Windamere was owned by Jim Johnson, who had inherited it from his father, who had purchased it from Cunningham of explorer fame.

WE Fairlie-Cunningham in about 1884 was in Darwin and there he met Togo, who was about eight or nine years old at the time.

Togo was actually 15 years old but was of small statue. He wore no clothes and was clad in a singlet and belt. He lived at Pine Creek in the Northern Territory and how Mr Cunningham arranged to get him to Melbourne is not known.

He lived with the Cunningham family in Melbourne and at other properties for a few years before moving to Windamere.

Togo came to Windermere in 1887 or 1890 and left in about 1900.

Togo had been taught Christianity and was encouraged to say prayers before going to bed. He could not read so he would gaze at the holy picture on the wall and reverently say: “Him good fella. Watch over us, save us”.

Togo made friends around the Murringo and Koorawatha district.

He by this time, he was working in shearing sheds and began living away from Windermere

 At one time he was living with the Lowe family and did some work for Harry Grounds on Ferndale.

At other times he worked for Bert Chew at Kallioota.

Togo was also a good rider and rode horses at the Murringo races for Mr Chew and Mr Grounds.

Eventually Togo made his permanent home at Harry Grounds, and when Harry moved to Young to live, Togo came with him.

Harry’s house was called Prospect and was in Prospect Street. This was when the people of Young came to know Togo.

Harry paid Togo ten shillings a week and supplied his food and clothing.

Togo was a popular entertainer on Saturday afternoons with his mimicry and collected a few shillings this way.

Mr and Mrs Stan Bottom lived on the adjoining block and became good friends with Togo.

Stan took Togo to Cootamundra to see the Air Pageant and they went for a ride in an aeroplane, when Stan asked him to go he immediately said: "Righto”.

Bill Martin had a Tailor shop opposite the Post Office, Syd Briggs once described 'Plugger' Martin as a remarkable man.

(Bill Martin employed my Uncle Cecil James and taught him the trade).

Bill first opened a little shop opposite the Post Office.

Then moved to where the Town Hall Newsagency was and then further down Boorowa Street. \

'Plugger' started with eight girls and four men on the staff and this soon increased to upwards of forty staff.

Martin had two permanent travellers who canvassed for suit orders.

They would measure a client, show patterns, get the order and a deposit. Later the same traveller would deliver the suit, fit the customer, and collect the balance of the money. One traveller, Mont Rush, when a client went to roll a cigarette would pull a packer from his pocket and say: “have a tailor made”. (I have been carried away with 'Plugger’ and will have to finish the Togo story next week).

Sourced from a booklet called ‘But what of Togo…..' by Jean Goodridge.