History is a strange thing. Back then the people didn’t think about becoming history. Even nowadays we don’t think we’re going to be history, yet sometime in the relatively near future people will look back on us the same way. And on top of that, the things we currently consider to be regular everyday tools may well become expensive historical artefacts later on.
Yeah, history’s odd. That doesn’t mean it’s not interesting.
Last Sunday the 12th of May (which happened to fall on Mother’s Day) I visited Fagan Park to see the historical buildings once a month (Thanks to Vern Sotter for being a good guide). There are a lot (which are opened) of interesting artifacts possum traps to tractors to construction tools. There was also Netherby homestead built by Sam Fagan in 1900, featuring things like a record player and radio, a tall windmill standing in the centre of the ‘museum’, and a blacksmith shop, complete with a forge, a couple of anvils and metalworking gear. However, this isn’t just history. It’s local history. Everything they display has some significance to the local area, and that’s one of the largest appeals.
The collection is managed by Friends of Fagan Park, a dedicated Fagan Park but tiny group of volunteers. They open every Tuesday and on the second Sunday of each month, and three times a year they hold special open days (These days are Australia Day, ANZAC Day and Sunday of the October Long Weekend). I am personally intrigued by the history of our local area, and assure you that if you ever find yourself at the park’s museum, you will find something you enjoy.
