Community
1 October, 2025
Historic pocket watch comes with a story
THE Cobden and District Historical Society recently received a donation of a pocket watch with significant historical significance to the Cobden area, dating all the way back to the 1920s.
The watch belonged to the late James Henry Vagg, who was the director of the Pioneer Butter Factory in Cobden for over 30 years and was presented the watch as a gift by the chairman of the factory in 1928.
It was donated to the Historical Society by Mr Vagg’s great grandson, Geoff Vagg.
In the Camperdown Chronicle dated Thursday, June 21 1928, an article describes the night in which Mr Vagg was given the watch as a representation of his dedication to the factory.
“Mr J. B. Mackie, chairman, said he had an honour to confer on one of the oldest and best directors of the factory,” the article read.
“Mr J. H. Vagg had resigned and the shareholders had decided to recognise his work.
“After toasting Mr Vagg’s health, Mr Mackie presented him with a gold watch with the hope that the time would be as regular as Mr Vagg had always been to his duties.
“Mr J. H. Vagg, in accepting the presentation, said he had always given his best efforts as a director of the Pioneer Factory, which he considered was the best factory in the state.
“He thanked them for their fine present, and said had it not been for ear trouble, he might have still carried on.”
The pocket watch is engraved with Mr Vagg’s initials, as well as an additional engraving on the inside honouring his 30 years of service to the butter factory.
An obituary for Mr Vagg was printed in the Cobden Times on August 19, 1931, recognising him as a significant figure for Cobden.
“Recalling the late Mr J. H. Vagg’s active life in Cobden, it is difficult to point to anything which spells progress, without associating him with it,” the article read.
“Born at Connewarre, near Geelong, in 1846, Mr Vagg came to Cobden in 1866.
“At that time there were only 3 houses here and the nearest railway station was at Geelong.
“He lived here for the rest of his life.”
The pocket watch can be found on display at the Cobden and District Historical Society’s Old Chocolyn Hall every third Sunday of the month, as well as every Sunday of the school holidays.
For more information on Mr Vagg and his significance to the history of Cobden, ask any of the staffed members of the society on their opening days to assist.
Read More: Cobden