A very successful "Back to Genoa/Wangarabell" weekend was held in perfect weather. Displays of many historical photographs and printed articles, plus farming artifacts and restored steam engines, meant there was plenty for visitors to peruse.

Back To Activities included the following:

On March 25 and 26, 2000 many old and new residents of the small Far East Gippsland and Far South Coast Communities of Genoa, Wangarabell, Wroxham, Timbilica and Wingan, celebrated a "Back To" Genoa/Wangarabell and Districts.

Early settlement of these areas occurred in the mid 1830's with settlers coming from the Monaro Plains and the then whaling town of Eden, N.S.W.

A book was produced called "Border Tales", which contains personal stories, photographs, and information about these historic districts. Stories are from Genoa, Wangarabell, Wroxham, Timbilica, Maramingo, Nungatta, Wingan and Gipsy Point.

A cassette tape called "Past and Present", contains personal recollections by current and past residents.

Many ex residents have moved far and wide across Australia and the World. The organising Committee had contacted some of them to hear their stories, and many attended the celebrations.

The "Back To" was held over the weekend of 25th and 26th March, 2000 at the Genoa Community Hall and Old Genoa School, starting on the Saturday with a procession through the Township, a welcoming address and burying of a time capsule.

Displays in the Hall and surrounding grounds concluded with an Old Time Dance at the Hall on the Saturday evening.

Sunday events opened with a Church Service and morning tea in the Hall at 9.00 a.m., then a bus and car tour of the Old Cemeteries and other sites of interest calling back at the Genoa Tennis Courts for a barbecue and tennis. Timbilica and Gipsy Point Cemeteries were visited after lunch.

Contents

Introduction A Little Town Called Genoa Natural History The Aborigines Some Historical Notes Robinson's Journey John Stevenson Early History Traveling to Genoa in 1888 John Hetherington Electoral Roll, 1908 Timbilica Tales Black Jack Stevens Wal Grenenger The Murray Family Neighbours War Years Frank Peisley Allan Peisley Remembers Ninety years of Age The Bridles Joe Rugg Reminiscences Wilfred Alathia Becker Hotel Memories From Horses to Horse Power A Letter From Genoa Nungatta South The Wassinks at Wangarabell

The Genoa School Early School Days in Genoa Schools in Genoa The Wangarabell School Wangarabell School Register Wallagaraugh River School Sawmilling Foresters at Genoa Timber at de Geus's The Working Bee The Toilet Block Farewell to the Hall Norman Wakefield The Genoa River Trackways The Genoa Store Fruit Fly Stories Fruit Fly Personnel Rifle Clubs Honour Roll The Fall of Caesar Floods Target Practice Genoa Bridges Roads, 1914 The Ballad of Wingan Gipsy Point Cemetery Old Cemeteries

Book 'Back To' book - "Border Tales" at $18, including postage.

The tape was produced to commemorate early and present residents of Far East Gippsland and border district communities, to preserve their stories and to keep the awareness of this beautiful area alive.

Tape "Back To" tape "Past & Present" at $15, including postage.

Enquiries - 03 51 588 277 Email: backtogenoa@mallacoota.com

Photograph taken in 1978 of the Wangrabell School. Pictured are Jan Symes, Kate Symes & Martin Coles.

The school was used until 1947, and was burnt down in 1983.