A former Jacaranda Queen has gifted an extraordinary piece of local history to the Clarence River Historical Society (CRHS) at Grafton’s Schaeffer House.

On March 2, Lexie Cassimaty, nee Langley, who was crowned in 1957, presented her jacaranda album, featuring a priceless collection of photographs, newspaper clippings, tickets, and pieces of clothing including a cutting of her Jacaranda Queen dress, to CRHS President Steve Tranter and other volunteers from the local organisation.

Mr Tranter said the album is a brilliant showcase of a major Clarence Valley event, and he spoke proudly of accepting it into the museum’s extensive collection.

He also gratefully acknowledged Mrs Cassimaty for her generous support of the society during recent years.

In 2008, she donated a brooch to the museum, and in 2020, she donated a quilt bequeathed by her late sister Helen Condoleon, nee Langley.

“This precious album is now included in the collection of the historical society, and the public are very welcome to come to the museum and view the album when we are open,” he said.

During her visit, Mrs Cassimaty was joined by her family including husband George Cassimaty, Manager of the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Mark Blackadder, and Clarence Valley Councillor Jeff Smith.

The album will also feature prominently when the society host their jacaranda exhibition later in the year during the 2023 Grafton Jacaranda Festival.

• The CRHS will hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM), at Schaeffer House, 190 Fitzroy Street, Grafton, at 2pm on March 22. All are welcome to attend.