It is five years and three months since I wrote about Shepparton’s centenary celebrations, and, as I read my research material, I am still amazed at what this small town achieved in 1938.
The population at that time was 6500, if you believe AI, and 6700 if you believe my previous notes.
The celebrations lasted for 10 days.
It was springtime and the streets were decorated with more than 200 peach trees in blossom, which is why The Age (October 11,1938) referred to us as Blossom Town.
On October 19, a special train had been organised to bring visitors to us.
Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, with his wife, Dame Edna, arrived to open proceedings, which took place at the Town Hall. (You might remember that rather stately building on the corner of Maude and Fraser Sts.)
An “Historical Pageant Procession” took place in the afternoon.
On October 20, the prime minister despatched a pack-horse mail, which contained commemorative envelopes, purchased by the people of Shepp, to help cover costs.
The mail arrived in Melbourne, at noon, on October 22.
Returned mail was despatched and received here by the governor-general, Lord Gowrie, the following week.
The Agricultural Show was granted the title of ‘Grand National Show for 1938’ and was opened by the governor-general, accompanied by Lady Gowrie, on Wednesday, October 26.
At that time, our show was second in size to Melbourne.
The prime minister also opened an art exhibition of John Pick’s work.
As Mr Pick was also our mayor, The Age described this event as “unique in Australia’s history”.
And we mustn’t forget the song Blossom Town.
The music was by Mabel C. Downs and the lyrics by Ray West.
It would have been performed at the centenary ball, where Mabel was accompanied by George Bellmaine and his orchestra.
With the assistance of Geoff Allemand, I heard this music played, and all I can say is that it took itself very seriously indeed.
I do have the lyric for you, but in my opinion, the ‘joy and gladness’ was not echoed in the music.
The sunshine in the valley and o’er the rolling plain. The liquid silver splashes magic for our gain.
Countless blossoms scatter their fragrance through the air. Life is joy and gladness. My heart is ever there.
Chorus
Blossom Town, Blossom Town, under the golden sun
In spring town, in swing town, enchanting Shepparton.
Our Centenary
What a wonderful achievement; how proud our ancestors were of their small town.
And how beautiful it would have been with more than 200 peach trees decorating the streets.
Thank you for your feedback to last week’s column
I’ll tell you more about it, as space permits. However, one gentleman is missing Under the Clock — snapshots of our past.
So, here you go, mate!
1914 – Furniture and Grounds
The Education Department has lost no time in forwarding the tables and chairs which the Shepparton State Committee applied for at its last meeting when a pathetic picture was portrayed of the way in which teachers had to experience the vanity of human wishes when casting their optics about for something to sit on — and to write at.
Apart from this ‘phenomenal’ alacrity on the part of the authorities in Melbourne, it is pleasurable to notice the new school buildings now bulk handsomely in the urban landscape, through the removal of the pepper trees that grew along the fence.
And when the contemplated garden becomes an accomplished fact, it should move even the dullest witted to exclaim ‘Beautiful’.
My comment: I must have been one of the ‘dullest witted’. Forty-five years later, the peppercorn trees were back; for the life of me, I can’t remember a garden — and I never exclaimed “beautiful”.
Take care and may it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Phone: Text or call 0409 317187
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