Pioneer Valley Museum in Mirani, Queensland, Australia | Civilisation museum

Pioneer Valley Museum

Locality: Mirani, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 7 4961 9229

Address: Victoria Street 4754 Mirani, QLD, Australia

Website: www.mackay.qld.gov.au/community/arts,_culture_and_heritage/pioneer_valley_museum

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25.01.2022 Eastman Kodak Brownie Automatic Year of release: 1907 Film format: 120 roll film (6, 2 x 3 ) Shutter: Brownie Automatic, five-blade Lens: ?... Aperture: ? Viewfinder: Reflecting viewfinder Flash: ? The No.2 Folding Brownie model B was introduced in 1907 it was slightly smaller than the earlier model and had buttons to release the back rather than a sliding catch. Early versions and those for the US market, of the model B had red bellows later they were black. Production ceased in 1915. The price was 21/ - in 1910.

25.01.2022 Interested in learning more about how museum staff care for our artefacts, and how you can use the same sorts of tips and tricks at home to care for your heirlooms? Join museum staff at Gordon White Library for our upcoming seminar, Antique Rescue! Bookings are essential, so click the link below to reserve your spot.

25.01.2022 #ThrowbackThursday Until recent years, summer in the north always seemed to be punctuated by heavy rain events, particularly in January and February. Everyone made preparations and stocked their pantries as flooded creeks meant isolation from neighbours and the local stores for days, sometimes weeks, at a time. Occasionally though, necessity meant that some had to venture out. Their means of crossing a flooded stream were sometimes quite inventive!... We would love to know the era for these photos of Doll and Bob Johnson and little Mervyn crossing the flooded Pioneer River at Mia Mia. If you have any information on when these photos were taken, please send us a message and let us know! #TBT

24.01.2022 With no smiles typical of photos of the era and dressed very formally, the students in this photo from 1917-1918 attended the State School in Marian in the Pioneer Valley. Do you recognize a family member among the group? We have no names to put to this lovely photo and would appreciate your help. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

22.01.2022 Cattle Creek Mill Fire Bell As the temperature rises and the surrounding countryside dries out, we are reminded of the terrible fires which ravaged our district in 2018. We also remember the courage and endurance of the people who fought the fires and those support workers who were just as important in the battle to extinguish the fires. This fire bell, once installed at the former Cattle Creek Mill in Finch Hatton, would have been heard across the area around the township wh...enever fire threatened. Cattle Creek Mill was closed in 1990 following the amalgamation of all of the district mills into The Mackay Sugar Association. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

22.01.2022 Regional Museums volunteers meet to discuss issues .

21.01.2022 With no smiles typical of photos of the era and dressed very formally, the students in this photo from 1917-1918 attended the State School in Marian in the Pioneer Valley. Do you recognize a family member among the group? We have no names to put to this lovely photo and would appreciate your help. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

21.01.2022 It’s December already and thoughts are turning to Christmas. Gifts for children today are vastly different to those given in the early to mid years of the 1900’s, when many families either could not get to shops easily or had very little money to spend. Over the next few weeks we're going to share some of the toys we have in our Collection from those early years toys much treasured and enjoyed. This lovely little blue wooden truck (c.1920’s) is a home- made gem.... #ThrowbackThursday #tbt

21.01.2022 This #ThrowbackThursday, we're sharing one of our archival photos of Mary Archbold and her brother William. During the Great War of 1914 -1918, Mary Archbold from the Pillbox at Newbury near Marian enlisted as a staff nurse in the Australian Army Nursing Service. She was assigned to the Sea Transport Section and made three voyages to England, caring for the Australian troops on board. In between voyages, she was attached to Australian Auxiliary hospitals in England. On Janu...ary 14 1919, Mary Archbold was detached from all duty with 1AAH and returned to Australia. On Armistice Day, November 11th, we remember those who served, with special thoughts for those who didn’t come home to Australia. #Throwbackthursday #tbt

