupation was Driver. He was allocated to 3rfts..., 58th Battalion of the 5th Australian Division. Edmond embarked from Melbourne on 8th July 1916 on the Ajana, arriving at Lark Hill, England on 31st August. He didnt proceed to France until 6th December where he was taken on strength to the 58th Battalion on 23rd December that year. He was involved in fighting in France then around the Ypres sector in Belgium and then in September 1917, fighting around Polygon Wood. Early 1918, the 5th Division were then moved to France, fighting near Villers-Bretonneux in April, then in the area near Morlancourt. It was on the second day of fighting at Amiens that Edmond was killed, on the 9th August 1918. He is buried in Heath Cemetery which is situated on the main road from Amiens to St Quentin, France. Two of Edmonds brothers also enlisted: Private James Hanrahan SRN 5361 enlisted on 24th March 1916, aged 21 years. James was invalided home and discharged in early 1918 due to a severe gunshot wound to his face along with a fractured jaw. Sergeant Thomas Leo Hanrahan SRN 5362 enlisted on 29th March 1916, aged 28 years and also served in the 23rd Battalion. He returned to Australia on 4th March 1919. Information and photographs from NAA, SVDHS, Carol Holding & Monica Wain

24.01.2022 In 2016, we lost one of our oldest members of the Snake Valley Historical Society, Robert Bob Howlett. Bob and his immediate and extended family served Australia in both world wars - Bobs father and his two brothers all served in WW2. His father had also served in WW1. Bob, Private Robert Howlett, SRN VX147121 enlisted in WW2 on 13th of October 1943, one week before his 20th birthday. He was sent to Canungra and then from Australia served in Borneo, Morotai and Ta...Continue reading

23.01.2022 Recognise any of these frightfully fancy little people?? We would love to get a complete set of names... Comment below (or tag a debutante!) if you can identify one - or even better - were one! Carngham Holy Trinity Church Junior Debutante Ball ~ 1979

23.01.2022 The following poem was written by Carngham resident, Mary McLean (1910-2000) about her husband, Andrew McLean (dec.1986) who served in WW2.

22.01.2022 This gorgeous little chap is Mr John Brumby, aged 3 years. Born in Carngham in 1908, he was the 6th child and 4th son of Thomas Brumby Jnr. and Hannah (Anna) Elizabeth Brumby (nee Robertson). In 1941 he married another local, Dorothy Dorrie Snell. They were married for 56 years. He worked a number of jobs around the district after leaving school, and spent most of his working life with the Lands Department as Inspector of Noxious Weeds. John lived in Snake Valley all his li...fe with Dorrie, until they moved to the Skipton Hostel around 1995, where they were cared for until they passed away - John in 1997 aged 90 and Dorrie in 2001 aged 96. Thank you to Dorothy Brumby for donating this magnificent photo to our archives. Young John, with his little feet squished into fancy black shoes, made our day

22.01.2022 As ANZAC day approaches, in the absence of formal remembrance ceremonies, we would like to support you to honor those who have served our nation while you are at home. Over the coming week, we will share the stories of some of our local soldiers, articles and poems. You might like to join the thousands of others who will stand in their driveways on ANZAC day at 6am, read more here: https://www.abc.net.au//anzac-day-around-australi/12136690... We invite you to remember these brave young soldiers and their families. We ask you to honour those who served and died for us, for our nation Australia and for peace.

21.01.2022 We love this photo of Elizabeth and George Samson (and their dog!) - we believe this was taken in front of their Chepstowe home circa 1870-1880. Elizabeth Samson was the daughter of James and Esther Nunn (nee Morris).

21.01.2022 Remembering ~ Francis Joseph OBrien (1922-2013) With many thanks to Tim OBrien for allowing us to share the following story and photographs regarding his late father. It is a terrific read and really lovely to remember Frank. He gave so much to his community through his family, military and community service. Upon returning to Australia, Frank spent a considerable period of time recovering from his injuries at the Heidelberg Military Hospital. From there he pursued his in...terest in the wool industry , gaining his wool classing accreditation, via the Gordon Institute of Technology in Geelong. In his early working days he plied his trade, while living with his older sister Lellis Franc and her family at Hazelwood, Middle Creek. It was during this period that he commenced a courtship with local district lady, Kathleen Fay and they were subsequently married in May 1959. After originally residing in Lake Goldsmith, Frank & Kath relocated their then family of 5 children to Snake Valley in 1965, the township of Franks birth in 1922, when his father John was the local policeman in the township. With the family ultimately growing to 8 children, Frank spent the next 47 years in the Valley until his passing at the age of 90 in January 2013. In that time, he became heavily involved in the local community, spending 24 years on the Ripon Shire Council , including a couple of terms as president. He made a significant to the local progress association, water board and Carngham Linton Football Netball Club of which he was made a life member in 1980 and post humously one of the inaugural hall of fame inductees in 2018. He genuinely loved his home town and believed that he and his family got back multiples of anything he had contributed.

