Photos provide a rare historical insight

But there was never any photographic proof ... until now.

The museum recently received photos that had been taken by Herbert 'Bert' Mark in those first few years since the Boat Club’s formation.

“Bert, an amateur photographer, had come to Deniliquin around 1916 and took over Maher's bicycle shop in Cressy St,” Mr Lea said.

“While Bert's photos don't record the first ever speed boat races in Deniliquin on Saturday, April 5, 1947, he has quite a few photos of the boating regattas in 1949.

“According to various articles in the Pastoral Times during that era, local speed boats included Richard Greaves' ‘Black Magic’, John Taylor's ‘Satan’, Wally Hardman's ‘Thunderbird’, Roy Glenn's ‘Buzz Bug’, James Tasker's ‘Ark Royal’, Arthur Gillespie's ‘Flash’ and Jack Collin's ‘Whizz’.”

The report also revealed that at the first regatta in 1947, two four-oared crews from the Albert Park Rowing Club gave demonstration of rowing races.

“It showed that the straight stretch of the river between the baths and downstream, past the National Bridge, was ideal for rowing races,” Mr Lea said.

“This Melbourne club later donated two boats to foster the sport in Deniliquin, but little else is known.

“Also water skiing was relatively new in that era and this was first demonstrated by several crews from Albury at a 1948 Regatta at the Edward St baths.

“The Deniliquin Boat Club helped develop the watersports at Echuca where even larger crowds attended.

“It is interesting that at Echuca and Deniliquin, no boat ramps had been built yet, so the boats were lowered and raised from the river by ‘block and tackle’.

“As the Edward River hadn't been de-snagged, a lot of boats were damaged during the races, and even a few sunk as a result.”

On researching the events more, Mr Lea said it was interesting to learn that Deniliquin Boat Club catered for all boating enthusiasts, from rowing boats to fishing boats, speed boats and even small cabin cruisers.

It was not until 1955 that the Deniliquin Speed Boat Club was formed and a clubhouse built at McLean Beach.

Mr Lea said the photographs of the regatta were among a collection of more than 100 photos taken by Mr Mark in Denilqiuin.

They were donated to the museum by the photographer’s descendents, and collected from them in Tasmania by Pam and Greg Jones when they were visiting Tassie in at the end of January.

“Bert Mark also built a house in Davidson St, Deniliquin - opposite Brown's store,” Mr Lea explained.

“In an old timber shed beside his house he had a tiny 1920s Cirrus Moth de Havilland biplane with wings that folded back against the fuselage.

“This aeroplane is now on display in Sydney's Castle Hill Museum.”

Mr Mark’s photographs have been added to the historical archives at the museum, which is a growing account of local life and local families.

The museum was established in the former police inspector’s residence in Macauley St, Deniliquin.

If you wish to view the photos, or other collection items, the museum is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 12pm.

Group tours and special viewings can be arranged by appointment, by calling 0428 359 297.