Guest blog: Bowen Historical Society and Museum
Members of the Bowen Historical Society and Museum are proudly showcasing a valued collection item that dates back to the 1920s, thanks to the small amount of funding awarded through the Whitsunday Regional Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants round in 2016.
Very much a part of the landscape, the billy cart was built by Mr Tom Cheffins more than 90 years ago. The cart is part of a permanent display at the Museum and is complete with a billy goat in situ. Everyone agrees it won’t be long before our young visitors will be asking if they can have a ride in the cart, just like previous generations did all across Queensland.
A life-size re-creation of the billy goat cart proudly displayed at the Bowen Historical Society and Museum. This photograph of the Museum’s newest display featured in the Bowen Independent Newspaper, Friday 12 August, 2016. Photographer: Nadine O’Neill. Permission granted to feature this image by photographer.
It was a common site for families on the land to hitch a hand-made cart to the family’s billy goat, as early as the late 19th century. According to local research the term ‘billy cart’ originated because billy goats were the preferred animal to pull the smaller designed cart. They were used to convey milk cans on the family farm but were often used to entertain the smallest members in the family also. Not only was the billy cart a practical part of people’s lives, the combination also provided a source of entertainment, joy and independence.
It is understood that Tom reconditioned his cart for younger brothers Charlie and Arch and historical accounts indicate neighbours Hugh and Mary Massy often rode in the cart also.
Members of the Cheffins family prepare to leave Sunday School, 1923. In the background is Mrs Cunningham’s residence, Poole Street, Bowen. This photograph taken by Fred Cheffins is part of the Bowen Historical Society and Museum collection.
The cart complete with its billy goat replica is on permanent display at the Bowen Museum.
If you are interested in viewing a selection of similar images, the State Library of Queensland has posted 30 images to an album entitled Goats of Queensland on Flickr Commons. They reflect the importance of the billy goat to family life all over Queensland. If you have a look, tell us which is your favourite!
Owen McVey, Walter Grant, James Grant and Carl Vaughan riding goats, ca. 1918, Isisford, Queensland. Image 10258 John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
For more information about the display, contact our members via email. We would be interested in knowing if any other museums across regional Queensland have similar stories and or collections.
Bowen Historical Society and Museum