Last Thursday, a sleeping giant of rural industry was awoken from its 80 year slumber. Creaking and groaning it was dragged and shunted from its hiding place under the pines to the front car park of 'The Old Cheese Factory' at Reidsdale, where the Marshall Portable Steam Engine will be on permanent display, as an example of the role that steam played in the districts rural heritage.
The engine was originally used to power machinery and heat the milk at the 'Old Cheese Factory', known as 'The Reidsdale Rural Co-operative Society. The factory made cheese for 30 years, finally ceasing production in 1957. Mick Allen of Reidsdale a former member of the society says, " Up to 12 farms supplied milk to the factory, they would unload the milk at the front from a horse drawn vehicle then collect four fifths of that weight in whey from the back. The whey would be heated from the steam engine and taken home to feed the poddy calves."
The introduction of portable engines revolutionised rural industry. They could be moved around the district and used to power tasks such as threshing, driving mills, chaff-cutting and hay-baling. The Watkins-Sully family says, "The steam engine is a great emblem for 'The Old Cheese Factory' project as we too hope to have a similar impact on rural production, although on a much smaller scale."
The conversion of "The Old Cheese Factory" into a rural enterprise centre is nearing completion. Food production areas, teaching facilities, design workspaces and a small retail shop will soon be available. The aim of the project is to encourage, promote and reinforce the production of goods that sustain local distinctiveness and maintain rural cultural heritage. Any cooks, growers, producers, educators who would like more information on the project can call 0407 292 181 for an informal chat.
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