A photograph of Russell and Son Pty Ltd garage in Main St, Drouin in the late 1940s.

William Durie Russell started on the site as a blacksmith, coach builder and wheelwright in 1890, eventually transforming it to a car dealership and garage.
Just a few years after this photograph was taken, the business faced disaster.
A headline from February 1, 1951 read: "Garage and bank gutted in disastrous Drouin fire: brigades save store and remainder of town".
The fire started in the rear of the two-storey garage and showroom, and was fanned by a strong east wind. It intensified soon after being discovered about 7.30pm.
The report details how 60 volunteers joined the Drouin and Warragul fire brigades to battle the blaze that lasted three hours. It was said that the fire could be seen from 16km away.
The firefighters were hampered by inadequate water pressure and townspeople were asked to not use water to help with the pressure. So much water was used that there were concerns that the town's 2000 residents could run out of water in the aftermath.
At the garage, one car was saved but four cars and one truck were destroyed. One was a new Holden that had only been purchased the day before.
The fire spread next door to the residence of the Commercial Bank of Australia. It was completely gutted. However, all paperwork and important equipment was removed from the bank premises before it was burnt or destroyed by water damage.
Porter Bros store was saved after a long fight. Thousands of pounds worth of goods were removed from nearby shops but there was extensive water damage to objects that weren't able to be rescued.
It was reported that the damage bill from the fire would likely exceed £25,000.
Photograph and information courtesy of Drouin History Group.
Based at Drouin Library, the group collect, document, research, preserve and exhibit items that reflect life in Drouin and surrounding districts.
To find out more, visit drouinhistorygroup.org.au