Margie Maccoll
From Cobb & Co coaches and 19th century dress to history talks, vintage cars, stalls and a visit from Santa, it was a journey through its 150 years that was on show at Tewantin last Saturday.
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton and Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart were in Poinciana Avenue to cut the anniversary cake as residents and visitors reflected on the years that have passed.
Town crier Frank Wilkie revelled in his role informing the public on upcoming activities.
Little Seed Theatre Company members donned fashions from the 1800s made by costume designer Leona Seib.
Leona said she sewed the outfits composed of skirts, bustles and overskirts in cotton from Simplicity patterns but in their era they were most probably made of wool and calico with undergarments of cotton, linen or silk.
Fortunately the theatre group had, this year, performed period theatre pieces Sherlock Holmes and Picnic at Hanging Rock for which the costumes were created.
Gavin and Nara Stevens of Drayhorse Shires at Maroon brought along their prize Shire horses and one of their Cobb & Co coaches that would have transported residents to and from Tewantin when the township was settled, and are now reserved for historic events, special occasions, weddings and funerals.
Gavin said they restored the “posh“ carriage to immaculate condition over four years and also owned a “pauper carriage“, which being smaller in size but accommodating more people, would have transported regular people through the area.
There was no one riding “shotgun“ on Saturday but a “gatekeeper“ as they were known would have been a mainstay on all coaches travelling the roads.
Loretta Mannon and Gavin Mutton came along with their 1909 hybrid vehicle, capable of running with or without a horse.
The only one of its kind in original condition was brought by Gavin from Maine in the United States.
The day’s entertainment included history talks at the Royal Mail Hotel, an afternoon of entertainment.
