Eumundi Voice Issue 112, 6 March 2025

HISTORY

The old wagon

Eumundi Museum’s renovations are about to kick off again shortly. The renovations will include joining the old church part of the museum to the Wan’din’in gallery space behind the museum for hosting temporary and touring exhibitions. The renovations will also include re-displaying an old wagon. The buckboard is probably the museum’s most significant piece. It was made around 1920 after George Adams – Eumundi’s blacksmith and coach builder – returned from Egypt where he served with the Light Horse Regiment during WWI.

It was not long afterward that cars replaced the old horse-and-cart, and Adams was clever enough to retire from coach building. He took up selling and repairing cars instead, eventually moving his garage into the main street, which later became Mitchell’s garage – now Berkelouw Books.

We are extremely lucky that someone had the presence of mind to store Adams’ wagon in a shed. This unique artefact is the only locally made wagon left. It was discovered and donated to Eumundi Museum back in 1998 and it was quite an ordeal getting it restored and moved in.

The original extensions to the museum in 2005 were made largely to accommodate the wagon but they were still not big enough to get a good look at the vehicle. Therefore, one part of our wonderful ongoing renovations is to provide appropriate space for this special collection item.

Joe Hextall – Curator Eumundi Museum