(Taken from the Minutes of the Casterton and District Historical Society)
In February 1971, the Society received news that the Station had been handed over to them and the Station Master had invited members to a ride on the new passenger train (Hamilton to Ararat) which was touring the area.
In March 1971, an inspection of the Railway Station revealed that the "building is very solid and the former Station Masters Office and the Parcels Office are in a presentable condition, but the former waiting rooms, having been used for storing wood, need considerable attention". Conditions of the lease required - A wire mesh fence to be erected on the platform (money raised from two luncheons at Wando Dale), a Ladies toilet (erected by the Shire) and a separate meter box for the SEC.
A Public Meeting was called for Monday 29th March to gauge interest in establishing a Museum in the former Railway Station. Speakers at the Public meeting were Mr. Jack Gorman, Mr. Hugh Ross and Mrs K Edgar. The name for the new Museum would be Casterton Historical Museum. The first exhibition for the museum was decided to be on the 1st and 2nd May but this never eventuated.
In April 1971, a decision was made to invite members of the public to become Foundation Donors at a cost of $5.00 each. A badge was made to give to Foundation Donors which was designed by K G Luke Australia. Many other donations were made towards the Museum project from community members.
In June 1971, the fence required was erected at a working bee with 81 people in attendance.
In August 1971, the badges were ready and 26 people had already signed on as Foundation Donors.
In September 1971, an Open day at Muntham to raise funds for the Museum was attended by over 2000 people and $698.00 was raised. 62 letters of thanks were forwarded to those that helped with the day.
In February 1972, a sub committee consisting of six members was formed for the Museum.
In April 1972, the first exhibition was planned for the Museum for May 1st and 2nd, with a working bee held in April 1972 to deal with painting, mowing, gardening, and cleaning. The exhibition date was changed to Sunday 28th May. The admission costs were decided at 20 cents for Adults and 10cents for Children. A roster was formed with Mr Hugh Ross to man the Door and the following members attended, Mr Gorman, Mrs Freeman, Mrs Rankin, Miss Knight, Miss Ridley, Mrs McLean, Mrs Gazzard, Mrs Koch, Mrs Rankin, Mrs Speirs, Mr Dehnert, Mr and Mrs Koch, Mrs Tierney, Miss Edwards and Mrs Ross. All allocated various times throughout the day.
The Exhibition raised $22.20 with 8 new memberships and 4 Foundation Donors.
In July 1972, the Society was advised by the Railway Commissioner that the Society would not be able to lease the land as the Society was not incorporated. The Shire of Glenelg was approached and agreed to make application for the lease.
In August 1972, the Museum was open on Friday afternoons from 2pm to 4.30pm.
In September 1972, a date was set for the Official Opening of the Museum, with Sunday November 19th being decided. Also a suggestion was made by Mr Ross that the Society register as a Charitable organization with the view that it would make available more avenues for grants. This suggestion never eventuated.
In October 1972, the decision was made to change the date of the Official Opening to November 5th. The Shire President Cr Rhodes was to officially open the building at 2.30pm. Admission by donation and opening hours 11am to 5pm. Afternoon tea 20 cents.
On the 5th November 1972, the Official Opening of the Museum occurred with $102.36 cents raised and 5 new Foundation Members being added to the list.
FOUNDATION DONORS ROLL OF HONOUR, 1971
Mr and Mrs A Astbury, Mr and Mrs W Koch, Mr and Mrs H G Ross, Mrs A Gazzard, Mrs R Koch, Miss Jill Knight, Mr John Waters, Mr Guy Waters, Mrs A Riddoch, Mr Kevin Stark, Dr and Mrs Floyd, Mr and Mrs H Slight, Mr and Mrs C Speirs, Mr W Speirs, Mr J R Speirs, Mrs N McLean, Mr and Mrs C Austin, Mr K Edgar, Miss M Redding, Mr H A Harvey, Mr B Buckle, Mr and Mrs K Knight, Mr K Lindsay, Mrs N Edwards, Mr A T Baxter, Mr E O Cameron, Casterton News, Mr A M Stevenson, Mr W F Bickers, Mr C Blye, Mr R S Donald, Mr E A Bean, Mr C Perry, Mr G K Brown, Mr and Mrs L Neeson, Mr I Lewis, Mr D Bigham, Mrs J Faroe, Mr B Coony, Mr J Gordon, Mr A Hornibrook, Mrs H Peden, Mr A Peden, Mr B Withers, Mr H R Bond, Mac's, Pretlove and Lenehan, Mr W Elijah, Mr J Cameron, Mr J O Dowling, Mr T Davidson, Miss J Edwards, Mr J R Bryan, Mr and Mrs Lobb.
FOUNDATION DONORS ROLL OF HONOUR, 1972
Mr J Gorman, Mr R Greene, Miss A McCorkindale, Mr A D McNicol, Mr G Layley, Mrs Rose Gardner, Miss A Somerville, Mrs R Turner, Mr and Mrs J Ross, Miss A Neylon, Mr R Roper, Mr T Howlett, Glenelg Inn Hotel, Mr J H Harvey, Mr S Waddingham, Mr N A Todd, Mrs R McMeekin, Mr Dare, Mr G J Redman, Mr L Sefton, Mr and Mrs G McEachern, Mr and Mrs D Crozier, Mrs J Laidlaw, Mr G Kellett, Mr E N Widdicombe, Mr Tibbles, Mr and Mrs I Knight, Mrs C Koch, Mr H K Cowland, Miss D Milward, Mr and Mrs E Dehnert, Mr C Koch, Mr J McCallum, Mr K Ryan, Mrs D D Mitchell, Mrs A E Mitchell, Mrs A McDonald.