The community of Knox finished up November, turning back time, with a first-time Heritage Day event hosted by the Knox Historical Society at their Ambleside Homestead, giving crowds a delightful peek into days gone by.
The skies dried up, and the sun came out just in time for the start of the inaugural event, supported by the Community Bank Ferntree Gully, who kindly provided the grant funding for the children’s pony rides and animal petting farm, as well as the prizes for the Olden Day dress up competition, for which the Knox Historical Society was most grateful.
It was a fun-filled day with lots of demonstrations in blacksmithing, wood turning and carving, spinning and lace making.
More than 100 children enjoyed the free pony rides and animal farm, as well as lots of old-time games such as quoits and hooky.
Foothills Community Care sold plenty of stir-fries and sausages in bread, and the Historical Society were delighted to have other community groups on hand, with the Ferntree Gully Arts Society, Gully News and Knox Woodworkers participating and showing their skills.
The Melbourne Steam Traction Club, based in Scoresby, had working steam engines on display, and the Ambulance Museum from Bayswater had a 1942 Ambulance and a more modern one for people to wonder at.
Classic cars, jinkers and an antique Chevy truck, along with many house tours of the Ambleside Homestead and Museum, showed that people are still intrigued with how life was lived more simply many decades ago.
The original Town Clerk robes and displays of the origins of Knox Council wards were also well received, as were the old 8mm movies of the Knox area.
President John Wilson thanked all of the KHS volunteers for their hard work in making the day a wonderful family event.
