The opening day of the new room at the Kinglake Heritage Centre, and the transport display in it, was a very successful and enjoyable event for all who attended. The weather was not so kind but a crowd of 80 people assembled, many representatives of pioneer families among them, and part of the enjoyment was meeting up with old friends. Cr Ilona Gerenscer, Kinglake’s representative on the Murrindindi Shire Council, and Cindy McLeish, MLA for Eildon, were present and thanked for their attendance, and an apology was received from Cr Eric Lording.
Kinglake Historical Society members had worked hard to assemble photographs and information about the transition from ‘The Horse’ to ‘The Engine, and also a collection of varied items relating to those early days, from whips and horseshoes to hub caps and oil cans. Vintage cars on display were a 1928 Willys Overlander Whippett and 1927 Chev ‘Woody’ Stationwagon, both of which were much admired.
Several former members of KHS had travelled some distance to be present, Keith & Gwenda Thompson from Yarrawonga and Cheryl & Jeff Chalmers from Phillip Island. The longest journey was made by Brian Carman, who drove from Albany WA for the occasion and was joined by his sisters Yvonne and Gwenda, all pleased to see the role of their grandfather, Horace Carman, featured in the display acknowledging his part in the development of public transport in the Kinglake district.
At 2pm, the gathering assembled in the Kinglake West Mechanics Institute Hall for afternoon tea, catering by local business ‘Little Country Kitchen’ served by members of Kinglake Inner Wheel. Thanks were expressed to FRRR for the building grant, to local community groups who have supported the work of KHS, and to all KHS members and friends present for their attendance and support which are very much appreciated and encourage the Historical Society to continue working to preserve and display Kinglake’s history.
