In the autumn of 1973 a small group of Paterson folk gathered to form a society in preservation of their village.
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This weekend the Paterson Historical Society will pay tribute to the founders of the society – then known as the Paterson Progress Society – and celebrate four decades of hard work, vision and foresight.
“It is only through the generosity of local people who collect artefacts, documents and information that the museum has thrived,” society president Dr Cameron Archer said.
About 12 years ago Wayne Patfield and his wife Val joined the society and Mr Patfield’s love of riverboats flourished.
“My great, great uncle was Captain Herb Patfield and his brother was Captain Sam Patfield and they both worked on the Paterson River during the 1890s,” Mr Patfield said.
“But aside from that, the history of this river is so very important because it was the only way people could get here; there was no other way except by vessel.”
The Paterson Historical Society 40th anniversary celebrations will be held on Sunday from 10am to 4pm and activities will include a town walk, an early river boats history display and a visit to a World War II air raid shelter.
Check out the historical photographs online at www.maitlandmercury.com.au