Gantner Hut
Photos Courtesy of John Mitchell © 1971. The summer one below is by Gary Duncan.
Known as Vallejo Gantner Hut, Gantner Hut or Macalister Springs Hut.
Location: Mt Howitt walking track, near Macalister Springs. GR 706 858 on the Howitt-Selwyn map.
GPS:
History
This building was constructed in memory of Vallejo Gantner in 1971 and was opened on April 17th that year. It is fantastically popular with bushwalkers.
Vallejo was an American born in 1942 who had huge enthusiasm for the high country, having been a member of the Sierra Club at age 9. He came to Victoria at age 12 and was educated at Melbourne Grammar. Vallejo was killed by his own rifle, while out hunting rabits, at the age of 19.
His mother, Neilma, asked the Victorian Governmetn for permission to build the hut as a memorial to her son, and this was granted. (Note, by comparison, that NSW National Parks have a policy against building memorials of any kind).
Construction
The hut was designed by David McGlashan of McGlashan and Everist. Two acres of land were specifically reserved in 1971 by the Forests Commission for its construction.
Heyfield builder and family friend, Jim Beha built the hut with help from school boys from Box Hill High School and Melbourne Grammar. Construction was particularly difficult with stone being carried very slowly using an old Land Rover.
The construction is an architectural masterpiece, with interesting fittings based around a triangular theme. There is much carefull stonework by Reg Bertram and his son Graeme and carpentary by Lal Hallewell and Jerry van Poppel. The roof is made of copper sheets and is insulated!
Caretakers - not known
References
Hueneke Pp50 - 51 and 236.
G. Butler P114 to 117
Not in Magnussen
Siseman P94
