Reg Davis was a colorful character in the Longwarry district. Born in 1914, Reg lived in Longwarry North and spent his early school years in Longwarry before completing school at Longwarry North . His love of all things mechanical soon had him atop his fathers’ tractor, plowing the fields after school thus allowing Dad to milk the cows. This early introduction to engines was to be the catalyst that would mold Reg’s world for the rest of his life.

Upon leaving school at age 13, Reg took to the fields ploughing farms across the local area under the business name of WH Davis Ploughing Contractor. His Father taught him the mechanics trade due to the need of occasionally having to fix the machine in the event of a breakdown. These skills would follow him through the years to come. Learning on the job, Reg soon became at ease with engines and his skills advanced quickly, so much so that in 1951 Reg took over the garage at Longwarry North. Initially the Business was called WH Davis Garage, but a partnership was formed soon after with his brother – in – law, Lindsay King, and the name changed to Davis and King Service Station. The start of a lifelong love affair with everything tractors was born.

Reg Davis Ploughing Aug 1944

The service station became a second home for Reg. Each day for upwards of 40 years Reg would drive his beloved 1954 FJ Holden Ute “Tilly” from his home in Drouin, to the service station in Longwarry North. Tilly was a well-known vehicle in the district and was the centerpiece of many photo shoots over the years. In 1999 The Hearld Sun came calling, and featured Reg and his garage in their story regarding Victorias oldest workers. At that time Reg was 85 and had no intention of slowing down “while I’m still pretty fit”. Additionally Honda used the garage as a backdrop to a promotional campaign in 1981.

The only thing that outlived Reg was his beloved 1928 Hart-Parr tractor. Up until recently this tractor was in the safe hands of Reg’s nephew Barry Houghton. This tractor was similar to the tractor that his brother Jack wrote to his Mum about during his time in the War. Jack wrote to his mother and told her “not to sell the tractor as he had a use for it”. Sadly, Jack never saw the Hart – Parr again, losing his life while in the Army.

Reg Davis With 1928 Hart Parr Tractor

The opening of the Princes Freeway spelt the beginning of the end for Reg, as his garage was passed by and sales dropped off. He retained some of the farmers’ business, repairing their machines, but in the end the garage had to close, and with it Reg’s working life ceased.

Reg passed away in 2004, leaving behind his wife, Elma, and Daughters Merle, Lyn (deceased), Shirley and son John. There were also 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

“I probably didn’t charge enough for my services, but I never really worked to make much dough”. With these words Reg summed up his life. A life well lived by a wonderful man.

The Longwarry and District History group are extremely grateful for the use of material from Reg’s daughter Shirley. Without these precious gifts this story could not have been told.

Garage Xmas 1946

Reg Davis Garage