[Gadsden Family Home Movie Collection: Reel 28]

The Gadsden Company has a long and proud history of manufacture, dating back to its foundation by Jabez Gadsden in 1879. The company pioneered tinplate printing in Australia, and produced the first printed can the country had seen. By 1936 the company had twelve factories spread throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s success allowed two generations of Gadsden family men – Stanley Gadsden and his son Ronald – to pursue their interest in amateur filmmaking (a relatively expensive hobby for the time). The two cameramen captured the family’s children, homes, many of its major events and holidays on film.

A collection of the films made by these Gadsden family photographers has been donated to ACMI by Chris Gadsden (Ronald’s son). The films comprise a fascinating assortment of imagery that provides a window into bygone days and customs.

This film shows a visit to ‘Mooltunya’, which was Ronald and Jess Gadsden’s farm in regional Victoria. Members of the Gadsden family and friends circle participate in the various activities at the farm, including helping with farm work.

Toward the end of the film there are scenes of yachts sailing around a bay which is likely to be Port Phillip Bay.

This film was originally made using Super 8mm film.

Selected highlights list:
00:00:43:00 the ‘Mooltunya’ farmgate
00:03:23:00 younger family members trying out horses
00:05:00:00 painting the farm house roof
00:06:11:00 spray painting the house atop a ladder across the roof
00:08:04:00 a new ‘David Brown 880’ tractor and slasher being used for slashing in the paddock
00:11:10:00 a younger Gadsden using the tractor and slasher at speed
00:18:42:00 installing a windmill by being at the very top
00:20:57:00 cows seeking shade under a tree
00:21:03:00 scene changes for sailing
00:23:08:00 hay making at the farm