Stonehouse, to our knowledge, is the only stonebuilt Inn and Stagecoach Station in Queensland and is celebrating 150 years of history this year, putting on a great event in on 27 and 28 July to celebrate.
Stonehouse was established in 1874, when Robert Williams acquired his first parcel of free hold land.
For the first time in over 100 years a real stagecoach will be back at the historic site for the open day weekend.
“Where else will you be able to see and ride in a working stagecoach on site at a stonebuilt, original Stagecoach Station in Queensland?”, a representative of Friends of Stonehouse said.
Aside from the stagecoach rides, other attractions will include working Clydesdale horse displays including ploughing, a Champion Clydesdale from Earlsfield Clydesdale Stud with Noel and Wendy Jone available for discussion both days, Wool spinning and weaving, a horse drawn pie cart, market stalls, wheel wright display, rope making display, wood turning, folk music, stonemasons, heritage displays and much Moore.
The book launch of “Set in Stone” will also take place on July 27, which tells the history of stonemason Frank Williams, (From Ipswich) who did his apprenticeship and built the store at Stonehouse.
A bush poetry workshop will also be held on July 28, being run by Australian grand champion and international representative for Bush Poetry, Gary Fogarty. Walk ups are very welcome to join.
“This is a chance for the general public to visit and absorb the atmosphere at Stonehouse, watching trades and skills from a bygone era”, Friends of Stonehouse said.
The open day weekend will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 27 and 28 July from 8.30 to 3.30pm.
Shuttle buses will be taking attendees from the Moore Hall to Stonehouse, with only 15 minutes between buses. Admission will be $10, with children under 12 having free entry.
Friends of Stonehouse thank Somerset Regional Council, the Queensland Government, and Experience Somerset for helping to supporting this year’s event.
