When North Nowra man Adrian Morgan began preserving the Shoalhaven's history by starting the Shoalhaven in the 20th Century Facebook page in November 2011 he never dreamed it would prove as popular as it has.
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For Adrian it was a hobby. A love of local history, a case of nostalgia and a want to relive some childhood memories, he saw the need to preserve it.
It all started with trying to find a photo of one loved childhood memory, the giant hand holding a milk bottle that used to be on the corner of the highway and Andersons Lane as you come into Berry.
I don't get any money for this, it's all love. Love of history, love of the local area and a need to preserve this history because once it's gone, it's gone.
- Shoalhaven in the 20th Century Facebook founder Adrian Morgan
"My brother and I used to jump up and down on the back seat of the car and Dad would say, 'You kids better behave or the giant will get you,' and he would point to the milk bottle. I literally thought a giant lived underground and would come up," he said.
Mr Morgan finally found the photo and realised he wanted to preserve this history.
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"I never dreamed it would get this big or prove this popular," he joked.
"It was a hobby. I went to the Local History Reading Room at the Nowra Library and took a few photos from the newspapers - the old Registers (South Coast Register).
"I found some great stuff, you know some old photos of Nowra etc, and a mate Ricky Lynch said I should put some up on Facebook, that people would be interested.
"I did and not much happened for six months and then Ricky shared it and it just went nuts, viral."
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Mr Morgan said he started collecting photos from all over the place and people started sending him photos.
"It just took off. It's been unbelievable," he said.
"It struck a real chord with people.
"I've grown up here, lived here all my life and and wanted some pics of Junction Street from the 60s. In particular coloured ones.
"Lots of people have sent me stuff, the Shoalhaven Historical Society gave me the golden keys and let me scan some stuff. It's been great.
"I can't thank everyone enough for all their support, especially all the people who have posted, uploaded or shared photos on our timeline.
"I don't get any money for this, it's all love. Love of history, love of the local area and a need to preserve this history because once it's gone, it's gone."
The site has now grown to not only feature photos of Nowra and its surrounds, but of most of the city's villages and has expanded to include major events, business, even sporting teams.
"The name Shoalhaven in the 20th Century is just so apt and so broad it allows for whatever to be added," he said.
I'm sure there are still some photos out there that will knock our socks off.
- Shoalhaven in the 20th Century Facebook founder Adrian Morgan
"I'm just happy people are enjoying it, in many cases to take a trip down memory lane.
"It's there for the community so everyone can enjoy it. "
Of all the photographs uploaded, he said one of his favourites was the old rocket ship ride in The Lions Park in Bomaderry.
"I loved that rocket ship and it brings back so many memories," he said.
"I was after a picture and managed to get some old black and white grainy pics and then a guy uploaded a colour one from the family's slides. It's just gold!"
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The "mild mannered" musician (he plays bass in local band Baxter Stone and the Chocolate Dogs) and works as a stone mason now thinks of himself as a historian.
"People think I know lots, I don't, I know a bit," he laughs.
He said you never know what photos are going to prove popular.
"I recently put up a pic from the Shoalhaven Skateway, One of the managers Roy Rogers posted on our site. It went off. It went crazy.
"And I'm sure there are still some photos out there that will knock our socks off."