21.01.2022 Last week we shared the delightful photo of John Brumby aged 3 years. Whilst writing up a piece about John for our members newsletter, I was thrilled to get hold of this photo of him in his much loved Indian motorbike with side car. He is pictured with his wife, Dorothy Dorrie Brumby and good friend Alma Yeoman in the background. The bike was eventually sold, and was thought to have perhaps been part of the Lake Goldsmith collection although this is no longer the case.... I have also been in touch with the Indian Motorcycle Association of Australia to see what they can find out for us. Out of pure curiosity, we would all love to know what happened to that bike. Maybe its in your garage? Get in touch if you can help us track it down! Thanks again to Dorothy Brumby for donating a copy of this magnificent photo for our archives its a beauty!

17.01.2022 Trooper Gordon Eric McCook, known as Eric, (SRN 2007) was born in Snake Valley in 1891 to Archibald McCook (1838-1925) and Frances Ann Francis (1848-1942). At the time of enlistment his parents were documented to have lived in Chepstowe. Erics occupation was listed as Cattle Drover. He enlisted on the 13th July 1915, 8th Australian Light Horse at the age of 24 years. A little over a year later, on the 23rd of August 1916, aged 25, he succumbed to gunshot injuries sustai...ned to his legs, after lying wounded for 40 hours, exposed in the desert. Eric was buried Port Said cemetery, Egypt, by Chaplain M.R Maley. He rests in grave No. 1190. His war medals were sent home to his father.

17.01.2022 Can you help us trace little Eva Fox-Mark? Greetings from isolation! With all this time at home perhaps you could assist us in solving a mystery. Around 10 years ago one of our members, Mr. John Gale, shared with us the story of his Grandfathers sister, Zillah, that begins around 1883 in Snake Valley. The story ends with a little girl who at the age of 10 was never heard from again.... Zillah Mark was the daughter of Edward Mark, who owned the Lily Gold Mine in Carngham. In 1883, became pregnant to local assistant school teacher, Mr. Thomas Fox, and gave birth to a little girl called Evangeline (Eva) Fox Mark. Sadly, just two years later, Zillah died at the young age of 20 following a brief illness (Phthisis or tuberculosis). After the death of her mother, Eva was cared for by her Grandmother, Mary Ann Mark, who died in 1893. No one knows what happened to little Eva. It is thought that she may have been taken in by a neighbor (more common than one might thing during these times) or possibly by the church. You can read the details of this story in the comments section below... Can you help solve the mystery? If anyone is able to assist, please send a private message via this page or email to [email protected].

16.01.2022 Some of you may be aware that during the height of the gold rush, the Snake Valley area had around 27 places (!!) where one could quench their thirst This delightful couple is Maria and Charles Hall, owner operators of one of our busiest and longest running establishments in the area; The Snake Valley Greyhound Hotel & Coffee Palace. They have a terrific story that begins with a very hairy sea voyage from London to Portland, Victoria in 1852. Im in the process of writing it up for our members newsletter... Its so interesting I think Ill share it on here in a couple of weeks for you to enjoy. Photos from the SVDHS archives and ancestry.com

16.01.2022 COVID-19 Dear Friends, We have had a few queries regarding the Snake Valley ANZAC Remembrance Service. You wont be surprised to hear that it has been cancelled this year in light of COVID-19. Closer to ANZAC Day, we will share information on our page that may support you to remember and honour our local servicemen and women quietly at home. ... Our Tuesday morning research meet-ups will be on hold until further notice. Please feel free to contact us via this page or by email in the interim with any research queries. With regards to COVID-19, it goes without saying that this is an enormously challenging time. The level of anxiety about protecting ourselves and those around us is high. No one is immune to this awful virus. We are ALL vulnerable - some of us more than others due to existing health conditions or being immunocompromised. Please, please, follow the advice regarding social distancing. Stay at home unless it is essential for you to leave. No popping in on your mates for a cup of tea, just for a while. Use the phone to check in on your neighbours and friends. Do that regularly. Support local business where possible. Wash your hands. Throughout history, our district has been deeply affected by diseases that are now - due to advances in science, medicine and simple hygiene - thankfully a thing of the past. With combined effort we can protect the community we love so dearly. It is our duty to do so. Lets work together to make this horrific disease another chapter of our history. The Snake Valley & District Historical Society

