When the Avenue of Honour was refurbished in Linton it was disappointing in the least that the names of those honoured by each of the trees had been removed some time ago and put into storage. They were never to be seen again but are still on the wanted list of Great War artefacts.
This puts into context the need for Local Historical Societies. Maybe you are not interested right at this time but it is fascinating what these places have stored away especially in facts about local history and many families genealogical information.
The contents of the various storerooms and display areas have either been found in-situ or have been donated. As well as being repositories for a wealth of history, much of it in little tit-bits and snippets, volunteers toil to gradually piece it all together. The Societies also preserve the bricks and mortar of our past and the objects housed within them at some time over the last couple of centuries.
Linton’s Society Offices are housed in what used to be Nelson Brothers Funeral Parlour reconstructed in 1986, and are officially a 'Place of Temporary Deposit' for the Victorian Government.
Next door is the Linton Free Library. Originally built as a Mechanics Institute in 1874. Described as architecturally significant as one of the most humble examples of a Mechanics Institute and Free Library it's interior is remarkably intact with the original furnishings. Its collection of books, photographs and memorabilia is very rare and probably the best surviving of a small library in Victoria.
The moral of this story is that instead of the traditional 44 Gallon Drum in the backyard for burning all the deceased relatives seemingly unloved belongings – which sadly seems to be the state of play at the moment – any items which might be of interest to someone including photographs of people and places, old books (especially if they came from the Linton Library – there will be no overdue charge on their return) personal keepsakes such as medals, trophies and awards to individuals or groups should not be destroyed but sent on to your nearest relevant Historical Society. You would be astonished to realise how valuable old records can be.
If you're not lucky enough to be a Lintonian or a Happy Vallium then seek out your nearest historical society before everything goes up in flames.
This puts into context the need for Local Historical Societies. Maybe you are not interested right at this time but it is fascinating what these places have stored away especially in facts about local history and many families genealogical information.
The contents of the various storerooms and display areas have either been found in-situ or have been donated. As well as being repositories for a wealth of history, much of it in little tit-bits and snippets, volunteers toil to gradually piece it all together. The Societies also preserve the bricks and mortar of our past and the objects housed within them at some time over the last couple of centuries.
Linton’s Society Offices are housed in what used to be Nelson Brothers Funeral Parlour reconstructed in 1986, and are officially a 'Place of Temporary Deposit' for the Victorian Government.
Next door is the Linton Free Library. Originally built as a Mechanics Institute in 1874. Described as architecturally significant as one of the most humble examples of a Mechanics Institute and Free Library it's interior is remarkably intact with the original furnishings. Its collection of books, photographs and memorabilia is very rare and probably the best surviving of a small library in Victoria.
The moral of this story is that instead of the traditional 44 Gallon Drum in the backyard for burning all the deceased relatives seemingly unloved belongings – which sadly seems to be the state of play at the moment – any items which might be of interest to someone including photographs of people and places, old books (especially if they came from the Linton Library – there will be no overdue charge on their return) personal keepsakes such as medals, trophies and awards to individuals or groups should not be destroyed but sent on to your nearest relevant Historical Society. You would be astonished to realise how valuable old records can be.
If you're not lucky enough to be a Lintonian or a Happy Vallium then seek out your nearest historical society before everything goes up in flames.
No comments:
Post a Comment