Blast from the past

Big plans are afoot for the grand re-opening of the Bangalow Historical Society’s Heritage House, in Deacon Street, on Saturday, 25 February 10-12 noon. The major drawcards to attract interest that day will be the launch of Terry Bleakley’s new book, New Growth in Old Paddocks, as well as an exhibition of the life and times of Bangalow old-timer, Harry Fowler (1904-1988).

New Growth in Old Paddocks showcases elements of Bangalow’s history in an innovative way. “The book, primarily pictorial, balances the abstract and reality, using historical images of Bangalow,” Terry said. “It will be a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in how much the district has changed over the decades.” All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Bangalow Historical Society.

The Harry Fowler exhibition utilises images dating back the early 1900s, when early Bangalow settlers Thomas and Selina Fowler purchased their 113-acre property from the Garvan Estate, in the lane now named after them. As well as rare images copied from the photo albums of Fowler family members, the exhibition traces happenings on the farmland, originally called Spring Grove. In the 1970s and 1980s, well-loved local identity Harry allowed Byron Shire’s earliest pop concerts to be held around the dance hall that he and his brothers built in the 1950s, with early appearances from INXS, Rose Tattoo, Midnight Oil, and even Slim Dusty’s daughter, Anne Kirkpatrick. Today, the land is home to 12 households in a community title property called Jindibah.

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