Douglas Shire Historical Society

At the Society's September meeting held at the Port Douglas CWA rooms, Peter Lloyd spoke about the historic steam tram 'Faugh-a-Ballagh'.  Peter has teamed up with the Port Douglas Men's Shed to undertake some restoration of the old engine, with paint kindly supplied by Bunnings.  The 'Diggers of Douglas' project continues with filming of the descendents' memories of their World War One soldies relatives.  Alan Crees, Marveen Hodgson and Bob Korotcoff have been filmed by Mike Stent and these interviews will soon be added to the touch screen presentation units on display at the Court House Museum and the Mossman Library.  Some history of the road transport of sugar from Mossman to the Cairns Wharf was covered by John White at the August meeting along with some Francis family history by Jocelyn White.  The Society held a very successful history walk through the Mossman Cemetery recently on a beautiful sunny afternoon.  About fifty people listened to Mossman Librarian, Judy Coulthard as she told stories about some of the people remembered there.  The group has already had requests to organise another walk which they will consider in the near future.  Recently the Society was very fortunate to have a visit from the local Shire Council and was able to show the Mayor and all the Councillors around the Museum and Dixie's Shed.  It's wonderful to know they are so interested in the community's heritage.  Members are reminded that the next meeting will be held on the new date of the 10th October at the Mossman Community Centre with Laurie Taylor as the guest speaker.