Some Historical Society background
History Notes
Conversation around the morning tea table at the Museum this week turned to our Museum's history. So after quite a time reading the old minute books, the earliest reference to a possible museum appears in 1972. The old home opposite St. Laurence’s Church in Fitzroy Street attracted some attention and even an inspection before requesting a valuation from the owner, Miss King.
Considering all the repairs that would be needed the Society turned it down. Thankfully it was sold and has been done up now.
The next possibility was the old Stock & Station Office to rent which was definitely not available from the garage owner. Four months later the garage owner offered the building to the Society at $10 a month which was not accepted.
In the meantime, the Society had been talking to the Shire Council and the two ladies who actually owned the garage and the stock and station office. It was decided to buy the stock and station office at valuation as it would be cheaper to buy without a substantial building. In the end the council was to purchase the land and lease it to the Society. The double block could be separated and the back section added to the garage block.
There were more suggestions put forward and changed as time went by. In November 1975 a letter was received from the Department of Education officially donating the Dean Room at the Central School to the Historical Society. The timber for the fence was brought to town from "Araluen" and quotes for a front fence were tabled.
I have read the Minutes up to February 1977 without finding an exact date the museum block was handed over to the Society, apart from a letter from Mr. Peter Gilmore, Solicitor, to say that the sale of the back land to Hiscock had been completed in June 1976, and that the Society still owes the Council $6.47 - the only payment listed in the minutes.
In July 1975, a letter was sent to the Council re the old Council chairs and a bench in the hallway after council moved into the new chambers. I wonder where those chairs are today! Thus, the Minutes information does not tell us a lot but perhaps the President's Report for 1976 might help if I can find that folder.