Retired couple restores Cobden's heritage hall after society struggles
Delia and Collin Kerr have restored the heritage hall housing four decades of local history.
When the couple joined the Cobden and District Historical Society four years ago, the former Chocolyn Hall was falling apart. Paint was peeling, windows were rotting and frames were broken.
The three elderly volunteers running it could no longer manage the work. The Kerrs, who live in Camperdown, joined to help a friend sort through material.
They have replaced four of eight rotting windows and secured grants from Corangamite Shire and Cobden's Bendigo Bank to fund repairs. A full repaint, costing about $10,000, is needed.
The last repaint was done in 2003. The couple has set up rotating exhibitions featuring historic dresses from around 1870 and a 200-year-old bicycle.
The society celebrates its 40th anniversary on October 4 with an Antiques Roadshow style event.
- Four years
- Years volunteering
- Four of eight
- Window replacements
- $10,000
- Repaint cost estimate
- 2003
- Last repaint
Why it mattersLocal history groups disappear when community volunteers stop. Once lost, that heritage cannot be recovered.
AustraliaA small Victorian town's living museum has been saved from decay by retirees, showing how communities can preserve their own stories.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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