Four days of talks, tours, walks and displays to mark the North Otago Early Settlers Association’s milestone came to an end on Saturday, with a small gathering at the North Otago Early Settlers Association Hall in Severn St.
A highlight for many was seeing the Spirit of New Zealand ship sail past Oamaru on Wednesday, a fitting sight, given it was a similar style to the ships many of North Otago’s early settlers arrived on.
North Otago Early Settlers Association president Helen Stead, who cut a cake at Saturday’s ceremony, said much had been learned throughout the jubilee.
"It’s been fascinating, because it’s brought out a lot of people who are interested in family district history. The means by which we are recording it has changed so dramatically, but I think we are changing with the times."
An example of that was the association’s collection of portraits, which are being scanned, digitally enhanced and returned to their original frames.
She said there was no doubt people would continue to enjoy North Otago’s rich history.
"I like to think people will continue to record their own family district history for the future generations."
The association has about 20 active members.
Its first meeting was held on January 29, 1939.
