The Traralgon and District Historical Society will celebrate the Centenary of Armistice for History Week a little bit differently than most.
Society president Barbara Johnson is calling on the community to lend or donate photos from the region during the war years with the aim of celebrating and recognising the cultural and social impacts of the war on people who were left behind at home.
“There was one family in Gormandale who lost four sons,” she said.
“There were two or three families who lost nearly everyone … so this is about celebrating the wives, the sisters who were left behind here.
“We want a pictorial record of the menfolk and womenfolk. If we can share and we can work together we can be proud of all our history and perhaps give some recognition to those who do not normally get recognition.”
Ms Johnson said the Historical Society had an account of Armistice Day celebrations in Traralgon but hoped to be able to have more photographs from the era on show.
“We have an account of … people gathering here [at the court house] and the police came by to see what all the hullaballoo was about,” she said.
“But those who were left behind … they still had to carry on with the farming. We can have a portrait of a soldier but there is more to the story than just that.
“It’s about adding that human element.”
History Week will be held from October 7-14 and the Historical Society plans to work with the RSL to put on the Armistice Day display at the Traralgon Court House.
The Historical Society meets at 11 Breed Street, Traralgon, at the Neighbourhood House on the last Sunday of each month.
Ms Johnson said members of the public could drop photographs they wish to loan or donate to the Neighbourhood House reception or call the Society on 5174 8399 to arrange an appointment.
