A new exhibition at the Land of the Beardies History House Museum is inviting the community to take a trip down memory lane with “Grey Street CBD c.1860s – 2000s”. The display charts the evolution of businesses and buildings along Grey Street over more than a century, offering a nostalgic look at the changing face of Glen Innes.
The exhibition explores both sides of Grey Street—from the corner of Ferguson Street (home to the former Royal Hotel, now Pathfinders) through to Lang Street on the east side, and from Hollie Homes (once Whyte’s Boot Factory site) through to the Club Hotel on the west side. Visitors can learn about what once stood where, who ran the businesses, and how familiar locations have changed over time.
The result of four years of detailed research, the display is the work of Annette Fearnley, Photographic Co-ordinator at History House, who sourced historic images and information from the museum’s archives. She worked alongside Howard Eastwood, retired head of Photo Create, who designed the layout for two companion books—Grey Street: 100+ Years East Side and Grey Street: 100+ Years West Side. The books were produced by Photo Create and are available for order from the museum office, with proceeds supporting History House.
In addition to the Grey Street exhibition, new displays on What’s on Down Under, Beauty is Only Skin Deep, and Communications are also now open to the public.
The exhibition will run from July through to October or November 2025 and can be viewed daily from 10am to 2pm at the Land of the Beardies History House Museum, located on the corner of West Avenue and Ferguson Street. For more information, contact the museum on 6732 1035.
