Merbein District Historical Society Inc.
The Society Members’ Meetings are held monthly with a guest speaker being the highlight of the evening.
| Venue: | MDH Society’s rooms, cnr of Commercial & O’Bryan Sts., Merbein, Victoria, Australia. |
| Date: | 4th Tuesday of the month (except Dec or Jan – in recess) |
| Time: | 7.30 p.m |
Guest Speakers Coming Up:
Tuesday, February 23rd 2010:
At the meeting excerpts from Richard Newland's fathers' 8mm movie, now on DVD, will be shown. The timeframe is from the late 1930's to the 1950's and documents life in Merbein, including two local weddings - Betty Dyring & Ken Hudson and Doris Smith & Martin McCarthy. So spread the word!
Some of our recent activities:
Members have enjoyed are variety of speakers, outings, as well as being involved in events that recognize important aspects that have contributed to the history of Merbein such as:
21-23 Sept 2007
Blandowski’s Symposium: recognition of the 150th Anniversary of Blandowski’s Expedition to the Murray River which documented the region’s ecology, history and anthropology in 1857.
Members enjoyed the walk to “Mondellemin” (Chaffey’s Landing – base of Merbein Cliffs) and provided lunch at the historic river reserve as well as witnessing the unveiling of a memorial cairn and information markers.
2007
Walking Track Signage - (Merbein Common / old Racecourse area to Chaffey Landing). MDHS researched information for the signs that give a brief history of the activities that were part of the life blood of the Merbein community in early years, such as: Merbein Racecourse, Merbein Gun Club, Merbein Golf Course and the area once known as “Bag Town” which was situated near “Mondellemin”. This walking track also leads on through the Garden of Memory and Pioneer Plantation to the Rotary Lookout at the top of Merbein Cliffs.
Recently, MDHS Members were “signage guides” to students from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School, Merbein, by elaborating on the historic nature of the “Walking Track” giving a “breath of life” to their excursion.
8 Sept 2007
“Let the Wedding Bells Ring”
A Vintage Wedding Gown Parade held with attendance double to the anticipated 100! A Vintage Wedding Gown display at the Society’s rooms has also drawn great interest from the wider community.
Refer to the “Publications” section on our web page for more information on the photographic collection of Weddings held over the years 1909 to 1967.
July 2007
Damper Cooking - Fundraiser
Well over $1,000 raised by cooking Dampers! Under the expert guidance of Alison Whiting, members cooked, tended the fire/campovens and sold slices of damper at the Vintage and Steam Engine Rally held at junction of the Murray & Darling Rivers at Wentworth in July 2007.
Funds raised assist the society with preservation and documenting precious records/photos that form part of Merbein’s history.
