History Notes - history of the Barraba PA&H Show
History Notes
As everyone should know this is Show Week. The Historical Society will have a small presence in the pavilion and we hope that those interested in history and some of our past citizens will see the photos. Our exhibition was going to be a slide show but with our members being taken away to various functions including funerals this was not possible.
Barraba’s first show was held in 1904. There is just a little history in the Easter Celebrations Book published in 1983. The show – Barraba Pastoral and Agricultural Show Association – came into being after a meeting held in the Mechanic’s Institute on 21st September, 1903. Mr W Morrow was the Hon. Secretary at the time. The newly formed Association then organized the first show to be held on 15th April, 1904.
A report from an earlier publication in 1946 says that the 15th April, 1904 was a red-letter day in Barraba’s history, as it marks the visit of Sir Harry Rawson, Governor of New South Wales to open the first Barraba Show. I am sure most of us have seen the photo of the Governor being driven through the main Street on his way to open the show.
There has been a show for almost every year since then and the showground and its facilities have been improved throughout the years to become what it is today with a large number of buildings and horse facilities.
In the late 1950’s the pony camp was held at the showground for a week in August. We camped in the pavilion – a hessian curtain wall separating the boys and girls and a parent sleeping with each section to try and keep order.
Old Mrs Martin cooked our meals on an old wood stove in the old canteen and showers were organized on the ground. Sometimes we had a film to watch in the evening. We had from Sunday afternoon until Saturday in camp finishing with a Jamboree on the Saturday. I am sure most of the children enjoyed the week but I am not sure about those running the camp.
There have of course been other functions held on the showground and I am sure someone will be able to come up with some memories eg: Foot races along the race track – I think there are photos of a three-legged race!
More next week when I have more time.