Picture the scene. You stand before Old Tynong a small town nestled in Gippsland. Its history whispers from the very ground beneath your feet. This unassuming place played a vital role in Melbourne’s story.
Old Tynong’s beginnings trace back to the early 1880s. Settlers arrived drawn by the promise of land and opportunity. The Post Office opened its doors in 1882 a significant milestone for any burgeoning community. Life wasn’t easy. The early settlers faced hardships. They worked hard clearing land and establishing farms.
Old Tynong wasn’t just about agriculture. The demand for firewood in bustling Melbourne fueled local industry. People cut sleepers for the Gippsland railway line. Others distilled eucalyptus oil or milled timber. The town buzzed with activity. A charcoal works operated. Sand was excavated. Even apple orchards thrived. A blacksmith served the community’s needs.
The timber industry experienced ups and downs. A decline around 1892 was reversed thanks to H W Weatherhead. He established a timber mill in nearby Tynong North. This mill continued operating until 1979. Its closure marked the end of an era.
But perhaps Old Tynong’s most remarkable contribution lies in the granite quarried from the area. This granite formed an integral part of Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. Its construction in 1928 would not have been possible without Old Tynong’s contribution. It’s a quiet yet powerful legacy. This seemingly insignificant town provided the stone for a grand monument.
Old Tynong may be small. Its population has fluctuated over the years. But its history is rich and impactful. It played a critical role in Melbourne’s growth and development. So take a moment to appreciate Old Tynong. It’s more than just a town. It’s a piece of Melbourne’s enduring story.