Rates books dating back to the late 1890s have been discovered in the former Herberton Shire Council office.
The discovery, made during an archiving project and clean-up of the old office, was unearthed by Tablelands Regional councillor Kate Eden and Herberton Mining Museum volunteer Mary Searston.
The books date from 1898 to 1903 and contain valuable information about genealogy and tenure from the early development of the Tablelands region.
The books contain copperplate handwriting with notes in the margins.
Cr Eden said the books were found in a mysterious attic.
“When I pulled them down I got covered in cockroach droppings, so I knew they were old and special,” Cr Eden said.
“When I saw 1903 on the spine I called on Mary to identify them.”
Mrs Searston said the books noted who occupied the property and whether there was an absentee owner.
She said the museum often fielded requests from all over the world about people’s ancestors.
“We can therefore trace where families were actually living,” said Mrs Searston.
“It is great to be able to tell people exactly where their great-grandfather’s house was.
“Historic tourism is a draw-card for our town.”
The books will be kept in a climate-controlled archive where they will be accessible to qualified researchers.
When the archiving project is finished, the old shire offices will be offered for tenancy by community and commercial groups.
The community hall will remain available for hire.
