Eland’s Mini Museum 1972-87
- catepatterson9
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Keeping History Alive
On the 29th April, 1972, Sir Francis Nicklin, KCMG, MM, the Premier of Queensland, officially opened the Eland’s Mini Museum at 158-160 Main Street, Montville.
The Mini Museum was the brainchild of Ernest (Ernie) Eland with the able support of his wife, Doris. Ernie was a recognised amateur horologist who had built up a large collection of historic, antique clocks while Doris collected fine china and early historic Australian artifacts. Ernie and Doris had retired from their farm at 414 Western Avenue to 162 Main Street and bought the neighbouring property to build a home for their collection.
When the Mini Museum opened, its main feature was Ernie’s clock collection which featured a ‘Columbus Clock from 1492, a 17th century clock and a USA clock from 1876. However, it also included a pit saw and a mangle from Montville’s pioneering days. Much of Doris’ china collection was made up of family heirlooms. Over the next 15 years, the collection grew to include antique furniture, historic photographic equipment, musical instruments and a wide range of Australiana artifacts.
There doesn’t appear to have been an entry charge but donations were welcome. Ernie and Doris were staunch members of the then Methodist Church and donated the first week’s takings to the church’s building fund. Doris was an accomplished preserve maker and offered to make and sell her preserves through the museum on behalf of the church from donated produce. Over the years, Doris made between $20 to $30 a week, providing it with a steady and reliable income.
Eland’s Mini Museum closed in 1987 with the building and its collection being auctioned off on Thursday, 23rd July. Ernie died in 1975 but Doris, with the help of family, ran the museum for another 12 years. In collecting and sharing history, Ernie and Doris have become a memorable part of our history – the history of Montville.
Doug Patterson
Montville History Group
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