During that trip to Wahgunyah, John and his dad Peter passed the Steam Paddock Hotel situated where the John Foord Oval is located today.
Eighty years on, John loves to have a chat about yesterday’s history, especially after being inspired to do so with the weekly article ‘A Step Back In Time’ in The Free Press.
Born at Corowa Hospital, John was educated at Corowa Primary School and Corowa High School, and worked at Levy’s hardware store.
A young John played tennis and golf at Buraja, and recalled the golf days on the nine-hole sandscraped putting surfaces over the road from the hotel.
He worked on the family farm ‘Oakbank’ near Rennie, and did bar work at both the Corowa Bowling Club – witnessing the first poker machines installed in the club – and Corowa Golf Club.
The Oatbank property included a track for horse training and foot running. A horse owned by more senior members of the Patterson family, ‘Lady Oak’ won the Chiltern Cup in 1920 and the Wahgunyah Cup in the same year.
John’s interests in horses was not only influenced by his father but also by his mother, Alice who had many successes in show events, in Dressage events on a horse called ‘Prince’, winning many ribbons.
His mother was awarded at least 14 bronze medals from the National Rose Society of Victoria for her rose growing and floral arrangements, which also influenced her son’s interest in and love of gardening.
John can boast a proud family history and knowledge of the local area. Like any family he has some history times and items – including the Chiltern Race Club top trophy in 1920 - to which he regularly refers which make for a rewarding life of wonderful memories.
“They were handed down. I like keeping things,” the 87-year-old told The Free Press. “Racing was a particular interest to us because my father was involved.”
John has a good working relationship with local historical societies, particularly at Corowa and in Wahgunyah with special exhibitions.
The history of a town is so important, attracts a lot of interest from and for all generations, and contributions from knowledgeable people like John are always appreciated.
