Innisfail Historical Society in Innisfail, Queensland | History Museum

Innisfail Historical Society

Locality: Innisfail, Queensland

Address: 9 Edith Street 4860 Innisfail, QLD, Australia

Website:

Likes: 629

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Non-profit organisation
• Community
• History Museum

25.01.2022 Landing barge in Johnstone River during Mustard Gas Trials.

25.01.2022 Our 2021 Calendar is now for sale $10.00. Our theme is featuring history on the JOHNSTONE River.

25.01.2022 Ty Williams, Billy Slater, Kerry Boustead, Lionel Williamson. Nartasha Williams, Stephen Corica and Kieryn Lenoy. All champion sports people from Innisfail area.

25.01.2022 We are very happy to advise that Innisfail Historical Museum Will reopen on Monday 3rd August. Looking forward to welcoming visitors from that date. Covid 19 protocols will be in place as per current requirements.

25.01.2022 It was wet, cold and admissions were down but we had quite a good Show. We sold quite a few copies of our South Johnstone Memories book, plus others so it was worthwhile being there. To all those people chasing the Memories Book please email us on [email protected] and we will arrange to get a copy to you.

24.01.2022 Check out our windows and see the display created by 4KZ and our staff, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the commencement of Innisfail's first radio station 4KZ. A great achievement for all involved over the past 50 years. Congratulations!!

24.01.2022 OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IS THIS THURSDAY 3RD MARCH 5.30 PM MEETING ROOM, SCHOOL OF ARTS BUILDING. ALL WELCOME. PLEASE COME ALONG AND HELP US TO PRESERVE THE HISTORY OF OUR WONDERFUL TOWN AND AREA.

22.01.2022 Cassowary Coast Historical Societies gathering at El Arish Museum followed by lunch. El Arish have a wonderful collection of military history from the area make sure you call in and visit.

22.01.2022 Why not take advantage of our 'GONE BANANAS' offer, pay and stay for one week on a powered site during March and receive the following week absolutely FREE! Ple...ase share this offer with your friends. The Feast of the Senses Festival is held in Innisfail from 23rd - 28th March, a great time of year to experience the regions tropical fruit. See more

22.01.2022 Congratulations Innisfail!! We had a team in the world record attempt for the biggest banana split and along with hundreds of other people WE DID IT!! and it was lots of fun. The whole feast of the Senses weekend was great and we were all so fortunate with the weather. The Good Lord and Innisfail really turned it on for us. Congratulations to all of the Feast Staff and Volunteers you have done another great job.

21.01.2022 Planning for the centenary of the 1918 cyclone is well on the way. Things are going really well. The new cyclone book is also almost finished. There is a change of venue for this event -instead of the first planned Warrina Lakes venue it is now being held in the Shire Hall. Write it in your diary now! Saturday 10th March 2018, 7 pm in the Shire Hall, a commemoration of the centenary of the big cyclone which devastated Innisfail 100 years ago. Still thought to be the... biggest cyclone to hit the Queensland coast. The CCRC are assisting with this event and it is going to be BIG. Watch for the publicity posters etc. We will be telling stories of the people who lived through this and showing photos on the big screen documenting the devastation that occurred. 100 years ago they had no emergency services or armed forces to come immediately to their assistance - they were on their own. Also, most of the young men were away fighting in the Great War while here in Innisfail their people at home were fighting a war of their own. We hope we will see you at this function. Thank you all the IDHS supporters who attend our cemetery and town walks. See more

21.01.2022 Val and Connie attended the 40th anniversary of the Eacham Historical Soc. Museum at Millaa Millaa. Excellent morning

21.01.2022 It's SHOW TIME. So visit us at the Show - we will be in No. 1 Pavilion with lots of interesting historical things to show you. We will also have our newest book "MEMORIES of SOUTH JOHNSTONE" for sale.

20.01.2022 Many thanks to Richard Blanchette from CCRC for these photos.

20.01.2022 A reminder that there is a photography competition this year, sponsored by our great supporters MSF Sugar ... it's digitally based, so no printing and mounting....... here's the link to the entry form - so get out there, with all this rain everything is looking very tropical: http://www.feastofthesenses.com.au//Photography-competitio See more

19.01.2022 Stratville State School opened April 1916

19.01.2022 DATE CLAIMER! Mark your diaries now for next March, 2018 - we are having a Commemorative Event on Saturday 10th March, 2018 to mark the Centenary of the big Cyclone that demolished Innisfail 100 years prior. Planning is well under way so keep an eye out for advertising for this event closer to the time.

18.01.2022 Make sure you pop into Innisfail on Sunday morning (7 Oct) to enjoy some really great historical moments and stories...

18.01.2022 See Poy and Sons, Geraldton days. Innisfail Bowling Club - note 2 storeys.

17.01.2022 Our friends in History. Sugar Museum Mourilyan open day very busy lots of parents and children. Very nostalgic for those of us who remember the cane cut by hand.

