The Longwood Bank

IN 1981 the National Bank in Longwood finally closed its door and the building was relocated to the Euroa Historical Museum in Kirkland Avenue, Euroa. Originally this bank was a part of the Colonial Bank which could have commenced business in Longwood in 1886. The internals have been kept intact as they had been in Longwood to the point that the rear wall is of historical significance as all previous officers who worked in the bank have, over time, inscribed their signatures. These signatures date back to E Stribling in 1886. Currently volunteers at the museum have been working on some minor repairs to this building. The rear corner has been jacked up, the rear door frame and door replaced (with materials from the same era) but no other structural changes have been needed. The internals have been left untouched with some repainting to be carried out externally. Internally, memorabilia from Longwood have been added including the 'transfer' windows which were removed from St Andrew's Anglican Church and replaced with leadlight windows (same images). The Euroa Historical and Genealogical Society has so much to offer. Historical items are extensive and have been carefully catalogued and, in most cases, installed in settings in which they would have originally been found. The main building includes nine rooms depicting the many areas of a normal home. In the yards the large sheds house a huge range of farm machinery, tools and equipment from days gone by. The Eliza Forlonge building also houses other aspects of life in a country town from the early years of Euroa's settlement. The museum is open on Wednesday and Sunday from 1–4pm, at a minimal cost. Those wishing to carry out family research are welcome on third Monday of each month from 1.30–3.30pm although there is an option to visit out of hours. The group meets on the first Monday of the month from 2pm and new members are always welcome. For further information, pick up a brochure at 'The Hub' in Binney Street, Euroa. In all aspects, this is a must–visit site.