Today was our opportunity to see some of the historic buildings and places here in Maryborough.
Maryborough was Queensland’s industrial powerhouse in the final decade of the 19th century, producing naval ships, heavy castings for sugar mills and railway locomotives and rolling stock. It also seemed to be the home of many large buildings that are historical and rich in history. The city is something of an outdoor museum. It’s difficult to walk very far at all without seeing another attractive and historic building facade.
Not many people know that Maryborough (Qld) has a unique connection to the world’s most famous nanny. It is, in fact, the birthplace of Mary Poppins who was played by Julie Andrews and countless other actors in various stage shows.
The author who created this famous character, Pamela Travers was born Helen Lyndon Goff in the residence above the former Australian Joint Stock Bank on the corner of Richmond and Kent Streets in Maryborough in 1899. Her father was the bank manager.
A statue of Mary Poppins stands as recognition of Maryborough’s link with the her on the street corner. Even the pedestrian crossing lights on the street corner show a red image of Mary Poppins with her furled umberra (Red, don’t walk) and a green light with her umbrella extended (walk).
In Queens Park there is a ‘Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial’ that features at its entrance, the sculpture of local soldier, Lieutenant Chapman – the first Australian soldier ashore at Gallipoli.
The war memorial is an impressive structure.
One of the famous buildings is the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum which contains artefacts from the Boer War right through to the Afghanistan conflict. It has an original Victoria Cross medal group from Gallipoli. From the poignant letters home, some from men dying in the field and writing their last, scratchy farewells to loved ones, to the medals for bravery and service, the museum focus is on the personal stories and contributions of the men and women who fought, rather than the campaigns and the machinery of battle.
There are 47 points of interest listed on the City Walking Trail, which includes historic buildings, memorials and parks. You’ll need a pair of very comfortable shoes to see them all. It’s difficult to say which buildings are superior as in their own way they are all significant.
The residential streets around the city continue this theme of grandeur with many attractive ‘Queenslander’ Homes.
Good “stuff” Bruce.
It’s a coincidence that Mary Poppins was created in Maryborough!
See you soon.
Alan