"IT changed a community, and became a lifeline," said Barbara Waters, president of Manning Valley Historical Society.
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"People could now come across to Taree, without taking the punt!"
Fast forward, and Martin Bridge remains a vital path for locals' daily work and school commute, a walk-way for leisurely river strolls and the gateway that welcomes our visitors.
Soon, the bridge will turn 75 years old.
To celebrate this milestone, an exciting daytime celebration is being held by last year's Greater Taree City Council community event of the year winners the Night Bazaar Inc committee.
In collaboration with the Manning Valley Business Chamber, Manning Valley Historical Society and Greater Taree City Council (GTCC), the committee will be keeping holding its first daytime event.
The event will take place on Sunday, May 17, from 9.30am to 3pm along River Street and within Fotheringham Park.
The day begins with a bridge walk, commencing at 10am.
Those wishing to participate must meet on the Glenthorne side at 9.30am.
Following the re-creation of this historic moment (see photo page 2), attendees will enjoy market and food stalls, historical displays, entertainment and children's activities.
"They aren't your regular stalls," says committee member Annette O'Rourke.
"There's going to be produce and plants, along with quirky, funkier products," explained Annette.
"We are also looking for stall holders who represent local craft and small businesses, or connects in some way to define the area," commented committee member Catherine Calvin.
Entertainment for the day is being finely tuned by 2BOB's Rosie Smith.
Rosie will be choosing musical acts that are related to the area and feel of the day.
The committee would like to recreate the atmosphere of their first bazaar event on November 29 last year.
That event attracted a crowd of up to 7000. Due to the expectation of large crowds at the May 17 event, it would be best to leave pets at home.
"It will be a great time for catching up with all the people you know," Catherine said.
"It's nice when there's milestones in country towns it is a celebration for everyone," Barbara concluded.
Anyone interested in applying for a stall, contact Annette O'Rourke on 0422 950 456 or the committee's email nightbazaar64@gmail.com.
If interested in sponsoring the event or volunteering, you can also send the committee an email.
To keep updated on the event like 'Night Bazaar' on Facebook.
THE Martin Bridge 75th anniversary will be celebrated on the exact date of its opening 75 years ago, May 17.
“The event will celebrate the old, the new, the way ahead and how far we’ve come,” said Night Bazaar Inc committee member James Paton.
The anniversary event with the assistance of Manning Valley Historical Society (MVHS) will aim to recreate certain historical elements of the original opening day.
The first element of this re-enactment will be the community walk across the bridge.
The committee is looking to recreate the original photograph of 1000s of people walking the bridge for the first time in 1940.
“Walking the bridge was a big deal,” explains committee member Catherine Calvin.
“Because it used to separate so many people, it was a unifying moment for the community.”
Leading the bridge walk will be town crier of the day, Rod Illidge.
Rod, a retired local businessman and well known actor, will be “dressed to the max” in 1940s attire.
Others are encouraged to get into the spirit and are welcome to dress up or wear a 1940s style hat.
Another element from the bridge’s opening is the original VIP three-course menu, found in L O Martin’s political scrapbooks. The bridge is named after L O Martin, the then Minister for Works and Local Government.
The VIP menu will be recreated by river-side Bean Bar café.
Items on the menu may include ‘approach oyster cocktails’, ‘Manning Bridge consomme’ and ‘rock bottom chicken and lifting sauce’. Bookings are preferred for this part of the event.
Manning Valley Business Chamber will be showcasing businesses old and new, using comparison photographs. Catholic Care will recreate old-fashioned games.
Manning Valley Historical Society is still seeking memories of the bridge opening, this can be in the form of stories or photographs.
President of Manning Valley Historical Society Barbara Waters says she has been a little disappointed with the results so far.
She urges the community to start talking and asking questions to those who may remember the bridge opening or have photographs passed on.
“Everyone has a story, if they are not told, they just disappear,” Barbara said.
Anyone who has photographs can visit the museum at 12 Farquar Street, Wingham on Tuesdays, where their photos can be scanned. Alternately you can email the museum on mvhsmuseum@internode.on.net or phone on 6553 5823.