Walkers remembered by the Erbachers

John and Sue Erbacher - prolific writers

John and Sue Erbacher have been prolific writers of local history with many of the books part of the Fraser Coast Libraries local history collection. On the 6th of November, 2015 they presented a local history talk based on the stories found in their book Trade Secrets. This book details recollections from John's time working as an apprentice and later as a draughtsman at Walkers Ltd, Maryborough. 

Drawing office L-R Byron Christmas behind post, Ian Gordon, John Erbacher, Colin Wilschefski

The incidences he shares occurred between 1959 and 1966 and are told with the Erbacher’s trademark sense of humour. John remembers with clarity the machinery used and the people who worked at Walkers.

Large flywheel being machine lathed

John has an amazing collection of photographs as he was asked by Walkers to be their official photographer.

Walkers Ltd. Main entrance to workshops

Mary River with the shipyards in the background.

Of all the stories told The Bike Riders is a shared recollection of many folk who have lived in Maryborough until the 1980’s. At knock off time Maryborough would hear the whistle blow out through the city and hundreds of Walkers workers would pour out of Walkers grounds and take up the full width of Bowen Street and then stream into Kent Street, riding seven abreast. John told us the story of “Swervy” and about an encounter with the police that had the audience laughing as they collectively remember this era. Many other tales were told as Sue’s carefully prepared slide show brought them to life.  The Erbacher’s have donated a copy of these images to Fraser Coast Libraries to add to their catalogue. The book Trade Secrets is located in the local history room with the plethora of other books published by this couple.

Published with consent from John and Sue Erbacher

Tags #WalkersLtd  #Maryborough #Frasercoastlibraries #Qldheritage

Source Erbacher, J., & Erbacher, S. (2001). Trade Secrets. Urangan: Erbachers.