By Aneeka Simonis
FROM five years of age, Eric McCraw was milking cows on his family’s farm in Catani.
Now, the ‘with it’ 100-year-old looks back on his time with fond memories, surrounded by generations of family.
On Saturday 10 September, Eric celebrated his milestone 100th birthday with friends and family at his home in Bunyip.
Eric was born in Drouin on 11 September in 1916 and grew up on the McCraw Road, Catani family farm.
He is the grandson of early Yannathan pioneer, William McCraw.
From five years of age, Eric was put to work hand-milking some of the family’s 40 cows.
He would load the milk cans onto the spring cart to the railway tracks and then it was taken to Melbourne.
Eric, who went to Heath Hill Primary School and Yannathan Primary School, was one of five children – Doris, Don, Keith and Jessie were born to parents Jane Anne and William Charles.
He still has clear memories of his childhood on the farm.
Relative Leanne Fechner recalled some of Eric’s memories.
“There would always be a competition on who could make the thinnest kindling. Eric’s father would always win because his were like matchsticks,” she said.
“Monday mornings was wash day. Would have to collect more wood to put under the copper and stir the clothes around with a stick and squeeze them through the press. You didn’t want to miss out on wash day because you had to wait another week before your clothes were cleaned.”
Eric lived on the family farm his whole life, up until 14 years ago when he moved to Bunyip.
When he was 35, Eric got into horse racing at Lang Lang and showed ponies at the Lang Lang and Bunyip show.
His motto is and remains: “Always work hard.”
