Christine Grieg Adams believes historic milestones can inspire children.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the Moruya River bridge, the Eurobodalla teacher has led classroom discussions on the history of its four crossings.
The anniversary falls on Friday, December 9.
“So much of our history can be easily forgotten,” Ms Greig Adams said.
“I have been doing talks about the bridge at Moruya Public School and Moruya Preschool.
“It ties in with the school history unit.”
The school-room conversations began by considering how people crossed the river before any bridge existed.
“The kids came up with all kinds of ideas,” Ms Greig Adams said.
“They suggested people could swim across, or they could build a boat
“Or they could wait for low tide.”
The children were on the right track.
“That is actually why the bridge is located where it is – the shallowest place to cross and a traditional ford,” Ms Greig Adams said.
Restrictions on bridge activities were relatively recent.
“Between 1900 and 1966, people would walk all over the bridge for parades and festivities,” she said.
In 1900, there was a party and barbecue on the bridge itself.
“It was interesting to watch the kids grasp the concept of a time when there were no cars,” Ms Greig Adams said.
“Even into the 60s, they would have parades and other events on the bridge and that would simply shut the bridge to traffic.
“We talked about why you wouldn’t be able to have a party on the bridge today.”
That’s a sore point for the history buff.
“It’s disappointing that litigation and safety issues mean the bridge can no longer be used as it was in the past,” she said.
The children will walk on December 9 to the bridge to celebrate its 50th anniversary at 11am.
Eurobodalla Shire Council is having a cake made and will host a sausage sizzle in the park adjacent to the bridge.
