Pine Mountain to return to past
A CELEBRATION of pioneer life at Pine Mountain later this month is expected to be enjoyed by hundreds of visitors.
Pine Mountain & Districts Historical Society is marking 150 years of settlement with a pioneer weekend on September 22 and 23.
Many descendants of the original 30 settler families still live in the Ipswich region.
On Saturday, September 22, from 10am- 4pm, a reunion of descendants and past residents will be held at the Pine Mountain Hall, cnr Pine Mountain Rd and Russells Rd.
Genealogy displays will include family trees of all the pioneer families, and memorabilia will give an insight into the life of the first settlers.
Tours of historical sites at Pine Mountain will take in three cemeteries.
Organisers are keen to contact more descendants of the first settlers. Society chairman Len Mahon said he expected about 500 people to turn out to the reunion. Some descendants were coming from as far away as Canberra, Adelaide, Innisfail and Charters Towers.
Timbergetters came first to the mountain to fell the hoop pine, which was used to build Ipswich Hospital and many houses around the region.
Mr Mahon said many immigrants took advantage of the "land order".
"Anyone who paid their own way to come to Queensland in 1862 was given a voucher for 18 pounds to encourage immigration," he said.
Mr Mahon said the pioneer weekend would "build community".
"It gives newcomers a sense of history," he said.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in pioneer clothing for the event.
On Sunday, September 23, a Pioneer Day in the Park will also run from 10am- 4pm at Cricket Pitch Park opposite the hall.
Highlights will include a re-enactment of the 1887 cannon-firing salute for Queen Victoria's birthday, Redcoats marching with muskets, convicts on parade with their families and a camp making billy tea and damper.
Local craft and produce - like olives, woodturning and soap - will be on show while vintage cars and machinery will also make an appearance.
Inquiries to Elaine Peet by phoning 5464 3827.
