Yesterday was an important date - it was the 70th anniversary of the Marmalake Grain Store. More commonly known as the Murtoa Stick Shed, construction began on 26th September 1941. Amazingly the shed was ready for its first shipment in just 4 months - January 1942. At a time when much of the building was done with little mechanical aid, and most of the workforce were away fighting overseas it is a wonderful achievement.
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| Builders photo |
The shed comprised 56 rows of 10 poles to support a roof 19metres at the ridge and 270metres long by 60 metres wide. When full (by June that year) it held 3,381,600 bushels of wheat. And even more amazing there had been a 7 million bushel shed alongside this one, unfortunately it was demolished back in 1975.
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| ABC TV filming in the Shed on Friday |
The Stick Shed has been in the news lately as
- work on the restoration nears completion
- the Shed will be open to the public on Sunday 2nd as part of the Murtoa Big Weekend
Check out
The Age's video with facts, interviews, historic photographs & current video shots. And don't forget to also check my previous Posts with the "Stick Shed" label.
The Stick Shed opening during Murtoa's Big Weekend was a huge success with more than 1,250 people taking the opportunity to go inside. Unfortunately if you couldn't visit on the 2nd October, you need to wait till next year, as the site is again closed to the public - mark it in your diaries!
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