WHEN a Ute arrived at the Wingham museum on Tuesday to deliver lights, it wasn’t bringing more modern down lights.
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Instead the special delivery was two historically significant cinema lights from Greater Taree City Council.
Possibly circa 1930's, the lights are believed to be from one of Wingham's original cinemas.
The lights have just been rescued from Taree tip.
Garth Yates, council's senior waste officer received a call from a worker at the JR Richards operated tip to ask if the lights were of interest.
It is not known who originally dropped them off at the tip, although whoever it was did divulge the information that they came from Vinnie’s and were from a Wingham Cinema.
Garth was told to go have a look as the lights looked too good to be scrapped.
"I would love to know the story," said Barbara Waters, president of the Manning Valley Historical Society on taking delivery of the incredible find.
"We are so appreciative to JR Richard's staff who recognised the historic value of them."
Before they were even unloaded, museum volunteers and council's strategic heritage advisory staff were excitedly looking for any indentifying information.
Made by Hamilton and Baker, there's a distinctive art deco styling to the housing of the lights with intricate logo and small switches.
"I believe they're follow spots from a theatre," said museum curator Terry Tournoff.
As the conversation turned to live entertainment often held in cinemas at one time, Barbara admitted to having a vague childhood memory of someone playing music at the Liberty Cinema.
The Liberty Cinema was housed in the building now occupied by Wingham's Vinnies op shop.
As they piece together as much information as they can, Barbara and Terry would like to call on the assistance of the public who may know anything about the lights.
Terry has already earmarked a spot for them in the section of the museum that is themed around a cinema.
He will hoist them up and hang them from a cross beam.
"It will put them in the context of how they have been used," said Terry.
Please call the museum on 6553 5823 if you know of any information that might help tell the story of the museum’s latest exhibit.