Langkoop - Elderslie History
The Langkoop district is contained within the original boundary of Elderslie Station, so named by William Wallace, a pioneer in Western Victoria in the 1840's. Wallace was one of the foremost explorers for new land at that time and was the first to discover the lake that bears his name at Edenhope. His original application was for 64,000 acres, and that area remained intact until 1920. Wallace was followed by George Russell and the Ronald Family before the Straun Robertsons took over in 1879.
After World War 1914 - 1918, 35,000 acres of Elderslie was divided into 1,000 acre blocks for Soldier Settlers to farm in 1920. Farms were not quite large enough and there was a lot of development to be done. Some farmers amalgamated, and with better pastures and careful breeding of merino and crossbred sheep for wool and fat lambs, the farming situation improved remarkably.
The 1950's wool boom made fortunes for a brief period and all farmers sought to become profitable and make structural improvements. Seasons and incomes fluctated considerably, but a strong spirit of comradeship continued over the years and all families have looked after each other and sought good education for the younger generations.
Many sports, including tennis, football, hockey, sailing and horse events have all been popular, and the Langkoop citizens look forward to continuing success in social relationships and farming, while profitability will insure that the Langkoop district continues to thrive.
Compiled by Max Neale