Old Gippstown facts for kids
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| Established | 1973 |
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| Location | Moe, Victoria, Australia |
| Owner | Gippsland Reserve Committee of Management |
Old Gippstown is a special place in Moe, Victoria, Australia. It's like a real-life history book! This open-air museum shows you what a pioneer town in Gippsland looked like.
You can explore buildings and see how people lived from the 1850s to the 1950s. It's set in three hectares of parkland, and over 100,000 people visit every year.
Contents
How Old Gippstown Began
Old Gippstown started in 1967. It was first called the Gippsland Folk Museum. It officially opened in 1973. The park was designed by an architect named Fritz Suendermann.
Today, a group of volunteers called the Gippsland Reserve Board of Management looks after Old Gippstown. Many volunteers help keep the park running. They take care of the old buildings, tools, and vehicles. These items show what life was like in the Gippsland area long ago.
Exploring Historic Buildings
Old Gippstown has more than forty old buildings. Most of them are from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.
Famous Buildings to See
- Sunny Creek School: This school building is from the 1920s. The original school taught children from 1889 until 1966.
- Water Wheel: Old Gippstown has a working water wheel! It used to make electricity for a boarding house in Buxton.
- Moe Holy Trinity Anglican Church: This church was built in 1895. It was moved to Old Gippstown after a new church was built in Moe.
- Angus McMillan’s Bushy Park Homestead: This house was built in 1848 for Angus McMillan. It was originally located near the Avon River.
- Coach House: This building was once a barn on a farm. Now, it holds many old horse-drawn vehicles from Old Gippstown's collection.
- Rhoden's Halfway House: Built in 1863, this house was a stop for Cobb and Co coaches. These coaches traveled from Melbourne to Gippsland.
- Meeniyan National Bank: This bank building was built just before 1900. It was first a Colonial Bank and later became a National Bank of Australasia branch.
- "Loren" Iron House: During the gold rush in the mid-1800s, many people came to Australia. There weren't enough houses. So, complete buildings like this iron house were brought in from other countries.
- Narracan General Store: The original Narracan general store was built in 1889.
- Narracan Mechanics' Institute and Free Library: This building was built in 1905. It is now used by local groups, including a Masonic Lodge.
Amazing Collections to Discover
Old Gippstown has a huge collection of historical items. You can see old tools, artwork, books, and papers. They also have the largest public collection of horse-drawn vehicles. There are many unique and forgotten devices from the pioneer era. You can even see military items from the First and Second World Wars.
Fun Events and Activities
Many exciting events happen at Old Gippstown throughout the year. These include celebrations for Australia Day, the Moe Jazz Festival, and Carols by Candlelight. They also host a monthly market, a Father's Day Car Show, and music events.
You can also rent the park grounds and function rooms. They are perfect for weddings, family reunions, and other special parties.
Community Hub
Old Gippstown is a popular meeting place for many community groups. Groups doing yoga, crafts, and arts use the park. Car clubs also meet there. It's also where the local Masonic Lodge and Woodworkers Club gather.
Many school groups visit Old Gippstown for excursions. The park's function rooms are also used by training groups and local businesses. It's a great place for learning and community activities!