19.01.2022 ##ThrowbackThursday Our museum is full of interesting items and some curiosities. One such curiosity is the phrenology head. Phrenology was the study of the shape of the human skull, and though it was debunked as a pseudoscience early on it nevertheless had lasting implications on social policies and on the development of the field of psychology. Google tells us this: "To anyone who has ever shaved his or her head and been horrified by the lumps and dents hidden beneath, ...the idea that those bumps said anything about a person’s character might be unsettling. But for millions of people in the 19th century, phrenology provided comfort and insight, a way to know and understand behaviour and personality with seemingly scientific precision." #TBT See more

19.01.2022 We're so fortunate to have talented writers amongst our volunteers! Leonie Fanning is a regular contributor to the Daily Mercury and is known for her fantastic history features. Read on to learn more about policing in Finch Hatton in the early years. ***** Early days at the Finch Hatton Police Station...Continue reading

18.01.2022 The pioneer Valley Museum Volunteers and Mackay Regional Council Staff Having their Christmas Break up Lunch at the Criterion Hotel Finch Hatton Every one enjoyed a Lovely meal complements to Hotel Staff. On Behalf of the Pioneer Valley Museum we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year hope to see you in 2021 when Museum Reopens in March

17.01.2022 The volunteers at the Pioneer Valley Museum undertake many interesting, absorbing and rewarding tasks in order to care for and exhibit the Collection. The task are many and varied and include cataloguing items received and digitally storing the information on a data base. We attend many workshops on Collection Care, including exhibiting, storage, cleaning, and the moving and handling of items.... Many hours are spent in research both on the items in the Collection and on the stories of the Pioneer Valley and its history especially with regard to its people and its development over the years. Preparing for and launching new exhibitions is an ongoing activity. During the centenary of the Great War period alone, we hosted twelve exhibitions featuring the men and women from the Valley who signed up to serve. On a couple of occasions, we have had to pack up the display collection either for repairs or for the recovery process after a natural disaster. We are always looking to welcome new volunteers to our group. Training is provided and every volunteer chooses the type of work they prefer and the level of involvement they are prepared to give. We urge you to come and join our happy group.

17.01.2022 This #ThrowbackThursday, let's look at another of Mirani's local industries. After operating a brickworks in Mackay for a number of years, George Hardwick moved to Mirani during the 1880s. A brickmaker by trade, he established a brickworks in the vicinity of what is now The Mirani Caravan Park. Throughout the 1890’s, the brickworks was a thriving family business. At least two of George’s sons followed him into the business and took over following his death in 1901. One son ...was also a blacksmith, with his business located at Mirani West. The brickmaker and the blacksmith collaborated to produce the Memorial Gates at the Mirani Cemetery. One of the brickworks’ lines was curved bricks used for lining wells. #TBT #Mirani

17.01.2022 Still looking for a gift? Littlies love pull-along toys. Home-made in the 1920’s, this little wooden horse was probably handed down from one child to the next in the family. Have a safe and happy Christmas everyone. May you all enjoy some wonderful family time. #ThrowbackThursday.#TBT>

16.01.2022 With their teachers standing among them, some very relaxed students from Marian State School, Pioneer Valley in 1914 pose for their annual photo. Do you have any family members who lived in the Valley at this time? If so, we would love to put some names to the photo. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

16.01.2022 In honour of the 60th anniversary of Queensland Seniors Week, Mackay Regional Council is highlighting some of our community’s Selfless Seniors. We have many Selfless Seniors amongst our museum volunteers across all four of our sites, and through their hard work and dedication they enable our museums to thrive. We are so grateful for the wonderful contribution they, and all our region’s Selfless Seniors, make to our community.... Thank you to our Selfless Seniors, and to all our volunteers, for all that you do! #SelflessSeniors #MackayPride

15.01.2022 On the back of this photo is written, "E Fudge."

15.01.2022 The Kodak Brownie Flash II camera was manufactured in London, England, but was also made in Melbourne, Australia between 1958 and 1963.

15.01.2022 MUSEUM CLOSURE Just a quick reminder that Pioneer Valley Museum will be closed to the public this Tuesday, November 17th due to a scheduled power outage. We thank you for your understanding.

14.01.2022 Some of the boys don’t look too impressed in this 1913 photo of all the students of the State School in Marian, Pioneer Valley. We are hoping that, with family archives at the ready, some of you may recognize a family member amongst the children. We would appreciate hearing from you. #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

12.01.2022 Have you filled out your museum survey yet? This is the last week to have your say and contribute your ideas on the future of our museums. Head on over to www.connectingmackay.com.au to share your feedback and ideas with us today!

