IT could be argued this story was 150 years in the making, but Gianna Sudholz will tell you it was only 20 years in the making.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Sudholz spent 20 years researching and putting together a family history of the Sudholz family who have been in Natimuk 150 years.
She said it only became a big project when more family members said they were keen to have a copy of the family history.
"It was a lot of research," Ms Sudholz said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
'About Time' documents the 150 years of the Sudholz family in Natimuk.
Ms Sudholz is the research officer at the Arapiles Historical Society.
"I enjoy volunteering for that," she said.
Those skills would have come in handy with the journey she took to get the family book together.
Out of the 300 printed copies, over 100 have already been sold.
"It was done in my spare time, which is probably why it took so long," Ms Sudholz said.
Ms Sudholz and her husband moved from Darwin 10 years ago and are now living on a farm in Natimuk.
She said then she wanted to only do a small project.
"I wanted to do a booklet for my children," Ms Sudholz said.
"Some people got wind of it and said if you do it, I'd like a copy of it.
"I heard that and thought I should do it properly then."
The family still owns the land where their ancestors put down roots 150 years ago.
Heinrick Sudholz moved to Natimuk in 1871 after hearing about the famous "Wimmera black soil."
"They were in Adelaide," she said.
"When land opened up, they travelled over here and stayed ever since."
Ms Sudholz said good farming is a big reason why the family remains in the area.
"There are still quite a few families that live on their properties in and around Natimuk," she said.
The 150th anniversary of Heinrick settling in Natimuk was on Sunday, October 17.
"We still farm that property today," Ms Sudholz said.
"Everyone cares for the land and wants to do what's best for the land.
"Everyone loves the land and it's why they have stayed for so long."
"Everyone loves the land and it's why they have stayed for so long."
- Gianna Sudholz
Ms Sudholz said she enjoyed the process of researching and putting the book together.
"I enjoyed learning more about Natimuk and it's people," she said.
For each of Heinrich's 11 children, Ms Sudholz included the history of Natimuk for each time one of the children was born.
She said the books by Allan Lockwood were very valuable in her research.
Ms Sudholz said family members also assisted her throughout her research as did friends.
"Helen Kirkpatrick read my book about five times, proof reading it,"
"She spent quite a few months doing that."
Ms Sudholz said if you are interested in your family history to pursue it.
"Otherwise it's lost," she said.
"That's the feedback I've gotten back from people, saying thank you for doing the book because otherwise it's lost.
"It's good to have it written down otherwise it's gone."
READ MORE:
Ms Sudholz also said history is important to document what has happened.
"It shows how changes in the world happen," she said.
"Like changes in farming and events around the world."
Ms Sudholz said the photos were a key part bringing the book together.
"My favourite part is looking at the photos," she said.
There won't be anymore big research projects on the horizon for Ms Sudholz.
"I'm happy and relieved it's done," she said.
"I'm happy for people to read it and have a look."
To order a copy, visit /sudholzfamilyhistory.com/
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.mailtimes.com.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Wim_Mail_Times
- Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/wimmeramailtimes/