ORIGINAL EUMUNDI MARKETS FIRST 40 YEARS

Discover Eumundi Heritage and Visitor Centre (DE) is developing an exhibition to commemorate and celebrate the 40th year of the Eumundi Markets. DE has an extensive collection of objects, photographs and documents relating to the history of the Eumundi Markets and will use these resources to create a glimpse into the past of what has become a world famous market. Many photos and information goes right back to the beginning of the market including the first receipt book which records the market starting on Saturday 24 March 1979 around the Eumundi CWA hall with three stalls and eight visitors (not counting stallholder’s family members).

Christa Barton and Gail Perry- Somers at the CWA hall, 1979.

OEM in the ‘80s with Mount Cooroy (top right) and the corner servo (top left) in the background.

An early market day.

Photo: Christa Barton.

Over the 40 years other market operators have set up adjacent to what is now known as the Original Eumundi Markets (OEM) including the Eumundi and District Community Association (EDCA) and there were actually stalls in other locations in Eumundi before this market started. This First 40 Years exhibition looks at the OEM which has been running continuously for 40 years, still under a not for profit company the Original Eumundi Markets Ltd which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eumundi and District Historical Association (EHA).

Using images from the 1980s and ‘90s, photographs taken in the same locations will be displayed together to show the Then and Now of OEM and how the market has changed over the years. An old wooden trestle table complete with striped beach umbrella will create the feel of a market stall circa 1980s, and include objects made by stallholders in the ‘80s through to today. Newspaper clippings will show the development of the market and how it almost ended before it really began. Images of the early markets and many of the marketeers can be viewed. Listen to some recorded recollections of early market days and leave your own memories on the market memory board.

OEM in 1982

OEM in 1982

All are welcome to attend the opening on Saturday 23 March, 2pm in Wan’din’in Arts Space - rear of DE, 73 Memorial Dr, but RSVP is a must please. info@discovereumundi.com. Open until Saturday 1 June. discovereumundi.com/eumundimarkets-40th

OEM today

OEM today