Further work on a chapter in Millicent’s cultural history is now possible thanks to a $1000 grant from the Millicent Business Community Association (MBCA).

It has decided to contribute this sum to the Millicent National Trust Museum towards a new Shell Garden exhibit.

It is in its early stages of re-creation using combined old and new pieces.

In addition, the Imagine Millicent Arts Group (a subsidiary and sister group of the MBCA) will be supported to assist with the development of new or replica works.

For around 30 years until the 1990s, the Shell Garden was a tourism drawcard on Millicent’s Williams Road.

MBCA chairman Lee Morgan said the timing of the donation coincided with the celebrations of the 150th birthday of the Millicent township.

“It is opportune for the MBCA to support this project as it is part of our identity and post war history of the town,” Mr Morgan said.

“We have announced this at the end of a successful weekend of celebrations, to recognise that our history is also part of our future.

“This donation will assist the Millicent National Trust Museum to leverage additional funds.

“We know the Millicent Visitor Information Centre continues to receive many requests to see the Shell Garden.

“Unfortunately, it is no more but is part of our history of the town and hence the initiative by the Millicent Museum to recreate a shell garden requires business support.”

Late Millicent residents Iris and Jack Howe started constructing the elaborate Shell Garden in their backyard in 1952.

The garden had walls, statues and walks with elements of family history together while locals and community figures were incorporated in a special way.

In the 1960s the Shell Garden was opened to the public.

It proved to be popular among the local children and interest increased over the years and it became a tourist attraction.

Mrs Howe used shells, broken bottles, broken china in all stages of disrepair.

Pieces were developed featuring nursery rhymes such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Humpty Dumpty, the Three Bears, the Three Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf were integrated in the garden.

It closed for public inspection in the 1990s under other owners and the house, land and garden were later purchased by Boneham Aged Care Services.

The house and Shell Garden were knocked down in 2012 to allow for the 40 bed and $13m extension to the nursing home.

Only a few pieces were salvaged and some will be used in the expanded display at the Millicent National Trust Museum.