Souvenirs were early feature of tourism, says author
The manufacture and sale of souvenirs was a feature of the early days of tourism on the Peninsula and the broader Central Coast, according to a new book by local author Mr Peter Fisher.
However, while the train line came through in 1889, the tourism industry took some time to take off, he said.
"The surge in souvenirs did not start until after the First World War."
Mr Fisher said that, until then, many people regarded tourism as "making the community lazy, because people were just sitting around waiting for city folk to come and spend some money".
"The description of someone as a 'tourist' was generally considered to be an insult right up until the First World War."
He said that eventually a greater number of people began to realise the business potential of the industry.
"The first mass manufactured souvenirs sold locally were postcards, although a few glass ashtrays or dishes with photos embedded in the bottom came soon after. "
He said souvenirs became an important component of many holidays and a source of revenue for local business, with a large increase in volume and variety after the 1940s.
Mr Fisher said his 150-page book, Wish You Were Here: A History of Tourism on the NSW Central Coast, took almost four years of work and research.
It will be officially launched in West Gosford on Saturday, November 16, by Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.
For further information, email peterfishercentralcoast@gmail.com.
SOURCE:
Media release, 28 Oct 2024
Peter Fisher, Tascott