16.01.2022 Private Thomas Henry McLachlan SRN 3878 was born in the 28th of July 1876 in Carngham. His parents were James McLachlan (1832-1914) and Isabella Diamond (1839-1921). Thomas was one of 13 children. He married Maud Alice Kingerley, and had one son and three daughters; Thomas, Myrtle, Jean and Maude, between 1910 and 1915. Thomass occupation was listed as Labourer. ... He enlisted on the 5th of August, 1915 aged 40 years, 11th Battalion, B Company, (3rd Brigade AIF). He was in Blackboy Camp, Western Australia, and then embarked for overseas service on the 22nd of November 1915. Thomas joined his Battalion on the 17th of March 1916 in Serapeum, Egypt and then travelled per HMT Corsican and disembarked at Marseilles, France, on the 5th of April 1914. Just 35 days after arriving in France, Thomas was killed in action on the 30th of May, aged 40 years. He was killed by a bomb blast near Fleurbaix, France and was buried in the Rue Petillion Millitary Cemetery. Thomas is one of about 36 soldiers of the 11th Battalion, all killed by the one bomb in the Fromelles area, buried side by side, some with their headstones touching each other. The inscription on his headstone says: OUR HERO, EVER REMEMBERED BY LOVING WIFE AND FOUR CHILDREN Information from Carol Holding, NAA, SVDHS

15.01.2022 Arent they beautiful? This photo was taken at the Hayward family home in Snake Valley ~ ? circa 1870-80. The lady on the far right is Mary Riley, the other two are unknown. We would love it if anyone can help us identify them. ... Photo donated by Eileen Roddis (Nee Hayward)

15.01.2022 Private Arthur Leonard Len Chibnall (SRN 4158) was born in Snake Valley on the 16th of January 1897 to Ellen and Arthur Fredrick Chibnall. His occupation was listed as labourer. Len served in the military in 1914 in Ballarat, Victoria and at the age of 19 and joined the 7th Battalion after having twice been rejected. Len was killed in action on the 25th of July, 1916 in Pozieres, Somme, France and was buried in Villers, Aisne, France.... The following was written in a letter to Lens mother, from Lance Corporal Arthur Dean: Midst the roaring of the battle And the rain of shot and shell Fighting for home and country Len like a hero fell And somewhere in France hes lying Somewhere in deep trodden soil He died an Australian Hero Trying to save us all (Taken from Dinkum Oil Author: Amanda Taylor) Lens mother also received a letter regarding Lens passing from A.E Coates -later Sir Albert Coates Info from AWM Roll of Honour, NAA & Ancestry.com.au

14.01.2022 Private Charles Herman Burgdorf (SRN 1119) was born in 1893, Lamplough (near Avoca) to August and Mary Anne Burgdorf. Charles, aged 23, enlisted on the 9th of March, 1916 to 38th Battalion. He worked as an Apprentice Driver with Walter Murray, owner of a General Store in Snake Valley, before enlistment. His sister (her Christian name is unknown) taught at Snake Valley Primary School in the early 1900s. He was wounded in action on the 31st of August 1918 with a gunshot w...ound to head, and at the time was incorrectly reported to have been killed in action. On the 20th of November, 1918, Capt. Collins of the 38th Battalion informed Pte Burgdorfs father of his sons death and that he had died a few minutes after being placed on a stretcher. His personal effects were forwarded home. On the 5th of January 1919, he left England to return to Australia on the ship Kanowna - incapacitated with gunshot wound injuries to the head, neck and shoulders. He arrived in Melbourne on the 7th of March. 8th May 1919 Pte Burgdorfs family advised of the error and informed that their son was indeed alive. 17th November 1919 Pte Burgdorf made application for a free passage for his fianc from England to the Commonwealth. 12th September 1923 base records advised that all particulars regarding Pte Burgdorf had been removed from Hem Park Military Cemetery by the Imperial War Graves Commission on 18th November 1920. This particular soldier leaves us with so many questions we are not aware of any living relatives. We would love to know more about what happened to Private Burgdorf after the war, and if his fiance eventually came to Australia. If you are able to help with information we would love to hear from you. Info from NAA & SVHS

