There’s an old saying that, “if these walls could talk…” they‘d have a story or two to tell.
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That’s never been truer of a town than it is for Eden.
Recognising this, the Eden Killer Whale Museum has embarked on a mission to take townsfolk and visitors alike on a walk back in time by restoring and adding to the historic site markers that appear in 32 different locations around Eden, including Snug Cove and the Hotel Australasia.
Taking the shape of a shield, the markers each tell the story of the site, and any buildings that have stood there over time.
Wherever historic images are accessible, the markers also contain a stainless steel image of the buildings.
Having first been erected in 1993, Eden Killer Whale Museum president Jack Dickenson said the time is right to replace the weathered signs, while also taking the opportunity to leap forward into the digital age.
“The idea first came to fruition in 1993 after collaboration between the Killer Whale Museum and the Chamber of Commerce, who covered the initial cost of $1000,” Jack said.
“The museum, since then, has maintained the signs, and they’ve done good service; even those that have been out there in the weather for 21 years are in reasonable good nick.
“But they do need replacing, and on this occasion we were very keen to take advantage of some of the newer technology available.
“We’re adding QR codes to the boards, and the first one that went up on Wednesday is at the old Twofold Bay Development League rooms, which was Old Tom’s first home, and stood between where the IMB and the jewellers are now on Imlay Street.
“The information behind the QR codes is relatively limited at this stage, but they’re all a work in progress and we’ll continue to build it over time.”
Around 20 boards are ready to go, and will start appearing around town in the near future.
A handful of volunteers have spent time crafting the signs, including Jack, Robert Whiter and Kevin Turnbull, while sign writer Alex McKenzie completed the hand lettering of the text.
The Eden Men’s Shed is also playing a part by erecting the new signs.
Jack is now calling on the help of the local community to finish the remainder of the project.
“I’d like to invite anyone that’s got old photos of the buildings in Imlay Street to bring them to the museum so we can scan them,” Jack said.
“I’d particularly like a photo of the old blacksmiths shop, which was on the corner where the solicitors are now, the garage on the opposite corner, where Eden Gas & Gear is now, and one of Mrs Deversi’s house, which was where the post office now stands.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who might like to sponsor a sign on one of these sites – one of the forebears may have happened to own a building on one of them or had a connection with it.
“If they’d like to sponsor it and take a bit of the financial load off the museum, we’d greatly appreciate it and we can talk to you about that.”
Jack’s idea also extends to the Eden cemetery.
Anyone who has a loved one buried at the cemetery is encouraged to visit the museum to provide a story of their life, so that a digital memorial and tribute can be created in their honour.
“Everyone’s got a story to tell; even the most humble person has a great story,” Jack said.
“The first thing must people say to you when you ask them is, ‘Oh no, my life’s pretty dull’, but once you get into it, they’ve really done great stuff.
“We’re going to start that off with some people who are very close to the heart of the museum, including Bert Egan.
“We’d like to have it all digitised on the board at the cemetery, so that people who are passing through town and might have a relative buried down there can find them straight away.”
To contact the Eden Killer Whale Museum, phone 6496 2094.