A chance encounter at Bunnings Warehouse has saved a piece of history from being lost forever.
Pauline and Peter Bourke of Peter Bourke Legal were recently cleaning out their newly acquired offices in Kilmore when they came across a box containing old maps of the local area.
Knowing they would be of value to some, Ms Bourke held onto the rare finds, until a chance encounter with the Wandong History Group (WHG) at Bunnings Warehouse led her to offer the maps to the interested party—a gesture that WHG Secretary Lynne Dore stated was ‘much appreciated’.
“A quick glance assured us that these maps would be much appreciated and sought after by other groups, as they covered not only the Mitchell Shire area but other surrounding regions such as Eildon, Alexandra, Romsey, Kalkallo, and other far-flung districts,” she said.
“It has taken us some time to sort and thoroughly examine the maps, but we are now in a position to display a small selection of the maps.
“These maps offer vital information to historians, such as the names of landowners included on many of them. Many of the maps are in poor condition and need to be carefully handled.
“Some are still on original linen, while others are on paper that show the wear and tear of years.”