13.01.2022 THE POLIO EPIDEMIC 1930-1950 I recently had the opportunity to speak with a gentleman who has a strong historical connection to Snake Valley. In 1937, at the age of 7, he was sent to The Valley to live with relatives to avoid the Polio outbreak in Melbourne This was an incredibly frightening time in Melbourne and Australia. There were lengthy school closures and widespread panic as people watched helplessly as the disease swept through the community. In 1938 Australia re...corded its highest incidence of Polio at 39.1 in 100,000 people. We hope to share his story with you in the future, and wonder if anyone else has memories or a story theyd like to share that is related to this topic - I would love to hear from you. There are a number of articles, including this excellent one below. https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au//remembering-australia-s-po

12.01.2022 BOOK RELEASE We are thrilled to announce our latest publication The Snake Valley General Store is now available for purchase. ~ First opening its doors in 1857 the Snake Valley General Store has provided locals with far more than provisions, serving as a community hub for well over 150 years.... Joan Wilson will captivate readers with her thorough historical account of the longest running business in Snake Valley ~ You can purchase your own copy from the SV General Store, or get in touch with us via Facebook and we will give you details on postage. $25.00 (plus $8.00 postage) We would also like to take the opportunity to thank the brilliant Joan Wilson who has volunteered countless hours of her time researching, writing and publishing this book.

10.01.2022 SNAKE VALLEY COUNTRY WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION "The women of the CWA have been initiators, fighters and lobbyists Originating in NSW in the early 1920’s, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) was formed in response to a challenging social and economic climate. ... In its early days, the CWA worked determinedly in setting up infrastructure to support women and children in immediate need. This was focused towards providing access to health care through setting up baby healthcare centers and funding bush nurses, education, social activities and accommodation. Its strength lay in the tireless work of volunteers who united together to improve conditions for women and children facing hardship and isolation largely through community service, fundraising and government lobbying. Individual branches were instrumental in forging a sense of community into small localities. In June 1932, the #115th Branch of the CWA, The Snake Valley Branch, was formed and sat within the Beaufort Group. Sadly, the earliest minute books were lost, however it is documented that the first President was Mrs. H Greenbank and the Secretary was Mrs. A Brumby. In 1937 Snake Valley changed its name to the Carngham-Snake Valley Branch where Mrs. H Greenbank was president and Mrs. Scott held the position of Secretary. Skimming through the (50+ years worth!) of minute books, I found myself feeling quite in awe of the hard work and dedication of the Carngham-Snake Valley Branch, and their ongoing effort to improve our community particularly for women and children. In addition to their local work, they also contributed widely to the broader Victorian community and assisted with National CWA initiatives. What was most evident was the sense of fun, generosity of spirit and pride in the work they achieved together. If anyone would like to read more, please message me and I can send you a larger article I have written on the work of our local branch.

09.01.2022 Mt. Emu Station Homestead The first documented use of the land around Mt. Emu dates back to 1838. Ownership of the land changed hands multiple times before being purchased by Mr Alexander Wilson, an Irishman who along with his 3 brothers had earlier purchased large areas of the Wimmera plus properties in New South Wales and Queensland, paid 98,000 pound for Mt. Emu station. He also at this time owned Banongill Station, west of Skipton. Around this time his older brother, J...ohn Wilson, bought Lillerie from Mr J.D AEleck and Trawalla Station. Mr Wilson had a 42 roomed homestead built from local granite. Mr Hodges Inchbold was the stone mason employed to build it. Alexander and his wife, the former Marion McKinnon, lived in the homestead with their 8 children. This photograph would have been taken around 1880-90. Sadly, when the devastating bushfires of 1914 tore through the district the homestead was burnt down. As a result of the fire, approximately 5000 sheep perished. Every panel of fencing - 20 miles in all - were destroyed along with the drafting yards and the bridge over Emu Creek leading to the homestead.

