A photograph of a community swimming carnival at Picnic Point at Longwarry North in 1926.

As the long, hot days of summer approach and people turn their minds to how to stay cool, give a thought to those in the 1920s.
There certainly wasn't the modern conveniences such as air conditioning and electric fans. There were no local swimming pools and the ability to go on holiday or travel to mountains or beaches wasn't possible.
Instead, locals relied on the shade of a large tree or perhaps one of the many small streams for a cooling dip. Although, many streams would disappear during summer.
Of course, the farm dam was an option. But, generally, the unshaded area of muddy water was a long distance from towns and mostly on private property.Two locals rivers - the Bunyip and the Tarago - both maintained a water flow, even if somewhat reduced over the summer months.
Both rivers flowed through private property and typically had steep embankments. However, there were access points for a cooling dip.
Many youngsters will recall heading off to the Bunyip where very small access areas to the river could be found beside the bridges on the Longwarry-Nar Nar Goon Rd and at the Princes Hwy.
The Tarago had popular areas for those seeking relief, with tree-covered large open areas such as at Robin Hood off Fisher Rd and the popular Picnic Point.
Picnic Point at Longwarry North is still a popular area today and has always offered tree coverage and a large, open space.
The river could be enjoyed at two points, the first being a small sandy area of shallow water. For the more adventurous, there was a place just a few metres downstream. Where the river took a bend and a deep-water hole had developed, a three metre bank could cater for the leaps of the more courageous.
As this photograph shows, Picnic Point was also a gathering place for community events such as this "swimming carnival". However, one wonders what events may have be held in the shallow waters.
Photograph and information courtesy of the Longwarry and District History Group.
The group is dedicated to preserving the history of the 3816 postcode, including Labertouche, Longwarry North and Modella.
Visit longwarryhistory.org to find out more.