By Melissa Coleman
The Cobb and Co. Coach and Collectables Museum officially opened last weekend with more than 100 people in attendance.
The museum highlights the link the area had with the famous horse and coach transport which hauled mail, passengers and freight across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
Vice president of Liston Hall Eric Ree said dignitaries, locals and residents were present for the unveiling of a plaque and festivities commemorating the Museum and the Liston Hall.
Southern Downs Regional Councillor Stephen Tancred and Tenterfield Shire Mayor Bronwyn Petrie shared sentiments of honour for John Burton.
Cr. Tancred said he wanted to honour John Burton and all his work.
“In the context of a district that is 150 years old anyone who is 93 can be classified as a pioneer because they’ve been around for well over half our history.”
“And its history that’s been very well captured here with John’s work on the coach.
“The Burton clan have all done well and I know he is as proud of them as they are of him,” he said.
Two celebration cakes were cut, one for the opening of the Museum and the other for the Liston Hall extensions.
“Cobb and Co representative John Osbourne travelled from Toowoomba to be part of the celebrations, he talked about the history of Cobb and Co which was very interesting,” Mr Ree’s said.
“They also donated the lucky door prize.”
Hazel Johnston, John Burton’s daughter, has written a couple of books on Cobb and Co and is set to begin her third instalment.
Mr Ree’s said she is writing about the 700 drivers of Cobb and Co.
“She already has all 700 names so it will be interesting to0 find out if anyone is related to a driver.”
The afternoon festivities began with a barbeque and later a game of trivia saw 72 people participate.
