A REMARKABLE collection of war memorabilia which belonged to the founder of a popular Grampians picnic area is on display at the Horsham Historical Society.
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Walter Zumstein - founder of Zumsteins picnic area - served in the First World War at Gallipoli and in France.
The society's John Francis said Mr Zumstein's granddaughter January Zeh returned to the Wimmera to donate the historic collection.
"His collection is very valuable and very significant for the area," he said.
"The unusual thing about his medals is the fact they were still in the paper bag that they were issued in, they have never been taken out of the bag and the ribbons have never been attached.
"He either wanted to forget about the war or didn't think they were very significant. They're brand new as issued - mint condition."
Ms Zeh now resides in Queensland after living in the United States.
Mr Francis said she was happy to be back in the 'Zumsteins loop' again.
"She is the last of the line and she has no children so she has decided she wanted to have her grandfather's items on permanent display," he said.
"Not only have we got his war medals but there's sweetheart badges that he sent home to his wife."
Zumsteins picnic area celebrated its 100th birthday last year.
The collection is housed in new display cabinets alongside with a wealth of other war items from Wimmera ex-service people.
Trevor Chilton donated a First World War belt with English, German and American buckles.
Mr Francis said the belt was in line with Australia soldiers' penchant for making souvenirs of items from other militaries.
"Australian soldiers were known to be collectors of anything and everything in the First World War," he said.
