Douglas Shire Historical Society

The rugged pioneering spirit that gave birth to the Douglas Shire was remembered when the 140th anniversary of Port Douglas was celebrated recently.  Douglas Shire Historical Society and the Douglas Shire Council unveiled a sign detailing the 'Proclamation of Port Douglas' at the iconic Teamsters Park.  The memorial, located on the Captain Cook Highway at Craiglie, pays tribute to those who discovered the route from the Hodgkinson Goldfield.  Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu said the new sign would help tell the story of the region.  Craiglie was originally known as Four Mile and served as a good base for animals, such as horses and cattle, due to the pasture available.  In its prime the town had three hotels, a store, a bakery, a butcher, a blacksmith and a saddler.  A 2015 Council study revealed more the 8,000 vehicles pass Teamsters Park every day.  Port Douglas was proclaimed as an official port of entry for the levy of dutiable goods on December 1, 1877 and was named after the then Queensland Premier John Douglas.  The Society's first meeting of this new year was held at the Mossman Community Centre.  The group is researching the war-time mines and bombs that were washed up on the coast, so if you're interested in the subject or have something to tell them, please come along.  Also, what a great achievement and congratulations to Ken and helpers Belinda and John on their new book.  Yungaburra resident Ken Keith's new book details the early history of farming in this region.  'Cattle, Cane and Cedar; Early farming in the Douglas Shire' also covers attempts to produce cereals, fruit, coffee, coconuts and even rubber.  Mayor Julia Leu launched the book recently at the Mossman Library.  This Book is available at a special price at the Society's Court House Museum or at the local newsagencies and bookshops.  Or you can order on line with postage at $12 - because it's a very big book!