16.01.2022 Just a reminder that today 10-3-2020 is the 102 year anniversary of the 1918 Cyclone which deverstated Innisfail and surrounding areas. Call into the Museum in Canecutter Court, Edith Street and view our cyclone photos.

15.01.2022 WHAT A FABULOUS NIGHT WE HAVE HAD TONIGHT. We have just had our cyclone Centenary event in the Shire Hall and it was a major success. Our storytellers all did a wonderful job and Kirsty our compere ran everything smoothly. Special thanks go to Les Cavanagh, Barbara Smith, Jeff Baines, Sheryl Cavanagh, Paul Hynes and Pam Egan, and Kirsty Densmore who also told a story or two while handling the compere's job all evening. The CCRC Council staff who did so much to help with t...he success of the evening - a very special thank you. Thanks too to the members of the Historical Society, it has taken many months to get this evening together and it all came together beautifully. The 1918 Cyclone book will be on sale in the museum as soon as the printer in Townsville is able to get the rest of the order to us. The 40 books we had at the launch tonight were all sold out very quickly. We hope to have some photos of the night to post here very soon. Thank you too, to everyone who came to support us. With the weather we have been having over the last week or two we didn't really expect so many to turn up but you were a fabulous bunch of people to come out to support us and we are so pleased that you enjoyed the night so much. See more

14.01.2022 If anyone is going through old photos and memorabilia the Innisfail Historical Society would welcome any that is going to be discarded or take copies to add to our archives.If anyone is going through old photos and memorabilia the Innisfail Historical Society would welcome any that is going to be discarded or take copies to add to our archives.

14.01.2022 American General Douglas MacArthur inspecting Australian Volunteers at Mustard Gas Trials during WW2

14.01.2022 Exciting news for our society - we have received a grant from the State Government Gambling Community Fund. This will go to purchasing two large display cases for the museum. One will be used to display our collection of Aboriginal artefacts and the second will be used to show the collection of Innisfail/Geraldton souvenir memorabilia we have in our collection. Our thanks go to the State Government for this grant. It is much appreciated by us and will be much appreciated by visitors to the museum.

12.01.2022 History of Paronella Park.

11.01.2022 The winner of our Giveaway at the High Tea this morning was Mrs Margaret Fontana with the only correct guess of a spaghetti machine. We really had people puzzled this time! It was interesting to listen to people discussing the object and trying to work out what it was

10.01.2022 Chinese immigrants had a huge influence in the early days of Innisfail. One family in particular were the See Poy family. We are fortunate to have this restored photograph.

10.01.2022 Flashback Friday. The railway bridge over a flooded Tully River in 1929. Check out the huge piles of debris and timber caught up against the bridge. This photo was loaned to us from a private collection so that it could be digitised and added to our local history. #FFCCL

10.01.2022 Just a reminder that 14 years ago 20th March 2006 we had a visit from our friend Larry. Cyclone Larry that is who wasn't a very welcome visitor to Innisfail.

09.01.2022 Our WW1 periscope which was on show at the Anzac Exhibition and the last shell fired - WW1.

09.01.2022 140 years ago on the 22nd of April T.H. Fitzgerald and his party arrived at the mouth of the Johnstone River. The party consisted of 11 Europeans and 20 Kanakas. They were met by Sub Inspector Johnstone in his steam launch "Sabrina." Previously to Fitzgeralds arrival cedar-getters J.N.A.L Stamp and H.G Scheu had taken up residents and called their selection Stockton.

08.01.2022 Looking for something to do? Come in and have a look at Innisfail's past - we have everything from Indigenous artefacts to the good ole thunderbox! We're open 10am - 12 noon Monday to Friday and 9.30am - 11.30am Saturday

08.01.2022 We are having our AGM on Thursday 5 March at 5.30pm at the Historical Society Museum, Edith Street.Come along and show your support.

07.01.2022 Do you know what a MIDJA is? Well this is a Midja - a Mamu shelter, and you can see it at the Historical Soc. It has been made in the traditional way. You can also see authentic everyday household things. So come in and let us show you.

07.01.2022 Some of our members and friends had a great day out today on the bus trip to Cairns organised by the Sugar Heritage Centre to see the Anzac Experience. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the exhibition is well worth seeing. It was great to see our own trench periscope from WW1 in the display along with all the other great exhibits. See Connie's photo below.

07.01.2022 Old Geraldton - ca 1902

06.01.2022 Our 2021 calendar featuring in JOHNSTONE River $10.00

06.01.2022 Calling All Footbal Fans! Have you bought your souvenir calendar celebrating the Centenary of Rugby League in Innisfail 1917 to 2017? Only $10 a copy - great photos of football in the old days. email us on idhs1234@gmail or phone Val 40612731/Diana 40612260. Don't Miss Out.

