Greenmount embraces spooky past for family fun day

It’s a spooky side families can learn more about at the first ever Happy Hallowe’en event at the homestead on Sunday, October 31, from 9am to 1pm.

Along with games, craft, demonstrations and contests, there will be kid-friendly, spooky homestead tours.

Museums support officer Angela Isnor said the Cook Family of Greenmount Homestead had left documentation that detailed their dabbling into spiritualism, clairvoyancy and communing with the departed.

She said the Cooks, especially Albert Cook, were highly valued for their supernatural talents.

“Albert Cook was in demand as a diviner for water, oil, shale and even sapphires; but apparently his talents also extended to clairvoyancy,” Ms Isnor said.

“The residents of Walkerston would bring Albert a possession belonging to their loved ones who were away fighting in World War II,” she said.

“Albert would hold the object and have clairvoyant visions of the soldiers in the theatre of war, and these visions would be of great comfort to the families.

“Albert’s daughter, Althea continued to explore spiritualism after Albert’s passing and was known to hold seances and participate in automatic writing, which is a form of spirit-guided writing where you can communicate with those who have passed over.

“On the day their mother passed, her brother Tom noted in his diary, ‘I saw Al [Althea] for a while. She had contact from Dad that Mum [was] ‘over’ and ‘free’’.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Greenmount team had a talent for combining our local history with family-friendly fun.

“Angela Isnor has done a tremendous job spearheading this event and, being from Canada, Angela is making sure the activities will be sticking closely to tradition,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Families can learn how to carve a pumpkin, play a cornhole game and there will be a costume parade, of course, to show off the spookiest costumes,” he said.

“The Mackay Regional Council Libraries team will also be onsite with their trailer to host some spooky Story Time sessions.”

Entry to the Happy Hallowe’en event is free and a coffee van will be onsite for refreshments.

Families are encouraged come in their Hallowe’en costumes and to bring a picnic lunch and snacks.

Greenmount Homestead Happy Hallowe’en event timetable

• Homestead open – 9am
• Spooky tours – 9.15am, 10.15am and 11.15am
• Story Time session – 9.45am to 10.15am
• Story Time session – 10.45am to 11.15am
• Craft activities – 9am to 1pm
• Hallowe’en games – 9am to 1pm
• Pumpkin carving demonstration – 11.15am to 11.30am
• Hallowe’en bingo – 11.45am to 12.15pm
• Hallowe’en fashion parade – 12.15 to 12.45pm
• Event photography and photo booth – 9am to 1pm