The Otautau Standard, our historical newspaper, is now online at Papers Past, the National Library's database of New Zealand newspapers. The issues covered are from 1905 to 1932.
This is a great research tool, and thanks need to go to the hard work of National Library staff for making our newspaper more easily accessible.
Later issues of the newspaper (1933-1946) can still be accessed directly via microfilm at the Otautau office of the Southland District Council.
We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!
Wednesday 24 June 2009
Saturday 20 June 2009
Don't Throw Grandma's Sampler Away!
There is a project called the New Zealand Sampler, and its aims are to create a database of samplers in New Zealand and to tell their unique stories.
What's a sampler?? Well, it's embroidery that highlights one's skill with the needle. Many of the old samplers were of the alphabet or featured intricate edging patterns, but some also depict homes or special events. They can carry historical significance along with sentimental value.
If you've got a sampler, either made in New Zealand or brought here, and would like to share your story, get in touch with Vivien Caughley of NZ Sampler. Her research may well result in a book.
Find out more on the New Zealand Sampler website
And see what samplers are all about from Te Papa's Collection of Samplers as well as searching on the NZ Museum website
We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!
What's a sampler?? Well, it's embroidery that highlights one's skill with the needle. Many of the old samplers were of the alphabet or featured intricate edging patterns, but some also depict homes or special events. They can carry historical significance along with sentimental value.
If you've got a sampler, either made in New Zealand or brought here, and would like to share your story, get in touch with Vivien Caughley of NZ Sampler. Her research may well result in a book.
Find out more on the New Zealand Sampler website
And see what samplers are all about from Te Papa's Collection of Samplers as well as searching on the NZ Museum website
We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Our AGM
Last week, the Museum held its annual general meeting.
It's been a busy year with displays ranging from military memorabilia, handmade crafts from our mothers, the Aparima District and its families, Holt Park and the many events held there, the Otautau Floods, Sea Shells, and the Junk Drawer Art from Otautau School students.
Some of our other activities included holding presentations for the Otautau Senior Citizens group, Rowena Jackson residents, and the Winton Men's Probus Club.
Administratively, we have created a Strategic Plan, a Collection Development Plan, and a Collection Policy. For our volunteers, we have created a Volunteer Policy, and job descriptions for Office holders, Collection Manager and Display Manager.
We also have a new thing called Friends of the Museum. It's an annual subscription to help us keep going. Several people have joined and we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
We sadly had to say goodbye to outgoing trustees, Mrs. Colleen Greenhalgh and Mr Ian McKenzie. We thank them for their many efforts in forwarding the work of the Museum.
In the coming year, we hope to bring new volunteers on board to do some of the little jobs that need doing - scrapbooking, podcasting, collecting newspaper clippings etc. We know giving of your time is a BIG thing to ask. Everyone seems so busy with something. There is no obligation to join the Board in order to do any of these jobs. Check the volunteer jobs list on the right of this page. If anything sounds appealing, come in and let's talk.
We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!
It's been a busy year with displays ranging from military memorabilia, handmade crafts from our mothers, the Aparima District and its families, Holt Park and the many events held there, the Otautau Floods, Sea Shells, and the Junk Drawer Art from Otautau School students.
Some of our other activities included holding presentations for the Otautau Senior Citizens group, Rowena Jackson residents, and the Winton Men's Probus Club.
Administratively, we have created a Strategic Plan, a Collection Development Plan, and a Collection Policy. For our volunteers, we have created a Volunteer Policy, and job descriptions for Office holders, Collection Manager and Display Manager.
We also have a new thing called Friends of the Museum. It's an annual subscription to help us keep going. Several people have joined and we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
We sadly had to say goodbye to outgoing trustees, Mrs. Colleen Greenhalgh and Mr Ian McKenzie. We thank them for their many efforts in forwarding the work of the Museum.
In the coming year, we hope to bring new volunteers on board to do some of the little jobs that need doing - scrapbooking, podcasting, collecting newspaper clippings etc. We know giving of your time is a BIG thing to ask. Everyone seems so busy with something. There is no obligation to join the Board in order to do any of these jobs. Check the volunteer jobs list on the right of this page. If anything sounds appealing, come in and let's talk.
We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!
Thursday 4 June 2009
Bayswater and Gladfield
The museum is featuring a new display called Bayswater - Gladfield: The history of farming settlement. It's an extensive photographic collection of farming families and practices in the Bayswater and Gladfield areas, just a little north and northeast of Otautau.
The farming encompassed not only different grain crops but also sheep, chicken, turkeys, deer and dairy cows. Clydesdale horses were a necessity to pull ploughs and work the land. Pictured above: A member of the Manson family kidging at Korowai, 1932.
But rural life isn't all about work. The Bayswater Tennis Club and the Gladfield School are also featured in the display.
Various homesteads are highlighted as well. Many of the names originate from ancestral connections to lands in Scotland and England. Other homesteads have Maori names such as 'Korowai' or 'Tatarepo'. So before there were postal addresses, you would say you were so-and-so from 'Korowai'. And that is how people identified each other. You were linked to your homestead.
This display is on until 30 Aug 2009 so drop by and have a look. We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!
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