Willoughby District Historical Society

Are you interested in our local History? The Willoughby District Historical Society is seeking new members. The WDHS operates a museum in Boronia, 58 Johnson Street Chatswood, a federation style brick cottage built in 1912 and bequeathed to the Society as a Museum in 1988 by Mrs. Sonya Narelle Kirkham. It presents a fine collection of household items from the Inter-War era, material on Willoughby’s industrial history, photographs and graphic material, including plans and advertisements for sub-divisions planned by Walter Burley Griffin. The kitchen, which has been restored to its 1930s glory by Society volunteers, was officially opened by the Mayor of Willoughby, Pat Reilly, on 22 May. The museum is open 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 10am–4pm and the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month 1.30pm–4pm; school tours and other groups are welcome by appointment. Admission is by donation.

The Society holds general meetings at 2pm on the first Monday of the month (except January) at the Dougherty Centre, 7 Victor Street Chatswood. These are addressed by guest speakers who cover an interesting range of historical subjects and afternoon tea is served. Visitors are most welcome. The WDHS has a weekend tour scheduled to Orange and Millthorpe on 1-2 November to meet with the historical societies in those centres and explore the historical sites.

For information about the Society and membership, phone 9410 3203 during Museum opening hours, or call Mary Thom on 9419 5851 or Betty Doggett on 9417 4192. For information on the Orange-Millthorpe tour you can also contact Bob McKillop at 9958 4516.