Collections

Collection Policy: The Brunswick Valley is defined as the catchment area of the Brunswick River and its associated coastline, including Huonbrook and Goonengerry. In agreement with Byron Bay Historical Society the BVHS will collect and conserve visual images of Byron Bay.

We acknowledge the First Australians and celebrate their continuing presence with a small collection of non-sacred objects.

 Major Collection Areas/Themes:

Social
Migration waves: Chinese, Kanakas, Greeks, Italians, Fins, Surfers, 70’s alternative culture, 80’s till present day.
Domestic Life; Local Families; Local Identities; Recreational and Social Life; Religious Life.

Civic
Hydro Power; Post Office; Hospital; Schools; Railway.

Economic
Timber; Agriculture: Bananas, Dairy, Sugarcane, Pineapples; Meat pools; Fish Cooperative; Local Businesses.

Environment
Fauna; Flora; Landcare; Conservation.

Our Collection includes several significant items such as:

Morrissey’s Snakebite Antidote and pamphlet – A rare surviving bottle of the snakebite antidote that was sold worldwide and a copy of the original flyer.

Oswald and Eunice Gray (nee Mortimer) Mullumbimby

Wedding Ensemble and Bride Record Book – Rare example of a wartime wedding dress bought with coupons accompanied with a tiny leather bound book recording over 20 names of the war time brides who borrowed it.

Oswald & Eunice Gray (nee Mortimer), Mullumbimby

 

 

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First Mullumbimby TelephoneThe first telephone in Mullumbimby, Number 1, belonged to a prominent local cattleman, Mr Walker.

 

 

 

 

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Wade Arab Platen Printing Press – The Jobbing Press that belonged to the local paper – The Mullumbimby Star/Advocate from 1906.

 

 

 

 

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The Mayoral Chair from the Mullumbimby Municipality – The ceremonial wooden chair is a powerful symbol of a council that was incorporated in 1908 after a two year battle by the citizens of Mullumbimby who campaigned for their independence from the newly incorporated Byron Shire Council (1906).