Historical society honoured for 51 years of preservation

Cranbourne Shire Historical Society members Barry Freeman, Derry Francis, Sue Tobin and Polly Freeman accepted the Appreciation Award. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Cranbourne Shire Historical Society (CSHS) has received recognition for 51 years of membership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria (RHSV).

On Thursday 14 September, RHSV president Professor Richard Broome presented the CSHS with a certificate of recognition, with four of its members attending the presentation held at RHSV headquarters, including 93-year-old Derry Francis who was an original member of the Cranbourne Shire Historical Society when it was formed in 1968.

When the Fisherman’s Cottage in Tooradin came up for sale in the late sixties, three local ladies Jessie Ayers, Kath Metherall and Peggy Banks decided to save it from re-development.

They formed the CSHS in 1968 and with the assistance of the former Shire of Cranbourne, they jointly purchased the cottage for $6000.

The museum located on Foreshore Road in Tooradin now consists of the cottage, a one-teacher school and two large machinery sheds.

The museum opens on Sundays from noon to 4pm.

Visitors are welcome to come and view the historic 1870’s cottage, 1920’s state school and machinery.

Admission is free but donations are welcomed.