Decades of country music legend Reg Lindsay's personal memorabilia has been preserved in a specially-built barn at his old home in Spring Ridge.
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The Reg Lindsay Memorial Barn has been more than four years in the making - and it's finally set up for fans to explore.
Mr Lindsay's widow Ros had a barn built, separated Mr Lindsey's memorabilia and possessions into sections and curated the barn with the help of her family and close friends.
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Ms Lindsay dug through boxes and boxes of Mr Lindsay's country music keepsakes, and was surprised to discover memorabilia dating back to the 1940s.
"To go through all that was like a real treasure chest," she said.
The front living room of the family home used to house the memories, but Ms Lindsay wanted something the public could enjoy.
"I thought 'what do I do with all these beautiful items?' ... there's so much history.
"So I built a barn.
"I come over here and put his music on and ... reminisce, and it's been a wonderful feeling."
The memorial is overflowing with awards, photos, instruments like guitars, more than 40 mouth organs and a violin belonging to Mr Lindsay's father.
There's a dedicated section for his television shows, celebrity interviews and his personal, private record collection.
I come over here and put his music on and ... reminisce, and it's been a wonderful feeling
- Ros Lindsay
One of four Golden Guitar trophies is on display, though Ms Lindsay said sadly all four of her late husband's Logie Awards are missing from the collection.
Even the jacket and helmet Mr Lindsay wore when he rode his motorcycle from South Australia to Sydney for the Tim McNamara talent quest in 1950 are on show.
He ended up winning that competition and recording his first album with Rodeo Records.
"There have been some sad times, but he would just love this, it's something he would want people to see and enjoy," Ms Lindsay said.
Mr Lindsay became a country music icon and wrote hundreds of songs.
Ms Lindsay had family and friends over to celebrate the barn's completion on Wednesday.
She said they had a lunch, popped some champagne, listened to Mr Lindsay's records and walked through the barn.
The mini museum will be opened for the public to explore, with an official plaque unveiling on the cards later in the year.
The threat of coronavirus means the public opening is yet to be announced.
"We'll wait for this dreadful virus to let us get back to a normal life," Ms Lindsay said.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
