By Danielle Kutchel
History was on display at the historic Fisherman’s Cottage in Tooradin last Saturday.
The Cottage played host to the National Trust’s Heritage Festival, held in conjunction with the City of Casey. A number of historical societies from around the Cranbourne region attended, including the Cranbourne Shire Historical Society and the Dandenong High School Ex-Students Association.
The Narre Warren Family History Group helped visitors delve into their family tree.
The museum at the Fisherman’s Cottage was open all day, showcasing life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors explored the old one-teacher school, and a shed which houses historical fishing gear.
The afternoon was capped off by a boat tour of Western Port Bay, during which marine expert Greg Hunt explained the importance of the bay’s biodiversity.
Barry Freeman, a committee member of the Cranbourne Shire Historical Society, said around 100 people ventured out to the cottage.
“It was a big day and we’re happy with the response – people who came really enjoyed it, and those who hadn’t been before were surprised at what we had there,” he said.
He said there was a strong feeling of nostalgia, as people re-discovered old artefacts and reminisced on seeing their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles use them in years gone by.
The Fisherman’s Cottage itself is a historical monument in its own right, Mr Freeman added.
“It came up for sale in 1968 and had been in the one fishing family from when it was built. When it came up for sale, three local Tooradin ladies had the foresight to say we should preserve it for future generations.”
New artefacts are often added to the display at the cottage, and Mr Freeman encouraged visitors to drop in when they could to see the extensive collection.
The Fisherman’s Cottage at Tooradin is open on Sundays from 12pm til 4pm.
