History – Live at the Mangawhai Museum

When the new museum at Mangawhai opened in December 2014, several groups formed including the History Group. That group created an annual event called Live Night, which is designed to be fun, educational and a happy time for both children and adults.

On these nights, volunteers dress in period costume and staff the display units they represent. Children are encouraged to arrive in dress-up as whoever they wish to represent, and adults are also welcome to be a part of the dress-up theme of the night.

The evening programme usually includes a musical group in the foyer, who entertain visitors and participants. Unfortunately, the wonderful Jaques Brothers’ Band, who have entertained Mangawhai and districts for the past 60 years, was no longer able to perform for us, even though Bill played the piano for those who wished to dance to music of the 1940s and 50s last year. This year, one of our entertainers was our Canadian manager Tom Long, who is a wonder with the children. He kept them occupied with contests and by drawing their likenesses.

Our museum volunteers were splendid in their regalia. Our 58th Regiment soldier in his red jacket stood at attention, as folk wondered at the white cross emblazoned over his front and back. There was a finely clad chap in naval uniform at the Niagara display, while at the next site were two beautiful ‘flapper’ girls, dressed up to the nines. Inside the holiday tram were two holiday makers, playing cards, while outside at the wharf, there was a very well dressed gentleman waiting for a steamer to pull up and ship him off to Auckland. Also at the wharf, inside the cargo shed, was a gum-digger with his items of work around him.

In the aerial display area passengers were dressed up and ready to take off in an early Boeing plane for districts in the north. A school teacher showed interested children how students learned their lessons during the 1900s, while a short distance away a group of ladies practised their tatting and rug-making skills, and a well adorned nurse made certain all of those around her were medically fit and able. The sweet old lady, finely dressed and carrying her great-grandchild baby doll attracted a lot of attention from young visitors who all wanted to have a ‘nurse’ of the wee babe, in its ancient shawl. The policeman and his spouse kept an eye on everyone, making sure that they didn’t overstep the mark, and the Big Dig worker was busy answering many questions about the harbour restoration display.

It was an evening of fun for all and happily a success for the museum. Every year is different, and we look forward to whatever next year brings.