08 Oct 2011
Wyong Creek School opened their school / community museum on 18th December 2009. A dream of Gale's for six years, she has been collecting artefacts and papers that retell the history of the school and the Wyong Creek area. Some papers date back as far as the 1860s.
The museum was opened by Barry Turner who has donated many things to the museum. Barry's mother and aunties attended the school, and Barry's grandfather Victor Schlaadt was principal from 1920 -1934. Barry even gave us a violin that Victor played each morning before formal lessons started. The violin has been repaired by parent Markus Glaw. A wedding photo of Victor and his wife Amy greets you at the museum's entrance.
Other contributors to the museum have been Eva Geer, Connie Bradley, Albert Butler and Robin Armstrong. Of course earlier work collected by Brian McMinn and Cathie Williams are also museum highlights. There are original students' workbooks reflecting almost perfect handwriting, with a nearby teacher's comment stating, "Good work, but could have been better." A letter from an early young teacher tells the story of a wickedly dangerous woman living in the community and terrorising the poor young teacher.
The museum will be opened each day during school hours if you would like to call in and browse the contents. There are some very interesting articles, so you may like to collect a coffee at the office first. It could be a long visit!