Roland “Poly” Hill
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This article was published in the First Edition of the Cambridge Historical Society Journal in October 1967.
“When one considers the great wealth of history in the Cambridge district, it is regrettable that there has been no local museum until now.
While past Borough Councils gave their support in principle, the rapid growth of the Cambridge Borough made it necessary to undertake more essential projects.
For a number of years, a small group in the Cambridge Historical Society endeavoured to create public interest in a museum. The Cambridge Centenary in 1964 seemed a golden opportunity for making such a scheme a centennial project, but other groups with other needs also competed for support and so the museum did not eventuate.
However, over the years one enthusiast, in the person of Mr R H Hill of Leamington, worked away quietly, collecting articles of historical interest, besides old books and photographs. Careful records were kept of each item.
Roland ‘Poly’ Henry Hill at a Cambridge Historical Society event, 1968 BUCKINGHAM COLLECTION
From time to time, “Poly” Hill organised small displays. During the Cambridge Centenary he was responsible for the magnificent display of Māori artifacts, old guns and various other articles used by the early pioneers. For the first time, many people became aware of the value of a museum in this district.
Toward the end of 1966, the Cambridge Borough Council made available to the Historical Society, the old sub-station building at the intersection of Shakespeare and Browning streets in Leamington.
Leamington Sub-station, BUCKINGHAM COLLECTION
In March of this year (1967), members of the Society under the direction of Mr Hill renovated and painted the building with a view to using it as the Cambridge Museum. No effort was spared to make the premises neat and attractive. For many months, Mr Hill laboured increasingly to fulfil a dream. The Cambridge Museum is very largely the result of his unflagging efforts. Now in his 80th year, Poly Hill is as energetic and full of enthusiasm as ever.”
Roland “Poly” Hill died 16 June 1980 at the age of 92. The Museum moved to its current premises in 1984