The blinds came up on the store-front windows of the old Channel Emporium in Woodbridge on the weekend of August 13 and 14, drawing the eyes and imaginations into the past.
Visitors were warmly welcomed into the town for the Back to Woodridge Weekend, part of the Woodbridge Life 2022 program of events celebrating life in and around Woodbridge.
The weekend began outside the entrance of the Woodbridge Community Hall, with a Welcome to Country, by Woodbridge resident Graeme Seabourne.
The Kingborough Chronicle joined in the historic tour of the village, commencing in the Hall, with a rich and fascinating collection of old maps, photos, artefacts, historical information and anecdotes on display.
There was much to be discovered.
Stories within stories, some of which will be shared with readers over coming weeks.
Appropriately, the exhibition commenced with traditionally woven baskets, a reminder and the sense of connection to country and culture of the district’s original inhabitants.
The European township of Peppermint Bay (Woodbridge) originated from 1828, when the site was selected as peppermint gum was in high demand for shingle timber for the rooves of buildings in Sullivans Cove (Hobart).
The region is significant in the history of Tasmania, and the displays spoke volumes on the strength and passion of the villagers and surrounding inhabitants, past and present.
The windows of the old Channel Emporium offer a glimpse into a bygone era, revealed through a fascinating collection of wares.
It was a journey back to yesteryear.
The ground floor of the historic two-story building, dating back to the 1800’s was a drapery, ironmongery, grocers, a bakery and butcher’s shop.
The items have been gathered by Catherine Mason, with assistance from her mother Lee Mason.
Catherine is the great granddaughter of Albert Mason, whom, together with his brother Reg Mason, bought the store from Fred Lucas in 1910.
Lee Mason and her husband Rod, grandson of Albert Mason, ran the nearby general store, then known as Mason’s Store, for around 20 years.
The general store has been transformed by today’s operators Pieter and Ally Snyder, into the Woodbridge Village Store Café and Emporium, complete with a cosy wood fire and a generous selection of homemade meals, desserts, and fresh scones.
Chair of the Woodbridge Life 2022 Committee, Graham Rae said anyone who missed the Back to Woodbridge weekend exhibition can catch it on display in the Channel Museum during September.
The next event on the Woodbridge Life calendar is the Small Wonders of Woodbridge exhibition of artworks, curiosities and memorabilia that relate to life in Woodbridge.
Pick up an entry form at the Art Lounge of the West Winds Community Centre, and submit your piece by 3pm on August 26.
CAP: The old Channel Emporium in Woodbridge lifted its store-window blinds on weekend of August 13 to reveal a collection of wares dating back decades, providing a glimpse into part of the rich history of life in Woodbridge. Pictured Lee Mason and Michele Mason granddaughter of Albert Mason, who together with his brother Reg Mason, bought the store from Fred Lucas in 1910.
