A living history

Hidden in the library in the University’s Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science in Creswick, there is an ancient desk drawer bursting with history. Since 1928, cohorts of students would sign their names on the inside of the drawer, in what was likely to have begun as graffiti.

Famous foresters’ names can be found such as Alf Leslie and Norm Endacott, who revolutionised the forestry industry.

The drawer is greatly treasured at the school. Gerry Fahey, the Forest Science liaison librarian says.

“When I started here, it was pointed out to me that if it comes to the place burning down, the first thing I should grab is the desk drawer.”

My Fahey explains that the drawer is irreplaceable as it provides a very live, active connection to previous foresters.

“Groups of students in induction learn about the drawer, it gives them a sense of connection to the longstanding tradition of studying at the campus – they really recognise the significance” he says.

“Creswick is a living community and physically seeing the drawer gives a sense that the community goes way back.”

Ron Hateley, an ex-student and lecturer at the Creswick campus, has spent over 40 years as part of the Creswick forestry community. He says he used to love searching the drawer as a student for famous names of his mentors.

“I used to look in the drawer and see names of people I knew, as lots of them are legendary figures these days,” he says.

“Having such a rich tradition at the school is a great thing; we all became a big family.”

The Creswick campus was opened as the Victorian School of Forestry in 1910 following the realisation that Victoria’s forests were severely mismanaged and had been ravaged by clearing in the gold rushes. The school was designed to train and accredit young foresters to manage Victoria’s forests.

Visitors to the Creswick forestry campus are captivated by its rich history and traditions. The desk drawer was just one among many other traditions such as annual dances, football matches, the election of student leaders and a somewhat quirky tradition of hanging a random object from the flagpole on the day of graduation.

This year marks 100 years since the campus was first opened and, as such, huge celebrations are planned for October. There will be an illumination by fire show, a reunion dinner, tours of the campus, tours of the forest, and a display of old photos and memorabilia including the much-valued drawer.

The Creswick campus is truly a historical place where the legacy of revolutionary foresters still exists.