Picture Western Downs – Carolyn, Meandarra
Picture a dusty old archive filled with hundreds of images, each a snapshot of a bygone era in the Western Downs. A year ago, Carolyn embarked on a mission to breathe life into these photographs and their accompanying stories. The journey began with a realization: many of these images were shrouded in mystery, their tales waiting to be uncovered. Carolyn, with her passion for history and an eye for detail, shares how she undertook the task to transform these pictures into windows to the past.
In the beginning of the Picture Western Downs project, I began to familiarise myself with the images we had on hand. I noticed that we had very little information on most of the pictures. So, I decided that I needed to try to add as much information as I could to make the images more interesting…to bring these images, and their history, to life.
I began my research by bringing up each image full screen on my computer and started looking for clues. Asking myself what is going on here? I was looking for any clue which could assist me in my search for information about the image.
And I did just that with this image from Jandowae, which typically had very little information accompanying it. The only information accompanying this image was that it was a group of Jandowae Light horsemen, assembled for a parade in 1929. There was so much happening in this image that there had to be a really good story just waiting to be discovered. With the help of Trove, I found that in June 1929, the Jandowae Troop of the 11th Light Horse Regiment were unbeaten for the third time in the Lord Forster Cup competition, for the best turned-out Troop of Light Horsemen in Queensland and New South Wales.
An old newspaper article went on to describe how the old football ground in Jandowae had been transformed into a parade ground. The Troop was inspected and judged by Major A. B. Steele from Army Headquarters in Melbourne. The examination took over two and a half hours to complete, and when the results were announced the large assembled crowd cheered loudly. The Troop then carried out several spectacular movements for their loyal and enthusiastic supporters and finished with a parade through the streets of Jandowae.
Suddenly, the story behind this image came into focus, and for me, the history had come to life.
– Carolyn, Meandarra Library
Join us on a journey through time as we explore the incredible work in bringing the Western Downs’ history to life, one photograph at a time. The Picture Western Downs collection is poised to unveil the untold stories and forgotten moments that define our region’s rich heritage.
View more from the Picture Western Downs Collection here