No Name Lane Exhibitions

'Looking Back'

‘Looking back’ is a photographic snapshot capturing some of Queanbeyan’s social and architectural history from the late 1890s through to late 1980s.

The single images include our much loved Royal Hotel c.1925. Originally known as Byrnes Hotel, this image shows it as Richardsons Hotel just prior to its demolition and subsequent to the 2nd stage of the 1926 Royal being completed. Who can forget the Owl Supermarket behind J.B. Young’s – represented in an image of the 1969 Floral Festival float.

Just as iconic was the big red and blue neon ‘Y’ on the roofline of the Young’s store in Monaro Street, depicted in a night time image c. 1960s. What happened to The Y?

Fosseys was also a very popular shopping venue, originally located in the old 1877 Temperance Hall on the corner of Monaro and Lowe Street. This building was a landmark in Monaro Street with its domed roof of corrugated iron and it still exists behind the current parapet.

Remember the days when you could ride your bike shoeless and without a helmet and no one seemed to notice? Taken c.1976 to celebrate an upcoming golfing event, this image speaks for itself! 

The two collages represent a collection of images of events such as the Floral Festival celebrations, Anzac Day commemorations and the annual agricultural show plus the installation of electricity poles and drainage works in Monaro and Crawford Streets. They also show the evolution of the motor car, showing the different models and how car parking options have changed over time, specifically in Monaro St. 

Leading into the refresh of Monaro Street, this exhibition of images represents the history of change and transition of the Queanbeyan CBD over the years. It is an ode to our built and social history, a trip down memory lane!

Image Source: Frank Pangallo Heritage Library, Queanbeyan & District Historical Museum Society Inc