After a successful GoFundMe campaign led by Simon Northey, the E.W Kilgour General Store cart was presented to Katamatite Historical Society in front of brothers Rod and Don Kilgour, grandsons of the cart’s original owners Ernest and Lillian.
Katamatite Historical Society president Don McPherson led the official introduction, followed by Don Kilgour, who reminisced about growing up in the town, while brother Rod spoke directly about the cart itself.
Afterwards, Mr Northey thanked all who contributed to the cause and presented the society with a plaque engraved with the names of all who donated on the GoFundMe page, before Mr McPherson concluded the speech.
“I had a lot of the Kilgour family come up to me and say thanks for bringing it back,” Mr Northey said when speaking of the success of the event.
“I know Don and Rod were very pleased to see the cart back in Katamatite where it rightfully belongs.”
The cart itself was made in tribute to the EW Kilgour General Store and the 1930 to 1960 era, but was sold years ago, only to be spotted by Mr Northey earlier this year at a garage sale in Tatura.
Mr Northey spearheaded the attempt to reunite the historical item with its heritage and, with the help of the public $6000 was raised, more than the required $4200 needed to buy the cart.
“It was a great feeling to know this idea that I had had a lot of behind it – the Katamatite community, the Kilgour family and even people from surrounding areas were committed to getting it back to Katamatite.”
On the day of presentation, the Katamatite Historical Society was able to raise some money through book sales, while the local CFA was able to fund raise through a communal barbecue, with proceeds going towards being able to fight bush fires throughout the difficult season ahead.
The cart will now be housed in the Katamatite museum, which is operated by the Katamatite Historical Society.
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