8 minute read
JUNIOR BARREL RACE – 1 - Ruby Bell, 2 - Ella
Mount Morgan in Pictures Shopping Spree in Morgan Street
The thought of time travel has inspired many a writer since the late 1880s when the Edward Page Mitchell story The Clock that Went Backward appeared in the New York Sun. While H. G. Wells is considered the “father” of time travel because of The Time Machine’s publication in 1895, it was Spanish writer Gaspar who wrote El Anacronopete (meaning something that flies backward through time) who is more likely to claim the first “time travel” honours. H. G. Wells was certainly the literary inventor of the time machine. Throughout history, many fiction writers have tried their hand at writing about “time travel” including, surprisingly enough, Mark Twain who wrote A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, before The Time Machine, but after Gaspar’s publication. Since these early days a host of writers – Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Kurt Vonnegut, Audrey Niffenger and of course, Diana Gabaldon – have all fantasised and been inspired by the concept of time travel. With the conclusion of the shopfront series, it seemed reasonable to finish with a shopping spree on Morgan Street, but with a time-related twist. The creator of the interesting series and Sydney resident, Catherine McIntosh (inset image), whose family connections to Mount Morgan date back to the 1880s, was given the following scenario – “You have been given an opportunity to travel back in time for a shopping experience on Morgan Street for one day. You have ten pounds in your pocket. Time travel makes sure you have the appropriate clothing, footwear and hairdo for that time period”.
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What time period in Mount Morgan’s history would you travel back to for a shopping expedition and why?
I’d like to land in the pictured 1913 Morgan Street image from the State Library of Queensland because I’m familiar with those shopfronts from my research. Also, my ancestors, the Stubbs family, lived in Mount Morgan then, in Rockhampton Road (now James Street), so I could learn about the type of life they led.
How would you explain your presence in town?
I’d say I’m visiting from out of town – which is true, only that I’m from another century!
Would you go back to a specific time of the year?
Christmas time would be fun, with homemade street and shopfront decorations and local bands playing Christmas carols on street corners. There were so many bands back then, such as the Mount Morgan Brass Band, the Salvation Army Band, the Mount Morgan String Band and the Pipers’ Band. Maybe I’d see my great-grandfather, Upsall Stubbs, playing in one of the bands.
Mount Morgan In Pictures...from Page 14
How would you describe your time travel outfit?
The long, beige skirt and long-sleeve, white blouse are stifling in this hot December climate. The widebrimmed brown hat is uncomfortable. Besides, I never wear brown and beige colours. And these white canvas button boots are slowing me down.
How would you describe your 1913 hair style?
My hair is in a bun and held in place with lots of scratchy bobby pins.
Is there any particular store on Morgan Street that would attract you more than others?
The opulent department store, James Stewart & Co., on the corner of Morgan and East Streets. It’s the place to be! Imagine meeting the owner, James Stewart there - how amazing!
What would you bring back to the future in your shopping bag and pockets?
Jewellery, preferably of Mount Morgan gold; a writing set embossed with gold leaf; J. H. Lundager picture postcards; a collection of King George V stamps; ruby red glassware; and a music box. Ten pounds could buy a lot in 1913.
What would be your least favourite shop to visit?
The Central Queensland Meat Export Company near Central Street because I don’t eat meat.
Could you paint the readers a picture of what you see around you?
I’m standing outside the jeweller’s shop, S. W. Jones, near Morgan Lane, whose banner reads, ‘Bargains in beautiful things’. I can see horse-drawn carriages and motor vehicles. It’s busy. Women are generally dressed like me and men are in three-piece suits and hats. I just saw the headmistress of Mount Morgan Girls’ and Infants’ State School, Miss Hardy, walk into the bookstore, Lee & Humphreys, wearing her trademark black Victorian dress. I’ve written articles about her in the Argus. And there’s the tailor, Sidney Gray, walking by. I recognise him from his caricature.
Where will you get lunch during your busy day?
At Mrs Annie Sparkes’ grocery and produce store near Morgan Lane or the People’s Cash Store near Central Street.
What Mount Morgan ancestor would you like to have afternoon tea with and where?
My maternal great-grandmother, Lillian Stubbs (pictured). We don’t have a lot of information about her or photos of her because she died young in 1915 from pneumonia. The meeting place would be at Mrs J. Winter’s Arctic Refreshment Rooms near Morgan Lane.
