Meet me at the Café – Gladstones rich Café history

The rich and vibrant history of Gladstone’s cafés, tea rooms, and milk bars took centre stage earlier this month with the highly anticipated opening of Meet Me at the Café: The Stories Behind the Cafés of Gladstone (1900-1970). Curated by esteemed local historian Paulette Flint, the exhibition pays homage to a cherished era of community and connection.

Renowned for her dedication to preserving Gladstone’s past, Paulette Flint delivered an exhibition that is as informative as it is nostalgic. The event, warmly MCed by Glenn Churchill, drew a large crowd of locals eager to celebrate the establishments that once served as the heart of social life in Gladstone. These cafés were more than just places to eat and drink; they were spaces where friendships blossomed, romances began, and community bonds strengthened—long before the advent of television, computers, and online dating.