Murtoa's Big Buildings

When I told someone I wanted to go and see the Stick Shed, she said "but you've already seen it".
However you can't have too many photos of the Stick Shed.
The Marmalake shed was open on Saturday and Sunday as part of Murtoa's annual "Big Weekend", and while there were Heritage Vic people inside to answer questions and explain its workings, you were free to wander at your leisure.

Crowds walking the central corridor

Again there was a constant stream of people taking the opportunity to view the interior. I was followed in by a father and his young son who had been thrilled to be stopped at the level crossing  by a long goods train but was wanting to see the 'sticks'. Then coming out was stopped by an elderly couple who wanted their photo taken with the shed as a backdrop. They all wanted to experience that 'cathedral' sensation.

The skylights spotlighting the central corridor

Leaving the Stick Shed, I ventured across the road to the Wimmera Inland Freezing Works. The works were established in 1908 as a farmers' share co-operative. Building began in 1911.

The facade of the freezer works now the domain of pigeons

No. 14 Store door

 The aim of the venture was to freeze and transport fat lamb meat  to distant local or export markets. Unfortunately the scheme failed and the works closed in 1924. Since then the buildings have been abandoned, except for the section utilised by Schier Cabinet Makers as their furniture factory. Recently the Dunmunkle Sumpoilers  have taken over the engine shed and restored the engines. They also open the engine shed for The Big Weekend and have a number of engines operating.

 The works were powered by massive engines to generate electricity and drive the compressors. Amazingly the drive belts were made from 2" diameter rope.

Spare drive belts originally wrapped in canvas, now rotting on the landing

The huge single cylinder engines required between 6-8 of these belts to provide their drive power.
The masonry walls of the freezer buildings are 18" thick.

Doorway on the first floor level