Historic Graffiti
For many years, Cardwell residents enjoyed a range of travelling shows which were performed at the Cardwell Shire Hall. Some of the performers have left lasting reminders of their visits by adding a signature or note to the wall beside the steps down from the stage.
​From the 1950s, some of the artists would attend an after-show party at the home of Merv & Evelyn Sadlier. Although Merv ran the local bakery, his wife Evelyn enjoyed throwing parties for the visiting performers, and often made friends with some of the performers! According to some who were at these gatherings, Slim Dusty performed his famous song the “The Pub with no Beer” for the first time in public on the veranda at Sadliers’ home overlooking Rockingham Bay.
Some of the famous, and not quite so famous visiting artists included:
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THE MUSICAL CARLSENS (1925)
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CHAD MORGAN, THE SHEIK OF SCRUBBY CREEK
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THE SLOGGETTS (1940)
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JOY COLLIER’S WESTERN SHOW (1962)
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SLIM DUSTY and his wife JOY PARSONS
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SLIM JIM PIKE (1954)
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GORDON PARSONS.
Today defacing public property with graffiti is considered a crime. But from the point of view of the historical record, the jottings here provide an interesting dimension to our building’s history.
The Cardwell & District Historical Society Inc. played a large part in having the graffiti preserved for posterity after the devastation to the then Museum building caused by Cyclone Yasi in 2011. We’re so glad we did!