Volume 8, Issue 6
www.mountmorgan.org.au
28th March - 11th April 2013
Proudly brought to you by Mount Morgan Promotion & Development Inc. ABN 21 391 526 801
Elaine Millers recognised for Saint Paddy’s Day Bowls, dedicated efforts- page 3 Alex Teeney Memorial- page 6
Festival of colours: Holi at the Dam- page 7
Mt Morgan homes to be showcased in new project
Moving House: Looking over the Mount Morgan township, it can be hard to imagine a vast number of houses filling the countryside. Moving House is an exciting new project set to showcase a number of homes originally in Mount Morgan. Photo by Silver Spur Photography.
There’s moving house… and then there’s literally moving house. Former Mount Morgan homes are the focus of a new and exciting project currently being developed by the Museum of Central Queensland Inc (MoCQ). The project, known as “Moving House”, aims to identify and showcase some of the houses moved from Mount Morgan to sites throughout Central Queensland. The project takes a particular focus on those that were relocated during the 1920s. Initial research for the project has shown that over 200 houses were relocated from Mount Morgan by around the mid 20s, and that it didn’t stop there. Relocations during this time in Mount Morgan particularly are associated with the alterations and later downturn of the town’s first gold mining company. Proving a momentous task, some houses were taken on a precarious journey down the Razorback. These houses put down stumps across the breadth of Central Queensland, from Proserpine in the north to Blackall in the west. Many were resited in Rockhampton and on the Capricorn Coast. Jenny Lanyon, Research Assistant for the project said current study is uncovering some fascinating tales.
“Interestingly, some of these houses have even been moved more than once, with one going on a 50 year holiday to the coast and then returning to its home town, Mount Morgan.” Ms Lanyon said. “While some of the houses being researched are virtually in original condition, others have been renovated and have become comfortable and modern residences.” MoCQ Chair Catherine George said the project is an excellent way to demonstrate how different communities throughout the region are historically connected through their built heritage. “This number of relocations must have had a lasting impact on Central Queensland and we want to highlight this part of our region’s past.” Ms George said. The committee will soon be calling for stories from people who have knowledge of Mount Morgan relocated houses. Locals are invited to compile their stories and photos, and post these on the MoCQ interactive website when it goes live in August. Be sure to watch for more details on Moving House later this year. Content supplied.