Shoes, bottles, tickets, cleaning supplies: somebody’s very eccentric holiday packing list? No, these were just some of the over 900 items unearthed during the archaeological dig carried out at the historic Shorncliffe railway station prior to its upcoming refurbishment.
How did these things end up there and who left them? For answers, let’s look at the station’s history and the people who used it. From when it was built in 1897, Sandgate Terminus (as it was known until it became Shorncliffe in 1938), was a magnet for holidaymakers and day trippers. The train being an easy and convenient way for inland residents to get to the seaside, they came in droves: miners from the New Swanbank Colliery at Ipswich for their annual picnic; schoolchildren from Yandina and Woombye, some of them to see the sea for the first time; Christmas revellers; and even culture lovers, who travelled from the city on special excursion trains to hear the renowned Sandgate City Band play in Moora Park.
There was much to entertain these visitors – swimming and fishing, of course, organised games for the children, picnicking, and rides in a donkey cart on the beach. Probably, though, many of the gentlemen never got further than the two hotels then in Kate St (now Pier Avenue). These hostelries, the Musgrave and the Seaview, were almost certainly the source of most of the beer, rum and gin bottles found at the station. As to the shoes (all odd ones, no pairs), imagine the surprise of their owners, perhaps having lost track of time after a day at the pub and rushing to catch the train, getting home to discover only one shod foot.
Preserving the Past: The Shorncliffe Station Upgrade and Museum Talk
And now, after almost 130 years of serving fun lovers, travellers and commuters, the station is undergoing a significant upgrade. As well as improved passenger and staff amenities, essential security and accessibility enhancements will be provided. Importantly, though, for residents of the area and everyone who loves the old station, its historic buildings, including the heritage World War II air raid shelter, are being restored.
“Preserving and celebrating historic Shorncliffe station is a key focus”, Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said when the project was announced. She went on to emphasise the importance of enhancing rail history while simultaneously providing safer and more accessible public transport.
Anyone who has seen the work in progress will know what a major undertaking it is. Project Manager Helena Hill will give a presentation about the upgrades at the Sandgate Museum this month. Those wishing to attend must register by calling the museum on 3869 2283. For more information, visit www.sandgatemuseum.com.au
[With thanks to the Sandgate Historical Museum (opening hours: Sunday and Wednesday, 9am to 1.30pm. Adults $5, Children $3, Membership $20/$30), and Queensland Rail.]
Shorncliffe Station Upgrade Talk
- Sunday, 19 April, 2.30pm
- Sandgate Museum
- 150 Rainbow Street, Sandgate
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