MEREDITH History Interest Group president Margaret Cooper has released a new book.<\/p>\n
The idea for Foundation Stones, Plaques, Sculptures & Signs of Meredith <\/em>was born from the many photos Cooper had accumulated of interesting landmarks in the district; plaques on bridges, rocks, and writing on stones.<\/p>\n \u201cThe book starts with foundation stones; some we can find and others we can\u2019t. There are records in newspapers of the laying of foundation stones, like Goslings Hotel in 1853, but the building\u2019s now gone, and we haven\u2019t found the stone,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe one at the Shire Hall was unveiled with much pomp and ceremony, and we\u2019ve never found that one either.\u201d<\/p>\n Outdoor signs, sculptures, and tablets on buildings, stands or rocks are explored, including a 1951 cairn recognising Steiglitz\u2019 pioneers.<\/p>\n Also mentioned is the Path of the Ibis <\/em>at Meredith, the Woodburn Creek State School and Larundel soldier settler plaques on rocks, the Bamganie World War One soldiers\u2019 sign, the Woodburn Hill sculpture recognising the original school, the metal merino ram at the Moranghurk soldier settlers\u2019 memorial, and the \u201cmagnificent\u201d Bunjil the eagle lookout in Maude.<\/p>\n The \u201cquirky\u201d cover of Cooper\u2019s book features a plaque near the Lethbridge lake which has lost its writing to erosion, and is now only a \u201crusty piece of metal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf the grass was long and you were walking through, it would be something to trip over. It\u2019s just completely gone. We put the title of the book on the blank sign,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Documenting history is Cooper\u2019s passion. She said those who create and install foundation stones, plaques, sculptures, and signs are just as passionate about keeping the heritage of communities\u2019 alive.<\/p>\n \u201cThese people considered it important enough to put it there as a lasting memorial, so it\u2019s important people know they\u2019re there, recognise them and the history behind them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n