The Heathcote Show: a journey through time

HEATHCOTE celebrated its 140th show this year, and we’re sharing some snippets from the past to mark the occasion.

These edited extracts reflect the history and variety of competition, as well as some of the many attractions on offer.

McIvor Times, 16 November 1882

Heathcote Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s show.

The first exhibition under the auspices of the above society was held in the Recreation Reserve, Heathcote, on Wednesday (15th inst) and was a great success.

When first the idea was promulgated, in this district, that an exhibition of this kind might be favourably regarded there were some who doubted the result, but the gathering of yesterday speaks for itself, and the impressions it has left behind should give increased courage and energy for renewed efforts.

The grounds on which the various exhibits were grouped is as pretty a spot as could be seen anywhere.

It is fitted by nature for assemblages of the kind and its selection as a public reserve or recreation ground reflects upon the taste and foresight of our municipal representatives.

The preparations for the show were well advanced at an early hour in the morning, and the arrangements reflected great eredition on the committee and the Secretary.

The entries under the various sections for horses numbered 96, and included a number of animals of great value.

Horned cattle were well represented, also sheep and swine.

For dairy produce there was good competition for the prizes offered, and, generally, the lists were well filled up.

Farming implements and machinery could not be expected to make much of a display, the want of railway transit to the town acting as a great preventive to the Melbourne manufacturers.

McIvor Times, 15 November 1917

The day broke dull and in the early part of the morning light rain commenced to fall, getting heavier as the day wore on, with the result that 96 points were recorded.

This greatly interfered with the success of the show, and undoubtedly marred one of the best exhibitions yet arranged.

But despite the rain there was a great influx of country people and visitors from Bendigo to Heathcote, the special train being largely patronised. The gate receipts totalled £41.

The Heathcote Show has always been a strong attraction for visitors on account of the beautiful showgrounds, and though the local people, in many instances, are lacking in their appreciation, our neighbours are enthusiastic in their praise.

Another attraction of special interest to the young folk was a merry go round and each time the whistle went it was well loaded.

Side shows there were of every class, and one and all seemed to gather in a fair share of cash.

Maryborough Chronicle (Qld), 29 November 1926

A feature of the [Heathcote] show, which many other agricultural show societies would be wise to encourage, was the fine exhibit by four branches of the women’s section Victorian Farmers Union.

In a shed, these enterprising women had set out attractive displays of those things which the most experienced and versatile of housewives should be able to accomplish.

The display was a revelation of the things which women on the farm can do.

Dresses equal to, if not superior to, many of those displayed for sale in shop windows at high prices were attractively shown.

In the main, these displays comprised exhibits of dressmaking, millinery, needlework, knitted goods, ironing, honey, beeswax, fruit, vegetables, herbs, plants, flowers, chip and woodworking, drawing, painting, stencilling, preserves and sweets.

In the Knowsley display was one interesting exhibit, showing the coarse wool, and later the yarn; and still further a pair of white socks knitted from the wool spun from the original fleece.

In the Redesdale section, which gained first prize, was a basket labelled Bundalook Basketry comprising vacuum flask, saucepan, kettle and another utensil cases, also mats, all made from stringy bark.

McIvor Times, 7 November 1984

Ideal weather contributed to the outstanding success of the Annual Heathcote Spring Show held on Tuesday, Melbourne Cup day.

The success of the Show and the record attendance, which paid $4,450 at the gate, can be attributed to the energetic committee ably supported by the Ladies Auxiliary and the general community who exhibited at the Show.

The Miss Heathcote “Sun” Country Show Girl title was won by Jenny Carroll of Heathcote.

Jenny won the title from seven other entrants and she represented the Heathcote Lions Club.