THE 'A Century of Pioneer Women Echuca and District 1853-1953' exhibition has showcased a number of strong women throughout history including an unknown figure by the name Edith Scott.
Featuring stories and pictures of the women who worked side by side with their menfolk, took over the business when tragedy struck, or just got on with helping others, Edith was one no one knew much about.
This all changed when Dorothy Mueller, Edith's niece, wrote into the Echuca Historical Society, giving them a brief yet much-needed outline of her life.
Edith Blanche Scott was born on October 2, 1900, with her early years spent at Moira Station with her parents John and Mary and siblings Ella, May and Mollie.
Edith and Ella drove a pony trap to Mathoura Primary School and when the family moved to Moama, Edith rode her bicycle to Echuca High School.
In February 1918, she began as a junior teacher at Echuca 208 State School, in the days when classes of 50 or 60 were common.
For the following 47 years, Edith continued to ride in all weather from the family home in Moama to teach at the same school.
A former student wrote of her memories of Edith, or 'Old Scottie' as she was more affectionately known as.
"Miss Scott or “Old Scottie”, that's what we children called our fifth grade teacher, out of her earshot of course," they said.
"Miss Scott had been found at the school pre-1936 and was still teaching there in 1952 and possibly longer.
"The children whom she taught knew their times tables, knew how to spell and always carefully ensured they were not in line for that ruler... it did sting."
In addition to being an excellent teacher, she cared for her pupils, often supplying meals for children who would otherwise have gone hungry.
She was a keen sportswoman and a member of Red Cross for 30 years.
Edith was a woman of deep faith and for 50 years was the mainstay of St James Church of England, Moama where she taught Sunday school among many other duties.
When she retired from teaching in 1965 she was honours with a testimonial dinner and the Echuca Civic Centre, with a large attendance many travelling from all parts of the country.
Unfortunately she became very ill within a few short years of retiring and left Moama to live with her sister May Mahlberg.
Edith died in Geelong in 1988 and is buried in Moira Cemetery.
The exhibition has been extended to October 7 and will be on display at the Echuca Historical Society for anyone who is yet to see it.