07.01.2022 Private Leo Joseph Kelly SRN VX25434 was born in Snake Valley on the 6th of July, 1903. His parents were Elizabeth Mary Gerte Mannix and John Thomas Kelly. Leo was one of 12 siblings and worked as a Labourer around the district, for some time at Langi Willi Station. When home, he lived with his parents in Kellys Lane which had been named after the Kelly family who had settled there on arrival to Australia in 1857. On the 25th of June, 1940, he enlisted in 2nd AIF Unit ...at the age of 36 years and 11 months. Leo was killed in action on the 17th of May, 1941. He rests in grave 15.A 9, Acroma, north-eastern Libya in Butnan District, about 28 km west of Tobruk. In our book I Remember That, Mr. Kevin Cunningham spoke of the Snake Valley boys in WW2 and said that I think the first casualty was, Leo Kelly, Leo who lived up in the bush towards Linton. Leo got killed; he was a sniper and got shot in the Middle East. Id like to finish this series of local soldiers on a personal note. Leo was a loved son, brother and uncle to many - including my Father, Kevin Yeoman, who is now 84 years old and has lived in Snake Valley all his life. Dad can clearly remember being about 5 years of age, and walking his Uncle Leo to the mail car that would take him to Ballarat. As Leo walked away from his family home that one final time to embark on overseas service - Dad said Dont go, Leo. Lest we forget.

07.01.2022 We will always remember We will never forget The lives lost The lives forever changed The loved ones left behind... We remember

06.01.2022 ANZAC REQUIEM BY CHARLES E W BEAN On this day above all days we recall those who served in war and who did not return to receive the grateful thanks of the nation.... We remember those who still sleep where they were left - amid the holly scrub in the valleys and on the ridges of Gallipoli - on the rocky and terraced hills of Palestine - and in the lovely cemeteries of France. We remember those who lie asleep in ground beneath the shimmering haze of the Libyan desert - at Bardia, Derna, Tobruk - and amid the mountain passes and olive groves of Greece both on the mainland and on the island of Crete, and the rugged, snow-capped hills of Lebanon and Syria. We remember those who lie buried in the rank jungle of Malaya and Burma - in New Guinea - and in the distant isles of the Pacific. We remember those who lie buried amid loving friends in our Motherland and in our own far north. We remember those who lie in unknown resting places in almost every land, and those gallant men whose grave is in the unending sea. Especially do we remember those who died as prisoners of war, remote from their homeland, and from the comforting presence of their kith and kin. We think of those of our womens services who gave their lives in our own and foreign lands and at sea, and of those who proved to be, in much more than name, the sisters of our fighting men. We recall too, the staunch friends who fought beside our men on their first Anzac Day - with men of New Zealand who helped to create the name ANZAC. We recall all those who gave their lives in the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force, the Merchant Service, and in other British Commonwealth and Allied Forces, and we think of those British men and women who fell, when, for the second time in history, their nation and its kindred stood against the overwhelming might of an oppressor. We think of every man and woman who in those crucial years died so that the lights of freedom and humanity might continue to shine. We shall be ever mindful too, of those brave men who left our shores and died in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Afghanistan and in Peacekeeping Forces, helping to safeguard the Commonwealth and other countries of the Free World. They fought against the on-march of enemies who were thrusting to obtain new bases from which they may attack and destroy our freedom. This freedom was won from two world wars and cost the lives of a hundred thousand Australians. May these all rest proudly in the knowledge of their achievement, and may we and our successors in that heritage left to us, prove worthy of their sacrifice.

05.01.2022 159 years have passed by since the following article was published. That said, please let it stand as a warning to wear sturdy footwear and look before you leap.... THE BALLARAT STAR ~ Saturday Feb 23 1861 CARNGHAM... A fine snake of the black species was killed a few days ago at the British Standard Companys claim, Preston Hill Lead, measuring three feet in length. Its peculiar appearance induced the party to open it, when a mass of twenty-five young snakes was discovered, each measuring seven inches in length, and in the stomach a lizard five inches long. The young snakes were each enveloped in its separate caul. On being released, they displayed their snaky propensities by coiling, darting, or opening their mouths as if in search of prey. They were however soon despatched, and the miners boast of having in the extent of a yard destroyed nearly eighteen feet of snake. The party in the above named claim, as also those in the adjoining one, have been much annoyed lately by this description of vermin, particularly when cutting firewood, and the number they have killed is not less than ten, independently of the one referred to. They were all about the same length. See more

05.01.2022 Taken in 1936, this photograph is of Snake Valley Primary School pupils from grades 5-8. Around half of these children would go on to serve their country in WW2 - some would enlist and embark for overseas service just a few years from when this photograph was taken. DON HOWLETT RON FENTON BOB HOWLETT ... RON HAYWARD GEORGE HOWLETT ROBERTA GARDNER DON CHEESEMAN VIV NUNN DES CALLAGHAN FRED CHEESEMAN NOEL HOWLETT CLIFF HAYWARD Lest we forget

