Dorothy was the daughter of Gustav Christopher Hartmann and Emma Amanda Kiehne and she married Royal Gustav Hartmann in 1926.

Their daughter Helen gave the card to the museum a few years ago and Harvey Young very kindly made a display case for it. Sadly, Helen died earlier this year.

This card was but one of the presents Kwong Sings gave to customers, particularly at Christmas time.

For wedding presents, there were beautiful vases.

The museum’s archival collection contains much material on the Hartmann family and the Young family and Kwong Sings store.

Christmas is a time when families gather and reminisce, pore over letters and photos trying to decipher writing and name people; when maps are consulted and visits are made to former properties and homes, when the future of possessions is discussed and the three way decision ensues – keep, charity shop, dump…

However, there is a fourth option. Consider giving the Land of the Beardies Museum and Research Centre the choice of acquiring things of local provenance, particularly paper based documents which are often discarded.

We already have a huge collection, much in storage, but often even small items can make up a wonderful collection with a story woven round it. A war diary entry can mention a mate’s name when the family of that man has no other details.

Christmas is a time of giving and the museum and archival resources give a lot of pleasure to those who visit. To the elderly – memories re-kindled of what life was like  for them years ago, and being able to discuss it with the younger generations.

To children – the chance to see how things were in the olden days – to use a large wooden telephone instead of a mobile phone, or use a typewriter… or pump water.

To everyone else, a visit to a wonderful collection, a free cup of tea, a chance to research a part of local history.

We look forward to being able to add to the gifts you receive at Christmas.