THE population of Kerang swelled on Saturday as people from far afield came to town to take in the sights and sounds of times long passed.
Kerang Historical Society’s Heritage Day was an opportunity for history buffs and engine enthusiasts to peruse a massive collection of household and farming relics, the great majority of which have been gathered from the local district.
Working machinery is the museum’s mantra, so vast diesel engines were pressed into operation throughout the day, decades after they last served their intended purposes of powering generators or water pumps.
There was also an extensive display of more than 30 vehicles from the Kerang and District Vintage Motor Club.
Alongside the glistening cars sat three not-so-shiny trucks that will soon benefit from the society members’ impressive restoration abilities.
The trucks – 1938 and 1942 Internationals and a 1953 Morris Commercial – were all used locally before finding a new home at the museum.
Demonstrations were the order of the day – including shearing, milk separating and wood turning – while a working drag saw was a crowd favourite.
Border Flywheelers Club members were also in attendance with a working water pump, while The Travelling Sewing Machine Museum brought dozens of exhibits.
Society president Colin Day said it had been a hugely successful day, building on last year’s excellent crowds.
