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, 24th August, 2010: Speaker to be confirmed.
Recent Meetings Topics:
2010: July: MDHS Annual General Meeting held with a return of office bearers: President: Max Whiting, Secretary: Gloria Wall, Treasurer: Leon Wagner. Speaker for the evening was Leon Wagner who gave members an overview and photo/power point presentation on the restoration of the Paddleboat Ruby. Over the last 15 years the Ruby has 'risen from the grave' after having sat on dry land in Fotherby Park Wentworth to return to her former glory as a beautiful steam driven paddleboat.
2010: June: Merbein Football Club celebrated its Centenary over the long weekend - June 12-14th 2010. Neville Ward spoke to the power point photo presentation compiled by Bernadette Wells.
2010: May: A splendid power point presentation of photos giving members a wonderful insight to the Bennett Family - 100 years in Merbein! Photos of 'The Gables' - Bennett home constructed by William H Bennett - with family wedding photos in the 'young' garden.
2010: April: A splendid reminisce on the W.A.A.F. Mildura - by Annette Hudson - time spent at the nursing unit based at the 'war-time training facility at Mildura aerodrome'.
2010: March: Covered the development of railway and train in Merbein - from 1910. Photographic collection courtesy of Bruce Mclean.
2010: February: Excerpts from Richard Newland's fathers' 8mm movie, now on DVD, was shown. The timeframe: late 1930's to the 1950's - life in Merbein.
Displays at Merbein District Historical Society:
Grave Matters: A comprehensive display of pages from the MDHS' most recent production 'Grave Matters' is now on view at the MDHS rooms until the end of 2010 - corner of Commercial & O'Bryan Streets, Merbein. Have you ever wondered about 'stories behind the headstones' - this display gives you a chance to read about 'life in Merbein' -1914 to 1969! The Grave Matters publication cost is $25 which includes postage - refer to the 'contact us' tab.
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.
