150 years celebrated with open day

By Emily Donohoe

Sep 9, 2024

The crowd gathered to learn about the building's history and the work of the Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society. Photos: Supplied

Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society successfully hosted its open day and common school building 150-year anniversary.

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Held on Sunday, September 1, which was also Father’s Day, the event attracted around 80 to 90 people.

Eliza and Felicity Moon try their hands at the egg and spoon race.

Archie and Jed Duffy enjoyed some of the old-fashioned games on the day.

Attendees enjoyed activities like sack and egg and spoon races, toured the society’s collection, and took the opportunity to catch up and learn more about Rochester’s history.

President Kaye Speers and member Maureen Leahy speak during the cutting of the cake.

The 150-year birthday cake was baked by Linda Belot.

Linda Belot baked a cake for the sesquicentenary of the common school building, the oldest brick building in Rochester.

Member Maureen Leahy was asked to cut the cake, being the oldest in attendance during the cake cutting.

One of the founding members, Lindsay Nelson, was also able to call in with his wife Essie.

Vintage cars and trucks paid a visit to celebrate the anniversary.

Vintage cars and trucks rolled into town, remaining for most of the day.

Adults and children alike joined in on the festivities, with the kids trying their hand at the old-fashioned games, while the grown-ups played draughts and shared a cuppa.