Tucked away in Huxtable Park, Chermside West, the Girl Guides Hut on Dundalli Street is home to the Girl Guides Queensland Archive, preserving a collection of memorabilia that dates back to 1919.
Open to the public by request, the Huxtable Guide Hut offers visitors a glimpse into more than 100 years of Guiding in Queensland, featuring photographs, uniforms and resources for those researching family histories or wartime service.
Leading the preservation effort is archivist Jill Hogrefe, who has been curating the collection since 1999. She said her interest in the archive began with Lone Guiding.
“Lones at that time were School of the Air or correspondence members,” Jill said. “I decided to compile the history of Lone Guiding, so access to the Guide Archive was essential.
“My quest for knowledge and learning new skills maintains my interest.”
Jill curates rotating displays based on visitor interests, ranging from Guiding traditions to specific topics such as Papua New Guinea or World War II.
Volunteers, Preservation and the Push for Donations
The archive is maintained with the help of dedicated volunteers, including Joan Nicoll, Merle Scope and Irene Woolnough.
“Joan, Irene and Merle each contribute their own skills and knowledge – dressmaking skills, knowing local contacts and local history,” Jill said. “Their support is far more important than they realise.
“There have been dedicated volunteers since the 70s and notable of these were Maureen and the late George Paris.”
Thanks to Brisbane City Council grants, the archive has undergone improvements over the past three years. These include upgrades such as an overhead fan and dehumidifier for the archives, wall fans for the display area, a fridge for photographic negatives and essential tools and materials for display and conservation.
“It is a much more modern appearance,” Jill said. “Being Guides Australia’s only stand-alone archive and museum, there will always be overheads. We meet NAA (National Archives of Australia) guidelines for the standards to follow. To reach a high standard, money for supplies and improvements will always be necessary.”
For locals who might have old Guide memorabilia at home, Jill said every item was appreciated.
“Donations of all Guide material might provide missing information or replace even one damaged page,” she said. “Toys made by members might enhance a themed display. A 1940s swimsuit has been donated. Photos show girls…but the actual costume will bring a display to light.
“My priority is to have people entrust their guide memorabilia to be shared and add to our history.”
For inquiries or to arrange a visit, email archives@guidesqld.org
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