“It was one of those stories mum would tell and we'd all say ‘Oh yeh’," Ms Gleeson said.
After raising her own family Lynne developed an interest in her ancestry and began to do some research.
In the process of doing that she had developed a soft spot for Robert King and his family.
It is only recently she realised that he was King the Bootmaker, the man from her mum's old stories about Ned Kelly running through the shop.
Mask restrictions and private gathering caps ease from Friday in Victoria
Since that epiphany, and subsequently discovering the shop is still there, it has been her goal to arrange a family reunion.
On Thursday it became reality when she brought three generations along.
The story Lynne's mum had always told might be well-known to locals and Kelly historians.
She is referring to the day Ned Kelly slipped a police escort and tried to hide in the bootmakers shop.
King the Bootmaker would assist police in Kelly's arrest.
Harmony Day in Benalla a big hit
Tenants, and operators of the Bootmakers shop, Anne and Beth Thomas, were kind enough to open up for the day to let the family see first hand where it all happened.
Building owner David Moore was also in attendance to explain some if its history.
“Robert King's mum was a convict from Ireland and his dad a convict from England,” Lynne said.
“They came out here, and I am currently piecing together what brought Robert to Benalla.
“David was saying the Kelly and King families actually knew each other prior to the event in the shop, both having Irish parents who had travelled to Australia.
North-east line upgrades complete
“Being here today in the shop where it all happened is quite emotional.
“And to see the schoolbag Robert made was nice.
“You can hear stories but touching history is what makes it real.
“At some stage I will stop and be quiet and just peacefully reflect about what happened that day, and what happened afterwards, in that Robert left so quickly.
“I can imagine him standing, as people did a lot in those days, I can imagine him standing out the front and watching the world go by.”
Lynne had three generations of King descendants at the reunion including her mother, her brother Adrian as well as her son Podrick and nephew Marcus.
“We're going to take lots of photos today, and before I head back to Tassie we will get out to Glenrowan,” she said.
“Thank you to Anne and Beth for opening the shop up for us.”
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
21°C