11.01.2022 Celebrating the Museum's 25th anniversaryThe volunteers at the Pioneer Valley Museum undertake many interesting, absorbing and rewarding tasks in order to care for and exhibit the Collection. The task are many and varied and include cataloguing items received and digitally storing the information on a data base. We attend many workshops on Collection Care, including exhibiting, storage, cleaning, and the moving and handling of items. Many hours are spent in research both on ...the items in the Collection and on the stories of the Pioneer Valley and its history especially with regard to its people and its development over the years. Preparing for and launching new exhibitions is an ongoing activity. During the centenary of the Great War period alone, we hosted twelve exhibitions featuring the men and women from the Valley who signed up to serve. On a couple of occasions, we have had to pack up the display collection either for repairs or for the recovery process after a natural disaster. We are always looking to welcome new volunteers to our group. Training is provided and every volunteer chooses the type of work they prefer and the level of involvement they are prepared to give. We urge you to come and join our happy group. See more

11.01.2022 Early pioneers had to be very resourceful and as self- sufficient as possible. One such family who built a successful life in the Valley were the Rawsons, who in 1867 named their property The Hollow. Milking their own cows and churning the cream into butter, the family used this butter worker. Believed to be the only one of its kind in the district at the time, The Hollow’s butter worker helped smooth the churned butter. Excess liquid drained off through the central hole. F...resh milk, cream and butter, which we all take for granted today, were produced in the early years after many hours of hard yakka.Mrs Charles Rawson won 1st prize for butter, fresh, not less than 2 lbs at the Mackay Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Society's Annual Show held on 22nd and 23rd September 1881. Come check out this fascinating item and many more at Pioneer Valley Museum! We're open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30am to 2:30pm. #throwbackthursday #TBT

11.01.2022 Great news! Pioneer Valley Museum is reopening to the public! Thursday, June 18th 9:30am - 2:30pm... As of the date above, we'll be back to business as usual, open Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30am to 2:30pm. Please note that, in keeping with statewide COVID-19 social distancing regulations, the museum is currently unable to accept large tour booking, school tours included. We are happy, however, to welcome back small groups and individuals looking to see what we have on offer. Hope to see you soon!

11.01.2022 #ThrowbackThursday Did you know that tobacco was once a thriving crop in the Dunwold area (near Gargett)? These photos show extensive tobacco growing in the area in 1935. Effie Bayliss, who contributed an article to the Platypus Press, wrote of her family’s experiences with this crop. It was an involved, labour intensive process and eventually, poor prices and ill health brought their efforts to a close in the early 1940’s.... #TBT

10.01.2022 #ThrowbackThursday And back to school they go! School life in the early 1900’s was a vastly different experience to that of today. The journey to school was on foot, by horse, or for some involved riding in a horse drawn cart. Flooded streams during the summer months often meant extra days at home.... Owen’s Creek Provisional School opened in 1913, and became a fully- fledged State School in 1919. By 1937 the area grew so much that an extension onto the original building proved necessary in order to accommodate the increased enrollment of pupils. #tbt #backtoschool

10.01.2022 Have you read the article about the Rex Theatre in the Daily Mercury's Thursday edition, submitted by Pioneer Valley Museum?

09.01.2022 MUSEUM CLOSURE Pioneer Valley Museum is closed to the public today due to a scheduled power outage. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to seeing you tomorrow during our regular hours, 10:00am to 2:30pm.

08.01.2022 In the days before television and video games, sporty Christmas gifts were very popular. These early roller skates have seen some energetic use over the years and hardly resemble the ergonomic and slick design of their modern counterparts. Fun fact: the key in the photo was used to tighten or loosen the skates so that they fitted various foot sizes. #vintagetoys

08.01.2022 Have you driven along Mackay's new ring road yet? If you do, you'll see Margaret Insch Bridge. Margaret "Granny" Insch was a midwife in the early 20th century, delivering 99 babies in the Pioneer Valley. She had 11 children, and adopted a 12th to make... a foot! Drop by Pioneer Valley Museum today from 9:30am to 2:30pm to discuss this fascinating woman with our friendly volunteers. Hope to see you there!... #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

07.01.2022 Mackay Regional Council museum team was recently approached by ABC Tropical North to share the stories of some of our favourite artefacts. Take a listen to this excellent interview from the volunteers at Sarina Museum!

