A school long gone.
Situated 5kms east of Echuca on Bangerang Rd, Boileau was a thriving little community. This was the main road to Shepparton. A tannery, hotel, butchers, store, school and cannery were all part of this settlement. The nearby Banyule forest had many wattle trees, and the bark was used in the tanning process. Of course there was then an excess of meat, hence the butchers and cannery.
A search for Boileau history revealed the following articles:
In June 1868 the partnership of SYMINGTON and LEONARD established the Echuca Meat Preserving Co. (Boileau) with a capital of £10,000. These extensive boiling-down works, soon afterwards re-positioned across the river at Moama, produced preserved mutton, as well as the usual tallow and skins. The company employed forty men in it's hey-day. LEONARD and SYMINGTON sold out in September 1869, prior to the establishment being inundated by the great flood of 1870.
The Argus - 7th Feb, 1893 A sad occurrence took place at Boileau yesterday, when a child between four and five years of age, son of Mr. Charles Johnson, late of Stewart's-bridge and now of Boileau, was drowned in the River Murray. The child was bathing with two elder brothers in a shallow portion of the stream, when he got out of his depth and sank. The body was recovered about two hours afterwards by a young man named Maher.
1902 Flood - The Boileau Store
THE SCHOOL
A local identity has told me about the plaques placed by the former Deakin Shire commemorating its former schools. There is a photo of the Boileau school building being hauled on a cart & horses down the road to become part of the Echuca Village Primary School. Its whereabouts is unknown - but he would love a copy of that photo - so would I to share it on here.
A newspaper article announced this move.
The Age Feb 19, 1896 The convenience of the married portion of the blockholders in the Echuca Village Settlement is at last about to receive some attention. Yesterday Mr A W H White, MLA, received an intimation from the Chief Secretary’s office that the State school at Boileau would be removed to the reserve in the settlement in a few days.
Near GZ is the remains of the commemorative plaque, unfortunately missing due to vandals or collectors. Behind the plaque is a triangular paddock, the site of the school, placed on the banks of the river. Local identity Hugh Glanville planted and cared for the trees in this area for many years until his passing a few years ago. It is believed this property still belongs to the education department!
The Cache:
A simple hide near to the school. Please replace as found and beware of muggles. This is a busy road for cyclists and motorists, and while placing the hide, they appeared from many directions.
Contains log book, pen & swaps. And a FTF flag.