What would you order?
A cup of tea and a slice of cinnamon cake (a popular cake back then).
Above: Lillian Elizabeth Stubbs (nee Ryder) (1869-1915), Mount Morgan, c. 1892. Stubbs family photograph.
What messages would you have for her, assuming she accepted you as a time traveller?
I would tell her that I knew her five children when they were old. My mother, Lilyan, was named after her in her memory (with different spelling) and I share her middle name. I would advise her to take special care of her health in the winter of 1915 so she lives a long life with her husband, Upsall, and her children.
Do you have any insights from your time travelling?
Time is your most valuable asset – make the most of it!
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Aged 40 and over?
Book a free breast screen today, it could save your life.
The mobile breast screening bus is coming to Mount Morgan 23 May 2022 - 1 June 2022
Call 13 20 50 or visit
breastscreen.qld.gov.au
MAY 11: Dee River Oldies Group - Bus Trip leaving the Morgan Street bus stop on Wednesday, 11 May, 2022 at 8.30 am. The cost is $50. MAY 13: Youth Opportunity Day. Mount Morgan School of Arts - 11 am to 4 pm. Free fun youth activities relating to health, wellbeing, education, employment and youth services. MAY 14: Baree Markets. Baree Hall from 8 am. MAY 17: Dee River Oldies Group - Monthly Meeting starting at 2.00 pm to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan. (Behind the Anglican Church). MAY 20: QCWA Country Kitchen Workshop. Green Shed in Thompson Ave. From 10 am. Bookings to Arlene on 0428 457 461. MAY 23 - JUN 1: Breastscreen Bus in Mount Morgan. Phone - 13 20 50 for an appointment. MAY 25: Dee River Oldies Group - Musical Morning Tea starting at 10.00 am to be held in St Mary’s Hall, Gordon Street, Mount Morgan (Behind the Anglican Church). The cost is $5. Raffle and lucky door prizes. MAY 27: True Outreach Clinic - reproductive and sexual health. Phone 4912 5100 for an appointment. Mount Morgan Multipurpose Health Service. JUN 11: Baree Markets. Baree Hall from 8 am. JUL 31: The Central Queensland Old School Bicycle Show and Swap Meet. 10 am till 2pm at the Leichhardt Hotel. Graeme 0411 073 974
MOUNT MORGAN MEN’S SHED INC. Meet 9 am - 12 noon Wednesdays at the Dee Bowls Club Phone John on 0429 055 165
PAINTER:
Semi retired. W. Cruickshank Phone 0488 104 774 or 0488 105 257.
LIGHT ON THE HILL CHURCH
EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT Green Shed from 7 pm. Phone 0412 502 937
MOUNT MORGAN COLLECTABLES MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP OPEN SATURDAY - SUNDAY 10 AM TO 4.30 PM - FREE ADMISSION PHONE: STEVE 0498 705600
For Sale: Firewood for Sale. Pick up or delivery. Phone Eric on 0406 418 737. Garage Sale: 10 McFarlane Lane – 14 May from 7 am to 1 pm. Bed linen, kitchen utensils, knick-knacks and more. 0427 059 502. Birthday Greetings: Happy 18th Birthday Baileigh Bryant. Congratulations on your 18th. Enjoy your day. All our love, Mum, Dad, Kristy, Tiahana, Hayden, Grandma and Granddad. Wanted: Person to lop trees. Nothing dangerous. Phone 0428 380 106 – Keith Ross.
MOUNT MORGAN QCWA BRANCH Meets every third Monday at the Green Shed - Thompson Ave 9.30 am meet for 10 am start.
Blue Care Trash & Treasure, 21 Gordon Street. Every Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon. Every first Saturday of the month from 8 am to 12 noon Bags of clothing $5. Marion’s plants for sale.
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AGM NOTICE
Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc. (MMPAD) Annual General Meeting
THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022
Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Visitor Information Centre (Explore Centre) 1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan 5.30 pm
ROTARY CLUB OF MOUNT MORGAN
DINNER MEETING - THURSDAY - GRAND HOTEL 6.00 for 6.30 pm. Interested people are encouraged to attend or send an Expression of Interest to PO Box 2, Mount Morgan
