Echoes of the Past

What drives an historian?

Steph McLennan with Bob Allen and Bryan Mclennan at the Montville Hall

Doug Patterson asked Steph Mclennan how she became the first Cooridinator of the Montville Historical Group in 1986?

Steph explained, "A love of research and curiosity started my Montville History journey. My father instilled in my sisters and myself a desire to be curious about all things from words to chemical equations. ‘Look it up‘ he would say. 

Colonel Carpenter and myself both loved Montville and were interested in knowing more about the history and the people of Montville. 

Mrs Madge Glover often spoke to me of the early residents of Montville…..and so The Montville Historical Group was born. Amongst our number were Colonel George Carpenter, Betty Bennet, Jean Capper, Alan Sly and Myself as the group leader. None of us expert but all keen. It was also wonderful to become involved in the Brisbane Historical Society through study weekends and learn how their research was done and how they were organised. Judy and Ian Rolle two local residents were always there to help out at fund raising stalls. 

My love of research sent me on the historical chase to the old John Oxley Library at North Quay,  The State Library and to the Post Office archives. The Survey Office also had a wealth of knowledge with old plans and dates and we were also helped by the curator of the Survey Museum. He gave us invaluable advice and facts. 

Many local residents had their own family stories, which  many shared but those writing their own reminiscences suggested we do our own research. The wisest advice really which meant we had facts rather than hearsay. 

The joy of doing the family research was getting to know the families from near and far and it was almost as though their families became our families. At the Centenary Celebrations there were joyous meetings of the people just not the name. 

If you showed the families you were responsible and reliable we found they generously leant us photos, stories and letters every piece or object being recorded. Photos and stories were copied and returned by registered mail. All were noted and marked off before being returned. A huge job but a vital one. 

For me it was an absolute joy and a highlight of my time living in Montville. Everyone was so generous with their help and time and I learnt so much."