Books for Sale

If you like to browse shelves, looking for a good read, there is something new in Otautau for you. The Otautau Museum Trust and the Otautau Heritage Trust are now holding an ongoing booksale at The Courthouse. There is a variety of books and magazines on offer including biography, novels, and children's books. This won't replace their annual booksale which is always very successful but is in addition to it. Proceeds are split between the two organisations. The Museum is open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm. No dealers, please.

Your comments are always welcome!

WWI Medal

Today at the museum, a local couple came by with this gold medal for me to photograph. It was created by Otautau jeweller, William J. Wesney at the behest of the Otautau Patriotic Committee at the time of World War I.

According to the Western Star, 1916:

These are to be presented to all returned soldiers who at the time of enlistment had been resident 12 months in Otautau, and to the parents of those who have died in the service of their country.

William had registered the design and encouraged other groups or communities wanting to present this medal to their returned soldiers to contact him.

The medal measures only 26mm x 45mm (approx. 1in x 1 3/4in). On the back is an inscription including the soldier's name and rank.

A rough estimate would indicate that at least 100 of these medals were created and probably many more.

Thanks to the couple for sharing their piece of history with us.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!

There is Beauty in Junk

Would you ever imagine that your junk drawer could be a great resource for art objects? The kids in Year 5 at Otautau Primary School have done just that. These small wooden tableaus contain virtual universes of art - from the common woodscrew to the cheerful toy mechanic. Of course painting them gold and silver is a stroke of genius.

Also featured in this display are colourful mobiles from the kids at Otautau Primary. Both projects were at the Otautau Garden Club's Flower Show a few months ago so if you missed them there, be sure to see them at the museum.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!