THE Bulahdelah Historical Society recently acquired a vintage Stromberg-Carlson radio, believed to have been used during World War II.

The antique radio was originally purchased by the late Merv Richards, a founding member of the Historical Society, at an auction following the war.

Merv’s daughter Barbara Saville, who donated the radio to the Society last week, said it had been used at the old Central Garage in Stroud Street for many years.

“It sat on the counter for 45 years before it was put into storage,” Mrs Saville said.

“Our family has a strong link to Bulahdelah so we wanted the radio to remain in the local area.”

Historical Society President Kevin Carter said the item was a welcome addition to the Society’s collection.

“Many locals have contributed to our displays, and the radio will become part of our war collection,” he said.

The Society’s collections are housed in the Courthouse Museum which dates back to 1888.

Mr Carter said the courthouse ceased functioning in 1973 with the Historical Society taking over the building in 1985.

In addition to the permanent displays, a new sewing and embroidery exhibit assembled by Archive Officers Irene Worth and Dianne Burns is currently on show.

Mr Carter said people regularly come from all over the Great Lakes and Hunter regions to tour the museum.

“We also get about 16 bus tours each year, with people coming to hear about the history of this area,” he said.

The Bulahdelah Courthouse Museum is open every Saturday from 9am to 3pm and at other times by appointment.

 

By John SAHYOUN