Old Gippstown facts for kids
| Established | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Location | Moe, Victoria, Australia |
| Owner | Gippstown Reserve Committee of Management |
Old Gippstown is a cool open-air museum in Moe, Victoria, Australia. It's like stepping back in time! This special place shows what life was like in the Gippsland area from the 1850s to the 1950s.
This amazing place covers three hectares of parkland. Over 20,000 people visit Old Gippstown every year to explore its history.
Contents
Discovering Old Gippstown: Its Story
Old Gippstown started in late 1967. The City of Moe Development Association helped create it. An architect named Fritz Suendermann designed the park. It first opened in 1973 as the Gippsland Folk Museum. Later, it was renamed Old Gippstown.
Since 1973, Old Gippstown has shown off the history of the Gippsland region. In the 1990s, the park became part of the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The state of Victoria now owns all the historical items.
Today, volunteers manage Old Gippstown. They are part of the Gippstown Reserve Committee of Management. These dedicated volunteers help keep the park running. They also look after the growing collection of old items, vehicles, and buildings. These items show the rich history of the Gippsland area.
Exploring Historic Buildings
Old Gippstown has more than forty historical buildings. Most of these buildings are from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.
Famous Buildings to See
- Sunny Creek School – This school building at Old Gippstown is from the 1920s. The original school operated from 1889 until 1966.
- Water Wheel – Old Gippstown's Water Wheel once made electricity. It powered a boarding house in Buxton.
- Moe Holy Trinity Anglican Church – This church was first used on December 3, 1895. It was moved to Old Gippstown in 1968.
- Angus McMillan’s Bushy Park Homestead – This house was built for Angus McMillan in 1848. It was originally located near the Avon River.
- Coach House – This building was first a barn on a farm in Willow Grove. Now, it holds many old horse-drawn vehicles.
- Rhoden's Cobb and Co Inn – This inn was built near Pakenham in 1863. It was a stop for the Cobb and Co coach route from Melbourne to Sale.
- Meeniyan National Bank – This bank was built just before 1900. It became a National Bank of Australasia branch in 1914.
- "Loren" Iron House – During the gold rush in the mid-1800s, many people needed homes. So, complete pre-made buildings, like this iron house, were brought in.
- Narracan General Store – The original Narracan general store was built in 1889.
- Narracan Mechanics' Institute Hall – This building was built in 1905. It replaced an older building from 1878. Today, many local groups use it.
Amazing Historical Collections
The park has a huge collection of historical items. You can see old antiques, artwork, books, and papers. It also has the largest public collection of horse-drawn vehicles. There are also old machines, tools, and many unique devices. All these items show what life was like for pioneers in Gippsland. You can also find military items from the first and second world wars.
Fun Events and Activities
Old Gippstown hosts many exciting events all year long. These include celebrations for Australia Day and Father's Day Car Show. They also have an Easter Egg Hunt and a Lost Trades Day. Plus, there are markets and other special events.
The park's grounds and rooms are also rented out. People use them for weddings, family reunions, and other special parties.
Community Groups at Old Gippstown
Many different community groups use Old Gippstown. Some groups do meditation, crafts, or art. Car clubs also meet here. It is also the meeting place for the Old Gippstown Men's Shed. The Latrobe Valley Woodworking and Woodturning Club meets here too. The Old Gippstown Masonic Lodge also uses the space.
Many school groups visit Old Gippstown for field trips. The park's rooms are also rented to training groups and local businesses. They like the space and its easy-to-reach location.
