STANHOPE Stanhope is a very small town within the dairy/fruit basin of northern Victoria. Stanhope though has not participated in that growth. Stanhope has all of the appearances of a dying town. The Post Office, when opened on 21 May 1917 but was known as Lauderdale until 1920. Like many towns in this area of Victoria it relies heavily on its food production, food processing and farming and a large food processing plant lies in the centre of the town. Services in the town include a general convenience store, a wine bar, a pub and tennis courts "Black Jack McEwen", 18th Australia Prime Minister, who was a dairy farmer in Stanhope before entering politics’. John McEwen was a formidable politician who gained respect from all people he had dealings with. The tribute in the park makes the stop off worth the visit. The Anglican Church is a new building. The other churches a mix. The War Memorial is in the town square. The Stanhope Hotel is on the Eastern fringe of the town on the main highway. If the town is on your travel route, take the time to have a look at the John McEwen acknowledgement. Heritage diary