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The 1999 Exhibition
We think we did it again! Ran a family reunion for the Western District, that is: this year we had more than 320 visitors, from Melbourne to Mt Gambier, from Portland to Ballarat, and at least two from Queensland.Vern and Michael were kept very busy answering the "where", "who" and "why" of the photographs. But it wasn't all a one way street, as they also gathered extra information from the visitors. Vern is particularly gratified that the two exhibitions have helped give him access to many more photos from around the district. His attitude is that the more people have copies the less chance there is that photos will be lost forever.
At the end of Saturday we went for dinner at the Digby Hotel, where we agreed that it had been a steady day and that we would be happy with the same again on Sunday. Well, at eleven on Sunday morning we were preparing to put on a brave front - business had been very slow. Then the world went somewhat mad! Not only did we have queues at the door but we had traffic jams outside. And it stayed that way for hours.
Digby citizens had their fair share of run ins with the law in the past. There were the usual drunks and disorderlies, publicans who stayed open late or sold without a licence (Vern's ancestors, who else?), stock disputes, and the much more serious crimes of assault and arson. So, was the police uniform in the crowd and the vehicle outside the hall a throwback to those lawless days?
Thankfully not. Senior Constable David Tognon had just joined the many appreciative visitors to the exhibition.
This year we had made a greater attempt to advertise over the Internet and through history and genealogy societies from Melbourne to the South Australian border. We were pleased with the results: three ladies from History House, Portland made the trip up accompanied by a well known local history writer. In addition, Beryl Gorman saw the Internet message and volunteered her presence for both days along with part of her collection of local history books.
Many of our visitors had an interest in both the photos and in the family history resources brought along by Daryl Povey and Geoff Corner. Like last year, both were kept busy for the two days. It seems that word is getting around about the family history side of the exhibition, as more visitors this year either had specific questions or brought along more information about their families to share.
Daryl and Geoff between them have heard of most of the family names in the Digby, Merino and surrounds but they were stumped by one visitor who insisted that a family called Digby had existed in the area - this remains an open question. Any contributions are welcome.
Geoff was heard to estimate that three quarters of the people who came through the door were related, although they often didn't know it and, sometimes, they didn't want to know! Yes, it really is turning into a giant family reunion!
