AN EXHIBITION opening of 'Stanley Pubs, Ales and Tales' at the Stanley Post and Community Hub in the old Stanley School last Thursday evening drew an estimated 100 locals.

Informative illustrated story panels about the pubs and locally found objects have been showcased conveying community importance and essential role of hotels during the gold rush era.

The story of hotels cover the history of Stanley and the vital role played by them in providing food and drinks as well as accommodation and entertainment.

Stanley Athenaeum's Chris Dormer said the exhibition highlighted the significant contribution of women as publicans and the diversity of the community on the goldfields.

The exhibition's objects include bottles, china, wallpaper and original signage where many of these have been unearthed around the local area.

MC for the opening, Stanley's Chris Baker, said the objects characteristic of the area gave people a connection to the hotels of the time.

"We're very fortunate to still have the Stanley pub," he said.

A collaborative venture between Stanley Athenaeum and Stanley Rural Community Inc (SRCI), Ms Dormer said the exhibition will be engaging for locals, visitors and anyone interested in the local area and hotels.

Mr Baker said old Ovens and Murray Advertiser editions had many finds of publican life with their involvement in the community such as getting the horse racing and cricket going.

Behind the exhibition, Stanley's Greg Absler a Stanley Athenaeum member with a love of history, said he volunteered to write the exhibition having experience undertaking an exhibition in Bathurst in New South Wale.

"So I thought I'd have another go at an exhibition and decided on Stanley pubs as the subject and the community is very proud of our Stanley pub, formerly known as the Star Hotel," he sa...