Railway history on display at museum
‘‘While mounting the Keeping the Trains on the Track exhibition at Morrinsville Museum, a decision was made by the committee to include costumes and a story about Morrinsville people travelling by train to Auckland.’’
The Morrinsville to Hamilton Railway was opened on October 1 1884 and with this came the opportunity for Morrinsville people to travel to Auckland.
While mounting the Keeping the Trains on the Track exhibition at Morrinsville Museum, which opened on September 25 last year, a decision was made by the committee to include costumes and a story about Morrinsville people travelling by train to Auckland.
This was to give the exhibition, which was built around machinery related to the railways, a point of interest for women.
Volunteer Michelle Walton heads the Costume and Textiles team at Morrinsville Museum.
Her expertise enabled the team to put together and dress three mannequins complete with costumes and props that represented the 1930s in Morrinsville.
Costumes were sourced from Auckland, Morrinsville Little Theatre and various op shops in the area.
Using books and newspaper clippings, Michelle was able select costumes and in some cases adapt them to be as true in depiction of the era as possible.
Artefacts from the museum and from Michelle’s personal collection added to the authenticity of the exhibition.
Two of the mannequins represented two young women, living in Morrinsville in 1934, and their fictional story about travelling to Auckland to attend a dance recital.
Peggy Seville, who wears an authentic 1930s black dress was Dr Seville’s daughter.
Lois Echlin, wearing a summer dress, hat and gloves was the daughter of Leo Echlin of Echlin’s Bookshop.
The Railways Exhibition is currently open at the museum.
The Morrinsville Museum is open every week from Tuesday until Friday from 12.30-4pm. It is closed on Saturday but open on Sunday from 10am-2pm.