General News
24 February, 2024
These old vans were made for working
WOODCUTTERS and shearers were right at home in the years between the Great Depression and World War Two in caravans that gave them a roof after a hard day’s work. Their self-contained caravans could even have a bathtub hidden under the bed or meal...
WOODCUTTERS and shearers were right at home in the years between the Great Depression and World War Two in caravans that gave them a roof after a hard day’s work.
Their self-contained caravans could even have a bathtub hidden under the bed or meal table.
Two vans that have been rescued and again made functional were in Bridgewater at the weekend when dozens of heritage caravan enthusiasts camped on the banks of the Loddon River.
Aaron James stood beside his reconstructed car dubbed a 1936 Ford Special, built 30 years ago from parts picked out at rubbish tips, wrecker’s yards and antique shops.
Behind him was a timber caravan built in 1938 and used by woodcutters around Bendigo and Heathcote.
“I found it sitting in a paddock ... been there for 30 years. The back wall had blown off and was sitting further across in the paddock under a tree,” said the caravan fan from Bendigo.
“I replaced the axels and wheels and waterproofed it. But I’m in a dilemma on how far to the take the restoration and whether to again give the van a coat of Brunswick green and cream paint.” Aaron is pretty sure that the caravan door remains in its current condition. “It looks like it was taken off a dunny out in the bush.”
Aaron, who once lived at Bears Lagoon and went to East Loddon P12 College, is a regular at the Bridgewater caravan weekend. He’s also part of the Feral Car Club that motors around the region, restricted to vehicles in running order but without the full restoration.
“I’ve restored four or five cars. I got sick of all the washing and polishing,” he said.
Across the caravan park on Saturday was another worker’s van.
Aaron and former Inglewood resident Bob Styles had helped Vicki Juniper and partner Wayne Robertson from Moolort, near Maryborough, restore the old shearer’s caravan and 1930s International vehicle that started life as a bus.
“The caravan came from Portland. We found it in the bush covered with a tarp,” Vicki said.
“We think the van is either late 1930s or 1940s and when you take the bed base off there’s a bath.
“You can get used to sitting in the bathtub on weekends away.”
Inglewood’s Brooke Street antique shops were a popular destination for the heritage caravan enthusiasts over the weekend.
Inglewood Emporium owner Denise Gartside said the store had been busy with buyers.