In connection with the Centenary and Jubilee Celebrations, which were held throughout the Commonwealth and State in 1951, Wodonga staged “Back to Wodonga”. The program spanned a week from Friday 9th to Saturday 17th November.
Friday: Children’s Sport and Children’s Concert.
Saturday: Welcome to Visitors, Official Luncheon, Gymkhana, Official Opening and Barbecue.
Sunday: Church services, various denominations.
Monday: Ladies’ Day (Bowls, Tennis, Croquet etc.) Afternoon Garden Parties, Boxing Tournament.
Tuesday: Procession, Basket Lunch, Apex Sports Carnival, 50-50 Dance.
Wednesday: Tour of district and visit to factories. Re-unions of various organisations.
Thursday: All-day Street Fair and Carnival.
Friday: Back to School (Higher Elementary School), Wodonga Hospital Ball.
Saturday: Bonegilla Race Club meeting, Competition Sports, (Cricket, Bowls, Tennis, etc.) Farewell Parties by various organisations.
A 36 page booklet was produced for the occasion. Many of the advertisers gave a history of their building and business giving a useful resource for research.
R.W. Baker, 130 High Street, agent for BSA and Ariel Motor Cycles. “This business was commenced by Mr Bill Mathews approximately 35 years ago.”
Vee Jay Radio, 103 High Street. “Many folk will recall that these attractive Electrical Showrooms near the Railway Gates, conducted by Mr A. E. Branwhite since 1946, were once a barber’s shop, then dining rooms, then a temporary dwelling”.
Stevens Bros, Cordial Manufacturers & Wood Merchants. “This factory was taken over by us from Mr Hartsmann, who purchased it from the establishers – Bartle and Clark.”
W. Hicks & Sons “This business was purchased by us from the later Mr Enoch Farmer in 1944.”