By KATH GANNAWAY
THERE were hundreds of timber tramways throughout Victoria in the early part of the 20th century, but the Powelltown tramway was unique.
Built in the later part of 1913, it carried not only timber and goods for the people along the line but was the only tramway officially licensed to carry passengers.
Now 100 years later, on Sunday 17 November, the Powelltown Tramway Centenary celebration will showcase the history of the line that ran from Yarra Junction railway station out to Powelltown.
Thousands of people lived at bush mills and settlements along the tramway route in its heyday.
Val Adams, whose father Harry Cox was a fireman and grandfather Jack Cox was a driver on the tramline, said the line’s rich history is worth celebrating.
They would have passed mill sidings with names such as Grooms, Feiglins, Reids, United and Worlleys, and stations including Gilderoy, Three Bridges, Gladysdale and Black Sands as they hauled timber on The Shay.
The Upper Yarra Museum has driven the event, engaging local residents, businesses and community groups to bring together a day with plenty to see and do, not only for history buffs, but for everyone.
Visitors can start at the Upper Yarra Museum in Yarra Junction with breakfast, blacksmiths and museum tours… then on the road to Powelltown.
A procession of horses and steam engines will lead the way out along the Little Yarra Road where signs will mark the tramway sidings and ‘stations’.
Visitors can park at The Apple Farm at Three Bridges for an amble along the tramline and tour the apple orchard while they get a feel for the environment that many of the mill workers and their families would have called home.
Tourists can then wander along to the Powelltown Hall where the Black Hill Ramblers will be playing and steam, horses and timber tool demonstrations will be taking place throughout the day, along with food, heritage and community group displays.
Visit the heritage-listed Union Church for a remarkable display of wedding and christening gowns and photos and then line up for a tour of the historically-linked, and still operating, Powelltown sawmill.
Activities include a jumping castle, tug of war, hot air balloon, music, kids’ games, tree climbing and wood chop.
Beyond Powelltown, they can enjoy the Walk Into History trails in the Yarra State Forest and explore the original tramway tracks among remnants of the vibrant timber industry.
As part of the celebrations, the Powelltown Tramway Centenary 1913-2013 book, written by Mike McCarthy and Frank Stamford, will be launched and available at the Upper Yarra Museum and the Powelltown Hall.
For more information about the Powelltown Tramway Centenary celebrations visit upperyarramuseum.org.au, phone the museum on 5967 2167 or Rhonda on 0430 350 111.
