THE restoration of a horse-drawn cab built by Julius Otto Ernst in Marburg around 1890 is now complete and it sits back on home soil to be enjoyed by all at the Historical Park in Marburg.
The Marburg and District Residents Association’s Wendye Gratton said Ernst had migrated from Germany, via England, to Brisbane in 1887 and settled in Marburg to establish a business as a blacksmith.
“The cab was later owned by Charles Lane of Rosewood and was used as a taxi until the early 1900s when it was replaced by a Model T Ford,” she said.
“The cab was in sound condition, however for long-term preservation and display purposes it required sensitive restoration and replacement of some missing parts such as the right mud-guard in steam-shaped silky oak.”
In 2017, the cab was purchased by former Councillor David Pahlke for $4,950 with Division 10 funding and it was restored in 2019 for $5,450 to add to the Association’s Heritage Precinct displays.
Once preserved, it was stored until council voted in favour of donating the sulky to the Marburg and District Residents Association.
Now back on home ground for all to enjoy, Wendye said the community is delighted to have such an important part of the areas history back where it belongs.
“We thank council for bringing the cab back and are very happy to have it in our historical park among other historical items,” she said.
“The cab is situated in a wooden shed next to the community library it will be locked up safely, with a secure open window for easy visibility for all to enjoy.”
