Q150 WAR MEMORIES
HISTORY of
RAILWAY STATION BUILDING
to "Q150 WAR MEMORIES"
Samford District Historical Society Memories 2009
Phone call to President's son from Greg Hallam, Queensland Rail Historian, telling him to let his mother know that the gent's toilet building at Grovely Station was the shelter from Camp Mountain station. This was historically significant as it was from this siding that the granite for the base of the Brisbane City Hall was loaded onto wagons from 1920.
It was decided at a meeting to apply for the building, though an answer was not expected in the affirmative. Quotes were requested for removal and various sources of funding through grants were sought as the price quoted was $15,000. The relocation of a building did not fit any criteria. We were very worried.
At 2pm Margaret from Geoff Wilson's office rang to say yes, three Government Departments would assist with the cost of removal. We were having a cuppa on the veranda at the time so there was much excitement. From that very moment it was ear marked for a display of Army memorabilia.
In 2006 The Pine Rivers Shire Council had given us the land used by them as a Works Depot before they moved up to the C.S.I.R.O. land. Glen Lake (BOWLAK) prepared the site, volunteering his labour.
Late that night the building was loaded and arrived at its new home at approximately 5am on Wednesday 23 May. The gents toilet came out separately. We have two excellent photos taken that night by Denis Moss of Grovely.
The careful preparation of levels and blocks by Vito Rosso, Ray Jones, Ray Lind, Wal Ronan and Kemsley McDowall saw it settle down nicely on two new bearers. It took a few weeks before the gents toilet was moved into position attached to the western end. Robert Bruce of Crosscranes donated his time. Ray Jones, a perfectionist was not happy with the join and the weather-boards not meeting exactly so he pulled them off and replaced some. Looking at it now you wonder where the separate siding has gone!
Many months went by as work continued every Wednesday on our working bees, pulling out cupboards, replacing burnt timber, and preparing the walls. Termites had enjoyed living there!
John and Alice's photo "Stepping Back in Time" was in the National Seniors Paper. It celebrated their 50 year marriage. John made a "Camp Mountain" sign to hang on the extension which was the historic siding.
Ray Lind organised fill for the platform which was to be built.
Ray Lind, Noel Draper and son, Glen Currell, Irwin Draper and Gary Abel concreted the platform.
Paul Finnen installed three phase power to the building and the Replica Samford Garage.
Ray Jones began working on the ceiling. Simon Berry presented the meeting with a plan for the display of artefacts and uniforms. Mannequins were going to be needed so Brian McKenzie came down to visit us. Simon began working on mannequins at Brian's property. 7
Purchase of 1964 International Mark III Acco diesel 4WD for $2.000 delivered from Boreen Point.
Gill, Simon, Phil and Kemsley began working on the tray and getting rid of the rotting wooden floor. Jim, who used to drive one of trucks went to work on the starter motor.
Truck arrived at Museum.
Brian Jones came to help Ray with design and the sloping ceiling. We paid Ray $400.00 for two extra days as he was going away for four weeks and without Ray work could not proceed.
Cheque from Q150 Queensland Government arrived.
Jim and Vito went to look at parts for the truck.
Simon, Kemsley, and Maurie went to John Domrow's place to cut bamboo to make a lean-to to house the truck. Ray and Brian looked at framing for the glass, all fittings and glass were donated by Peppercorn House.
Display in room and on truck for Anzac Day. Rick Forno did his usual Vietnam Display..
Metal framing for glass with help from Brian Jones, was fixed. Simon and Andrew McKeever worked on tail-gate of 1964 truck.
Working bee held at Museum. Invitations to V.I.P.'s and re-enactment groups sent out. Flyers were being printed and program organised. " Lt. Colonel Simon Hardy. " 40th Foot Infantry.
Letter sent to:- 5th Light Horse Maleny. Re-enactors. Army Group South. State and Federal Members. Guests. Ferny Grove Police with details of opening. Moreton Bay Regional Council requesting permission for use of Council land.
PANIC STATIONS. Opening day next month.
Rememberance Day. Red poppies distributed to all visitors - Gold coin donation.