05.01.2022 ~Soldier Settlers~ The original Victorian Soldier Settler Scheme was created under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act of 1917, and concentrated on the urgent issue of repatriating soldiers. More than 11,000 blocks of land were created in Victoria. This involved a process of subdividing rural estates into smaller blocks of land that were leased back to returning soldiers. Where possible, the blocks were established using Crown land, however a large amount of private land... was also acquired for the scheme. The Australian Bureau of Statistics report that over 24 million acres had been acquired or allocated by 1924 across Australia, and this resulted in 23,367 farm allotments. The scheme certainly received its fair share of criticism. After much investigation into its perceived failings it was transformed following WW2 with the Soldier Settlement Commission established under the Soldier Settlement Act of 1945. The scheme changed the face of rural Victoria and is an important part of our history. By 1976 the Commonwealth and state governments had written off the current equivalent of more than $500 million on the War Service Land Settlement Scheme. See more

03.01.2022 Santa and his Reindeer or a superb photograph of Mr. John Robertson - reported to have worked at Langi Willi for George Russell in the early 1900s. We will let you decide! Wishing all our lovers of local history a terrific Christmas and magnificent 2020!

03.01.2022 Remembering ~ Francis Joseph O’Brien (1922-2013) With many thanks to Tim O'Brien for allowing us to share the following story and photographs regarding his late father. It is a terrific read and really lovely to remember Frank. He gave so much to his community through his family, military and community service. Upon returning to Australia, Frank spent a considerable period of time recovering from his injuries at the Heidelberg Military Hospital. From there he pursued his in...terest in the wool industry , gaining his wool classing accreditation, via the Gordon Institute of Technology in Geelong. In his early working days he plied his trade, while living with his older sister Lellis Franc and her family at Hazelwood, Middle Creek. It was during this period that he commenced a courtship with local district lady, Kathleen Fay and they were subsequently married in May 1959. After originally residing in Lake Goldsmith, Frank & Kath relocated their then family of 5 children to Snake Valley in 1965, the township of Frank's birth in 1922, when his father John was the local policeman in the township. With the family ultimately growing to 8 children, Frank spent the next 47 years in the Valley until his passing at the age of 90 in January 2013. In that time, he became heavily involved in the local community, spending 24 years on the Ripon Shire Council , including a couple of terms as president. He made a significant to the local progress association, water board and Carngham Linton Football Netball Club of which he was made a life member in 1980 and post humously one of the inaugural hall of fame inductees in 2018. He genuinely loved his home town and believed that he and his family got back multiples of anything he had contributed.

02.01.2022 Recognise anyone? Snake Valley Primary School 1969 Prep & 1 ... The names of this smiley group of keen learners are in the comments - please let us know if we need to correct any!

01.01.2022 Private David James Watkins (SRN 19341) was born in Carngham, 1894, to William Watkins and Rose Sullivan. His occupation was listed as Farmer. On the 25th March 1916, aged 22, David enlisted in the 39th Battalion, an infantry unit attached to the 3rd Division. He embarked for overseas service in August that year, and travelled to France on the 23rd November 1916. ... David suffered severe injuries with gunshot wounds to his legs during two separate battles, the battle of Messines (1917) and again at Bray (1918) - his left leg was later amputated. He returned to Australia on HT Czaritza in May, 1919. Despite the disability he endured as a result of his injuries, returned to farming at Bradvale. David James Watkins passed away in 1939. He left behind his wife, Adeline and daughter, Athalie. He is buried at the Carngham Cemetery. Following his death, the Camperdown Chronicle published an obituary that described a large funeral where David was clearly held in high regard and held the admiration of his community. The obituary states, The dropping of the Poppy of Remembrance into the grave and the sounding of the Last Post by bugler E. Wookey concluded the impressive service. The photo where David is wearing the hat shows him in what is understood to be convalescent uniform - taken as he recovered from the Battle of Messines in 1917. The convalescent uniform was issued in Britain for recovering soldiers. It became important so soldiers wouldnt be harassed by people thinking they were avoiding their duty to King & country. Patriots would go around & hand out white feathers. This uniform was worn with great pride as it showed they had not only served but had been fighting overseas and had been wounded. The uniform consisted of a white shirt, bright red woven tie and blue jacket. It was also worn with their service dress cap with regimental insignia - unless it was unavailable, then they wore their regimental badge on the lapel. Info from NAA, SVDHS, Trove and importantly, Janise Cornish - Davids Granddaughter.