06.01.2022 Interested in helping to shape the future of our region's museums? Now's your chance to have your say! Tell us your thoughts on Mackay region museums via our survey on Connecting Mackay.

05.01.2022 Have you driven along Mackay's new ring road yet? If you do, you'll see Margaret Insch Bridge. Margaret "Granny" Insch was a midwife in the early 20th century, delivering 99 babies in the Pioneer Valley. She had 11 children, and adopted a 12th to make... a foot! Drop by Pioneer Valley Museum today from 9:30am to 2:30pm to discuss this fascinating woman with our friendly volunteers. Hope to see you there!... #ThrowbackThursday #TBT

04.01.2022 #ThrowbackThursday Let's take a look at some of the smaller state school in our region today. Septimus Provisional school opened in 1904 under the guidance of its first teacher, Sarah Malcomson. The school enjoyed a large enrollment and became a State School in later years. Although the local families did all they could to keep their beloved school open, it was closed in 1999.... Sybil Creek State School opened in 1921; its first teacher was a Mr. McCall. The photo shows the school with its large enrollment of pupils in the 1920s. As with all government buildings, small rural schools in Queensland were built to much the same design. This school was closed in 1965. #TBT

03.01.2022 Mackay Regional Council's museum team was recently approached by ABC Tropical North to share the stories of some of our favourite artefacts. Have a listen to volunteer Shelley's excellent interview about Greenmount Homestead's fernery!

03.01.2022 This is a very busy time of the year socially with Christmas barbeques, neighbourhood parties, and businesses planning their end of year functions. Imagine if you were a mill worker at Marian Mill or supplied cane during the season. All would have received an invitation to board the old cane trucks and travel to some picturesque picnic place in the area. Imagine the workplace health and safety issues to be overcome today! #ThrowbackThursday #tbt

02.01.2022 George Hardwick, after operating a brickworks in Mackay for a number of years, moved to Mirani during the 1880’s. A brickmaker by trade, he established a brickworks in the vicinity of what is now The Mirani Caravan Park. Throughout the 1890’s, the brickworks was a thriving family business. At least two of George’s sons followed him into the business and took over following his death in 1901. One son was also a blacksmith and that business was located at Mirani West. The brickmaker and the blacksmith collaborated to produce the Memorial Gates at the Mirani Cemetery. One of the brickworks’ lines was curved bricks used for lining wells. #ThrowbackThursday.#TBT.

02.01.2022 Eastman Kodak Brownie Automatic Year of release: 1907 Film format: 120 roll film (6, 2 x 3 ) Shutter: Brownie Automatic, five-blade Lens: ?... Aperture: ? Viewfinder: Reflecting viewfinder Flash: ? The No.2 Folding Brownie model B was introduced in 1907 it was slightly smaller than the earlier model and had buttons to release the back rather than a sliding catch. Early versions and those for the US market, of the model B had red bellows later they were black. Production ceased in 1915. The price was 21/ - in 1910.

02.01.2022 Saturday 5th December is International Volunteer Day (IVD). International Volunteers Day (IVD), is an international observance that was mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985. Today is an opportunity for us all to promote volunteerism, and recognize volunteer contribution at local, national and international levels. Let’s make IVD this year a worldwide moment to thank volunteers and celebrate their efforts despite all the challenges at hand. Thank you to all of the vo...lunteers at our museums and elsewhere in our region we couldn’t do it without you! Together we can make a difference through volunteering. #TogetherWeCan #IVD2020

02.01.2022 MUSEUM CLOSURE Please note that Pioneer Valley Museum will be closed to the public next Tuesday, November 17th due to a scheduled power outage. We thank you for your understanding.

01.01.2022 Due to the current COVID-19 situation, our museums are temporarily closed to support the health and wellbeing of visitors and staff. Thank you for your understanding. For more information contact 1300 MACKAY (622 529)