Some Historical Society history

History Notes

To begin this week there are a few notes from previous notes. Sometime ago we tried to find the history of the old chemist/library on the Alice/Queen Street corner. Since then I have been told that Pat Burns actually built the building and that Agnes Anderson ran the library before Blanche took over.

Turning to the back page in last week's Community News-well done to Adrian and Brian who produced the photos of the hospital on the last page.

The center photo includes the only photo we have of Dr. Poggioli - unfortunately too small to frame with a photo of his wife. If anyone has a larger one the society would like a copy.

The other comment re these photos includes the matron of the hospital, Mrs. Adams. Her husband was the police constable in Barraba for about eight years. They were not related to the Adams family of Gineroi.

The final comment before I continue with the Society history. The Nandewar Historical Society will be 60 years old in July not 50 as I printed last week.

Continuing with the old minute book- there was great interest in the beginning of the Society with 16 persons at a meeting in July, 1966 and 13 apologies. This was the time when the Society's first publication was being organized as well as lots of interest in photos of Barraba. In July there was a photo display in the Oddfellows Hall (where the pre- school is now). Afternoon tea was served for ten cents and admission to the hall was 20 cents. Mr Bill Ingles took photos of the display but unfortunately, they have not survived.

As the minutes continue preparations for the Railway Celebrations fill the pages with "Where to catch the Train", “where to set up a photo display”, etc. Horses, sulkies, riders need to get ready at the Showground and join the parade near Rodney Street and how to move the official party from the railway station. In spite of all the chaos it all went off well and most people were able to enjoy the Ironhorse Festival.

The Society's first publication - Early Settlers in the Nandewar's -was printed and sold at and after the celebrations. The photo display in Jackson's old shop was very popular and only one photo went to the wrong owner when the display was packed up.