Eumundi Voice - Issue 96, 27 July 2024

No more mystery over Eumundi’s history

The history of Eumundi is flexible, depending on who you ask or what book you read.

Family tales become embellished, changed to cover misdeeds, rephrased to get a laugh or simply to cover what is forgotten. History becomes ‘mythtory.’

However, the truth behind passed-on legends, confusion over who did what or when to whom has now been made clearer, and behind it all is Eumundi Museum Director Joe Hextall.

Since the renovation and reopening of the Museum in May 2022, Joe and his team have lovingly collated thousands of photographs and researched the accuracy of documented and recorded stories about the town’s past –especially its pioneering families.

Aided by Trove – Australia’s free online research site – Joe accessed digitalised copies of newspapers, maps, photographs, diaries, letters and other factual memorabilia, enabling him to sort the facts behind the family stories and sometimes sensationalised reports.

Finally, the true location of Main Camp, the first school and store are known.

Joe decided a book of the findings would provide readers with Eumundi’s history at their fingertips. It soon became clear that the mammoth task should begin with A History of Eumundi: Volume 1 1873-1919. The launch on 13 June saw the museum filled

with descendants of pioneers, long-time residents, recent arrivals and history ‘buffs’ queuing to purchase their own copy.

Rebekah Butler, Executive Director of Museums and Galleries Queensland, praised Joe and his team and past and current members of Eumundi & District Historical Assn (EHA) for their commitment to the museum and making this book possible. EHA President Donata Page personally ensured guests were welcomed warmly.

Copies of photos in the huge collection are available and Joe would love to add more. After all, Volume 2 is eagerly anticipated!

A History of Eumundi: Volume 1 1873-1919 is on sale for $30 at the museum, Berkelouw Books, Eumundi & Co., and Annie’s Books on Peregian.

Eileen Walder