By Ashok Verma
KILMORE Historical Society has taken a giant leap in ensuring that the town’s rich past is preserved forever with the launch of a treasured book Kilmore A Walk Through History last week.
A gem, the 123-page book turns the pages of the long forgotten glory days of Victoria’s oldest inland town and takes residents and tourists alike on a tour of history that will leave most nodding in appreciation and wonderment.
The book is a labour of love for many committed society members, who spent countless hours during most of last year on research and fact checking.
All members were elated as the book was launched by Dr Faye Woodhouse, President of the Romsey and Lancefield District Historical Society and an accomplished historian and author, at a gathering in the Old Post Office in Kilmore on Tuesday, February 3.
Society secretary Barbara Wilson said the book aimed to promote the town. There have been leaflets about the town but they are very outdated.
“The idea was to present a comprehensive list of historical buildings that are worth having a look at in Kilmore. We are very happy with the outcome.”
There have been other history books in the past, including Kilmore on the Sydney Road, published in 1988 by the Shire of Kilmore, which, Ms Wilson described as an excellent book. In 2007, the Kilmore Historical Society published Kilmore: Those That Came Before, a collection of stories, history and photographs of Kilmore. In 2013, the society published another book, which is a collection of past and present photographs of the main street of Kilmore.
Ms Wilson said: “The others are specifically history books, whereas Kilmore A Walk Through History is a book to guide people on a walk around Kilmore and know what you are looking at. So it is a description of what you are seeing as you walk around. You could call it history made easy.”
The society, which has been in operation since 1964, has about 100 financial members.
The book, Kilmore A walk Through History – Discover Victoria’s Oldest Inland Town, has been edited by Francis Payne.
Readers will find a summary of early settlers, the first mail run, sale by auction in 1843 of the township of Kilmore, the impact of gold on the town and its increasing prosperity. A key feature of the book is a glossary of architectural terms to help laypeople.
Readers can discover a detailed description of and history of each building making up the five guided walks – along Sydney, Powlett and Fitzroy streets and the tours of eastern and western Kilmore.
The book price is $25, and $20 for members. It is on sale at Old Post Office and the Kilmore Bookstore.
