Strath Creek Walking Trail
The Strath Creek Walking Trail is a leisurely stroll highlighting local history and botanical features:
1. Hall
Although residents had the use of the Good Templars Hall, "the pokey little building" which was used as a School House, Lodge Room, Bail Room, Concert Hall and in addition, Wesleyan and Church of England services, it was not adequate to cater for community needs. It had been mentioned many times that a larger building was needed, particularly following events where some patrons were required to stand outside during well attended events.
At a public meeting held in 1905 it was decided to try and build a larger public hall. Donations and subscriptions were gathered and a suitable site canvassed.
On the 26th of September 1906, the new Hall was opened with a concert and Grand Ball.
Major renovations were undertaken in 2011 with bushfire recovery funds following the 7th February, 2009 Black Saturday fire.
2. Old School
Although education for children began in the district in 1881, it wasn't until 1892 that a school was finally established on the site.
By 1900 the school population had increased greatly and the building designed for 30 was housing 50 children.
In November 1928, due to white ant attack, a new building was constructed. When the school closed in November 1994, the building was relocated to Nagambie Primary School.
In 1992 as part of centenary celebrations, a path was constructed with tiles which were signed by past pupils. Invitations were sent far and wide and a huge gathering of past pupils and teachers celebrated the 100 years of education on that site.
3. Water Wheel
Information is available on site sign.
4. Community Church
On 1st August, 1879 a branch of the Independent Order of Good Templars Lodge was inaugurated at Strath Creek and was known as Our Future Hope Lodge.
The building was built by Arthur Forbes in 1880 with help from community members at the cost of thirty-two pounds, ten shillings.
It houses pews which were made in 1887 at a cost of fifteen shillings each and an organ which was purchased in 1893 for forty-one pounds. The floor is constructed of local fiddle back stringy bark.
5. First Stores
The first store in Strath Creek was built in 1887. It is thought that the proprietor, J.B. Selby, had initially sold items from the back of his covered wagon.
The store was a long building with a verandah and vertical slab ends. Mr. & Mrs. Gooch erected a store on the present War Memorial site in 1895. Mrs. Gooch was storekeeper and Postmistress until 1900. The present store was built in 1909 by Frank Keays. Although the building has undergone a number of modifications, it continues to be an integral part of the community today, as Post Office and general store.
6. Creamery
The Strath Creek Creamery was associated with the Yea Dairy Company Ltd., formed in 1891 and which sold butter in London under the brand of S. S. or She Oak. The creamery opened on 26' February, 1892 on a site at the back of the present store. 100 gallons of milk were put through the separator on the opening day. In the years of 1896-97, the supply peaked at between 600 and 800 gallons daily.
With a down turn in the industry due to seasonal conditions, increased number of private cream separators and some of the older original selectors going out of dairying, as well as grievances with the Yea Creamery. The creamery closed in 1902, only to open again five months later operating every other day. The Yea Company then sent a wagon around collecting cream from various farms and eventually the creamery site was sold in 1909.
7. Blacksmith's Workshop
George Farrer, blacksmith, wheel wright and horseshoer, operated his shoeing forge in Strath Creek between the store and the hotel until the business was sold in 1902.
8. Hotel
In 1909 Eliza McLeish, wife of George, applied for a Hotel Licence. It is believed a verandah was added to their house so the front two rooms could be used as a hotel. The hall committee objected, but the licence went through.
9. Hume & Hovell Monument
This monument commemorates the explorers, Hume and Hovell who traversed the area in an epic journey commencing in 1824.
Location
Ferguson Street, Strath Creek 3658 Map
