Otautau School Photos

Over the last couple of weeks, we've been posting photos of Otautau School classes to our Facebook page. Otautau School donated the photos in 2009. The photos cover the 1960s to the 2000s. They aren't a complete set as some years are missing but still a very substantial and valuable set.

We decided to post them online for two reasons: 1) to continue to make our collections more accessible to the public; and 2) to gather names of the students as most of these photos did not come with names.

Collecting names is a timely kind of exercise - if you wait too long, people won't remember the names. So, we took a chance to put them on Facebook not really knowing how the majority would respond.

Thankfully, the response has been really positive. People are having a laugh and getting their memories stirred, and they are contributing the names we'd hoped for.

Thanks to all who have helped and participated in this informal naming project.

We're always on the lookout for more school photos either from Otautau School or any of the other schools nearby namely Fairfax School, Ermedale School, Aparima School, Gladfield School, Merrivale School, Waikouro School, Isla Bank School and any others I've forgot to mention!

Note: We will open on Sunday, 4 October 2015, 2pm to 4pm.

Old Anglican Church

Three churches in Manapouri. Former Otautau Anglican Church on the left.

Otautau had four thriving churches in the past - the Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican and Catholic. Three of these historic buildings remain, but one was removed several years ago and has a new life as an arts and crafts shop in Manapouri.

The front of the arts and crafts building, Manapouri.

The Anglican Church (centre) and Otautau School (left), Otautau.

St Andrew's Anglican Church was on Alderly Street, behind what is now the district council building. It was built in 1905 by Joseph Swap (1856-1908) - a carpenter from Aberdeen who built many of Otautau's homes and businesses.

Peggy Ryan's sketch of the Anglican Church entrance view.

This is the church as it was being dismantled for removal in Otautau. 

Entrance view, Manapouri.

The church and manse with Rev and Mrs Snell and friends.

The Rev and Mrs Snell were a noteworthy, community-minded couple who established the St Andrew's Scout group and Girl Guides group in 1927. The scouts are still active today and are one of the longest-lived organisations in Otautau.

The old church in great shape in Manapouri 2015.

The building was closed the day I visited so I couldn't find out more, but it certainly looks well taken care of.

Note: We're closed for the winter but will open again in October 2015. You can request an individual visit by request if you would like to see the museum in person.

Mystery Portraits

Do you know these people?

This photo has 'Coster' written on the back. There were a lot of Costers in Winton, and a Jane & James Coster lived in the Otautau district on their "Birchgrove" farm. James died in 1909. Jane lived in Colac Bay towards the end of her life in 1937. Both are buried in the old Otautau Cemetery. Is this Jane & James Coster or another couple of the Coster family? 

There are strong common features between the girls in this photo. It was taken by Cameron Photo of Winton, but who was the family? Any ideas? Please email us if you know anything.

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