AUTHENTIC correspondence and photographs from World War I will be on display at the Main Corner this weekend to commemorate 100 years since Armistice.
The Mount Gambier Philatelic Society has curated a fascinating exhibit including letters from prisoners of war, silk postcards and correspondence between a Mount Gambier private and his wife back home in the Blue Lake city.
“One of our members has the letters the private sent back to his wife and we will hopefully have some of his medals on display too,” secretary Michael van der Linden said.
“Every item in the display is authentic and some letters are over 100 years old as they were sent at the start of the war.
“Philately is more than stamp collecting – we are really about studying history.
“It is more valuable to leave a stamp on an envelope as you can verify the item with the postmark and there is more context that way.”
A digital display will show photographs captured by servicemen from Penola and Naracoorte during tours in Gallipoli and Egypt.
The exhibit will be on display from tomorrow through until Sunday, with limited edition Remembrance Day postcards available for purchase on Sunday.
“We produced the postcards using an image I captured at the last Remembrance Day service at Vansittart Park,” Mr van der Linden said.
“Australia Post has issued a series of stamps with regards to the Armistice centenary and we will sell the postcards with stamps for $5.
“The display is free to attend and all are welcome.”
The exhibit will be open from 10am to 5pm at the Main Corner.
