Charles Chauvel was resident of District from 4 years of age through to his 20's. His first two movies, 'Moth of Moonbi' and 'Greenhide' were shot locally.
Harrisville & District Historical Museum
The museum is housed in a 100yr old weatherboard home, school and display sheds. A highlight is one of only two remaining Stiger Vortex Rain Guns (used in the 1902 drought). An annual film screen honours Charles and Elsa Chauvel, and the museums has a photo display taken from all of their films.
Address:
54 Queen St, Harrisville, QLD
Tel:
0754671325
Hours:
1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Admission:
Adults $2, Secondary students $1, Primary students 50c
Facilities:
Brochure available
Collection:
Domestic artefacts and farm machinery, plus typical 1-Room School. Collection of photographs by Charles and Elsa Chauvel (Australian movie pioneers)
Items
Australian Movie
Tribute to Charles and Elsa Chavel'
Description:
Substantial photographic collection representing all movies produced by the Chauvels between 1927 - 1955
Date:
1927-1955
Local Photo History
Albert Hall Collection
Creator:
Albert Hall
Description:
615 negative (B&W) of ditrict activities in the post-war era.
Date:
1945-1950
The Museum does not currently have financial resources to have good quality enlargements made, consequently the collection is not available to the public.
Climate Control
Steiger-Vortex Rain Gun
Creator:
Designed by Clement Wragge
Description:
Substantial steel cone, approx 4000mm high, used by Clement Wragge in an attempt to break the 1902 drought.
Date:
1902
One of 6 manufactured - only other surviving example believed to be at Charleville.
Sulky
Horse-drawn sulky
Creator:
Unknown
Description:
Horse-drawn sulky
Commonly used in district for transport up until the end of World War II.
Mineral Samples
Mandel Kow Collection
Creator:
Charles Mandle Kow
Description:
Comprehensive stone and minerals collection from all over Australia.
Donor of collection is deceased. We are seeking additional information about him to assist us in contextualising the collection.