06.01.2022 Some historic photos.

05.01.2022 For all those interested people who have responded to our page of sporting heroes - thank you for your input. If you are in Innisfail please call by and see our window which has lots of photos of our sportsmen and women and we are grateful to receive more names and would love photos. We don't want to miss anyone out. We might be able to have a feature wall of photos of all Innisfail's sporting men and women.

05.01.2022 Our collection includes this Telescope owned by Lieutenant Mourilyan whilst on The Basilisk tasked with searching for survivors of the brig Maria wrecked in February 1872.

05.01.2022 Watching a male cassowary tend his eggs and chicks is heart warming. Thanks ABC Open for choosing a cassowary for the pic of the week.

04.01.2022 What a fantastic night we had on Sunday night when we held our Cemetery Walk. About 150 people turned up and everyone said they had a great time. Our narrators did a wonderful job, John O'Brien entertained with his singing (without music) great job John!. and the Boy Scouts were everywhere holding the lights and guiding people on the ramble from grave to grave. Thank you so much leaders and scouts! In fact one lad said when he was asked if he had enjoyed it that it was better than watching MasterChef on TV. Thank you everyone. Specially those who helped in any way with preparation including the cemetery staff who had the cemetery very tidy and markers set out for us on the night. And of course again, thanks to our narrators and entertainer. Watch for photos!!!

04.01.2022 Innisfail and District Historical Society member Connie Symons happened upon this unexpected sight while on a river cruise during a recent trip to the Gulf

04.01.2022 WOW!!! What an evening we had. A record crowd turned up to hear stories of the old South Johnstone. Many thanks to our great story tellers who brought to life some of the events which gives South Johnstone such an interesting history. Thank you to the local Policeman and Ambulance who added to the colour - and what would it have been without the locos trundling in and out of the mill. Such atmosphere. Thanks also to the South Johnstone State School committee who provided... such yummy refreshments after the walk. And to top it all it DIDN'T rain. We also had a successful book launch of our photographic MEMORIES of SOUTH JOHNSTONE. It was great meeting people we had not seen for ages and catching up. For those who missed out on this fun event, we are hopefully holding a Cemetery Walk in October. So put that in your diary and come along and meet some of our ghostly past. See more

04.01.2022 Cultural Vitality Forum: Come & hear from Paronella Park's Mark Evans & Arts & Culture Development Consultant Stephen Clarke at the Mission Beach Resort 10am-4pm, Sat 24 June. Free registration. Phone 4030 2255. Brought to you by Council, Qld Gvt & the Flying Arts Alliance Inc.

03.01.2022 1 Decade after cyclone LARRY 20-.3.2006

03.01.2022 Great News! The Museum will be open for the Feast of the Senses River Feast. Step into the shade and feast your senses on our fascinating history UPDATE | We regret to advise that as the Feast of the Senses River Fest has been postponed that the Museum will not be open

01.01.2022 A surprise morning tea was held on 21st February 2020 to honour the Society's President of 32 years, Val Robertson, and to note some of her achievements. As a further surprise our longstanding Secretary, Diana O'Brien, was also honoured for dedication to the Society. A plaque was presented to Val by Major John Kremastos marking her time in office Diana was presented with an engraved wooden bowl to honour her by the Society's Patron Herb Layt. Both items were made by the Inni...sfail Woodworkers and the engraving was done by Rik Russell of Russell Signage and Printery. The Cassowary Coast Regional Council generously privided the Shire Hall's janitorial staff. The Society's thanks goes out to the Council, Councillors who attended and all staff involved in the success of our surprise morning tea. Our thanks also go out to Miss Thelma Mellick, one of Innisfail's long time residents, who played the piano whilst guests arrived and mingled prior to the morning tea. Val, Diana and all members and friends of the Society who attended enjoyed the wonderful surprise and sumptuous morning tea. See more

01.01.2022 Friends of Ninney Rise afternoon - wonderful group keeping the history alive.

01.01.2022 We celebrated "Christmas in July" on 23 July at RICHIES CAFE at South Johnstone (Old Gee Kee building) and what a great meal we had. We were greeted with Chri...stmas carols and Christmas lights, and tantalising smells from the kitchen. Then the buffet was unveiled and we tucked in to a wonderful meal which was do good most people went back for a second helping. Then came the dessert which brought out the Wows and Ahs as we all tucked in to a smorsgasbord of delights. And yes, there was enough for 2nd helpings and taking some home. Some also had a cup of Richies delightful coffee. All in all a wonderful evening and meal. Thank you Joyce and helpers and Richie. Highly recommended. See more

01.01.2022 What a great day we had on Tuesday with the opening of the Ma Mu "Midja" in the museum. We had a big crowd and everything went off really well. We will have photos posted here soon. Thanks to Trisha and Shenoa for building the Midja and especially to Thelma as she was the one who suggested it!. It is a really great exhibit and we are proud to have it. Make sure that ytou come in and see it soon. Also our 2017 calendar is now on sale and this time it is celebrating 100 years of Rugby League in Innisfail Only $10 a copy. call in to the museum to buy your copy and also to see the Midja.