The Museum's Treasure: Guyue Well (古月井) Commemorative Stele Permanent Exhibition

In the spring of 1801 (the 6th year of the Jiaqing reign), the Guyue Well (古月井) Commemorative Stele was erected at the City God Temple (城隍廟) by Hu Yingkui, the then magistrate of Changhua County. Standing 205 cm tall and 67 cm wide, it is primarily made of Taiwan camphor wood and has stood for over two hundred years. The stele details the magistrate's donation of his salary to purchase the well and provides insights into the living environment of Changhua at that time, making it an important artifact in the history of Changhua's development. However, after long periods of neglect, it was even used as a stepping stone. Although the City God Temple attempted to preserve it within a cement archway, the interior suffered severe woodworm damage and decay, becoming nearly hollow and in a precarious state. Mayor Wen Kuo-ming, dedicated to arts and cultural development, established the Guyue (古月) Folklore Museum to introduce and preserve Changhua's historical sites and artifacts. Empathizing with Magistrate Hu's desire to serve the people and unable to stand by as the artifact deteriorated, he commissioned experts in 2006 (the 95th year of the Republic) for a three-month restoration project. This effort aimed to preserve the artifact and restore the Guyue Well (古月井) Commemorative Stele to its original appearance, ensuring the continued life of this cultural heritage.