History and Nostalgia

May and June are all about looking back at our history, both as part of the celebrations for Bathurst’s 200 years, and because Rankin Cottage Crafts has been in existence for 30 years – what an achievement for everyone!

We’ve taken the opportunity to get involved as much as possible, and spent an enjoyable, although very cold, couple of days demonstrating heritage crafts as part of the Colonial Fair on both the actual Proclamation Day of 7^th May, and the big affair that took place on the Saturday. Don’t we look the real deal!

Back at the Cottage, we have our usual fireplace display, but this month we are focussing on heritage items – it is amazing what old things people still have. Some customers have had to ask what various things are, but some have been a bit nostalgic, as many can remember things from their own childhoods, or from memories of their grandparents.

Life back then was simpler, but it was also harder. Can you imagine ironing with those old irons that went on the good old combustion stove? I have clear memories of my grandmother using them in her kitchen, and she even ironed the sheets with them!

Here are a few specific items people may remember – the good old party-line telephone, a cast iron meat mincer (be careful not to mince your fingers), a carriage light, a (small) saddle bag, and what good household would be without the louse powder (for the chooks, of course).

Rankin Cottage is very proud to be able to be part of the Bathurst 200 celebrations. We have our very own Living Legend in Betty Ives, who also has her own figure in the Peoplescape installation. Betty’s status will be recognised in July with a tree planted in her name as part of the Bathurst Living Legend celebrations.

In the meantime, here at Rankin Cottage we will be busy preparing for the June celebration of our 30^th birthday. We have demonstrations of various crafts each weekend during the month (see here), and a special birthday party, including afternoon tea and a cake to be cut, on 14^th June – our actual birthday. Everyone is welcome, but please contact Pam Shurmer on 6331 7572 if you will be coming along.