A SLICE of Leeton's history is destined to live on inside the town's museum and gallery.
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The iconic Letona Cannery sign has been installed at the Leeton Museum and Gallery in recent weeks with plenty of interest already being generated.
A significant fruit and vegetable processor, Letona Cannery opened in 1914. At one stage, it was the largest canning fruit factory in the southern hemisphere.
It was also a principal place of employment, with several men, women and older children working there before its closure in 1994.
Recognising it as an essential piece of local history, Trevor Dodds salvaged the Letona sign from a local shed earlier this year, recently completing repairs.
"We expect that residents, Leeton ex-pats and visitors will enjoy seeing the refurbished sign," Leeton Shire Council's cultural services manager Sues Vos said.
"Thank you to Mr Dodds for keeping the sign safe all these years."
At the unveiling of the sign, Emeritus Mayor Paul Maytom and local resident Tom Senti took the opportunity to reflect on Letona and its place in Leeton's history.
"Letona opened up Leeton's economy," Mr Maytom said.
"While it eventually closed, many have fond memories of the cannery and recognise how it shaped the community and the shire we are today.
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"I, along with hundreds of others, worked at the cannery.
"If it weren't for the cannery being mentioned to me all those years ago, I wouldn't have commenced my incredible journey in Leeton."
Mr Senti also spoke about his memories of the cannery and how several of his family members worked there and were on the board.
To see the sign and enjoy a coffee, the Lands Office Café is open within the museum Monday to Wednesday and Friday and Saturday from 10am to noon.
The museum and gallery has plenty of activities coming up in the school holidays. Check out the full program on its Facebook page.
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