What sort of stuff do you make?

'Signs' of History Week in the Barossa

Winter was a couple of days early in the Barossa when we made our way up to Moculta last Saturday. The sky was dark and the roads were running with rain. However, the Institute was already buzzing with people and music from the war years greeted us on entry. This set the atmosphere for this amazing display of Blokes' Stuff, work and leisure activities done by men since the late 1800s.

I was intrigued by a fly fishing display just inside the door. I know nothing about fishing and young Lubin Pfieffer explained what many of the objects were. He had trays filled with flies which are used to attract fish - the flies are made using a fine vice where fur, or feathers and a coloured bead are tied together with a cord. (A very basic explanation from me here.) Lubin had a hare's face from which is taken the ear dubbing, beautifully coloured feathers, moose tails and other items which are called 'hackles'. From a feather hackle between 50-80 flies can be made, and there are coarse and fine types. Apparently flies have been made for fishing since the 17th century.

There were collections of lots of things including stoneware jars, cigarette and tobacco tins. A collection of tractor magazines featured, I'm sure, every type of tractor ever made. We were told that some of them are still being used on farms in the area today. A display of items from the old Moculta Choral Society took up the entire stage area. There was sheet music and vocals - some in the German language of the people who had used them, instruments, batons, 78rpm records, photographs and even a costume from an early production. Examples of metal work and the tools used, brewing equipment, handmade bullet making, leather tanning and harness making, rope making posts, farming tools and gadgets made from what ever was available on the farm, all had their pride of place in this exhibition. We were intrigued by a large bench in the centre of the room with a wood turning lathe at one end, a couple of vice and other woodworking tools. One vice in particular was constructed entirely of wood, even the wurm. We were told it was very strong and could take considerable pressure. On such a cold morning the mug of hot coffee and delicious lumberjack cake was very welcome too.

Sadly we weren't able to stay for the working demonstration and the weather was just too miserable for the heritage walk, however I have the brochure and will add this to my 'one day' list. Well done to the Moculta District Historical Society for organising Blokes' Stuff during SA History Week and thanks to all the blokes who gave their time and objects for this fascinating exhibition.